The Roar Women’s impressive away form continued on Thursday night as Mel Andreatta’s side defeated the Newcastle Jets 1-0 at McDonald Jones Stadium.
A debut Westfield W-League goal in the second half to England attacker Chioma Ubogagu was enough to secure Brisbane a valuable three points on the road.
Ubogagu, a constant threat on the left wing throughout the contest, latched onto a mistimed strike from Yuki Nagasato in the 56th minute to improve Roar’s record to two wins, one draw and a defeat from the opening rounds.
“I think it’s huge result tonight, it could have gone either way. I’m proud of the team for fighting for the whole 90 minutes and keeping the shut out,” Ubogagu said post-match.
“I’m happy I’m a part of a great team, and really blessed to play with great teammates and a great coaching staff.
“They prepare us really, really well and it’s easy to do what’s asked of you in situations.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Roar Women win on the road in Newcastle
Mel Andreatta once again promoted youth in her starting lineup with teenagers Anna Margraf, Hollie Palmer and Kaitlyn Torpey taking the park for Brisbane.
The Roar Women dominated possession and field position for large periods of the first half but couldn’t convert their opportunities into goals as the home side defended desperately in the opening 45 minutes.
With the second half only just underway, Brisbane would take a well-deserved lead through Ubogagu, who tucked the ball away past Eckerstrom, stunning the home side.
As the second half wore on, the Jets would push for an equaliser, but a determined defensive display, led by in-form trio Mackenzie Arnold, Clare Polkinghorne and Jenna McCormick, kept the Jets at bay.
Andreatta’s side improved to seven wins and a draw from their past eight games away from home, which pleased the Head Coach.
“I believe in the processes we have in place that are consistent week in, week out. The next challenge for us is to build on this and get back to back wins. If we believe in what we are doing, the results will come,” Andreatta said.
“We’re creating quality chances and we’ll keep working to finish those in training and building that confidence in front of goal. We’ll take the positives from tonight and take them forward into the next few weeks.
“Keeping clean sheets and continuing to pick up points is the cornerstone of getting into the final series and winning the Premiership.”
The Roar Women will travel back to Brisbane full of confidence with another challenging away trip against Sydney FC awaiting next Sunday.
STORY OF THE GAME
- The Roar Women kicked off Round 5 with Thursday night Westfield W-League football in Newcastle.
- Teenagers Anna Margraf, Hollie Palmer & Kaitlyn Torpey were all in Mel Andreatta’s starting XI for the crucial contest at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- Roar’s International winger Chioma Ubogagu scored a maiden goal in the Westfield W-League in the 56th minute.
- Brisbane improved their impressive away record, which now stands at seven wins and a draw from their past eight away matches, conceding just three goals on the road during this streak.
GOALS
Brisbane Roar – Ubogagu 56′ – 0-1
Chioma Ubogagu finds the back of the net with a classy right-footed finish that finds the far right corner after fine lead up play from Yuki Nagasato and midfield maestro Katrina Gorry.
MATCH DETAILS
Westfield W-League 2018/19 – Round 5: Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Thursday, 29 November 2018
Newcastle Jets 0
Brisbane Roar 1 (Ubogagu 55’)
Half-time: 0-0
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