Ange sees real Roar stand up

Roar returned to form with an impressive 2-0 win over runaway league leader Central Coast in Gosford on Saturday night to halt the Mariners' 15-game unbeaten streak and make a statement in the championship race.

Postecoglou was pleased with how his side responded to its surprise 1-0 loss at home to Newcastle Jets last week and encouraged by some of the football played.

And he took particular delight in Roar's second goal - a fine team move started by goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos and finished by striker Besart Berisha.

"That goal is what we're about as a football club as far as I'm concerned," Postecoglou said of the goal, which preceded a warm sideline embrace with his players.

"That's why I was happy.

"We were trying to play out from the back a bit earlier and we almost coughed up a goal doing it and it's very easy for the guys to fall into their shell.

"But look at that second goal ... that's the football club we want to be and that's how we're going to keep playing our football."

The win ensured Central Coast's lead atop the competition was kept to seven points, with Wellington Phoenix sitting in second and Roar a further point back in third.

Postecoglou admitted it was unlikely Brisbane would be able to reel in the Mariners in the race for the premiership with seven games to play, but said its focus would be on taking form and momentum into the finals.

Brisbane faces Phoenix in New Zealand next Sunday.

"They (Wellington) are hitting some real good form and getting some real momentum as well and I think this is going to be one of probably the most exciting finals races we've had," Postecoglou said.

"A lot of teams are hitting some good form - it's going to be fun."

Mariners coach Graham Arnold reiterated his belief Roar remained clearly Central Coast's biggest title threat, especially with playmaker Thomas Broich fit again from a troublesome heel injury.

"The stats show when Thomas Broich is out and when he's back they're a totally different team," Arnold said.