Sydney FC consolidated third spot on the Westfield W-League ladder with a dominant 4-2 win over Perth Glory at Ashfield Reserve on Sunday.
Sky Blues striker Kyah Simon and Glory midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo both netted braces for their respective sides, but it was the visitors who controlled proceedings for the most of the entertaining contest.
DiBernardo put the home side ahead after just five minutes with a cracking strike from outside the penalty area, using the right post to score her third goal of the season.
Princess Ibini-Isei squared up Jasmyne Spencer at the far post in the 26th minute, allowing the American forward to complete the easiest of finishes and put the match back on even terms.
Simon grabbed the lead for Sydney 11 minutes later when she ran on to a brilliant through pass from Leena Khamis and carefully placed the ball past the outstretched legs of Glory goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
The Sky Blues all but sealed victory just three minutes after half-time when Amy Harrison spotted an unmarked Khamis alone in the box after a gut-running effort down the right wing.
Simon latched on to a loose ball seven minutes from full-time to finish the afternoon with a brace next to her name before DiBernardo again added her name to the scoresheet when she converted a penalty minutes later.
Alanna Kennedy and Elizabeth Rolston were dominant in defence for the winners, while Harrison, Nicola Bolger and captain Theresa Polias controlled the midfield.
“It was the first week we actually played our old style of football,” Simon said. “We were composed and patient and I was lucky enough to be on the end of a couple and hit the back of the net.”
Nikki Stanton, Caitlin Foord and Danielle Brogan worked tirelessly to keep Glory in the contest, but the Sky Blues proved too strong on the day.
Sydney will look to close the gap on second-placed Canberra United next Sunday when they host Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Stadium, while Perth will attempt to upset league leaders Melbourne City at C.B. Smith Reserve.
