Former Socceroos teammates, John Aloisi and Paul Okon were eager to register their first win of the 2017/18 A-League campaign on at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday after both recorded draws last week.

Okon would be pleased with his team’s performances so far, but a failure to stamp their authority on a game for the three points has let down the Gosford outfit.

Meanwhile, Roar have struggled up until their coming from 3-0 down against Wellington Phoenix showed signs of life for the two times champions.

Central Coast didn’t look like their usual selves in the Sunshine State, where their attack lacked creativity and flair.

However, Brisbane looked more willing and kept Ben Kennedy quite busy in the first half. Overall, both failed to produce the vital piece of quality that was desperately needed in front of goal. Although, some decisions should have gone either way that would have potentially changed the result.

Brisbane Roar

Jamie Young (GK) - 9.5

With Michael Theo injured with a shoulder injury, Young stepped up to the throne with his ever-strong presence, leaping and diving to make sensational saves. His brilliant reflexes were the highlight of the match.

Jack Hingert – 6.5

A good shift for the defender, where he also played a part in Brisbane’s attack and had a few chances of his own.

Avraam Papadopoulos - 6

Mostly solid at the back, but let Pain and Hoole run free a few times. Was also very lucky to not give away a penalty after a head-knock on McGing.

Jade North - 7

As always, North was strong defensively and was the reason Young was kept quiet at times in the first half. Saved the match for his side when he hit away Golec’s header off the goal-line.

Dane Ingham - 5.5

With Luke DeVere out injured, Ingham held his own, but was mostly quiet and hidden.

Brett Holman - 6.5

Still very speedy for a veteran and was great on and off the ball. He and Khalfallah linked-up well.

Mitchell Oxborrow - 5

Used his body well at times, and blocked a dangerous shot from Brama. A shocking turnover almost saw De Silva win the game, but lucky for the alertness of Young.

Matt McKay - 6

The Captain produced his usual tigerish tackling, and was crucial in the last ten minutes for Brisbane.      

Eric Bautheac - 9

Roar’s most pivotal player on the day, along with Young. His challenges were on par with the best and caused serious panic with his deliveries and a lovely first touch, as well as beautiful releases of the ball.
The Man of the Match was dangerous, producing a scary ball in for Maccarone who was inches offside.

Massimo Maccarone - 6

The fiery Italian showed class and experience on the ball in the first half, he also had a few chances, with a header and a lobbed effort but couldn’t convert. The offside call had John Aloisi also firing, as Maccarone would have been through on goal.

The striker was also lucky not to give away a penalty following a scuffle with Asdrubal.

Fahid Ben Khalfallah - 6

Wasn’t overly accurate with his crosses as he usually is, could have provided more up front but did have some moments that were good.

SUBS

Corey Gameiro – N/A

Returned after a long haul on the sidelines since late 2015 and got a warm welcoming. Didn’t do enough in his first game back for a fair rating.

Peter Skapetis – N/A

Also didn’t do enough for a fair rating, the young forward still lacks the experience but has potential.

Jacob Pepper – N/A

Came on late and there wasn’t enough time to give a fair rating.

Central Coast Mariiners

Ben Kennedy (GK) - 8.5

Kennedy made his debut as Tom Glover is out injured, was solid in goals and was one of the best on ground. Great reflexes late in the game save the day for the Mariners.

Jake McGing - 6

Looked a bit out of place in the first half but picked up quickly when he caused some chaos in the box that forced a save out of Young. He also provided a lot of width for the Mariners in the absence of Storm Roux.

Alan Baro – 5

Made some good clearances but was very sluggish at times and let Holman in easily at the start of the match. Was subbed off injured early in the second half.

Antony Golec - 4

Needed to send more balls forward, and was a bit reckless off the ball. Did produce a good headed clearance.

Josh Rose - 6

An outstanding defensive header thwarted a threatening play by Brisbane, however, was sloppy at times and his execution was substandard although the right intent was there.

 

Tom Hiariej - 6

A few turnovers made but soon made amends with great tackling and had some good ideas.

Daniel De Silva - 5

A disappointing 90 minutes for De Silva, as he is seen as the player that should be scoring goals every week.

He did have several chances but the execution wasn’t there. A wasted opportunity in the first half after advantage was played, and he had the perfect chance in the 50th minute that could have been the winner.

De Silva did make a surging run forward that showed signs of magic but needed more on the end.

Wout Brama - 7.5

Made up a lot of ground for the Mariners and was always in the middle of attacking moves. Exceptional skill on the ball almost saw Brama thread the needle to De Silva.

Connor Pain - 7

Connor Pain didn’t bring his usual strong presence, but in his defence, he didn’t get enough of the ball from his teammates, and the support.

When he did have the ball, after demanding it, he always looked to get through on goal from the wing. A tempting cross in the 42nd minute was fantastic but Hoole lacked craft on the end of it.

Asdrubal - 4.5

Couldn’t create any clear-cut chances and didn’t look like the same player as previous weeks. Missed an opportunity to tap-in after Appiah’s low cross.

Andrew Hoole - 6

Great work rate and was monumental in beating midfielders, but couldn’t produce accuracy.

SUBS

Liam Rose – N/A

Didn’t do enough to give a fair rating.

Kwabena Appiah – 7

Dangerously lively and is seen as a game-changing player. That was proven when he sent a low drive in for Asdrubal. You’d like to think Appiah deserves to be in the Starting XI.

Trent Buhagiar – N/A

Came on fairly late in the game and wasn’t on long enough for a fair rating.