A-League: Melbourne Victory beat Brisbane Roar 1-0

Roar coach Robbie Fowler was left to rue a slow start and a late VAR ruling after Brisbane were beaten by Melbourne Victory in a tense encounter at Suncorp Stadium.

Roar goalkeeper Max Crocombe makes a flying save. Picture: Getty Images

Robbie Fowler was left to rue a slow start and a late VAR ruling as his Brisbane Roar side were beaten 1-0 by Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

A first-half Andrew Nabbout goal proved the difference as the Victory won an A-League match for the first time under new coach Marco Kurz.

Nabbout was forced off the field soon after with a hamstring injury soon after but it was the Roar who felt the pain of defeat in front of 12,859 fans.

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Roar captain Tom Aldred wins a header on Friday night. Picture: AAP

There was late drama when the Roar claimed a penalty after a Stefan Mauk shot struck the arm of Victory veteran Leigh Broxham.

But the VAR upheld referee Kurt Ams’ decision to allow play to continue.

“I want clarification,” Fowler said. “If his arm’s in an unnatural position then it’s a penalty.”

However, the Roar only had themselves to blame for their first defeat of the season.

Another slow start, similar to their beginning in their 1-1 first-up draw with Perth, plus wasted chances, proved costly.

“Second half we’ve dominated the game again, we just need to start a game a little bit quicker,” Fowler said.

Brisbane’s Aiden O'Neill on the ball ahead of Brisbane’s Kristijan Dobras. Picture: Getty Images

“We’re trying to get everything right in terms of starting a game well, taking it to the opposition … regardless of what level you play football, you can’t afford to give sloppy passes away, you can’t afford to be chasing games all the time.

“We’ve got a few things to work on, we know that. We are a new team, but we’re a good team. I don’t think we deserved to lose the game.”

Irish striker Roy O’Donovan blew two great chances either side of half-time to equalise for Brisbane.

His 65th-minute opportunity was clear cut after being teed up to perfection by his skilful countryman Jay O’Shea.

But the unmarked former Mariners and Jets marksman inexplicably failed to even test exposed Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas with a shot that flew over the crossbar.

Nabbout was more clinical in scoring the game’s only goal in the 19th minute.

The Roar’s Stefan Mauk of the Roar and Migjen Basha of the Victory collide. Picture: Getty Images

He ran on to a long ball from Victory skipper Ola Toivonen before getting the better of Roar defender Macauley Gillesphey and goalkeeper Max Crocombe to give the Victory the lead.

It was only the woodwork that denied the classy Toivonen in the 78th minute when his sublime free-kick that beat Roar gloveman Crocombe but not the inside of the post.

From the ensuing rebound, Victory regained possession and if not for some goal-line heroics from Brisbane defender Scott Neville, substitute Kenny Athiu would have doubled the Victory’s lead.

But one goal was all the Victory needed as they moved to four points from three matches.

Victory coach Kurz said “it was very important to get the result”.

Roar coach Robbie Fowler disputes a refereeing decision. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m happy with the way we played,” Kurz said.

“In the first half we started really well … in the end it was part of team spirit and mentality to grab the three points and that’s a big compliment for the boys.

“We can score more goals but at the moment I’m really happy because we scored one more goal and we conceded no goals.

“It was a step forward for us.”

MELBOURNE VICTORY 1 (Andrew Nabbout 19m) BRISBANE ROAR 0 at Suncorp Stadium. Crowd: 12,859. Referee: Kurt Ams.

Roar goalkeeper Max Crocombe makes a flying save. Picture: Getty Images

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT

1. Teams with pace can expose Brisbane at the back. Time and again, the Victory’s Elvis Kamsoba, and while he was on the park, Andrew Nabbout, got behind the Roar’s back three. It’s an issue the Roar must rectify.

2. Aaron Amadi-Holloway must be close to a start. Just as he did off the bench in Perth, the Welshman caused problems when given a chance late. His strength and height will cause all A-League teams problems this season.

Aaron Amadi-Holloway caused problems for the Roar when he came on. Picture: AAP

3. Brad Inman needs to find his pre-season form. The versatile attacker was quality in a host of the Roar’s trials, but for the second A-League game on the trot, failed to do enough in attack.

4. The Roar can’t afford any more slow starts. While the bye wouldn’t have helped, Brisbane were similarly slow out the blocks against Perth, also conceding a first-half goal. A 90-minute performance is required.

5. Victory skipper Ola Toivonen was a perfect choice for the captaincy. The Swedish striker led by example despite some heavy attention from the Roar. He oozed class and was unlucky not to score with a sublime free-kick.

- Marco Monteverde