Roar catch United off boil

BRISBANE Roar’s A-League resurgence has rolled on, with Robbie Fowler’s side beating Western United 1-0 at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium yesterday.

Young striker Mirza Muratovic handed the visitors the lead in the 61st minute and an uninspiring United was unable to claw its way back.

“Today was I think a real solid, professional performance,” Fowler said.

“I think we were good value for it — I don’t think anyone could have complained too much if it was three or four, if I’m being honest.

“We came to a tough place and you look at their home form of late — they’ve got 10 goals in their last four games, and to come here and keep them quiet and come away with the three points was a real solid, professional effort.”

The win gives sixth-placed Brisbane a four-point buffer on

United, while they are now just two points and goal difference behind Adelaide and Wellington. Mark Rudan opted to debut Japanese signing Tomoki Imai on the right side of a back three, while Thiel Iradukunda earned his first ALeague start in defensive midfield.

Scott Neville returned from suspension for the Roar and slotted into defence. United spurned two early chances in a first half where both sides looked off the boil.

Connor Pain blasted a close-range effort over the bar in the opening minute. Eleven minutes later, Jerry Skotadis whipped in a clever free kick, with Andrew Durante failing to put away his chance at the back post. The Roar brought the contest to life with just over half an hour to play. Brad Inman robbed Imai of the ball in defence, charged forward and slid the ball across for Muratovic to smack home.