Akbari, Hore on target as Roar overcome in-form Phoenix

Rahmat Akbari and Henry Hore scored their second and third goals of the season respectively to help Brisbane Roar to a gutsy 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.

Akbari celebrated his Afghanistan national team call-up with an astute header to open the scoring in just the seventh minute, only for the Phoenix to battle back and eventually equalise through Gary Hooper.

But, on a day designed to lift spirits and raise funds following the floods, Brisbane rose to the challenge and responded in quick fashion through the substitute Hore, who enhanced his growing reputation with a determined and well-taken winner.

Ryo Wada also impressed on his Isuzu UTE A-League debut while Jordan Holmes and the back three of Scott Neville, Tom Aldred and the returning Kai Trewin all performed excellently to see the hosts through a tense final 15 minutes.

Warren Moon’s men have now won three in a row at Moreton Daily Stadium and will look to continue the momentum into next weekend’s trip to Perth, with another home fixture to follow against Melbourne City on Wednesday, 23 March.

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GOALS

Brisbane Roar | Rahmat Akbari (7′)

Jay O’Shea sets up a crossing opportunity for Wada and the new man gets it exactly right, measuring a perfect ball into the box which Akbari meets with an equally superb header.

Wellington Phoenix | Gary Hooper (72′)

Wellington send a corner to the far post, where Scott Wootton is stationed. His header is nodded on by Jaushua Sotirio and then into the net at close range by Hooper.

Brisbane Roar | Henry Hore (76′)

Reward for the Roar’s patient build-up. Trewin feeds Hore, who knocks the ball forward, keeps running and collects a brilliant back-heel from Jesse Daley. The forward’s first-time, left-footed strike is saved by Oliver Sail but he rifles home the rebound.