After what was one of the most lacklustre and dull opening periods of any A-League game, both sides began to stretch with more chances falling at the feet of the strikers.

Both the Roar and the Phoenix struggled to find any clear-cut chances, with each defence putting up their walls and standing extraordinarily strong.

Attacking flair and vibrancy was missing from the play, with some attacking opportunities not pounced upon, an aspect that both attacking teams will rue later.

The matchup looked to be a 0-0 affair from the get go, and finished just that way.

Brisbane Roar

Jamie Young - 7

Kept busy on a few occasions in the first half, but was kept quiet in the second.

Jack Hingert - 6

Took far too long to play in his teammates in space. Somewhat strong defensive showing nonetheless.

Jacob Pepper - 6

The makeshift centre back another solid game, kept the ball when he could and consistently found his teammates in space.

Daniel Bowles - 7

Started his second game in a row after returning from a knee injury earlier than expected. Strong defensive play with some classy distribution.

Corey Brown - 6

Back from injury, Brown failed to convert a chance into an open Italiano net. Otherwise, he managed to play a solid game.

 

Joe Caletti - 6

His midfield intelligence shined through once more, even if he does fly under the radar. Caletti’s footballing maturity was on display again.

Nicholas D’Agostino – 6.5

The Gold Coast boy was back playing in his hometown, and nearly managed to score on a few occasions with some positive attacking runs into the Nix’s box.

Matt McKay - 7

The Roar skipper with the everlasting engine kept his midfield in check, but failed to create something with any spark.

Ivan Franjic - 6

After a perfect first appearance last week out, Aloisi rewarded the usual fullback with a start in the more advanced right wing where he failed to cause any real damage. 

Massimo Maccarone - 7

With some world class touches and amazing distribution, it was a delight to watch his close control under pressure.

Eric Bautheac – 6.5

Forced off through injury. Some classy play and intelligent passing beforehand.

SUBS

Mitch Oxborrow – 5

Didn’t provide much when he came on for Bautheac.

Corey Gameiro – 7

Welcome back to the A-League. Showed his hunger to change the game and nearly scored with some dangerous runs.

Petros Skapetis – 4

Was lucky to stay on the pitch after an incident with Tom Doyle, according to Robbie Slater. Didn’t make anything happen in the 19 minutes he had to impress.

 

Wellington Phoenix

Lewis Italiano - 6

Really didn’t have much to do. Stood up when his side needed him the most.

Scott Galloway – 6.5

Solid play, positive attacking runs.

Daniel Mullen - 7

Blocked many Roar attacks, ventured into midfielder but couldn’t create any sparks for his side to roll into attack with.

Marco Rossi - 7

Back to his strong best, and really is proving a vital piece in Wellington’s defensive set up.

Tom Doyle - 6

Many of his crosses skewed into the path of Jamie Young to collect. Was an ever-present threat out wide for the Phoenix and was always an option on the left.

 

Matthew Ridenton – 7.5

Given praise for his positivity in attack, with some dangerous shots and build up play towards the Roar goal.

Goran Paracki – 5

Didn’t catch the eye at all and was smothered by those around him. Struggled to come into the game.

Alex Rufer - 6

Showed his attacking intent and desire to create something for the Phoenix, however, the youngster lacked the finishing quality.

Adam Parkhouse - 6

Gave all he had on the right-hand side with some delightful and exciting dribbles. Looks far more comfortable on the left, often cutting in to use his left foot to cross.

Andrija Kaludjerovic - 7

Couldn’t add to his goal-by-header tally tonight but still posed as a threat on many occasions for the Roar to deal with.

Dario Vidosic - 7

Stayed quiet, but managed to play in his teammates into some good looking attacking positions alongside having some shots at goal himself.