The red-hot form of the pair has been a big reason why second-placed United heads on the road to face Perth Glory on Saturday night just one point off the top of the table.

Heyman has found the net four times and Ochs on three occasions for a combined total of seven of United's eight goals this season, despite only training and playing together for the past two months.

The pace out wide of American under-23 international Ochs has complemented the poaching ability of Matildas livewire Heyman perfectly. Ochs arrived in Canberra in October and immediately struck up a rapport with United's No.9.

''It was definitely right away,'' she said. ''In training and games we're able to read each other and work well off each other, so it's been good. She loves playing in the middle and I always tend to drift out wide, so we complement each other in a way.''

The arrival of Ochs has coincided with Heyman recapturing her marvellous goal-scoring strike rate.

After winning the competition's Golden Boot on the way to United claiming the premiership in 2011-12, the goals dried up for Heyman last season, scoring just twice as the side missed the finals.

Heyman has compared Ochs with fellow American Taryn Hemmings, who made an impact in the 2011-12 championship-winning season.

''Steph's about running at players and taking them on, while I'm the lazy one staying in the box and scoring goals,'' Heyman joked.

''We had a pretty inexperienced team last year with our forwards, so having Steph here to help control the game and pretty much run around everyone is a big plus.

''Hopefully we can get on a roll for the rest of the season.''

United is coming off an easy 3-0 win against the lowly Newcastle Jets, but faces a tougher task against an improving Glory outfit.

Three of the past four games between the two sides in Western Australia have ended in draws, including last season's encounter - a 3-3 thriller.

It is the second of four straight away games for United. With matches against giant-killers Adelaide United and top-of-the-table Melbourne Victory after the Christmas break, Heyman is well aware of the importance of United keeping its foot on the pedal.

''We've had a couple of easier games, but Melbourne is always going to be a tough one,'' Heyman said. ''They've got key players all over the field, so I'm looking forward to that game. Hopefully we can continue to improve.''

■ SATURDAY

W-League: Canberra United v Perth Glory at Percy Doyle Reserve, Perth, 8pm.