Phoenix had five players who were part of New Zealand's historic World Cup qualification a week ago line up on Sunday. It's been a big week for these players with a massive media focus on them since the All-Whites' 1-0 against Bahrain secured their spot at South Africa 2010.

But Gould, son of former Wales manager Bobby Gould, paid tribute to those not in the spotlight over the last week who have contributed to what he says is an excellent team spirit in the Phoenix camp. 

"I think credit has to go to the lads who've been left behind, so to speak," he told au.fourfourtwo.com after the game.

"They've supported them [the All-White members of the squad] very well and they're a good group. When you walk into a dressing room you can see how they are with each other and they've been very, very positive with each other.

"You have to create an environment and a lot of that creation comes from the players themselves... here's a lot of respect in the changing room.

"We've added some good players in Paul Ifill and Chris Greenacre and they've blended well not only as players but as people."

Phoenix invested time and money during the off-season to find Ifill and Greenacre in the UK. Club CEO Tony Pignata and coach Ricki Herbert spent time in England to ensure they found the best possible visa options.

"You have to do due diligence to find out about them as people as well as players," added Gould of the process that paid dividends in Sunday's game.

Ifill's clinical strike after 13 minutes helped Phoenix to a second straight win, pushing the New Zealand-based club into sixth spot, three points ahead of Adelaide United in seventh and one point behind Perth Glory in fifth.

Gould, English-born but a twice-capped Scotland goalkeeper a decade ago, added that the win - Phoenix's first on the road this season - was deserved.

He added: "When you look at the conditions, it was 42 degrees in the middle of the park, and the way it's been with the World Cup qualification; this was always going to be a hard game for us.

"The weather was a challenge but it was the same for both teams but the early goal gave us momentum... this away victory, it's been a long time coming."

Gould lauded Phoenix's work when they didn't have the ball, something that a dejected Jets coach Branko Culina picked up on after the game.

"There was no reason why Wellington should have been in a position where they wanted it more than we did," Culina said.

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert was unwell after the game, said Phoenix officials, which was why he was seated in the stands for most of the game.  

Gould added: "There is a long way to go in this season and it would be foolish to suggest where we'd finish up. We have to keep up the hard work and believing in each other and bringing points back to the Cake Tin [Westpac stadium]."