Canberra United saw their poor home record continue as a ruthless Western Sydney Wanderers side slotted four goals past them.
It was a cagey opening few minutes on Boxing Day as the Wanderers piled on the pressure from the opening whistle.
The first chance fell to them, as Ella Mastrantonio had a free kick just outside the box but her effort rebounded off the United wall.
The Wanderers continued their opening dominance as Kyra Cooney-Cross shot from range, straight into the arms of Sham Khamis.
United settled into the game as Simone Charley went on a run towards the goal, but her resulting shot failed to trouble goalkeeper Abigail Smith.
Elise Thorsnes had arguably the best chance to open the scoring for United.
Unmarked at the back post, Thorsnes header went just wide of the post sparing the blushes of the defence.
The game looked like it was heading towards a stalemate at the half time break.
Cooney-Cross had other ideas. The midfielder sent a looping header over the hands of Khamis and into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
The Wanderers seemed content to close out the half with a one goal lead, as both sides battled during a tense final minutes.
United came out of the blocks firing in the second half as Olivia Price hit a half volley from the edge of the box, only for Smith to get both hands to the ball.
Despite being largely dominated at the start of the second half, the Wanderers made their own chances with Denise O’Sullivan having her shot cleared off the line by Kaleigh Kurtz.
United continued to create their own chances but were being shut down by a solid Wanderers’ defence. The home side looked like scoring before former United player O’Sullivan doubled the Wanderers lead.
Cutting in on the edge of the box, O’Sullivan curled the ball into the bottom left past an outstretched Khamis to make it 2-0.
United refused to back down, creating their own chances in an attempt to gain something from the match.
It would not be their night however, as Kristen Hamilton extended the lead to three goals as she incredibly converted from the byline.
It only got worse for United, as Lynn Williams extended the Wanderers lead even further. After having her initial shot denied by Khamis, Williams rounded the keeper and put the ball into the bottom corner to make it 4-0.
United did everything in their power to get something out of the game but were powerless against a ruthless Wanderers side.
They will be looking to turn around their fortunes against Sydney FC on January 5 at McKellar Park.
Feature Image Credit: Canberra United FC
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