Phoenix didn't make the most of an incredibly strong wind in the first half and were instead forced to play catch-up after conceding a goal to Sky Blues captain Steve Corica in the 15th minute.

Although the homeside strung together a much better second half, Herbert was quick to blame the loss on a lack of desire in the opening period of the match.

"[It was] a limp 45, and a better second half," said Herbert. "I said to the guys at halftime: 'If you want to make the finals it's about a 90 minute performance', and we certainly weren't there in the first half.

"At the end of the day the players have got to want it, and they only wanted it for 45 minutes."

Although playing away from their formidable home ground at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, the match in Palmerston North ended a record 14 game streak without loss on home soil.

The game was also played in extremely testing conditions with a fierce, freezing wind belting a pitch that was less than desirable to the players.

Phoenix captain Andrew Durante made sure not to blame the average playing conditions on the loss, but did say it made things very difficult.

"It definitely didn't decide the match but they were difficult conditions to play in," said the 27-year-old. "Judging the ball and even passing, they were either going to long or were falling short so it made for a scrappy game.

"I don't think it was very entertaining to watch until the end of the second half. I don't think it played a part but it was definitely diffcult.

"The pitch might have looked nice but it was actually quite hard and bouncy. We weren't good enough tonight."