Brisbane Roar into third after edging Central Coast Mariners

Brisbane Roar have moved into third spot on the Hyundai A-League ladder following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Sunday afternoon.

Dimitri Petratos gave the Roar the lead in the first half with a stunning strike before Roy O’Donovan restored parity for the hosts early in the second stanza.

But John Aloisi’s side weren’t to be denied with the class of Thomas Broich allowing Jamie Maclaren to fire home the winner at Central Coast Stadium.

Both sides started brightly in an entertaining affair but it was the Roar who were unfortunate not to take the lead on 20 minutes with Jack Hingert striking the post after a stunning solo effort.

The visitors continued to press and were rewarded for their persistence with Dimitri Petratos netting a stunning free kick just past the half-hour mark to give Brisbane the advantage.

Central Coast worked their way into the contest and levelled proceedings with Roy O’Donovan firing home a well-taken goal after a brilliant ball from Fabio Ferreira. But Brisbane rallied and punished the visitors on the counter with just over 10 minutes remaining as Jamie Maclaren netted his sixth goal of the season to secure the three points.  

GOALS 
0-1 Brisbane Roar: Dimitri Petratos, 33’ After being awarded a free kick on the edge of the area, Petratos thumped a wicked free kick which arrowed into the far corner leaving Mariners keeper Paul Izzo with no chance.

 1-1 Mariners: Roy O’Donovan, 57’ Fabio Ferreira picked up the ball inside his own half before threading a piercing ball in behind for  O’Donovan with the Irishman calmly slotting past Michael Theo. 

1-2 Brisbane Roar: Jamie Maclaren, 76’ A quick counter-attack saw Thomas Broich found in acres of space inside the area with the German coolly picking out Maclaren who headed home at the back post.

3:04 AM