Last gasp draw saves Thijssen's blushes

Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory both claimed their first draw for the season, after a fairytale finish from Brisbane’s Brazilian weapon Henrique, who leveled the scores 1-1 in the dying minutes. 

The Roar looked to be making a fresh start, appointing Head Coach Frans Thijssen this week, however their shaky start to the match was anything but fresh.

A pregnant Henrique. Credit: Brisbane Roar

Perth dominated possession early on, but took a hefty blow after Youssouf Hersi was stretchered off the field with a hamstring injury.

Glory’s Mitchell Nichols was booed as he ran onto the field to replace Hersi. The former Brisbane star gestured a kiss to the crowd, encouraging the Roar’s hunger for their first home victory.

Hersi’s departure from the match appeared to do everything but rattle the Perth squad, as they took the lead minutes after.

Glory’s Dino Djulbic opened the scoring after an impressive finish on a corner taken by Nebojsa Marinkovic. Djulbic’s shot hit the back of the net before Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young had any time to react, giving Perth the lead.

There was an increase in energy amongst the Roar as they desperately tried to score before halftime. Henrique gave his usual 110% as he searched for an equaliser off anything and everything that came close to the goal box.

Perth maintained their lead and entered the second half confident in extending it.

Henrique and Brisbane’s Thomas Broich struggled to beat Perth goalkeeper Daniel Vukovic, however the enthusiasm shown by Brisbane youngsters Corey Brown and Daniel Bowles lifted Brisbane’s game.

Perth looked to have sealed a victory, however the Roar ramped up their attack in the final minutes. They looked promising at times, but their failure to create shots on target only amplified their frustration.

As Roar fans braced themselves for another upset, Henrique came through with the goods, proving he’s still the Roar’s not-quite-secret weapon.

The excitement gave the Roar some much anticipated momentum, and Henrique looked likely to score again.

Brisbane’s Mensur Kurtisi broke away setting Henrique up for his second in a matter of minutes, however his timing sent the ball off target.

Perth fought hard to reclaim their lead, but failed to perform under pressure, giving the Roar a glimmer of hope after a dramatic start to the season.

The Roar will play their next four matches away, taking on the winless Wanderer’s next weekend, while Perth will look to extend their successful season against Sydney FC in Sydney.

Brisbane Roar FC 2.Matthew SMITH (c), 5.Corey BROWN, 7.Mensur KURTISHI, 8.Steven LUSTICA, 10.HENRIQUE, 13.Jade NORTH, 14.Daniel BOWLES, 15.James DONACHIE, 17.Matt McKAY, 18.Luke BRATTAN, 21.Jamie YOUNG (gk), 22.Thomas BROICH, 23.Dimitri PETRATOS, 28.Brandon BORRELLO, 30.Matthew ACTON (gk)

Perth Glory 1.Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 5.Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 6.Dino DJULBIC, 7.Youssouf HERSI, 9.Andy KEOGH, 10.Nebosja MARINKOVIC, 11.Richard GARCIA, 13.Diogo Alves FERREIRA, 14.Chris HAROLD, 15.Jamie MACLAREN, 17.Mitch NICHOLS, 18.Jack DUNCAN.19.Joshua RISDON, 20.Daniel DE SILVA, 21.Scott JAMIESON, 23.Michael THWAITE (c)