Canberra United have fallen to defeat at the hands of the Newcastle Jets in hard fought encounter at McKellar Park. Despite not having played for three weeks, Canberra fought right until the end in warm conditions.
The encounter got off to an absolute flyer as Michelle Heyman scored two minutes in. A perfectly weighted ball from Nickoletta Flannery over the top of the defence found Heyman, as the veteran striker held off two defenders to find the back of the net.
The fast start from Canberra was matched by Newcastle, as Sarina Bolden levelled the scores following a well hit through ball from Emily Van Egmond.
Less than ten minutes later and Newcastle found themselves in front. A quickly taken free kick over the top of the Canberra defence fell to Van Egmond, with the veteran midfielder calmly dispatching the ball to put the visitors in front.
This spurred Canberra on as they continuously attacked down the flanks but lacked the final killer blow to score.
Serbian midfielder Vesna Milivojevic was at her usual best, consistently causing problems for the visiting jets. Young attacker Sofia Christopherson was a constant presence down the left flank, using her speed to trouble defenders.
After an entertaining first half, Canberra started strong and were rewarded for their efforts as Milivojevic brought the side back level. Standing over a free-kick just outside the box, Milivojevic struck the ball well to find the back of the net.
Newcastle found themselves back in front shortly after, as Bolden got her second of the afternoon off the back of a ball over the top from Cassidy Davis.
Much like the start of the game, it was a frantic end to the game as both sides scored in the final ten minutes. Lauren Allan put the visitors up by two with nine minutes left in the game, before Milivojevic got her second of the afternoon.
Cutting in from the left, Milivojevic beat two defenders before finding the back of the net to set up a grandstand finish.
Despite fighting until the very end, Canberra could not find an equaliser, the game finishing three goals to four.
Canberra United will be back in action on December 10. facing off against the Brisbane Roar at McKellar Park. Tickets available soon.
