The difference at Hawker Football Centre on Sunday proved to be clinical finishing. Canberra United Academy had plenty of opportunities but Belconnen made the most of theirs to win 2-0.

Last time the two sides met, in round two, it was a vastly different scoreline at 7-1 to Belconnen. Zakoski provided insight into why this may have been.

"It was challenging for us as we were without five players. We want to set the benchmark Canberra Croatia did last year but it has been difficult as we have a different 11 each week," he said.

"Last week we had our centre back playing in goal and we've just had injury after injury but it is all game related, so it's nothing to do with load at all.

"Considering all of that we've done exceptionally."

The Academy had the opportunity to open the scoring in the 18^th minute after a pass back was intercepted by Alyse Jensen. However, Belconnen goalkeeper Cristina Esposito pounced on it before Jensen could get a shot off.

A one-two became the unravelling for the Academy's defence in the 37^th minute, as Vanessa Ryan drove to the edge of the box and created a one-two with Olivia Bomford to beat the defenders and hammer it home 1-0.

The visitors' second came from a follow up in the 70^th minute, after Keira Bobbin's shot was pushed back into play and Reilly Yuen calmly slotted it away to make it 2-0.

The win leaves Belconnen top of the table on goal difference, with Canberra Croatia FC in second on equal points.

NPLW Round 9 results: