We spoke with one fan David Cross from Wellington Phoenix's supporters group Yellow Fever...

What do you make of Phoenix playing in Palmerston Nth? Good move? Bad? Why take a game there?

FEVER: I'm pretty sure the club had no choice, with Westpac's surface being worked on for the next few weeks.  Obviously it's not ideal.  Fans have to deal with ticketing difficulties, and both the players and the fans have to travel a couple of hours for the match.  But on the flipside I guess it spreads the word, so there may be some positive spin-offs out of an otherwise less-than-perfect situation.

How realistic is it to suggest a finals finish for Phoenix? Your tip for the six.

FEVER: Heart says yes, head said yes until this week.  Honestly, has there been a rougher ten days for any club? Muscat has a brain meltdown and flattens Oar, Siggy clocks Leijer in the mouth, and then the news about Mark Paston being injured.  That's three key members of our first XI out for a number of weeks.  It wasn't what we asked Santa for, and will certainly make it tough for us.  I still think we can do it, and I think the majority of the fan base (whether they'd admit it or not) expect it.  If we don't make the six, it could see some heads flying even at one of the most stable clubs in the league.

What is your take on the unbeaten home record? Shows their strength or inability to finish off sides (Gold Coast excepted)?

FEVER: A little of both (he says, positioning himself squarely on the fence).  Our back four has been excellent this season, and Vinnie Lia has been a revelation in the holding midfield role.  So we've been hard to break down.  At the other end though we probably don't create chances as much as some teams can, so we only really bury teams when they have some kind of meltdown (I'm looking at you, Smeltzy).

Best player so far this season? Most underwhelming?

FEVER: Ifill.  Best player in the league on his day.  But also special mentions for Vinnie Lia (as above) and Troy Hearfield.  It's fair to say Troy has been "unfashionable" with our fans.  He comes across as a bit moody and erratic, but there's no doubt he's a good player and it's been neat to see him win the fans' respect.  Also Yellow Fever Retro Ricki Youth Scholarship winner Marco Rojas.  He hasn't played much yet, but keep an eye on that one.

Most memorable Phoenix moment this season? Worst game?

FEVER: Qualifying for the World Cup.  Oh wait, you said Phoenix moment.  Definitely giving it to Smeltzy when we beat Gold Coast 6 to zip.  Worst game, hard to say because we haven't been really bad yet.  Oh wait, yes we have, against Sydney away in a 3-1 loss.  We were dire.  Overall though, the continuing frustration of draws has been the worst "moment" of this season for everyone I think.

How would you describe the media coverage of Phoenix in the capital and generally across NZ?

FEVER: Fair to middling, trending upwards.  In corners of the press, the Phoenix have a good toe-hold.  Departing media man John Mitchell has done a great job on that front.  Parts of the mainstream press still ignore the Nix (and football in general) and like to put the boot in occasionally, but such is life in New Zealand.  All sports that aren't rugby or cricket have to live with it.

Over 8,000 fans for the last home game was a good number - how much was that increase due to the All-Whites' success?

FEVER: All of it.  The win against Bahrain flicked the lights on for some people.  Hopefully it's the start of a trend.

Speaking of which, have you had time to digest that achievement? How has it changed the game's coverage in NZ? 

FEVER: Today, while reading a mainstream print media outlet's website, I noted that the top three stories were all football: Auckland City's win at the Club World Cup, Pasty's knackered knee, and Ifill's comment about this weekend's game not feeling much like a home game but being important nonetheless.  That hasn't happened much in the last ten years, and the change has undoubtedly come about because we're off to the Cup (where, it should be said, we're a better chance of getting out of our group than your lot!)

What's your take on the WC draw against Italy and others? 

FEVER: Encouraging.  Of course we're not likely to get out of our group, but it's a group I think we can at least handle without losing badly.  Our result against Italy in a friendly is meaningless up to a point, but at least it shows we can score goals against good sides.  We don't need to be afraid.  And wouldn't it be great if we got a result out of someone, scored a couple of good goals, and generally left with our heads held high.  That's all a New Zealand football fan can hope for, and it would be a quantum leap forward to achieve it.

Finally, is White the new Black, as they say now in New Zealand? And how good is it to be a Kiwi football fan these days? 

FEVER: White is the new black, no doubt.  And, a lot better than it was a few weeks ago!

*For more information on the Phoenix supporters group, head to www.yellowfever.co.nz