It was touted as the game of the season so far as our Roar Women remained undefeated and recorded their fourth win in a row with a tenacious 4-1 defeat of Westfield W-League ladder-leaders Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Tameka Yallop headed the opener only for Clare Wheeler to equalise three minutes later but a maiden goal for 17-year-old Jamilla Rankin ensured Brisbane went to the break at 2-1.
Any doubt about the outcome was put to bed in the second half through goals to Clare Polkinghorne, who celebrated with a classic “baby cradle” in honour of teammate Katrina Gorry’s recently announced pregnancy, and a second strike from Rankin.
Speaking post-match, Head Coach Jake Goodship was elated with the result.
“A great game, especially backing up after the Wanderers,” he remarked after full-time.
“Then coming to Sydney FC, who are a fantastic team themselves and a good club – so very happy and a good feeling in the dressing room as well.”
When asked what his side were focused on leading into the game, he emphasised the Roar’s commitment to improvement.
“[We focused on] us. Us. Execute what we do well and keep getting better and better,” Goodship continued.
“I think we showed that today, both in and out of possession.
With two goals and an assist, plenty of attention was given to the excellent performance from Rankin.
“She works so hard, she’s so down to earth, she asks questions after questions. She’s so teachable. Two goals from left back. Very happy for her.”
The result means the Roar return from their Sydney road trip with maximum points and will now finally return to familiar surroundings for their next game against Perth Glory at Lions Stadium on Sunday, 21 February (6:05pm kick-off).
GOALS
Brisbane Roar – Yallop 8’ – 0-1
Olivia Chance dissects the Sydney defence. Emily Gielnik caresses the ball across the goal onto the head of Yallop who scores from close range.
Sydney FC – Wheeler 11’ – 1-1
Sydney’s high-pressing start plays dividends as Wheeler steals into the area and scores with a deflection from a Morgan Aquino clearance.
Brisbane Roar – Rankin 16’ – 1-2
Mariel Hecher breaks into the right side of the penalty area and delivers another excellent cross for Rankin to drive home after some average defending from the sky blues.
Brisbane Roar – Polkinghorne 54′ – 1-3
Rankin gets an assist and continues to enhance her set-piece reputation with a precise arrowed corner onto the head of her Captain.
Brisbane Roar – Rankin 82′ – 1-4
Rankin receives a short corner and is rewarded with a goal as her cross skids straight through the gloves of the unfortunate Jada Mathyssen-Whyman.
MATCH DETAILS
Westfield W-League 2020/21 Round 8 : Sydney FC vs Brisbane Roar
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Sunday, 14 February
Sydney FC 1 (Wheeler 11’)
Brisbane Roar 4 (Yallop 8’, Rankin 16’, 82’ Polkinghorne 54’)
Half-time: 1-2
