In a replay of last season’s encounter, Perth Glory and Canberra United played out a 2 – 2 draw in their Westfield W-League match.
In scorching 36 degree heat, it was the Glory that started the game on fire with Lisa De Vanna winning a penalty just five minutes in. Collette McCallum was given the job of converting and she made no mistake.
Less than a minute later the home side doubled their lead. Hard working midfielder Elisa D’Ovdio played in Marianna Tabain whose spectacular long range shot drifted over a stranded Lydia Williams.
Two goals to the good, Perth Glory looked to put the game beyond reach with Lisa De Vanna at the centre of the action. After breaking in behind the Canberra defence, De Vanna picked out an unmarked D’Ovidio in the penalty area but her shot glided wide of the goal mouth.
Despite a 34th minute deflected shot from Shu O Tseng, the visitors had few forays forward and went to the break down 2 – nil.
Coach John Gibson was pleased with the first half of the performance.
“We had spoken about processes and the whole unit has certain roles and responsibilities in that.”
“We trust each other and we trust in what we do.”
It was a rejuvenated Canberra United that took to the pitch in the second half as they looked work their way into the match and in the 62nd minute they were rewarded for their effort.
When Perth Glory failed to clear off their line, defender Shu O Tseng popped up and slotted the ball back past Emma Wirkus to get one back for the visitors.
Perth attempted to gain back ascendancy through substitute Ella Mastrantonio but right on cue Ashleigh Sykes completed Canberra’s Houdini act with a 87th minute header.
Gibson was reflective on his team’s performance post match.
“Obviously we have got to work on a few things. In very, very trying conditions it was certainly a tale of two halves.”
“All in all it was a fairly consistent performance by all the team.”
“Certainly Shannon May was wonderful today. She is a quiet achiever. I also thought Alex Singer was quite marvellous on the left side and then coming into the centre back role and did really well.”
– Football West
