For Lydia Williams, this weekend’s Canberra United match against Melbourne on Saturday at McKellar Park, is personal when she lines up against fellow Matilda’s custodian Melissa Barbieri.
For Lydia Williams, this weekend-s Canberra United match against Melbourne on Saturday at McKellar Park, is personal when she lines up against fellow Matilda-s custodian Melissa Barbieri.
The two national team net minders will battle for superiority as both look to be the Matilda-s first choice keeper with a number of important international fixtures on the horizon for Australia.
“Every game we go up against each other there-s a point to prove and a little bit more individual competition rather than a team competition so I-m really excited to play against her,” Williams said.
Last season it was Williams who claimed the honours in both encounters as Canberra United defeated Melbourne 1-0 away followed by a thrilling 4-3 victory at home courtesy of a goal in the third minute of injury time.
The previous encounters will mean little though as the Melbourne Victory come into the match in good form as they sit third on the ladder but Williams believes a victory this weekend will do wonders for her side-s season.
“I think we-re pretty desperate for a win this weekend,” Williams said.
“Melbourne is going to be a really tough game so to get a win against them will really boost our confidence for the rest of the season.”
Canberra United collected their first point of the season last weekend in Perth after coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 in scorching temperatures, a season turning point according to Williams.
“It was so hot and to come back from two goals down and nearly win the game was a very good result for our season and certainly gives us a big boost of confidence heading into this weekend,” Williams said.
Canberra United hosts the Melbourne Victory on Saturday, 24th October in Round Four of the Westfield W-League at McKellar Park with kick off at 5:00pm. As a curtain raiser, the AIS will take on Perth Glory in the National Youth League from 1:00pm. Tickets are available through Capital Football or on match day with gates opening at 12:15pm.
