An 88th minute header from Canberra United substitute Ashleigh Sykes has stolen all three points from Perth Glory and dashed their hopes of a finals appearance.
The only other chance to make the knockout stages was if Melbourne Victory was upset by Adelaide United, but the Victorians were too strong and won 2-0.
Players from both teams seemed confused when referee Kirralee Gardener awarded Canberra a free kick with just two minutes remaining in the contest, but Emily Van Egmond didn’t hesitate to put in a dangerous cross to find Sykes and set up the thrilling 1-0 win.
However, the result didn’t come without controversy after Glory and Westfield Matildas striker Kate Gill (WAIS-AIS) scored in the 64th minute, but the goal was disallowed after Gardener deemed the Perth star had kicked the ball out of Canberra goalkeeper Lydia Williams’ hands.
Perth dominated the second half after a relatively even first period, but despite numerous chances to claim the victory, they were unable to finish in the final third.
An early chance landed to star WAIS-AIS striker Sam Kerr, but the 17-year-old was unable to finish past Williams after taking a heavy touch on route to goal.
Canberra captain Ellie Brush then denied Kerr as she was through inside the 18-yard-box with a superb sliding tackle to win the ball.
Brush then was working hard at the other end of the field and nearly found the back of the net with her rocket header, only to be denied by a goal line clearance from Jaymee Gibbons.
The second half saw Perth lift the tempo as they knew what was on the line and Gill was inches away from the opener after heading Elisa D’Ovidio’s corner just wide.
Substitute Monnique Kofoed then tried to lift her teammates with an inspiring run forward, but her pass through to Gill was shot over the crossbar.
Perth’s Swedish import Alexandra Nilsson was named the Westfield Player of the Match, but her efforts weren’t enough as Gardener signalled for full-time and put an end to the Glory’s promising season.
– Football West
