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Following a hiatus for an international break, A-League Women action returned with Week One of the Finals Series.
Four teams entered the A-League Elimination Finals in two winner-takes-all matches for a spot in the semi-finals.
Melbourne Victory saw off Canberra United to face their derby rivals in the semi-finals, while Brisbane Roar progressed past Adelaide United. Here’s how the results unfolded.
Canberra United 1-3 Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory set up a derby clash against rivals Melbourne City as they overcame Canberra in the capital.
A record crowd of 3,290 at McKellar Park saw Victory take the lead when Rachel Lowe reacted quickest to score after Sally James had denied Rhianna Pollicina.
Three minutes later, Ella O’Grady doubled the Victory lead when she slid home at the back post to convert Pollicina’s cross.
Canberra got themselves back into the game through Sasha Grove. A break from a Victory corner saw Grove win the ball in the centre of the pitch. With a little help from Emma Hawkins, the ball ran through for Grove who raced in on goal to slide the ball past Courtney Newbon with a little under 30 minutes gone.
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The hosts should’ve equalised five minutes later, but with the goal at her mercy, Hawkins could only head Michelle Heyman’s cross over the bar.
Five minutes after the restart, O’Grady made the game safe for Victory. A giveaway in the Canberra half gave Holly Furphy the chance to cross. She put the ball on a plate for O’Grady to head home.
Next up for Jeff Hopkins’ side is a two-legged Melbourne derby against Premiers, Melbourne City.
Brisbane Roar 3-0 Adelaide United
A second half onslaught from Brisbane Roar saw them cruise past Adelaide and into the semi-finals.
Erin Healy’s header drew a fine early save from Chloe Lincoln, with the Matildas’ shot-stopper diving full stretch to deny the American.
Brisbane gradually took control of the game and Kijah Stephenson’s shot was saved by the foot of Ilona Melegh.
With 50 minutes gone, Stephenson finally broke the deadlock. Alicia Woods’ through ball was inch perfect and Stephenson did the rest, tucking home past Melegh.
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Stephenson doubled her and Brisbane’s tally just six minutes later. Her shot from the edge of the box clipped the post, leaving Melagh with no chance.
Aimee Medwin rounded off the night for The Roar as she outmuscled Zoe Tolland and poked home under the despairing dive of Melegh.
Wellington Phoenix are up next for Alex Smith’s Roar in the Elimination Finals.
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