Words: Matt Dorman
Image: The Gap

Brisbane Roar W-League received another tough workout on Wednesday night in a narrow 2-1 friendly win over The Gap Women at Walton Bridge Reserve.

Former Gators player Maili Forbes struck either side of a first-half equaliser as Roar made it two in two against PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland opposition.

The visitors’ high early intensity reaped immediate rewards when Forbes, who scored in last week’s 2-1 win over Eastern Suburbs Women, saw a well-struck shot deflected in for a 1-0 lead in the 3^rd minute.

Gators began nervously without experienced trio Rebecca Price, Summer O’Brien and Leah Curtis and could have conceded a second in the 13^th minute had Cortnee Vine not shot wide.

Gabe Marzano threatened for the hosts but strong defending from Natasha Wheeler, another ex-Gator, protected Roar’s lead to half time.

Despite introducing Matildas defender Kim Carroll at the break, Belinda Wilson’s side was unable to prevent Ruth Blackburn from making it 1-1 shortly after the restart following a classy combination between Zali Eason-Coutts and Suzy Roeger.

Gators grew in confidence after the goal but had the crossbar to thank in the 80^th minute for denying Afrikah Mcgladrigan.

Jess Dillon was then called on to head a Carroll volley off the line before Roar’s late pressure eventually told, with another Forbes effort again taking a touch on its way into the net.

The tough win keeps Roar’s off-season form on track ahead of next Wednesday night’s friendly fixture away to UQFC Women.

The Gap FC Women 1 (Ruth BLACKBURN 53’)
Brisbane Roar FC W-League 2 (Maili FORBES 3’ 85’)