City snatch injury-time ALW win over Roar

Ed Jackson | January 29, 2022

An injury-time strike by New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson has secured Melbourne City a vital come-from-behind 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Redcliffe.

The City striker headed home in the fourth minute of stoppage time to break Roar hearts, her ninth goal of the season enabling the visitors to move three points clear of Adelaide in second place on the ladder.

City had fallen behind when Katrina Gorry scored a 71st-minute penalty as the Roar searched for a win that would ignite their push for the top four.

That lead was cancelled out by a stunning free-kick by Rhianna Pollicina from 30 yards in the 79th minute which found the top corner and gave Roar goalkeeper Mia Bailey no chance.

City refused to settle for salvaging a point however and stole the victory, again from a free-kick, deep into stoppage time to silence Moreton Daily Stadium.

Wilkinson towered highest as the free-kick was hung up to the back post and headed across goal to again give Bailey no chance.

Brisbane stay seventh with just two wins this season, five points outside the finals positions.

Injury was added to insult for the Roar with what looked like a serious injury to captain Ayesha Norrie in the 65th minute.

The midfielder stayed down after clashing with City’s Leah Davidson, and was subbed off with an apparent right knee issue.

The Roar also had to sub off right back Cannon Clough after she was involved in a head clash with Marisa van der Meer which left both players requiring treatment.

Brisbane take on table-topping Sydney on Wednesday while Melbourne host Western Sydney next Sunday.