Adelaide win over Wanderers to celebrate Dawber’s 100th

Western Sydney Wanderers – Adelaide United

by Kieran Yap (8/2/26)

Above: Fiona Worts in possession for Adelaide United Photo: Adelaide United

Adelaide United are up to fourth on the ladder, and have only lost once in their last eight games after this win at Wanderers Football Park on Sunday.

It took an own goal from Danika Matos just before the hour mark to separate two of the A-League Women’s in-form teams of recent weeks.

Wanderers came into this match on the back of superb wins at both Sydney FC and Melbourne City, and head coach Geoff Abrahams made two changes from Wednesday’s win in Victoria with Amelia Bennett coming in for Wang Ying, and Alana Cerne replacing Wang Cong.

Adelaide United fielded an unchanged starting XI from their previous game – which was also a win over Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium last weekend. It meant that the Reds had an extremely strong bench to call on with the likes of Dylan Holmes, Chelsie Dawber, and Adriana Taranto listed.

It was an arm wrestle of a game, but both sides played with attacking intent and drew the best out of the goalkeepers at either end. These teams prefer to counterattack leading to an intriguing contest despite the lack of goals.

Adelaide United created the best chance of the first half. Isabel Hodgson’s cross was nudged along by Erin Healy toward Fiona Worts. The striker got a good touch on the ball with Sham Khamis beaten but Poppy Hooks was on hand to clear it off the line.

Adelaide’s centre back pairing of Matilda McNamara and Ella Tonkin both like to start of join in attacks. McNamara’s pace allows her to become another overlapping attacker, while Tonkin’s long passing can unlock defences. But the home side sat deep and were able to absorb the pressure created by these chances.

In midfield, Melissa Taranto was putting her stamp on the game and was the most dominant player for the visitors. But as The Reds pushed forward, they left gaps at the back. Danika Matos was able to find space and cross for Bennett who shot straight at a typically composed Ilona Melegh.

Wanderers striker Yaun Kong took matters into her own hands in the second half. She created space for herself with a purposeful run through the middle, but her shot was dragged just wide of the near post with Melegh at full stretch just in case.

Matilda McNamara’s individual skill broke the deadlock. The centre back cruised into attack and cut inside from the left. The Wanderers defenders scrambled, perhaps expecting a cutback but McNamara saw an opening and shot on goal. The ball crashed off the far post but was hit with enough venom that any rebound touch would have spun it over the line. Unfortunately for Matos, she was the one to get that touch. It will go down as an Own Goal, but it belongs to Tilly Mac.

 Alyssa Ng Saad almost levelled the scores for the home side, but her brilliantly struck half volley found Melegh equal to it. The young goalkeeper dove athletically to parry it away in spectacular style.

Despite the loss, The Wanderers played well and showed that their recent results were not fluke. They are once again an improving team, and if they can keep this squad together, they can build a promising future. Talia Younis was a standout performer for the hosts, the Young Matilda was involved in almost every promising attack as a busy and dangerous presence in midfield.

But The Wanderers could not find the equaliser and Adelaide continued their impressive recent form. The Reds have won six of their last eight games with their only loss in the time coming away to Wellington Phoenix. The Wanderers themselves have also shown improvement, in the reverse fixture just over a month ago, they conceded five to Adelaide United.

The three points were crucial to Adelaide’s ambitions this season, but also important from a symbolic standpoint. This was Chelsie Dawber’s 100th A-League Women’s game.

The Adelaide local made her debut for the club at the age of 17 and has been a star for the club ever since. Dawber is a creative forward with a powerful shot and can produce pin-point crosses from deep, while her mobility makes her a nightmare for defenders.

A highly watchable player, who sometimes feels like a barometer for the team, Dawber forms part of a locally developed leadership group at the club alongside the likes of McNamara, Isabel Hodgson and Dylan Holmes.

She’s long been a star of this competition and will always be an icon at Adelaide United. Impetus Football congratulates Chelsie Dawber on 100 games, and looks forward to the next 100 in Red.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-3-3): Khamis, Bennett, Hooks, Cerne, Younis, Harada, Chessari, Harrison, Ng-Saad, Matos, Yuan. Substitutes: Buchanan, Edwards, Fazzari, Khoshaba, Rue, Wang.

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-4-2): Melegh, E,Hodgson, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, Condon, Morgan, M.Taranto, I.Hodgson, Worts, Healy. Substitutes: Holmes, Dawber, Jenkins, Murray, Rossi, A.Taranto.

Scorers: Matos (OG) 59’.

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.

Attendance:

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SWPL title race heats up as City draw with Celtic

By Gethin Thurlow for Impetus at Petershill Park (8/2/26)

Above: Emily Whelan (Orange) and Maria McAneny (Green and White) battle for the ball Photo: Glasgow City FC

A draw between Glasgow City and Celtic closed the gap between the top four teams in the SWPL to just five points, with one gameweek to go until the split. On a day dominated by new faces, it was vintage SWPLers Nicole Kozlova and Morgan Cross on the scoresheet for their teams.

The Teams

Leanne Ross had a rather uncomplicated time picking her side, with Chloe Warrington coming in, as Lisa Evans continues to miss out. Hayley Lauder got the nod in defensive midfield ahead of Amy Anderson. New signings Codie Thomas, Lydia Sallaway and Emily Gray boosted a bench which was already notably strong – with Abi Harrison and Sofia Maatta on hand to bring freshness to the attack.

Manchester City loanees Poppy Pritchard and Tara O’Hanlon headlined the Celtic team news, both starting. For Pritchard, it was a second consecutive start – as she has seemingly won the striker spot over Saoirse Noonan for now. Morgan Cross, who started the season in such fine form has not enjoyed many minutes lately, but she started on the right wing. Celtic newbies Evie Rabjohn and Maddi Wilde made on the numbers on the bench in their first game for Celtic.

The Action

Glasgow City started the game in the ascendency, with Emily Whelan enjoying plenty of space on the right. Her first two shots didn’t trouble Lisa Rodgers, and Wrobel also shot from just inside the box, although it was a simple catch for the Celtic keeper. Despite the space being given up, O’Hanlon at left made some crucial tackles and impacted the game with her one-on-one defending.

The action was probably a bit too transitional for either of the Head Coaches liking, as both teams would commit to attacks and leave themselves exposed, leading to more fast breaks than structured attacks. On one such occasion, Emma Lawton was caught out, leaving Nicole Kozlova with a free reign down the left for City. She moved into the box, but her pull-back cross was cleared, and Lisa Forrest’s ensuing shot blocked.

Celtic repeatedly attempted to play in the speedy Pritchard – which is clearly an area Grant Scott identified as something which could hurt this City backline, and while nothing quite off early on, she certainly did show enough to be encouraged this was an effective tactic.

After Forrest clattered into Emma Lawton late, she picked up a yellow and Scotland right back Lawton had to leave the pitch, being replaced by Maddi Wilde, who’s on loan from London City Lionesses.

It was Celtic who started to then have the better of it, gaining consistent spells of possession inside the Glasgow City half for the first time. Particularly, the ball found it’s way to the feet of Maria McAneny on the left hand side. City still looked threatening though, with a high pressing Linda Motlhalo getting in behind the defence – only being stopped by a Claire Walsh tackle.

Celtic’s pressure told eventually, as Morgan Cross aimed a low cross straight to Poppy Pritchard in the middle, who smashed the shot wildly over the bar.

Poppy Pritchard showed that pace off early in the second half weaving past Lauder before Lana Golob timed a tackle perfectly to bring the attack to an end.

Whatever team talks were delivered, they didn’t impact the flow of the game, which remained a high paced open game. Glasgow City spurned an overload on the right when Wrobel’s pass trailed beyond Whelan for a goal kick, and minutes later some high pressing from Gallacher forced Lee Gibson into an awkward pass, although Amy Muir managed to deflect it off cross and earn a goal kick for her side.

The deadlock was finally broken by a mixture of great skill and silly mistakes. A long ball was launched towards the halfway line and beautifully headed on by Forrest. Wrobel stopped the ball dead in its place, before playing Emily Whelan in, who was unsurprisingly wide open on the right.

She cut inside, beating O’Hanlon and letting a left footed shot curl at Rodgers. What looked to be a routine claim suddenly bounced out, and Kelly Clark seemed to just let it go. That left Kozlova to stab the ball home into an empty net, and she was even able to mishit it and see the ball roll over.

The goal only seemed to empower and relax City, as just ten minutes later they had another chance. Some great determination from Wrobel saw her chase down a seemingly lost chance, pulling it back for  Kozlova, who’s shot was blocked by Clark. Leanne Ross would rue that miss, as Celtic went down the other end and levelled the game. A switch from Maddi Wilde on the right picked out McAneny, who was benefitting from the freedom of Glasgow on the edge of the box. She lashed a delightful cross along the face of goal, before Morgan Cross beat her defender and turned it home.

With a renewed belief instilled in the visitors and City pushing to restore their lead, a period of madness was unleashed. From a freekick, Lee Gibson had to make a brilliant one-handed save to claw the ball from crossing the line, and Emma Brownlie had to nail a volleyed clearance. Luckily for Leanne Ross, she did.

Then, a nice passing move between Wrobel and Forrest looked to have unlocked Celtic’s defence, but Forrest’s killer pass was intercepted. With the 90 almost up, McAneny gave it a good go from a freekick on the left, but lee Gibson dived bravely and punched it clear.

Once injury time was called, for the first time both teams took their time and actually realised that a draw was not such a bad result, allowing the three minutes to expire without note.

Player of the Match Emily Whelan

Above: Emily Whelan against Queens Park Photo: @amyphotography_22 on instagram

Whelan was a constant thorn in the side of Glasgow City. She spent all her 69 minutes finding herself open again and again. She linked up really nicely with Brownlie behind and Wrobel alongside. Whilst her part in the goal wasn’t the greatest shot you’ll ever see, it was a just reward for her work all day.  

Whelan is known for her pace, but today was also a day full of skillful dribbling, clever passing and vision in attack. While City as a whole struggled for that decisive clinical edge once they progressed into the final third, Whelan had that in bags. Tara O’Hanlon had a decent first start in Green and White, but it was made to look like a poor outing thanks to the display from Whelan. Sofia Maatta has started on the right throughout the majority of the season, but Emily Whelan has well and truly grasped that opportunity recently.

Where this leaves the teams

Much like the Rangers 1-1 draw, this avoided disaster, but it moves everyone else a little closer and City will be starting to feel them in the wings. Leanne Ross has won plenty of SWPL titles through her career in Glasgow, and she knows how to get over the line like no one else on the planet. However, from a position of seeming dominance at the winter break, a tough run of fixtures has ensured that three teams sit within five of Glasgow City.

The major concern for City will likely be the manner of draws. Against Rangers and Celtic, they had the slight better of it overall and were leading relatively late in each game before giving up an equaliser. Whether this is a natural consequence of teams attacking more freely when down a goal in those scenarios, or a deeper issue within this current team one thing is for sure: with the split presenting two more matches with Hearts, Rangers and Celtic, this title is far from secured.

While Grant Scott would’ve been dreaming of leaving the Peasy just two points away, keeping that gap at five rather than extending it to eight means it was a successful day. While Celtic didn’t enter City’s box many times, the attack looked good and Poppy Pritchard’s speed will certainly come in handy. Maddi Wilde also looked at ease covering for Emma Lawton on her debut, while Tara O’Hanlon had a respectable outing. Once the new signings fully embed into the squad, with 11 games left in the season the title is still their for the taking.

TEAMS: GLASGOW CITY (4-3-3): Gibson (c), Warrington, Brownlie, Golob, Muir, Wrobel, Lauder, Motlhalo, Whelan, Forrest, Kozlova. Substitutes: Maatta (for Whelan 69’) Amy Anderson (for Lauder 86’), Emily Gray (for Wrobel 86’).

Scorer: 1-0 Kozlova 62’.

CELTIC (4-2-3-1): Rodgers, Lawton, Walsh, Clark (c), O’Hanlon, Nakao, Robertson, Cross, Gallacher, McAneny, Pritchard. Substitutes: Emma Westin (for Nakao 86’), Evie Rabjohn (for Gallacher 86’).

Scorer: 1-1 Cross 75’.

Referee: Lorraine Watson

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Chelsea Regain Momentum with Key London Derby Win at Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Chelsea

By Hope Robinson for Impetus at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (7/2/26)

Above: Mid-game battles heating up as the game comes to a close  Photo: chelseafc.com

Chelsea claimed a 2–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in a Women’s Super League London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 8 February, taking a significant step in the race for UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification. The match brought together two sides separated by just one point before kick-off, with both pushing to strengthen their position near the top of the table. 

Context and Stakes

Tottenham Hotspur hosted Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 8 February at 2:25pm in a Women’s Super League London derby that carried major significance in the race for UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification.

The two London rivals entered the fixture separated by just one point, with Chelsea third on 27 points and Tottenham Hotspur fifth on 26. With Arsenal and Manchester United also positioned close by, the match represented a key opportunity for both sides to strengthen their claims for a top-two finish, while Spurs were aiming to move into the top three.

Chelsea came into the contest under increased scrutiny following successive league defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City. Those losses marked the first time Chelsea had been beaten in back-to-back WSL matches since July 2015, and another defeat would have equalled a run not seen since the closing stages of the 2013 campaign. Despite a challenging season by their usual standards, the six-time reigning champions remained firmly in contention for Champions League qualification under manager Sonia Bompastor, who had recently extended her contract until 2030.

Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, had continued a strong upward trajectory after finishing 11th last season. Consistent performances had placed them within touching distance of the top three, and victory would have seen Spurs leapfrog Chelsea in the table and further underline their progress.

Chelsea’s historical dominance over the fixture provided an additional narrative. The visitors had won all 13 previous meetings between the sides, including narrow 1-0 victories in their two most recent encounters. With contrasting recent form and significant stakes at play, the London derby was set against a backdrop of both opportunity and pressure for the two clubs.

Team News and Shape

Tottenham Hotspur were expected to showcase the impact of an active January window that brought several new faces into the squad. Spurs strengthened their options with the permanent signings of Signe Gaupset, Hanna Wijk, Matilda Nildén and Julie Blakstad, alongside the loan arrival of Maika Hamano from Chelsea, adding depth and tactical flexibility across midfield and attacking areas.

Chelsea, by contrast, made no new signings during the January transfer window. Sonia Bompastor was therefore expected to rely on her existing squad, with internal adjustments to shape and personnel as Chelsea looked to regain control following recent defeats.

First Half Overview

The opening ten minutes were played at a high tempo, with both sides showing attacking intent while maintaining compact defensive shapes. The midfield battle was immediately physical and competitive, with Keira Walsh and Signe Gaupset influential from the outset. Tottenham Hotspur looked to play direct into attacking areas, testing Chelsea’s back line, while Chelsea showed their own threat through Naomi Girma, who carried the ball forward centrally when space allowed.

Chelsea created the first opening in the fifth minute with a dangerous delivery into the box, though the chance lacked the power required to trouble the goalkeeper, Lize Kopp. Spurs responded a minute later, counter-attacking through Beth England to force Hannah Hampton from her line and win the first corner of the match. In the eighth minute, a curling effort from distance was saved by Hampton, before Girma was penalised for a foul on Amanda Nildén in the ninth minute as Spurs continued to apply pressure.

Tottenham came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute when Spurs’ number 11 produced an athletic run and powerful strike that crashed against the crossbar. The chance originated from Gaupset winning a midfield duel against Millie Bright, underlining Spurs’ growing influence. Chelsea responded in the 14th minute through Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd, whose strong run and first touch were smothered by the Spurs defence, before Spurs countered again in the 15th minute, with England’s effort lacking power and comfortably gathered by Hampton.

Between the 15th and 25th minutes, Spurs enjoyed a sustained period of pressure, exploiting space in wide areas as Chelsea struggled to close passing lanes from midfield. In the 19th minute, Lauren James delivered a dangerous inswinging cross that failed to find a teammate. A minute later, Gaupset drove through midfield, evading challenges from Walsh and Erin Cuthbert, linking play before a recycled corner was headed just over the crossbar by Julie Blakstad.

Chelsea were nearly punished again in the 22nd minute when a loose pass at the back almost released Kaneryd. In the 25th minute, Hampton spilled a collection under pressure, with Girma required to clear the danger. Spurs continued to threaten, and in the 28th minute, Blakstad beat her defender at the byline before delivering for England, whose acrobatic effort flew over the crossbar.

Chelsea struggled to create clear chances during this spell and continued to lose possession in midfield. Spurs went close again in the 33rd minute when Blakstad’s shot from inside the box forced Girma into a sliding block before Ellie Carpenter cleared. James was fouled while driving at the defence in both the 35th and 37th minutes, briefly relieving pressure on the visitors.

Despite Spurs’ dominance in chances, Chelsea took the lead in the 39th minute. From a corner partially cleared to the edge of the area, Walsh struck a powerful effort on target to open the scoring. The goal shifted momentum, with Chelsea managing the remainder of the half more effectively.

James sent an effort from range over the crossbar in the 44th minute, before Eveliina Summanen was penalised for a foul on Sjoeke Nüsken in stoppage time. The half concluded with Spurs threatening once more, as Alyssa Thompson saw a curling effort from wide drift narrowly past the post, bringing an entertaining and physical first half to a close.

Second Half Overview

Chelsea made a half-time change, with Walsh replaced by Lexi Potter, likely as an injury precaution. The adjustment coincided with a clear shift in Chelsea’s approach, as they emerged for the second half playing with greater urgency and directness. Within the opening ten minutes, the change proved effective, with Chelsea shooting more frequently and moving the ball forward at pace.

The visitors controlled the early stages of the half, with James particularly influential. James used her strength and close control to carry the ball through midfield and into attacking areas, consistently beating defenders and creating shooting opportunities. Chelsea’s increased use of space and quicker transitions contrasted sharply with the first half, and their dominance was reflected in sustained pressure.

Chelsea doubled their lead in the 49th minute. A long, accurate pass from Kaneryd released Nüsken, whose powerful effort was emphatically saved by Kopp, only forThompson to show composure and time her finish well from the rebound. The goal visibly altered the momentum, with Tottenham Hotspur appearing deflated as Chelsea took control.

Set pieces became an increasingly prominent feature of the contest. Spurs delivered a free kick into the box in the 57th minute, with appeals for handball against Potter waved away, before Chelsea were denied a similar appeal from a free kick in the 59th minute. Chelsea continued to apply pressure, winning a corner in the 61st minute after Kaneryd used her physicality to drive into the area.

Chelsea went close again in the 68th minute when Girma nearly converted from a scrappy corner, as Spurs’ defensive organisation began to falter. Despite Tottenham introducing substitutes who added individual energy, Chelsea maintained control through sustained possession and disciplined game management.

Potter impressed after coming on, consistently offering passing options and cutting out opposition passes, providing stability in midfield. Tottenham’s substitutes showed moments of impact, with Cathinka Tandberg adding physical presence and pressing intensity, Matilda Nildén driving directly at defenders, and Araya Dennis strong in one-on-one defensive situations.

In the closing stages, Chelsea dominated possession as Spurs struggled to regain momentum. A brief opening arrived in the 73rd minute when Lenna Gunning-Williams broke quickly down the flank and crossed for Tandberg, whose header drifted just wide. Further pressure followed in the 81st minute when Amalie Holdt was played through on goal, only to be caught by Hampton.

A heavy challenge from Tandberg on Bright left the Chelsea defender requiring treatment before being replaced by Chloe Sarvie. Spurs continued to search for a route back into the game, with Gunning-Williams testing Hampton again in the 88th minute, but Chelsea remained composed.

Five minutes of added time followed, beginning with a Chelsea corner. A superb threaded pass nearly released Guro Reiten and Sandy Baltimore, with Baltimore narrowly prevented from breaking through on goal. In the final moments, Kaneryd was played one-on-one with the goalkeeper after a flick-on from Sam Kerr, but took too many touches and the opportunity was lost, as Chelsea closed out a controlled and authoritative second-half performance.

Standout Performances                

Ellie Carpenter delivered a high-quality performance on the right, combining pace, timing and awareness to support Chelsea at both ends of the pitch. Her overlapping runs with Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd consistently created space, while her recovery speed ensured defensive stability.

For Tottenham Hotspur, Olivia Holdt showed composure and intelligent movement in attacking areas, while Signe Gaupset impressed with her ball-winning ability and drive from midfield. Lauren James stood out for Chelsea with her individual brilliance, using strength, close control and direct dribbling to repeatedly unsettle the Spurs defence.

Why Chelsea Took the Points

Chelsea were more efficient in decisive moments. They withstood sustained first-half pressure before taking the lead from a set piece, then increased their intensity and directness after the break. Improved game management, defensive organisation and clinical finishing ultimately separated the sides.

Outcome, Decisive Moments, and Implications

Chelsea claimed a 2–0 win that revived their push for Champions League qualification. Goals from Keira Walsh and Alyssa Thompson proved decisive, ending a difficult run of form and maintaining their perfect record against Spurs. Tottenham Hotspur missed the chance to break into the top three but showed enough in the first half to underline their continued progress under their new manager.

Teams: CHELSEA (3-5-2): Hampton, Carpenter, Bright (c), Girma, Buurman, Nusken, Walsh, Cuthbert, James, Thompson, Kaneryd. Substitutes: Potter (for Walsh 45’), Baltimore (for James 63’), Reiten (for Nusken 79’), Kerr (for Thompson 79’), Sarwie (for Bright 83’

Scorer: Walsh 39’, Thompson 49’

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-2-3-1 ): Kop,  A.Nildén, Gaupset,  England (c), Holdt, Vinberg, Hunt, Wijk, Summanen, Koga, Blakstad. Substitutes: Ahitnen (for Blakstad 65’), Gunning-Williams (for Vinberg 65’), Tandberg (for England 65’), M. Nildén (for Gaupset 71’), Dennis (for Wijk 78’)

Referee: Phoebe Cross

Assistant Referee 1: Nicoleta Bria

Assistant Referee 2: Magdalena Golba

Fourth Official: Joanne Harwood

Attendance: 9,356

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City end slump with Roaring performance

Melbourne City 5-2 Brisbane Roar

By Emma Burke 8/2/26

Above: Melbourne City players celebrate after scoring in their win against the Brisbane Roar. Photo: via the A-Leagues.

Melbourne City have come back from a two goal deficit to defeat Brisbane Roar 5-2 at ctrl:cyber Pitch and return to the top of the A-League Women’s ladder. A Kijah Stevenson brace was ultimately cancelled out by goals from Rebekah Stott, Holly McNamara, Bryleeh Henry, Devon Jackson and Aideen Keane.

Brisbane Roar opened the scoring early through a Stevenson double, both the result of errors made in City’s defensive line. 

City started their comeback through Stott their captain, who headed home the final effort of a corner. 

The scores came level just before half time, when Bryleeh Henry released McNamara with a line-breaking pass. McNamara took an extra touch to work her way around keeper Chloe Lincoln, before finishing on a tight angle.

Coming back from the break, Henry and McNamara swapped positions, with McNamara turning provider for Henry.

McNamara played a square ball across the box to find Henry in space, who had enough time to move around her defender and shoot on goal.

Jackson then added her name to the scoresheet, making the most of a shot from Keane being deflected by Lincoln back into the box.

After being denied several times Keane finally found the back of the net. Her initial shot was blocked by defender Ava Piazza, but the second one was true.

This win breaks City’s two game losing streak and puts them back up as the League’s leaders after recently dropping to second behind Wellington Phoenix. Brisbane meanwhile do still remain in the top four on the ladder, but will need to stop the current rut of results quickly if the Roar do not wish to slip down the ladder.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres, Apostolakis, Otto, Stott, Turner, Henry, Jackson, McKenna, McMahon, McNamara, Keane Substitutes: Roestbakken, Uchendu, Butrus, Karic, Jugovic, Barbieri

Scorers: Stott 36’, McNamara 41’, Henry 48’, Jackson 69’, Keane 82’

BRISBANE ROAR (4-1-4-1): Lincoln, Seidl, Hayashi, Piazza, Studer, Woods, Meyers, Stephenson, Miller, Medwin, Brown Substitutes: Jansen, Beard, Hanson, Kinsella, Cuthbert, Franco

Scorer: Stephenson 8’, 13’

Referee: Isabella Mossin

Attendance: TBC.

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Furphy seals Melbourne’s Victory over the Jets

Melbourne Victory 2-1 Newcastle Jets

by Callum Logie (7/2/26)

Above: Emma Dundas and Sofia Sakalis (5) battle for possession. Photo:Newcastle Jets

John McEwan Reserve in Shepparton hosted a Saturday night mid-table clash between two teams looking to leap into finals contention. Victory got back to winning ways after a close contest in windy regional Victoria.

Coming off of an away defeat to Canberra United, Melbourne Victory made a few tweaks to their line-up with Chelsea Blissett getting a start at centre-back in a 5-3-2 formation. Rosie Curtis moved to right wing back with Sofia Sakalis dropping into the left wing back position. Rachel Lowe and Holly Furphy dropped to the bench in favour of Rhianna Pollicina and Ella O’Grady.

On the Newcastle side of things, the Jets came in off a thorough home defeat to Wellington Phoenix. Josie Wilson dropped to the bench with Emma Bates taking her spot at centre-back. Charlotte Lancaster returned to the line-up with Libby Copus-Brown dropping to the bench and Alexis Collins got a start up front.

Melbourne Victory started off playing a deep defensive line, looking to mitigate the pace of the Newcastle forwards. Josie Allan in particular was busy in the opening moments, winning possession high up the pitch on a few occasions to put pressure on the Victory defence.

Courtney Newbon denied an early opener with Alexis Collins driving a shot from just behind the penalty spot to the keeper’s left. Newbon got down to make the initial save and Melbourne were able to clear. The passing of the Jets was sharp early on, as was the pace. Newcastle peppered Newbon’s goal throughout the first 10 minutes.

Allan would routinely test Curtis on the dribble and almost capitalised after a curled shot at 13 minutes forced Newbon’s best save of the day. Despite controlling the possession, Victory were not able to create any meaningful chances, mostly passing between defence, midfield, and Newbon herself.

Melina Ayres and Allan elected to switch sides they were attacking from around halfway through the first half, hoping that the pace of Allan could test Blissett on the right side and the experience and awareness of Ayres on the left would allow for more opportunities to be created.

After over 30 minutes of play, Melbourne finally had a period of play in their attacking third. While chances were scarce to come by, Taylor Ray did get a shot on goal during the more positive period.

At half time, Newcastle would likely feel unlucky to not take the lead while they were on top and allowed Melbourne to start putting together some attacks of their own, Kennedy White getting a few good looks at goal.

The second half started off rather even, with both Victory and Newcastle moving forward with urgency in order to break the deadlock. Melbourne held the territory advantage in the first few minutes of the first half, Sofia Sakalis hitting the crossbar after a long range effort in the 52nd minute.

17 year-old Georgia Ritchie was being tested a lot more in the second half, the Victory forwards firing away from distance. A Pollicina strike forced a good save out of the teenager in the 58th minute of the match.

It was a very physical battle, with six yellow cards brandished between the team in the first 62 minutes, five of which went to Melbourne Victory players.

In the 64th minute, Victory finally broke the deadlock off of a set piece. A bouncing ball was looped in by Alana Jancevski and what initially looked like an olimpico was credited as a Claudia Cicco own goal.

Newcastle looked to push for the equaliser with their energy and pace. In the 73rd minute Allan went down in the penalty area after contact from Curtis and Claudia Bunge. Newcastle were awarded a penalty and Kelli Brown converted clinically from the spot, tying it up for the Jets.

Off the bench, Jancevski and Saveska were lively, creating several opportunities in the late stages for Victory. In the 82nd minute, a spectacular Holly Furphy strike curled from inside the right edge of the box restored the lead for Melbourne who played a really strong second half.

The win puts Victory into finals contention at sixth place but with a game in hand, the Central Coast Mariners will be looking to restore their position in the table when they play next round.

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (5-3-2): Newbon, Sakalis, Blissett, Morrison, Bunge, Curtis, Pollicina, Ray, Lowe, White, O’Grady. Substitutes: Furphy, Jancevski, Pickett, Saveska, Teninson Maher, Woodward.

Scorers: Cicco (og) 64′, Furphy 82′.

NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-3): Ritchie, Bates, Prior, Cicco, Lancaster, Dundas, Hoban, Brown, J.Allan, Ayres. Substitutes: L.Allan, Boertje, Breier, Copus-Brown, Marie Johnson, Wilson.

Scorers: Brown 74′.

Referee: Georgia Ghiradello

Attendance: 871.

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Unearthing the next generation of Indigenous talent

7/2/26

Above: Youngsters part of John Moriarty Football’s program, including Miley Shipp (centre back row), who Impetus sponsored for three years. Photo supplied to Impetus by: JMF.

In the year of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026, John Moriarty Football (JMF) will shine the spotlight on young Indigenous football talent in an Australian first at JMF’s National Talent Showcase in Sydney on 30-31 May. 

Impetus has been a supporter of JMF’s work for many years, and is proud to spread the word about this groundbreaking event.

The National Talent Showcase will be an opportunity for the talents of female and male Indigenous footballers aged 12 to 16 from all over Australia, to demonstrate their skills to the professional football community. 

Participants’ travel and accommodation costs will be fully funded by JMF and they will also receive financial assistance to support football related expenses for the showcase. 

Yanyuwa man John Moriarty AM, JMF Co-Founder and the first Aboriginal footballer selected to play for Australia, said “The talent pool is deep, and JMF’s coaching methodologies are geared to activating natural speed, gifted coordination and creativity to optimise the X Factor that Aboriginal children bring to the game. The next step is the opportunity to be scouted and channelled through pathways – this is where JMF is changing the game by taking this step.”

The JMF National Talent Showcase will be led by former Chelsea FC Academy Director, UEFA A license holder and JMF Program Manager – Performance and Coaching, Jen Wicks. 

“This experience will be life-changing. In addition to having the opportunity to showcase their talent, participants will also benefit from weekly mentoring in the lead up to the showcase, athlete workshops, opportunities to hear from professional athletes and access to future elite pathways.” 

“We are asking players interested in being involved to send us videos of them playing. So far we’ve been blown away by what is coming in. There has been some really impressive talent, which is very exciting,” added Ms Wicks.

According to former A-Leagues player and JMF Ambassador, Allira Toby (Kanolu/Gangulu), it’s not enough to place young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players in representative teams for one-off matches.

Above: Miley Shipp, who Impetus sponsored for three years. Her footballing journey has taken her from Dubbo to Sydney, and recently to experiences in England. Photo supplied to Impetus by: JMF.

Toby adds, “The fact that we have so few Indigenous professional players is disappointing. There are just too many barriers for them. This opportunity will open up pathways to new opportunities and could kick start some incredible football careers. This is what JMF is all about.” 

Showcase participants will also be in the running to secure several 12-month JMF Scholarships which will include wrap-around personalised support including mentoring and technical performance.

JMF inaugural scholarship holder, Shadeene (Shay) Evans, is a testament to the pathways JMF creates. 

All the way from the remote community of Borroloola in the Northern Territory, Evans was awarded a JMF Scholarship at 13 years of age after being scouted by former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic. 

In 2019 Evans debuted with Sydney FC and was selected as a Young Matilda and named vice-captain. She went on to play for Adelaide United and the Central Coast Mariners, and was part of the 2025 premiership-winning team. In 2025 Evans secured her first international signing and played with Thai club BGC-College of Asian Scholars in the qualifying rounds of the 2025/26 AFC Women’s Champions League.   

Expressions of interest for the JMF National Talent Showcase close 5pm AEDT Friday 27 February 2026. 

JMF is an award-winning program that uses football to positively engage over 5,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth aged 2 to 18 years of age annually, with groundbreaking impacts on health, education and wellbeing. JMF delivers to 16 communities and 18 public schools in NT, NSW and Qld. 

JMF is delivered by Moriarty Foundation, an Indigenous children’s charity that is creating a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children thrive. 

For more information visit www.jmf.org.au 

Above: The talent pool in Indigenous communities is growing. Photo: UNICEF Australia, supplied to Impetus by: JMF.

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Champions Cup win “fuels Arsenal” as they look to close City gap – Slegers

By Chloe Reynolds 6/2/26)

Above: Viviane Miedema on her return to the Emirates last season Photo: Manchester City FC

Renee Slegers says success like their Champions Cup victory last weekend is what fuels Arsenal to keep pushing, as they host WSL leaders Manchester City at the Emirates, aiming to hold on to their slim title chances.

Last weekend Slegers and Arsenal won the Champions cup, a new tournament which sees champions around the world compete to be the ‘best of the best’, and Slegers explained what it meant to win the first ever trophy in this tournament “we love winning. We love winning trophies and this was a special one. We made history, the first team in history to do it and it’s not easy to make history because so much history has been made already in the club. We’re very proud, and it fuels us.

As well as Anneke Borbe, Taylor Hinds will also be absent from this fixture, but Leah Williamson could be set to make her return.

“the swelling had to go down, so she had an ankle injury, swelling has gone down really well and so we’ll have to see how she keeps on progressing, but in the first couple of days, the first week it’s gone really well.”

“But I can’t give you a prognosis yet. And so she’s close (Leah) and she was available for shorts bulk of minutes. We chose to not do it. 
We had other players ready as well. And of course, with another week of training, she’s ready for more minutes so she’ll be available soon.”

The 37 year old also spoke on the fans and how vital they are going to be during the big game “It was amazing because I think we had to be resilient. We had to deal with the circumstances, with the different phases of the game, the late equaliser and then going into extra time. But the fans had to be resilient as well and they were with us. They were just as mentally strong as the players on the pitch and I think they fuelled the players. I’m so happy that we won the game and could give them the goal and the win and then celebrate in the rain afterwards where everyone was staying and we had that special moment with the fans again. It’s so special and it’s so important for us, so let’s bring all that energy again on Sunday together.”

Sundays fixture will also see Arsenal continuing the ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’ campaign that helps protect against cervical cancer and Slegers explained how important this campaign is “I think we can make an impact  from who we are and who we can reach out to in society, so we want to stand for this and we support the campaign it affects a lot of people Its affected  players and staff as well. So we know what it means and we want to do everything to support a campaign.”

Vivianne Miedema is a player that Slegers knows well, and this is what the Dutch coach had to say “I think she’s always been, when I played with her, she was a false nine, she would always play in the 9, I actually played behind her in the 10. She’s such an intelligent player, the way she sees things and spaces.”

“It was a pleasure for me to play with her, I learned a lot from her. Even though she was younger than me when we played together in the national team, I think that says something about Viv. I think she does really well in the 10 role, I think she picks up spaces really well, she has so much quality on the ball to be able to set other players up so I think she’s performing really well for City.”

Slegers also confirmed when the Australian Trio of Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney- Cross will be leaving for the Asian Cup “we have our last game of the block against Bristol and after that they will travel”

Arsenal host Manchester city in a thrilling clash at the Emirates Stadium. Kick off is at 12:00 on Sunday 8th February.

Jeglertz previews crucial test against Arsenal

By Chloe Reynolds (6/2/26)

Above: Andree Jeglertz after City’s league tie with Newcastle Photo: Manchester City FC

Manchester City head coach Andree Jeglertz has praised his sides togetherness before an important WSL clash with Arsenal, in his pre match press conference.

He said “looking at the players that every time we score, uh, it’s looking at the players coming together, you can almost see that it’s a team that is enjoying playing football together at the moment. And when we are celebrating the goal, we are not only running to the goal scorer, we’re also running to keeper, because she’s Yama is doing great action just before one of Karolin’s goals. And that’s the one where Alex Greenwood is running towards her and celebrating with her, I think that’s shows something about enjoying every moment.”

Mary Fowler made her return from Injury last weekend after being out for almost a year with an ACL injury and Jeglertz gave an update on the Australian.

“Yeah, of course it’s it’s not easy to come in and play, but it’s also for her to find the right timing or how much do we push her, when do we modify her? And I think the medical team is important in this one also to find a great balance for her in that. So it’s not becoming, we can’t just go in and have the same as everybody else. just been away for a long time. 
Uh, and she’s she’s now back, but at the same time, it takes time to get to the same level, both physically uh, and as a player, she’s in a good way.”

The Swedish head coach also spoke about the team confidence and what he knows his girls can do. “Yeah, it gives both me and the team a good confidence that no matter what’s going to happen in the game, we always create chances.”

“We have been able to find different ways winning games and no matter if the opponent is controlling the game in part of the game, we still feel need to be able to feel comfortable in that and finding the right way to attack. So I think definitely being able to win tight games against this great opponent is always building a confidence and belief, that no matter what, we will definitely give ourselves a chance to win.”

Jeglertz also praised Arsenal for winning the Champions Cup last weekend “they won that title, and of course, they should claim that definitely. And I congratulated them because that’s a great achievement for them, but also for our league, because it shows that our league is on a special level that we, they are there, but they have a couple of teams ahead of them in the league at the moment. 
So, definitely, interesting to see how that develops the coming years, but, uh, if that’s that’s the way they they want to proceed with, um I definitely I think it’s a good thing.”

Once again Jeglertz has been nominated for manager of the month and Kerolin for player, and this is what the he had to say about this honour “Yeah, the team doesn’t care about me, but I’m sure they happy about Kerolin and happy about that one of our players is nominated. I think that’s should always be something for me and for the players also, it’s, we should be honoured every time when there is something like this and our players or the staff is nominated for something. It’s, isn’t anything that we ever, ever should take for granted.

Manchester City travel to the Emirates stadium to face Arsenal on the 8th February, with kick off at 12:00

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Martin Ho: Chelsea have “wonderful players and a wonderful manager”

By Chloe Reynolds (6/2/26)

Above: Martin Ho. Photo: Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Martin Ho has highlighted the midfield battle as crucial and praised Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea ahead of a pivotal clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ho began his conference by providing an update on team news and revealed that there are no major changes from the previous fixture against West Ham.

“The same as it was for the West Ham, apart from, obviously, Drew or Maika through suspension. There’s a lot of good progress from all the other players who are still long term.”

Tottenham will be without key figure Drew Spence for the fixture, and Ho shared his thoughts on her absence in such a high-profile match.

“I think she’s been a standout throughout the season. What she brings to us is in terms of a calmness and an experience with the ball and a really dynamic approach with the ball,” he said, adding that the midfielder “sets the tone and the bar for how we want to defend on the front foot and really wearing a Spurs shirt with pride and compassion and really kind of puts forward how we should approach games.”

The Liverpool-born coach also spoke highly of Chelsea, despite their recent results.

“Yeah, they’re a wonderful team and if anyone thinks that them losing two games turns them into a bad team, then you’re very mistaken. They’re a wonderful team.”

Expanding on his praise, he noted that the Blues “have wonderful players, a wonderful manager and yeah, they played Arsenal and Manchester City — two top teams — and in those games it’s kind of nip and tuck who takes the chances at that level.

And unfortunately Chelsea have been on the back end of that and you expect the response. You know they’re going to be dangerous. And we know what the threats are going to be like — very dynamic players in the front line, very good players in central areas.”

The Tottenham boss singled out the midfield battle as an integral part of the game plan.

“They’ve got some of the most decorated central midfielders in world football. So we need to be aware. We will be, but what that doesn’t do is we have to show no fear in that. We have to apply ourselves correctly and focus on ourselves and what we want to do.”

This will be Ho’s first match as head coach at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he expressed his excitement about managing at the iconic venue.

“Really excited because it’s my first game as a head coach at the stadium and I’ve said that before, I feel it’s the best stadium in world football. It’s authentic, it’s iconic. And when you’re stood there, you feel like when you stood inside.”

He explained that he hopes his players focus on performance rather than the occasion of playing a London derby at such a stadium: ‘You have to remove all the emotion attached to the game and just focus on performance, which is easy for me to say because I’m not one of those players that steps out onto the pitch and plays.

But I’ll do my best to remove that pressure as much as possible and just give them really key focus points on what they’ve delivered so far and what we’ve done so far.”

Ho also emphasised that a London derby often goes beyond football, with bragging rights across the capital at stake.

“I think when you play a London derby, maybe a lot of your form and those sorts of aspects go out the window because it’s more of a, it’s more bragging rights and a battle.

But we just need to focus on what we’ve been doing. I think against the top teams, if you want to call it, we’ve had some good performances and we’ve built on those performances.

We maybe were unfortunate with some of the results, the back ones just before Christmas against United where we drew, but we’ve actually performed better in those games.

It takes time to build the team back to where you want it to be and it takes time to build confidence and momentum in a group. And I’d certainly done that and the players are now relishing the opportunity to play against Chelsea at the stadium.

That will definitely bring an edge to us. It brings excitement, definitely, because you’re playing in front of your home fans at the stadium. And we just want to make sure that the performance backs up what we’ve been doing.”

The London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea kicks off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 8 February at 2:45pm UK time.

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Wellington waltzes to top of table after Waitangi Day win

Wellington Phoenix 1-0 Perth Glory

By Alyce Collett 6/2/2026

Above: Emma Pijnenburg (left) and Makala Woods (right) celebrate after Woods’ scored against Perth Glory. Photo: Ryan Imray for Impetus.

It has been a Waitangi Day to remember for the Wellington Phoenix, who move to the top of the A-League Women’s table after a 1-0 win over Perth Glory.

Although Makala Woods’ first half stoppage time goal was all that split the teams on the scoreboard, it was really the ability of the respective forward groups to work together and pickpocket their opponents’ defence that ultimately made the difference.

The start to the match was not as fast as Wellington and its fans have become accustomed to in recent weeks.

The Phoenix did have some really good chances about 10 minutes into the match, but some strong goal keeping and well timed deflections kept Wellington at bay.

However, this was nothing in comparison to the performance of the Phoenix defensive line up the other end, who continuously outnumbered the Glory attackers so even if Perth managed to get a shot away, it was not really threatening.

Woods, Pia Vlok and Brooke Nunn were all causing plenty of headaches for the Glory defenders, while up the other end Bronte Trew was the only Glory attacker really threatening or causing much danger, but Teresa Morrissey’s goal keeping was certainly keeping the visitors in the match.

Just as it looked like the first half was going to be scoreless, Woods pinched the ball off Onyinyechi Zogg and carefully guided the ball into the bottom corner of the net and the home side into the lead.

Woods’ goal was reward for a Phoenix side that had three times the number of shots on goal than their visitors did in the first half, despite finishing the half with 16% less of the possession.

Perth almost had a spectacular equaliser 10 minutes into the second half, but after some confusion it was confirmed that the whistle from referee Anna-Marie Keighley was in fact for a foul on Victoria Esson, not for the Olympico the Glory players thought they had scored.

Although Perth continued to dominate possession in the second half, the Glory’s lack of ability to navigate around Wellington’s defensive line and get shots away continued to hamper them, and ultimately they were unable to find an equaliser. Wellington managed to record double the number of shots that the Glory did in the second half alone.

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Esson, Barry, Walker, Jale,León, van der Meer, Nunn, Vlok, Woods, Pijnenburg. Substitutes: Danieli, Elliott, Brazendale, Main, Benson, Anthony.

Scorers: Woods 45+4’

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Morrissey, Sardo, McKenna, Zogg, Johnston, Tathem, Dalton, Tovar, Trew, Phonsongkham, Badawiya. Substitutes: Skinner, Anderson, Hollar, Lincoln, O’Donoghue, Wainwright.

Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley

Attendance: 3,800.

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