Canberra FC's returning star, Ryan Keir, showed how valuable his addition is for the defending ACT National Premier League league champions to help his club claim the inaugural Capital Football charity shield.
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Keir scored a brace with two headers from set pieces as Canberra FC overpowered Gungahlin United 4-1 at Gungahlin Enclosed on Friday night.
The pre-season fixture was the perfect hit-out for Canberra FC as they aim to claim back to back league championships.
The addition of Keir in the midfield after spending the past two seasons with Sydney Olympic strengthens their claims to compete with the likes of grand final winners Canberra Olympic, Tigers FC and Belconnen United.
Canberra FC coach Zoran Glavinic said Keir not only provided a physical presence in the midfield, but could be an X-factor in attack.
"We've been struggling to score goals from free kicks and corners, but with Ryan's big stature it's something we've been working on in pre-season trying to improve in that area," Glavinic said.
"'He was pretty awesome and he was our man of the match last night.
"I used to watch him a lot so he's improved heaps with his distribution and people look up to him as one of the senior guys."
The pre-season fixture pitting last year's league champions against the Federation Cup winners was a one-sided affair.
Robbie Deeley got Canberra FC to the perfect start after just five minutes before Keir doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark.
Keir scored his second early in the second half before Liam Walsh put Gungahlin on the scoresheet with a cracking shot into the top corner from 30m out.
Josip Jadric sealed victory for Canberra FC with a lob over Gungahlin 'keeper Jason Denham.
Canberra FC has had a mixed bag in the pre-season with a victory over a Wollongong side and losses to Sydney United and Parramatta.
Their focus is now on their season opener against the Monaro Panthers at Deakin Stadium on April 3.
"We're struggling with ground closures over the next two weeks so that's our last game before the season," Glavinic said.
"It's not ideal, but it's nice to give the guys a break over Easter before we start the season proper.
"It was a nice performance."
Canberra FC striker Thomas James didn't get on the scoresheet, but made an impact setting up his side's first three goals.
James delivered a perfect cross into the box to set Deeley up with a header for the game's first goal.
He then put a free kick on the spot for Keir before following that up with a brilliant corner.
"TJ is an outstanding centre forward, he's our go-to guy," Glavinic said.
"Whenever we're in any trouble, he takes our penalties and scores heaps of goals for us as well and provides plenty of assists."
Capital Football Charity Shield: Canberra FC 4 (Robbie Deeley 5', Ryan Keir 29', 62', Josip Jadric 72') bt Gungahlin United 1 (Liam Walsh 68') at Gungahlin Enclosed on Friday night.
