Pocket rocket Teresa Polias in action | (Credit: Nick Guoth) Pocket rocket Teresa Polias in action | (Credit: Nick Guoth)

With Brisbane Roar drawing with the Newcastle Jets earlier in the day, Sydney FC took advantage of a depleted Canberra United team to all but secure their second W-League minor premiership with a 3 – 0 win.

The loss places Canberra in a delicate position.  For the second season in a row, they will now need to secure their finals place in the last round of the season.

The game had a number of positives for Sydney and negatives for Canberra. Kyah Simon netted the final goal, one that made her only the second person to reach double figures.

Canberra, without three key players, including the very inspirational Leah Blayney, lost defender Cian Maciejewski just before half-time to a serious injury.

Although both team struggled to cope with the artificial surface, one with a fresh layer of black rubber pellets, they performed admirably providing plenty of entertainment for the healthy crowd that was just under 1000.

Canberra got off to the better start yet it was Sydney that had most of the quality opportunities of the first half.  Of the two goalkeepers Lydia Williams was the more active when called into action.

Both sets of attackers were getting a free run and the crowd were certainly being provided with an end-to-end spectacular. Amidst this, the Canberra defence was also involved in some very strong, but legal tackling to halt the Sydney players.

And while the opening period was amiss of goals, if was not of Canberra player injuries. Midway through the half, Caitlin Muoz went down with a dislocated finger, having fallen badly on the plastic surface.

Then with only a few minutes remaining a corner was dealt with by Williams, but as she looked back at goal there lay sprawling Maciejewski. The defender had taken an elbow to the top of her spine and eventually would be carried from the field and taken to hospital.

The second half commenced as the first, but with a twist after just three minutes. Canberra, still suffering from the loss of Maciejewski went one worse when a Caitlin Foord cross was misjudged by Ellie Brush, as the defender dramatically deflected the ball past her keeper.

At the other end Michelle Heyman was to begin her tussle with Sydney goal keeper Dimi Poulos witch would end with the Sydney player on top. In a one on one, Poulos chose well and smothered the Heyman chance.

Midway through the period, Canberra suffered its second own goal. Catherine Cannuli made in roads into the Canberra box and sent a shot that appeared to be heading across goal. Unfortunately for Canberra, Grace Field got her feet in the wrong place, deflecting the ball into the goal.

This was not to be Canberra’s day and the W-League’s leading scorer  Kyah Simon put the exclamation mark on the match with a superbly taken volley giving Williams no chance.

Although the scoreline was one-sided, the match was not and even though many are saying that the Grand Final will be Sydney versus Brisbane, Canberra, with all of the players back could prove to be the dark horse.

Sydney FC                 3 (Brush OG 48’, Field OG 76’, Kyah Simon 82’)

Canberra United        0

Sydney FC: 1. Dimi Poulos (gk), 2. Teresa Polias, 3. Danielle Brogan, 6. Servet Uzunlar, 8. Renee Rollason, 9. Caitlin Foord, 10. Kylie Ledbrook (c) (16. Linda O’Neill 77’), 11. Lydia Vandenbergh, 17. Kyah Simon, 18. Samantha Spackman (7. Heather Garriock 50’), 19. Leena Khamis (13. Catherine Cannuli 71’)

Substitutes not used: 20. Erin Herd (rgk)

Yellow Cards: nil

Red Cards: nil

Canberra United: 1. Lydia Williams (gk), 2. Caitlin Cooper, 4. Michelle Heyman, 6. Caitlin Munoz, 7. Ellie Brush, 9. Grace Gill (14. Aschliegh Sykes  +67’)10. Emily van Egmond (16. Linda O’Neill 77’), 11. Cian Maciejewski (18. Grace Field +42’), 13. Nicole Sykes, 19. Jennifer Bisset

Substitutes not used: 20. Alison Logue (rgk)

Yellow Cards: Caitlin Munoz 63’

Red Cards: nil