Brisbane Roar’s four match Isuzu UTE A-League unbeaten run was halted with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Western United at AAMI Park on Friday night.
The sides traded blows via Jay O’Shea and Daniel Penha penalties before Josh Risdon popped up with 91st minute header to snatch all three points for the hosts.
Both sides came close in a frantic first half with Nikola Mileusnic flashing a long range effort past the post at one end before Riku Danzaki and Penha forced Macklin Freke into a pair of fine saves.
The Brazilian also struck the woodwork twice while Louis Zabala had a goal ruled out by VAR by offside.
Roar drew first blood in the 69th minute when O’Shea expertly dispatched a spot-kick after Thomas Waddingham’s quick reaction on a loose Sebastian Pasquali touch drew a foul inside the area.
O’Shea’s second goal from the penalty spot in as many weeks sees the Irishman move to the top of the Roars goalscoring charts with four goals to his name after eight rounds of action.
The visitors responded quickly and found the back of the net through Penha and Michael Ruhs, although both efforts were ruled out by VAR in a sequence that saw John Aloisi reaction earn him his marching orders.
Penha finally levelled the scores with a penalty of his own in the 83rd minute after Jack Hingert was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area by the VAR.
The home side then stole all three points in second half stoppage time when Risdon rose highest to head home from a Lachlan Wales corner.
Despite Friday’s defeat Roar will retain their spot in the top six ahead of Thursday’s clash against Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
Isuzu UTE A-League Men 2023/24 – Round 8: Western United v Brisbane Roar
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Friday, 15 December
Western United – 2 (Daniel PENHA 83’, Josh RISDON 91’)
Brisbane Roar – 1 (Jay O’SHEA 69’)
