Roar off the mark after goalless draw with Reds

Brisbane have picked up their first point of the Isuzu UTE A-League season, settling for a 0-0 draw in Saturday’s clash with Adelaide at Redcliffe.

The Roar, bottom of the ladder after back-to-back defeats in Melbourne over the opening two weekends of the competition, had several chances to break the deadlock at Moreton Daily Stadium but couldn’t find a finishing touch.

Luke Ivanovic had the best opportunity, found all alone on the edge of the six-yard box early in the second-half following a driven cross from Nikola Mileusnic.

The ex-Sydney FC forward, making his first start for the Roar, was twice denied by Adelaide goalkeeper James Delianov before the ball trickled harmlessly out for a corner.

Rahmat Akbari and second-half substitute Juan Lescano also had opportunities for the home team but Delianov and the Reds’ defence held firm.

Adelaide, who have now drawn all three of their fixtures so far this season, also had their chances to snatch a win on the road.

Captain Stefan Mauk’s drive from the edge of the area in the first half hit the post and nearly bounced in off Roar goalkeeper Macklin Freke before he recovered to claim the ball before it went over the line.

Substitute Mohamed Toure also set up Kesini Yengi after a driving run down the right but the Adelaide striker’s goalbound-effort was blocked by Roar defender Joshua Brindell-South.

In a tightly contested affair, referee Chris Beath had to dish out eight yellow cards with Mauk and Roar centre-back Anton Mlinaric both booked after a push-and-shove involving several players on the touchline midway through the second half.

Spanish defender Javi Lopez received his second yellow card deep into stoppage time to leave the Reds to finish the match with 10 men.

Brisbane face another trip to Melbourne next weekend to take on former coach John Aloisi’s Western United while Adelaide head home to host rivals Melbourne Victory.

LIBERTY A-LEAGUE MATCH REPORTS

ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE MATCH REPORTS