Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Steven Gibson Photography/Brisbane Roar FC

Moreton Bay United’s premiership hopes suffered a setback after falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Brisbane Roar Youth at Perry Park on Saturday.

A second half strike from Sam Sibatuara proved decisive for Young Roar as they recorded their first win since June to end a four match losing streak.

The result sees Jets remain in second place in the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland standings, a point behind Brisbane Strikers but still with a game in hand.

Young Roar proved out of sorts early as they played their first match in three weeks following consecutive forfeits.

Jets dominated possession early, however Young Roar delivered the first two clear cut chances of the match on the counter attack.

Sibatuara spurned the first prior to the half-hour by scooping his shot over the bar after being teed up by Dane Ingham before Ingham missed the target shortly after with a header.

Jets failed to capitalise on a pair of chances later in the half as Jordan Farina saw his header saved by Tom Bilic and Joseph Champness struck the crossbar with a long-range strike.

Young Roar took greater control of the contest after the restart and struck after the hour as Sibatuara delivered a stinging strike from the top of the area after being set-up by Shelford Dais.

Jets squandered several chances to equalise as star striker Royce Brownlie failed to capitalise on an error from Bilic midway through the half before the Young Roar shot-stopper made amends to deny a long-range strike from Jayke Cuschieri with a quarter hour remaining.

The hosts could have doubled their advantage in the final minutes if not for a fine save from Jets goalkeeper Luke Borean, who kept out an attempt from Stephen O’Neill.

Speaking post-match, Sibatuara said his early miss hadn’t affected him as he struck the winning goal.

“You’ve just got to forget about it. Even the best players miss and it’s just how you react to it,” Sibatuara said.

Jets coach Adam Piddick credited the performance of Young Roar but said he was furious with his side’s showing as the sought to wrestle back top spot in the league.

“We’re so much better than that. People who came out and watched today would’ve thought ‘how are these guys winning the league’ and, well, we’re not anymore, are we?” Piddick said rhetorically.

Brisbane Roar FC Youth  1 (Sam SIBATUARA 61’)
Moreton Bay United FC  0