Brisbane Roar has rounded out its Hyundai A-League regular season with a hotly-contested point against premiers Sydney FC in Newcastle on Monday night.
A goal apiece in the opening half proved to be the extent of the scoring in a tight contest in which both sides created chances to take all three points with both goalkeepers playing a key role.
Head Coach Warren Moon says his side will take plenty of positives from the clash ahead of its final finals fixture in a fortnight’s time.
“We went in to tonight knowing finals was secured & we wanted to progress as a side & in what we’re trying to do. We certainly got that & everyone played their part,” Moon said.
“It wasn’t about holding them [Sydney FC], we wanted to put a marker down about how we wanted to play and build confidence heading in to finals – that’s what pleased us most tonight.”
Dylan Wenzel-Halls got his name on the scoresheet for the first time since January, polishing off a delightful ball from Jay O’Shea with a collected finish early in the first half.
The 22-year-old’s goal would be ruled out later in the half, but the young striker was pleased with both his own & the whole squad’s showing against the premiers.
“I think we had lots of chances, we pushed Sydney all the way – they’re the premiers for a reason. It’s a positive performance & we’ll take lots of positives into the finals,” Wenzel-Halls said.
“The past few weeks I’ve been getting there – tonight I thought was a good shift & I’m happy to get the goal. It’s been coming & if I can take confidence into the finals, I’m sure I’ll do well for the team.
Jamie Young was in inspired form at the other end of the park. Just hours after being named in last round’s Team of the Week, the defending Gary Wilkins Medallist pulled off a number of strong saves to keep the Sky Blues at bay, none more impressive than a string of three consecutive saves late in the second half.
“Youngy is unbelievable, he does that week in, week out at training,” Wenzel-Halls added.
The Roar now face a wait to find out where they’ll place on the Hyundai A-League ladder ahead of its first finals campaign since the 2017/18 season.
GOALS
Brisbane Roar – Wenzel-Halls 11′ – 1-0
Jay O’Shea plays a perfectly-weighted ball for Dylan Wenzel-Halls who times his run well before finishing delicately past Redmayne.
Sydney FC – Ivanovic 40′ – 1-1
Luke Ivanovic has time to compose himself before curling a shot inside the far post.
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2019/20: Brisbane Roar vs Sydney FC
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Monday, 10 August
Brisbane Roar 1 (Wenzel-Halls 11′)
Sydney FC 1 (Ivanovic 40′)
Half-time: 1-1
