The Wellington Phoenix Women have work to do after losing their first-ever A-League finals match 2-1.
A fast start by both semi-finalists transformed into a tense affair, but the Brisbane Roar proved too good on the night.
The Nix’s Grace Jale opened the scoring in the second minute of thematch from the first corner, heading the ball to the right side of the net and giving the travelling fans something to shout about.
Play was stopped soon after for a rough-looking injury on the Roar’s Ruby Cuthbert, which allowed the home side to regather themselves after a ferocious bombardment from the Wellington side.
It didn’t take long for the Roar to be back on level terms as Momo Hayashi powered home a close-range header in the 14th minute from another corner.
Brisbane looked the stronger side after the goal and kept Wellington quiet, an impressive feat given the Phoenix had the most effective attack in the regular season.
The Phoenix Women opened the scoring early ion their semi-final against the Brisbane Roar. Photo / Photosport
The Roar continued to grow in confidence throughout the second half and forced goalkeeper Victoria Essen into making multiple saves to keep her side in the contest.
The pressure eventually proved too much, with Daisy Brown smashing the ball into the back of the net in the 72nd minute.
Head coach Bev Priestman was happy to take risks, throwing on youngsters Mikaela Bangalan and Pia Vlok, who had been an injury doubt before the match, to try to shake the game up.
The Roar’s second goal sparked some life into the Nix, but they struggled to find a meaningful chance through Brisbane’s impressive defence.
The Phoenix have the chance to turn the tables next week at Porirua Park where they have struggled recently, losing 1-0 to Western Sydney Wanderers and 2-1 to the Central Coast Mariners in their last two fixtures at the ground.
