It was always going to be a tough grand final to beat the team who have won every game this W-League season, but Sydney FC gave it everything they had, said former Faulconbridge defender Teigen Allen.
Playing before a crowd of 4200 in Melbourne at AAMI Park, Melbourne City were victorious 4-1 over Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Scottish duo Jen Beattie and best-afield Kim Little set City on their way to adding the W-League championship to the premiership in their debut season.
Ten minutes after the break, Little had won a paper-scissor-rock battle with Welsh captain and assistant coach Jessica Fishlock to take a free kick, and made it count.
From 25 metres out, the 25-year-old curled home to the top near corner beyond Sydney goalkeeper Michelle Betos at full-stretch.
Kyah Simon replied on a penalty to give City a late scare but Beatrice Goad and Lisa De Vanna made the game safe.
The last time Sydney FC took to the AAMI Park pitch three years ago, they came away with a 3-1 grand final win over Melbourne Victory.
Sydney FC started the season with a 6-0 home loss against City, but the return bout in Melbourne a fortnight ago was a very different affair. The Sky Blues suffered a 2-1 loss, but it took a late deflected goal to decide the game.
“We didn’t start the season so well,” Allen said.
“But after four games we were bonding well together.”
The 21-year-old, who now lives in Cranebrook, said at Sunday’s grand final “we went on to the field with everything we had”.
“At our best we could have beat the team but we were not the better team on the day.”
The Sky Blues will have much to focus on for next season.
“We’ll work harder, look at more keeping a steady line and look for more wins than losses. And we’ll be keeping the team in good form,” Allen said.
Back home on Monday, Allen had a very short break before heading to a nationals team camp on Tuesday.
- with AAP
