Striker Roy O’Donovan praised his side’s fighting spirit after his 95th minute equaliser saw the Roar snatch an opening round point against defending Premiers Perth Glory at HBF Park on Sunday night.
O’Donovan’s last minute header saw the match end in a 1-1 draw after the home side led at the break thanks to a strike from Australian international Chris Ikonomidis.
MUST SEE: Highlights: Glory v Roar
TICKETS: Your Brisbane Roar return home on October 25
Speaking post-match, O’Donovan says the equaliser was a just reward for their dominance in the second stanza.
“At half-time, he [Head Coach Robbie Fowler] was very calm, he was happy how we passed the ball, he wanted more balls in the box, a little bit more aggression and I think we gave that in the second half,” O’Donovan said.
“I think modestly, a point is the least we deserved with the way we controlled the second half in midfield.
“Big Aaron [Amadi-Holloway] came on – he takes the pressure off me and we got the goal. We got the rewards for it.”
O’Donovan, whose goal capped a fine Brisbane Roar Hyundai A-League debut, was impressed by a reinvigorated Roar outfit that included 10 debutants on Sunday night.
“The gaffer has brought in a great mentality, really professional set up and everybody’s playing for each other,” O’Donovan said.
“It’s a great bunch of lads, great staff and the future is bright, the future is orange.”
The Roar now face a week off before welcoming Melbourne Victory to Suncorp Stadium for their first home match of the new season on Friday, 25 October. Get your tickets HERE.
GOALS
Perth Glory – Ikonomidis 34’ – 1-0
Castro plays in Ikonomidis who fires a first time shot past Crocombe into the back of the net to put the hosts in front.
Brisbane Roar – Roy O’Donovan 90+5’ – 1-1
O’Donovan heads home a last-ditch equaliser after Amadi-Holloway nods O’Shea’s long ball into his path.
STORY OF THE GAME
- Ten players make their BRFC Hyundai A-League debuts in Robbie Fowler’s first league match in charge.
- Roy O’Donovan comes closest for the Roar in the first half sending a header from inside the area inches over the bar.
- Stefan Mauk almost levels the scores, getting in behind the Glory defence and forcing a point-blank save from Liam Reddy.
- Roy O’Donovan heads home a last ditch equaliser to snatch a point for the Roar.
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Round 1: Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar
HBF Park, Perth
Sunday, 13 October (5pm KO QLD time)
Perth Glory 1 (Ikonomidis 34’)
Brisbane Roar 1 (O’Donovan 90+5’)
Half-time: 1-0
