Old is arguably in line for the most bizarre goal of the campaign for his consolation strike against Newcastle.

“I thought the referee had blown for full-time when I put the ball in the net so I walked off thinking we’d lost 2-0," said the 21-year-old New Zealand international.

"It wasn’t until later, after the press conference, that I was told that it had counted. It was certainly a bit strange.

"Aside from one in the Pre-Season Cup, it was my first A-League goal so I’ll take it. It’s just a shame it wasn’t enough to earn us something from the game.”

But Old has bad news for Wellington’s A-League rivals if they think two successive defeats is the prelude to a New Zealand Knights-style capitulation.

The Phoenix defender is promising a chilly reception for the Central Coast Mariners this weekend as his team looks to end its generosity to the opposition.

Two defeats on the road at the hands of the Jets and Queensland Roar have put a dent in an encouraging start with Ricki Herbert’s team having now lost half of its fixtures.

In both recent defeats, the Phoenix handed their hosts a two-goal start before battling back with an injury-time goal.

Old admits Phoenix has to cut out first half generosity to opposing teams but refuses to see two setbacks as the trigger for a spectacular collapse like the New Zealand Knights' 19 games without a win in season one.

“I don’t think you’re looking at a Knights situation here and I’m confident we’ll bounce back," said Old.

"We’ve pushed the button too late in the last couple of games and paid for that but it’s something we’ll be working hard to rectify."

He added: "We know we’re always capable of scoring goals as well.

"One thing, especially as a defender, is to strive for that first clean sheet. Hopefully you get one and it becomes contagious.”

Old hopes that first shut-out comes against the Mariners on Sunday with Westpac likely to be a shock to the system for Lawrie McKinna’s men.

“I’m sure it’s lovely, warm and sunny over there at the moment," he said. "Here it’s been 13 or 14 degrees and blowing a gale.

"It’s not going to be much fun for teams coming here and we’re not complaining about that.

"The Mariners have obviously beaten us at their place earlier in the season and we know we will need to be strong from the start.

"They are a very fit side and can run rings round you if you let them.”

So can we expect another Old goal in stoppage time? He joked: “We’ll have to see. It would be nice and hopefully it wouldn’t be quite so bizarre this time.”