That was in evidence last weekend as Westfield W-League aristocrats Sydney struggled for over an hour before finally subduing bottom side Adelaide and running away with the match.
Prolific goalscorer Leena Khamis made a welcome return to the line-up for a first start of the season and her presence in the Sky Blues line-up gave the attack a more balanced look. Newly crowned Asian young player of the year Caitlin Foord will hope to make a first starting appearance of the season after yet another dynamic cameo last weekend.
The last time the Glory visited Leichhardt Oval two years ago, they took the lead with Sam Kerr hitting the goal of the season, before eventually being overran 5-2.
The Glory’s eventful campaign continued last weekend with their visit to Newcastle postponed because of a week of rain on the east coast, which contrasted sharply with a series of significant bushfires in the west.
On the positive side, Norway international Lisa-Marie Woods seems finally set to make her Australian debut in the visit to Sydney. Strong second-half showings have been a hallmark of Sydney’s season and impressive young Glory shotstopper Mackenzie Arnold is sure to be in for a busy afternoon.
Sydney FC v Perth Glory
Saturday 3 December 2011
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Local kick-off: 7pm
Westfield W-League/National Youth League double header
Sydney FC squad: 1. Allison LIPSHER (gk), 15. Thea SLATYER, 3. Danielle BROGAN, 5. Estelle JOHNSON, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 4. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 2. Teresa POLIAS, 9. Sarah WALSH, 12. Teigen ALLEN, 8. Caitlin FOORD, 13. Brittany WHITTFIELD, 7. Heather GARRIOCK, 19. Leena KHAMIS, 16. Alisha BASS, 14. Rachael SOUTAR, 21. Chloe LOGARZO, 20. Monique JACKSON (gk), 30. Sham KHAMIS (gk)
* four to be omitted
In: Alisha Bass, Rachael Soutar, Chloe Logarzo, Sham Khamis (all promoted)
Out: None
Unavailable: Kyah Simon (injured), Victoria Balomenos (injured – season)
Perth Glory squad: 1. Mackenzie ARNOLD (gk), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Erika ELZE, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Katarina JUKIC, 7. Sadie LAWRENCE, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (c), 9. Katie HOLTHAM, 10. Jaymee GIBBONS, 11. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 12. Danielle CALAUTTI, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15. Lara FILOCAMO, 16. Lisa-Marie WOODS, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Emma KETE, 19. Sarah CARROLL, 20. Kristy TESCHINSKY (gk)
*three to be omitted
In: Lisa Marie-Woods (Fortuna Hjorring, Denmark), Lara Filocamo, Sarah Carroll (both promoted)
Out: None