Saturday afternoon’s top-of-the-table clash against Canberra United is looming as a must-win for Brisbane Roar Women, who are looking to close the gap of five points that sits between them and their long-time rivals at the top of the Westfield W-League ladder.
Saturday afternoon-s top-of-the-table clash against Canberra United is looming as a must-win for Brisbane Roar Women, who are looking to close the gap of five points that sits between them and their long-time rivals at the top of the Westfield W-League ladder.
The team in green will be out for revenge following last season-s dramatic semi-final where Brisbane emerged victorious from the penalty shootout after the scores were locked at 2-2 after extra time.
Despite the young nature of the competition, the two teams have already formed a rich history – the two met in the inaugural Westfield W-League grand final in 2009 after Canberra handed the Roar their only defeat of the regular season on their way to the championship.
This weekend, Brisbane will be looking to return the favour by claiming a win on home turf to end United-s stellar start to this year-s campaign of five wins in five outings.
“The girls are in good spirits after the win on the weekend,” Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said.
“It-s going to be a tough game for us but one we have been looking forward to for a while now.”
Revenge, history, two teams at the top of the ladder – it all sets the scene for what is sure to be a goal-filled encounter with the two sides netting an incredible 24 goals between them in the opening five rounds of competition.
But Hopkins is aware that his opposition have been outstanding in all areas of the park so far this season.
“Defensively, they-ve looked quite tight this year,” he said.
“But more than that, going forward, they-re a very free, attacking team so the game is going to be a challenge for us in both those departments – trying to break them down and stop them scoring and playing their natural game.”
After three wins on the trot, Hopkins said it was time to switch their focus to ensuring their home form is up to scratch.
Although winning last weekend-s clash at Cleveland Showgrounds against Melbourne Victory, the Roar suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of Newcastle Jets in their first home match of the season.
“We-re the home side, we-re the chasing side so we-ll have to come up with a few answers on the weekend,” he said.
“We-re quite comfortable over at Redlands now, we-ve settled in and it-s a good place to play with a good playing surface and we get good support out there too.
“Now we-re comfortable there, we have to make it into a fortress where teams start to fear coming there to play.”
Brisbane Roar take on Canberra United in a top-of-the-table clash against Canberra United on Saturday, 3 December at Cleveland Showgrounds, Waterloo Street, Cleveland. Kick off is at 3.00pm. Entry is free for Brisbane Roar members. Adults $5, children under 15/concession $2.
