A sensational hat-trick from US star Kristen Hamilton has highlighted the Wanderers 3-1 Westfield W-League win over Brisbane Roar at Lions Park tonight.
Hamilton scored twice in the first half then added another in the second 45 minutes as the Red & Black made it three wins from three to go top of the table in yet another impressive performance from Dean Heffernan’s team.
The hat-trick, the first of the W-League season, took Hamilton’s tally to four goals in three games.
The forward’s combination with fellow American Lynn Williams was almost unstoppable as they caused the Roar defence all sorts of problems.
Williams was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet herself having been denied by a number of outstanding saves from Roar goalkeeper McKenzie Arnold.
The Wanderers took a 2-0 lead into the break courtesy of a brace from Hamilton, who was a real thorn in the side of the Roar defence with her sheer pace and strength.
Hamilton opened the scoring on 10 minutes after Williams broke on the left and reached the sideline before cutting it back for Hamilton to score from close range.
To be fair, the Red & Black didn’t have it their all there own way against an aggressive Roar side that looked to press the visitors high up at every opportunity.
The home side forced a few turnovers and caused their own problems with Wanderers goalkeeper Abby Smith forced to make a couple of quality saves in the first five minutes.
Still, the Wanderers managed to sort it out and looked dangerous in transition as they looked to exploit the pace of Hamilton and Williams.
Williams was doing all she could to get on the scoresheet and had a superb effort tipped over the bar on 23 minutes.
Williams’ combination with Hamilton almost saw the Wanderers grab a second on 40 minutes but Hamilton’s effort went just wide.
However, the visitors struck a blow just before half time with a goal made in the US to make it 2-0.
American Sam Staab’s long throw was flicked on by Williams and found Hamilton, who reacted quickly to chest down the ball and slot it home from about eight metres.
The Roar made some tactical changes at the break and managed to pull a goal back in the 55th minute.
But, the Wanderers took just nine minutes to restore the two-goal advantage when Hamilton produced some neat skill to turn a defender in the box before sending a rasping shot into the back of the bet to complete her hat-trick.
