ASHLEIGH Sykes had no trouble finding the back of the net for Western NSW Panthers FC this season and while she is now wearing the green and gold of Australia and playing against some of the best young talent in the world, she is still proving a headache for goalkeepers.

On Sunday night in Kuala Lumpur she scored four goals as the Young Matildas secured one of their biggest ever wins, trouncing India 18-0 in the AFC under 19s Championship qualifying tournament.

It was an effort that shows just how far she has come this year.

Sykes began the season playing second grade for NSW Women's Super League outfit Panthers FC, but her speed, skill and work ethic soon saw her used off the bench for the top side ? as did her nine goals in two games against Bankstown and Blacktown.

She seized this opportunity and Sykes soon found herself a starter in the top grade, scoring in her maiden starting game at Bathurst's Alec Lamberton Field. She went on to find the mark seven times in her first five games.

While Sykes and her Panthers FC team-mates had to settle for second place after going down to Illawarra in the grand final, the Dubbo-based talent was not done for 2008.

Last month she played with the open national side in Vietnam and now she is making an impact for the Young Matildas.

It was 20 minutes into the game against India that Sykes showed she is one of the sport's rising stars as she went on a scoring blitz.

Australia was already leading 5-0, but Sykes put the result well and truly behind doubt as she scored in the 22nd, 27th, 37th and 43rd minutes.

It was 10-0 at half-time, the Young Matildas continuing India's woe with eight more successful strikes after the break.

Sophie Hogben joined Sykes in scoring four goals while former Bathurst City Panthers (now Western NSW Panthers FC) midfield star Karina Roweth also got her name on the score sheet.

"It was a good steady and professional performance by the players today," head coach Alen Stajcic said.

"They made the most of their opportunities with the better execution of play predominantly coming in the front third.

"Despite today's final score, I hope to see continuing improvement for our next matches."

Having played just 17 minutes in the Young Matildas' tournament opening 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei, Sykes has laid claims to be in the starting line-up again tomorrow against Iran and in Friday's clash with Thailand.