Brisbane Roar returned to winning ways with a dramatic come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
The Roar had surrendered a one goal advantage midway through the second stanza, but Jamie Maclaren and Dimitri Petratos ensured John Aloisi’s chargers moved equal top with Western Sydney on the ladder.
The hosts did not have to wait long to open the scoring as Jack Hingert’s incisively low-driven cross was met by Maclaren who calmly finished past gloveman Liam Reddy.
Daniel Bowles nearly doubled his side’s lead, when his follow-up attempt was saved by Reddy minutes later.
Jaushua Sotirio set about restoring parity for the Wanderers following a sluggish start, but his header bounced inches past the post, after getting on the end of Scott Neville’s inviting ball.
Brisbane continued to pressure the visitor’s defence and almost added a second when German Thomas Broich flashed his effort agonisingly wide on the half-volley.
The second-half saw Western Sydney dominate the early exchanges, but they could not capitalise. Dimas’ passed up a guilt-edge chance to equalise as his free header missed the entire target.
However, Tony Popovic’s men drew level courtesy of an Andreu penalty, after substitute Brendon Santalab was fouled by goalkeeper Michael Theo.
Three minutes later, Romeo Castelen put the Wanderers ahead in spectacular fashion as he danced his way through some questionable Roar defending, before nonchalantly finishing his effort.
But Western Sydney’s lead was short lived as the game turned on its head. First Maclaren netted his second with a deft volley off Corona’s brilliant cross and then Petratos grabbed the winner with seven minutes remaining sliding the ball under the onrushing Reddy.
Here are some of the best reactions from Twitter:
What a start for Brisbane! A massive confidence boost and important goal. #BRIvWSW
— Lucy Zelic (@LucyZelic) March 4, 2016
Good old Ben Williams #BRIvWSW
— Eamonn (@eamonnwarner) March 4, 2016
doesn’t look like much more than 10-12k people inside Suncorp right now. Brisbane needs to collectively pull its finger out #BRIvWSW
— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) March 4, 2016
With the stubble & messed up hair you would be forgiven for thinking Broich has just come from a very long lunch. #BRIvWSW
— James Caughlin (@jcaughlin12) March 4, 2016
Utter lack of cohesion in attack and defence. Not good enough against top side. #WSW #BRIvWSW
— West Sydney Football (@WestSydney) March 4, 2016
Ben Williams epitomises everything that is wrong with the @ALeague. An amateur who is supposedly a ‘professional.’ #BRIvWSW #aleague
— James Möttershead (@mottersjames) March 4, 2016
Annoying the moths in front of the TV camera at Suncorp – few times thought they were in the living room, was ready for battle. #BRIvWSW
— Ned Zelic (@NedZelic) March 4, 2016
Flicking between the #BRIvWSW & #NRLManlyBulldogs bloody dreadful refing between both of them. Faults for nothing or not giving then needed
— Mark Mansillo (@MarkMansillo) March 4, 2016
Bowles has to go there. Second yellow. @ALeague you are a laughing stock! #BRIvWSW #aleague
— James Möttershead (@mottersjames) March 4, 2016
Ben Williams handing out more slices of cheese than a B grade @Channel7 star at McHappy Day #BRIvWSW
— Muller (@MullerAUS) March 4, 2016
Epitome of fighting spirit tonight @brisbaneroar if that’s not the stuff of champions don’t know what is #aleague #goroar
— Tom McDonald (@thomasjmcd) March 4, 2016
What a second half! All of a sudden it ignited! Maclaren giving Ange plenty to think about for @Socceroos qualifiers..#BRIvWSW #aleague
— Clement Tito (@ClementGTito) March 4, 2016
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