Canberra Tightens Grip on Top Six with Hard-Earned Victory as Former Glory Defender Haunts Old Team

In Saturday’s clash at McKellar Park, former Perth Glory defender Elizabeth Anton netted the only goal of the match, securing a 1-0 victory for Canberra United over her old team.

Perth Glory created the better opportunities during the first half but failed to convert. Canberra took advantage after the break, taking the lead and effectively preserving their slim margin over the travelling side.

Anton found the back of the net in the 56th minute, marking Canberra’s second win in three outings as Antoni Jagarinec’s squad continued their ascent up the Ninja A-League ladder.

Canberra has now lost just once in their last six matches and has narrowed the gap to the top six. Currently, they are tied on 21 points with sixth-placed Brisbane Roar, who are set to face Wellington Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.

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The match in Canberra began quietly, with more fouls than goal-scoring opportunities. However, Anton nearly broke the deadlock with a powerful header that just missed the target.

As the first half progressed, the chances began to accumulate for Perth Glory, but attempts from Isobel Dalton, Isabella Folletta, and Natalie Tathem failed to trouble Canberra’s goalkeeper, Sally James, allowing the hosts to maintain their clean sheet as the first half came to a close.

The opening half ended goalless, with Glory dominating possession at 62% and registering eight shots compared to Canberra’s one.

Just 11 minutes after the break, Canberra finally broke the deadlock with Anton scoring from a clever corner routine.

Glory’s goalkeeper, Casey Dumont, managed to get a hand to the corner, but the ball fell loose in the area, allowing Anton to react quickly and squeeze her shot through a crowd of defenders into the bottom-left corner.

A potential equaliser for Perth came in the 65th minute when substitute Sarah O’Donoghue’s shot deflected off a Canberra defender towards James, who comfortably made the save.

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Despite firing off 15 shots to Canberra’s three, Glory could not find the equaliser as Canberra remained resolute, managing to see out the five additional minutes to secure all three points on home soil.