Vicki Linton's side went down 3-1 to Adelaide United at Viking Park to remain anchored to second last spot on the ladder with two draws and three losses.

Trailing 2-0 at half-time after two defensive lapses marred an otherwise even first half, the injection of Canberra veteran Ash Sykes for the start of the second half turned the tables.

The 30-year-old looked dangerous right from the get go and her pressure paid off in the 57th minute as she sent a looping header past keeper Annalee Grove from an enticing Allira Toby cross. It marked Sykes' first goal in the competition since January 2018.

With Matildas-bound Karly Roestbakken firing in some dangerous crosses from the right byline, Canberra appeared destined to equalise.

But a 77th-minute Fiona Worts strike against the run of play gave Adelaide breathing space and leapfrogged the traditional competition strugglers into the top four. It was a fitting reward for Worts, whose sublime through ball just before half-time set up Chelsie Dawber's strike to make it 2-0.

Canberra dominated possession (58 per cent) and had 18 shots to Adelaide's six.

But the hosts were left to rue some missed chances and bad luck.

MORE CANBERRA SPORT:

Canberra striker Michelle Heyman should have equalised on 69 minutes from a glorious Roestbakken ball, but her close-range header from an unmarked position went wide.

It capped another frustrating outing for the competition's all-time leading scorer, who had a sharp first-half effort cannon back into play off the left post.

Earlier, Adelaide opened the scoring inside 10 minutes after Dylan Holmes' sharp right-foot volley proved too hot to handle for Canberra keeper Keeley Richards.

A potential left thigh injury to Chloe Middleton added to Canberra's woes. She was replaced by Sykes at the half-time break.

ADELAIDE UNITED 3 (Dylan Holmes 9m, Chelsie Dawber 40m, Fiona Worts 77m) bt CANBERRA UNITED 1 (Ash Sykes 57m) on Saturday at Viking Park. Referee: Kate Jacewicz.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: