Canberra Olympic 2 (Alexia Forner 11’, 46’)def. Gungahlin United (Nat Demarco 85’)  

 By Mat Stramandinoli

Alexia Forner’s brace at Gungahlin Enclosed helped Canberra Olympic to a 2-1 win over Gungahlin United and a stranglehold on fourth spot.

Olympic came out of the gate strong with aggressive attack, with a great chance for Meg McLaughlin early only to see her strike the side of the Gungahlin net.

Five minutes later though Olympic made good on their early dominance through Forner’s stunner.

The youngster took possession of the ball way outside the area, went around her marker before rifling an effort past Kailey Tonini and into the top corner to put her side ahead.

That goal set the tone for the rest of the half with both sides playing attacking football and forcing the issue when in possession. Melissa Bunker looked dangerous for the hosts while Vanessa Ryan was troubling the home backline, but neither side was able to find a way through as the first half wound up with the difference just a goal.

That changed only minutes into the second half though as Olympic pushed forward, and the ball ended up with Forner just inside the area. She drove towards the backline before lashing an effort at Tonini and the ball squirmed through between goal keeper and goal post and across the line to hand Olympic a two goal lead with 46 minutes on the clock.

The goal seemed to switch United on though and they responded strongly, taking over the lions share of possession as Olympic dropped back down the pitch to defend their two goal lead.

Nat DeMarco and Charlotte Lynch lead the charge but the visiting defense was on top of things as they strangled any sense of attacking momentum that the hosts could build up.

With five minutes to go DeMarco danced her way into the are and tucked home a finish from close range to halve the deficit, but it proved to be a case of too little, too late for Gungahlin.

The result leaves Olympic three points ahead for fourth spot with just two matches to play, and United needing a favour from Monaro or the Academy in the coming fortnight.