Brisbane Roar continued its strong build up towards Hyundai A-League season 2019/20 with a 5-0 win over Gold Coast Knights at Logan Metro Sports Park on Saturday evening.
Goals from Roy O’Donovan, Tom Aldred, Stefan Mauk and a Bradden Inman brace secured a comprehensive victory over the NPL Queensland Champions.
O’Donovan opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after Danny Morton handled an Inman cross inside the area.
Just over ten minutes later, Aldred doubled the Roar’s lead – nodding home a Jay O’Shea free kick at the back post to open his account in orange.
Inman added a third shortly after half time, rifling a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area before completing his brace minutes later with a classy chipped finish.
Stefan Mauk rounded out the 5-0 score line in the 86th minute when he headed home Scott Neville’s cross at the near post.
“It’s always good to win these games to get the confidence up going into the season, and personally it’s always nice to score,” Mauk said post-match.
“Tonight, the Knights were really good – they played out from the back – similar to how [Hyundai] A-League teams do so we had to press high – they should be pleased with how they played.”
The Roar will round out its pre-season preparations next Saturday with a trip north to face NPL QLD finalists Peninsula Power at A.J. Kelly Park (5pm KO).
“It’s the final game before the start of the season so everyone is fighting for positions and it’s important to play the way we want to come Round 1,” Mauk continued.
Check out the full gallery from Saturday’s match below.
Photos: Paul Smith & Andrew Hudson
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League Pre-Season: Brisbane Roar FC v Gold Coast Knights FC
Logan Metro Sports Park, Heritage Park
Saturday, 28 September
Brisbane Roar 5 (O’Donovan 16′, Aldred 27′, Inman 56′, 61′, Mauk 86′)
Gold Coast Knights 0
Half-time: 2-0
