Jess Fishlock spared Melbourne City with a 92nd-minute winner in a much-needed 1-0 victory over a brave Western Sydney Wanderers at ANZ Stadium on New Year’s Day.
Just as it seemed the champions would be frustrated in their attempts to close in on the top four, star midfielder Fishlock tucked home Kyah Simon’s stoppage-time pass to seal a vital three points.
England star Jodie Taylor earlier made her debut from the bench as the visitors moved level on points with fourth-placed Perth Glory in Steph Catley’s 100th Westfield W-League appearance.
STORY OF THE GAME
- Wanderers were compact and organised from the outset, restricting City to few genuine sights of goal.
- The hosts grew in confidence as the half wore on and might have snatched the lead when Ellie Brush miscued a far-post effort from a corner.
- City came out with greater intent after half-time as Jada Whyman tipped over a stinging Kyah Simon effort.
- Patrick Kisnorbo turned to his bench for more cutting edge on the hour, introducing Taylor.
- Despite their lack of possession, Western Sydney remained a danger on the break and saw Lee Falkon sky a shot at the end of one counter-attack.
- But the visitors finally got their reward for persistence when Fishlock popped up with the winner at the death.
GOALS
Fishlock, Melbourne City 90’+2: 0-1
Yukari Kinga spread the ball right to Simon, whose pinpoint first-time ball inside was clinically tucked away by Fishlock.
