"We came here to win and that's what we did," said the Wellington coach. "We were positive and we approached this as if it was a playoff match, we were up for it.

"Even though we knew we'd made the top six, it was clear what our intentions were and this win puts us in the driving seat for the top four and a home semifinal."

Herbert refused to single any particular player out, saying the win was a true team effort.

"There was a lot riding on this match for us and for them and the Gold Coast is a tough place to come to. But everyone, from front to back, worked extremely hard in quite sapping conditions and played their part," he said.

Wellington remain the only A-League outfit the Gold Coast have failed to beat this season, with tonight's result taking Phoenix's record to a draw and two wins - one a 6-0 drubbing at Westpac Stadium in round 12.

Gold Coast and their league-leading marksman - former Phoenix striker Shane Smeltz - have also failed to score against the New Zealand-based club this season.

Phoenix now look forward to Friday night's match against the Mariners at Westpac Stadium, where the hosts have not been beaten in 14 matches. A win on Friday night could well secure a historic home semifinal.

"It's going to be a huge match and a huge occasion," added Herbert. "I'm certain a big crowd will get along and the team is really looking forward to that. It'll be a piece of history and we want the fans to share in that."