A-League Round 10 results: Brisbane Roar finish over the top of Wellington Phoenix in Cairns

WELLINGTON Phoenix wilted in the heat on Saturday as a fast-finishing Brisbane Roar secured their first win in four matches with a 2-1 victory at Cazalys Stadium.

A-League Rd 10 - Brisbane v Wellington

WELLINGTON Phoenix wilted in the heat on Saturday as a fast-finishing Brisbane Roar secured their first win in four matches with a 2-1 victory at Cazalys Stadium.

In the first A-League match played in Cairns, it was always expected that the Roar would finish the stronger against a Phoenix side not used to the humid conditions.

And that’s the way it worked out, with the Roar scoring twice in the last 20 minutes through substitute Steve Lustica and in-form striker Jamie Maclaren after the Phoenix led 1-0 at half-time via a goal from Roy Krishna.

The win was Brisbane’s fifth of the season and their first since beating Perth Glory 1-0 at Suncorp Stadium on November 15.

While the crowd of 5162 was smaller than expected, those in attendance enjoyed an open game with a host of chances.

The Roar dominated the first half but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Maclaren seemed certain to score in the 18th minute after being found by a Henrique cross.

But as the former Perth Glory striker was about to pull the trigger, he was foiled by a last-gasp challenge from Phoenix defender Manny Muscat.

Maclaren had another chance four minutes later, this time courtesy of a delightful ball from Roar skipper Matt McKay.

Roar players celebrate winning their game against Wellington Phoenix.

However, Maclaren couldn’t keep his shot under the crossbar.

Brisbane should have taken the lead in the 35th minute when Henrique rolled a dangerous pass across the face of the Phoenix penalty area.

But Dimitri Petratos failed to connect with his attempted shot, and Thomas Broich couldn’t get any power behind his strike.

The Roar were made to pay for their failure to capitalise on their chances when the Phoenix took the lead on the stroke of half-time.

In-form attacker Roy Krishna took advantage of some ordinary defending by Jack Hingert and Petratos, firing the ball home past goalkeeper Jamie Young.

Roly Bonevacia should have doubled the visitors’ lead four minutes into the half-time after spring the Roar’s off-side trap.

But with only Young to beat, Bonevacia took too long to shoot, allowing defender Jade North to get a foot in and defuse the situation.

It was the first of a string of second-half chances, with the Roar finally getting the better of the tiring Phoenix.

The equaliser came in the 71st minute through forgotten man Lustica.

Rarely used in recent weeks, Lustica got on the end of low cross from fellow replacement Jean Carlos Solorzano to score his first goal of the season.

Originally published as A-League Round 10 results: Brisbane Roar finish over the top of Wellington Phoenix in Cairns