The South West Phoenix Firebirds beat Joondalup City, 3-2, on Sunday to remain top of the table ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with second-placed Wanneroo in Bunbury.
Firebirds led 2-0 at half time and had a host of chances to kill off the game early in the second half.
After a Joondalup fightback, the Firebirds needed a late goal from Eleanor Coventry to seal the win.
Captain Lucy Scott was instrumental in all three goals, which were scored by Coventry as she bagged another hat-trick.
The Firebirds have had to grind out a few wins this season when not at their best.
However, no test so far will be as tough as hosting 2017 Champions, Wanneroo, this weekend.
The Firebirds beat Wanneroo 5-2 earlier this year, but the score line was not an accurate reflection of the game.
Wanneroo were superior in possession but Firebirds were well organised defensively and devastating on the counter-attack.
Wanneroo are now well aware of the dangers and, in particular, the league’s leading goal-scorer Eleanor Coventry and Asha McClurg – a tower of strength in defence for Firebirds.
Coach Stephen Suttie said Wanneroo were a quality side.
“They are going to make things very difficult for us by trying to pressure us into mistakes and errors,” he said.
“However the result goes, it’s great for the young girls to be involved in a game like this, and it will assist everyone’s development going forward.”
Firebirds play Wanneroo on June 10 at WML Stadium.