A clinical Brisbane Roar held off a fast-finishing Melbourne Victory to record a precious 2-1 win at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Victory, starting with James Troisi on the bench, must now regroup ahead of their opening AFC Asian Champions League clash on Tuesday night against Ulsan Hyundai.
Troisi’s thunderbolt goal for Victory in the final 10 minutes was one of the best all season, but it was too little too late after Roar went into the break two goals up.
Roar move up to sixth on the ladder ahead of the remaining games in the split round while Victory remain fifth.
STORY OF THE GAME
- LIVELY START Both sides showing great intent in a fixture that rarely disappoints.
- GOAL TO ROAR! Massimo Maccarone with a fabulous low shot inside the opening 10 mins.
- GOAL TO ROAR! Maccarone and Holman combine and the Aussie smashes home for 2-0 after 28 mins.
- YOUNG SAVE Roar keeper keeps out Leroy George with a class stop.
- HALF TIME: 0-2 A perfect first 45 mins by Brisbane who cut through Victory’s press and were clinical in front of goal, while the boos said it all for the hosts.
- GOAL-SAVING TACKLE Set to be 3-0 with Maccarone bearing down on goal but James Donachie with a brilliant last-ditch tackle.
- DESPERATE ROAR DEFENCE Berisha fluffs a chance to get a shot off, somehow Roar scramble the ball clear on 54 mins.
- VICTORY ON TOP The home side with James Troisi on the park (subbed on after 55 mins) looking more dangerous as Roar sit back.
- BERISHA SUBBED OFF! Wow, the great man is withdrawn. “King” Kenny Athiu on for the final 15 mins.
- GOAL VICTORY! Troisi with a thunderbolt. Game on! 1-2 after 83 mins.
- VICTORY WITH A SNIFF The crowd ramps up the noise. What a finish in store as Victory press hard for the equaliser.
GOALS
Maccarone Roar 0-1, 7′
Maccarone picks up a poor defensive clearance, guides the ball across the box and fires in a low bullet, curling it low past Thomas diving to his left
Holman Roar 0-2, 28′
Maccarone feeds the overlapping Holman who takes it into the box, switches the ball to his left and smashes it home.
Troisi Victory 1-2, 83′
The ball is sent out of the box and Troisi picks up the ball and smashes a stunning strike from distance.