Brisbane Roar’s slim finals hopes were ultimately dashed last week as they went down 2-1 to Melbourne Victory despite taking an early lead. Canberra United fared slightly better, settling for a 3-3 draw against Newcastle Jets on the back of an admirable performance.

Brisbane Roar opened the game in the best way possible, with Hayley Raso’s 2nd minute goal leaving the Melbourne Victory defence stunned. The Roar continued to control the game throughout the first half but were unable to capitalise on the chances created to extend their lead.

On the stroke of halftime, the Victory equalised as Racheal Quigley slotted home a nicely weighted ball from Lisa De Vanna.

Brisbane Roar continued to look the better side in the second half and were disappointed to have an early goal from Emily Gielnik disallowed for offside.

Katrina Gorry and Raso both had opportunities but could not find the back of the net, allowing Christine Nairn’s 80th minute goal to be enough to take the Victory to a 2-1 lead; the disappointing result for the Roar ensuring they will not be playing finals football this season.

Canberra United also struggled with maintaining the lead as they faced the Jets in Newcastle last week. Newcastle went one up early in the first half but an unfortunate own goal from the Jet’s Katherine Reynolds then allowed Canberra back into the game.

Michelle Heyman was able to further Canberra’s momentum as she finished off a neat through ball from Caitlin Munoz, taking Canberra to a 2-1 lead at the break.

After an equaliser from Newcastle midway through the second half, United were able to lift once again as an Ashleigh Sykes goal took the score to 3-2.

Canberra’s lead was disappointingly short-lived though; Newcastle pushed hard to find another equaliser in the 87th minute, finishing the game at 3-3.

The result will have Canberra United heartened by their performance in front of goals, with Michelle Heyman being most likely to get on the scoresheet against Brisbane this weekend.

The midfield partnership of Kendall Fletcher and Lori Lindsey has been effective in attack, and the duo has been successful in creating frequent chances for Heyman and her strike partner Ashleigh Sykes.

Although Canberra’s distribution from the midfield has been impressive, and their attacking performances encouraging, conceding three goals last week highlights their need to tighten up in defence if they are to get a result this weekend.

As in previous weeks, Hayley Raso’s performance for Brisbane has the potential to determine the outcome of the game.

Raso’s pace and skill frequently allow her to decimate opposition defences as she tears down the flanks, and Canberra United will need to be constantly alert if they are to keep her under control.

Also key to the Roar’s performance will be possession and distribution from the heart of midfield. Kim Carroll has been solid in a holding role for the Roar; another strong performance from her, complimented by Katrina Gorry’s vision and distribution, could be the strong foundation the Roar need to gain victory.

Canberra United will be eager for a repeat of their Round 4 clash with Brisbane which resulted in a 2-0 win for United. Fourth-placed Canberra are also likely to enter the game with a psychological edge, as a win this weekend will cement their place in the finals and prepare them for a tough last round match against minor premiers Perth Glory.

With no possibility of making finals Brisbane Roar may struggle with motivation this weekend, although home fans will be hoping a strong performance at Suncorp Stadium will put a positive angle on what has been a very disappointing season for the Roar.

Brisbane Roar v Canberra United

Saturday 29 November 2014

Suncorp Stadium

Local kick-off: 1pm (2pm AEDT)

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Nadine ANGERER (gk), 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Hayley RASO, 7. Kim CARROLL, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9. Larissa CRUMMER, 10. Katrina GORRY, 11. Vedrana POPOVIC, 13. Tameka BUTT, 14. Natasha WHEELER, 16. Angela BEARD, 17. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Sunny FRANCO, 19. Ayesha NORRIE, 20. Kate STEWART (gk)

Ins: Elise Kellond-Knight (returns from injury)

Unavailable: Laura Alleway (foot – two weeks), Amy Chapman (calf – one week), Brooke Goodrich (ankle – one week)

Canberra United squad: 1. Chantel JONES, 2. Catherine BROWN, 3. Julia DE ANGELIS, 4. Kendall FLETCHER, 5. Grace FIELD, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 10. Grace MAHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 13. Nicole BEGG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Tegan RIDING, 16. Lori LINDSEY, 20. Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 22. Stephanie OCHS

Ins: Grace Maher (promoted)

Unavailable: Meg McLAUGHLIN (knee - season)