Australia Cup report: Austin impresses as Roar reach Round of 16

Charlie Austin supplied two assists on his starting debut as Brisbane Roar advanced beyond the Australia Cup Round of 32 with a 3-1 win over Heidelberg United in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Handed a first competitive appearance after his Queensland Champions Cup cameo against Aston Villa, Austin immediately proved his class with a delightful flick-on for Rahmat Akbari’s second-minute opener at Olympic Village.

The former Premier League striker further demonstrated the value he’ll bring to Brisbane this season when he intelligently headed Jack Hingert’s cross into the path of Henry Hore, who slammed home a quickfire response to Heidelberg’s short-lived second-half equaliser.

Nikola Mileusnić wrapped up the win for Warren Moon’s men with a stunning free-kick in the 88th minute, putting any chance of an upset to bed and confirming the Roar’s place in the Round of 16.

GOALS

Brisbane Roar | Rahmat Akbari (2′)

Jay O’Shea’s ball forward to Austin is expertly helped around the corner by the striker, enabling Akbari to spear a superb finish into the bottom right corner from the edge of the area.

Heidelberg United | Kosta Petratos (57′)

Adjudged to have been brought down in the box by Connor Chapman, Petratos steps up and converts from the penalty spot.

Brisbane Roar | Henry Hore (59′)

Hingert works hard to get forward on the left flank and gathers up O’Shea’s raking cross-field pass. The full-back looks up and floats a cross to the far post, which Austin nods back across goal. Hore is on hand to slam home the volley not long after coming on as a substitute.

Brisbane Roar | Nikola Mileusnić (88′)

Mileusnić has one thing in mind from 30 yards out, lining up the free-kick and hitting a brilliant knuckleball effort which whistles over the ball and inside the left post.