Skilled Park plays temporary host to the Champions-elect as Roar aim put a much-needed smile back on the face of Brisbane’s residents
Wednesday 26th January Kick-off 5PM
Skilled Park plays temporary host to the Champions-elect as Roar aim put a much-needed smile back on the face of Brisbane-s residents.
It’s been a horrific couple of weeks for the people of Queensland and, as the state works on its clean-up operation and people try to rebuild their lives, Brisbane’s footballers will be doing everything they can to raise the spirits of their supporters.
While some people may argue that, amid adversity such as this, football is hardly top priority, the truth is that, in hard times, football is even more important than ever. Of course, the absurdity of the age-old cliché about how “football is not a matter of life and death, it-s more important than that,” is highlighted more than ever in times like these.
But the fact that the beautiful game really isn-t a matter of life or death is also exactly what makes it so appealing right now. For 90 minutes on Wednesday, the people of Brisbane can temporarily put their woes to one side and shout and scream and sing and have fun. For the last couple of weeks, Brisbane’s residents have been united in despair, Wednesday gives them a chance to be united in celebration as their team pushes towards the title. And that is something not be sniffed at.
Gold Coast United-s Skilled Park plays host to Brisbane Roar and Wellington for this rearranged fixture. The gesture of Gold Coast allowing their rivals the use of the stadium epitomises the unity shown all around the country as Queensland mops up after one of Australia’s worst ever natural disasters.
As well as giving Roar somewhere to play, the temporary relocation also offers football fans in the Gold Coast a bonus game to get along to, and not just any old game either, but a match that involves the side that, in all likelihood, will be lifting the Premier’s Plate before the season is out. What an unexpected treat – a Wednesday night watching some top class Hyundai A-League action!
There is every chance that Roar will give their fans a lift on Wednesday, as they have already beaten their opponents twice in the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season, including a stunning 4-1 win that finally brought to an end Wellington-s incredible unbeaten run at the Westpac. If they can make it three wins from three against their opponents from New Zealand, then it will take them one huge step closer to glory.
Meanwhile, Wellington Phoenix continue to walk the tightrope towards a top six place as their away from continues to be their Achilles Heel. Last time they were on their travels, they suffered yet another defeat, this time against the Central Coast.
At The Bluetongue, Phoenix struggled to cope with the threat of Patricio Perez, who caused countless problems and worked some magic in the build up to Michael McGlinchey-s winner late in the first-half. As has been the case so many times for Wellington, once they fell behind in away territory, they didn-t appear to have the belief that they would claw themselves back into the match. And so it proved.
Therefore, the first goal is set to be vital in this match-up. If Roar can strike first then one senses they will emerge victorious. However, if Wellington can edge in front, then maybe they can cause a shock. With Brisbane playing in unfamiliar surroundings, an early goal for Ricki Herbert-s side would make this one very interesting indeed.
With every passing week, Ange Postecoglou’s side move closer to unprecedented glory, so make sure you are along for the whole of the thrilling ride. Take a midweek trip to The Beach and use your vocal chords to help Roar gain three points as they continue this incredible journey towards success. History is in the making – be a part of it, and help bring the feel-good factor back to Brisbane!
