Canberra United have fallen to defeat in a seven goal-thriller at Ironbark stadium, having led at three times during the match.
Back in Melbourne for the second time in five days, two changes were made to the starting eleven from round 18, as Michelle Heyman and Sofia Christopherson returned to the starters for Jynaya Dos Santos and Tegan Bertolissio.
It was an energetic start to the clash, with chances aplenty at either end of the pitch. Sally James was called into action early for United adjusting well at the last second to keep a low-driven shot out.
Soaking up plenty of early pressure, Canberra took the lead 12 minutes in with Bethany Gordon scoring her first A-Leagues goal in two years. With ball at the feet of Michelle Heyman, the veteran striker shrugged off her defender before laying off to Gordon, who had a simple tap in to put Canberra in front.
Canberra began to take control of proceedings, with Heyman instrumental in attack, often laying off for Aideen Keane or Sofia Christopherson to launch forward.
The hosts started strong in the second half, levelling the scores in the 50th minute, as Keiwa Hieda brought her side level from close range.
Canberra responded quickly however, as American import Madison Ayson got her first A-Leagues goal. Picking up the ball from a short corner, Darcey Malone sent in a perfect cross, finding the head of Ayson to regain the lead.
The match came to life as Western equalised through a long range goal from Catherine Zimmerman.
The sides were level for only a matter of minutes as Mary Stanic-Floody came off the bench to score a stunning first time goal to put Canberra back in front.
With less than ten minutes remaining on the clock, the hosts once again brought themselves back level as Sandra Ibarguen found the back of the net.
It would end in heartbreak for Canberra as a deflected shot found the back of the net, giving Western United a 4-3 win.
