By Joanna Guelas and Anna Harrington
Canberra United overcame a canine pitch invader to defeat Wellington Phoenix, a Michelle Heyman goal securing their second consecutive A-League Women win.
Heyman netted in the 11th minute for the 1-0 triumph before the dog, belonging to Phoenix captain Annalie Longo, stole the show at Porirua Park to a stirring crowd rendition of the Baha Men song Who let the dogs out?
Players from both sides attempted to bring the hound to heel for around a minute, while Ten commentator Jason Pine struggled to contain his laughter.
“This is indeed the best league in the world,” Pine chortled as Longo was eventually able to scoop up the pooch and carry it off the field.
Elsewhere in the ALW on Sunday, Adelaide United claimed a 2-0 win over Western Sydney.
Canberra are second on the ladder but their away win has come at a cost, with recruit Aideen Keane likely for a stint on the sidelines.
The former Sydney FC midfielder had left the game late in the first half in tears after suffering a suspected hamstring injury while attempting a shot at goal.
Phoenix captain Annalie Longo had to remove her dog from the pitch.Credit: Getty Images
Wellington (0-2) are also sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Carolina Vilao after Keane’s knee smacked into her opponent’s upper thigh just before her hamstring injury.
Vilao played on in visible discomfort before being replaced by Aimee Danieli for the second half.
Canberra easily opened up the hosts’ defence, with Maja Markovski pulling off a crafty assist to set up Heyman’s 100th goal for United.
The Phoenix, brought to life by Grace Jale and a brief canine cameo, came out firing after the main break to take 19 shots to eight, but could not salvage a point.
At Wanderers Football Park, Emily Condon pulled off a brilliant corner kick to send the ball to the back of the net deep into added time before the main break.
The hosts argued goalkeeper Sham Khamis had been fouled, but Condon’s goal stood.
English import Fiona Worts piled the pain on the Wanderers in the opening minute of the second half after launching home from the centre of the box.
A suspected wrist injury to Madison McComasky, sustained after the defender crashed to ground following a collision with Erin Healy in the 31st minute, added to Western Sydney’s woes.
AAP
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