Wellington Phoenix leave for Sydney

BY MICHAEL FOX

Last updated 16:15 11/03/2010

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MICHAEL FOX/Stuff.co.nz

READY TO GO: Phoenix Striker Paul Ifill is feeling relaxed and confident ahead of the Wellington Phoenix A-league preliminary in Sydney.

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Wellington's team of the moment has left for Sydney to meet the one team that stands in the way of reaching the A-League grand final.

With Phoenix flags and balloons set up at the check out and fans on hand to see them off, the team departed Wellington airport this afternoon.

On Saturday they play A-League leaders Sydney FC in the competition's preliminary final in a bid to secure the club's first appearance in the A-League grand final.

Captain Andrew Durante, fresh from winning the club's overall Player of the Year award, was talking up his team's chances.

The award had given him a boost going in to tomorrow's game but he didn't feel they needed any extra motivation for the weekend.

"It's a massive game for the club and at the airport, looking around at all the Phoenix stuff that Qantas have put up is inspirational for us and we'll take that into Saturday's game and we can't wait for it."

The Phoenix have won two games in a row in extra time, proving their mental fortitude and their belief in each other but hoped it wouldn't come to that.

"Hopefully it's decided in 90 minutes and we get the win early but it could possibly go to extra time and we've just got to be mentally strong again."

Durante joked about ruining his team mate's night, having clinched the top award.

But on-form striker Paul Ifill was having a field-day himself at the awards, taking the Players' Player of the Year, Media Player of the Year, Members' Player of the Year awards, and Golden Boot award for his 12 regular-season goals.

"I sort of feel a little bit bad because I ruined the Paul Ifill show because he was starting to clean up all the awards but it was a great night," Durante said.

"Ife's had a fantastic year and it could've gone to several players in the team, the boys have been fantastic this year.

"It was a great honour for me and the journey continues for the team and hopefully we get the right result Saturday and make the final."

Ifill was looking relaxed and confident and said he was pleased with his success, saying it had given him a boost ahead of the weekend.

"It's good. Obviously it's nice to get some awards. Getting voted by your peers is nice and the supporters and the members and yeah a little bit of added confidence going into the weekend, I think."

While carrying a "little knock", he didn't expect it to hamper his performance and he said head coach Ricki Herbert felt the same.

"Ricky was pleased when he was told. Most managers would be worrying about it, but Ricky said 'he plays better when he's injured anyway,' so he's not too worried."

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