Phoenix climb back into 7th position following 2-0 win over Mariners

The Wellington Phoenix campaign finally appears back on track for a Top Six finals spot following an impressive 2-0 win over Central Coast Mariners following a 10-day break, and thanks to a double by Paul Ifield in front of 11,031 tonight.

Admittedly, the Mariners were weakened following the absences of their regular custodian, and also that of Dean Heffernan who had been called up the Socceroos for Asian Cup duty against Kuwait next week - as well as a couple of injuries, and the dropping of former 'Nix players Ahmad Elrich and Adam Kwasnik.

Ifield's first goal resulted from his conversion of a penalty awarded against a Mariners defender, who tackled the Phoenix striker from behind, just inside the penalty box in the 47th minute, whilst the second came late in the game following a Adrian Ceceras back heel which opened up the home defence right in front of goal, to give Paul Ifield the chance of a rare double - and the 'Nix's 5th win, which was also their second away win for the season.

HYUNDI A-LEAGUE TABLE 2009-10 [rd 21]

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Sydney FC	21	12	2	7	27	18	38
Melbourne Victory	20	10	5	5	33	25	35
Gold Coast United	20	10	3	7	32	30	33
Newcastle Jets	20	8	4	8	26	31	28
Perth Glory	20	7	5	8	26	22	26
Brisbane Roar	21	8	5	9	29	32	26
Wellington Phoenix	20	5	10	5	26	22	25
Central Coast Mariners	21	7	6	9	25	20	24
Nth Queensland Fury	21	6	6	8	23	37	24
Adelaide United	20	5	6	9	16	24	21

The Phoenix next game is against the Brisbane Roar in Christchurch which if they could win, would enable them to leapfrog their nearest team in the table, who are only a point ahead of the Wellington-based A-League side. That would give them the important challenge of downing Perth Glory away in WA, who are also marginally ahead of the Phoenix, who have always found a home side on the WA coast a difficult opponent also becaise of the heat, the travel, and the change into another time zone.