Brisbane Roar are back into the top six after extending their undefeated home start to 2020, defeating Adelaide United 2-1 at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
The Reds opened the scoring midway through the second half but the Roar responded soon after with Mirza Muratovic’s maiden Hyundai A-League goal
Scott McDonald had a shot blocked on the line before the ball found its way to the 20-year-old attacker who scored his first Hyundai A-League goal with a half-volley from eight-yards out.
Captain Tom Aldred completed the comeback just six minutes later, registering his first Roar goal after rising highest to head home a Scott McDonald cross from close range.
Following full-time, Aldred couldn’t wipe the smile off his face when speaking about the winner.
“As a centre-half you always delay your time up there, sometimes more than I should,” Aldred said.
“But fortunately, I was on the end of it and it’s about time I got one to be fair.
“I’m buzzing to score and obviously what it means, we get the win. Second half-I think we deserved it.”
Head Coach Robbie Fowler spoke about the sparkling second-half performance that guided the Roar to the win.
“It was just a case of reaffirming what we’ve said and what we’ve worked on. Go out there and play the way we’ve been training this week,” Fowler said post-game.
“First-half it’s just about trying to control the game and doing it the right way. It might not be to everyone’s cup to tea, people want back
and forth, we don’t really want that.
“What our players are doing is showing a lot of character and lots of belief. We give them full credit for that.”
Fowler also spoke about the impact of January signing Scott McDonald, who played a part in both the Roar’s goals.
McDonald started the attack that led to Muratovic’s goal, before recording a well-earned assist to set up the captain.
“I think Scotty has been brilliant since he came in,” Fowler continued.
“When you’ve got players on the pitch in certain areas who can demand a little bit from the players as well, that’s what we want.
“I think he’s been a fantastic signing.”
Muratovic’s 68th minute strike changed the momentum of the game and Fowler couldn’t have been prouder of the young striker’s “special” goal.
“It’s brilliant, obviously it’s his first goal and we’re delighted. But he’s earnt the goal,” he added.
“You’ve seen the performances; you’ve seen what he can bring.
“We’re delighted as a Club because getting your first goal, it’s special.”
GOALS
Adelaide United – Halloran 58’ – 0-1
Attacker Ben Halloran fires a flat half-volley into the bottom left corner from outside the box.
Brisbane Roar – Muratovic 68’ – 1-1
Muratovic gets on the end of some scrambling Roar shots to score his first A-League goal from eight-yards out.
Brisbane Roar – Aldred 74’ – 2-1
Tom Aldred gets a head onto a Scott McDonald cross to score his first Roar goal from a yard out.
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2019/20: Round 18 – Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday, 8 February
Brisbane Roar 2 (Muratovic 68’, Aldred 74’)
Adelaide United 1 (Halloran 58’)
Half-time: 0-0
Crowd: 8,945
