Melbourne Victory moved further clear atop the Westfield W-League after a 2-1 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday.
Summary
First-half goals from Natasha Dowie and Christine Nairn set up Victory at Latrobe City Stadium in Morwell.
But it was forced to hold on for a fourth straight win after Kylie Ledbrook’s long-range strike for the Wanderers in the second half.
The result saw Victory move five points clear at the top after starting the season with four wins and a draw.
After a bright opening, Victory took the lead in the 13th minute as Dowie scored her fifth goal of the season.
Emily Gielnik put the captain in behind with a beautiful pass and Dowie poked a finish past Jada Mathyssen-Whyman.
Grace Maher threatened for Victory before it doubled its lead six minutes prior to half-time.
Gielnik’s spectacular effort from out wide was pushed away by Mathyssen-Whyman, but Nairn reacted quickly to put away the rebound.
Put away by @NairnChristine after @EGielnik's effort was saved! #MVCvWSW 2-0 #WLeague @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/MIqKft9GDM
— Victory W-League (@victorywleague) December 2, 2018
The Wanderers grew into the contest in the second half and they struck with 17 minutes remaining, Ledbrook pulling a goal back from distance.
While Dowie had a goal ruled out for offside, Victory held firm to secure yet another three points.
Result
Westfield W-League 2018/19 Round 5
Melbourne Victory 2 (Natasha Dowie 13′, Christine Nairn 39′)
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Kylie Ledbrook 73′)
Next up
Victory has a bye in Round 6 before making the trip to Brisbane to face the Roar on Sunday, December 16.
