W-League: Brisbane Roar 1-0 Canberra United

In what was an important game for both teams, Brisbane Roar and Canberra United met in a battle between first and third on a very warm day in Brisbane. A previous downpour earlier made the conditions humid and energy sapping for the girls.

Although the first half finished scoreless there was some enterprising football from both sides. Brisbane looked to buildup play for their opportunities on goal while Canberra was keener to go direct to their strikers for their chances. In the end both teams cancelled each other out.

The second half finally saw the long awaited arrival of the most touted Leah Blayney for Canberra. Blayney, coming back from the United States had an immediate impact and she could yet be the piece of puzzle Canberra has been lacking so far this year.

Though despite Blayney’s efforts, Brisbane went ahead in the 60th minute with the only goal of the match. It was courtesy of a nice cross by Amy Chapman to find Lana Harch who touched the ball away from her defender before stroking home to the far post.

In the 70th minute a young Trinidad & Tobago International Kennya Cordner came on for her W-League debut for Brisbane and for the rest of the game she proceded to tear up the best defense in the W-league, Canberra (although Canberra were without regular Lyndsay Glohe). Full of pace with good touch, aggressive and a left foot she is one to watch in future games.

With an important three points on the line, and Canberra looking dangerous nearing the end of the game, Brisbane Coach Jeff Hopkins directed his team home from the sideline to a 1-0 win. Overall, even though there was not a lot of goals it was still a great match to watch.

Best for Brisbane were holding midfielders Lauren Colthorpe and Clare Polkinghorne plus defender Laura Alleway. For Canberra Leah Blayney, Sally Shipard and central defender Ellie Brush all stood out. Disappointing for Canberra to lose but they can look forward to now having Blayney to play the rest of the season and importantly the finals. Brisbane can also look ahead with enthusiasm thank to their new recruit Kennya Cordner who will be hard to contain and now really adds to a great forward line for Brisbane.