The rematch between Sydney FC and Canberra United at Lambert Park did not disappoint. An exciting end-to-end chess game was sealed by the visitors with an 88th minute goal by forward Nicole Begg.

It was an evenly matched affair with much of the possession stuck fast in a midfield shuffle. Despite plenty of open looks for both sides there was only a few moments of excitement for the respective goalkeepers.

Pivotal for Sydney FC was the return of clean passing that would open up the backline but a lack of finish proved costly.

Jasmyne Spencer and Kyah Simon struggling to play themselves forward from the first touch allowed Ellie Brush or Lydia Williams the split second needed to regather before the Sydney shot.

But it was not all woe for Sydney FC who were able to create numerous opportunities including a smashing crossbar hit from Amy Harrison.

Harrison produced another solid performance but Sydney failed to utilise her fully when a few clear options to switch it wide to Harrison on the wing were missed.

Ultimately Canberra United were able to finish it when needed most. An achievement that W-league fans have come to expect from the reigning Champions.

The game could have finished as a fair draw but Canberra were coy assassins and picked Sydney’s pocket for 3 critical points.

After so many chances were foiled by Sydney they were still able to stand up and defended Begg strongly time and again despite her incredible pace.

Begg was not given an inch until the 88th minute where she scored off a diagonal run from well weighted ball across the face of goal.

Last time Sydney and Canberra met in Round 3 the Matildas-less Sydney FC were pummelled by Canberra 3-0.

A 1-0 defeat may appear an improvement but Sydney FC will rue this loss on their home soil especially after the high of a two game winning streak.

Sydney FC 0

Canberra United 1 (Nicole Begg 88’)

Sunday 22 November 2015

Lambert Park, Leichhardt, Sydney

Kick-off: 4pm 

Sydney FC: Michelle Betos (gk), Liz Ralston, Jasmyne Spencer, Teresa Polias (c), Nicola Bolger (Princess Ibini 85’), Amy Harrison, Natalie Tobin (Lyndsay Kohlet 82’), Alanna Kennedy, Teigen Allen, Kyah Simon, Leena Khamis

Substitutes – Sham Khamis (gk), Sunny Franco

Cautions – Teresa Polias 90’ 

Canberra United: Lydia Williams (gk), Kendall Fletcher, Jenna McCormick (Nickoletta Flannery 80’), Caitlin Munoz, Ellie Brush, Michelle Heyman, Nicole Begg (c), Ashleigh Sykes (Tegan Riding 89’), Emma Checker, Veronica Perez, Rebecca Kiting

Substitutes – Melissa Maizels (gk), Julia De Angelis