In-form Brisbane Roar ends Sydney FC’s unbeaten run in W-League
Brisbane’s Jamilla Rankin celebrates after scoring her team’s second against Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday. Photo: Getty
Matildas stars Tameka Yallop and Clare Polkinghorne have both found the back of the net as Brisbane ended Sydney’s perfect start to the W-League season in emphatic fashion.
Roar claimed an impressive 4-1 win at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday to move within two points of the table-topping Sky Blues with its fourth victory in a row.
The defeat ends Sydney’s 100 per cent record and came after having conceded just one goal in their previous seven matches.
Second-placed Brisbane is now the only unbeaten team in the league having started their season with four consecutive draws.
Rockin' the baby with that goal @clarepolks89! 👶
🎥: @FOXFOOTBALL
📱: My Football Live App https://t.co/wHSpvQaoGC#WLeague #SYDvBRI #ForTheCrest pic.twitter.com/GhnaV2AA3C— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) February 14, 2021
Roar took an early lead in eighth minute when Matildas winger Emily Gielnik found space down the left and played a pinpoint cross to Yallop, who nodded home at the back post.
Brisbane’s lead lasted three minutes before a defensive mix-up let Sydney level the scores.
Roar goalkeeper Morgan Aquino’s clearance was blocked by Clare Wheeler, with the deflection taking the ball into the empty net.
Clare Wheeler like a STEAM TRAIN in the night 🚄
🎥: @FOXFOOTBALL
📱: My Football Live App https://t.co/wHSpvQaoGC#WLeague #SYDvBRI #SydneyIsSkyBlue pic.twitter.com/ThPwtqUjfy— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) February 14, 2021
Just two minutes later however another error, by Sydney goalkeeper Jada Whyman, allowed Roar to hit the front again.
Whyman spilt a cross by Brazilian winger Mariel Hecher and Jamilla Rankin was on the spot to tap the ball home.
Roar extended its lead after the break when experienced defender Polkinghorne powered home a header from a corner in the 54th minute.
The win was wrapped up in the 82nd minute when Whyman had another moment to forget, fumbling a cross by Rankin into her goal.
In Sunday’s late game, Adelaide United defeated Canberra United 2-1 in Adelaide.
Target: goal. Mission accomplished. @emilycondon08 💪
🎥: @FOXFOOTBALL
📱: My Football Live App https://t.co/wHSpvQaoGC#ADLvCBR #WLeague #AUFC pic.twitter.com/5Each4jYoV— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) February 14, 2021
Saturday’s game between Newcastle and Melbourne City was postponed following the announcement of Victoria’s five-day COVID lockdown on Friday.
-AAP
