A first-half penalty from Sergio van Dijk cancelled out Labinot Haliti’s opener to share the spoils after a dominant second-half performance from Brisbane drew few clear-cut opportunities.

The match got off to a lively start as the Jets showed their eagerness with two half-chances inside the first five minutes.

Matt Thompson screwed a shot wide before Haliti latched onto a clever flick from Michael Bridges but could only hit the ball straight at Griffin McMaster from a tight angle.

On 22 minutes McMaster had more work to do, reacting quickly to keep Adam D’Apuzzo’s out of the net after the ball deflected off Ivan Franjic.

The signs were worrying for the Roar and things got worse 10 minutes later when Haliti climbed high to head the Jets into the lead from a Bridges cross.

However, the lead lasted just four minutes, with D’Apuzzo handling in the area to gift the hosts a penalty, which van Dijk neatly tucked away.

Minutes before the interval van Dijk nearly found the lead when he towered above the Jets defence to meet a Tommy Oar cross and forced Ben Kennedy into a fingertip save.

The teams continued their measured approach in the second half, but it meant little in the way of goal-mouth action, with neither ‘keeper breaking a sweat until a long-range effort from Danny Tiatto on 57 minutes kept Kennedy on his toes.

Five minutes later the Jets ‘keeper was late to punch a Tiatto cross but the ball eluded everyone else in the box and went harmlessly over the line for a goal kick.

Up the other end, Jin-Hyung Song was happy to take pot-shots from the edge of the area, first blasting a shot over the bar and then sending a low drive wide of the mark.

The Roar returned fire through van Dijk, the Dutchman getting on the end of some nice play between Oar and Mitch Nichols but his right-footer was comfortable for Kennedy.

The game opened up in the final minutes as both teams looked for a winner, but with defenders from both sides winning the crucial battles the match ended in a stalemate.

Brisbane boss Ange Postecoglou was frustrated to leave with a point after watching his team control large portions of the match.

“We certainly had enough of the ball and we moved it quite well,” he said.

“In the front third we got some good combinations but just our final pass sometimes let us down and I thought if we were a little bit sharper around the box we could’ve created some more opportunities.”

However, Postecoglou said he remained “super positive” about the Roar’s season despite the result and hoped the team could build on the draw.

“We’ve got to go to Adelaide super positive try and get a result there too and then hopefully after the break we get some players to come back in (from injury).”

Brisbane Roar 1 (Labinot Haliti 32’)
Newcastle Jets 1 (Sergio van Dijk (pen.) 36’)

Brisbane Roar: 20. Griffin McMaster (gk), 2. Andrew Packer, 3. Luke DeVere, 4. Craig Moore (c), 9. Sergio van Dijk, 15. Matt McKay, 17. Mitch Nichols, 18. Danny Tiatto (29. Mario Karlovic 72’), 19. Isaka Cernak, 21. Tommy Oar, 27. Ivan Franjic.

Unused substitutes: 30. Matt Acton (gk), 5. Josh McCloughan, 6. David Dodd.

Yellow cards: nil.

Red cards: nil.

Newcastle Jets: 1. Ben Kennedy (gk), 2. Angelo Costanzo, 3. Adam D’Apuzzo, 4. Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 6. Ben Kantarovski, 7. Jin-Hyung Song, 8. Matt Thompson (c) (12. Jobe Wheelhouse 69’), 11. Tarek Elrich, 14. Michael Bridges (22. Kaz Patafta 76’), 17. Fabio Vignaroli, 25. Labinot Haliti (9. Sasho Petrovski 80’).

Unused substitutes: 20. Neil Young (gk).

Yellow cards: Adam D’Apuzzo 35’, Ben Kantarovski 63’.

Red cards: nil.

Referee: Chris Beath.

Crowd: 7509 at Suncorp Stadium.

*Extracted from brisbaneroar.com.au

Brisbane’s players left nothing on the pitch in another hard-fought encounter between the two sides, but could not quite find the goal to give them a much deserved point on the road.

The match started in a cagey fashion, which was probably to be expected given Brisbane fielded another new look side due to injury and suspension.

The Roar certainly had some good early opportunities, but the passing in the final third let the away side down just as they looked to have created a clear opening.

Sergio van Dijk and Reinaldo both had shots from distance in the opening 15 minutes, but both pull their efforts wide of the goal.

Mitch Nichols was next to threaten when he had a goal-bound effort blocked in the box after working himself half a gap to fire off a shot.

The young midfielder then forced a smart save from Sydney goalkeeper Clint Bolton when he got himself in front of his defender to meet a quality Tommy Oar cross and arrowed his effort towards the bottom corner.

The action then moved directly to the other end of the park where Griffin McMaster took his his first part in the match with a good low save from a Karol Kisel thunderbolt from distance.

The young Roar side were certainly on top with Oar flashing a shot centimetres wide of Bolton’s upright just past the halfway mark of the opening stanza.

McMaster then came to the rescue of the away side as Sydney broke with pace a minute later.

Mark Bridge found the ball at his feet in the box, as Luke DeVere failed to clear the danger, but McMaster had the powerful effort well covered.

Sydney immediately when close again, this time McMaster was beaten as Alex Brosque headed just wide of the goal.

The home side were turning the screws on Brisbane as they took control of the match.

Gradually Brisbane worked their way back into the contest and the match flowed from end-to-end, but while there were opportunities for both sides neither goalkeeper was called into action.

Despite a highly entertaining first half, the sides went to the break locked at 0-0.

Brisbane opened the second stanza in sluggish fashion as Sydney pushed forward looking for the opener but the Roar backline stood firm in the face of some impressive pressure.

The Roar’s injury woes continued with Reinaldo forced from the field with a hamstring injury after 53 minutes.

The home side took the lead two minutes later when Sydney’s persistence around the box was rewarded with right-foot strike from Brosque which curled into the bottom corner of the net.

Brisbane continued to battle manfully in the face of the one-goal deficit, but as in the first half lacked the killer pass in the attacking third of the park.

In a positive for Roar coach Ange Postecoglou, defender Andrew Packer made his long-awaited return to the first team following his adductor injury suffered in the opening round against Gold Coast United.

However, the Roar were further behind on 69 minutes when Kisel smashed the ball home following a cross-field pass from Brosque.

But showing the fighting spirit demanded by their coach during the week, Isaka Cernak scored his first goal in the Hyundai A-League to claw Brisbane back into the contest three minutes later.

Oar, as he had done all match, delivered a quality ball into the box and Cernak beat Sung-Hwan Byun to the cross to guide the ball past Bolton.

Brisbane rode their luck in the closing stages with John Aloisi – on as a substitute – missing a golden opportunity to head his side further in front.

The luck Brisbane had at one end didn’t transfer to the other when DeVere went agonisingly close to heading the Roar level from an Oar corner.

Postecoglou’s men continued to ask serious questions of the Sydney defence in the final stages of the match, launching waves of attacks.

With the final kick of the game, Ivan Franjic had the chance to grab a late point for Brisbane, but his tired effort was cleared off the line to leave the Roar frustrated.

Post-match Postecoglou lauded the intensity, desire, discipline and effort of his players.

“When players give you the effort they gave tonight, it gives you a buzz,” Postecoglou said.

“I was super proud. The boys have now set themselves a standard they have to match every week.”

Sydney FC (Alex BROSQUE 55’, Karol KISEL 69’)

Brisbane Roar (Isaka CERNAK 72’)

Sunday, 25 October 2009

Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

Referee: Matthew BREEZE

Sydney FC line-up: 1. Clint BOLTON, 2. Sebastian RYALL, 4. Simon COLOSIMO, 6. Karol KISEL (17. Matthew JURMAN 90+1’), 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 10. Steve CORICA (capt)( 9. John ALOISI 61’), 12. Shannon COLE, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry McFLYNN, 19. Mark BRIDGE (23. Rhyan GRANT81’), 22. Sung-Hwan BYUN.

Substitutes not used: 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk),

Yellow Cards: Sung-Hwan BYUN (90+5’)

Red Cards: Nil

Brisbane Roar line-up: 20. Griffin McMASTER, 3. Luke DEVERE, 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN (capt), 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 11. REINALDO (19. Isaka CERNAK 53’), 12. Matt MUNDY (2. Andrew PACKER 66’), 15. Matt McKAY, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 21. Tommy OAR, 27. Ivan FRANJIC, 29. Mario KARLOVIC

Substitutes not used: 6. David DODD, 40. Vedran JANJETOVIC (gk)

Yellow Cards: Andrew PACKER (77’)

Red Cards: Nil

New coach Ange Postecoglou watched from the stands as the Roar dominated large spells of the match in terms of possession but never recovered after copping two goals inside the first 18 minutes.

The home team found themselves chasing the game after just four minutes, when a Dean Heffernan cross was headed back across goal by Matt Simon and the ball bounced invitingly off Bob Malcolm for Nicky Travis to steer home.

Five minutes later Brisbane were desperately unlucky not to net an equaliser, Danny Vukovic just tipping Sergio van Dijk’s header onto the bar after a pinpoint cross from Tommy Oar.

However, things got worse for the Roar on 18 minutes with John Hutchinson slaloming through the defence to double the lead.

Again van Dijk did his best to return fire, sending a long-range left-footer flashing just past the upright.

The hosts took control of the match from that point and had a large spell of possession but struggled to create any real openings until Matt McKay nearly profited from a goalmouth scramble on 41 minutes and volleyed narrowly wide.

Two minutes into first-half stoppage time a similar chance sat up for the midfielder with the same result, leaving the Roar with plenty to do in the second period.

The home team began the second half much like they finished the first, holding the ball and searching for an opening, which Oar found on 56 minutes with a threaded through ball for David Dodd, but the shot lacked the direction and power to trouble Vukovic.

Despite all their possession, the Roar fell further behind on 70 minutes when substitute Pedj Bojic unleashed a piledriver from long range which pinged off the post and into the net, giving Griffin McMaster no chance.

Bojic was then in the right place at the right time to foil Brisbane’s attack, clearing a van Dijk header off the line.

The Roar pushed right to the end despite the deficit and created a few half-chances but remained scoreless at the full-time whistle.

Captain Craig Moore refused to make any excuses for the defeat, blaming the defeat on a slow start.

“We’re 2-0 down then all of a sudden we decide we want to play,” the Socceroo centre back lamented.

However, he added there was still plenty of hope for the team, with the squad still to be joined by a number of key players and new coach Postecoglou.

“I’m still extremely confident we can turn things around, get on a run, start picking up points and move up the table.”

Brisbane Roar head to Sydney next weekend before returning to take on the Newcastle Jets at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, October 30 at 7.30pm.

Brisbane Roar 0
Central Coast Mariners 3 (Nicky Travis 4’, John Hutchinson 18’, Pedj Bojic 70’)

Brisbane Roar: 20. Griffin McMaster (gk), 4. Craig Moore (c), 5. Josh McCloughan, 6. David Dodd (29. Mario Karlovic 79’), 9. Sergio van Dijk, 11. Reinaldo, 15. Matt McKay, 16. Bob Malcolm (3. Luke DeVere 23’), 18. Danny Tiatto (19. Isaka Cernak 70’), 21. Tommy Oar, 27. Ivan Franjic.

Unused substitutes: 30. Matt Acton (gk).

Yellow cards: Craig Moore 71’.

Red cards: nil.

Central Coast Mariners: 20. Danny Vukovic (gk), 2. Matthew Crowell, 7. John Hutchinson (6. David D’Apuzzo 80’), 8. Dean Heffernan, 14. Michael McGlinchey, 16. Nigel Boogaard, 17. Chris Doig, 18. Alex Wilkinson (c), 19. Matt Simon, 22. Nicky Travis (4. Pedj Bojic 61’), 23. Adam Kwasnik (11. Dylan Macallister 73’).

Unused substitutes: 1. Andrew Redmayne (gk).

Yellow cards: Matthew Crowell 28’, David D’Apuzzo 86’.

Red cards: nil.

Referee: Peter Green.

Crowd: 7434 at Suncorp Stadium.

Ange Postecoglu: This is the name that is being heavily tipped to get the job. The ex National Youth coach and failed Panachaiki (yeah, I’ve never heard of it either) manager. Now he is not my favourite. He failed as the youth coach with loses to teams such as Laos and a much weaker China. With Panachaiki, he lasted 8 months before getting told to go home. Now he did have some success, in the old NSL with South Melbourne. He won consecutive NSL titles in 87/98 and 98/99 as well as the Oceania Club Championship. However, the A-league is a different cup of tea and the man has no good enough experience to lead a club that has aspirations to win. He failed in his attempts with the youth team and when asked the tough question wanted to sweep it under the carpet (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6u8LoGpvKk). The man has no real direction for the club (or any clue about himself rather) and not very convincing with his style and talk. Not liked by the Roar faithful much and definitely won’t be a popular choice

John Kosmina: Has had experience in the A-league having coached Adelaide United and Sydney FC. He led Adelaide to a Minor Premiership and Grand Final loss, all more credible than Postecoglu so far. He did not have as much success with Sydney FC, but many of his players performances never helped his cause. He does have credible A-league experience and no nonsense man, someone who could put up and hopefully put straight the problem with big headed players.

Paul Okon: Assistant to Miron Bleiberg at Gold Coast United and also part of the Elite Coaching Program. While he hasn’t managed a major team as yet, he is still young. He has had stints with the Italy Olympic squad and PSV Eindhoven. That in itself speaks volumes for exposure and in learning new things to bring to a club. He is a man liked by many and would probably be welcomed with open arms by the Roar faithful. Whilst he has a lot to learn, his connection with the players is very strong and he has a very cool and level headed way of doing things.

Rado Vidosic: Been the assistant at Brisbane Roar since the start of the A-league. Was appointed Roar youth team coach last season when the youth league was inaugurated. Has been appointed caretaker manager in the interim, but should he be given his chance? He has had enough time to learn what the Roar want to achieve and where we ant to be. Not much can be said on his young coaching career, but with not much a of chance given, maybe this could be his break.

Other: This is personally my favourite option. Melbourne Heart (the newest members of the A-league from next season) have appointed Ajax Amsterdam assistant, John Von Schip as there inaugural manager. He has got be one of the biggest names to come and coach in the league. With the amount of experience he will have gained being an assistant at such a prestigious club, it can only be invaluable. The Roar may argue that they do no have enough funds, but maybe this is just what is needed to get the funds going again. A big name foreign coach with some invaluable experience would encourage the fans to come back to the stadium and spend their money. A higher quality manager could entice bigger names to come and play for the club and it will only mean more fans wanting to see them. This is the road I hope the roar take and would please many fans.

Whilst the decision is said to be made in the next 24-48 hours, im just hoping the Brisbane board do not go and stuff up everything. Maybe taking their time and getting the right man could be the best option, but its no time to start messing up our team.

Brisbane Roar is doing its mascot a great disservice. Frank Farina has been charged with second drink driving offence and indefinitely suspended by the Roar board. Danny Tiatto has been fined by the club and banned for indecent gesturing to the Melbourne crowd last week, and Charlie Miller has been banned for unsportsmanlike conduct against former Roar teammate, Robbie Kruse. Kruse noted that the club breeds fighters and no manners and that he was happy to leave the club. After watching the way some of the Roar players have been acting, I think Kruse has a point.

It seems as soon as Tiatto returns from a suspension or banning, he gets another one, and it’s for the exact same reason. Charlie Miller was noted as a quiet guy, but seems to have now turned foul as well. Farina caused his team to perform without their manager when they need him the most. It seems as if a culture of bad boys and ill repute is slowly creeping in to the club.

Frank Farina has long rejected the Roar signing a Team Manager to handle affairs such as contracts and problems with players. It seems Farina wants full control of the full team in almost every aspect. This is not good for the club. Tiatto (whilst a crowd favourite) has never learnt from his earlier indiscretion, Farina has been caught for the second time DUI, Miller is starting to show signs of naughtiness creeping in, Bob Malcolm looks ready to slit someones throat and the Roar has the worst disciplinary record in the league.

Things need to change now. The Roar is struggling financially, and we need all the help we can get. The fans have stuck by the team through thick and thin and deserve to be repaid in the correct manner. This nonsense is not acceptable and not something the fans should have to deal with. Talk is that Farina will lose his job, and if that is the case then I feel the Roar should look overseas for a replacement. Hopefully it will give us fresher ideas and newer start and also hopefully some new investors who can add some much needed money in to the club.

The players will hopefully start to play for the team and not for themselves. Mind you, some of the players are playing all for the club and the fans, but only a few are letting us down. A newer, foreign coach may also entice some foreign players to join the club which could be beneficial to our style of play. Whatever it is that happens at the club, needs to happen now. If Farina stays, all be well, if not, then it’s a time for us to rebuild. Whatever course the directors take, needs to be one in the best interests of the club. It needs to be one where everyone starts pulling their weight for the badge of Brisbane. The Lion never lets his pride succumb to danger and harm, its time the Brisbane pride ruled the jungle for once.

Despite missing a host of first-team players through injury, suspension and international duty, the home team ran the game for the most part but in the end fell to a scrappy first-half goal from Joel Porter.

The Gold Coast came out firing from the first whistle and had a great chance just five minutes in when a corner bobbled all the way to Kristian Rees at the back post, but his shot was straight Liam Reddy.

On 16 minutes Brisbane created a chance from a corner of their own, Tommy Oar finding Bob Malcom who powered his header just over the bar.

A minute later Oar drew a superb save from Jess van Strattan, taking a pass from Ivan Franjic and unleashing a thunderbolt toward the top corner from well outside the area.

Reinaldo managed to get on the end of the resulting corner, but his snatch-shot deflected just past the upright.

The visitors took the lead just after the half-hour mark, when Tahj Minniecon’s free kick to the far post deflected off Malcolm and sat up invitingly for Porter to slot the ball home.

The home team hit back three minutes later from another corner, the ball dropping again to Reinaldo, who this time volleyed just past the top corner.

Oar, enjoying a bit of space on the left flank, drew a corner with another long-range effort and then nearly set up an equaliser.

The Young Socceroos winger lifted the ball into the area where Luke DeVere beat van Strattan to the aerial ball and popped the ball up for Sergio van Dijk, but the Dutchman couldn’t keep his header down under heavy pressure from the defence.

Two minutes before the break Porter could have doubled the lead when Anderson found him with a cross from the left but the Gold Coast marksman put the ball over the bar from near the penalty spot.

The Roar then put the ball in the back of the net through van Dijk, but the goal was ruled out for an alleged foul on the goalkeeper from Mitch Nichols and the home team went into half time a goal down.

United started the second half much like they did the first, with a couple of early chances, both created by Zenon Caravella.

Michael Thwaite volleyed into the arms of Reddy after a Caravella cross, before the midfielder laid the ball to Robson in the area, only to see the Brazilian misfire well off target.

The Roar fought their way back into the contest and pushed hard for an equaliser but couldn’t create any clear-cut opportunities.

They were nearly caught on the counter in the dying stages, with Golgol Mebrahtu striking the ball against the foot of the post and out for a goal kick.

Both stand-in coach Rado Vidosic and stand-in captain Josh McCloughan praised the effort of the Brisbane players in difficult circumstances.

“I think the boys that played today gave their best and you can only congratulate them,” Vidosic said.

McCloughan said he was confident the team could get a result right up to the final whistle.

“As far as the effort from our boys, it was there,” the centre back said. “You could see they were busting a gut trying to get something out of it but that’s how it finished.”

Brisbane Roar 0
Gold Coast United 1 (Joel Porter 31’)

Brisbane Roar: 1. Liam Reddy (gk), 3. Luke DeVere, 5. Josh McCloughan (c), 9. Sergio van Dijk, 11. Reinaldo, 16. Bob Malcolm, 17. Mitch Nichols (19. Isaka Cernak 63’), 18. Danny Tiatto, 21. Tommy Oar (14. Adam Sarota 72’), 27. Ivan Franjic, 29. Mario Karlovic.

Unused substitutes: 20. Griffin McMaster (gk), 12. Matt Mundy.

Yellow cards: Josh McCloughan 41’, Mitch Nichols 62’, Matt McKay 66’, Mario Karlovic 70’.

Red cards: nil.

Gold Coast United: 1. Jess van Strattan (gk), 2. Steve Pantelidis, 3. Michael Thwaite (c), 5. Robson, 7. Zenon Caravella, 13. Bas van den Brink, 14. Joel Porter (11. Milson 61’), 15. Tahj Minniecon (26. Golgol Mebrahtu 87’), 16. Kristian Rees, 22. Adama Traore (23. Steven Fitzimmons 31’), 24. Anderson.

Unused substitutes: 20. Scott Higgins (gk).

Yellow cards: Steven Fitzsimmons 75’.

Red cards: nil.

Referee: Ben Williams.

Crowd: 8882 at Suncorp Stadium.

TV and Radio: Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2. To purchase tickets visit www.ticktek.com.au

Analysis:
Gold Coast, which began the season full of momentum with their win over Brisbane in Round 1, have run a little out of steam in the past month having gone four matches without a win. They face another massive task this week, travelling up the Pacific Motorway to take on Brisbane without two of their biggest stars.

Jason Culina and Shane Smeltz are both on international duty with Australia and New Zealand respectively and those two were a major part of the win over Brisbane in the season-opener. But Brisbane have their own worries with unavailable players, with Craig Moore also on Qantas Socceroos duties while Charlie Miller, David Dodd and Danny Tiatto are suspended for this match. Henrique, Roar’s discovery of the season so far, will miss the next six with a knee injury.

It means this clash will be a much a test of both team’s depth than anything else. Brisbane do get back their representatives from the FIFA U20 World Cup in Mitch Nichols, Luke De Vere and Tommy Oar, while Matt McKay has been named in the squad after missing the past five matches and Andrew Packer could also make a return from an adductor injury suffered in Round 1 against this week’s opposition. Adam Sarota and Matt Mundy have also been included in an extended squad.

With that many changes and so much experience missing, it shapes as a major test for Frank Farina. His side has been accused of inconsistency, and little wonder given they have alternated win-loss over the past month, and with so many changes, it can’t be an easy task. Brisbane were good for much of the game against Melbourne last week, but let themselves down at key points of the game, letting the defending champions into score.

There has been some debate over Brisbane’s discipline this season, particularly after two of their most-experienced players were suspended, and Farina will be determined to show that his side has the composure to match its potential.

Gold Coast have gone a little flat, as indicated by last week’s 0-0 draw against Wellington, but Miron Bleiberg is well aware that the Hyundai A-League is a marathon, not a sprint. There were always going to be bumps in the road and injuries, suspensions and international commitments are a part of the landscape and it’s a matter of how you manage them.

On the positive side, Zenon Caravella comes back into the side, along with Steve Pantelidis and Steve Fitzsimmons, who were both suspended for the Wellington match. Tahj Minniecon will add some zip up front after finishing up his commitments with the Qantas Young Socceroos, as will Golgol Mebrahtu, who has been promoted into an extended squad. James Brown has been omitted.

The return of Caravella is a tonic in Culina’s absence, while Pantelidis and Fitzsimmons add some steel in defence. The problem for Bleiberg is that Gold Coast couldn’t score last week with Culina and Smeltz in the side, how are they going to do without them?

Roar have conceded the second most goals of any team in the league so far this season, which will give Gold Coast’s attacking players some hope, despite the fact that the well has run somewhat dry with four goals in their past four matches.

There is a lot at stake in this encounter with the winner maintaining contact with those at the top of the table, while the loser could find themselves as much out of tough with top three all of a sudden.

Head-to-head
Played 1: Wins: Gold Coast United wins 1

Previous meeting
Brisbane Roar 1, Gold Coast United 3, Suncorp Stadium, Round 1, August 2009

Past five matches:
Brisbane Roar:
Round 5: North Queensland Fury 1, Brisbane Roar 1, Etihad Stadium
Round 6: Newcastle Jets 0, Brisbane Roar 3, EnergyAustralia Stadium
Round 7: Brisbane Roar 2, Perth Glory 4, Suncorp Stadium
Round 8: Brisbane Roar 1, Sydney FC 0, Suncorp Stadium,
Round 9: Melbourne Victory 2, Brisbane Roar 1, Etihad Stadium

Gold Coast United:
Round 5: Gold Coast United 2, Sydney FC 1, Skilled Park
Round 6: Perth Glory 2, Gold Coast United 2, ME Bank Stadium
Round 7: Central Coast Mariners 3, Gold Coast United 0, Bluetongue Stadium
Round 8: Gold Coast United 2, Melbourne Victory 3, Skilled Park
Round 9: Gold Coast United 0, Wellington Phoenix 0, Skilled Park

Gold Coast United Squad:
1.Jess VANSTRATTAN (gk), 2.Steve PANTELIDIS, 3.Michael THWAITE (c), 5.ROBSON, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 11.MILSON, 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER, 15.Tahj MINNIECON, 16.Kristian REES, 17.Matt OSMAN, 22.Adama TRAORE, 23.Steve FITZSIMMONS, 24.ANDERSON, 26.Golgol MEBRAHTU, 27.Mark BYRNES, 20.Scott HIGGINS (gk)
*two to be omitted*

In: Steve PANTELIDIS (return from suspension), Steve FITZSIMMONS (return from suspension), Tahj MINNIECON (return from international duty), Zenon CARAVELLA (return from hip injury), Golgol MEBRAHTU (promoted)

Out: Shane SMELTZ (international duty), Jason CULINA (international duty), James BROWN (not selected)

Unavailable: JEFFERSON (knee injury – 2 weeks), Daniel PIORKOWSKI (ankle injury – 8 weeks)

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Liam REDDY (gk), 2. Andrew PACKER, 3. Luke DEVERE, 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN, 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 11. REINALDO, 12. Matt MUNDY, 14. Adam SAROTA, 15. Matt McKAY, 16. Bob MALCOLM, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 19. Isaka CERNAK, 20. Griffin McMASTER (gk), 21. Tommy OAR, 23. Tim SMITS, 27. Ivan FRANJIC, 29 Mario KARLOVIC
*two to be omitted*

In: Adam SAROTA (promoted), Matt MUNDY (promoted), Luke DEVERE (returns from international duty), Mitch NICHOLS (returns from international duty), Tommy OAR (returns from international duty), Matt McKAY (returns from injury), Andrew PACKER (returns from injury)

Out: Charlie MILLER (suspended – 2 weeks), Danny TIATTO (suspended – 1 week), David DODD (suspended – 1 week), Craig MOORE (international duty), HENRIQUE (injured – 6 weeks)

Unavailable: Michael ZULLO (groin – 1 week), Massimo MURDOCCA (fractured leg – 8 weeks)

A Roar squad which is still significantly depleted due to injury and international commitments “gave as good as they got” according to coach Frank Farina but couldn’t quite find a response to Adrian Leijer’s winning goal.

Roar suffered an early blow when a line-ball offside went against the away side and Ney Fabiano was allowed to head the ball past Liam Reddy from an Archie Thompson cross.

Brisbane looked to hit back immediately and pushed Melbourne deep into their defensive third.

On 11 minutes they were in drew level courtesy of Brazilian Reinaldo.

A blocked David Dodd shot fell to the feet of Charlie Miller who laid the ball into the path of the striker and despite a touch from Glen Moss in the Victory goal the ball hit the back of the net.

The match was open and free flowing, with both sides looking to push forward at every opportunity.

The Roar rode their luck on 20 minutes when Fabiano and Thompson combined well to set the latter free into the box.

Thompson was able to deceive young defender Ivan Franjic but his thunderous shot cannoned off the bar.

Melbourne’s cross-field balls were stretching the Roar defence, which was having to work hard to contain the three-pronged forward line of Fabiano, Thompson and former Roar player Robbie Kruse.

Henrique sought to send the small pocket of Roar fans into delirium midway through the half but his shot, after darting into the box, was deflected safely into the hands of Moss.

A minute later Danny Tiatto was on the attack from a Reinaldo ball across the edge of the box but he pulled his shot wide of the mark.

Thompson again had an opportunity to put the home side in front, this time on 35 minutes, from a Leigh Broxham through ball but his shot was comfortably saved by Liam Reddy.

With the last kick of the half Melbourne again had the Brisbane defence on the back foot with a passing movement on the edge of the box which ended with Fabiano digging a shot out from under his feet.

Despite creating the chance for himself, the Brazilian had to watch his shot rebound off the post and away from danger.

Roar were on the attack immediately from the restart and a well worked free-kick move on the edge of the box between Tiatto and Charlie Miller ended up at the feet of Reinaldo, but his shot was well blocked by Rodrigo Vargas.

The away side were on the attack again a short time later, but this time Miller’s shot struck team mate Henrique on the way to goal.

Brisbane talisman Henrique was forced off just before the hour mark with a knee injury following a heavy challenge from Leijer, handing Mario Karlovic his Hyundai A-League debut.

Melbourne began to push Brisbane deeper into their defensive area as they began to take control in the final half hour of the game.

It was defender Leijer – perhaps lucky to still be on the field following his challenge on Henrique and earlier caution – who finally gave the Victory the lead on 72 minutes when he bundled home a deep Hernandez cross.

Brisbane dug deep and began to come out of their shell, pushing forward – Reinaldo at the forefront – with purpose in an effort to once again draw level.

However the Roar found it difficult to break down a resilient Victory backline and in the end the home side claimed all three points.

Roar coach Frank Farina conceded the better side took the points on the day.

“I think we just invited Melbourne to come at us,” Farina said.

“We gave away too many balls and too many silly free kicks.

“Particularly in the second half we gave away too many free kicks around our box and eventually they punished us for it.”

Farina also confirmed more bad news for the club with midfield dynamo Henrique likely to spend six-to-eight weeks on the sidelines with a medial collateral ligament injury in his right knee.

Melbourne Victory 2 (Fabiano 2’, Leijer 72’)

Brisbane Roar 1 (Reinaldo 11’)

Melbourne Victory: 20. Glenn MOSS (gk). 2. Kevin MUSCAT (c), 5. Surat SUKHA, 6. Leigh BROXHAM (8. Grant BREBNER 72’), 11. Ney FABIANO (Tomislav PONDELJAK 67’), 12. Rodrigo VARGAS, 16. Carlos HERNANDEZ, 21. Robbie KRUSE (3. Mate DUGANDZIC 90’), 23. Adrian LEIJER.

Substitute (not used): 1. Mitchell LANGERAK (gk).

Yellow cards: Adrian LEIJER (38’)

Red cards: Nil

Goals: Ney FABIANO (4’), Adrian LEIJER (72’)

Brisbane Roar: 1. Liam REDDY (gk), 4. Craig MOORE (c), 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN, 6. David DODD (19. Isaka CERNAK 78’), 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 10. Charlie MILLER, 11. REINALDO, 13. HENRIQUE (29. Mario KARLOVIC 59’), 16. Bob MALCOLM (23. Tim SMITS 89’), 18. Danny TIATTO, 27. Ivan FRANJIC.

Substitute (not used): 20. Griffin McMASTER (gk).

Yellow cards: David DODD (8’), Danny TIATTO (35’), Liam REDDY (38’), Craig MOORE (87’)

Red cards: Nil

Goals: REINALDO (11’)

Referee: Strebre DELOVSKI

Crowd: 19,587

Analysis:
The last time these two teams faced off in a Hyundai A-League match it turned out to be one of the most memorable of the season. Brisbane took a two-goal lead on two separate occasions, only to be pegged back by Melbourne in a match that ended 3-3. It featured several sensational goals, notably Danny Tiatto’s strike and a couple of great goals from Carlos Hernandez.

A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since that match, and interestingly Robbie Kruse, who fronted the media post-match that day as a Brisbane player is now a member of the Victory squad. Melbourne were also without their leader in Kevin Muscat on that occasion.

To say Muscat’s return from a hamstring injury has galvanised the club is a massive understatement. After picking up just six points in the first six rounds, there were questions raised whether Melbourne could get back to the form that saw them charge to the Premiership and Championship last season. But two weeks later, after Muscat has led Victory to away successes over Adelaide and Gold Coast, the club is just one point of top spot and well-poised for a mid-season assault,

Muscat’s presence has lifted the team in many ways, but especially in defence, where he is working well in tandem with Adrian Leijer and Rody Vargas. While they had their moments last week, and indeed it was the skipper who conceded a penalty, it is clear the Melbourne defence looks so much more composed with him there.

The other vital figure is of course Hernandez, who set the match alight with his wonder strike last week. At times this season, Hernandez has appeared one of the most dominant players in the league, but on other occasions, his hectic schedule, which has included a trip back to Central America, has looked to take its toll. With Danny Allsopp gone, he becomes even more important to the team.

Melbourne have included Evan Berger and Tom Pondeljak into an extended squad, but Pondeljak has been battling with a back ailment and must be in some doubt. Nick Ward’s return is uncertain as he battles with a staph infection, while fringe players Nathan Elasi, Steven Pace and Mathew Theodore are all unavailable as well.

Brisbane come into this match off possibly their best win of the season. While the performance wasn’t fantastic, Sergio van Dijk’s late strike gave Roar a vital three points over Sydney and moves them into the bunch on 12 points.

Charlie Miller is undoubtedly the man to watch for this game having orchestrated the majority of Brisbane’s attacking moves last week. The burly Scotsman takes an attitude to the game his younger teammates can only marvel at. He plays relentlessly positive football and demands his team-mates do the same.

There is of course no shortage of those types of figures in Frank Farina’s team, when you look at the likes of Craig Moore and Danny Tiatto. Moore was recalled to the Qantas Socceroos squad this week and he looks bound to represent Australia again at next year’s World Cup.

Brisbane are still missing two of their impressive midfield from last season with Matt McKay and Massimo Murdocca sidelined, while their best young players in Tommy Oar, Mitch Nichols and Luke DeVere are in Egypt with the Qantas Young Socceroos. Michael Zullo is another two weeks away with his hip injury, while Andrew Packer will miss another fortnight with an adductor tear.

Two players, Adam Sarota, and short-term acquisition Mario Karlovic, come into an extended squad for this match.

Head-to-head
Played: 13. Wins: Melbourne 7, Brisbane 4. Draws: 2

Previous meeting
Melbourne Victory 3, Brisbane Roar 3, Etihad Stadium, Round 2, August 2009

Season so far:
Melbourne Victory:
Round 4: Perth Glory 2, Melbourne Victory 1, ME Bank Stadium
Round 5: Melbourne Victory 1, Newcastle Jets 1, Etihad Stadium
Round 6: Melbourne Victory 1, Wellington Phoenix 1, Etihad Stadium
Round 7: Adelaide United 0, Melbourne Victory 2, Hindmarsh Stadium
Round 8: Gold Coast United 2, Melbourne Victory 3, Skilled Park

Brisbane Roar:
Round 4: Brisbane Roar 1, Central Coast Mariners 0, Suncorp Stadium
Round 5: North Queensland Fury 1, Brisbane Roar 1, Dairy Farmers Stadium
Round 6: Newcastle Jets 0, Brisbane Roar 3, EnergyAustralia Stadium
Round 7: Brisbane Roar 2, Perth Glory 4, Suncorp Stadium
Round 8: Brisbane Roar 1, Sydney FC 0, Suncorp Stadium

Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Mitchell LANGERAK (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT (c), 3.Mate DUGANDZIC, 5.Surat SUKHA, 6.Leigh BROXHAM, 7.Matthew KEMP, 8.Grant BREBNER, 10.Archie THOMPSON, 11.NEY FABIANO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 17.Matthew FOSCHINI, 19.Evan BERGER, 20.Glen MOSS (gk), 21.Robbie KRUSE, 23.Adrian LEIJER
*two to be omitted*

In: Evan BERGER (return from injury), Tom PONDELJAK (return from injury)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Billy CELESKI (knee – season), Nathan ELASI (international duty), Steven PACE (abdominal – 2 weeks), Mathew THEODORE (glute – 2 weeks), Nick WARD (infection – indefinite)

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Liam REDDY (gk), 4. Craig MOORE (c), 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN, 6. David DODD, 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 10. Charlie MILLER, 11. REINALDO, 12. Matt MUNDY, 13. HENRIQUE, 14. Adam SAROTA, 16. Bob MALCOLM, 18. Danny TIATTO, 19. Isaka CERNAK, 20. Griffin McMASTER (gk), 23. Tim SMITS, 27. Ivan FRANJIC, 29 Mario KARLOVIC
*two to be omitted*

In: Adam SAROTA (promoted), Mario KARLOVIC (short term-contract)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Andrew PACKER (adductor – 1 week), Massimo MURDOCCA (fractured leg – 6/8 weeks), Matt McKAY (medial ligament – 2/3 weeks), Michael ZULLO (Hip flexor – 1/2 weeks), Tommy OAR (international duty), Luke DEVERE (international duty), Mitch NICHOLS (international duty)

A strong defensive display from both teams had the match seemingly destined for a draw, until van Dijk popped up in the 86th minute to earn three points for his team against their traditional rivals from the south.

Liam Reddy was the first goalkeeper called into action four minutes into the match, reacting quickly to keep out Mark Bridge’s shot from the edge of the area.

Brisbane hit back quickly and created a half-chance in the 13th minute when David Dodd broke up an attack in the middle of the park, allowing Charlie Miller to release Reinaldo but the Brazilian’s effort at the near post was comfortable for Clint Bolton.

On 20 minutes the Sky Blues came close again, Brendan Gan working his way into the penalty area and flashing a shot past the outstretched Reddy and beyond the far post.

The visitors had a great chance to take the lead just on the half-hour mark when Alex Brosque played Bridge through on goal but the striker’s first-time effort sailed over the bar.

Three minutes later Brosque saw an effort of his own narrowly miss the target, after he collected the ball on the counter and cut onto his left foot for a shot from the top of the box.

The Roar were always in the contest, however, and nearly capitalised on one of many first-half corners in the 37th minute when Bob Malcolm headed towards the top corner but Bolton held the ball well.

The home team had another chance just before the interval through Henrique, who collected a pass from Danny Tiatto and cut inside Sebastian Ryall before watching his toe-poke bobble just past the post.

After the break the home team gained the upper hand and maintained a good spell of pressure but struggled to break down a stubborn Sydney defence.

A rare foray forward for the visitors conjured a terrific chance for Bridge on the hour mark, as Sung-Hwan Byun found the marksman with a superb cross but he couldn’t keep the header down.

Three minutes later Karol Kisel whipped in another cross, this time to Brosque, but again the shot went over the bar.

On 65 minutes Josh McCloughan brought the best out of Bolton, towering above Shannon Cole to head down at the near post but the Sydney ‘keeper was quickly down to his right to flick the ball off the line.

In the final 10 minutes Kisel threatened, cutting onto his left foot and screwing a shot off target.

But it was the Roar who would net a late winner, Miller’s angled ball headed back across goal by Craig Moore for van Dijk to nod deftly into the far corner of Bolton’s net with just four minutes left on the clock.

The home fans almost had another goal to celebrate a minute later as Henrique escaped down the right and cut back to Reinaldo, but his powerful shot was well saved.

Brisbane coach Frank Farina was glowing in his praise following the result, with his team overcoming a number of key absences to extend its unbeaten record against Sydney to eight matches.

“We’re one point off top spot. So with all the problems that we’ve had, is it satisfying? Bloody oath,” he said.

“I think it showed the character of the players that are left standing.

“It was a bit of an arm wrestle again in the first half. We changed a couple of things in the second half and I thought we were a lot better.”

Brisbane Roar travel to Melbourne next weekend before returning to take on Gold Coast United at Suncorp Stadium on October 11.

Brisbane Roar 1 (Sergio van Dijk 86’)
Sydney FC 0

Brisbane Roar: 1. Liam Reddy (gk), 4. Craig Moore (c), 5. Josh McCloughan, 6. David Dodd, 9. Sergio van Dijk, 10. Charlie Miller, 11. Reinaldo, 13. Henrique, 16. Bob Malcolm, 18. Danny Tiatto (19. Isaka Cernak 81’), 27. Ivan Franjic.

Unused substitutes: 20. Griffin McMaster (gk), 12. Matt Mundy, 23. Tim Smits.

Yellow cards: Craig Moore 43’, David Dodd 70’, Charlie Miller 74’.

Red cards: nil.

Sydney FC: 1. Clint Bolton (gk), 2.Sebastian Ryall, 4. Simon Colosimo, 6. Karol Kisel, 7. Brendan Gan, 8. Stuart Musialik, 10. Steve Corica (c) (18. Adam Casey 80’), 12. Shannon Cole (16. Christopher Payne 87’), 14. Alex Brosque, 19. Mark Bridge, 22. Sung-Hwan Byun.

Unused substitutes: 20. Ivan Necevski (gk), 13. Antony Golec.

Yellow cards: Brendan Gan 39’, Shannon Cole 76’, Sebastian Ryall 83’.

Red cards: nil.

Referee: Strebre Delovski.

Crowd: 7677 at Suncorp Stadium.