Canberra Croatia marks Churchill's 200th game in style

And it sets up a mouth-watering, top-of-the-table, women's premier league clash with Belconnen United next weekend.

Croatia savoured a 1-0 victory at Melrose Synthetic on Sunday, sending them back to the top of the ladder.

The win, set up by Brittany Palombi's first-half goal, was the perfect way to celebrate Churchill's milestone after 13 seasons in red, white and blue.

"It's pretty rare you have one player play 200 games for the same club," Croatia women's coach Nik Brozinic said.

"I think it's her 13^th year at the club. She's been a big player for our club and she's been that for the last however many years.

"She's a very loyal and good player. It was good to get a win for her.

"She had a brilliant game as she always does. She's a team player so all she cares about is our team and our team playing well."

The goal came after Croatia turned over possession near halfway and then a quick ball sent former Canberra United player Grace Gill away down the right wing.

She found Pallombi at the far post to slam it home just before half-time.

Both Croatia and Belconnen sit on top of the ladder on 28 competition points - 10 clear of the third-placed Canberra United Academy.

Only goal difference separates the two runaway leaders.

An outright leader could be decided when they meet at Deakin Stadium on Saturday.

"It puts us back on top on goal difference," Brozinic said.

"Next weekend we play Belconnen so a big fixture and it will basically decide who goes clear top ... which will be big come the end of the season."

AT A GLANCE

NPLW: Canberra Croatia 1 bt Canberra Olympic 0; West Canberra Wanderers 1 Wagga City Wanderers 0; Tuggeranong United 1 dw Canberra United Academy 1.