Magic have the most experienced side in the WPL, and it was the old heads who led from front with goals to Tracey Baker, Ashley Wilson, captain Harmonie Attwill and Shelley Youman.

Phoenix came into the match boosted by the signing of under-17 Australian left back Libby Sharpe and the return from injury of Matildas midfielder Amber Neilson. Neilson scored in first half but did not take the field in the second 45.

Attwill praised her side's attacking flair in the windy conditions.

"We played the ball around pretty well and we were pretty clinical in front of goal. That was the difference, I think," Attwill said.

"They [Phoenix] have got a lot of younger girls, but they are quality.

"[Valentine coach] Joey Peters trains them well they're very knowledgeable.

"I think it was their defence that let them down at the end of the day their attack was dangerous every time going forward."

Cardiff City maintained their spot on top by recording a hard-fought 1-0 win over Merewether United.

Both sides threw plenty at each other in an entertaining affair, with a Amy Harris goal from a corner the difference between the sides.

The Tigers have enjoyed recent success over Merewether, beating them in last year's A-grade final and in a pre-season competition in Coffs Harbour.

Cardiff have a five-point lead ahead of the second-placed Maitland, who also won yesterday, beating Adamstown 4-0.

Meanwhile, Cardiff captain Gema Simon said last night her knee injury would not keep her out of next weekend's WPL match against Phoenix.

The Jets defender hurt her knee on the weekend at a Young Matildas camp in Canberra.