Hayley Crawford and Tara Andrews will be key | (Credit: Cam Wheeler) Hayley Crawford and Tara Andrews will be key | (Credit: Cam Wheeler)

Last week, the Green Machine demolished the Lady Reds scoring an impressive four goals in the first 21 minutes to give them a 4 - 0 win.

Meanwhile the Newcastle Jets were unable to back up their stunning win over Sydney FC as they went down 1 - 0 to the Perth Glory.

In a game which was abandoned after the 68th minute due to unplayable weather conditions following a torrential downpour, the Canberra girls had no concerns regarding the official outcome of the match, as they had finished the business early on in the first half, which proved enough to be awarded the 4-0 win over the Lady Reds.

Handy Michelle Heyman bagged another two goals to add to her tally, with team mate Caitlin Munoz also keeping busy, assisting two of the goals and claiming one for herself in the process.

Midfielder Grace Gill was also instrumental throughout the match, taking full advantage of her newly acquired spot in the starting 11, directing play and providing quality service to Canberra’s forwards.

Canberra United stand as outside favourites at this point in third place, but just as Westfield Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni would say, “Football’s a funny ole game”, anything can happen, and any team on any given day can win.

This week the Jets look to challenge a confident Canberra team, and hope to improve their own game, given that they were unable to beat Perth last Sunday following that unforgettable triumph over Sydney in Week 4.

Big-time Jets midfielder Hayley Crawford was a standout player, providing her team with their greatest chance of the match through a perfectly timed header, however failing to succeed in scoring. Strike Melissa Feuerriegel was impressive against the Glory and, alongside Tara Andrews, they will be vital to the Jets chances.

Against one of the highest scoring attacks in the game, the Jets' backline will be under enormous pressure but they be buoyed by their ability to hold off a rampaging Perth last Sunday.

Goalkeeper Alison Lipsher has been an inspired find and the central combination of Thea Slatyer and American Nikki Cross see the Newcastle Jets a tough defensive unit to get the best of.

Canberrahave just shaded Newcastle in their last couple of encounters with a 2 - 1 record over their Hunter cousins. However, with the Sydney notch on their belt, on home ground and marked as the match of the round, Newcastle will be sure to put plenty of pressure on the Green Machine.

Newcastle Jets v Canberra United

Saturday, 11 December 2010

EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle

Local kick-off time: 3.00pm

Referee: Peta McCallum

Assistant referees: Catherine Nash and Penny Nash

Fourth official: Tanya De Boer

Live and exclusive on ABC1 from 3.00pm

Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Allison LIPSHER(gk), 2. Hannah BREWER, 3. Hayley CRAWFORD, 4. Niki CROSS,  5. Gema SIMON, 6. Renee CARTWRIGHT, 7. Tara ANDREWS, 8. Amber NEILSON, 9. Sasha McDONNELL, 10. Leia SMITH, 11. Kara MOWBRAY, 12. Melissa FEUERRIEGEL, 13. Thea SLATYER, 14. Carlie IKONOMOU, 16. Kate HENSMAN, , 20. Alison LOGUE (gk)

In: Carlie IKONOMOU (promoted)

Out: Kate HENSMAN (omitted), Alex HUYNH (omitted)

Unavailable: Nil

Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER, 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Michelle HEYMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Tseng SHU-O, 9. Grace GiLL, 10. Emily Van EGMOND, 13. Nicole SYKES, 15. Sally SHIPARD, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA (gk)

In: Nicole SYKES (returns from injury)

Out: Grace FIELD (omitted)

Unavailable: Cian MACIEJEWSKI (shoulder), Ashleigh SYKES (broken leg - indefinite)