Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar have shared the points following an absorbing 1-1 draw at Spotless Stadium in Harvey Norman Friday Night Football.
A first-half penalty, won and converted by Jamie Maclaren put the visitors in front, as the Roar striker extended his remarkable scoring record against the Red and Black.
However the home side deservedly drew level after the break when Jumpei Kusukami got on the end of a well worked play to register his first Hyundai A-League goal.
The Wanderers laid siege to Michael Theo’s goal in search of a winner, with Nico Martinez forcing a fingertip save and substitute Brendon Santalab spurning a glorious chance over the bar.
Meanwhile Brisbane came close to regaining the lead in the closing stages when Dimitri Petratos fired a free-kick through the wall that required a full stretched Jerrad Tyson to make the save.
The result means Tony Popovic’s side are still searching for their first win at Spotless Stadium and remain outside the top six, while the Roar join second placed Melbourne City on 13 points.
GOALS
0-1 Brisbane Roar: Jamie Maclaren (pen.) 18’
Maclaren earned his side a penalty when he was tripped by the outstretched hands of Wanderers keeper Jerrad Tyson. The 23-year-old duly dispatched his spot kick right down the middle to open the scoring.
1-1 Western Sydney Wanderers: Jumpei Kusukami, 56’
Nico Martinez picked out the run of Jack Clisby with an incisive pass, the defender squaring the ball for Jumpei to fire into an open net from the six yard line.
OPTA DATA
- Striker Jamie Maclaren has now scored eight goals in five matches in Roar colours against the Wanderers.
- The result was the Wanderers fourth straight draw at Spotless Stadium, while the Roar drew for the third week in a row.
Re-live the match action on Twitter
@ALeague, @wswanderersfc, @brisbaneroar, #WSWvBRI
