Tara Murray
A first half show from Hannah Keane ensured Western United’s perfect record remained intact as the United accounted for Sydney FC in the top of the table clash in the A-League Women’s competition.
Back at home at City Vista Pavilion and Sports Field for the second time in less than a week, United faced its biggest test to date against ladder leaders Sydney.
Canadian Danielle Steer joined the team for the first time, named on the bench, while Tyla Jay Vlajnic came into the starting 11.
After a tight opening to the game, Keane unlocked the door with a smart finish in the 19th minute to give United the lead.
Some superb interplay brought Jessica McDonald through on goal in the box and when her shot was parried, Adriana Taranto was onto the rebound and squared the ball to Keane who buried a low shot with her left foot.
Keane was soon back in the action, scoring hers and United’s second in the 35th minute. The goal takes Keane equal top of the golden boot standings.
Sydney continued to pose a threat going the other way with Madison Haley particularly dangerous, but a few sights at goal failed to hit the mark as United went into the break with an important lead.
Just as in the first half, United brought intensity from the opening whistle with a superb run from Aimee Medwin just after the restart helping to draw a free-kick and a yellow card from Sydney’s Sarah Hunter.
Medwin was fantastic defensively against Matilda Cortnee Vine all afternoon and ensured Sydney’s number.11 had no joy out wide.
United changed its defensive approach slightly and brought Sydney Cummings onto Haley in a number of one-versus-one situations, and the Guyana international was impenetrable, forcing Sydney into an early substitution which saw Vine withdrawn for new signing Rola Badawiya.
Badawiya brought great impact off the bench with her first touch of the ball causing United problems.
But again, United adjusted and matched the threat with intelligence and tenacity in every position on the pitch.
The home side was ultimately unlucky not to add a third as a McDonald header from a corner was cleared off the line.
United saw out the remainder of the game and held onto a second consecutive clean sheet and ensuring no opposition had scored a goal at City Vista in the side’s three home games so far.
United now sits three points clear at the top of the table, with seven wins from as many games.
United faces the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday at 3pm.
