We enjoyed the ride: Now for next year

ANTHONY JOHNSON/Sun-Herald ANTHONY JOHNSON/Sun-Herald ANTHONY JOHNSON/Sun-Herald ANTHONY JOHNSON/Sun-Herald ANTHONY JOHNSON/Sun-Herald ANTHONY JOHNSON/Sun-Herald ANTHONY JOHNSON/Sun-Herald ANTHONY JOHNSON/Sun-Herald ANTHONY JOHNSON/Sun-Herald

NO WAY: Phoenix goalkeeper Liam Reddy (right) protests for hand ball as Sydney FC players celebrate Chris Payne's second goal of the A-League playoff match in Sydney.

GOAL: Sydney FC players celebrate after scoring the side's third goal against the Wellington Phoenix.

GOAL: Sydney FC players celebrate after scoring the side's third goal against the Wellington Phoenix.

GOAL: Alex Brosque and Mark Bridge celebrate after one their side's two second half goals against the Wellington Phoenix.

BATTLING FOR THE BALL: Second half action from Sydney FC's 4-2 win over Wellington Phoenix in the A-League's preliminary final in Sydney.

HOLLOW CELEBRATIONS: Sydney FC players celebrate Chris Payne's hand ball goal against the Wellington Phoenix in their A-League playoff match in Sydney.

HANDY ANDY: Phoenix players celebrate Andrew Durante's goal during their A-League playoff match against Sydney FC in Sydney.

TROY IS TRIPPED: Phoenix's Troy Hearfield is tripped by a Sydney FC player in their A-League playoff match in Sydney.

ON THE BALL: Sydney FC's Alex Brosque leaps high to control the ball against the Phoenix in their A-League playoff match in Sydney.

« Previous« PreviousNext »Next »

OPINION: A proud Terry Serepisos stood at the entrance to the players' tunnel at the Sydney Football Stadium, smiling and shaking hands with the Phoenix players as they left the field.

Ben Sigmund walked up to the club's heart-on-the-sleeve owner, shrugged his shoulders, embraced Serepisos and said, "the ride has ended, mate".

It was a wonderful ride and a finals run that captured the public's imagination, further propelling football into a rare spotlight.

The Phoenix have won many fans and there is no reason why they should not build on this season.

In the aftermath of Saturday's 4-2 loss, some may blame the `Hand of Payne' goal for them not playing in this Saturday's grand final against Melbourne.

This is right and wrong.

Right in that there is no doubt the goal had a massive influence on the match. Having snatched an equaliser out of the nothing the Phoenix were back in it, but down 2-1 at halftime they were forced to chase the game.

Attackers came on for defenders, holes opened up and Sydney are too classy and too clinical to let opportunities like that slide.

But make no mistake, the goal was not the sole reason the Phoenix's season ended on Saturday, as some would have you believe.

Given what had transpired earlier, there was nothing to suggest Sydney would still not have gone on to win without the help of Chris Payne's arm.

The Phoenix can lay claim to being the third best team in the league, a huge achievement given most were picking them to finish last this season, but they are not yet in Sydney or Melbourne's class. And the four-loss, no-win record against the Sky Blues this season suggests they can have no complaints.

Sydney had their measure. They knew how to shut down Paul Ifill, who had little effect on the match. And, with brilliant attackers such as Alex Brosque, they had the pace and precision to expose the Phoenix.

That's something no other team has consistently achieved this season.

Still, it doesn't change the fact the Phoenix have had a hugely successful year. Expectations will be high next season and they must deliver.

And to Chris Payne, don't bother booking any holidays in Wellington. The Chris Payne de-appreciation society thread on fan forum Yellow Fever has had thousands of hits.

- © Fairfax NZ News