Sydney FC all but secured a second successive A-League Women premiership after defeating Perth Glory 3-1 at UTAS Stadium in Launceston.
Back in control of the race for the Premiers Plate after Melbourne City’s 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar, Natalie Tobin’s 34th-minute strike and Cortnee Vine’s second-half brace ensured Sydney retained the initiative on Sunday, despite Aideen Keane’s 86th-minute consolation goal.
Concerns exist, however, for the fitness of Vine and Jada Whyman after the former was subbed with an apparent knock and the latter was inadvertently kneed in the head by Keane in second-half injury time.
Five points clear of City heading into their final game against Adelaide, head coach Ante Juric’s side will secure the premiership regardless of how City fare in their final two games if they win.
Such is the strength of their goal difference, though, even a draw against the Reds would likely prove enough.
Never truly challenged, Tobin’s volley off a Mackenzie Hawkesby corner gave Sydney a deserved lead, with Princess Ibini and Vine also going close.
It was 2-0 in the 52nd when Vine used her speed to burst through Glory’s lines and launched a deft chip beyond Courtney Newbon.
Vine then had her brace and sealed the win on the hour-mark after sprinting onto an Ibini cross slid across the face of the Glory goal to finish from close range.
Whereas Keane’s maiden ALW goal provided a positive, Perth’s push for the finals now stands on the brink.
A feel-good story of the season after going winless the year prior, they’re now two points behind fourth-placed Melbourne Victory heading into their final game.
Possessing a goal difference well back of their rivals, coach Alex Epakis’ side’s hopes will rely on them beating Wellington Phoenix and Canberra United defeating Victory in the season’s final round.
