Natasha Dowie netted an impressive hat-trick as Melbourne Victory scored a rare win over a star-studded Sydney FC on Sunday to strengthen their grip at the top of the early season W-League standings.
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Sydney FC dominated possession but a disciplined and well-organised Victory executed a perfect gameplan to win 3-2 in hot conditions at Jubilee Stadium, leaving the ambitious Sky Blues with a second defeat in three outings.
It is just a third win for Melbourne in 17 attempts against Sydney FC and proves Victory's credentials this season as they chase a first finals appearance in four years.
Dowie got the ball rolling after just five minutes with a perfect finish inside the far post, having been released by talented American playmaker Christine Nairn.
Sydney FC were finally rewarded for their territorial dominance five minutes before the break as Chloe Lorgarzo turned the ball home from point-blank range after Danielle Colaprico squared a Lisa De Vanna cross.
Sky Blues defender Sofia Huerta then had the ball in the net moments later only to be correctly ruled out for offside.
Instead it was Victory that again went ahead through a Dowie penalty, albeit having benefited from a highly dubious penalty with Princess Ibini adjudged to have pushed over Teigen Allen.
Victory and Dowie again made a perfect start to the half with the English striker taking full toll of some hesitant defending to score past an exposed Audrey Bledsloe immediately after the break.
Victory were reduced to ten players eight minutes from fulltime with fullback Angie Beard dismissed for a second yellow card.
Alanna Kennedy rifled home the resultant free kick from just outside the penalty area, but Victory were able to withhold a late Sydney charge in front of just over 5,000 spectators.
"It shows what we have got this season and when it got tough we really dug in," said Dowie.
"It was on the most exhausting games I have played in."
Western Sydney Wanderers' disastrous start to the season continued on Saturday night as Newcastle Jets secured a 1-0 home victory.
There were a catalogue of chances at either end, but Jenna Kingsley's goal on the hour mark was enough to separate the teams in an entertaining encounter.
It is a fourth defeat in as many starts for the Wanderers despite some big-name off-season recruits.
Adelaide United opened the round on Thursday with a strong 2-0 win over Canberra United.
Adelaide were deserved winners at home thanks to goals either side of halftime from Veronica Latsko and a Natasha Prior own goal.
Australian Associated Press
