W-League: Brisbane Roar 0-0 Newcastle Jets

A very warm start to an important game for Brisbane at Ballymore was not going to be easy for the Roar girls. If Brisbane predicted a walk in the park they were in for a surprise as the game started with plenty of fire from Newcastle Jets and the hosts. Newcastle had to win to have any hope of making the finals and with a bit of rough and tumble thrown in it was obvious a contest was in the making.

Unfortunately for Brisbane, inspirational leader Clare Polkinghorne was injured and unable to take the field, leaving them vulnerable and allowed the Jets to overpower them in the midfield during the first half. Workaholic Lisa DeVanna created plenty of chances for the Orenje’ but clearly felt frustrated with her teammates not reading her movements.

The second half saw more fluency from Brisbane, as they dominated this period. Brisbane was pushing hard for that elusive goal to have a chance for Minor Premiership, but their cause wasn’t helped by Tameka Butt being played wide and high as she was sorely missed in central midfield.

Newcastle simply dug their heels in, not allowing Brisbane to penetrate while preferring to wait for scarce opportunities to counterattack. Expectations were on Newcastle’s young sensation Tara Andrews, but, as is with dangerous players the sixteen year old was well and truly marked out of the game, giving her a taste of what she will now face whenever she takes the field.

In the end it was not to be for the Roar girls finishing with a 0-0 draw. This is their last game before the finals, having a bye next week.

Best for Brisbane were Lisa DeVanna, Kim Carroll and the young Emily Gielnik who toiled hard after coming on in the second half. Thea Slatyer and Nicole Cross were two of Newcastle’s best. Congratulations now go to Sydney FC who defeated Canberra United 3-0 which barring a disaster gives them this season’s Minor Premiership.

While at the match, The Football Sack caught up with Roar’s male goalkeeper Micheal Theoklitos who was joining the men’s team, doing their bit raising money for the Queensland flood relief.

The custodian had only positive things to say about the women’s form of the game, and encouraged others to come along and offer support;

“The W-league is good value for people to come and watch. There were a few chances, pity no goals were scored

Theo was no stranger to his female counterparts either;

“I have seen bits and pieces of the Women’s team and on television. They have done quite well finishing second. It would have been better if they won and got the three points today but despite being frustrated they are still a good chance in the finals

He also highlighted how well the entire club has gone this season;

“The efforts of the women’s side, plus the Youth team also coming second and with the men’s team doing well; it’s all good for the Queensland teams.

The Football Sack extends a big thank you to Theo and the entire Roar club for his comments and commitment to helping with the flood cause.