Western Sydney v Brisbane
Western Sydney left frustrated by Brisbane Roar
Western Sydney Wanderers had to settle for a 1-1 A-League draw against Brisbane Roar due to their own wastefulness and Michael Theo's safe hands.
Wanderers are seventh in the table after a fifth draw in eight games, having so far failed to triumph at Spotless Stadium in four.
Their second half at their temporary home ground, led by marquee playmaker Nicolas Martinez, would likely rate as their strongest yet except for a late 10-minute spell from Brisbane.
Yet the Roar, despite ceding copious amounts of territory and possession, claimed a valuable point to remain third, courtesy of striker Jamie Maclaren.
Maclaren put this week's contractual impasse to one side to earn and then convert a first-half penalty, before Japanese import Jumpei Kusukami settled the score on 56 minutes with his first A-League goal from a teasing Jack Clisby volley.
But despite the abundant chances -- the Wanderers had 18 shots to the Roar's seven -- this contest was far removed from last season's epic 5-4 extra-time thriller.
Holding the lion's share of the ball and territory, the hosts again showed elements of real quality but were regularly let down by one too many touches or misplaced passes.
Gilt-edged chances came and went for Kerem Bulut and Brendon Santalab among others, while Martinez, who played raider alongside Mitch Nichols, drew a superb save from a busy Theo.
At the other end, backup keeper Jerrad Tyson pressed his case as Andrew Redmayne's replacement by denying Brett Holman with skill.
Moments later, he made an error by lunging at Maclaren in the box, an error of judgement that was perhaps a symptom of nearly three years on the sidelines.
Maclaren capitalised, sending Tyson the wrong way from the spot.
Head-To-Head
Game Information
A-League Men News

LAFC, QPR owners buy A-League's Central Coast Mariners
21h

Melbourne Victory appoint Giovanni Savarese as new head coach
6d

'A huge disaster': Inside Football Australia's smoke-and-mirrors AGM
20d



