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W-League Grand Final Report: Sydney 0-2 City

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Melbourne City FC has claimed a record-breaking third consecutive Westfield W-League Championship following their 2-0 win over Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Starting XI

It was an unchanged lineup for Patrick Kisnorbo’s side with the only difference from last week’s team sheet being the addition of defensive cover on the bench with Lia Muldeary.

A fit and firing City looked switched on from the outset with plenty at stake for both sides.

What happened?

Melbourne City FC has claimed a record-breaking third consecutive Westfield W-League Championship following their 2-0 win over Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

City’s first chance of the match came in the 2nd minute when Alanna Kennedy played a brilliant ball through to Jodie Taylor, but the England international’s first touch let her down as she approached the edge of the penalty area.

Taylor’s early chance demonstrated the attacking intent of Patrick Kisnorbo’s side as they looked to secure their third straight Grand Final win.

But in warm conditions the Sky Blues responded to the early pressure that the visitors were mounting, setting up a tight opening half an hour of play.

City would eventually break the deadlock in the 35th minute when Welsh maestro Jess Fishlock fired a shot from 30 yards. After dispossessing Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Fishlock saw Audrey Bledsoe off her line and hit a thunderous strike, handing the reigning Champions a 1-0 lead at the half-time break.

As the second period kicked-off, City had shot-stopper Lydia Williams to thank for holding their lead – despite taking a heavy knock, the Matildas keeper made several impressive saves to keep her team in front.

In the 62nd minute Kisnorbo’s side were dealt a blow when attacker Kyah Simon succumbed to injury and was replaced by Rhali Dobson. Nevertheless, it was Dobson’s speed and energy on the pitch that began to trouble Sydney’s back four.

On the field for 12 minutes, Dobson picked up the ball on the halfway line before making a tremendous run down the right wing and moving central, forcing Sonnett to foul on the edge of the area.

Fishlock stepped up to take the set-piece, forcing Bledsoe to make an impressive save onto the bar. The ball then rebounded off the bar to the leading Taylor, who made no mistake from point blank range sealing the win with 15 minutes remaining.

Led by Alanna Kennedy at the back, City held on to secure the 2-0 win as Ante Juric’s side mounted a late push. The willingness of Aivi Luik and Yukari Kinga to work hard defensively was a telling factor throughout the contest.

Following the final whistle, Fishlock was rewarded with the player of the match award after an incredible individual performance. 

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