Wellington Phoenix's former coach says he does not regret leaving for Western United, despite the two clubs' contrasting A-League form.

Mark Rudan endured an unhappy return to Sky Stadium on Friday night, the Phoenix belting new boys Western 2-0 to move nine points clear of seventh thanks to goals from Liberato Cacace and David Ball.

A series of key saves from Western goalkeeper Filip Kurto kept the scoreline respectable but the Phoenix's dominance was highlighted by the lopsided shot count (21-5).

PHOTOSPORT Phoenix players swarm goal-scorer Liberato Cacace.

Western look a team low on confidence. They have now gone three games without scoring a goal and have won only one of their past eight.

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"I'm pretty disappointed," Rudan said. "We spoke about [the importance of the game] throughout the week as well off the back of a couple of not-the-best performances.

"We really wanted to make that right.

"The second half was much better. That's who we want to be and that's what we're about as well. We take a lot of positives out of that.

"The result wasn't pleasing for us but we've got to make sure that we stay fighting and making sure that we stay positive"

Meanwhile, the Phoenix are flying high under new coach Ufuk Talay. They have surged up to third — Friday's commanding victory moving them another step closer towards the playoffs, which is pretty remarkable given the mass exodus that followed Rudan's departure.

"It's really good to see. As hard as it might be for me to say that because I'm the opposing coach but I had a special time here last year and it's great to see it continue, it really is," Rudan said.

"I'm really pleased for Uffie, I'm really pleased for the Wellington faithful and for this football club.

"I've always stated it's a fantastic club, loyal supporters. Watching the way they're playing, it's great. It's not too different to what happened last year. They're playing a different formation and a different style of game as well."

Rudan was showered with boos when he strode onto the pitch on Friday and again at fulltime.

But the Australian was relatively jovial when discussing the hostile treatment he received in Wellington and applauded the Phoenix supporters for showing passion for their club.

"Great theatre, so they should. I'm working for the opposition, so they should, no dramas there. They're loyal, they'll get behind their team, that's what you want."