Brisbane Roar has recorded back-to-back wins on the road to kick start its A-League 2020/21 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday night.
Goals either side of the break from Riku Danzaki & Dylan Wenzel-Halls earned the Roar its second victory of the season and consecutive wins over the Jets for the first time in six years.
Danzaki opened his A-League account on six minutes, firing from distance and beating the keeper with a looping shot with the aid of a deflection, before Wenzel-Halls restored Brisbane’s lead early in the second half after the Jets equalised on the cusp of half-time.
.@riku_dan1121's @ALeague account = opened ?
? @FOXFOOTBALL #NEWvBRI #ForTheCrest pic.twitter.com/qF4ytOIRCg
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) January 20, 2021
A dominant period of possession and territory, as well as some tactical adjustments early in the second stanza proved decisive for the Roar as the young striker was found sublimely by the experienced Scott McDonald before coolly finishing across the face of goal for his second goal in as many matches.
“He [Scott McDonald] is brilliant, his vision is incredible,” Wenzel-Halls said post-match.
“We practice that kind of stuff at training every day, it was nice for it to come off.”
Head Coach Warren Moon said post-match that whilst it wasn’t the most polished performance, he was pleased with his side’s ability to find a way to win.
“To come away from two away games with six points says a lot about our team and our character,” Moon said.
“It wasn’t our best performance of the season but the positive was that we found a way to win which is the mark of any good team.
“I thought the Jets were good tonight – we had to make some adjustments to get back in to the game because the momentum was definitely going their way.
The Roar back four was once again resolute in front of debutant Macklin Freke, who had a first game to remember, pulling off a number of strong saves.
“I’m really, really pleased for Macklin. There was a reason we were more than comfortable in promoting him to the squad this season…I thought he was brilliant tonight,” Moon added.
Japanese international Masato Kudo made his long-awaited A-League debut, replacing Wenzel-Halls late in the second half.
The contest also brought about first minutes of the new season for Kai Trewin who formed part of a revamped back four as Jack Hingert was shifted further afield during the second half.
The Roar now face a welcome return to familiar surroundings with a January 30 fixture against Adelaide United at Dolphin Stadium – the Roar’s first at home of the new year. Stay tuned for ticketing details.
GOALS
Brisbane Roar – Danzaki 6’ – 0-1
Riku Danzaki is afforded space outside the area, strikes at goal & finds the top corner with the aid of a deflection off a defender.
Newcastle Jets – Yuel 38’ – 1-1
A dangerous corner finds Valentino Yuel who finishes with a powerful header from close range.
Brisbane Roar – Wenzel-Halls 61’ – 1-2
A superb ball splitting the Jets defence from Scott McDonald is perhaps only bettered by the finish from Dylan Wenzel-Halls, who finds the bottom corner.
MATCH DETAILS
A-League 2020/21 Matchweek 4: Newcastle Jets vs Brisbane Roar
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Wednesday, 20 January
Newcastle Jets 1 (Yuel 38’)
Brisbane Roar 2 (Danzaki 6’, Wenzel-Halls 61’)
Half-time: 1-1
