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W-LEAGUE: Canberra United hold on for one nil win

Saturday, November 05, 2011

by
With star player Megan Rapinoe on a flight home to America it was The Football Sack's Thea Slatyer chosen to fill the expected void in Sydney FC's starting eleven. A sunny Leichhardt Oval played host for Sydney FC and the travelling Canberra United in not only a replay of last year's semi final but also a top of the table clash.

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The first decent build up play came in the 13th minute from the home side, Sydney seething through the centre of the park and releasing Servet Uzunlar, her shot on goal saved by United 'keeper Lydia Williams.

Ellyse Perry on 15 minutes had Canberra's opening shot, powering a ball along the ground straight into the hands of Sydney 'keeper Allison Lipsher.

In the 18th minute Ashleigh Sykes gave the large number of traveling Canberra fans something to cheer about. Sykes found herself in front of an open net and easily tapped home to give Canberra United a one nil lead into the break.

The second half began well for Sydney, substitute Caitlin Foord released on goal with only the 'keeper to beat. Williams however stood tall ensuring Canberra's halftime advantage would remain.

Sydney FC again pressed and moments later Teigan Allen hit an opportunistic shot at goal from 25 yards only to be denied by the crossbar.

Danielle Brogan saved Sydney from a two nil deficit with a goalline clearance after a Michelle Heyman shot from a tight angle. Despite the flurry of chances for both sides that started the second period and a multitude of efforts from the Sky Blues in the last 20, the scoreline remained 1-0.

Central defensive midfielder Teresa Polias had a stand-out match for the Sky Blues, bossing the middle of the park and consistently finding feet. Not the tallest player on the pitch, Polias has the technical ability and calmness on the ball that W-League coaches should be striving for.

United's Sally Shipard fashioned a drawn-on faux moustache for the game, raising money for the Movember charity. Shipard wasn't the only Canberran looking a little unusual. A number of fanatical United supporters dressed in green – a head-to-toe monster suit this journalist's highlight.

The win firms United's position at the top of the Westfield W-League having won all three of their opening games. Sydney FC slip down to third after Newcastle Jets defeated Brisbane Roar 3-2 to leapfrog Sydney into second place.