Western United have thrashed A-League Women strugglers Perth Glory 4-1 to charge back into finals contention.
Coach Kat Smith wanted last Friday’s 1-1 draw with Melbourne City to be a “line in the sand” that set up United’s back end of the season.
It clearly worked with United dominating from the get-go at Ironbark Fields, registering 24 shots (10 on target) to Perth’s eight (two).
An own goal from Glory’s Claudia Valletta in the 36th minute, courtesy of a mis-timed attempted clearance, gave United an early advantage.
Two minutes later, Grace Maher doubled the lead with an Olimpico – a goal direct from a corner kick – that her teammates watched nestle inside the net at the back post with glee.
United’s Melissa Taranto joined the party in the 71st minute, letting loose a long-range skidding shot that beat goalkeeper Casey Dumont and landed in the bottom corner of the net.
Gabby Hollar gave Perth a brief lifeline 10 minutes later when she scrambled home from a corner.
But Aimee Medwin sealed victory for United in the 87th minute.
A Kiara De Domizio attempted shot deflected into Medwin’s path and she toepoked home at the back post.
United (18 points) now sit sixth while the Glory (nine points) are 11th, only ahead of last-placed Western Sydney.
Western face another tight turnaround to face third-placed Adelaide United away on Saturday, while Perth host fourth-placed Brisbane on Sunday.
