A much improved performance from Mitchelton FC was not enough to overcome league leaders Rochedale Rovers on Saturday night.
Rochedale found themselves 2-0 up at halftime and were on cruise control until Mitchelton staged a spirited second half fight back.
Fenedy Mausavakalo and man of the match Richard Iwai proved a handful for the Rochedale defence all night and were unlucky not to pull a goal back from their side. Midway through the second half Fenedy played a beautiful through ball for Iwai who struck a fierce shot on goal only to have his shot hit one post, fly across the goal and hit the other post before coming back out to the Rochedale defender to clear.
With twenty minutes to go, Fenedy Mausavakalo sent the Mitchelton supporters into raptures when he received the ball wide on the left hand side, beat three defenders and hit a stunning shot from 30 metres that exploded into the back of the net.
The home crowd and players went wild with joy and Fenedy also enjoyed the celebration.
Mitchelton dominated the later stages of the game but couldn’t equalize. The Mitchelton team was pleased with the result as in the previous two games against Rochedale this season, they were beaten 8-0 and 9-0.
Mitchelton’s next game is in two weeks time against Brisbane Wolves.
Rochedale coach Kieran Cooper was surprised with the improvement from Mitchelton, who are yet to win a game after eight rounds.
“We beat them 9-0 in the Premier Cup last week but they changed their tactics. Tactically they did very well in defence and we were fairly comfortable until they scored. It was a bit scary after that. If they keep playing like that Mitchelton will soon get some good results and will start beating teams.”