The Western Sydney Wanderers were forced to settle for a point on Saturday night, playing out a 0-0 draw with Brisbane Roar at CommBank Stadium despite creating a number of clear chances.
The Red & Black started on the front foot at Wanderland, pushing forward early and threatening the Brisbane defence inside the opening ten minutes. Kosta Barbarouses found space in behind on eight minutes and delivered a dangerous cut-back, but Bozhidar Kraev was unable to connect before the Roar scrambled clear.
Moments later, Anthony Pantazopoulos drilled in a cross that Barbarouses again looked set to meet, only for Brisbane goalkeeper Jamie Young to gather.
The Wanderers’ best chance of the first half came just before the break when Brandon Borrello unleashed a powerful strike from range, forcing Macklin Freke into a flying save to tip the ball over the bar.
Western Sydney continued to apply pressure after the restart. Jay O’Shea was booked in the 52nd minute for hauling down Borrello after a sharp turn, and three minutes later the Wanderers went agonisingly close again.
From the resulting play, Alex Bonetig rose highest at the back post, but Herrington was perfectly positioned on the line to deny the defender’s header.
The late stages saw the Wanderers push hard for a winner. Barbarouses’ glancing header drifted narrowly wide before another flurry of chances in the final minutes.Â
Alou Kuol narrowly missed connecting with an overhead kick, before Pantazopoulos struck cleanly on the half-volley, only for Roar goalkeeper Bouzanis to produce another strong save and tip the ball over.
Despite dominating territory and creating the better opportunities, the Wanderers were unable to find the decisive touch, settling for a point at home as attention now turns to the next Isuzu UTE A-League fixture.
