A lightning-fast start was the cornerstone of a thrilling 5-2 win for Brisbane Roar over Melbourne Victory at Dolphin Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Three goals in the first 19 minutes, one of from each of the attackers in Dylan Wenzel-Halls, Riku Danzaki and Scott McDonald, sent another excellent crowd into delirium barely before they had time to settle into their seats.
Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio snuck a goal back for the visitors against the run of play but the three-goal margin was quickly restored by McDonald who rose highest to meet an in-swinging Corey Brown corner, doubling his tally for the afternoon and very nearly leading to his third late in the contest.
In the final minute of the first half, Brisbane conceded a free kick on the edge of the area which Jake Brimmer duly dispatched, sending the teams into the break at 4-2.
Five minutes into the second stanza, Macaulay Gillesphey intercepted a loose pass, pushed down the left flank and put the ball on a platter for Danzaki to double his tally.
Asked about whether it was his intention to go for an early lead, Head Coach Warren Moon instead stated, “We don’t emphasise quick starts, but we emphasise performance; playing well. Again tactically going into the game you want to find ways to expose the opposition or hurt them.”
“Whether it was a quick start or not, which was great, it was what we were doing with the ball to open them up and cause them problems which was the most pleasing thing.”
More homegrown Queensland talent earned their opportunity under Warren Moon with Josh Brindell-South and Keegan Jelacic, making their club and A-League debuts respectively.
Always good to celebrate a big win with the fans ?⚫️ #ForTheCrest pic.twitter.com/5GO06S3eXs
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) February 6, 2021
Confidence is clearly flowing through the Roar squad who next face a rescheduled fixture at home on Tuesday night against newcomers Macarthur FC at what is fast become a dreaded venue for opposition sides.
“I’ve said this before and the players agree, we love playing here [at Dolphin Stadium], love being here, it’s just a great atmosphere” Moon gushed.
“I don’t know if you feel it in the stands but down here on the pitch level the atmosphere is great, the noise is great, the stadium looks great and we’re putting on some attractive football for the fans to cheer about.”
GOALS
Brisbane Roar – Wenzel-Halls 9’ 1-0
Danzaki adds another quality assist to his highlight reel with a clever through ball which Wenzel-Halls drills home for his fifth goal in four matches.
Brisbane Roar – McDonald 14’ – 2-0
A deep cross from the left is poorly headed clear allowing McDonald time to spectacularly smash the ball home with a soaring outside-of-the-foot finish.
Brisbane Roar – Danzaki 17’ – 3-0
Brown wins possession close to the byeline then crosses in a ball which the defence fail to clear. Danzaki can’t miss and doesn’t, neatly flicking the ball high into the net.
Melbourne Victory – 3-1 – 19’ Lawrie-Lattanzio
Against the run of play, Adama Traore gets outside the Roar back three and squares the ball for Lawrie-Lattanzio to score with the merest of touches.
Brisbane Roar – McDonald 35’ – 4-1
Brown turns provider once again with a luscious corner from the left presenting McDonald with the opportunity to prove his versatility with a booming headed goal.
Melbourne Victory – Brimmer 45+5’ – 4-2
Roar concede a free kick inside the D. Jake Brimmer steps up to calmly curl the ball around the wall, leaving Jamie Young stranded on his line.
Brisbane Roar – Danzaki 49’ – 5-2
Gillesphey creates a timely interception and demonstrates his attacking credentials with an inch perfect ball for Danzaki to slide in and score at the far post.
MATCH DETAILS
A-League 2020/21 Matchweek 7: Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne Victory
Dolphin Stadium, Redcliffe
Saturday, 4 February
Brisbane Roar 5 (Wenzel-Halls 9’, McDonald 14’, 35’, Danzaki 17’, 49’)
Melbourne Victory 2 (Lawrie-Lattanzio 19’, Brimmer 45+5’)
Half-time: 4-2
Crowd: 8,847
