SUPERIOR finishing proved the difference between Queensland Roar and Wellington Phoenix tonight with Frank Farina’s men coming away from Christchurch with a 2-1 win.
A much improved Kiwi outfit matched for the Roar for much of the game, but the visitors will feel they deserved their win after creating a string of chances and defending stoutly.
The result maintains Roar’s unbeaten record in the Pre-Season Cup and puts them at the top of the group, at least until Sydney FC take on the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.
After resisting early pressure, a dominant Roar hit the front five minutes before half time when Simon Lynch notched his second goal in as many games. Matt McKay was the architect, robbing Karl Dodd before squaring to the unmarked Lynch who finished calmly.
Moments later the Scot should have doubled his tally but struck the post with the goal beckoning.
It was all action in the opening five minutes of the second half with two goals to keep the noisy crowd entertained.
First it was an equaliser for Wellington when Steven Old pounced and headed home from close range. Then just two minutes later, Sasa Ognenovski thumped into the net after confusion in the Phoenix rearguard.
The home side were well in the game though and Roar were forced to cope with a period of pressure after resuming the lead. That pressure could have been eased by Reinaldo in the 70th minute but he missed his chance and McKay’s good work to set him up was to no avail.
Roar held on for a win that under the rules of the Pre-Season Cup is worth four points, with one bonus point being awarded for scoring two goals in a game.
In the round’s other Group B match, Sydney FC take on Central Coast Mariners on Sunday with that result still able to affect the final group placings.
If Roar finish first or third in the group they will play their next Pre-Season Cup game at Clive Berghofer stadium in Toowoomba on Sunday August 5.
Queensland Roar FC Squad:
1.Liam REDDY (gk), 5.Josh McCLOUGHAN, 8.Massimo MURDOCCA (Griffin 46), 9.Simon LYNCH, 11.REINALDO da costa, 15.Matt McKAY, 16.Hyuk-Su SEO, 17.Mitch NICHOLS (Zullo 63), 18.Danny TIATTO, 19.Sasa Ognenovski (McLaren 78), 21.Chris GROSSMAN.
Subs not used: 24. Griffin McMASTER (gk).
Yellow cards: Murdocca 18’, Zullo 63’
Red cards: none
The result maintains Roar’s unbeaten record in the Pre-Season Cup and puts them at the top of the group, at least until Sydney FC take on the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.
After resisting early pressure, a dominant Roar hit the front five minutes before half time when Simon Lynch notched his second goal in as many games. Matt McKay was the architect, robbing Karl Dodd before squaring to the unmarked Lynch who finished calmly.
Moments later the Scot should have doubled his tally but struck the post with the goal beckoning.
It was all action in the opening five minutes of the second half with two goals to keep the noisy crowd entertained.
First it was an equaliser for Wellington when Steven Old pounced and headed home from close range. Then just two minutes later, Sasa Ognenovski thumped into the net after confusion in the Phoenix rearguard.
The home side were well in the game though and Roar were forced to cope with a period of pressure after resuming the lead. That pressure could have been eased by Reinaldo in the 70th minute but he missed his chance and McKay’s good work to set him up was to no avail.
Roar held on for a win that under the rules of the Pre-Season Cup is worth four points, with one bonus point being awarded for scoring two goals in a game.
In the round’s other Group B match, Sydney FC take on Central Coast Mariners on Sunday with that result still able to affect the final group placings.
If Roar finish first or third in the group they will play their next Pre-Season Cup game at Clive Berghofer stadium in Toowoomba on Sunday August 5.
Queensland Roar FC Squad:
1.Liam REDDY (gk), 5.Josh McCLOUGHAN, 8.Massimo MURDOCCA (Griffin 46), 9.Simon LYNCH, 11.REINALDO da costa, 15.Matt McKAY, 16.Hyuk-Su SEO, 17.Mitch NICHOLS (Zullo 63), 18.Danny TIATTO, 19.Sasa Ognenovski (McLaren 78), 21.Chris GROSSMAN.
Subs not used: 24. Griffin McMASTER (gk).
Yellow cards: Murdocca 18’, Zullo 63’
Red cards: none
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