Macarthur have pulled off an upset come from behind 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar thanks to Harrison Sawyer’s double from the penalty spot.
Sawyer coolly despatched penalties in the 66th and 73rd minutes to hand Brisbane their first loss since round 2, after the Roar had opened the scoring via debutant Matthew Dench three minutes after half time via a well worked move.
Sawyer was the player fouled for the second penalty – Noah Maieroni pulling his shirt as he made his entrance into the area at set piece – and also had a hand in the first, worrying the usually immaculate Lucas Herrington into fouling Bernardo Oliveira.
The first penalty was the first goal that Brisbane conceded in over 400 minutes and had come accordingly against the run of play, with the Roar having the bulk of the possession and chances to that point.
The Roar ended the match with more possession (58%) and shots at goal, but Macarthur managed to hang on to the precious three points despite a season low 8 efforts at goal.
It’s only Brisbane’s second loss of the season – and only the second time they’ve conceded more than one goal – but they remain in third spot on the Isuzu UTE A-League table, although Melbourne City have the opportunity to jump them tomorrow in the Melbourne Derby.
The Roar next play on New Year’s Eve at Central Coast Mariners, while Macarthur’s next fixture is against Newcastle in the Hunter Valley on Boxing Day.
ALEX TOBIN MEDAL VOTES:
3. Harry Sawyer
2. Matthew Dench
1. Luke Brattan
