Roar still have chance at finals, insists Aloisi

BRISBANE Roar coach John Aloisi insists his side can make the A-League finals despite surrendering yet another game at home – and their spot in the top six.

A seven-point gap has opened up between fifth and seventh on the ladder, meaning the only finals spot seemingly up for grabs is the one Brisbane just relinquished.

The Roar’s 2-1 defeat to MelEUROPE bourne City on Sunday could prove costly, with Western Sydney now ahead of them in sixth position with eight rounds to go and a game in hand.

The Wanderers beat a flat Central Coast by the same scoreline earlier in the day courtesy of a Jaushua Sotirio strike and a Ben Kennedy own goal to leapfrog Aloisi’s side, who succumbed to their seventh loss at home this campaign.

Aloisi believed the Roar should have got something out of their game, but seven saves from City gloveman Dean Bouzanis – including a late penalty stop to deny Massimo Maccarone an equaliser – kept them at bay.

“If we perform like that, normally you win the football game,” he said.

“We are where we are. We’re not making excuses.

“But we’ve still got plenty of points to go for and next week’s another important game for us. We still believe we can make the six.”

Brisbane have a short turnaround before Friday night’s clash away to Melbourne Victory, while City host runaway ladder leaders Sydney FC on Saturday – the only two matches scheduled for next weekend’s split round.

Newcastle continue to lead the chasing pack and moved closer to a first finals appearance in eight seasons with a 2-0 home win over Melbourne Victory, who dropped to fifth as Adelaide vaulted over them with a 2-1 win over Perth.