Melbourne City have clinched the Premiership in their inaugural W-League season after defeating the Brisbane Roar 1-0 at Broadbeach.

The weather was not in favour of either team with a humid overcast afternoon with touch of sun coming out to say hello. Yet, it didn’t affect the way the match played out. Majority of the match was played back and forth with each team taking their chances in front of the goal.

Melbourne City - Key Points and Players

Melbourne City had a game plan, which took a slight detour but they still ended up in the same spot.

“The pressure was there… they took risks and we needed to adjust to that tactically,” said coach Joe Montemurro.

The team didn’t expect Brisbane to play the way they did and defenders had trouble keeping Tameka Butt and Amy Chapman at bay. Once they were in behind the defence it was Brianna Davey to the rescue with great shot stopping saves.

Their second half was not typical from City. They were not in control, passes were off and they were over run in the midfield but great teams can’t always have it easy.

At the other end of the field Kim Little, Stephanie Catley and Larissa Crummer dominated the midfield up until the dying minutes of the match. They were unlucky not to score again despite the number of attempts they have on goal.

“I have full confidence in the squad I don’t want to jinx us right now but I back the squad 100 percent,” said Larissa Crummer after being asked if her team can go undefeated to the grand final. 

Talking Point

How have they done it? 10 unbeaten and 11 points clear of second place. They have been the dream team of the W-League this season but they will need to improve is they want to keep up this unbelievable run.

Brisbane Roar - Key Points and Players

Despite an early goal from Kim Little, Brisbane Roar were not going to have a repeat of the last time the two met.

After the goal it was like something snapped for the Roar, they turned into a completely different team. They were in control of the game, making great runs up the field and having numerous chances on goal.

“The best thing about today was the way we performed and the football we were playing”, said coach Belinda Wilson.

“I really though we deserved a point out of that especially with the performance in the second half”.

Angela Beard was the standout player for the side today, along with fellow defenders Ruth Blackburn, Clare Polkinghorne and Summer O’Brien. The defensive line stood strong and stopped the top scorer for the current W-league Larissa Crummer as well as Lisa De Vanna.

But no one could go past the heroics of goalkeeper Hayley Kopmeyer. Somehow she was calm, cool and collect when the ball was near her while fans watching had their hearts beating out of their chest.

Talking Point

Despite the number of chances produced by the Brisbane Roar in front not one could be put away. We know they can score, it was demonstrated against Sydney FC last week but it seemed this match was not going to be in their favour.

Up Next?

Brisbane Roar face Adelaide United away from home. They will need three points to ensure they can stay in touch with the top four spots for the finals. Meanwhile, Melbourne City are at home to the Western Sydney Wanderers. Will any side be able to stop City from going undefeated for the whole season?

Brisbane Roar 0

Melbourne City 1 (Little 9’)

Brisbane Roar FC: 1. Haley KOPMEYER (gk), 3. Amy CHAPMAN, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Angela BEARD, 7. Gabe MARZANO (Vine 64’), 10. Katrina GORRY, 11. Kirsty YALLOP (Norie 78’), 13. Tameka BUTT, 14. Summer O’BRIEN (Foote 84’), 15. Ruth BLACKBURN, 16. Ashley SPINA, 17. Emily GEILNIK

Subs not used: 20. Carrie Simpson (gk) 

Yellow cards: Kirsty Yallop 72’

Melbourne City: 1. Brianna DAVEY (gk), 4. Jennifer BEATTIE, 6. Aivi LUIK, 7. Stephanie CATLEY, 8. Kim LITTLE, 9. Larissa CRUMMER (Alleway 90+2’), 10. Jessica FISHLOCK, 11. Lisa DE VANNA (Chidiac 78’), 13. Rebekah STOTT, 15. Amy JACKSON, 17. Marianna TABAIN (Goad 60’)

Subs not used: 20. Trudy Burke (gk)

Yellow cards: Stephanie Catley 57’