Adelaide United have moved into the A-League Women’s top four after defeating Canberra United 3-1 at Viking Park on Saturday evening.
The Reds have now done the double against last year’s semi-finalists after beating them back in round two.
Despite coming out hungry for revenge by creating a few early chances, it was Canberra who found themselves 1-0 down just nine minutes into the match.
It was Adelaide midfielder Dylan Holmes who was able to silence the home crowd, volleying a headed down pass through the fingertips of Canberra keeper Keeley Richards to give the Reds the early lead.
Margot Robbine was nearly able to tie it up for Canberra in the 16th minute, finding space just inside the penalty area. Adelaide goalkeeper Annalee Grove was, however, up to the challenge, palming the ball out as Robbine failed to control the rebound.
It was a frantic few minutes after the allotted drinks break, with Michelle Heyman beating the keeper in the 31st minute only to be denied by the woodwork.
Adelaide were able to break off that exact play, finding a good chance themselves only to be thwarted by Richards at the near post.
It was Adelaide who were able to get the crucial second goal before half time, with Chelsee Dawber finding space on the counter in the 40th minute.
She made no mistake, slotting it past Richards for her third goal in as many matches to give the visitors a 2-0 lead heading into the break.
Canberra came out firing in the second half, with substitute Ash Sykes finding space after some great combination work with long-time teammate Heyman. She proceeded to hit the post, later being called offside as well.
She didn’t make the same mistake in the 57th minute, rising above the Adelaide defence to head the ball into the top right corner to pull the deficit back to just one.
Canberra continued to pile on the pressure, with Michelle Heyman having the best chance of the lot to draw the match level in the 69th minute when she headed a perfect cross just wide.
Against the run of play it was in fact Adelaide who scored to give themselves a two-goal buffer with Fiona Worts picking out the bottom left corner in the 79th minute.
Despite a few late chances it wasn’t to be for Canberra, as Adelaide held on for a 3-1 victory.
Canberra will now head to Sydney next week keen to finally collect their first three points of the season against the Sky Blues, whilst Adelaide will be looking to continue their form as they play high flyers Melbourne City at home.
Canberra United 1 Sykes (57′)
Adelaide United 3 Holmes (9′), Dawber (40′), Worts (79′)
Stadium: Viking Park, Wanniassa
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Assistant Referees: Lauren Hargrave and Delfina Dimoski
Fourth Official: Georgia Ghirardello
Canberra United: Keeley RICHARDS (GK), Emma ILIJOSKI, Lauren KEIR, Ally HARAN, Karly ROESTBAKKEN (Holly CASPERS 88th), Chelsee WASHINGTON, Grace MAHER, Chloe MIDDLETON (Ash SYKES 45th), Margot ROBINNE (Laura HUGHES 81st), Allira TOBY (Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG 81st), Michelle HEYMAN (C)
Unused Subs: Chloe Lincoln (GK)
Adelaide United: Annalee GROVE (GK), Emily HODGSON, Matilda McNAMARA, Kayla SHARPLES, Izzy HODGSON (C) (Emilia MURRAY 45th), Emma STANBURY, Emily CONDON (Reona OMIYA 77th), Dylan HOLMES (Nanako SASAKI 85th) Paige HAYWARD, Fiona WORTS, Chelsie DAWBER (Ella TONKIN 90th)
Unused Subs:Miranda TEMPLEMAN
Feature image credit: Jordan Trombetta
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