For some sides, a short turnaround can takes it toll on players and staff — but for Brisbane Roar, it’s been a blessing in disguise as their Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season kicks into gear.
In the space of 96 hours, Mel Andreatta’s outfit have gone from predators to prey, flying up to the summit of the ladder alongside Melbourne Victory following their 3-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Thursday night.
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And while their position at the end of Round 8 is contingent on the results of Perth Glory and Victory, who both play on Friday night, Andreatta praised her side’s diligence considering the short turnaround.
“It’s something we spoke about, backing up our performance against the league-leaders last week with another good result, and we were able to do that tonight,” said Andreatta.
“Even though we probably weren’t at our best compared to the week before, people have spoken about converting chances and we’re doing that now.
“When you can grind out results, then put your chances away, it puts you in a good position and certainly the fans have been fantastic tonight.”
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With time at a premium and recovery taking priority, Brisbane had to hone in on their training sessions between Rounds 7 and 8.
Andreatta appeared to keep it simple, focusing on the basics.
“Well, with the short turnaround, you don’t have a lot of time to work on things, and I think for us our set-pieces were key and we were able to get end products from those tonight,” said Andreatta.
“Then when the game got a bit loose and it went end-to-end, we worked hard to get back in defensively and make critical turnovers, and create chances or turn them around and get the ball up towards their ends.
“So (I would) probably (be most proud of) the set-pieces and then just the way we defended to take away their threat.”
It seemed to work a treat, with Japan international Yuki Nagasato delivering two crosses that found their way in the back of the net.
Both were fortuitous finishes, and both epitomised the Wanderers’ season thus far.
Sydney Miramontez kneed in an own-goal on 34 minutes, and then on 69’, Indiah-Paige Riley turned her back on Nagasato’s corner as it bounced off her past debutant Nicole Simonsen.
Brisbane Roar now have a seven-day break before they travel to McKellar Park in an important clash against Canberra United.
