Brisbane bogey continues for Phoenix

BRISBANE’S Suncorp Stadium continues to be a bogey venue for the Wellington Phoenix, the visitors edged 1-0 by Brisbane Roar in their Hyundai A-League 2010/11 week four match.

The Phoenix have now gone six matches without registering a win in Brisbane, former Phoenix striker Kosta Barbarouses getting one over his old teammates with a 73rd-minute goal.

Both sides had clear-cut chances throughout the match but it was Barbarouses’ clinical finish that secured the three points for the home side.

Phoenix head coach Ricki Herbert felt his side was somewhat hard done by in a game that was in the balance throughout.

“I think we probably didn’t deserve to lose it and that we probably should have got something from it. It’s difficult to put your finger on what the difference was but the fact that (Roar goalkeeper) Michael Theoklitos was named man-of-the-match speaks volumes.”

At the other end of the park Mark Paston had strong game in goal for the Phoenix. Although still clearly bothered by a groin problem, Paston pulled off two close-quarter saves to deny the Roar in the first 45 minutes.

The Phoenix’s defence was, for the most part, assured as always, with Barbarouses’ winner the result of an uncharacteristic lapse.

Also uncharacteristic was the Phoenix’s inability to put away their chances. Strikers Dylan Macallister and Paul Ifill had gilt-edged chances, while midfielder Leo Bertos also failed to convert a good opportunity. Replacement striker Mirjan Pavlovic caused headaches for the Roar defence but was unable to put the ball past the impressive Theoklitos.

“I though we were slow in the first half but we started to get on top in the second,” said Herbert. “We started to shift the ball a lot better and we had some good chances. But you’ve got to put them away and we didn’t. Sometimes the result doesn’t reflect what you’ve done.”

With a home record the envy of their Hyundai A-League rivals, the Phoenix know that getting points on the road is imperative. The Wellington outfit is unbeaten in 21 matches at Westpac Stadium, though their record on the road has been less than stellar.

The Phoenix’s away mission doesn’t get any easier next up when they take on league leaders Perth Glory in Perth.

Herbert said his side wouldn’t shy away from the onerous nature of being on the road.

“Let’s keep our foot on the pedal. We’ve got some tough away matches coming up, so it’ll be a good chance for us to buckle down and try to get something from them.”