Melbourne City have claimed a third-straight Westfield W-League title after defeating Sydney FC 2-0 in the 2018 Grand Final on Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium.
After both sides struggled to maintain possession in a frenetic opening, City grabbed the lead 10 minutes before half-time through a brilliant long-range strike to Jess Fishlock.
Sydney FC fought their way back into the contest after the break and forced City keeper Lydia Williams into a series of crucial interventions.
But the Ske Blues’ inability to convert their chances proved costly with Jodie Taylor’s close-range strike sealing the win for City with 15 minutes remaining.
https://twitter.com/MelbCityWFC/status/965133430320070656
GOALS
0-1 Melbourne City: Jess Fishlock, 35’
After dispossessing Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Fishlock spotted Audrey Bledsoe off her line and launched an audacious long-range strike over the stranded Sydney FC keeper.
0-2 Melbourne City: Jodie Taylor, 75’
Jess Fishlock’s well-struck free-kick was well saved by Bledsoe but Taylor reacted quickest to the rebound and tapped home into an empty net.
Melbourne City are your @WLeague 2018 Champions! #WLeagueGF pic.twitter.com/QDHrWAay37
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) February 18, 2018
STORY OF THE GAME
1’ EARLY CHANCE! City striker Jodie Taylor was played in behind but a heavy touch saw Audrey Bledsoe smother the danger.
9’ BIG CHANCE! Sydney FC star Lisa De Vanna fires wide from close range after a neat ball from Chloe Logarzo.
26’ CLOSE: City midfielder Yukari Kinga flashes a low drive just past the post from the top of the box.
35’ GOAL! A Stunning long-range strike from Jess Fishlock catches Bledsoe off her line as City make it 1-0.
43’ SAVE: City keeper Lydia Williams adjusts brilliantly to palm Princess Ibini’s miss-hit cross over the bar.
49’ SAVE: Williams denies a long-range effort from Sydney FC’s Georgia Yeoman-Dale.
52’ SAVE: Teresa Polias’ superbly-hit free-kick was well-saved by Williams.
57’ CHANCE: Sky Blues midfielder Kylie Ledbrook was played through on goal but her left-footed strike could only find the side netting.
72’ CHANCE: City substitute Rhali Dobson found space in behind but fired her shot well over the bar.
75’ GOAL! Jess Fishlock’s free kick is well saved by Bledsoe but Jodie Taylor reacts quickly to bury the rebound.
90’ FULL TIME: City hold off a late Sydney FC charge to record a deserved 2-0 victory.
👌👌👌 #WLeagueGF #WhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/gG0CvCEMXj
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) February 18, 2018
