Pickett’s reliability winner in W-League

AMERICAN import Carson Pickett scored for the second week in a row as Brisbane Roar secured their first win of the W-League season yesterday at Marconi Stadium.

Pickett’s first-half goal – gifted to her by some ordinary work from Western Sydney goalkeeper Jada Whyman – proved the difference as the Roar beat the Wanderers 1-0.

The win moved the Roar to four points from two matches following their first-up 1-1 draw against Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium.

The Wanderers’ loss was their second in succession after being beaten 3-0 by Sydney FC on the opening night of the season. Western Sydney had chances to equalise but were foiled by the work of Roar goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who was making her first appearance of the season.

In contrast, Whyman made a costly error in the 39th minute when she failed to deal with Pickett’s free-kick that dribbled in at the near post.

The Roar were again without star Japanese signing Y ki Nagasato, who is yet to make her W-League debut.

In yesterday’s other WLeague match, Perth fought back from 4-1 down with just eight minutes left to draw 4-4 with Canberra United at McKellar Park.

Perth were boosted by the return of Matildas star Sam Kerr, who missed her side’s 1-1 draw with the Roar through suspension.