Brisbane Roar continued their positive pre-season form with a 5-0 victory against Mackay & Whitsunday Magpies Crusaders at BB Print Stadium on Thursday night.
Brisbane Roar continued their positive pre-season form with a 5-0 victory against Mackay & Whitsunday Magpies Crusaders at BB Print Stadium on Thursday night.
Strong local support of 3,122 football fans filled the ground to watch the two sides clash in a highly entertaining match in regional Queensland.
The Roar’s pre-season form goes from strength to strength with Head Coach John Aloisi pleased to get more valuable minutes into his talented squad.
“It was another step in the right direction. We wanted improvement from the first game against Logan Lightning and we did that tonight,” he said.
“It’s good for our young players to play in front of a crowd like this and impress, and it will hold them in good stead when the Hyundai A-League season begins.”
The Roar opened the scoring when Stefan Mauk pounced on a rebound to earn his side a penalty, following a dangerous ball from the left from Eric Bautheac.
Brisbane’s French marquee winger made no mistake from the spot, giving the visitors a well-deserved early lead.
Brisbane pushed hard for a second but would go to the break with a one-goal advantage.
The Roar started the second half brightly, quickly putting the home side on the back foot and it didn’t take long for John Aloisi’s side to stamp their authority on the contest.
Fan favourite Henrique made the home side pay with a well-taken brace, either side of goals from youngsters Mirza Muratovic and Adam Sawyer, helping secure a convincing five goal win.
“It’s been a brilliant week. We’ve enjoyed coming to Mackay, and it’s great coming out to the regional areas. We hope young footballers enjoyed the match tonight,” Aloisi continued.
“We’d love to come here again. There were a lot of Brisbane Roar supporters here tonight and to see so many people here supporting us, it’s really important of us to show our appreciation.”
The Roar will continue to build strong pre-season momentum as the side prepare for the FFA Cup Round of 32 blockbuster clash against Melbourne City at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium on Tuesday, 7 August. Get your tickets HERE.
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League Pre-season Friendly: Magpies Crusaders United v Brisbane Roar FC
BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Thursday, 12 July
Magpies Crusaders 0
Brisbane Roar 5 (Bautheac 12′ (pen), Henrique 49′ (pen), 83′, Muratovic 78′, Sawyer 85′)
Half-time: 0-1
Crowd: 3,122
