Champions Canberra United on Wednesday reinvigorated their W-League campaign with a gripping 2-1 win over leaders Perth Glory to snap a four-match losing streak.
American Nikki Washington proved the difference in her first starting appearance for Canberra, scoring the winner soon after halftime in the rearranged fixture at Deakin Oval.
Perth, however, were controversially denied a late equaliser with a magnificent Collette McCallum long-range indirect free-kick entering the goal without a second touch on the ball.
After successive defeats in the W-League and the recent International Women's Club Championship, Canberra secured three much-needed points to move within touching distance of the top four.
Defeat for Perth, just their second of the season, leaves the Glory two points clear of Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar.
The two teams exchanged early goals setting the tone for an entertaining end-to-end contest.
Caitlin Munoz coolly slotted home a penalty for Canberra five minutes into the match after Hayley Raso had been bundled over.
Perth replied within a matter of minutes as striker Rosie Sutton pushed the ball into the net from close range.
On the half-hour mark, McCallum let fly with her trademark long-range shooting only to see the ball cannon back off the crossbar.
Perth's Katie Gill hit the post with a glancing header just before halftime with the Glory unlucky not to go into the sheds with a lead.
Nine minutes after the break Washington, who had impressed with numerous forays down the right flank, picked up a loose ball before hitting home an unstoppable effort from 20 metres for the match winner.
