Vicki Linton knows Canberra United has plenty of striking power. But it's midfielder Laura Hughes who could be the answer to breaking down Melbourne City's wall.
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The 19-year-old rising star is primed to take her game to another level this season, having returned from her winter stint with Throttur Reykjavik FC in flying form.
Moments like her clutch goal that gave Canberra the lead in the dying minutes Wednesday's 4-3 round one win over Adelaide United, shows she's no longer just a teenager with potential.
It took Hughes 17 matches over three seasons to score her first W-League goal, but the Canberran is now emerging as a genuine match-winning threat for United as they look to counter City's rock solid defence on Sunday afternoon.
"Every single W-League season I look to improve on my last one, whether it's scoring more goals or getting more game time and assists," Hughes said.
"For ever goal I score, for every good performance I put in, it just gives me more confidence to keep building.
"I think going over to Iceland was really important for me to find my feet and give me confidence as well. I'm going into the Melbourne City game confident and ready to put on a good show."
Linton is looking to add Hughes to her scoring arsenal that already boasts the likes of Michelle Heyman, Kiwi international Paige Satchell, Nicki Flannery and Grace Maher.
Although Heyman's hat-trick led Canberra to their comeback win over Adelaide, Linton noted the importance of Hughes' breakthrough goal to close down the match.
"That was a crucial one. That goal was so important. We usually do things like that at training so it was a great reward for her," Linton said.
"She scored the last time she played at home, so it's nice to see her do that at the first game at home this season. We're looking for her to do that, to get on the ball and score.
"We need that from Hughesy. We know Grace can score, we know Nicki and Paige can score - it's not just one player that can score.
"I think in the last 15 minutes Hughesy started to penetrate with her passing and dribble."
Linton said her outfit will need to attack City across the field after the reigning champions held the Brisbane Roar to a nil-all draw on Tuesday.
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Matildas goalkeeper Teagan Micah kept a clean-sheet with seven crucial saves for City, an effort Linton is ready to counter with multiple striking options.
"It's about the team's performance. I've coached Teagan in youth national teams and it's really good to see her doing so well," Linton said.
"If we do the right thing as an attacking team, it takes the goalkeeper out of the scenario. That's what we aim to do.
"Michelle brings a quality, regardless she's got a quality. But if you've only got one way of scoring that's problematic and I don't believe we do.
"We're going to attack them with our team and hopefully are rewarded from the efforts."
Canberra are relishing the chance to host the defending champions at Viking Park on Sunday, having had a successful return to the venue this week.
"It's amazing. I think the fans for me have always been such a highlight to play for Canberra," Hughes said.
"Even when we're down, they're always cheering and supporting us. When we start to get a few shorts in they give us some confidence. They give a good atmosphere which is really important."
W-LEAGUE ROUND TWO
Sunday: Sunday: Canberra United v Melbourne City at Viking Park, 4.05pm.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
