Fury and Victory get wins in final pre-season outings
An own goal by Brisbane Roar captain Craig Moore just minutes from full time, has handed North Queensland Fury victory in their first match in front of a home crowd Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville.
In other matches played today, Melbourne Victory claimed its first win in the annual clash against Adelaide United in Tasmania, while Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets played out a 1-1 draw.
In Townsville, a mix-up between Liam Reddy and Craig Moore in the 6 yard box, saw deflect Jeremy Brockie-s cross from the right into his own net and give Fury a deserved win.
After exchanging early blows Royston Griffiths had the first real chance which was fired straight at Reddy.
Reigning National Youth League Player of the Year Adam Sarota came closest to opening the scoring for the Roar after his shot from 30 yards out skimmed over the top of the crossbar.
Reddy kept the scores level just before half time, when he saved a sweeping shot by David Williams
Fury had the better of the beginning of the second half with Fred Agius, Williams and marquee signing Robbie Fowler all having shots with no reward.
Williams was a constant threat, but his replacement Brockie saw his first touch going just wide of the goal.
“I-m absolutely delighted with the boys. They put a lot of effort and commitment in and we have been improving in the last four games,” said Fury coach Ian Ferguson.
Goals to Archie Thompson and Grant Brebner secured Melbourne their first win at Aurora Stadium, in the fifth meeting with Adelaide.
In an exciting grand final re-match, Brebner and Thompson scored during the first half from set pieces before second-half Reds' substitute Cassio pulled one back just before the hour. Despite dominating the last 30 minutes, Adelaide couldn't find an equaliser.
In front of nearly 7000 people at Aurora Stadium, the match started off with all guns blazing, Cristiano missing a good chance to open Adelaide's scoring when his header was parried away by Glen Moss before Thompson struck the post down the other end.
But the Victory took the lead in the 16th minute when Brebner tapped home Broxham's corner kick, the Melbourne side doing it all over again 13 minutes later as Thompson was on hand to convert another Broxham corner.
In the 57th minute, Cassio produced some brilliant skill as he volleyed home a cross from Shin, but the Reds struggled to break down Melbourne's rearguard from then on.
Meanwhile a late strike from Jin Hyung Song, has given Newcastle a 1-1 draw with Sydney FC at a damp Sydney Football Stadium.
Song's effort late in the second half cancelled out Alex Brosque's first half finish but the result still keeps Sydney's undefeated pre-season record intact.
After a dominant opening the Sky Blues had the first chance in the 14th minute, Brendan Gan's cushioned header falling to Mark Bridge, whose shot on the turn was pushed away by Jets' custodian, Ben Kennedy.
Sydney continued to impress and Bridge turned provider for the match's opening goal, 28 minutes into the contest. Following a long ball out of defence the striker threaded a lovely through ball into the path of Brosque, who ran through on goal before unleashing a left foot drive across the face and into the bottom corner.
Despite Sydney's dominance in the second half, a defensive lapse opened the door for Newcastle to draw level in the closing stages.
A clever ball towards the box from substitute Fabio Vignaroli caught the Sydney defence square and an unmarked Song ghosted past his marker before lobbing the ball over Ivan Necevski to tie the scores in the 73rd minute.