Shea Connors scored the first goal of Brisbane Roar’s build-up to the new A-League Women’s season in an eventual 2-1 defeat to the NPL All-Stars on Saturday night.
Though a number of key players are yet to resume full duties, the Roar managed to start brightly with encouraging signs from back to front.
Meaghan McElligott and fellow forward Connors combined brilliantly for the opening goal, before Teagan Riding equalised from a corner.
Garrath McPherson rung the changes after the interval and the superior experience of the All-Stars eventually told as Amy Gunston produced an impressive winner.
Plenty of positives are sure to be taken despite the final scoreline as the Roar move forward towards the Round 1 trip to Perth on Saturday, 4 December.
GOALS
Brisbane Roar – Shea Connors 18′ – 1-0
Connors plays a pass from the left into the feet of McElligott, who threads an excellent return ball in behind the defence. Connors rounds the approaching Murphy Sheaff and coolly converts.
NPL All-Stars – Tegan Riding 20′ – 1-1
Natasha Wheeler heads a deep All-Stars corner back across goal and Riding is on hand to nod home.
NPL All-Stars – Amy Gunston 80′ – 1-2
Gunston cuts in from the left onto her right foot and unleashes an unstoppable strike into the back of the net.
MATCH DETAILS
Women’s Pre-Season Friendly: NPL All Stars vs Brisbane Roar
Perry Park
Saturday, 13 November
NPL All-Stars 2 (Riding 20′ Gunston 80′)
Brisbane Roar 1 (Connors 18′)
