An ‘unacceptable’ first-half proved key in a disappointing night for the Roar in Sydney, beaten 5-1 by defending champions Sydney FC.
Two goals from Adam Le Fondre & another from Milos Ninkovic had the Sky Blues three goals to the good at the break, before two more goals for the hosts and a consolation strike from Roy O’Donovan rounded out the scoring late in the second half.
Head Coach Robbie Fowler said the first half performance was simply unacceptable.
“It’s a real wake up call for us. When you’re playing against top quality players, which we were tonight, if you’re not on song, it’s going to be a long night,” Fowler said.
“The first 45 minutes just wasn’t acceptable. In the second half, we put up a little bit of a fight, we had a much better attitude but we got done on two counters.
“It’s our job to pick the lads up & go again. It’s a real eye opener for us, we know where we need to be at.”
TICKETS: Our first ever meeting with Western United
The Roar return to Brisbane for the final home game of 2019 next Friday night in the first ever meeting against newcomers Western United at Suncorp Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Round 9: Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Saturday, 7 December
Sydney FC 5 (Le Fondre 7′, 42′, 89′, Ninkovic 25′, Buhagiar 86′
Brisbane Roar 1 (O’Donovan 90+5′ (pen.))
Half-time: 3-0
