Holly Caspers provided the attacking spark as Western Sydney Wanderers restored some club pride and boosted their A-League Women finals hopes with an emphatic 4-1 home win over last-placed Canberra United.
A night after their men's team dropped out of the ALM top six with a humiliating 7-0 drubbing away to Melbourne City, the Wander Women moved up to sixth in the ALW.
They jumped three points above Newcastle and play the next two of their last three games at home, as they strive to make the finals for the first time since 2020.
Wanderers scored four for the first time this season despite having leading scorer Sophie Harding ruled out with an ankle issue.
Played just four days after the teams drew 1-1 in Canberra, Wednesday’s game at Wanderers Football Park got off to a frantic start.
The opening goal came after just 52 seconds and four were on the board by the 24th minute.
Matildas striker Michelle Heyman swept a Nickoletta Flannery cross home to give United a perfect start for her 14th goal of the season.
Midfielder Caspers was at the forefront of the Wanderers revival with two goals and an assist.
She had her side on level terms in the fourth minute, heading in a corner from 15-year-old Talia Younis.
Caspers turned provider in the 14th minute with her cross slotted home from close range by Ella Buchanan, for her first ALW goal.
Ten minutes later, Madison McComasky also logged her first ALM goal, heading a Cushla Rue cross in following a Wanderers corner.
After the break it was Canberra’s turn to get caught cold at the start of a half, conceding after only 15 seconds.
Caspers pounced on a long ball and calmly beat Canberra goalkeeper Coco Majstorovic to notch her fifth goal of the campaign.
Both sides had further chances to score, but Wanderers had the better of the exchanges and created more chances.
