Brisbane Roar has recorded a 2-1 pre-season win over current Hyundai A-League Champions Central Coast Mariners today at Carrington Park in Bathurst.
Brisbane Roar has recorded a 2-1 pre-season win over current Hyundai A-League Champions Central Coast Mariners today at Carrington Park in Bathurst.
Despite Thomas Broich and Besart Berisha being rested in Brisbane, the Roar maintained their attacking flair throughout the contest and broke the deadlock after 12 minutes.
Veteran left-back Shane Stefanutto put a dangerous cross into the box to tee up Liam Miller, who made a late run into the penalty area.
The Mariners could have levelled the scores in the 23rd minute when striker Mile Sterjovski found himself one-on-one with Michael Theo but the Roar shotstopper stood his ground on the edge of the box.
Latching onto a through ball, Corey Brown netted Brisbane’s second on the hour mark before Central Coast’s Matt Simon reduced the deficit just three minutes later.
Simon’s goal turned out to be just consolation as the Roar held firm in their characteristic passing play to deny their opponents much time on the ball.
Brisbane Roar Assistant Coach Luciano Trani was pleased with the performance in his post-match analysis, holding particular praise for the young Roar players on the park.
“There were a lot of youngsters today, like Corey Brown and Kwame Yeboah, and it was a chance for those boys to come in and show what they can do,” he said.
“Moving into the season, at some stage these boys will get an opportunity and this was a great opportunity to play against Central Coast.”
