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The Wanderers drew 1-1 with the same opponents at home earlier in the season and both sides had chances to snatch the win this time round too but were let down by poor finishing.

But Popovic, who made five changes to his starting line-up, was pleased with the result nonetheless.

"We played a team today that are desperate for their first win in front of their home fans. It's a tough place to come," Popovic said.

"I thought the players showed a great desire and great attitude to try and get a result.

"We had our chances to win. We played well in patches. Of course you want to win every game you can. But a clean sheet and you pick up no injuries from the game and you go home. Overall I'm pleased."

Popovic however, admitted accuracy in front of goal had been lacking from his side and would need to improve ahead of next Saturday's match at home against Melbourne Heart.

Mark Bridge had a gilt-edged chance to grab the winner 13 minutes from time, while Labinot Haliti and Aaron Mooy had other efforts saved by Phoenix keeper Glen Moss.

"In the final third our final ball and decision-making was off today," conceded the Wanderers coach.

"It's something we need to work on. We got in great situations where we were outnumbering the opposition but it was either the final ball or a poor decision taken on the ball.

"We certainly created enough opportunities in that final third. We need to finish those off."

Popovic was hopeful that Shinji Ono, who missed the trip to Wellington with a minor groin strain, could be back for the Heart game.

Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick was left frustrated by his side's inability to convert their chances in front of goal.

Carlos Hernandez, who is yet to score for the Phoenix, butchered a golden opportunity midway through the first half when he shanked his shot with the goal begging.

Ben Sigmund had an effort flash by the goal and Paul Ifill forced a save from Ante Covic and then hit the post in a frantic final few minutes.

"I'm a patient coach," Merrick said.

"I feel that we're playing good football and that we're improving in a range of areas. But to create chances inside the six-yard box like that and not put them away is disappointing for the whole team.

"I think they might be feeling desperate to score a goal. There's a lack of composure which isn't evident in training. They are very composed at training.

"But playing as you train is the secret to high performance and training as you play. There's no doubt we've got players who can strike the ball.

"But the bottom line is you've got to score goals to win games and at the moment we're not doing that."

He is also facing a midfield selection headache for Friday's trip to Perth Glory.

Manny Muscat will be suspended for the match at nib Stadium after picking up his fifth yellow card and Hernandez and Albert Riera both left the field midway through the second half through injury.

Hernandez has a sore thigh and Riera a groin problem.

"Albert has had his for a little while," revealed Merrick. "It had cleared up and now it's suddenly come back so we'll probably have an MRI done.

"Albert has been a really good signing for us. He's been performing way above what we expected. He was really going to be a back-up player but (he's played so well) it's allowed me to bolster the back line with Manny."

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