3 minute read

A look at how Sydney FC beat Melbourne City 1-0 to win a record fifth A-League Women championship and go back-to-back.

* RESULT: Sydney FC 1 defeated Melbourne City 0 at AAMI Park.

* THE STORY: Premiers Melbourne City dominated possession and had plenty of chances at AAMI Park. But it was Sydney FC who struck when it mattered, with Shea Connors scoring the winner in the 69th minute.

* THE STAR: Sydney midfielder Mackenzie Hawkesby won the medal for player of the match after one of the great workmanlike performances in midfield. The Sky Blues star simply didn't stop all game.

* THE MOMENT: Sydney pulled off an extraordinary piece of play for the only goal. Shay Hollman pounced on a loose Rebekah Stott header and worked the ball to Indiana Dos Santos. The 16-year-old brilliantly released Connors to score first-time.

* THE STAT: Sydney's Princess Ibini featured in a record eighth grand final while City veteran Melissa Barbieri remarkably made her first start in a decider despite her lengthy career.

* THE QUOTE: "Nobody expected us to be here ... but we did it. Let's go!" - Sydney skipper Ibini.

* TALKING POINT: City will be left to rue having a weight of possession and chances but failing to make it count - and how they respond to this brutal learning experience will be critical. Ultimately these games come down to moments - and Sydney FC are the masters of moments.