Keane on song as United down Roar

HANNAH Keane has continued her charge towards the A-League Women golden boot as she helped Western United to a 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar.

The Californian forward’s first-half added-time goal took her tally for the season up to seven as Western bounced back from last week’s shock loss to the Western Sydney Wanderers with victory at North Hobart Oval.

Tyla-Jay Vlajnic grabbed United’s second goal soon after halftime.

Western, who have lost just once this season, remain top of the table as Brisbane lost pace in the race for a top-four spot.

The Roar had looked the more promising of the two sides before Keane found the back of the net in the 47th minute.

New Zealand international Indiah-Paige Riley and Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry both asked questions of United’s defence in the opening stages.

But Western, who were without Australian midfielder Chloe Logarzo, slowly began to take a hold of the game.

Just before halftime Alisa Taranto fired a shot agonisingly wide of Hensley Hancuff’s post and it was a warning Brisbane failed to heed.

They were made to pay when they were unable to clear a cross into the box from American Jess McDonald.

Keane found herself unmarked and she was able to finish – with the help of the goalpost – to give her side the lead at the break.

The Roar had the chance to hit straight back when forward Larissa Crummer was played in on goal early into the second half.

Crummer could only fire her shot straight at goalkeeper Hillary Beall and soon after United doubled their lead.

McDonald sent another cross in from the right and this time it was Vlajnic who was poked in her side’s second at the back post in the 56th minute.

Brisbane pushed forward in the hunt to pull one back but Western’s defence was able to hold firm.

– BY GEORGE CLARKE/ AAP IMAGE