21 Mar 2012

Mariners match a chance for Phoenix to show title credentials

12:43 pm on 21 March 2012

The Wellington Phoenix midfielder Tim Brown believes Sunday's game against A-League leaders the Central Coast Mariners provides the side the opportunity to show they're genuine title contenders.

The Phoenix are currently fourth on goal difference with one regular season match left and play the Mariners in Wellington.

They're guaranteed at least one home match in the top six playoffs but if they beat the Mariners this weekend and move into third spot that would give them two home games.

Last month the Phoenix lost two nil to the Mariners and second placed Brisbane Roar and Brown says they let themselves down in those two games.

Coming off a three nil loss to Melbourne Victory Brown says its important they win on Sunday as they don't want to go into the playoffs on the back of two losses.

Despite the off field problems at the start of the season when club owner Terry Serepisos lost his A-League licence Brown says he always thought they could make the playoffs and was even hopeful of a top two regular season finish.