Dino Kresinger won a penalty that was converted by Shinji Ono in the 87th minute to defeat Brisbane Roar 1-0 and propel the Wanderers into the top 4.
During the team walk-out the RBB members unveiled their tifo for the night, a display of two-stick flags that spelled out "Shoulder To Shoulder" as well as a tribute to RBB member @Benched, his response can be seen in the comments below the article.
The tone of the match was set when the Wanderers pressed Brisbane from the kick-off and Iacopo La Rocca ran onto a punched clearance by Theo to hit the ball just over the bar. Berisha butchered what was the best chance of the half, when Ben Halloran found Besart Berisha with a through ball. He was being played onside by the Wanderers right back Polenz, with only Covic to beat he chose to chip Covic but his shot was directed straight into the hands of the big keeper. Halloran then sounded a warning shot of his own by out pacing Adam D'Apuzzo down the flank but the narrow angle gave him little chance of scoring and the ball again safely made it's way into the hands of Covic.
Shane Stefanutto and Hersi were both yellow carded within minutes of each other, Stefanutto for dissent and Hersi for stupidly kicking the ball away. The game cooled down, neither side were able to put a shot on target before the half-time whistle blew.
Dino Kresinger replaced Gibbs and had a major part in deciding the result. Mateo Poljak threaded a ball to Kresinger who turned his marker despite being held tightly for several meters. Jurman finally dragged down the big target man inside the box. Law 12 (Fouls & Misconduct) clearly states that holding that starts outside the box but continues into the box must be punished with a penalty kick. Referee Alan Milliner had no hesitation in awarding a yellow card to Jurman and making the correct penalty decision. With a very loud crowd of 6,755 fans waiting, Ono stepped up to the mark. Michael Theo was carded for time-wasting but the veteran midfielder didn't let it get to him at all. With carefully measured strides Ono struck the ball sweetly, sending Theo the wrong way and burying the penalty. The team came together in a huddle after the goal for their celebration.
The goal stirred the Roar into action. Rado Vidosic made a dual substitution, Jack Hingert and Ben Halloran being replaced by Yuji Takahashi and James Meyer respectively. In the space of a minute the Roar nearly equalised three times. The first came from a corner, Jurman nearly earning redemption, he flew above Kresinger and Poljak, Covic stood firm again, lightning reflexes firing for him to hold the goal-bound effort. Mitch Nichols regained possession just inside the Wanderers half, spotted Covic off his line and attempted an audacious long-range drive that smacked the crossbar. The ball stayed in and forced the Western Sydney defence to clear it out for a corner. It was a poor corner, only going as far as Jason Trifiro. He could only clear it as far as Shane Stefanutto and the ball was returned with interest, it flew past every player in front of him, before smacking the far post.
The almighty din at the final whistle would have lifted the roof off had Parramatta Stadium been built with one at the conclusion of another tight contest against Brisbane. The squad celebrated with the supporters around the ground, with Ante Covic leading a rendition of 'Who Do We Sing For' for the RBB to put the cap on a brilliant night for the club.
The Wanderers next match is against Sydney FC at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday the 15th of December at 7:45pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time.
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