But she thought it was important her players went for it and she put her hand up for the final 4-0 scoreline at McKellar Park on Sunday.

As a result, the Wanderers go top of the W-League ladder - ahead of Melbourne City on goal difference - while United remain fourth ahead of a crucial home clash against Sydney FC on January 5.

But Brisbane Roar have the chance to go ahead of them if they beat Newcastle on Sunday.

FFA officials and both team's managers met pregame for a discussion about whether the game should go ahead due to the smoky conditions.

Garriock was glad it did and United co-captain Karly Roestbakken backed the call to play in front of the 1243 fans who turned up.

Canberra were dangerous on the break in the first half, looking to use the pace of Simone Charley and Hayley Taylor-Young on the wings, with Leena Khamis linking the midfield and attack.

The United coach felt they were unlucky not to be ahead at half-time - Elise Thorsnes headed a great Charley cross just wide.

In contrast, Western Sydney took their chances, with Kyra Cooney-Cross nodding home a brilliant Erica Halloway ball after 37 minutes.

Garriock said lapses in concentration also proved costly.

"I was disappointed. I take responsibility for the game opening up towards the end because I went for it," she said.

"As a coach I'm not going to sit back and just let it be one or two-nil. I think it was important that we try and go for a result.

"Hence the blowout in the score."

The Wanderers proved their class in the second half and were far too strong.

Ex-United midfielder Denise O'Sullivan was excellent against her old club and she doubled the visitor's lead in the 69^th minute.

She almost had two, with an earlier shot blocked on the line, after one of centre-half Sam Saab's trademark long throws.

Garriock said an increase in the Wanderers' budget was paying off - helping them bring players like O'Sullivan to the club.

They finished bottom last season, but have now completely turned that around.

With a two-goal deficit, Garriock rang the changes looking to salvage a point, with Kristen Hamilton and Lynn Williams both striking in the final 10 minutes to rub salt in United's wounds.

Charley drew strong-handed attention from the Wanderers defenders, with Garriock simply saying she'd always expected a tough game.

"She was up against some good players. There were some world-class players out there today," she said.

"I thought it was a really good lesson for our players. In particular, Simone's been outstanding for us all season.

"She let loose a few times and panicked the opposition, but in saying that I just thought it was a tough game and a hard game.

"We knew it would be. Western Sydney have got that in their DNA."

AT A GLANCE

WANDERERS 4 (Kyra Cooney-Cross 37, Denise O'Sullivan 69, Kristen Hamilton 81, Lynn Williams 85) bt CANBERRA UNITED 0 at McKellar Park. Referee: Rebecca Durcau. Crowd: 1243.