Western into ALW grand final

WESTERN United are through to the A-League Women grand final in their first year in the competition following a 1-0 win over minor premier Sydney.

Hannah Keane’s 26th minute goal was the difference between the two sides in Sunday’s semi-final, with the forward sending her side to the decider at Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium on 30 April.

Western were feeding off scraps but Keane showed her calmness when she grabbed her 14th goal of the 2023 campaign in the first half.

“It’s unbelievable, 12 of our girls hadn’t been exposed to an A-League environment [before this season],” said Western United coach Mark Torcaso.

“We knew we might not be overly entertaining in the way that we play but we were definitely going to give a fight.”

Torcaso said left back Angie Beard, who is expected to play for the Philippines at this year’s World Cup, had sprained her ankle but would be fit for the grand final.

Sydney will now face Melbourne Victory next week, who have beaten them in the last two grand finals.

During Sunday’s game Sydney players Princess Ibini, Mackenzie Hawkesby and American forward Madison Haley all missed good chances or were denied by Western goalkeeper Hillary Beall.

“You’ve got to look at the bright side of things, we’re playing next week,” said Sky Blue’s coach Ante Juric said.

“We refresh and we go again and if we get through that then we will have some momentum.”

Sydney will play off with Melbourne Victory this Saturday, and will need forward Cortnee Vine firing on all cylinders if they are to have the chance to avenge Western.

Vine, arguably the best Australian player in the ALW, was unable to hit top gear against Western after returning to Sydney on Friday following the Matildas’ victory over England.

The 25-year-old sustained a calf strain while overseas and Juric, who took a thinly veiled dig at the national team set-up, said he had no concern selecting her at Allianz Stadium.

“She was fit, but I did have issues when she played against England,” Juric said. “That’s five games in 16 days. I can’t comprehend that.

“She seemed OK and we got the all-clear to play her.”

– BY GEORGE CLARKE/ AAP