Head Coach Robbie Fowler has enjoyed the perfect start to life as Brisbane Roar Head Coach with his side securing a 2-0 victory over defending Hyundai A-League Champions Sydney FC on Wednesday night.
Goals either side of half time from Stefan Mauk and Jay O’Shea at Leichhardt Oval were enough to secure the Roar’s passage through the FFA Cup Round of 32 for the first time since 2014.
Speaking post-match, Fowler said he was absolutely delighted with his side’s showing as they handed Sydney FC their first ever Round of 32 defeat.
“I think everyone involved did a great job, we were magnificent tonight, we are a new team as we said before the game,” Fowler said post-match.
“Everything that we’ve learned, everything that we’ve done in pre season, we’ve done it tonight. I’m so, so chuffed.
“The fitness levels were really good and we’ve defended magnificently, we’ve just beaten an unbelievable team in Sydney.
“You can’t ask much more, our lads have given everything and they should be rightly proud of what they’ve done tonight because they’ve beaten an unbelievable team,” Fowler said.
The Head Coach added his side wouldn’t be getting ahead of themselves as they now prepare for a Round of 16 clash against Central Coast Mariners at home.
“We know we’ve got a good bunch of lads that are always going to work for each other. We know that it’s only one game and there’s still a lot of work to be done and plenty of games to be had,” Fowler continued.
“We’ll enjoy this but we’ll be back on the training park and preparing for the next game as well as we can
GOALS
Brisbane Roar – Mauk 41’ – 0-1
Mauk opens his account for the Roar with his deflected strike finding the back of the net after some delightful work in the build up from O’Shea.
Brisbane Roar – O’Shea 47’ – 0-2
O’Donovan’s ball from the right is well left by Inman into the path of O’Shea who buries a powerful strike into the roof of the net.
STORY OF THE GAME
- Nine players make their competitive debut for the Club as a new-look Brisbane Roar side secure victory of the defending Hyundai A-League Champions in Robbie Fowler’s first match in charge.
- BRFC Academy member Jordan Courtney-Perkins becomes the Roar’s youngest ever player aged 16 years, nine months.
- An airtight shift from the Roar’s defensive unit sees the side keep just their second ever FFA Cup clean sheet.
MATCH DETAILS
FFA Cup Round of 32: Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Tuesday, 6 August
Sydney FC 0
Brisbane Roar 2 (Mauk 41’, O’Shea 47’)
Half-time: 0-1
Crowd: 2,350
Photos: Speed Media/Getty Images
