Queensland winger Michael Zullo is revelling in the Roar’s new home form but knows they must keep it up if they are to maintain their position in the top four.
The Roar lost five consecutive matches at Suncorp Stadium before finally breaking through against Perth, and they added another win on Sunday against Newcastle, which saw them climb up to third on the Hyundai A-League ladder.
“I don’t think many people realise how important those three points were, especially with how close the league is this year,” Zullo said.
“We’re still only four points away from sixth I think so we’re still not safe yet but obviously that was a vital three points so we’re very happy with it.”
Zullo was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet against the Jets, when his 87th-minute shot cannoned off the upright, seconds after Danny Tiatto’s shot had hit the same post.
But Queensland did find the winner three minutes later when Sergio van Dijk flicked Tiatto’s cross into the back of the net, much to the relief of Zullo.
“It was ridiculous, the shirt was already half off ready to go,” he said.
“I thought it was going to be the same Suncorp story all over again when that happened.”
“It’s happened a couple of times where we’ve been on the wrong side (of a late win) at Suncorp so the feeling of euphoria when (van Dijk’s goal) went in was amazing.”
“We’re all over the moon for him. We know that he has it in him and we see him every day at training deliver the goods.”
“Obviously Teets (Tiatto) was unlucky with his first attempt that hit the back of the keeper but that was all right, at least we won the game.”
The 20-year-old also reserved special praise to the crowd who got behind the team when the Jets were reduced to 10-men.
“Probably the turning point was when Jobe Wheelhouse got sent off. The crowd really got into it from then on and pushed us over the line,” he said.
Queensland will have a week off this week due to Adelaide United’s Club World Cup commitments, but will then look for its third consecutive home victory against the Phoenix on Sunday December 28.
