W-LEAGUE: Roar run riot over Adelaide

Brisbane Roar emphatically put forth their W-League title claims on Saturday, comprehensively thrashing a hapless Adelaide United 6-2 at Redcliffe, north of Brisbane.

Striker Emily Gielnik netted a hat-trick for the home side and was assisted by further goals from Amy Chapman, Vedrana Popovic and Tameka Butt; Adelaide managed two consolation goals courtesy of Kristy Moore and Racheal Quigley long after the contest had been settled.

The strength of the imposing Gielnik, combined with the fleet-footedness of the Roar midfield and fullbacks, left Adelaide chasing shadows for extended periods of the match. United appearing sluggish in the notorious Queensland humidity.

Roar gave an early indication of their intent from the kick-off, not passing the ball back into the own half as per usual but instead launching an immediate attacking thrust into Adelaide territory.

The eager intent of the hosts almost caught Adelaide out as Tameka Butt unleashed a barrage of early strikes, going closest when she toe-poked wide under pressure on five minutes.

Further raids on the Adelaide end followed but the opening breakthrough alluded the Roar attackers in the early stages, Gielnik spurning two chances from Butt’s left-sided crosses; side footing the first wide at the near post on 17 minutes before miscuing the second on the volley at the far post two minutes later.

The breakthrough came barely a minute later, Elise Kellond-Knight this time picking out Gielnik at the near post with a cross from the left;  the striker’s effort only finding the post before rebounding invitingly for Chapman to convert from barely a metre out.

After the restart, Brisbane bore down on the Adelaide goal again – Butt played in behind the line by Chapman’s smart pass, before she unleashed two venomous strikes at Adelaide goalkeeper Kristi Harvey, the first parried back to Butt, the second turned behind.

The ferocity of Butt’s strikes evidenced as Harvey sought treatment following the exchange. However, Brisbane would not relent with Katrina Gorry blasting over from the ensuing corner.

Roar netted their second on 23 minutes when Laura Alloway’s early ball from the back picked out Gielnik, who controlled well to turn and shoot, catching Harvey flat-footed as the ball bobbled tauntingly in to the net.

A third goal followed on 38 minutes to effectively seal the result, Gielnik confidently finishing off a sublime passing movement down the left flank that commenced with fullback Kellond-Knight in her own half and featured vital touches from Popovic and Butt before Kellond-Knight played the cross.

As the half drew to a close Adelaide rattled off a variety of long-range attempts with Moore, Sarah McLaughlin and Australian Under-16 captain Jessica Waterhouse all firing their shots straight at Roar custodian Kate Stewart.

Adelaide attempted to amplify their intensity following the restart but a buoyant Brisbane soon matched, and then outshone, the visitors. Roar’s contingent of Gorry, Butt and Gielnik each forced a save from Harvey within the first five minutes.

The hosts were unrelenting, Popovic setting up Gorry as part of a swift counter-attack and Polkinghorne delivering a perfect cross for Butt, only for both Roar attackers to shoot over the top from close range.

Finally, the fourth goal came just before the hour. Tight control and teamwork from Chapman and Gorry again allowing Roar to exploit the left wing and fire a cross to the imposing Gielnik who unselfishly teed up Popovic to drive home from 18 yards.

The hosts converted a fifth only a minute later as Gielnik again turned provider. This time playing a low cross for Butt who shook-off her earlier striking yips to steer the ball home from the edge of the goalkeeper’s area.

Adelaide pulled a goal back through Moore on the counter in the 65th minute – McLaughlin’s pass splitting the Brisbane defence before Moore dragged the ball back to shake her marker then slotted the ball home beneath the diving Stewart.

Brisbane continued to pile on the pressure before Adelaide struck for the second time on the counter attack in the 77th minute – Ann Mayo’s unassuming left-sided cross taking a bounce that fooled Roar defender Erika Elze and fell for the lurking Quigley, who duly converted at the far post.

As unlikely as a comeback appeared, Adelaide dug deep to finish strongly despite clearly suffering in the balmy conditions.

Waterhouse came close to a third for the visitors on 83 minutes when her first shot was parried by Stewart  before driving the follow-up back off the crossbar from close range.

The crossbar denied the Lady Reds again before the close when McLaughlin saw her final attempt on goal cannon back of the frame after doing well to free herself for the shot following Emma Checker’s deep free-kick.

As a final act, to rub salt in the wounds, Gielnik sealed her hat-trick in the final minute of time added on, latching on to English international Hannah Beard’s through-ball and coolly chipping the advancing Harvey.

The result sees Brisbane remain in second spot, and keeps the pressure on league leaders Perth Glory heading into the Christmas-New Year break.

Meanwhile, Adelaide United remains rooted near the foot of the W-League table and effectively out of finals contention, with only six points from their opening nine games.