The striker had mixed feelings about his performance in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Central Coast Mariners at Westpac Stadium, a win that saw Phoenix extend their unbeaten run at the venue to 21 A-League matches.

"I thought I struggled to get into the game to be honest," the former Barbados international said. "I had a pretty poor first half but a better second half. On another day I could have had four or five.

"I'm pleased with the goal but the three points is what's more important really."

His 61st-minute strike was a beauty. He brought down a lovely aerial through ball from Tim Brown and curled it with the outside of his left foot into the far right-hand corner of Jess Van Strattan's net.

"I saw him (the goalkeeper) covering the near post and most people would try and curl it in right-footed," said Ifill. "But I thought I'd try something and I'm lucky that it worked really because a few people would have been a bit angry had it missed."

Leo Bertos had already got Wellington off to the perfect start with a simple tap-in in the 10th minute after Manny Muscat had worked a great one-two with Chris Greenacre in the Mariners' box.

Mariners striker Matt Simon had the best chance to equalise on 18 minutes but headed just wide.

Central Coast pushed hard in the second half, particularly after Ifill's goal, but poor delivery into the box, untidy finishing and some solid defence denied them with Phoenix goalkeeper Mark Paston making just two saves all match - both of them in the closing minutes.

"We won a little bit ugly," admitted Ifill. "But sometimes you've have to do that, especially against them. Whenever you play them it's tough and it's a good result in the end."

Paston played the majority of the game with a small groin strain leaving Muscat to take his kicks as coach Ricki Herbert opted against bringing on Griffin McMaster, who only arrived at the club this week after signing as a temporary replacement for Reece Crowther (fractured rib).

Herbert was upbeat about the chances of his No. 1 keeper being available for Friday's away game in Brisbane.

"I think he'll be OK. We'll see how he is tomorrow but hopefully he is okay for next week," Herbert said.

Herbert did however hand new Argentine recruit Oscar Roberto 'Toto' Cornejo his A-League debut.

The lively attacking midfielder came on for Bertos in the 58th minute.

"I wanted to throw him on more to test him psychologically whilst there was going to be a bit of pressure coming from them," Herbert added.

"I really like him. I think he's a good little player on the ball and he's very clever and sees things early. He'll be pleased to get 30-odd minutes under his belt."