Ninth-placed Melbourne Heart could move into the top six with a win against Brisbane Roar this afternoon. We’ll have live scores from 4.00pm AEDT.
John Aloisi’s team picked up their fourth win of the season with a 2-1 win over Newcastle on Wednesday, and they get the chance to make it consecutive wins for the first time this season and move back into contention.
They won’t have it easy though, coming up against a Brisbane Roar side who have won their last two matches, moved into the top six and under Mike Mulvey begun to show some of the form that has seen them win the last two A-League championships.
Brisbane hitman Besart Berisha got on the scoresheet in the 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix and German playmaker Thomas Broich was instrumental in both of the Roar’s goals.
The Heart are beginning to get some form of stability, with the return of Simon Colosimo and Patrick Gerhart in the centre of defence.
Due to injuries, suspensions and international unavailability Aloisi has been unable to field a consistent lineup all season and it has reflected in a string of disjointed performances.
With less than half of the A-League season, the Heart must begin to string performances together soon and it needs to begin this afternoon.
But Brisbane have grown in confidence over the festive period and they should be good enough to get at least a draw from AAMI Park here.
Stevo
Guest
Holy Toledo, that was some performance from the Ref today :) At Old Trafford, decisions go with the home team but today there was plenty of dodginess for the home side. We'll suck it up this time. Can't understand Roar. Had all the play in the first half and leaked 3 goals? But at least they were quality goals from the only team in Melbourne :)
clayts
Guest
100% agree. At the ground it looked even worse. Easy decision and the correct one
TK
Guest
well being in the top 6 was nice while it lasted. that ssems to have been a wasted opportunity but hard to tell only folllowing the game via internet commentary.
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
...and Nichols misses a sitter... And the passing has gone to pot. Sigh... Will they get one last chance? Nuh. Dammit.
TK
Guest
Jeez howd that happen....we must be channelling cranky frankie and sydney fc last night.
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
Good point...
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Hoo - cat amongst the pigeons now!
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
I like these substitutions by roar. Jurman has done nothing except suck. Paartulu hasn't been effective either. And it's 3-2!!! Can it happen??? Can Brisbane pull off the great escape???
Nathan of Perth
Guest
I dunno ... Vukovic dropping the ball to Ryall whilst we were still celebrating must go down amongst the most frustrating emotions I have ever experienced.
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
A clearer penalty you won't see. Stupid tackle by Fred
TK
Guest
three now ....think i''ll go back to cleaning up the yard......sh*t.
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
I think Brisbane are winning on that score...
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
Commentators trying to say Williams' challenge was a yellow at best. Slid in studs up, got the player. Sorry Robbie, but that's a red card every day of the week.
heart fan
Guest
Go heart!!! We're smashing!!!
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Well, that's torn it. Don't junk there's any coming back from three.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Brisbane and Perth have been locked in a vicious battle for who can frustrate their supporters worse.
Richo80
Roar Rookie
Would really like the A-league to address the referee's. Every week there's a blatant mistake and it's getting pretty frustrating as a fan.
Roarsome
Guest
the decision totally ruined the first half and maybe the game ( if we see the bus parked). Even the noise from the Heart fans has died down since the second goal.
jack
Guest
After watching victory vs Wellington last night i have to say all the calls went Victory's way playing in Melbourne has become very hard for visiting teams due to refs. Disapointed as Roar had just got on a roll perhaps next week hey
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
Brisbane was murdering them 1st 15 mins, then coughed up a soft goal because Jurman is an idiot who doesn't understand about defensive shape. Then Roar players dropped their heads. That about sums it up, except to say the linesman got it horribly, horribly wrong for Tadic's goal. A good 1.5 metres offside.