It was their first away win in over two years, but Canberra United coach Heather Garriock is not happy about how close her side came to letting the points slip.
United ended a 741-day drought without a win on the road on Saturday with a nervy 3-2 win against Newcastle Jets on the back of a late winner from Norwegian striker Elise Thorsnes.
However, speaking post-match, Garriock suggested her side made harder work of the match than was required on the back of their bright start.
“To concede two penalties in the last 10 minutes of the first half wasn’t good enough from our girls,” Garriock told canberraunited.com.au.
“But we learn from it. The first was a silly tackle and then it was out of character for [Karly] Roestbakken to clip her – you can’t do that.
“It’s the discipline. We really need to work hard on that.”
REPORT: Canberra survive scare to shoot down Jets
REPORT: Unbeaten City shut out Reds to go second
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6110725410001
Approaching half-time, United were seemingly cruising to their second win of the season on the back of goals either side of the half-hour mark.
The first came from starting debutant Ashlie Crofts, who capitalised on an initial strike off the crossbar from Karly Roestbakken in the 29th minute, before American Simone Charley delivered her third goal of the season on the counter-attack just three minutes later.
Canberra let the Jets back into the contest at McDonald Jones Stadium by conceding a pair of penalties late in the first half, but eventually came out on top through Thorsnes’ late strike.
The result lifts United into third place on the Westfield W-League table, with two wins from the opening three rounds.
United’s road win comes after claiming just one point from six away games last season.
Their last away win was against the Jets in November 2017.
REPORT: Hat-trick for Hamilton as Wanderers march on with impressive win over Roar
REACTION: Hamilton happy to be driving home the goals for high-flying Wanderers
Garriock explained that her side need to recapture the killer instinct they were once renowned for if they are to return to finals football after a two-year drought.
She is eyeing a more cut-throat response in next fixture against Brisbane Roar.
“When we get in front we need to continue, be ruthless and finish the game off,” Garriock said.
“We still have to improve, I’m happy we got the three points away, but I guess the most important thing is to bounce back for Brisbane at home next week.”
Newcastle Jets fly west to face Perth Glory in Round 4. The match at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday, 7 December kicks off at 10.15pm AEDT.
Get your tickets here
Find out more at the Match Centre here
Canberra United play host to Brisbane Roar at McKellar Park on Thursday, 5 December in Round 4. The contest kicks off at 7.30pm AEDT.
Get your tickets here
Find out more at the Match Centre here
Ways to watch Westfield W-League
Download the MyFootball Live App now
Sign up for Kayo Sports
Get Foxtel
