Brisbane Roar coach Warren Moon says his side can build momentum for a top-six charge after their upset win over Macarthur FC, but they may have to do so without experienced striker Scott McDonald.
The veteran McDonald was a mysterious absentee from Brisbane’s drought-breaking 2-1 win over in-form Macarthur at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday.
Goals from striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls and midfielder Riku Danzaki saw the Roar collect a thoroughly deserved victory to end an eight-match winless run.
But former Socceroo forward McDonald was a puzzling absentee, which Moon described as “frustrating”.
“It (the situation) is pretty unclear to be honest,” said Moon.
“He was training on Friday, we thought he would be travelling but unfortunately he wasn’t.
“We need to get back to Brisbane and see what the situation is.”
(Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Despite their lengthy winless streak, the Roar are still in touch with the top six and now sit four points shy of sixth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers with two matches in hand on many of their rivals.
“I say every week the performances are there… we just have to keep believing in the process in what we are doing and how we keep trying to play and develop.
“I think the performances have been there (in past weeks), it is a case of taking our chances.
“This side is not done, it’s a work in progress.”
Macarthur were left to rue the opportunity to claim a club record fourth win in succession, which would have allowed the A-League new boys to move into second behind surprise leaders Central Coast Mariners.
It was something of a limp display from the third-placed Bulls, who could have lost by a far greater margin.
The home side struggled for penetration and were cut apart on several occasions by the Roar’s lively frontline.
“Pretty disappointing, I thought we maintained decent possession, but didn’t threaten as much as we would have liked,” said Macarthur coach Ante Milicic.
“We weren’t disciplined enough in possession with the ball and that was a huge problem, and there was way too much transition in the first half.
“Brisbane probably should have more points than they do, and we didn’t disrespect the opposition or take it too easily.
“We didn’t deserve anything from the game and we quickly have to regroup for the match (on Wednesday) against Adelaide.”
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
before the refs, the biased refs, got behind you, give you penalties and fouls all over the park No refs from SA, they mostly come from QLD, so they are biased toward you, that's obvious the stuff you get away with, and hit us hard to prove they are not biased toward their home state.
Adelaide Andy
Roar Rookie
at the start of the season we were the only team constantly travelling
Adelaide Andy
Roar Rookie
again, i said the mariners have potentially the worst squad on paper. I never said they had the worst, they have one of the worst on paper
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
now that's one of the smartest things you've ever said and you said it twice AA, take note
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
he told me it was their recruiting but they smashed Adelaide United 3-1
Hudddo
Roar Rookie
I believe AA said the mariners We're the worst team on paper.
Adelaide Andy
Roar Rookie
again if you wish to quote me, quote me correctly. I never said they had the worst team on paper. i said they would finish 9th and will fail due to brexit coaching/players and longball. Seems like a pretty good prediction so far
coolncold
Roar Rookie
My interpretation: Scott MacDonald was not in the squad to go to meet MacArthur FC. So, he had a training in Brisbane on Friday. When the coach was asked, the reply was finding out after returning to Brisbane, As the next match is meeting WSW on Friday, 6 days away, the Roars fly back to Brisbane on Sunday (10 Apr 2021). The training resumes on Monday and they fly on Friday to meet WSW in Sydney.
Guppy
Guest
Thought roar had the worst team on paper? He's overachieving based on your season predictions isn't he?
coolncold
Roar Rookie
“He was training on Friday..." I am not sure. Is this normal for a team to have training on the same day before the match at night? I have never been a professional footballer so I don't know. Is this usual? Advise please.
Adelaide Andy
Roar Rookie
Moons in over his head, Brisbane need to get rid of him asap
NoMates
Roar Rookie
So there is infighting in the Roar camp lol!
jbinnie
Guest
This is an almost unbelievable state of affairs where, from the words of the manager, it is not widely known who has travelled, never mind whether that same absentee player was available to play in an upcoming game. The questions arise, was he, the player, in Sydney, if not ,why not, was he fit to play, if not why the article. As I say, more questions than answers. jb.
coolncold
Roar Rookie
coolncold
Roar Rookie
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