Avondale FC starting XI: Bennett (GK), Walsh, Claridge, Nishihara, Genitsaris (C), Lamaj, Kellond-Knight, Kenny, Lines, Steiner, Okino

Goals: Steiner (2), Lines, Studman

A packed Avenger Park welcomed a sea of fans and neutrals alike, all eager to see who would take the upper hand heading into the second half of the season.

Keilor struck first in the 10th minute when Avondale failed to clear a bouncing ball on the edge of the area. Jenifer Lum pounced and rifled a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner.

But Avondale responded quickly. Some sharp play on the flank allowed Saki Nishihara to release Addison Steiner, who turned her defender and whipped in a dangerous cross. Midfielder Saphri Lines arrived at the perfect time to slot home the equaliser.

With both teams probing, the half ended level.

The second half unfolded like a classic. Keilor took the lead again in the 50th minute, with Monica Fonua reacting first to a loose ball following a corner.

But the hosts struck back once more. Elise Kellond-Knight, so often the creator, split the defence with a clever through ball to Steiner, who showed her class with a composed finish.

The momentum shifted Avondale’s way late on. Another ball over the top drew the Keilor keeper off her line, and Steiner got there first to lift the ball over her and into the net.

Keilor, to their credit, fought to the end. In the 89th minute, a long indirect free kick from deep was met at the back post by centre-back Izzy Coppell, who headed home to make it 3-3.

But Avondale would have the final word.

With seconds remaining, Elise Kellond-Knight whipped in a dangerous corner. Defender Bronwyn Studman rose to meet it at the far post and guided the ball in, sparking wild celebrations among the home crowd.

With this result, Avondale moves three points clear at the top of the table, making a strong statement in the title race.