Brisbane Roar striker Roy O’Donovan feels his dramatic late equaliser against Perth Glory was just reward for a fightback inspired by Robbie Fowler’s half time composure.
Fowler’s side rallied tremendously after trailing at the interval following Chris Ikonomidis’ 34th minute opener, and would go on to dominate the lion’s share of possession and out-shoot the reigning Premiers 10-6.
Brisbane’s persistence paid dividends when O’Donovan was in the right place at the right time to bury Aaron Amadi-Holloway’s clever knock down with a diving header in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
The Irishman, Fowler’s first signing as Brisbane boss, was full of praise for his manager post-match.
“He was very calm. He was happy with how we passed the ball, he wanted more balls into the box and little bit more aggression,” O’Donovan told FOX Sports of Fowler’s half time talk.
REPORT: Glory, Roar share spoils after O’Donovan’s dramatic late equaliser
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6094474263001
On the basis of his side’s display at the home of the reigning Hyundai A-League Premiers, Brisbane will be a much improved force under Premier League and Liverpool legend Fowler this season.
Roar conceded a record 71 goals last campaign, but a brand-new defensive line were disciplined, organised and largely untroubled by Glory’s three-pronged front-line of Bruno Fornaroli, Diego Castro and Ikonomidis, outside of a few early nerves.
It was also the first time since November 2018 that Roar finished a Hyundai A-League match with possession higher than 50% (55%) and a passing accuracy of 80% (84%).
“We looked like we were the fitter side in the second half,” said Roar skipper Tom Aldred.
“We were the only side going forward that looked like they were going to cause problems and in the end, we had a mentality about us to keep going. I’ve played in many games like that where you stay in the game anything can happen.”
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