A-League 2020: Hooper and McDonald on target in Phoenix-Roar draw
Former Celtic forwards Scott McDonald and Gary Hooper each found the back of the net in 1-1 draw between Brisbane and Wellington.
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FORMER Celtic strikers Scott McDonald and Gary Hooper each scored as Wellington Phoenix fought back from a goal down to grab a deserved 1-1 draw with Brisbane Roar on Wednesday night.
The Phoenix were on top for most of the contest but the Roar seemed headed for victory thanks to a superb McDonald goal in the 60th minute.
But Wellington got the equaliser they deserved in the 83rd minute when Hooper tapped home from close range after a header from Liberato Cacace hit the base of the post.
If not for the heroics of Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young, the Phoenix could have scored another two or three goals in the match at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Phoenix gloveman Stefan Marinovic also stood tall in the dying stages to deny former Wellington midfielder Matt Ridenton, who had a great chance to win the game for the Roar.
The Phoenix remain in third spot on the A-League ladder after the draw, while Brisbane stay fourth.
However, fifth-placed Perth are only two points behind Brisbane and now have a game in hand on the Queenslanders.
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay felt his side deserved more from the contest.
“We created enough chances to win the game,” Talay said.
“Jamie Young had a great game and kept Brisbane Roar in the game.
“It was disappointing to go 1-0 down after dominating the game but happy and pleased that the boys didn’t put their heads down.”
Roar coach Warren Moon said a draw was a fair result.
“They’re a good side, and they showed that, but we’ll take a point,” Moon said.
Moon praised Young and McDonald for their performances.
“(Young’s) a good keeper. He made some good saves at some critical times and that’s what he does,” the Roar coach said.
“(McDonald’s) a good player, he’s had a good career and he’s not done yet. He’ll lead the line again and he’s led it really well tonight, so we’re quite happy with what he’s doing.”
The Phoenix had the better of the contest early, and it led to a chance in the 24th minute when midfielder Ulises Davila floated a corner to the back post where Wellington skipper Steven Taylor was lurking.
Taylor’s header was on target but Roar custodian Young was well positioned to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Four minutes later it was Wellington keeper Marinovic’s turn to shine when he got his hand to a sizzling strike from Roar forward Dylan Wenzel-Halls.
Brisbane continued to attack, and former Socceroos striker McDonald seemed certain to score in the 30th minute.
But some last-ditch defending from Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi foiled the veteran marksman.
Wenzel-Halls had another chance three minutes later but a weak finish let him down.
Having withstood the Roar’s pressure, the Phoenix had the final chance of the first half.
It was a looping shot from Hooper that was dipping under the bar until the intervention of Young, who produced a remarkable save to ensure the game was scoreless at half-time.
The Phoenix dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half but McDonald gave Brisbane the lead against the run of play on the hour mark with a sublime strike.
Receiving the ball from Irish midfielder Jay O’Shea with his back to goal, McDonald held off three defenders before using space on the edge of the penalty area to turn and unleash with a sweet left-footed shot that rocketed into the corner of the net.
It was McDonald’s sixth goal in his past six games, but in the end it wasn’t enough as Hooper’s late goal made up for an easy chance he missed earlier and earned the Phoenix a share of the points.
Originally published as A-League 2020: Hooper and McDonald on target in Phoenix-Roar draw