A 5-0 win for Canberra United over struggling Adelaide confirmed they finished the regular season unbeaten – the first to do so in W-League history – and as Minor Premiers.
The domination started with a double for Heyman in the first half, and was capped with a second half double for Hemmings and an injury time goal for Sykes.
Despite only needing one point to secure the Minor Premiership, Canberra played an attacking game, defending with a high line and looking to dominate the match with aggressive passing that was always trying to break through the Adelaide defence.
A resolute defence stood strong and defiant to Canberra’s attacks for the first quarter of the match, but Heyman finally broke the wall after 28 minutes when she beat Adelaide keeper McLaren to a header by inches. Her brave and desperate effort put the league leaders in front.
Heyman added a second just six minutes later as Canberra threatened to open the floodgates with an added touch of class since breaking the deadlock. McLaren committed too hard and Heyman rounded her easily after bumping off a challenge.
Adelaide struggled to get back in the game in the second half and it was all relatively comfortable for Canberra for the first 20 minutes. Heyman continued searching for her hattrick and had a strike from distance on the 66th minute mark saved.
Canberra substitute keeper Clansey came on at the break for her first appearance and was forced into a brilliant save to deny Rajcic and halt Adelaide’s attempt for a comeback.
It was again Heyman who was looking to seal the three points with a shot on the turn, but her effort couldn’t find the target. Canberra may have reason to feel aggrieved with a penalty shout being denied just moments before.
With eight minutes remaining, it was Hemmings who scored the home sides third as she held her composure to fend off a defender and slide the ball past the rushing keeper.
Just a minute later and Hemmings added her second with a long range strike. The shot took a deflection and sailed into the top corner to give Canberra a 4-0 lead.
The two Hemmings goals confirmed the win for Canberra and their undefeated regular season campaign ahead of the finals next week.
Adelaide’s season was summed up in the 87th season when Rajcic managed to round the keeper but just couldn’t reach the ball in time before it rolled out for a goal kick.
A fifth was added right at the death from Sykes as Canberra stormed home. A brilliant chipped finish from a tight angle was the perfect ending for a perfect afternoon from the Minor Premiers Canberra United.
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