‘We’ve not done that enough’ – Roar forwards pull their weight in momentum-turning win

Brisbane Roar captain Tom Aldred saw a clinical attacking edge in his side’s 2-1 win over Macarthur FC which he hopes is here to stay, as the Roar look to mount a charge up the A-League table.

Brisbane brushed an eight-game winless run aside by clinching all three points against the Bulls on the road in Matchweek 16. The disappointing streak of results included five draws, nine goals conceded, two clean sheets and a mere four goals scored.

Roar boss Warren Moon dropped Dylan Wenzel-Halls to the bench in his side’s most recent fixture in Matchweek 15, before bringing him back into the starting 11 to face the Bulls.

The energetic forward got the goal to set up Brisbane’s surprise victory, helped by Riku Danzaki’s second-half strike as the Roar outlasted a late charge from Macarthur.

MATCH REPORT: Macarthur FC 1-2 Brisbane Roar

Speaking to FOX Sports post-match, Aldred said he hoped for more of the same from his attacking teammates, as Brisbane storm off in pursuit of a spot in the top six.

“We know for sure we need to add goals to our games to win games, ultimately,” Aldred said.

“This season we feel like we’ve not done that enough, but tonight we scored two goals away from home and probably could have had three or four.

“That’s the positive – we created a lot of chances.

“There’s players in the team that can score goals, so hopefully throughout the rest of the season they can do (more of) that.”

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6247909917001

Brisbane currently have the second-best defensive record in the competition, having conceded just 16 goals in 14 games. It’s helping Moon’s side stay in virtually every contest as each Matchweek goes by.

Scott Neville played his first full game of A-League football for the Roar against Macarthur since his return from a loan spell at Indian Super League side Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation.

Neville played 33 minutes in Brisbane’s 1-1 draw with the Wanderers before playing every second against the Bulls. Despite his fatigue, the experienced defender said going two goals ahead helped build his confidence as the game progressed into the final half hour of play.

“I’ve done three lots of quarantine in a hotel, so my head was gone a bit,” Neville told FOX Sports.

It was a bit of a blow last week (playing 33) minutes, I didn’t know if I could get through 90.

“But I think when you go 2-0 up you kind of feel a lot better.

“It was good to get out there. Hopefully we can kick-start our season a bit now.”

Neville provided the assist for Danzaki’s second-half finish at the back post, which put Brisbane out of sight.

Playing on the right side of a back three, the 32-year-old combined with wing-back Josh Brindell-South to good effect throughout the game, receiving the ball from his teammate to set up Danzaki for the sealer.

MW16 PREVIEW: Matchday Saturday – A-League, April 10
MW16 PREVIEW: Wellington Phoenix v Western United – April 11

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6247923064001

Neville says he hopes to impart his knowledge and experience on Brindell-South to help build his confidence as an understudy to Jack Hingert.

“I think with Josh, he hasn’t played many A-League games this season, and also in his career,” Neville said.

“For me, behind him with a bit of experience, I just let him go forward and express himself. I know how intimidating it is when you’re just starting out, so I just wanted him to express himself and be positive.

“If he makes mistakes, so be it – we all make mistakes.”