Western United FC have snapped their two-game losing streak and ended their barren AAMI Park run with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar on Sunday night.
Youngster Dylan Pierias scored the only goal of the game 18 minutes from time, nodding home Alessandro Diamanti’s inviting cross for the club’s first-ever win at AAMI Park.
It was just the result Mark Rudan needed after seeing his side drop out of the top six after back-to-back losses to Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC.
It also justified his decision to leave both Diamanti and Besart Berisha on the bench, with the Italian star changing the game when he came on in the second half.
United also have goalkeeper Ryan Scott to thank for the win, with the stand-in shot-stopper making eight saves over the course of the 90 minutes.
The defeat for Roar means their winless run has now extended to six games, a worrying sign for coach Warren Moon after their strong start to the campaign.
REPORT: Melbourne Victory 1-3 Adelaide United
REPORT: Sydney FC 2-1 Newcastle Jets
Key moments
Super Scott denies Danzaki
It was a tight start to the contest with neither side able to fashion a clear-cut chance in the first 20 minutes.
But midway through the half it took a stunning save from United keeper Ryan Scott to keep the scores level.
Riku Danzaki’s driving run ended with a venomous strike from the edge of the area, with Scott diving to his left to tip the ball around the post.
Pierias draws a save from Young
United’s best chance of the first half came just after the half-hour mark and fell to youngster Dylan Pierias.
Lachie Wales’ incisive run down the right ended with him crossing to Iker Guarrotxena at the far post.
The Spaniard chested the ball down for Pierias to hit a first time volley which was straight at Roar gloveman Jamie Young.
Young keeps out Pierias again
Just 10 minutes into the second half and Pierias again went close for United, but was again denied by the Roar shot-stopper.
Steven Lustica sent a ball through for the pacy Pierias to run on to and the young winger found himself bearing down on the visitors’ goal.
While he struck his shot well enough, it was again too close to young who was able to save with his body.
Third time lucky for Pierias
Diamanti entered the fray just before the hour mark and it wasn’t long before the Italian star was taking control of the contest.
And it was no surprise that the United skipper was the catalyst for his side’s opener, sending in a teasing cross that curled perfectly into Pierias’ path.
The youngster still had a lot to do, stooping low to divert his header past Young.
Team news
There’s three changes to Western United’s starting side for this one, with Dylan Pierias, Steven Lustica and Lachie Wales coming in.
In a huge surprise, Besart Berisha drops to the bench, while Alessandro Diamanti returns from injury as a substitute for Mark Rudan’s troops.
Warren Moon has made two changes to the side that drew with Sydney FC in Roar’s last encounter.
Youngster Jesse Daley starts in midfield at the expense of Rahmat Akbari, while Joey Champness comes into the 11, with Golgol Mebrahtu back to the bench.
Next matches
Macarthur FC v Western United FC
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Campbelltown Stadium
Kick-off: 5.05pm (AEDT)
Match Centre
Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar
Sunday, March 21, 2021
McDonald Jones Stadium
Kick-off: 4.05pm (AEDT)
Match Centre
PREVIEW: Western Sydney Wanderers v Wellington Phoenix
MORE: Local Reds use Original Rivalry memories as fuel to fire past Victory
