Roy O’Donovan stars as Brisbane Roar show promising signs under coach Robbie Fowler

Brisbane Roar have continued their unbeaten start to life under new coach Robbie Fowler as they step up preparations for next month’s FFA Cup clash against Sydney FC.

Brisbane Roar stepped up preparations for next month’s FFA Cup clash against Sydney FC with a 4-0 defeat of NPL Queensland club Brisbane City at Logan Metro Sports Complex.

Irish striker Roy O’Donovan scored a brace, while Welshman Aaron Amadi-Holloway and substitute Rahmat Akbari also found the back of the net as the Roar continued their unbeaten start to their pre-season campaign.

“Maybe the scoreline flattered us a little bit but I thought we played well in patches,” said O’Donovan, who opened his account for his new club after his off-season move from the Newcastle Jets.

“It’s great to score goals. Any striker will tell you it only matters how many goals you score, so I’m happy with today in that regard but (there’s) more work to come.

“We’re obviously building towards Sydney FC in the Cup, and the A-League starting in early October.”

The new-look Roar started with a strong side, captained by on-loan Burnley midfielder Aiden O’Neill. Jamie Young was the goalkeeper, with the back three consisting Scott Neville, Tom Aldred, and youngster Aaron Reardon.

The wing-backs were Macauley Gillesphey and Jake McGing, while the midfield was made up of O’Neill, Jay O’Shea and Brad Inman.

Brisbane Roar coach Robbie Fowler has made an immediate impact on the squad. Picture: Andrew Hudson

In attack O’Donovan combined with Amadi-Holloway, who also scored in the Roar’s 3-0 win over NPLQ outfit Redlands United last weekend.

Amadi-Holloway continued his good form by giving the Roar the lead in the 13th minute, but City responded to have the better of the contest for the next 20 minutes.

City pair Marquez Walters and Alex Fiechtner both had chances, with Fiechtner forcing a good save out of Young.

The Roar hung tough and doubled their lead in the 41st minute from the penalty spot through O’Donovan following a handball offence from the visitors.

O’Donovan scored his second and the Roar’s third on the stroke of halftime after some impressive work on the right through Jake McGing.

The Roar made mass changes after an hour, with those entering the contest including midfielders Stefan Mauk, George Mells and Jacob Pepper, who took over the captaincy.

The hosts’ fourth goal came in the 68th minute through teenage substitute Rahmat Akbari.

The Roar squad heads to Gladstone on Sunday for a week-long training camp that culminates in a trial against a Gladstone Select XI next Saturday.

Originally published as Roy O’Donovan stars as Brisbane Roar show promising signs under coach Robbie Fowler