Soccer: Win boosts Roar's chance of place in the top four

There is no place for the faint-hearted across the Tasman as the race for the top four in the A-League continues at a dizzy pace.

Unfashionable Queensland Roar, the team touted at the start of the season to contest the wooden spoon with the New Zealand Knights, gave their chances of making it into the four a boost with a well-deserved 2-1 home win over the unpredictable Sydney FC who again struggled to live up to their reputation.

After a scoreless first half, Alex Brosque struck in the 62nd and 71st minutes at Suncorp Stadium to give the home side a decisive advantage.

Sydney's solitary reply came three minutes from time when substitute Sasho Petrovski scored.

The Roar, despite having less possession, dominated having 15 scoring attempts to Sydney's paltry six. They also forced six corners to four. Queensland ended the round in sight of an unlikely play-off spot with two games to play. Their away game with Newcastle this week could decide their fate.

Central Coast Mariners took a point from their away game with already-crowned minor premiers Adelaide United to keep their hopes alive.

Trailing by a goal after Carl Veart booted home from the penalty spot to give Adelaide their 51st minute lead after Andre Gumprecht had conceded then penalty in fouling Ross Aloisi, the Mariners hit back quickly when Adam Kwansik, who had grabbed a place in the starting line-up only because of injuries, scored.

Adelaide dominated but squandered too many chances. Fernando Rech alone had three in the first half but failed to convert.

In other key games this week, Perth Glory, satisfied with their 4-1 away win over the Knights on Thursday, are at home to Sydney and Central Coast entertain Melbourne Victory who lost 1-0 to the Newcastle Jets in last night's game.