Two goals to the returning Jamie Maclaren lifted Brisbane Roar to a well-deserved 3-1 away win over Sydney FC in driving rain last night.
A Brisbane Roar player celebrates a goal. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
After missing the last three games on Olyroos duty, Maclaren made an instant impact on his return scoring inside eight minutes as the visitors took a 1-0 lead to the break.
The Sky Blues equalised early in the second half via an own goal but a Matt McKay header and Maclaren's second handed Roar their first win in four weeks.
The win means the Roar remain second and stay right on the tail of leaders Western Sydney while fifth placed Sydney suffer the misfortune of recording back to back losses for the first time this season.
Also last night Perth Glory snapped Melbourne Victory's five-game unbeaten run, scoring a late penalty to record a thrilling 3-2 home win.
Glory scored twice in three minutes in the first half to take a surprise lead before Besart Berisha scored either side of the break to put the match back on even terms.
Victory continued to fight despite Fahid Ben Khalfallah's dismissal for kicking Shane Lowry in the 56th minute, but substitute Nick Ansell conceding a penalty eight minutes before full-time for pushing Glory striker Andy Keogh in the back.
Diego Castro slotted home the winner from the spot to keep alive the seventh placed Glory's faint hopes of finishing in the A-League top six playoff spots.
