The Wellington Phoenix are looking ahead to finals football and will have the weekend off after finishing second in the A-League men's ladder.
The Phoenix agonisingly finished second last night after Central Coast Mariners dispatched Adelaide United with a 2-0 win to clinch the Premier’s plate by two points.
The team were together last night watching the game that kicked off at 9pm NZT, but the result didn't go their way.
Phoenix attacker David Ball said the team was a little down after the side learnt their fate but the squad is moving on from the result.
"It's back to work today because there's another job to do," Ball told 1News.
This is still a record breaking season for the Wellington outfit as it is the first time they have finished in the top two as well as reaching the highest points total (53) in the Nix's history.
Phoenix defender Tim Payne watched the decider last night and said Central Coast deserved the win.
"It's difficult not being in control of our own destiny but credit to Central Coast, I think over the whole season they’ve been exceptional," said Payne.
Payne said the team finished second for a reason and that was something to be proud of.
"We're going to head into the games with confidence and show why we finished second in the league."
The Nix will meet one of Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC or Macathur FC in the two-legged semifinals after the elimination finals held this weekend - the highest ranked winning team being their eventual opponents for the semifinal.
"We can beat anyone on our day, that’s what we believe, so it doesn't matter who it is we play, we're just looking forward to the challenge."
The Phoenix's best record against the three teams is against Macarthur FC as they have recorded two 3-0 wins and a 2-1 win with Kosta Barbarouses scoring in each of those matches.
The Phoenix will first play in Australia before the home semifinal and second leg is played on May 18, with tickets going on sale today.
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