Young Debutant Sparks Roar Comeback in Thrilling Western Sydney Draw
Brisbane Roar’s aspirations of reaching the A-League Men finals remain precariously balanced after a dramatic 2-all draw with Western Sydney Wanderers. The hero of the hour for the Roar was 19-year-old debutant Niall Thom, who, after entering the fray in the second half, netted a crucial equaliser to salvage a point for his side.
Thom’s moment of brilliance came in the 78th minute. Initially flagged offside, a lengthy VAR review ultimately overturned the decision. The crucial factor was the position of Wanderers defender Jacob Farrell, whose boot was deemed to be level with Thom’s, allowing the young forward’s left-foot strike to stand. This goal, while securing a draw, leaves the Roar trailing sixth-placed Central Coast Mariners by two points, with the Mariners holding a significant advantage of two games in hand.
Brisbane coach Michael Valkanis spoke glowingly of his young charge. “It is a good story,” Valkanis remarked, highlighting Thom’s journey. “Niall came into the B team this season and he’s trained a little bit with us as well. The first time I called him into the office I said, ‘you are very close to travelling’ and he wasn’t expecting that sort of meeting. He went, ‘what? I am travelling’. He’s just got a lot of energy. He’s a talented player with the potential to become a very good No.9. He gives everything. He leaves it all on the ground.”
The Roar had started the match brightly, their attacking intent rewarded early. Midfielder Sam Klein was instrumental in their opening goal in the fifth minute. Klein’s involvement saw him deliver a cross that wasn’t adequately cleared by Joshua Brillante. In a sharp, reflex action, Georgios Vrakas pounced, sticking out his left foot to deftly guide the ball into the net.
Following Brisbane’s early lead, Western Sydney began to assert their dominance, controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game. Their growing influence culminated in an equaliser from former Roar player Brandon Borrello. The goal originated from a precise cross delivered by left winger Ryan Fraser, which found the Socceroo unmarked. Borrello made no mistake, heading the ball home against his old club.
The Wanderers’ attacking enterprise was further rewarded just before halftime. Bozhidar Kraev unleashed a thunderous curling strike with his left foot, finding the back of the net and giving his side a deserved lead heading into the break.
The Roar’s custodians faced adversity during the match. Goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis sustained a calf injury early on but valiantly played through the pain until halftime. He was subsequently replaced by Macklin Freke, who, in the second half, produced a crucial diving save to thwart Kraev from adding to his tally.
Missed Opportunities Haunt Both Sides
Despite the dramatic finish, both coaches expressed a degree of disappointment with their sides’ inability to convert more of the numerous chances they created.
“We played some good footy. We created some very good moments,” commented Wanderers coach Gary Van Egmond. His side’s performance saw them move off the bottom of the table on goal difference. “There was sustained pressure as well. You’ve got to ensure when you’ve got that momentum of putting the ball in the back of the net.”
Michael Valkanis, however, remained resolute in his team’s pursuit of a finals berth. “We are not dropping tools and saying it is over. We are saying we are still in this and in the fight to make finals,” he declared, underscoring Brisbane’s unwavering determination. The draw, while a testament to their fighting spirit, leaves their finals hopes hanging by a thread. The coming weeks will be crucial as they aim to climb the ladder and secure a spot in the post-season action.
