Two-goal hero Emily Gielnik feels Brisbane Roar are ready for their “big test” against Sydney FC on Sunday after keeping their unbeaten run alive with a win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Thursday night.
Gielnik netted a first-half brace as Roar withstood a late barrage from the hosts to prevail 2-1 at Marconi Stadium.
The Wanderers hit the woodwork twice in the second half, while it was a save of the season contender from debutant Morgan Aquino in stoppage-time that ensured a third straight win for Jake Goodship’s side.
The win has taken Roar up to second spot ahead of this weekend’s clash with the league-leading Sky Blues, who have won all six of their matches so far in 2020/21.
“Our goal is to be unbeaten all season and we’ve done that so far in our first seven [games],” Gielnik said on Fox Sports.
“The big test for us is Sydney, we’ve been dying to play them.
“We’ve got all the other teams out of the way just about but Sydney is a big rivalry team and I look forward to a big game against them.”
Gielnik certainly heads into the blockbuster match-up in impressive form after her brace against the Wanderers.
REPORT: Roar up to second thanks to Gielnik’s brace against Wanderers
MORE: ABC Pod – Adelaide United star Mallory Weber
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6231104415001
The Westfield Matildas star has scored six goals in her last four outings, taking her to a share of the Westfield W-League Golden Boot standings alongside Canberra United’s Michelle Heyman.
“It feels good to be at the top of the scoring board but it’s not really the focus at the moment,” Gielnik conceded.
“I was quite disappointed [with my goal return] for some time and I did a bit of work mentally and worked hard in training.
“Once that first goal went in I knew things would change for me. I’m pleased but overall it’s a big team effort and they are making my job easy.”
Needing a win to keep their finals hopes alive, the Wanderers made the perfect start and took the lead through Leena Khamis on 14 minutes.
Despite falling behind before half-time, Dean Heffernan’s inexperienced side did all they could to get something from the match but luck wasn’t on their side.
“It’s very frustrating, we almost had it there. I think we deserved a point at least,” Khamis said.
“We came out firing in the second half and were just unlucky. But it was a great performance form the girls.
“We’ve got a very young squad, we’re getting better every week and it’s just little key moments. We fought until the end, we were just unlucky.”
WATCH: How to watch Westfield W-League Round 8
ROUND 8 PREVIEW: Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6231103076001
