Melbourne City now have a four point lead at the top of the Ninja A-League after defeating Canberra United 3-1 at ctrl:cyber Pitch.
Canberra almost snatched the lead in the 20th minute of the contest as Josie Aulicino pounced on an errant back pass inside the box and drilled a low effort towards goal which was cleared off the line by captain Rebekah Stott.
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The breakthrough came in the 61st minute of the clash at ctrl:cyber Pitch and it was the in-form Aideen Keane who made the difference, escaping her marker to nod home Deven Jackson’s out-swinging corner and take her tally for the season to five.
Canberra pushed hard for an equaliser but the contest was seemingly settled by substitute Chinaza Uchendu in the 83rd minute as she headed home a Bryleeh Henry cross less than a minute after entering the game.
However, if City thought they were home and hosed then they were given a huge fright less than 90 seconds later as Bethany Gordon scrapped hard for a loose ball inside the box before lashing her strike beyond City keeper Malena Mieres and into the back of the net to make it 2-1.
Just as Canberra sprang to life though so too did City; racing on to a long ball, Uchendu hit the edge of the box, cut onto her left foot and walloped a stunning strike high into the top corner to make it 3-1 to the home side.
The win takes Michael Mattricciani’s side four points clear of second-placed Adelaide United at the top of the Ninja A-League.
As for Canberra, Antoni Jagarinec’s side remain fourth on the ladder but they now sit six points behind the league leaders.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Hear from Melbourne City goalscorer Aideen Keane, who spoke to Paramount+ after the game.
Canberra United’s Elizabeth Anton spoke to the Paramount+ after losing to Melbourne City.
