In a game peppered with yellow cards, there was no room for error, and Sarah Carroll’s sliding tackle that took the ball but exposed her studs brought her a second yellow and marching orders to the sheds.

Minutes later, Canberra stretched their lead with another penalty to Jane after Flannery was sandwiched inside the box. This time Galaudzi and Jane celebrated with a synchronised back drop flop in front of the McKellar faithful.

Canberra were inches from putting the game well out of reach when substitute Ellie Carpenter sped up the right wing and put in an inch perfect cross to Colvill who just tapped it wide.

That was the relief Perth needed to turn their day around, with two quick fire goals to Mautz and McKenna, bringing the score back to 4-3.

In the 90th minute, Perth clawed all the way back when Kerr made a determined run down the left and her cross was accidentally deflected in at the near post by Rachel Corsie.

This was the one that got away for Canberra United, and another showing of Kerr’s ability to play her team into a result when needed.

Canberra coach Heather Garriock was understandably disappointed after the game.

“That’s two points down the drain to be honest but Sam Kerr ran the show in the last 15 minutes. It wasn’t good enough from us in the end.”

“There’s so many positives from our team. Two good penalties from Jane. There was great defending for the majority of the game,” Garriock said.

Captain Rachel Corsie added “The game plan went well for the first 80 minutes. We contained them well. To concede three goals in ten minutes is really disappointing.”

Garriock explained Carpenter’s role from the bench. “Ellie’s 18 years old – she’s mentally drained having spent the season in Portland and backing up for the Matildas and the W-League. Her well-being is more important than her starting today for Canberra. We felt confident in the team we put on the park today.”