Brandon Borrello’s first Hyundai A-League goal has not been enough to end Brisbane Roar’s losing run, beaten 3-1 by Melbourne City at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
The substitute halved an early 2-0 deficit in the second half but a late City third killed the comeback and extended the hosts’ winless streak to four.
City jumped to a stunning start inside the opening 10 minutes with quickfire goals from David Williams and Mate Dugandzic forcing an uphill battle for the reigning champions.
Dugandzic was the architect of the opener, teeing up Williams for a tidy close-range finish in the 8th minute, before striding away himself two minutes later and firing inside the near post.
Luke Brattan had earlier tested Andrew Redmayne from distance and Steven Lustica followed-up in the 18th minute, forcing a one-handed save from the former Brisbane ‘keeper.
Lustica had another chance later in the half from Thomas Broich’s skilful set-up, but a shot straight at Redmayne meant it remained 2-0 at the break.
Returning midfielder Matt McKay came within inches of pulling one back just after the restart when his well-struck volley was cleared off the line, before trying again minutes later.
A third effort in the 67th minute proved fruitful for the Socceroo as his shot from just inside the area was miraculously headed in by Borrello.
Brisbane piled on the pressure after making it 2-1 but another substitute ultimately settled the match with City’s Marc Marino sliding home the winner from a James Brown-led counter attack in the 83rd minute.
Mike Mulvey’s men next face consecutive trips away to meet Newcastle Jets on Friday night and Melbourne Victory in Round 7.
Brisbane Roar 1 (Brandon BORRELLO 67’)
Melbourne City 3 (David WILLIAMS 8′, Mate DUGANDZIC 10′, Marc MARINO 83′)
Hyundai A-League Round 5 2014/15 season
Saturday, 8 November at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Referee: Kris Griffiths-Jones
Brisbane Roar: 2. Matthew SMITH (c), 3. Shane STEFANUTTO, 8. Steven LUSTICA (7. Mensur KURTISHI 80’), 10. HENRIQUE, 13. Jade NORTH, 17. Matt McKAY, 18. Luke BRATTAN, 19. Jack HINGERT (15. James DONACHIE 46’), 21. Jamie YOUNG (gk), 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Dimitri PETRATOS (28. Brandon BORRELLO 46’).
Substitutes not used: 12. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO, 30. Matt ACTON (gk)
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil
Melbourne City: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 3. Robbie WIELAERT, 5. Erik PAARTALU, 6. Aaron MOOY, 7. Iain RAMSAY, 11. Damien DUFF, 15. David WILLIAMS (26. Marc MARINO 75’), 17. Jason HOFFMAN, 18. Paulo RETRE (25. Jacob MELLING, 23. Mate DUGANDZIC (14. James BROWN 69’), 24. Patrick KISNORBO (c).
Substitutes not used: 20. Tando VELAPHI (gk), 27. Ross ARCHIBALD.
Yellow cards: 18. Paulo RETRE (20’), 25. Jacob MELLING (66’), 23. Mate DUGANDZIC (78’)
Red cards: Nil
