The Canberra United Academy have cemented their position in 4^th with a dramatic comeback win over the Woden Weston Wanderers at Hawker Enclosed on Sunday. A thrilling second half saw Woden Weston take an early lead, before the CUA fought back and found two unanswered goals, including an unbelievable effort from Mikayla Vidmar late in the game, to claim an important three points at their home ground.

The two sides came into the game locked at one win a piece in the season series, and the rivalry continued from kick-off as a physical battle began to unfold.

The Canberra United Academy were first to test their opponents resolve, applying a great deal of early pressure but Isabel Mulhall was unable to convert from close range, firing over in the sixth minute.

Woden Weston looked lively at the other end, finding some gaps in behind the CUA defence but the home side held strong.

The two sides continued to attack in an end to end affair, and the CUA came close with a silky one-two between Laura Hughes and Aoife Colvill, but the striker’s effort failed to test Nat Lacey in goals.

The Wanderers were unlucky not to find the first goal when Lotta Raap found herself clean through, but Sabrina Sanchez was quick to come out and make a solid save.

Moments later, Lacey made a great save of her own to deny the pacey Jasmine Genovesi from netting her 13^th goal of the campaign.

Both sides came out firing in the second half, and Woden Weston claimed the game’s first goal just four minutes in when Rachel Crittenden carved out some space in the box and cut back to Laura Vandenbroucke to poke home after 49 minutes.

The Academy reacted sharply, eagerly hunting for an equaliser and finding one just nine minutes later in the 58^th minute, as Colvill fired a strong into the far left corner across Lacey in goals.

CUA substitute goalkeeper Olivia Riddel looked sharp in keeping her side level after coming on, clearing a dangerous ball in by Crittenden from a free kick, and Wanderers shot-stopper Lacey continued to make her mark on the game with an incredible save to deny Colvill in the 69^th minute.

Colvill was unlucky not to give her side the lead in the 75^th minute, striking the crossbar with a curling free kick from out wide.

The home side took a late lead in the 82^nd minute, when central defender Vidmar went on a dazzling run and fired a long effort into the top left hand corner, leaving Lacey with no chance.

The visitors pushed hard for a late equaliser, but their efforts were to no avail as the CUA ran out winners in the thrilling encounter.

The two sides will face off once more over the coming week in the semi-finals of the Federation Cup, in what should be another close battle.