A late Bradden Inman strike & a Save of the Season contender from Jamie Young has earned the Roar a share of the points with the Jets in Newcastle on Saturday evening.
The Roar trailed through Dimitri Petratos’ first-half goal through to the 87th minute before Inman’s maiden Hyundai A-League goal drew the sides level before the defending Gary Wilkins Medallist ensured that scoreline remained.
Despite copping friendly fire after coming off his line to clear an initial cross, Young quickly sprung to his feet & regathered before soaring to his left to deny what would have been a decisive goal-bound header.
“I knew the ball wasn’t clear, so you just have to get on with it – that’s part of the parcel of football,” Young said post-match.
The Roar dominated possession throughout the contest, coming agonisingly close to breaching the Jets defences before a rocket of a strike from Inman on the cusp of second-half stoppage time handed the visitors a deserved equaliser.
“It was kind of instinct… Aiden [O’Neill] played me through and lucky it went off the bar and in. It was a good strike from me,” Inman said post-match.
“I knew we’re 1-0 down and with time running down… it’s just one of those things I just went with the instinct.
“We thought we dominated the game. Being a good behind it’s good to take a point, but looking back, we thought we were the stronger team.”
The fixture was highlighted pre-game by a return to Hyundai A-League action for Jack Hingert after a nine-month injury lay-off, as well as senior debut for in-form Young Roar striker Mirza Muratovic.
Speaking post-match, Head Coach Robbie Fowler says his side had the better of the contest while heaping praise on his young debutant.
“I thought we were by far the better team & thank goodness we got the equaliser, which I thought was coming,” Fowler said.
“Mirz was brilliant – it was exactly why we brought him in. He brought us into play and he was pivotal in our goal too – he was brilliant.”
The Roar return to New South Wales on Wednesday for a New Year’s Day clash with the Wanderers at Bankwest Stadium (6:30pm KO QLD time).
GOALS
Newcastle Jets – Petratos 32′ – 1-0
Jamie Young saves the initial effort from Hoffman but Petratos follows up & finishes with a powerful shot.
Brisbane Roar – Inman 87 – 1-1
On the second touch, Bradden Inman fires a rocket off the underside of the bar to draw the sides level.
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2019/20 – Round 12: Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Saturday, 28 December
Newcastle Jets 1 (Petratos 32′)
Brisbane Roar 1 (Inman 87′)
Half-time: 1-0
