Brisbane Roar has recorded a first away win of the season, courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 win over Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Brisbane Roar has recorded a first away win of the season, courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 win over Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.
The away side showed more of the promise on display in the second half against Perth Glory the previous week to secure a well-deserved three points.
The score line also helped Brisbane keeper Michael Theo to his 50th Hyundai A-League clean sheet.
Adelaide had an early opportunity through striker Bruce Djite who launched a strike from distance which dipped on Theo.
The Roar gloveman spilled the ball in front of himself, but was quick to pounce on the loose ball before Adelaide-s attackers could get a toe in.
Roar responded in the best possible way and pushed forward with intent.
Besart Berisha found some space and got himself on the end of a fine Ivan Franjic cross, but a fingertip save from Eugene Galekovic denied the Albanian striker his sixth goal of the season.
A minute later Henrique was on the end of another cross from the right, this time from Nichols, but his mistimed volley was an easy save for Galekovic.
Things got niggly as both sides looked to get the upper hand until Halloran forced a good save from Galekovic from close range with five minutes left in the half.
With no score in the first half, the second half started at break-neck pace with both sides seemingly intent on securing an early opener.
However, despite the frantic action, it took seven minutes for either side to draw a save from the keeper – a Paartalu header from a Broich corner which was easily dealt with by Galekovic.
Theo was then called into action to punch away an inswinging Marcello Carrusca corner from the near post.
Djite threatened next when he showed good strength on the edge of the box to keep Matt Smith at bay before dragging his shot wide of the mark.
After all the action there was finally a goal in the game created by the dynamic Nichols on 66 minutes.
Playing wall passes on the edge of the box, Nichols then beat two defenders before cutting the ball back to Henrique how stabbed home into an empty net.
Adelaide pushed on after the goal, with Brisbane attempting to slow the pace of the game by maintaining possession.
Djite attempted an outrageous backheel as Adelaide searched for an equaliser, but it was cleared away by the Roar defence.
In a frantic closing to the match the same player found himself on the end of a cross in a free position, but headed wide with the final opportunity of the match.
Brisbane Roar Head Coach Mike Mulvey was justifiably proud of his player-s efforts, but said no one would not get carried away with one result.
“These players now have got a real taste for it,” Mulvey said.
“The commitment of my players was absolutely fantastic and I-m absolutely delighted.
“They are very circumspect in the dressing room, they know there-s a long way to go and it-s only the start.
“They are going to enjoy the moment now, but it-s back to work tomorrow morning.”
Adelaide United 0
Brisbane Roar (Henrique 66-)
at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Crowd: 11,035
Adelaide United: 1. Eugene Galekovic (GK/capt), 2. Osama Malik (14. Cameron Watson 67-), 3. Nigel Boogaard, 5. Iain Fyfe, 6. Cassio, 8. Marcello Carrusca (18. Fabian Barbiero 77-), 10. Dario Vidosic, 11. Bruce Djite, 16. Daniel Bowles, 21. Jeronimo Neumann (23. Evan Kostopolous 63-), 22. Fabio Ferreira.
Substitutes not used: 20. Paul Izzo (GK),
Yellow cards: Neumann (18-), Fyfe (42-), Bowles (43-)
Red cards: Nil
Brisbane Roar: 1. Michael Theo (GK), 2. Matt Smith (capt), 3. Shane Stefanutto, 5. Ivan Franjic, 6. Erik Paartalu, 7. Besart Berisha (8. Massimo Murdocca 90+2-), 10. Henrique (24. Nick Fitzgerald 80-), 11. Ben Halloran, 15. James Donachie, 17. Mitch Nichols, 22. Thomas Broich.
Substitutes not used: 4. Matt Jurman, 20. Matt Acton (GK),
Yellow cards: Smith (25-), Henrique (31-), Theo (46), Paartalu (53-), Halloran (90-)
Red cards: Nil
