Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Grand final hero Ashleigh Sykes has labelled Canberra United's second W-League championship the most satisfying after overcoming a mid-season slump to lift the title.
Sykes was an overwhelming choice as the best on the park, scoring two goals in the space of three minutes as Canberra came from the clouds to upset minor premiers Perth Glory 3-1 in Sunday's gripping decider at nib Stadium.
Canberra were absolutely terrific, giving retiring US star Lori Lindsey the perfect send-off and 15-year-old sensation Grace Maher rising to the occasion after she was a shock choice to start the game.
It capped off a roller-coaster season for the girls in green, who faced the pressure of needing at least a point in their final regular season game against the Glory just to make the top four.
After clawing out a 2-1 win to finish third on the table, United needed 120 minutes and a penalty shoot-out to get past Melbourne Victory last weekend to qualify for their third grand final and first since winning the title in 2011-12.
But unlike that success when United went undefeated and was completely dominant throughout, this time the side have had to battle back through adversity.
"Two years ago we had an awesome season all up, but this season's been a bit up and down, which makes it more satisfying when you come out the other end," Sykes said.
"It's really a testament to the coaches and the squad and all our support staff that we could come through some interesting times in the middle of the year to win the title.
"To score two goals in a final is amazing, it's just an awesome feeling to win the title."
Canberra led 1-0 at half-time before a stunning free kick from Collette McCallum from just outside the penalty area brought the Glory back on level terms.
The visitors responded in splendid fashion, Lindsey delivering a lovely ball over the top for Sykes, who had just enough on her strike for the ball to trickle over the line.
After Glory striker Kate Gill had her penalty saved by goalkeeper Chantel Jones, Sykes then sunk the decisive blow three minutes later, heading the ball into the net after Michelle Heyman contested a dangerous cross from Stephanie Ochs.
"Lori's so good at popping those balls in behind, she's an awesome playmaker," Sykes said.
"I've been able to benefit from playing off Steph and Michelle.
"It's really great to have a striking group where everyone contributes, where it's assists or scoring themselves."
Canberra's player of the year, Sykes should have her name read out when the Matildas announce their squad for a training camp on Monday in preparation for next year's World Cup.
"I'm looking forward to hearing who's in the squad tomorrow," Sykes said.
"Hopefully my name's on the list, being the player of the match doesn't do you any harm in trying to get in there."
Maher was a surprise choice to start in the place of American Kendall Fletcher, but the under-16 Australian representative showed plenty of poise in setting up Ochs for the game's opening goal.
Ochs produced a stunning left-foot strike into the bottom corner of the net in the 20th minute.
United were stiff not to receive a penalty after Sykes was brought down in the box midway through the first half.
The Glory were the standout team of the regular season, claiming the minor premiership with a 10-point buffer and losing just two games. It was without Matildas star Sam Kerr, who suffered a knee injury in the 2-1 loss to Canberra in round 12.
W-League grand final: Canberra United 3 (Stephanie Ochs 20', Ashleigh Sykes 75' 78') bt Perth Glory 1 (Collette McCallum 63') at nib Stadium in Perth on Sunday.
