AAP Soccer

United add to Roar's history-making woes in ALM

By AAP Newswire

Dec 29, 2024

Hiroshi Ibusuki's penalty. — Hiroshi Ibusuki's penalty proved the difference as Western United beat Brisbane in the ALM. -AAP Image

Brisbane Roar have secured an unwanted distinction in falling to a 1-0 defeat to Western United at Ironbark Fields, equalling the worst start to a season in A-League Men history.

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Still yet to record a win this season and mired in a club-record winless run, the two points the Roar have taken from their nine games matches Central Coast's 2018-19 record for the lowest haul by this stage of the campaign, adding further pressure to coach Ruben Zadkovich.

Conversely, with results elsewhere having pushed United out of the top six before kickoff, Hiroshi Ibusuki's 44th-minute penalty goal proved enough for them to take the three points and move back into a playoff spot in fifth, while keeping the visitors at the foot of the table.

Adding even further disappointment for the Roar, they had created the better of the chances before Ibusuki's penalty, with youngster Jacob Brazete forcing United goalkeeper Matt Sutton into action three times in his maiden A-League Men start.

Wayward finishing and an inability to keep the ball away from Sutton came to haunt the visitors when Antonee Burke-Gilroy collided with Angus Thurgate just inside the area on the stroke of halftime, leading referee Alex King to point to the spot and allowing the talismanic Ibusuki to score his fifth goal of the campaign.

The best of the Roar's chances through the rest of the contest came to Ban Halloran and Thomas Waddingham - the teenage striker linked to English Championship sides Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday - but the visitors struggled for clear looks on goal.

Ultimately United did enough to hold on, securing a third-straight win and a first win at Ironbark Fields since their inaugural game at the venue last season.