A disastrous error from Melbourne City goalkeeper Sally James has opened the door for Western United as the A-League Women leaders snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over their local rivals.
City led through Leticia McKenna's first-half strike at AAMI Park on Saturday but coughed up the advantage just after the break when Hannah Keane accepted a gift from James to level the score.
The 21-year-old 'keeper played an attempted pass straight to the prolific American forward, who took a touch and slotted the simplest of chances into the net.
It was ALW top-scorer Keane's 10th goal of the season as she eyes the competition's golden boot.
Sydney Cummings scored United's winner from the penalty spot in the 86th minute after Aimee Medwin's shot struck Julia Grosso's outstretched arm.
The result meant United snapped a two-match losing run and moved five points clear of City at the top of the ladder.
City started the derby brightly and Hannah Wilkinson had the ball in the back of the net after just seven minutes, but was flagged offside.
Bryleeh Henry teed up McKenna for the opener in the 40th minute and the midfielder grabbed her opportunity with a sweet first-time shot from the edge of the box.
But United levelled through Keane in the 48th minute.
Tempers flared soon afterwards, when United's Danielle Steer pushed opponent Kaitlyn Torpey into Emma Robers as the trio fought for the ball.
City's Emma Checker was also caught up in the collision and required treatment, while United's Robers was assessed by medical staff as players from both sides rushed to the scene to remonstrate.
James made amends for her earlier mistake with a fine one-handed save to deny Tyla-Jay Vlajnic's low shot in the 62nd minute and recovering to put enough pressure on Keane as the striker blasted the rebound over the bar.
But there was nothing James could do to prevent the winner as Cummings sent her the wrong way from the spot.
