CANBERRA United’s Dubbo-born star Ashleigh Sykes says stepping down from international duties was the right decision for her soccer career after she made the agonising call to withdraw from Matildas availability.
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But Sykes’ decision paid off for Canberra’s W-League campaign as the speedy forward led from the front to lift the defending champions to a 4-1 win against the Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday.
Sykes spoke to Australian coach Alen Stajcic to inform him she was unavailable for the trip to South Korea at the weekend.
The 23-year-old cited personal reasons as the main factor, but she hoped to force her way back into the Australian jersey.
“[Matildas selection] isn’t something you give away lightly... for me I had to make the choice at the moment and Staj was understanding which was really nice,” Sykes said.
“I haven’t committed to anything either way at the moment. I’m just finding my way through things.
“It’s nice just to focus on Canberra and the W-League season, we’re starting to build and it’s going to be good to get back home for the next few weeks.”
Canberra was missing trio Michelle Heyman, Caitlin Munoz and goalkeeper Lydia Williams, who played for the Matildas on Sunday.
But their absence was barely felt as United charged to the lead against the Wanderers and never really looked in trouble at Central Coast Stadium.
Kendell Fletcher scored a double while an own goal and a classy finish from Sykes completed the three-goal win.
The win moved Canberra to second on the ladder after six games and after finishing a four-game stint on the road.
They will play their next three matches in the capital as they chase ladder-leaders Melbourne City.
Fletcher opened the scoring after taking her chance with an open header from a corner and Canberra’s lead was extended when the Wanderers let in an own goal following a superb Meg McLaughlin run.
The Wanderers tried to launch a fightback in the second half and were rewarded when Erica Holloway slotted home their first goal in the 77th minute.
But Fletcher was back at it with another header 60 seconds later and Sykes netted the goal to seal an impressive win.
Melissa Maizels was outstanding as Williams’ replacement goalkeeper, making two “world-class saves” to keep Canberra in front.
“The girls stepped in and did their job really well, special mention to Maizels. She knows when she gets her chance she has to be ready and she made two world-class saves today,” said Canberra coach Rae Dower.
“That was crucial for us. Finding a way to get the Matildas back into the team is a good problem to have.”
