Brisbane Roar has reaffirmed their spot inside the Hyundai A-League’s top six with a crucial victory over Western United in the Club’s maiden trip to Ballarat’s Mars Stadium on Sunday.
Mirza Muratovic’s impact off the bench in the second half proved to be decisive as the young striker scored his second goal in as many weeks just nine minutes after entering the contest in what proved to be the game’s only goal.
Bradden Inman pounced on a mistake from the home side, taking the ball forward to the edge of the box before laying it off for a tidy finish from the 20-year-old from near the penalty spot.
“I’m really happy with how I’ve played. I’ve come on and made a big impact,” Muratovic said.
“We’ve put a good shift in, we worked all the way to the 90 minutes and I’m just happy to contribute to the team. It’s an awesome feeling, especially scoring the winning goal – it doesn’t get better than that away from home.
“The fans that have come out, they were a massive support for us. Taking points away from home is obviously a big thing and I’m just really happy with that.”
Head Coach Robbie Fowler also praised a ‘professional’ performance from his side, securing back-to-back victories for the second time in 2020, but knows there’s still work to be done.
“Today was a real solid, professional performance. I don’t think anyone could’ve complained too much if it was three of four if I’m being honest,” Fowler said post-match.
“I can only take my hats off to the lads because they’ve given us everything. They’re playing really well.
“The ladder, it is what it is. There’s plenty of points and there’s plenty of games to go. We know we’ve got to keep going, keep plugging along. We’re not guaranteed anything.”
For the second week in a row, the second-half introduction of Muratovic proved crucial with Fowler heralding the BRFC Academy product’s impact.
“It’s brilliant. He came on last week and notched a goal,” Fowler continued.
“This is what we want when we make substitutions we make them not for the sake of it, we want them to come in and change the game and have a real impact and he’s done that.
“What he’s done, he’s obviously given me a little bit of a selection headache.”
A third clean sheet from the last five games also saw the Roar’s work off the ball earn the Head Coach’s praise.
“I think any manager will tell you, you always want clean sheets.
The Roar return home to Queensland next Sunday, taking on Perth Glory at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium. Get your tickets HERE
GOALS
Brisbane Roar – Muratovic 61’ – 0-1
Inman finds Muratovic on the break inside the box, who converts with a tidy finish with his second in as many weeks.
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2019/20: Round 19 – Western United v Brisbane
Mars Stadium, Ballarat
Sunday, 16 February
Western United 0
Brisbane Roar: 1 (Muratovic 61’)
Half-time: 0-0
