Brisbane Roar coach Frans Thijssen admits his side were ‘lucky’ to come away from Hunter Stadium with three points after snatching a last-minute win over the Newcastle Jets on Friday night.
The Roar looked certain to be left frustrated by a spirited Jets outfit before a Thomas Broich free kick deflected past the helpless Ben Kennedy deep into stoppage time.
“Today, the first half, they played very defensively with four defenders, five midfield players and a striker,” Thijssen said.
“There was a lot of players in the middle, we couldn’t get through. We had to be patient and we got a goal.
“In the end we didn’t create a lot in the second-half and it was very lucky with a last-minute goal.”
Brisbane also produced a last-minute winner against Wellington Phoenix last week, though Thijssen admitted he was far less impressed with this week’s performance.
“We had a good performance last week against Wellington, we looked very sharp and aggressive and we looked a good team again,” he said.
“I’m disappointed with the difference between last week and now. We have to look at it, today we looked not the same team.
“Today they looked a little bit tired. The positive is always when you win and that’s a happy feeling of course.”
The three points lifts the Roar to within a point of sixth-placed Melbourne City FC, with the defending champions set to face the struggling Central Coast Mariners in Gosford next weekend.
Thijssen insisted his side would not be taking anything for granted against Phil Moss’ men but admits they are determined to keep the pressure on City and fifth-placed Sydney FC.
“They’re always difficult games for Roar, even this game here is always difficult. It will be nice to get another three points and put pressure on Melbourne City and Sydney,” he said.
“We are closer now but you have to win a couple of games in a row to close the gap.”
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