Kosta Barbarouses' second-half strike was decisive as Wellington Phoenix was beaten by Brisbane Roar won 1-0.

Both sides were determined to take all three points from the encounter and attacked from the outset with chances plentiful during the first 10 minutes.

But the closest either side came in the first half was when Phoenix striker Dylan Macallister's effort struck the head of Chris Greenacre and Roar goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos had to react quickly to avert the danger.

It proved a pivotal save as Roar took the lead in the 73rd minute when skipper Matt McKay flicked the ball into the path of Barbarouses and the New Zealander coolly slotted the ball under compatriot Mark Paston.

From then on the hosts defended well to secure the points and their second win in three games that moves them up to second in the standings, level on seven points with leaders Perth Glory.

Wellington, meanwhile, are fifth with four points from three games.