Round one of this season’s Women’s League had Canberra United soar to a 4-1 victory over Western Sydney in Campbelltown on Sunday afternoon.

Despite fears of low fitness and little preparation, the Women’s League has certainly proven itself as a worthy competition in the first 90 minutes of its seventh season.

With a team of fresh faces and many first-timers to the league, the Western Sydney Wanderers fought hard against the renowned Canberra United, who finished top of the table last season.

Despite a field of freshly mown grass signifying a fresh start for the women in red, Sydney’s efforts to stand shoulder to shoulder with Canberra were hardly satisfactory, and their on-field performance during the first half was sloppy and awkward.

In comparison, the Canberra girls were speedy and agile, with quick thinking players who swiftly passed the ball on, circulating it around the field in a smooth, clockwise motion.

It was therefore little surprise that the women in green were the more practised of the match.

Many familiar faces stood out among the Canberra United team, looking very intimidating on the pitch.

This motion was soon proven true as veteran Michelle Heyman, number eleven on the field, scored for Canberra in only the 3rd minute.

With the Wanderers not quite finding the mark, a pessimistic crowd instantly wrote the Sydney girls off.

A chance for Western Sydney in the 33rd minute saw the ball pumped metres out

from the goal, the closest Sydney got to making even with Canberra in the first half.

Dangerous moments loomed for the Wanderers after 38 minutes as Canberra’s Heyman tickled the corner of the goal post, demonstrating execution problems from both sides on the field.

Despite some close saves, danger was never averted from Canberra’s goals, and as the women in green continued their game with high possession, the all-class Heyman lined the ball up again, neatly sliding it home after 40 minutes and giving United a

2-0 advantage before the break.

The tired expressions radiating from the crowd said it all; the first half was slow and painful to watch and lacked any sort of rhythm or beat; like an orchestra without musicians.

Looming shadows began to creep over the pitch as Campbelltown’s hot sun fell away, yet this did not darken Sydney’s efforts.

After half time the Wanderer’s certainly had more fight in their game, and much

credit should be given to their defence as they repeatedly avoided a number of close calls from Canberra.

Yet, Canberra continued to play the smarter ball, displaying a more experienced and stronger game.

As the pitch heated up like coals on a hot plate during the second half, both teams were clearly not feeling the cool evening as it settled in on Campbelltown.

The Wanderer’s started to gain more possession, using this to their advantage as they tried to dip the ball towards their net; a real turn around in what looked to be a strongly Canberra dominated game.

But, a brush with destiny by Ellie Brush brought Sydney’s hopes crashing down, yet again, as she placed a beautiful header into the net in the 57th minute.

Although Sydney’s character and ability continued to be tested as the clock ticked faster than their anxious hearts could beat, the Sydney girls powered through to the end, despite Canberra’s Ash Sykes snaring another beautiful goal for the greens in the 77th minute.

With just moments to spare, Sydney finally made a break for change, with Demi Koulizakis in her debut match, scuffling a goal towards the net in a clunky and un-coordinated fashion.

An awkward goal, yet a goal none-the-less, allowing the Wanderer’s to go down by just three points as the game came to a close, in conjunction with a beautiful 24 degree day in Campbelltown.

Western Sydney didn’t give up, and for their first taste of W-League action, they have proven themselves as a fighting team ready for the strong competition ahead.

Sydney Wanderers’ Keelin Winters, on loan from her Seattle team, said she expected the game to be competitive, and this is what they received from Canberra.

“I think we can do some simple things a little bit better.

“We have a lot to grow for.”

Canberra’s star forward Michelle Heyman was impressed with her team’s efforts and high possession ownership throughout the game.

Heyman and her team of fighting competitors now look with anticipation towards next week’s clash with Adelaide United.

“We always want to keep a clean sheet.

“They have a great team and coach; that’s their big strength.

“It should be a good game.”

Despite a lack of expertise and strength displayed on field today, many anticipate that these things will develop as Women’s League continues to progress.

High expectations are spreading for the W-League, and with the Women’s World Cup looming, Australia is clearly venturing into a very exciting period.

“There’s a lot to look forward to in women’s football” said David Gallop, chief executive of FFA.

With this season of Women’s League football off to a roaring start, it’s time for fans to chase their team’s ball to the finals.

Next week Melbourne Victory take on the Western Sydney Wanderers at Broadmedow’s Valley, while Adelaide United take on Canberra United at Adelaide Shores.