Melbourne City FC have started their inaugural Westfield W-League campaign with a comprehensive 6-0 win over Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon.
Goals to Larissa Crummer, Lisa De Vanna, Beatie Goad, Marianna Tabain and Ayres sealed victory for City in their first ever match in the competition to consign the Sky Blues to an opening day defeat.
Sydney FC conceded early with Crummer bursting into the box and rounding Michelle Betos to tap home, however the Sky Blues eased into the match as they found their rhythm fifteen minutes in.
City dictated midfield with the Sky Blues content to hit on the counter, with chances falling to both sides, however a flurry of goal in a five minute spell at the end of the first half saw City head in with a four nil lead.
Sydney FC emerged the brighter of the two teams in the second 45, with Leena Khamis seeing an effort saved within the first minute of the restart, with Jasmyne Spencer proving particularly troublesome on the right flank.
After dominating possession until the 60th minute the Sky Blues conceded their fifth as Tabain tapped home following an outstanding parry from Betos in goal from Crummer’s initial shot.
Teresa Polias looked to pull one back for the Sky Blues from the penalty spot after Camilleri was fouled with five minutes remaining, however Burke stood tall to deny the Sydney FC captain as Ayres then took the ball up the other end to score City’s sixth and seal victory.
Sydney FC 0 def by. Melbourne City FC 6 (11’, 45’ Crummer, 39’ De Vanna, 43’ Goad, 61’ Tabain, 89’ Ayres)