DUBBO’S Ashleigh Sykes scored two goals within the space of three minutes to lift Canberra United to a shock 3-1 victory over record-setters Perth Glory in yesterday’s W-League grand final.
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Star American import Stephanie Ochs unleashed a sweet 20-yard strike to open the scoring for Canberra at Perth’s nib Stadium, but Glory captain Collette McCallum produced her own 22-yard bullet to level the score in the 63rd minute.
But just as Glory appeared set to seize control, Sykes produced a double blow to secure the championship for Canberra.
Sykes, who was announced as player of the match, scored her first in the 75th minute when she latched onto a neat lob, shook off defender Shelina Zadorsky, before calmly drilling past the advancing goalkeeper.
Then in the 78th, Sykes headed into an empty net to seal the deal and ensure that her twin sister, United skipper Nicole Begg, would hoist the trophy after the match.
In between Sykes’ two strikes, Canberra goalkeeper Chantel Jones saved a Kate Gill penalty.
The win gave Canberra their second W-League Championship after their success in 2011-12.
Perth Glory entered the match as the hottest of favourites after setting new records for most goals scored (39), most points accumulated (30) and best start to the season (six straight wins) on the way to winning the league premiership.
In contrast, Canberra only just scraped into the finals after beating an understrength Perth outfit 2-1 in the final round.
Canberra started the grand final strongly, and would have sealed the win earlier if it wasn’t for the fine work of Glory goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who produced two sharp saves in one-on-one situations.
Arnold also saved a Grace Gill penalty in stoppage time, but by then the game was already over.
CANBERRA UNITED 3 (Stephanie Ochs 20m, Ashleigh Sykes 75m, 78m) bt PERTH GLORY 1 (Collette McCallum 63m) at nib Stadium. Crowd: 2,671. Referee: Kate Jacewicz.
