Brisbane Roar has secured its first win since the restart of the Hyundai A-League season with a 2-1 win against Melbourne Victory at Bankwest Stadium on Wednesday night.
Another electric performance from Scott McDonald was capped off with his fifth goal in as many games with Matt Ridenton also finding the back of the net for the first time in Brisbane Roar colours.
The win is Warren Moon’s first as a Hyundai A-League Head Coach with the new boss pleased with his side’s reaction after half-time.
“I was happy with the way we addressed the problems in the first half and came out in the second half – we kept the ball better, pressed them better and we got our rewards,” Moon said.
“I’m really pleased with the team performance to bounce back from the result against Adelaide. We were really positive and we deserved it.”
A tight first half provided few chances at either end before the Roar took control of the contest after the break, scoring twice in a flash.
An exquisite outside-of-the-boot cross from Bradden Inman found McDonald in the middle who made the most of his opportunity to fire the Roar into the lead.
“It’s instinct more than anything – I thought the chance had gone, but Bradders [Bradden Inman] came back with a lovely cross on the outside of his foot,” McDonald said post-match.
“Nice to get that little buffer [on the teams below on the ladder] again & great to get the first win for the manager too. It’ll be a good day in the hotel tomorrow.”
Inman’s cross was just about matched for the Roar’s second by milestone man Corey Brown who laid the ball on a dime for Ridenton who didn’t have to break stride before driving a header into the bottom corner.
Andrew Nabbout ensured a tense finish when he converted from the spot in the 86th minute but the two-goal buffer proved to be enough as the Roar reaffirmed their finals credentials.
The result sees Brisbane hold its spot in fourth spot and are now knocking down the door of the top two with two matches to play against the league’s top sides.
Moon’s side now have a week to prepare for a blockbuster clash against Wellington Phoenix at Bankwest Stadium next Wednesday night (7:30pm kick-off).
GOALS
Brisbane Roar – McDonald 56′ – 0-1
Bradden Inman picks out Scott McDonald with an inch-perfect cross before the striker beats Matt Acton with a downward header from close range.
Brisbane Roar – Ridenton 78′ – 0-2
In his 100th game for the Club, Corey Brown picks out Matt Ridenton with a wicked cross before the Kiwi heads home to double the lead.
Melbourne Victory – Nabbout 86′ – 1-2
Andrew Nabbout finishes from the spot after being fouled inside the area.
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2019/20: Melbourne Victory vs Brisbane Roar
Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta
Wednesday, 29 July
Melbourne Victory 1 (Nabbout 86′ pen.)
Brisbane Roar 2 (McDonald 56′, Ridenton 78′)
Half-time: 0-1
