Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix play out soggy A-League stalemate

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:07 am

A waterlogged pitch undermined Saturday's A-League clash between finals-chasing pair Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix.

Playing on a pitch soaked by an earlier deluge in southeast Queensland, neither team could find a winner as the points were shared in a 0-0 draw at Moreton Daily Stadium.

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The result doesn't really benefit either team as they try to break into the competition's top six with seventh-placed Brisbane remaining a point behind Western United. The Phoenix, who have played three games more than the Roar, are a further point back in eighth.

Halftime substitute Jaushua Sotirio was nearly the difference for Ufuk Talay's team, causing all kinds of problems to the Roar defence with his pace but the closest he came to breaking the deadlock was a shot into the side netting with less than 20 minutes to play.

Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix were hampered by the heavy rain in Queensland.
Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young didn't have a save to make until the 80th minute when the veteran strongly claimed a driven effort from outside the box by Phoenix captain Ulises Davila.

Another Phoenix substitute, Olyroo Reno Piscopo, also stung the Roar custodian's palms as the Phoenix pushed in vain for a late winner.

Brisbane, who thumped Central Coast 4-0 on Wednesday, dominated the first half with winger Joey Champness looking their most likely threat. The Roar's efforts didn't ask much of in-form Phoenix goalkeeper Oliver Sail however, who comfortably kept the hosts at bay.

As well as failing to get a win, the Phoenix will have to do without Cameron Devlin and Louis Fenton for Friday's trip to Adelaide with both picking up suspensions via their fifth bookings of the season. Devlin was booked after an 11th minute foul on Japanese midfielder Riku Danzaki which sparked a brief coming together between the two teams.

Fenton's yellow came early in the second half when he went down near Roar defender Macaulay Gillesphey seeking a penalty but was booked by referee Tim Danaskos for diving instead.

The Roar, who have little time to recover before hosting Western United in another pivotal clash on Wednesday, will also be hoping Gillesphey is fit after he was subbed out with a knock with 12 minutes to play.