A convincing display against Brisbane Premier League club Brisbane Olympic saw Brisbane Roar run out 5-1 winners last night at Goodwin Park.
The Hyundai A-League Champions started the stronger of the two teams and German import Thomas Broich made his side-s intentions known early with a well-hit shot in the seventh minute that was palmed over the crossbar by Olympic ‘keeper Conrad Cassaniti.
The home side looked to match the slick passing and quick movements of their opponents and soon striker Michael Butters forced a diving save out of the Roar-s Michael Theoklitos after a darting run down the right wing.
However, it was Brisbane Roar that took the lead in the 21st minute after some impressive build-up play.
A quick run through the midfield from skipper Matt McKay saw the ball spread wide to Broich, who in turn found Massimo Murdocca on the edge of the area – the tiny midfielder doing well to unleash a quick shot and give his side the slim advantage.
But the Roar-s joy was short-lived as they quickly conceded an equaliser when Olympic attacker Frank Chung drifted in behind the Brisbane defenders to hit the ball past Theoklitos to draw his team level.
A goal from Broich restored Brisbane-s lead shortly before the break after before an easy tap in for Nichols at the far post following a dazzling run from Barbarouses made it 3-1 in the 70th minute.
Barbarouses turned goal scorer moments later to further extend Brisbane-s lead, then McKay pounced on an instinctive flick from Nichols to send a powerful shot bouncing into the inside of the post and into the back of the net to round out the scoring.
