Sydney drew with Queensland Roar last night 1-1. A good game and with the Roar leading 1-0, Australia's fattest import Charlie Miller heading towards goal with a minute to play....there could be only one winner.
Charlie, okay I'm a Celtic fan, and the wee Ger is scoring goals galore despite his girth, was sure to score to make it 2-0 at the death.
Much like Michael Zullo did last week in Melbourne. But he struggled to get to the ball and blasted into the small group of Roar fans behind the goals.
Nay bother, game over.
But as often happens in the A-League this season a goal comes in the last ten seconds.
Sydney had played "Fosteresque" nice passing football all night particularly once they'd gone behind early in the second half. But in truth their forward play where it counts was woeful.
Hardly a shot all night nor an attacking ball of note.
In fact not since John Aloisi's played, who had his best game last night, has Sydney mark 4 looked potent.
This was a team that put three past the Central Coast early on. Without Aloisi!
Anyway the ball was slung in and fell to Musialik who placed it home. 1-1 Cue delirium in the stands, but really Sydney offered little.
Just after half-time Charlie Miller, the slowest man on the field, had found space behind Stuey Musialik and touched the ball about ten times before the Sydney defence thought "hey up, this guy can score from here," but it was too late as Charlie wellied it past Clint Bolton 1-0.
What an import the Roar have in Miller, not to mention his five goals. Good work Charlie, I'm loving it.
And Aloisi, cut his hair to be like Zdrillic and now looks like him and is starting to play like him.
Tries hard, runs a lot just not very fast, is strong but just can't score.
And when you see Charlie Miller scoring, Reinaldo creating havoc with his mobility, Bruce Djite last season, Cristiano for Adelaide it seems the older reputable Aussie striker can't make it in the young mans A-League.
David Zdrillic, Ante Milicic, Paul Agostino, and now John Aloisi.
Aloisi is not a lone striker, never has been in my view....or Gus Hiddinks.
And his lack of pace is playing right into defenders hands.
Gary Van Egmond recognised this in last years Grand Final, every club must be delighted to see Aloisi setting up for an afternoons stroll around the box.
Sure if he gets a chance he may well score, but he hasn't yet.
And Sydney are now dropping points, or maybe still saving them.
Alex Brosque is restricted now by Aloisi's central position. Mark Bridge slung wide as well.
Against the Mariners it was the creativity of Brosque, Bridge and Corica than appealed. Movement across positions. Hard to track and players appear faster when moving with some freedom.
When Aloisi is in pole position Sydney's assets appear stunted. Bridge and Brosque told to toe the line. Stevie Corica and John Aloisi lacking pace to hurt any team.
Shannon Cole has been moved from an attacking position to full-back although he still got more balls into the box then any other player.
Adam Casey has wicked pace, Adam Biddle is strong and quick, Brendan Santalab too. As the game went on Kossie needs to play his bench. At least two of the pacey young players could be called on. It wouldn't hurt the impact surely. Ask Frank Farina.
So what will Kossie do?
Persevere and hope Aloisi scores? He will score eventually. But enough?
And more importantly will Sydney score enough with Aloisi the so-called main strike weapon.
Seven games gone and Aloisi has shown little for anyone to fear.
More significantly he is restricting the Sydney style of play and potential creativity and excitement this Sydney side could produce.
Don't believe me?
Look at what Archie Thompson is doing for Melbourne this year. For that matter Danny Allsopp.
Two strikers. Mobile.
If Aloisi is to succeed the formation needs to change. Two strikers. But in the pacy modern game who can risk that when the slowing Steve Corica is just behind.
Not to mention Stuey Musialik still some way off the pace of the games and Terry McFlynn a player of some note, but still limited in forward play.
Queensland the ever-ready men didn't look so ever-ready last night. In the last 15 they couldn't get forward. Not so energetic after all.
But a great game of cat and mouse but Sydney need to revisit the attacking plan and dare I say it, leave Aloisi on the bench.
Or are we about to see another Zdrillic unfold.
And remember Aloisi is three times the cost and is signed up for next year.
And he won't be any quicker then will he?
Maybe the Gold Coast should buy him!
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