Brisbane Roar fell just short of converting an impressive comeback into a well-earned point in an eventual 3-2 defeat to Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Sunday.
The Roar were on track to extend their undefeated streak to eight matches after Joe Champness and Macaulay Gillesphey both scored in the space of 10 first-half minutes to erase an early two-goal deficit.
But amid a gruelling fixture schedule, heavy legs ultimately counted against Brisbane as Scott Galloway conjured a 73rd-minute winner for A-League leaders City.
Connor Metcalfe and Scott Jamieson had earlier struck to give the hosts their advantage, the second goal awarded despite the involvement of Craig Noone’s hand in the build-up.
Golgol Mebrahtu went close with a well-judged header for the Roar after the interval, but it was not meant to be in Corey Brown’s 150th A-League appearance.
Warren Moon’s men will be determined to bounce back to winning ways when they host fourth-placed Central Coast Mariners in another crucial clash at Moreton Daily Stadium on Wednesday night (KO 7:05pm). CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.
GOALS
Melbourne City – Metcalfe 14’ – 1-0
City capitalise on a fast start as Metcalfe makes a darting run into the Brisbane box before placing a well-timed Noone through-ball into the bottom right corner of Young’s goal from a tight angle.
Melbourne City – Jamieson 17’ – 2-0
Jamieson arrives late into the area and squeezes a deflected shot in off Kai Trewin and the inside of the post. The ball had earlier made contact with Noone’s hand, but the goal stands following a VAR review.
Brisbane Roar – Champness 28’ – 2-1
Champness gives Roar a lifeline after picking up a Gillesphey pass and making a lateral run across the City defence, before sneaking a deceptive right-footed shot inside the bottom left corner.
Brisbane Roar – Gillesphey 38’ – 2-2
Brisbane fight back from two down as Gillesphey rises above a couple of markers to nod in O’Shea’s inviting corner.
Melbourne City – Galloway 73’ – 3-2
Galloway creates the winner out of nothing after carrying the ball from midfield to the Brisbane by-line where, after having an initial right-footed strike blocked by Scott Neville, he hammers home the follow-up from a narrow angle.
MATCH DETAILS
A-League 2020-21 Matchweek 20: Melbourne City vs Brisbane Roar
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Sunday, 9 May
Melbourne City 3 (Metcalfe 14’ Jamieson 17’ Galloway 73’)
Brisbane Roar 2 (Champness 28’ Gillesphey 38’)
HT: 2-2
