Sydney FC claims W-League crown

Sydney FC have claimed the W-League premiership with a hard-fought 1-0 win over
Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford.
A goal from Blues striker Leena Khamis on 35 minutes was enough to separate the
teams and allow Sydney to leapfrog the Mariners and take top spot on the ladder for
the first time this season.
The home side went into the match with a two-point advantage but, after Mariners
midfielder Kendall Fletcher hit the crossbar in the early stages, Sydney goalkeeper
Nikola Deiter was rarely troubled.
The Blues scored the crucial goal after Kylie Ledbrook released a pass from midfield
allowing Khamis to escape from a flat-footed defensive line and finish past exposed
Mariners goalkeeper Jillian Loyden.
The remainder of the contest was dominated for large periods by the Sydneysiders who
created several openings, with striker Sarah Walsh spurning a number of
opportunities to extend the advantage.
"We made hard work of the victory but overall we definitely deserved the win," said
Sydney FC coach Alen Stajcic.
"Our back two were fantastic in holding (W-League top-scorer) Michelle Heyman and
that pair, along with Kylie Ledbrook in the middle of the park, were key to the
win."
The victory allowed Sydney to claim first position ahead of the Mariners by one
point at the conclusion of the 10-round season, with last year's inaugural premiers
and champions Brisbane Roar finishing in third place.