A FIRST half finish from Sarah Walsh and a late goal from Danish import Cathrin Paaske lifted Sydney FC to their first victory of the W-League season against Canberra United.

Both sides went into the match searching for their first points of the season but Sydney were in control for most of the contest and survived a late surge to come away with a well-earned 2-1 win.

"It's a good confidence boost knowing that we've won a game," said Sydney FC Coach, Alen Stajcic after the match.  "We didn't play as well as we can but we're on the board and we'll get better week to week."

Having made the trip down the Hume Highway to a chilly nation's capital, the Sky Blues dominated the first half but only led 1-0 at the break thanks to Walsh's finish mid way through the period.  A through ball from Cathrin Paaske sent the Matilda's striker on her way and for the second-straight week she delivered a quality finish to put her side in front in the 20th minute.

After their early success, Sydney had to wait over an hour to add to its advantage, with the first half provider, Paaske combining with her Danish team-mate, Catherine Cannuli seven minutes from full-time and heading home from a corner to stretch the lead to two.

It was just as well.  In the 89th minute the fast-finishing home side pulled one back through Ellie Brush but Sydney FC held out against last-season's beaten Grand Finalists in injury time and came away with an important win.

Next up for Alen Stajcic's side is a trip to Energy Australia Stadium next Saturday and a clash with the Newcastle Jets.