Canberra Croatia’s chances of playing finals in the Australian Championships have taken a big hit, after they fell to a three goal defeat at home to a clinical Avondale FC side.

Croatia did well to hold out Avondale in the early stages of the match, with the visitors keeping the Croatia backline under pressure.

Just after the half hour mark and the visitors burst into a two goal lead through some excellent passages of play.

A-Leagues legend Bruno Fornaroli opened the scoring, showing great composure to bring the ball down in the box before firing past Sebastian Arranz in goals.

Minutes later and Avondale were in again, as Luka Tevere steered home a cross from the right flank into the bottom corner, giving Avondale a commanding lead heading into the sheds.

Croatia had chances of their own in the first half, but struggled to get past a solid Avondale side.

Not long into the second half and Avondale were in again. Cian Cuba received the ball at the back post unmarked and tapped home with a simple first-time finish.

Moments later, the side grabbed their fourth. Fornaroli squared the ball to Cuba, where he forced Arranz into a fantastic save, but the ball fell back to the feet of Cuba who mad no mistake the second time around

Croatia were able to grab a late consolation goal, as Keegan Vucetic got the hosts on the board with a thunderous strike into the top left of the goal.

The ACT NPL Premiers will now look ahead to their next match away to Preston Lions.