A rampant Brisbane Roar have emerged three nil victors in stifling conditions at Central Coast Stadium on Sunday.
With mandatory drinks breaks enforced in both halves, the Sky Blues pushed the Roar for 90 minutes in the heat to no avail as Tameka Butt, Claire Polkinghorne and an own goal to Alanna Kennedy consigned the Sydney FC Women to defeat.
The Sky Blues opened the first half sprightly as Jasmyne Spencer forced a corner within the first minute, however the Roar soon had a foothold on the half as they pressed the Sky Blues into cheap turn overs.
Tameka Butt opened the scoring midway through the half as the pounced on a perfectly weighted slide rule ball from Gielnik to side foot beyond Betos and in to the net for a deserved opening goal.
Teresa Polias tested Kopmeyer from distance before Alanna Kennedy went close as she shaved the post with a well taken set piece just outside the area moments later as the Sky Blues searched for an avenue back into the contest.
Seven minutes later Kennedy did find the net, however at the wrong end, as she diverted Marzano’s cross into her own net in the 38th minute as the Roar carried that lead into the break.
The second half opened in the much the same vein as the first as the Roar soon established themselves on the ball.
A spate of fouls and a drinks break broke up proceedings before Polkinghorne ensured the three points were safe as she headed in at the far post of a well taken free kick with 27 minutes left to play.
Jasmyne Spencer came closest to clawing a goal back as neat footbwork from Kyah Simon saw her race to the byline before cutting back to find the American’s head only for the effort to cannon off the bar and clear.
Three goals to the good, the Roar sat back and soaked up the Sky Blues pressure while attempting to hit on the counter. With four minutes of time added on the Roar weathered a last Sydney FC charge to ensure the three points returned to Queensland.
The Brisbane Roar are next in action on Monday 28 December at home to Melbourne City FC while Sydney FC travel to AAMI Park to take on the Melbourne Victory on Sunday 27 December in the round’s televised match.
