Brisbane Roar’s winning start to the pre-season has continued in front of a huge crowd with a 5-0 win over an Ipswich invitational side at North Ipswich Reserve.
Three goals in the first half put the result beyond doubt against a feisty and hard-working Ipswich team.
Two goals in the second half put the icing on the cake, but the result was almost secondary to the fantastic turn-out to see the match.
Crowds poured through the gates from 12.30pm to see their favourite Brisbane players and obtain autographs, whilst the kids were entertained in the Rapid Fire Field.
By the time the match kicked off at 3.15pm around 3500 fans were inside the stadium to cheer on the two sides.
They were treated to a special opening goal from young midfielder Luke Brattan after just seven minutes when he volleyed the ball into the top corner from 25m out.
Henrique was then thwarted by Ipswich Knights- goalkeeper Zane Freiberg twice in succession before Matt McKay shot over the bar.
Brisbane kept up the pressure on the Ipswich side, all of whom were backing up from local derbies played on Friday night, with Kosta Barbarouses, Thomas Broich and Henrique all denied goals by some desperate defending.
A minute before the break McKay extended the lead when he found the back of the net after a through ball into the box.
Broich was involved in Brisbane-s fourth goal when he knocked the ball across the face of goal for an unmarked Barbarouses to tap home.
Defender Luke DeVere rounded out the scoring in the closing stages of the match when he met a crossed ball on the half-volley to send the ball into the back of the net.
Brisbane Roar-s next pre-season fixture will be on Friday night, when they take on Melbourne Heart in a historic match in Toowoomba.
The match will mark Heart-s first official match against Hyundai A-League opposition.
Friday-s match will be played at Clive Berghofer Stadium, Arthur St, Toowoomba with kick-off scheduled for 7.15pm
Gates for the match open at 5pm with players making appearances from 5pm to 6.15pm.
Tickets for the match are $15 for adults and $5 for children 15 years & under.
Match tickets are available online at Empire Theatre or at the gate on match day.
For all the matchday action at Ipswich, visit the Ipswich Invitational Gallery
