Brisbane Roar coach Frank Farina has lauded the character of his players after recording a 1-0 win over Sydney FC at Suncorp Stadium yesterday.

An 85th minute Sergio van Dijk header separated the sides and put the Roar within striking distance of the top-two teams, delighting Farina.

"We're one point off top spot. So with all the problems that we've had, is it satisfying? Bloody oath," he said.

"I think it showed the character of the players that are left standing.

"It was a bit of an arm wrestle again in the first half. We changed a couple of things in the second half and I thought we were a lot better."

The win put the Roar fifth on the table, just a point behind league leaders Gold Coast United, Perth Glory and Sydney FC.