Brisbane Roar’s six match unbeaten run has come to an end after two penalties in a matter of minutes saw Macarthur come from behind to topple Michael Valkanis’ men, 2-1 in Campbelltown.
The evening began with a delayed start of over an hour due to lightning in the area and once the match kicked off in rainy conditions, it was the Roar who started fast with two quick chances in the opening five minutes for Chris Long and Jay O’Shea, however neither could find the back of the net.
Chances continued to fall for the Roar off the back of excellent pressing midway through the first half however it was here that the Bulls fought back into the contest, creating a pair of half chances but Roar stood tall to deny them both times.
Neither side could muster up a chance for the remainder of the half with both sides heading to the sheds level.
Roar once again started fast in the second half and beautiful passing move three minutes into play saw Justin Vidic lay off an inch perfect pass to the oncoming Matthew Dench, who on his debut for the club, slotted the ball past Filip Kurto and wheeled away in celebration.
Despite dominating, the Roar offered Bulls the chance to come back into the match after Lucas Herrington fouled Bernardo in the area and it was Harry Sawyer who subsequently slotted the penalty, drawing the Bulls level.
Incredibly, five minutes later Bulls were awarded another penalty after Noah Maieroni brought down Harrison Sawyer who again slotted the eventual spot kick, completely turning the contest on its head.
Roar pushed hard to bring themselves back into the match however it wasn’t meant to be for the boys who ultimately handed the Bulls the three points on the evening.
The squad will now have 11 days to prepare for an away trip to Central Coast Mariners on New Years Eve.
