Phoenix rise and aim higher

A resilient Wellington Phoenix has surprised their critics this season as they look to cement their spot in the A-League’s top six.

Andrew Durante, left, wins possession during the Phoenix’s surprise win over Sydney FC. Picture: Getty Images

His team might have only just broken into the top six, but it’s not stopping Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante from thinking of bigger things ahead.

A club tipped to finish bottom two of the A-League, if not wooden spooners, Phoenix have thrown the script out the window so far this season, jumping into sixth spot after eight rounds off the back of successive wins against Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners.

They’ll be chasing a third straight win for the first time since the 2014-15 season when they play Brisbane Roar at Westpac Stadium today.

More importantly, however, Durante believes the game is a chance to cement their spot in the six and put them on course to finish even higher up the table.

“It’s great we are in the six at the moment, but we just don’t want to stay there, we want to go as high as possible,” Durante said yesterday. “This is a big opportunity to get up there and start challenging the big guns like Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory.”

Under new coach Mark Rudan, Phoenix have become a tough, well organised, confident outfit. Every player knows his job.

Rudan is delighted with the way the side has picked up.

“We are playing fantastic football, we are pressing teams and it is good on the eye,” Rudan said. “I know our fans are appreciating it.

“We have changed our style from the opening few weeks and the players are coming more to terms with it.”