After taking the lone point against Newcastle Jets on the weekend, Brisbane Roar striker Kosta Barbarouses has labelled Wednesday night’s blockbuster with third-placed Central Coast Mariners as a “six-pointer” for the club.
Brisbane had 27 attempts on goal compared to the Jets- four with 60 per cent of possession on the park, but only managed a draw after conceding an 18th minute goal and leaving it late to find an equaliser.
“It was disappointing not to get the win,” Barbarouses said.
“We had a lot of the possession but we didn-t make the most of it.
“I think we were unlucky but I also think scoring first helped them a bit because they could sit back and soak up the pressure which I think they did.”
Wednesday-s clash gives the team a big opportunity to quickly redeem themselves in front of goal and the Wellington-born striker said it was important to give it their all against the club sitting marginally below them on the Hyundai A-League ladder.
Just one point separates the two sides and a win for either side on Wednesday could prove to be the vital piece of momentum needed heading into the remainder of the season.
“It-s a huge game, especially not wining on Saturday when I think we could-ve,” he said.
“It-s a huge game as well because obviously if we take the three points, it stops them from getting any.
“It-s a six-pointer in terms of our season and we-ll need it to catapult ourselves to Saturday-s game against the Victory which is going to be another big one.”
Naming attacking duo Matt Simon and Patricio Perez as the Central Coast-s main threats, Barbarouses said had been impressed with their progress so far this season but was sure Brisbane could come out on top in the midweek fixture.
“They-re playing better football than they have done in the past and they-ll be dangerous,” he said.
“I think it will be a similar game to Newcastle and hopefully this time we can make the most of our possession.”
Barbarouses- strike partner Reinaldo has ignited his goal-scoring form in recent weeks, scoring three goals in the last three outings, and the 20-year-old said the two were forming a strong bond in the Brisbane attack.
“Reinaldo and I are good mates off the field, so we-ve got a good understanding of each other and the way we play,” he said.
“As the season goes on, the more we-re gelling and I-m glad he-s doing well because I-m sure when I score he-s happy for me as well.”
