Canberra United have fallen to defeat at the hands of the league leading Melbourne City, in round six of the 2024/25 Ninja A-League Womens. An early first half goal from Michelle Heyman wasn’t enough as City piled on the pressure in the second half.
There were two changes to the squad that travelled to Gosford in the previous round, with Michelle Heyman returning to the starting eleven after a fortnight away with the Matildas, whilst midfielder Bethany Gordon made her return to the matchday squad, after injury.
Canberra wasted no time in attacking the City defence with Heyman getting in behind the defence but only finding the side of the net. The attacking pressure was clear to see, as Heyman found the back of the net in the 12th minute.
A perfectly weighted pass from Mary Stanic-Floody, saw Heyman easily lose her marker before rounding the advancing City keeper to score her second of the season.
City had a golden opportunity to level the scores, as Leticia McKenna shot on the turn but was denied by a stunning diving save from Sally James.
The hosts came out firing in the second half, as a goal-mouth scramble ended with Kathryn Harvey nodding the ball home to level the scores.
City kept up the pressure, and despite some solid defensive work from the Canberra backline, the hosts took the lead just past the hour mark, as Mariana Speckmaier poked home from close range.
With less than 15 minutes left on the clock, City found a third as an errant backpass ended up at the feet of Laura Hughes, with the City midfielder taking full advantage to extend the lead.
A late charge saw Canberra pull one back, as Heyman got her second of the evening from close range, after a quality ball in from out wide by Bethany Gordon.
Despite fighting until the very end, Canberra couldn’t get a share of the points, with City scoring an injury time goal to seal the win.
Canberra United are back in action on 21 December, playing host to the visiting Melbourne Victory at McKellar Park.
