Round 2 of the Liberty A-League season saw Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar going head-to-head again, with Brisbane hosting this time.
The Brisbane Fan View
This game felt like watching a pendulum swing back and forth as the teams vied with each other for ascendancy. Looking back on the game it was punctured by some terrifying moments.
Moment #1: Larissa Crummer running at the goals
I know I wouldn’t want to be a defender trying to keep Crummer contained. She showed some great strength on the ball to keep possession and her trademark speed to beat the Perth defence on multiple occasions. The only thing missing was some goal-scoring on the end of it to really strike fear into their hearts.
Moment #2: Lisa De Vanna sprinting with the ball
If De Vanna is not playing for your side, the last thing you want to see is her in space, at top speed, running away from you towards your goal. After pinching the ball when Roar was in attack mode, De Vanna had a quick turn and was away. With only one person to beat it was a tense moment but in this case her hamstring said “No!” and Brisbane were given a small respite.
Moment #3: Katrina Gorry takes the field
When you’ve had a game where you felt like the combination of Ayesha Norrie, Nia Stamatopoulos and Mariel Hecher were dominating the Perth midfield, to have a former Matilda coming off the bench may not be terrifying for a Brisbane supporter but it sure should be for anyone else. While Mini is still easing back into form, there were a couple of long-range cracks on goal that signalled people need to keep watching out for her.
After her lightning quick return to competitive football, @KatrinaGorry can’t wait to go again tonight at Perry Park!
Tickets 🎟️ https://t.co/AcLHn5uepV#BringTheRoar | @aleaguewomen pic.twitter.com/kwhCxHOhPf
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) December 10, 2021
Moment #4: When you watch a shot being deflected around your keeper
It was already tense when Perth were awarded a late corner, and just when you thought the pressure had been relieved by a clearing header, Alana Jancevski took a shot on goal. Hecher’s valiant effort to block the shot instead had the effect of lifting the ball just high enough to clear Georgie Worth, and it felt like I was watching the whole event happen in slow motion.
Fortunately, the evening ended on a positive note, as after the game the Roar Corps presented the Brisbane players with a souvenir Roar Corps shirt sponsored by a fan, and we commiserated with each other.
ORANGE PLAYER OF THE GAME |
A home game debut and a fantastic stint in defence outpacing the Perth attack – congratulations Jessie Rasschaert 🧡🖤
Not the home game result we wanted but a great performance in front of her new home fans 🍊#BRIvPER #aleaguewomen #ALeagueW pic.twitter.com/seW42rjaDG
— The Roar Corps (@TheRoarCorps) December 10, 2021
The Coach View
Brisbane Roar’s Garrath McPherson:
“As a whole I was pleased with the performance, particularly in the second half where we created good quality chances to win the match. The immediate feeling post-match was very much one of disappointment that we did not get the win in front of our home fans. We are all excited at the journey ahead of us and trust that as the squad continues to gain experience playing at this level with each other we will be winning these games, starting with Saturday afternoon.”
Perth Glory’s Alex Epakis: “Very happy. Improved performance, more chances, very competitive players who are focused on ensuring we play and stay in matches.”
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