Alicia Woods scored a stunning ‘Olimpico’ and Chloe Lincoln made a dramatic late penalty save as Brisbane Roar secured a home elimination final in the Ninja A-League, beating Canberra United 2-1 at McKellar Park.
Brisbane responded to a number of setbacks to come out on top, starting with a good early chance for Emma Hawkins and an injury to their top-scorer, Bente Jansen, forcing the Dutchwoman off in the 10th minute.
But once they settled into the contest, Brisbane’s pace and threat in behind came to the fore and Aimee Medwin scored her second goal in as many weeks, controlling and finishing expertly as she latched onto Kijah Stephenson’s ball in the 20th minute.
Brisbane were again dealt a blow with Stephenson substituted at half-time with a concussion and Canberra, as they did at the start of the match, put their foot down out of the break.
Lincoln got herself in a mess at the back as Hawkins closed her down and rolled an effort inches wide before Sasha Grove hit the crossbar with an intended cross from the right flank.
The hosts were good value for a leveller and it came just after the hour mark with a typically deadly Michelle Heyman finish, snapping a header into the net after a delightful pickout from Bethany Gordon.
That goal seemed to spark Brisbane into action as they got right back on the front foot and regained the lead after just six minutes thanks to Woods’ spectacular effort, a right-footed inswinging corner that fizzed over the head of Sally James and nestled into the far corner.
Lincoln settled after that earlier scare to keep her side ahead with two top-class saves from her former Canberra teammates, keeping Sasha Grove and Heyman at bay.
And fresh from her involvement in the Matildas’ AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign, Lincoln saved her best for last with a huge penalty save in added time, denying Mary Stanic-Floody from the spot and punctuating a famous day for the Roar.
Brisbane are set to return to finals football in the Ninja A-League for the first time since 2021, hosting Adelaide United in the elimination round.
Canberra’s post-season fate was already sealed as they couldn’t rise or fall from third place, setting up a return to McKellar Park to face Melbourne Victory for a place in the semi-finals.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
All the action from a thrilling encounter at McKellar Park as Brisbane Roar locked in a Ninja A-League finals berth with victory over Canberra United.
WHAT THEY SAID
Canberra United captain and goal-scorer Michelle Heyman.
Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln.
