Sydney FC defied the odds to win through to their fourth W-League grand final, but it took a controversial goal to see off favourites Canberra United.
Sydney FC striker Jasmyne Spencer slotted home from close-range on the hour mark, but only after Lydia Williams appeared to be fouled in the lead-up by Sky Blues forward Kyah Simon.
It was the first goal conceded by Canberra at their Belconnen home ground, with the goal ending a nine-match undefeated run for last season's champions.
Canberra, who finished 12 points ahead of their opponents, defeated Sydney twice during the regular season, but this contest was tight from start to finish.
There were numerous half-chances at either end, although the goalkeepers were only forced into saves on a few occasions amid some profligate finishing.
Spencer, Simon and Leena Khamis all came close for the Sky Blues during the first half, amid warm conditions in the nation's capital.
At the other end, Canberra United captain Ellie Brush pushed a close-range header just wide of the mark, while Nicole Sykes forced a fingertip save from Michelle Betos.
The Sky Blues were inching closer with Spencer always a threat, and the American struck Williams' near post after somehow dribbling her way past two defenders, before firing a shot against the near post from an acute angle.
But the pivotal moment of the match came on the hour mark when Canberra's rearguard was finally breached on home soil for the first time since November 2014.
Canberra coach Rae Dower was reluctant to criticise the referee directly, but she left no doubt that the goal should have been disallowed.
"I can't afford the fine if I told you what I really think, and the worse thing is we are talking about that and not a game of football," she said.
"We all saw it. But if I told you what I really think then my credit card would have to be there, and my wallet is not deep enough to cop that fine.
"If we buried the second-half chances that we should have done, we would not be talking about that goal.
It was clearly not meant to be Canberra's day as Ashleigh Sykes, arguably their most potent player this season, failed to make contact from close range as a late equaliser went begging.
Canberra finished strongly and there was one more chance for substitute Nickoletta Flannery but her close-range shot was blocked as Sydney lived dangerously.
Sydney FC will face the winner of Monday's second semi-final between Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar.
