Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Brisbane Roar have huffed and puffed and finally broken down Auckland FC, with Tom Aldred producing a heart-stopping equaliser with the last kick of the game to ensure a 1-1 draw at Suncorp Stadium.
Invigorated after opening their A-League Men campaign with a 2-1 win over Perth Glory, the Roar started Friday evening’s contest with fierce intent, which rendered Hiroki Sakai’s 11th-minute opener for Auckland all the more deflating.
It ensured 80 minutes of mounting frustration for the hosts, who survived Logan Rogerson hitting the bar soon after.
The home side threw themselves forward relentlessly in search of an equaliser, only to have their efforts hit the woodwork, be blocked by a scrambling Auckland defence, or unable to trouble keeper Michael Woud
And when they had just one last corner to defend in the 95th minute, it looked like the Kiwi side would escape with three smash-and-grab points – only for the Roar skipper to refuse to allow his side to lose.
After his initial headed attempt from Nam Tae-Hee’s corner was blocked, the veteran defender pounced on the loose ball and, after taking a touch, slid an effort into the back of the net, sending “The Den” behind the goal into raptures, before sprinting to join them in celebration.
Sabit Ngor had hit the post in the 38th minute, and Justin Vidic rattled the crossbar in the 49th as the Roar frantically pursued an equaliser.
Virgiliu Postolachi had been left grimacing after he had a close-range shot deflected over the bar on the half-hour.
Brisbane had only forced Woud into one save following Sakai’s opener as added time began, with it appearing that his sweetly hit half-volley to grab the lead would give them the win with their only shot on target of the game.
Aldred, though, had the final say.
