Canberra United secured their maiden W-League title with a thrilling three-two triumph over Brisbane Roar in front of a record crowd in sunny Canberra. A brace from Michelle Heyman and a clinical finish from Ashleigh Sykes overcame a spirited challenge from the Roar.
The home side’s team spirit was obvious early with the first XI, substitutes and support staff all huddling together for a passionate team talk. United’s supporters were also in full swing early, with a packed house of 2,512 giving whole hearted cheer as kick off approached.
The Roar started well, forcing an early corner and pressuring Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams. But United were quickly up the other end, as Canberra attempted to break through the orange and red defence.
A Brisbane run in the sixth minute almost caused the first goal of the game, with a dangerous ball flying into the United box and only just missing the boot of an onrushing attacker.
It was Canberra who struck first however, a slicing Heyman shot firing into the back of Casey Dumont’s net and adding another to the W-League top goal scorer’s tally.
The Roar were quick to retaliate, challenging Williams on a number of occasions in the ensuing minutes, although United custodian held firm.
United broke again in the 18th minute, with Heyman turning provider and sending in a lovely cross for teammate Sykes to convert.
Two goals down with only 20 minutes gone, it could have been all over for the Roar.
But Brisbane coach Jeff Hopkins had other ideas on his mind, sending super substitute Emily Gielnik into the action for the injured Joanne Burgess, to immediate effect. With one of her first touches of the game Gielnik narrowed the deficit with a beautiful goal.
The striker almost equalised minutes later, as Gielnik shot past Williams on an angle. The blast may have gone wide, but the Brisbane resurgence was far from over.
While the Queenslanders continued to dominate play as the clock ticket towards half time, the United defence held strong upon wave after wave of attack. Raucous away support kept things entertaining as Canberra attempted to regain control of proceedings.
Although the locals struggled for possession they continued to threaten on the counter, with several breaks causing headaches for Dumont. Neither side could add to the scoresheet before the break though, and the Canberra went into the rooms with a slender one goal lead.
The second half started with similar intensity to the first, with neither side able to assert their dominance over the opposition. Several half chances went begging as Canberra and Brisbane settled back into their rhythm.
Once again it was United to strike first, with golden girl Michelle Heyman heading home from a swirling corner in the 57th minute. Heyman’s second goal of the game gave Canberra an immediate lift, with the W-League table toppers proving again why they were favourites coming into the clash.
Make shift right back Taryn Hemmings continued to cause havoc down the flanks, as she mixed beautifully with youngster Hayley Raso to create several chances.
It wasn’t over yet for the Roar, with Tameka Butt powering home a penalty with 25 minutes left on the clock. Butt had no troubles sliding the ball past Williams, who was powerless to stop the strike.
Suddenly Brisbane was back in the game and back in control. While her attacking abilities were not in doubt, Hemmings defensive frailties were exposed as the United back line was challenged.
Despite their roaring revival, time was against Brisbane as the clock ticked towards full time. With only five minutes and injury time remaining, and still a goal down, their situation was looking increasingly desperate.
Frantic final minutes created some hope for the Roar, but it ultimately proved not to be, with Canberra United holding on for a three-two and securing their maiden W-League title.