Brisbane Roar have claimed their first victory of the pre-season campaign, comfortably defeating Albany Creek Excelsior 5-0 on Tuesday night.
Brisbane Roar have claimed their first victory of the pre-season campaign, comfortably defeating Albany Creek Excelsior 5-0 on Tuesday night.
New signings Dimitri Petratos and Diogo Ferreira were among the goal scorers on a cold evening at Wolter Park.
It was a clinical display from the Hyundai A-League semi-finalists, who were looking to improve after a disappointing loss to Lions FC in the previous match.
Despite being under early pressure, Excelsior-s Jared Austin had the first half chance of the match, but was unable to find the back of the net.
The weight of possession eventually paid off for the Roar though – a smart through ball from Luke Brattan created a clear chance for Jack Hingert, but the shot was well parried by Excelsior-s Luke Borean.
However, moments later Antonio Murray opened the Roar-s account with a clever chip shot that gave the goalkeeper little chance.
It was the start of a magic ten minutes for Murray, who could not stay out of the action.
The striker hit another shot just high, and within minutes had his second goal of the evening after the Excelsior defence was unable to clear a Roar cross.
The home side needed a lift, and they nearly had a goal when Marvin Hamilton-Omelo narrowly missed a volley.
A penalty was then awarded to the Roar and Dimitri Petratos made no mistake from the spot. After an impressive first half, the Roar led the Excelsior 3-0.
The visitors began the second term in much the same fashion. Substitute Corey Brown added another to the Roar-s tally, ensuring they left with the victory.
There was one unfortunate moment for the visitors when George Lambadaridis was carried from the field after a heavy collision.
Albany Creek put in a stronger showing in the second term and at times looked promising in attack but the Roar defence, led by captain Matt Smith, proved too classy.
The night also served as Liam Miller-s first game in the orange jersey and the midfielder-s passing was sharp throughout the evening.
Diogo Ferreira soon made it 5-0 and it was a nice way to cap the evening for the new signing.
Many fans braved the cold weather at Albany Creek and were rewarded with some stylish and attacking football from both sides.
For his two goals, Antonio Murray was voted as the Roar-s best player and Sam Corcoran claimed the award for the home side.
