Four spectacular saves and a Michael John double was all Gungahlin United needed to secure its fourth straight win of the Capital Football season.
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Even coach Marcial Munoz couldn't fault their performance as Gungahlin claimed a 5-0 victory over reigning champions Canberra FC on Sunday.
"We dominated from start to finish and put together a complete performance," Munoz said.
"[It was] by far the best game of the season and I can't fault their performance.
"Each performance we've put on week-to-week has built on the next. I think the confidence in the team is sky-high at the moment."
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Gungahlin were dominant from start to finish as Canberra struggled through the midfield. It was only a matter of time before star striker Michael John converted its hard work and sparked confidence in the home side.
The right-forward put on a one-man show as he juggled the ball past two defenders and struck the ball into the left-hand side of the net in the 19th minute.
Canberra came back firing after half-time and created four good chances in the opening 10 minutes. But the visitors couldn't beat Gungahlin goalkeeper Joshua Lagudah, who saved four vital free kicks in the second half.
After Daniel Corbertaldo's fourth free kick hit the crossbar, Gungahlin took advantage of Canberra's frustration and scored two goals in the dying minutes of the match.
Gunaghlin's Riley Angelosante scored off a Michael John cross before the right-forward took his own double moments later.
"It's unbelievable," Munoz said. "We couldn't finish these games off last year but now it's all coming together."
Gungahlin's rise comes after they were docked six points before the season even kicked off.
Capital Football took six points from the team to "protect the integrity" of the competition after the club failed to meet payment arrangements for an historic aged debt.
"I have to pay tribute to the whole club for putting all the confidence in the world to us," Munoz said.
"We were put in a really uncomfortable situation at the beginning of the year with the minus six. It's a credit to the players that they've taken it on board, absolutely run with it and made it their own. I'm really pleased for them."
Meanwhile, Cooma Tigers bounced back to the top of the ladder after beating Canberra Olympic 4-1. Riverina are still searching for their first win of the season after Tuggeranong secured a 3-0 victory on Saturday. Monaro Panthers and Woden-Weston drew 1-1 and remain equal on points.
AT A GLANCE: NPL Round Nine
Saturday: Tuggeranong United 3 bt Riverina Rhinos 0. Monaro Panthers 1 d Woden-Weston 1.
Sunday: Gungahlin United 5 bt Canberra FC 0. Tigers FC 4 bt Canberra Olympic 1.
Bye: Belconnen United.