It’s a rarity in the race to finals that fourth place is locked in well before the top spot is secured but that’s exactly the position the Westfield W-League finds itself in, just days out from the semi-finals.
Canberra United has finished the regular season in fourth place and will play the Premiers, a title to be determined when Sydney FC host Melbourne Victory at Cromer Park on Wednesday night.
Canberra United Head Coach Vicki Linton said the side is ready for either scenario.
“From a coaching perspective, I have to prepare for whoever,” Linton said.
“At the start of the week, we’re focussing on us and then as soon as we know our opponent then we can focus on them.
“There’s some concern about playing a team back-to-back, but at the same time it might suit us to do that having come off that game against Sydney FC.
“The fact that we played Sydney just last week and Melbourne Victory not that long ago, both teams are fresh in the mind.
“The good thing for us is we have continued to improve and I think it holds us in good stead.”
The opening rounds of the Westfield W-League season saw United rise to the top of the fixture, before falling out of the top four, only to claw their way back in right when it mattered most.
“I think it’s fitting we’ve made the top four, the work we’ve done, the performances we’ve put on the field and the results we’ve had,” Linton said.
“It’s a goal here or there and we could have won the Premiership or we could have finished 5th, that’s how tight it is.
“The fact that we’re going down to the wire on Wednesday night, I think it’s the closest the Westfield W-League has ever been.
“Anyone can beat anyone and so the semi finals are going to be great contest.
“It’s really exciting for the fans and from our point of view, we know we have the confidence that we can match up against any of the other three teams.
“The way the players have been training and applying themselves to sessions has been really positive so I’m confident that they will be prepared.”
