Phoenix’s run ends in Brisbane

Jets’ visit to Sky Stadium on Friday night.

Though Jaushua Sotirio and Steven Taylor each hit the woodwork in the first half, the Phoenix struggled to create clear-cut chances for most of Saturday’s match, and questions remain about the ideal makeup of their front four.

Ball and Ulises Da´vila are guaranteed to be there, but Gary Hooper is yet to convince he has the fitness to be a starter and though Sotirio has plenty of pace, his ability on the ball leaves a lot to be desired.

Their most comprehensive attacking performance came against Western United at the end of December when Callum McCowatt and Reno Piscopo – two players who like to combine with others – were involved, and that quartet might be worth returning to once the Australian returns from international duty.

Coach Ufuk Talay was in a positive mood after the match, quipping that ‘‘God was on God’s side,’’ a reference to Roar coach Robbie Fowler’s nickname.

‘‘It was one of those games. ‘‘If we score one, I think it’s going to be a two, three-nil game for us, but that’s football sometimes, a good performance doesn’t always give you the result.

‘‘We create, which I’m very pleased with, and we just continue on, we’ll continue to reach our goal and that’s to make the top six by the end of the season.’’

The other bit of bad news for the Phoenix was that midfielder Matti Steinmann picked up a fifth yellow card during the first half and will be suspended for Friday’s match.

The Phoenix remained in fourth on the A-League ladder despite their loss, and will be hoping to bounce back immediately on Friday.