Two Shane Smeltz penalties earned Phoenix a 2-2 draw at Newcastle Jets on Monday, making it two games without defeat for the New Zealanders.

Herbert told www.wellingtonphoenix.com: "We showed what we can do and played for long periods the way we know we can.

“I’m thrilled that the guys kept coming when we were down late in the game and never threw in the towel.”

“When we got out noses in front we could have been better at keeping things tight and shutting them down.

“We went off the boil a wee bit and let them back into the game and against a team like the Jets that’s something you can never afford to do.”

“We came here to win but to get a point is something and we’ve laid the platform to move forward."

Herbert believes the result is another positive move forward for a squad that has come in for some criticism this season.

"The players have got that spring back in their step and that confidence and belief is growing all the time.

“We’re showing we’re back to where we should be, but we do need to continue building in some areas. It was a good all-round performance but we can do better," he said.