The Wellington Phoenix are yet to lose two games on the bounce this season, and a solid defensive performance could be the key to hold out third placed Melbourne Victory this weekend.
The Phoenix lost just their fourth game of the season last weekend in a top of the table clash against last year's champions, the Central Coast Mariners.
The Nix went behind in the 61st minute through a diving header from Colombian midfielder Ángel Torres before Ben Old restored parity in the 78th minute off the back of a perfect cross by Oskar van Hattum.
However, the Nix couldn’t keep the Mariners at bay who took 23 shots in the match and found the winner in the 91st minute with a curling effort into the bottom left corner from outside the box.
Ben Old spoke to the media today and said that top teams such as Central Coast punish other teams that aren't switched on for the full 90 minutes.
“It’s just one of those moments where we switched off slightly for a second," Old said in reaction to the late goal.
The Wellington Phoenix’s defensive record this season has been impressive, conceding just 25 goals; the fewest across the A-League men's teams this season.
“It’s uncharacteristic of us, because we have been so good defensively,” said Old.
The Phoenix face the Melbourne Victory on Friday night at Sky Stadium with kick-off at 7pm and is the Nix’s second to last home game of the regular season before the finals series.
“I think the boys would agree with me, it’s so important to be at home, especially with the crowd helping us through games we could have drawn or lost this season,” said Old.
Melbourne Victory will be no easy task for the Nix however, as they sit third on the ladder, five points off the top.
The Nix defence will be aware of the threat of Victory's in-form striker Bruno Fornaroli, who has scored 18 goals in 18 matches this season.
Defender Tim Payne didn’t play in the loss to Central Coast due to a recent hamstring injury but said he was disappointed with the way they lost.
“It probably fuels a bit of fire if we come up against them in the finals series, to get one back on them,” Payne said.
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