A strong performance from the Brisbane Roar resulted in a decisive 3-0 win over Adelaide United at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Roar controlled the game from the outset, while Adelaide struggled to maintain any significant possession for the majority of the match.

Brisbane took the lead in the 26th minute, as Brooke Spence found the feet of Hayley Raso who then released a beautiful ball for Tameka Butt to confidently fire into the back of the net.

Brisbane Roar’s dominance continued as they extended their lead to two goals just four minutes later. A cutting pass from Butt afforded Raso the opportunity to burst down the right, devastating the Adelaide defence before playing a quick ball across the box for Emily Gielnik to competently finish off.

Despite coming into the clash on the back of three consecutive victories, Adelaide United were unable to settle into the game. The Adelaide defence were clearly unable to contain Raso; her neat touches, tight turns and bursts of speed providing her with the opportunity to surge through the backline on multiple occasions throughout the match.

Towards the end of the first half, Brisbane had found a solid rhythm and Adelaide were unable to adjust. The Roar’s well-organised defence consistently demonstrated their composure as they played out from back, enabling them to maintain possession and utilise their midfield to good effect. The quick, deft touches and rapid passing between Katrina Gorry, Elise Kellond-Knight, Butt and Raso showcased the technical quality within the team. Gorry’s long-range passes to switch the play frequently found the well-timed runs of Raso and Kellond-Knight, who were then able to engage defenders before releasing dangerous balls across the top of the box.

Tameka Butt also delivered an admirable performance for Brisbane, and was appropriately rewarded with her second goal of the game in the 74th minute; extending Brisbane’s lead to 3-0. Butt was repeatedly involved in the Roar’s build-up play through the centre of the park, often dropping into her own half to receive the ball before laying off perfectly weighted balls to her wide midfielders.

Adelaide United were afforded sporadic chances to fight their way back into the match, with Tiarn Powell and Kristy Moore attempting to lead the counter-attack but Brisbane were also solid in defence. Claire Polkinghorne remained alert to the threat of Moore, winning a number of strong challenges and leaving Moore with very little time on the ball.

On the few occasions that Adelaide managed to penetrate the Roar’s defence, goalkeeper Nadine Angerer was up to the challenge provided. In the 70th minute, Lisa-Marie Woods received the ball in behind the defensive line, giving Angerer the opportunity to demonstrate her tremendous ability as she smothered the ball at the feet of Woods to deny her a clear shot on goal.

Brisbane were afforded a number of chances late in the match but were unable to find another goal, the game remaining 3-0 at the final whistle. Adelaide will need to bounce back from the loss as they take on tough opposition in the form of fourth-placed Sydney FC next week.

The long-awaited win for the Roar, and their subsequent movement off the bottom of the ladder, will have supplied the squad with a much-needed increase in morale. Brisbane will now be aiming to build momentum with the hope of finishing the season with a run of good results.

Brisbane Roar 3 (Tameka Butt 25’, 74’, Emily Gielnik 30’)

Adelaide United 0

Saturday 8 November 2014

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Kick-off: 3.30pm

Referee: Kelly Jones

Brisbane Roar: Nadine Angerer (gk), Clare Polkinghorne, Brooke Spence, Hayley Raso, Kim Carroll, Elise Kellond-Knight, Katrina Gorry, Vedrana Popovic (Ayesha Norrie 46’), Tameka Butt, Natasha Wheeler (Pam Bignold 75’), Emily Gielnik (Isabel Dalton 83’)

Substitutes – Kate Stewart (gk)

Cautions – Ayesha Norrie 65’

Adelaide United: Melissa Barbieri (gk), Danielle Brogan, Jessie Wharepouri (Lauren Steer 46’), Katrine Pedersen, Lisa-Marie Woods, Daila-Tais Borg, Rachel Alonso (Gabrielle Bentley 70’), Jenna McCormick, Katie Holtham, Tiarn Powell (Elysha Magor 77’), Kristy Moore

Substitutes – Sarah Willacy (gk)