The win doesn’t put City back into the top four just yet, but the three goals, three points and clean sheet all help in what is an incredibly tight W-League season.

Both sides had byes last week and the extra rest really benefited City with some of their injury stricken stars getting more time to recover.

City now has a full squad to play with and the impending addition of Jodie Taylor bodes well for their title defence.

Heather Garriock elevated Nikki Flannery to the starting XI in place of Rhoda Mulaudzi.

It was scrappy in the opening half with neither side able to complete their passes with a sort of accuracy.

Despite this, City hit the front early with Rhali Dobson popping up for her first goal of the season.

The team in light blue had brought out a couple of short corner routines in the opening minutes and this one stuck with Kinga receiving the ball from the corner. The World Cup winner put in the cross for Dobson for to head home from close range.

Canberra’s attacks were limited and favoured the left hand flank with Ellie Carpenter having two audacious strikes on goal in the 15th and 17th minute, both flying well over the crossbar.

The final 10 minutes of the half proved fruitful for City with Kyah Simon and Dobson scoring to take the scoreline out to 3-0.

Tameka Butt’s ball in found the head of Simon, whose glancing header beat a scrambling Sham Khamis in the Canberra goal in the 36th minute.

Deep in injury time, Canberra had pushed forward but lost the ball. The quick transition saw Dobson released on the wing by Butt.

She then cut in, beat her defender and unleashed a shot from just outside the box, across Khamis and into the top corner.

It was a much quieter second half with a few big collisions between the two Nielsens – Paige and Theresa – and Khamis and Adriana Jones.

There were also a few more City chances. Butt played in second half substitute Jones in the 79th minute but Rachel Corsie’s tackle was enormous.

Butt was then played in by the ever lively Jasmyne Spencer but the Matilda could only hit the frame work.

City travel to Western Sydney next week while Canberra host the Roar on Thursday night.