A hard-fought 4-2 win over Wynnum Wolves has seen Brisbane Roar continue their unbeaten run in the 2011 pre-season.
Wynnum threatened to derail Brisbane-s impressive run of results with a strong first half performance but the visitors proved too strong and managed to overcome the challenge set by the Brisbane Premier League leaders in the match-s final stages.
The Sam Saif-coached side heaped the pressure on the Roar backline right from the outset with goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos finding himself busier than usual in his role between the sticks.
The Wolves- constant menace in front of goal soon reaped deserved rewards, finding themselves 1-0 up after just 16 minutes of play.
A challenge in the box was deemed illegal by referee Adam Kersey and after pointing to the spot, Wynnum-s trusty centre-half Patrick Hopkins stepped up to the challenge, sending Theoklitos the wrong way to give his side a shock early lead.
However, their slim advantage was short-lived and when faced with a penalty of their own after German midfielder Thomas Broich was fouled on the edge of the area, Brisbane-s Mitch Nichols coolly converted.
The Roar quickly doubled their goal tally on the back of a swift, passing movement that was engineered in the midfield – the ball was passed out wide to Shane Stefanutto, the defender whipping a telling cross into the penalty box where it was met cleanly with the foot of in-form Nick Fitzgerald.
While the Hyundai A-League champions were impressing in the final third, an uncharacteristic defensive mix-up on the half-hour mark brought the score line to 2-2 with Wolves marksman Kado Aoci quick to pounce on the loose ball in front of goal.
The second half performance from Ange Postecoglou-s men was more convincing and striker James Meyer soon restored his side-s lead 15 minutes after the break, showing composure to calmly slot past Wolves custodian Michael Pike.
Defender Matt Jurman confirmed the win for Brisbane after finding the back of the net in the 72nd minute – his first goal for the club since making the switch from Sydney FC earlier this year.
Wynnum Wolves 2 (Patrick HOPKINS 16-, Kado AOCI 30-)
Brisbane Roar 4 (Mitch NICHOLS 22-, Nick FITZGERALD 26-, James MEYER 59-, Matt JURMAN 72-)
