A-League: Brisbane’s bid for five successive wins ended by Macarthur

The Roar’s winning run has come to an end after a 2-0 loss to Macarthur FC at Dolphin Stadium.

Macarthur’s Jake Hollman takes on Roar defender Jack Hingert at Dolphin Stadium. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Roar coach Warren Moon denied Brisbane had under-estimated a weakened Macarthur FC side that ended the Queenslanders’ winning run at Dolphin Stadium on Tuesday night.

Aiming to secure five A-League wins on the trot for the first time since 2012, the Roar were beaten 2-0 by the Bulls, who made seven changes to the team that started in their 2-2 weekend draw with Western Sydney Wanderers.

In contrast, the Roar named the same side that started in their 5-2 home thrashing of Melbourne Victory on Saturday afternoon.

But there was to be no repeat of Brisbane’s brilliant goal-scoring exploits, with late strikes from Denis Genreau and substitute Matt Derbyshire earning the Bulls a crucial away win.

“We definitely didn’t under-estimate them – they’re a good side,” Roar boss Moon said.

“Although they made some changes tonight which slightly altered our plans in terms of how we set up, we certainly didn’t take them lightly.”

Moon added that the Roar had not “got ahead” of themselves after winning four successive matches.

“We know the A-League’s not easy, (and) we know anyone can beat anyone on their day,” he said.

“What we’re striving for is consistent performances. We probably weren’t there tonight in terms of performance but there were still some good moments and we still had enough chances to get something out of that game.”

FULL TIME | Our win streak comes to an end.#BRIvMAC #ForTheCrest pic.twitter.com/T3Lze9ChWp

— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) February 9, 2021

The Roar’s best chance came in the second half when livewire striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls got behind the Bulls’ defence before unleashing with a shot that beat goalkeeper Adam Federici but hit the post.

The Bulls made the Roar pay for that wasted chance with goals in the 76th and 90th minutes.

Midfielder Genreau scored the visitors’ first goal after impressive work from substitute Jake Hollman, who got the better of experienced Roar defender Jack Hingert before hitting a low cross into the path of his unmarked teammate, whose shot was too good for Brisbane goalkeeper Jamie Young.

Substitute Derbyshire sealed the victory in the dying stages when he chipped Young from distance after pouncing on a Roar defensive error near the halfway line.

In losing, the Roar blew their chance to return to the top of the A-League ladder, with the Central Coast Mariners still holding a three-point advantage at the summit.

The Bulls’ win moved them into third place on the table, a point ahead of Sydney FC, who have two games in hand on their NSW rivals.

Originally published as A-League: Brisbane’s bid for five successive wins ended by Macarthur