By Mitchell Keenan

The PS4 NPLW returned to action after the Easter break with a grand final rematch from 2016, as Canberra FC played host to the Belconnen Blue Devils at Deakin Stadium. Both sides came off a win in round 3, as Canberra FC beat Olympic 1-0 and Belconnen downed Monaro by 8 goals, but both came into the match of the round looking for all three points.

The game started with intensity, as both sides created an early chance calling the opposing goalkeepers into action.

Belconnen’s Maddy Whittall was the first to test Stewart in goals, finding space in the box but losing out to the keeper. FC’s Gabrielle Risteska then found space in the Belconnen box but couldn’t beat Jessica Giovinazzo in goals.

Belconnen’s skilful front three began to link up well, forcing Georgia Stewart into a number of good saves keeping the home side in the game. In the 33^rd minute Blue Devil midfielder Nicole Jalocha sent in a brilliant long effort, only to be denied by the crossbar as the visitors continued to push for a goal.

The first goal came in the 40^th minute, as full-back Chloe Callaghan continued pressing forward and pounced on a dangerous pass-back from the Canberra FC backline to slot home.

Callaghan struck again just before half-time, using her pace to take the ball down the line and dispatching the finish calmly to give the away side a two-goal lead going into the break.

The home side started the second half with more intent, creating an early chance again to be denied by Giovinazzo, but the 2016 Premiers continued to work the ball well, finding holes in the Canberra FC defence.

Belconnen were awarded a penalty-kick after a rash challenge from Alice Churchill in the 57^th minute, but Michaela Day couldn’t convert from the spot, sending the shot straight at Stewart in the middle.

Canberra FC made some changes to their forward line but even with fresh legs the home side could not break down a rock-solid Belconnen defensive unit.

The visitors closed out the game in the 87^th minute, as Whittall notched her 4^th goal of the season driving past the tired Canberra FC defence and finishing to Stewart’s left, securing the three points for the Blue Devils.

Belconnen will look to carry their current form into round 5 as they host bottom of the table Canberra Olympic on Saturday at McKellar Park. Meanwhile, Canberra FC will hope to get back to winning ways as they face the unpredictable and in-form Woden-Weston FC at Woden Park Enclosed on Sunday.