Tara Murray
Western United continued its momentum on Saturday night with a third straight win in the A-League men’s competition.
Facing a winless Brisbane Roar, United looked the better team throughout much of the match.
Both teams were scoreless in the first half, with United unable to put away their chances.
After missing shots in the first half, Connor Pain gave United a 1-0 win in the 50th minute. It would be enough to seal the victory.
United coach John Aloisi said while he was pleased with the win, but the result could have been a lot bigger.
“We created enough chances to be at least two or three up at half time,” he said.
“[We got] rewards early in the second half. We dropped off a little, we gave the ball away a little bit deeply and then it gave them a little bit of hope.
“We should have been winning a lot more comfortably. But again a clean sheet and they didn’t look like scoring, they didn’t have chances.”
Aloisi said they had to look at different ways to come through the middle of the ground, with the Roar shutting down their midfield.
He was again thrilled with the defence pressure put on by the side.
“It gives us a platform to be able to compete, which is what we have to do every game, even when you believe you are the team that should win at home against a team that hasn’t won.
“You need to do the basic things well. That is what we tried to do.
“Leo [Lacroix] our form player, he wasn’t playing [but we were] still able to be solid at the back.”
Aloisi said Lacroix had a corkie in his quad and they were hoping to have him back this week.
In a positive sign for United, the win came with their three international off season signings all on the sidelines.
Another positive is the form of Pain.
“He has been good as we saw against City,” Aloisi said.
“The most important thing we’ve tried to get our players, wingers getting into the box getting bodes into the box, getting into good areas.
“I think our wider players can score more goals. Him [Pain] and Lachie [Wales] were getting into good areas.
“The goal was going to come. He was frustrated, he thought he had some good opportunities.”
United now sit third on the ladder.
They face Adelaide United.
