A last minute goal to Nicole Begg was enough for Canberra United to overcome Sydney FC in a tight, tense encounter at Lambert Park on Sunday.
The Sky Blues and Canberra enjoyed a tough battle for the 90 minutes, with the Sky Blues edging out the greens in the second half, however Begg struck with only two minute remaining on the clock to steal the win and ensure the three points returned to the nation’s capital.
In an end to end first half it was Canberra who had the first sight at goal in the eleventh minute as Jenna McCormick rattled the cross bar following a deflection.
Chances for Spencer from Sydney FC and Munoz for Canberra United couldn’t break the deadlock in the first half as the teams went into half-time at 0-0 following a physical first half.
Canberra started the second half brightly as Sykes had a great chance after a 50-50 contest getting past Sydney FC goalkeeper Betos missing her shot just wide of the left upright.
The second half continued at the physical tempo set in the first half leading to fatigue felt by both sides with Natalie Tobin from Sydney FC and Ashleigh Sykes both leaving the field after experiencing soreness.
Late changes in the game from both sides resulted in some late chances for both sides however it was Canberra Untied who were able to find the back of the net in the 88th minute after Flannery cut the ball to Begg who calmly slotted the goal into the bottom left corner.
A late chance for Princess Ibini to take a point from the game was thwarted after her touch around Canberra goalkeeper Williams passed the byline before she was able to put the ball into the net.
The Sky Blues are set to face Adelaide United away from home next Friday while Canberra United take on the Western Sydney Wanderers in next Sunday’s televised match of the round.
