Sienna Dale has sent Canberra United back to the top of the Ninja A-League, her late chip the proving decisive in a 1-0 win over Newcastle at No. 2 Sportsground.
The game had felt destined for a draw before the 18-year-old’s decisive intervention in the 93rd minute, Dale keeping her composure to seal all three points with a quality chipped finish after Mary Stanic-Floody’s flick put her one-on-one with Newcastle’s Kiwi keeper Anna Laet.
The Jets had their own chance to pinch a point after the goal, with Lauren Allan stabbing a close range effort wide following a 95th minute corner.
The win extended Canberra’s undefeated run to six games and kept their streak of scoring in every game of the season alive.
The three points also restored United to the top of the table after Melbourne Victory’s own remarkable late show could only net them a point at Central Coast Mariners earlier today.
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Canberra United had the better of the opportunities across the game, with Bethany Gordon’s 72nd minute attempt that rattled the woodwork the pick of the chances prior to the goal.
American Emma Hawkins was the liveliest of Newcastle’s forwards, with her game high three shots on target a game meaning that Leat always had something to think about.
Melina Ayres was typically industrious for the Jets, and Leat’s 10 saves were crucial in making Canberra wait until late to seal the points.
Canberra will look to extend their unbeaten run against bottom of the table Western Sydney Wanderers in their first fixture of the new year next Saturday, while Newcastle travel to Perth in the late kick off that day.
