By Caleb Mitchell

A clinical performance from Canberra FC helped them to a 2-0 win over Canberra Olympic and their 23^rd Premiership on Sunday afternoon at O’Connor.

First half goals to Marko Vrkic and Kofi Danning were enough to see them past their storied rivals in the top of the table clash.

It was a tense opening between the two sides as Olympic looked to push forward, but the visitors opened the scoring 22 minutes in after Olympic failed to clear the ball in their 18-yard area.

Jordan Lamb’s fluffed shot found Vrkic almost unmarked inside the area and he swept the ball home with his first touch to give Paul Macor’s side an early lead.

That seemed to wake the hosts up though and they pushed their way back into the game, committing numbers forward with an attacking lineup but struggling to create clear-cut chances.

Stephen Domenici put a strong effort on target in the 30^th minute but it was claimed well down low by Jordan Thurtell as Olympic struggled to find a way through.

Roko Strika was presented with a good chance as Olympic were awarded a free-kick in a good spot, but couldn’t keep his effort down as the ball sailed well over.

And just moments later Macor’s men doubled the lead as Aiden Brunskill stole the ball in Olympic’s half before sliding a pass in behind to Danning who made no mistake from close range.

That would remain the score at the break as the teams headed into the sheds with the visitors already resting a hand on the trophy and Olympic needing to change something for the second 45.

The leaders came out strong to begin the half as Matthew Waters sprayed an effort wide and there was another blow for Olympic six minutes in as Nik Popovich went to ground with an injury and was replaced shortly afterwards.

A tug of war ensued as the second half wore on, but still Olympic struggled to break through against a Canberra FC side who were solid at the back and happy to thump the ball forward and chase.

Daniel Colbertaldo was booked with 20 minutes to play as he brought down Waters, and Michael Mensah came close not long later only for Mason Interlandi to deny him well in the home goalmouth.

The match fizzled out under grey skies and some wet conditions, but that did not dampen the celebrations as Canberra FC accepted the Premiership trophy shortly after full-time.

This is hardly the last these teams will see of each other, as they get set to face off in the Qualifying Final next weekend.

Finals details will be available shortly.