Brisbane rock Adelaide United 2-0 

Source: Reuters

Two goals from striker Sergio Van Dijk and a crucial penalty save from Griffin McMaster have revived Brisbane's season after the Roar clinched their first win in six matches with a 2-0 upset of Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Van Dijk stroked home a controversial spot kick in the 35th minute and then bagged his seventh goal of the season in the 51st with an emphatic finish with his left foot.

But goalkeeper Griffin McMaster proved just as vital to ensure the Roar's first win since September 27, swatting away a 70th minute penalty kick by Lloyd Owusu as well as making a handful of other critical saves to keep United at bay in front of 11,209 fans.

The first win under new coach Ange Postecoglou since replacing sacked Frank Farina propelled the Roar from ninth on the ladder to seventh, pushing ahead of United on percentage.

United dominated for long periods but couldn't find the finishing touch and paid the price, slumping to their third home loss this season.

Adelaide had looked more purposeful for much of the first half but found it hard to penetrate the Brisbane defence marshalled by Socceroo Craig Moore until captain Travis Dodd carved out a golden chance for striker Cristiano in the 26th minute.

The speedy Reds' captain cut through the midfield and passed to the unmarked Brazilian on the penalty spot only for Roar keeper Griffin McMaster to charge out and just block his shot.

A minute later McMaster excelled again, diving low at full stretch to his left to palm away a fierce drive from Alemao round his post for a corner.

The next Adelaide player to be denied by McMaster was defender Robert Cornthwaite who launched a downward header which the keeper tipped over his crossbar at the second attempt.

But then Reinaldo put Adelaide on the backfoot when he won the penalty on a rare Roar breakaway and van Dijk inflicted further pain on the Reds when he curled in a searing shot into the top corner just after half time from a David Dodd pass.

Dodd fired a cross in 69th minute as Adelaide surged again and it struck Luke Devere's arm and Zetter awarded the second penalty of the game.

But McMaster pushed the low kick onto the post and away to ensure victory.

Earlier in the second half Mitch Nicholls had appeared to net another Roar goal with the ball crossing the line off the underside of the crossbar.

But referee Craig Zetter and other officials were unsighted and waved play on.