Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Eastern Suburbs

Brisbane Roar W-League overcame a spirited Eastern Suburbs Women 2-1 in their first friendly of 2015 at a rain-soaked Heath Park on Wednesday night.

Without the services of six players on Westfield Matildas duty, a youthful Roar twice took the lead to prevail against PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland's second-placed side.

The two-time Westfield W-League champions began brightly, pinning back the hosts throughout the first 20 minutes.

Cortnee Vine made the dominance pay with a well-taken opener in the 27^th minute, with several fine saves from Easts ‘keeper Abigayle Gabriel-Metta keeping it 1-0 at the break.

Roar looked to press high at the beginning of the second half but Garrath McPherson’s side dealt with the pressure well to enjoy a greater share of possession.

Though initially unable to penetrate the visitors’ defence, Easts were rewarded for their efforts in the 80^th minute when Michaela Hatzirodos brought the near 300-strong crowd to life with an equaliser.

Roar responded almost instantly though as Maili Forbes restored the lead for Belinda Wilson’s side in the 82^nd minute.

Easts’ superior fitness, having already played five matches in 2015, allowed them to press for another equaliser but ultimately without reward as Roar held on for a 2-1 win.

Roar next visit PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland teams The Gap Women and UQFC Women on 8 and 15 April respectively.

Eastern Suburbs FC 1 (Michaela HATZIRODOS 80')
Brisbane Roar FC W-League 2 (Cortnee VINE 27' Maili FORBES 82')