Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory played out an action-packed 3-3 draw in their Foxtel National Youth League clash at Goodwin Park on Saturday afternoon.
Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory played out an action-packed 3-3 draw in their Foxtel National Youth League clash at Goodwin Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Roar came back from 2-0 at half time and 3-1 midway through the second half to nearly snatch a win thanks to a couple of gilt-edged chances for striker Brandon Borrello in the dying stages of the match.
Victory’s first half dominance was reflected with a two-goal lead, as Andrew Nabbout scored with less than two minutes gone, and James Karvelis doubled their advantage midway through the term.
Brisbane fought back in an entertaining second half, scoring three times, through Jaiden Walker, Mitchell Hore and Jai Ingham, to Victory’s one goal, scored by Nabbout.
Victory swept forward with precision after just a minute and a half and found the back of the net through Nabout, who finished the move with calm authority.
They continued to peg the hosts back, and Christopher Cristaldo forced a sensational save from Roar custodian Matt Acton with a drilled shot from a tight angle.
Acton had to make another diving save soon after, as Jesse Makarounas fired in a dangerous free kick from optimum range.
Excellent close control from the Victory’s Jimmy Jeggo helped him created a one-on-one chance for himself, but his low shot skidded just wide of the post.
The visitors’ second goal came after 25 minutes, when giant defender Karvelis’ attempt on goal in a crowded box was deflected past Acton.
Roar showed signs of a fightback late in the first term, and Borrello smacked a long distance shot against the crossbar just before the break.
Brisbane hit back early in the second term through Walker, who arrived in the box late following a corner to loft a cheeky ball over Thomas and halve the deficit.
Nabbout streaked into the acres of space afforded him down the left, then finished coolly past Acton for his second goal of the afternoon.
Within minutes, though, Brisbane were level, as first Hore cracked in a well-taken goal, then Ingham joined the scorers’ list after being set up by Patrick Theodore.
A sharp Thomas save low and to his right and an offside call denied a Borrello a dramatic late winner for the Roar.
Brisbane Roar 3 (Jaiden Walker 53′, Mitchell Hore 71′, Jai Ingham 74′)
Melbourne Victory 3 (Andrew Nabbout 2′, 68′, James Karvelis 25′)
Brisbane Roar: 1. Matt Acton (gk), 2. Diogo Ferreira, 3. Jordon Lampard (14. Jaiden Walker 35), 4. James Donachie, Lachlan Jackson, 6. Benjamin Liftin (c) (12. Mitchell Hore 60) , 7. Shannon Brady (15. Sam Cronin 60), 8. Patrick Theodore, 9. Brandon Borrello, Devante Clut, Jai Ingham
Melbourne Victory: 3. Milos Ridesic, 4. James Karvelis (12. Anthony Duzel 60) , 5. Dylan Murnane, 6. Jimmy Jeggo, 7. Christopher Cristaldo (10. John Buceto 60) , 8. Luc Jeggo (c) (11. Anthony Proia 60), 9. Jesse Makarounas, 13. Andrew Nabbout, 15. Rashid Mahazi, 16. Scott Galloway, 20. Lawrence Thomas (gk)
