![Canberra striker Michelle Heyman goes down in the box. She was ruled offside in the build-up. Picture: Getty Images Canberra striker Michelle Heyman goes down in the box. She was ruled offside in the build-up. Picture: Getty Images](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/RXMuw2JbrrS7ELSxSY9rkR/e9b1205d-f28d-44f3-8f5c-8f9bf16eb17f.jpg/r0_167_3422_2099_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Canberra United's search for its first A-League Women's win of the season is ongoing despite a spirited second-half comeback on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Vicki Linton's side went down 3-1 to Adelaide United at Viking Park to remain anchored to second last spot on the ladder with two draws and three losses.
Trailing 2-0 at half-time after two defensive lapses marred an otherwise even first half, the injection of Canberra veteran Ash Sykes for the start of the second half turned the tables.
The 30-year-old looked dangerous right from the get go and her pressure paid off in the 57th minute as she sent a looping header past keeper Annalee Grove from an enticing Allira Toby cross. It marked Sykes' first goal in the competition since January 2018.
With Matildas-bound Karly Roestbakken firing in some dangerous crosses from the right byline, Canberra appeared destined to equalise.
But a 77th-minute Fiona Worts strike against the run of play gave Adelaide breathing space and leapfrogged the traditional competition strugglers into the top four. It was a fitting reward for Worts, whose sublime through ball just before half-time set up Chelsie Dawber's strike to make it 2-0.
Canberra dominated possession (58 per cent) and had 18 shots to Adelaide's six.
But the hosts were left to rue some missed chances and bad luck.
MORE CANBERRA SPORT:
Canberra striker Michelle Heyman should have equalised on 69 minutes from a glorious Roestbakken ball, but her close-range header from an unmarked position went wide.
It capped another frustrating outing for the competition's all-time leading scorer, who had a sharp first-half effort cannon back into play off the left post.
Earlier, Adelaide opened the scoring inside 10 minutes after Dylan Holmes' sharp right-foot volley proved too hot to handle for Canberra keeper Keeley Richards.
A potential left thigh injury to Chloe Middleton added to Canberra's woes. She was replaced by Sykes at the half-time break.
ADELAIDE UNITED 3 (Dylan Holmes 9m, Chelsie Dawber 40m, Fiona Worts 77m) bt CANBERRA UNITED 1 (Ash Sykes 57m) on Saturday at Viking Park. Referee: Kate Jacewicz.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram