Brisbane Roar continued their resurgence with a second win in as many matches when they beat Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 in an entertaining Friday night fixture at Bankwest Stadium.
Josh Brindell-South put the Roar in front with his first ever A-League goal on 18 minutes but the lead was quickly erased by Bruce Kamau.
Deep into first half injury time, and with Brisbane dominating proceedings, Joey Champness produced a stunning assist from the left, crossing the ball first time for Riku Danzaki to apply a tidy finish at full pace.
It proved the winner for Warren Moon’s men as they secured a second successive away victory following last weekend’s impressive 2-1 win at Macarthur FC.
“Two wins in a row in Sydney and it’s two good teams we’ve beaten,” Head Coach Moon said. “That’s great for confidence and a boost for the boys.”
“For us, we’re still looking to improve every week, perform and play well,” he added.
“I wouldn’t say we’re the most fancied team, I’m not sure if people really expect us to do anything this year. We certainly are confident in what we’ve got as a group.
“What we need to do is perform well each week, try to pick up the wins now, use the games in hand to our advantage and see where it takes us.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268480001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6249162755001
Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young proved his immense talent once again with a series of fantastic saves as Brisbane came under intense pressure late in the game, with Moon quick to praise both custodians on the night.
“On the balance of play in the game, both sides had momentum and chances,” he said.
“We certainly had some great chances and [Daniel] Margush came up big for them as well.
“Jamie’s a fantastic keeper and a great shot-stopper.”
Memorably, Jay O’Shea, who was sensational in midfield, hit the bar with a shot from inside his own half with Margush beaten, something Moon made light of when asked for his opinion.
“He should have passed it, we had two on one,” he joked. “No, to be honest, Jay’s an excellent player and that’s not the first time we’ve seen him do that. He’s tried it in training and executed it.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268480001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6249168466001
Western Sydney’s equaliser arrived on the end of an unfortunate collision between two Roar players and at a time in the game when things could easily have gone against Brisbane.
“Really proud of the response from the boys after that,” Moon enthused. “It was a pivotal moment in the game. Showing the resilience and the character that we did was really pleasing.”
The in-form Roar return to Moreton Daily Stadium on Anzac Day next Sunday looking to build on their two excellent away results with three points at home to Perth Glory.
GOALS
Brisbane Roar – Brindell-South 18’ – 0-1
Dylan Wenzel-Halls turns onto his right foot and shoots. Margush can only parry the ball to Brindell-South who slots the home through traffic.
Western Sydney Wanderers – Kamau 23’ – 1-1
Two Brisbane defenders collide and go down injured. The ball breaks to Simon Cox who lays it off to Kamau for a straightforward finish.
Brisbane Roar – Danzaki 45’+2 – 1-2
Champness chases down O’Shea’s accurate deep pass then plays the perfect first-time ball across goal for Danzaki to smash home for his third goal in three games.
MATCH DETAILS
A-League 2021 Matchweek 17: Western Sydney Wanderers vs Brisbane Roar
Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta
Friday, 16 April
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Kamau 23’)
Brisbane Roar 2 (Brindell-South 18’, Danzaki 45+2’)
Half-time: 1-2
