Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert wants answers after seeing his side beaten by two controversial goals last night.

The Phoenix lost 3-1 to Sydney FC but the scoreline could have been completely different if the referees did their job properly according to Herbert.

Sydney's second goal, scored by Mark Bridge, could have been called off-side whilst the third goal was the more dubious as Sky Blues defender Seb Ryall clearly handled the ball before he released Bridge who squared up for Alex Brosque.

Herbert said it was a shame his side had to lose that way and feels they were extremely hard done by.

"I just think it's really disappointing," Herbert said after the match.

"Two sides that were fighting to keep their season going and we'll keep our season going but ... for whatever reason those two goals were given.

"I think we just want an answer ... just tell us if we're wrong, or, are they wrong? Or are they right, or whatever?

"We didn't get an answer from them last year (after Chris Payne handballed for the winner in the knockout final), who knows what we'll get this time.

"It's not a witch-hunt, they're human, I wouldn't be a referee for all the tea in China ... but they're pretty clear cut decisions, they're not hard ones."