Canberra United’s Westfield W-League finals hopes remains in their own hands heading into the final round following Saturday night’s 1-0 win against the Newcastle Jets.
In her 100th game for United, striker Michelle Heyman was the hero with her first-half goal enough to see off a brave Jets outfit.
Heyman’s goal was her 10th of the campaign, closing within two of the competition’s leading scorer Emily Gielnik (12).
Canberra dominated for large periods and created a host of excellent opportunities but were denied time and again by both the woodwork and exceptional Jets keeper Claire Coelho.
But the slender victory was enough to propel the Green Machine back into the top four heading into next weekend’s final round.
While Adelaide United have the chance to regain a top-four spot when they are in action tomorrow, the Reds have the bye in the final round meaning Canberra’s finals destiny is in their own hands.
If United can overcome league-leaders Sydney FC in their final match, they will book their finals spot.
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Key moments
Jets keeper grounds Canberra attack
Canberra’s pace in attack was causing the Jets defence problems early and it almost led to the opening goal inside 12 minutes.
Nikki Flannery raced down the right win before spotting Paige Satchell in a great position in the middle of the box.
Flannery’s cross was perfectly weighted for Satchell to slam home the opener but Jets keeper Claire Coelho had other ideas, getting down low to smother the shot.
Heyman marks milestone game in style
All eyes were on Heyman in her 100th game for the club and the veteran striker didn’t disappoint midway through the first half.
Grace Maher did superbly to split the Jets defence with a brilliant pass in behind to reward Heyman’s clever run.
With just Coelho to beat, Heyman showed all her class and fired low past the Jets custodian at her near post.
Crazy end to first half
The Jets’ goal was leading a charmed life and the home side somehow avoided going further behind in first-half stoppage-time in an incredible passage of play.
First Heyman’s header came back off the crossbar before Lauren Keir’s thunderous strike rattled off the post.
The danger still wasn’t cleared with Heyman then having another chance which Coelho finally was able to shut down.
Coelho with another incredible save
Canberra’s pressure on the home side was relentless but every time it looked like they would double their lead, the Jets keeper would deny them.
One of those moments came midway through the second half as Bianca Galic danced down the left before cutting the ball back to Flannery.
The attacker’s well-timed first-time effort was heading for the back of the net but Coelho showed great reflexes to get a glove to the ball which cannoned onto the crossbar and away from goal.
Next matches
Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Lions FC Stadium
Kick-off: 5.05pm (AEDT)
Match Centre
Canberra United v Sydney FC
Friday, March 26, 2021
Viking Park
Kick-off: 5.35pm (AEDT)
Match Centre
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