Brisbane Roar into semi-finals after Stephenson heroics

Brisbane Roar 3 – 0 Adelaide United

By Callum Logie 25/4/26

Above: Kijah Stephenson battling for possession with Matilda McNamara Photo: Brisbane Roar

A sold-out Spencer Park hosted a tense Elimination Final where Brisbane Roar were able to glide past Adelaide United. A Kijah Stephenson brace and an Aimee Medwin goal were more than enough to make the difference as Brisbane will meet Wellington in the semi-final.

Brisbane came out of the gates firing, looking to break their 12-year finals win drought with a strong statement and high pace. Adelaide returned the favour with some aggressive physicality in the opening five minutes.

The crowd were extremely involved from kick off, erupting with noise every time the ball went into the attacking third for the Brisbane Roar.

The first chance of the game came from a clever Melissa Taranto ball over the top that initiated a foot race to the ball between Erin Healy and Chloe Lincoln. Lincoln got there a moment before the Irish forward and was able to clear her lines. 

A few minutes later in the 10th minute, Lincoln showed why she is one of the best Australian goalkeepers today. Emily Condon played a great cross in to give Healy a free header from the penalty spot. Lincoln reached out full stretch to her left and tipped it behind for a corner.

Medwin looked dangerous early, playing a few dangerous crosses across the box for Daisy Brown and Stephenson to attack. Adelaide United defended a lot deeper than Brisbane, doing their best to hold off the dangerous crosses.

Stephenson had a terrific chance in the 27thminute. The ball deflected around in the box and fell to Stephenson with space. She drove the ball at goal but despite the space, did not manage to get a shot on target as it was deflected behind for a corner.

Stephenson tried again in the 29th minute, steering a curled left-foot effort from out the box just wide of the goal. She looked the most dangerous attacking player for Brisbane in the first half. 

A free kick from around 40 yards out saw the audacious Momo Hayashi almost strike for the Roar, just driving her shot wide. 

Brisbane nearly struck a moment later, piling on the pressure as Stephenson forced a great save out of Ilona Melegh in the 37th minute. 

Hayashi continued to stray forward and forced another good save out of Melegh as a half-volley from the right side of the box was driven at the goal in the 43rd minute.

In the 51st minute, Stephenson finally was able to strike and break the deadlock. Stephenson ran onto a through ball from Alicia Woods and clinically passed it past Melegh for a well-deserved lead.

Just seven minutes later, Stephenson was able to double her tally. Brown played a clever ball over to Ashlyn Miller who then played the ball across to Stephenson who converted a curled effort from inside the box.

It was all Brisbane in the second half, Medwin nearly extended the lead in the 66th minute after breaking in behind. Melegh proved equal to that effort though and made the save with her right leg.

Adelaide tried their best to get back into the game, putting moves to get forward and try to test Brisbane, but once the hosts got on top, they stayed on top. 

In the 83rd minute, Medwin got herself a deserved goal to seal the deal for the Roar. A great ball played in by Woods found Medwin running into the box, her strike going through the legs of the defender and trickling into the net. It was her third goal in as many games. 

A two leg semi-final against Wellington awaits Brisbane as the sold-out Spencer stadium went home very happy for the first finals win in 12 years.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-2-1): Lincoln, Cuthbert, Hayashi, Stuber, Seidl, Beard, Woods, Medwin, Stephenson, Miller, Brown. Substitutes: Franco, Hanson, Jansen, Kinsella, Meyers, Piazza, Yallop.

Goals: Stephenson 51′, 58′, Medwin 83′.

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-2-3-1): Melegh, E. Hodgson, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, M. Taranto, Morgan, Healy, Condon, A. Taranto, Dawber Substitutes: Avery Holmes, Bowler, Gooch, I. Hodgson, Jenkins, Makris, Rossi.

Referee: Lara Lee


Attendance: 5,000

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Hometown heartbreak as Victory sweep past Canberra

Canberra United 1-3 Melbourne Victory

By Alice de Koster-Kitto 25/4/26

Above: Taylor Ray (right) and her Victory team mates will be leaving Canberra tonight the happiest of campers after defeating Canberra United in this afternoon’s elimination final. Photo: via A-Leagues.

The 2025/26 Ninja A-League finals series kicked off with a bang, as Melbourne Victory defeated Canberra United 3-1 in an intensely stunning showing at McKellar Park this afternoon.

The win sends Victory to the semi-final stage – where they face Melbourne City in a two legged semi final – and they got there thanks to a goal from Rachel Lowe and a brace from Ella O’Grady. Meanwhile the result brings Canberra’s 2025/26 season to a bittersweet end, with a goal from Sasha Grove making things really interesting for Canberra early on but  ultimately not being enough.

It was Canberra who kicked off the action, with an early cross from Grove threatening to break down the Victory defence in the early minutes of the game. Emma Hawkins had an early shot just moments later, as the hosts looked to dominate in their first home final since 2017.

While Canberra had a bright start, the Victory were not taking a passive approach, with Rhianna Pollicina and Chelsea Blissett moving the ball dangerously in the front third, creating chances for the visitors. However, the defensive powers of Bethany Gordon kept Victory’s attack at bay with some clever interceptions.

It was a fiery meeting, with Melbourne Victory receiving two yellow cards within the first 10 minutes – one to O’Grady and the other to head coach Jeff Hopkins – setting the precedent for what would be a dramatic afternoon of football.

Lowe put Victory in front, capitalising on a Claudia Bunge header towards goal, finding herself in the perfect spot to tap the ball in and score the first goal of the match.

Just minutes later, O’Grady extended their lead, scrambling the ball into the net after firing through Canberra’s defence just in time to collect a cross from Pollicina.

An excellent save from Sally James denied Victory a third, following an expert run from Holly Furphy, which threatened to further extend the visitors’ dominance.

Canberra quickly found a response, with an outstanding and cleverly calculated goal from Grove, who ran straight through the Victory defence effortlessly, striking the ball past Courtney Newbon in a one-on-one finish against the keeper.

A fantastic delivery from Heyman to the head of Hawkins got Canberra unnervingly close to equalising; however, the ball was headed just over the crossbar.

After 45 minutes of end-to-end, intense play, a third yellow card was awarded to Victory during added time, after Kayla Morrison contested the first official.

The second half was just as alive as the first, as the intensity picked back up quickly with a well-timed chance from Hayley Taylor-Young looking to equalise for Canberra, which just missed the net. 

O’Grady netted her second goal of the afternoon, restoring Victory’s two goal lead. The fearless run in with Canberra’s defence that earned her the goal, took O’Grady to the ground, injured momentarily, before returning to play, to the relief of the visiting side.

The following minutes after the match’s fourth goal were somewhat anticlimactic. Though there was no lack of action, with the ball consistently moving cleverly from end-to-end, and injury scares for Taylor Ray and Chelsea Blissett, neither side was able to capitalise on the ever-apparent vigour of the game to create a real chance.

The opportunities arose as stoppage time approached though, which included a fantastic strike from Sienna Dale who had come off the bench to replace Grove. The shot from distance had the power behind it to fly past the opposing defence, but the ball was ultimately too high.

Both ends managed to find some dangerous chances in the dying minutes of the game, with Canberra having the slight upper hand in terms of numbers, while Victory’s chances were more meaningful in nature.

However, despite unwavering efforts and a huge seven minutes of added time, there were no further goals to be found, as Melbourne Victory took the well-deserved win and kept their season alive.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-4-2): James, Grove, Taylor-Young, Robers, Bertolissio, Gordon, Anton, Sasaki, Aulicino, Heyman, Hawkins. Substitutes: Stanic-Floody, Majstorivic, Wardlow, McKenzie, Christopherson, Dale, Malone.

Goals: Grove 29’

MELBOURNE VICTORY (3-5-1-1): Newbon, Morrison, Bunge, Pickett, O’Grady, Lowe, Ray, Maher, Blissett, Pollicina, Furphy. Substitutes: Techera, Curtis, Woodward, Jancevski, White, Sakalis, Flannery.

Goals: Lowe 21’, O’Grady 24’, 51’

Referee: Caitlin Williams.
Attendance: 3,290.

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“If we want to move forward, it’s by making that their last home game”: Blissett ahead of elimination final

Above: Chelsea Blissett speaks to the media. Image: Melbourne Victory.

By Isabelle Campbell (24/04/2026)

Melbourne Victory defender Chelsea Blissett says the club has quickly shifted from relief to focus after securing finals football, with qualification only confirmed after results elsewhere went their way following Victory’s win over Perth Glory and the result between Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners. That result confirmed an elimination final against Canberra United after a tense end to the regular season.

The wait for confirmation played out while the squad travelled back to Melbourne, watching the deciding match unfold mid-flight.

“Let’s just say that was one anxious plane ride. We were all grouped together and watching the game on amazing Qantas Wifi, and once that whistle blew, everyone turned around and looked at us.”

Relief came quickly once the result confirmed finals football, but the mood shifted almost immediately.

“I think we celebrated in that moment, because it was a relief to know that we are in finals, but at the end of the day, there is that expectation that Victory is in finals, and that bit of celebratory excitement finished quite early.”

Attention turned straight to the task ahead, with the three-week break used to stay consistent rather than overhaul preparation.

“There wasn’t really a set focus. It was just coming together as a group, like we normally do, and just focusing on the areas that we really want to explore when it comes to Canberra.”

“We’re going to train hard, work together and make sure that we’ve put our best foot forward when it comes to playing on Saturday.”

Expectation at the club is constant, according to Blissett, and something players have to learn to manage quickly.

“I think we always carry the weight of expectation when it comes to playing at Victory. When you sign here, or you’ve been here for multiple years, you understand that there is that pressure, that expectation on you.”

The challenge is not letting that influence performance.

“At the end of the day, we can’t let that get to us. We need to keep calm, keep together, and just let the football do the talking.”

“You’re always going to feel an extra heaviness when it comes to a game like that. Any mistake can cost you a position moving forward and continuing your finals campaign.”

“If you let that get to you, well then you’re going to crumble.”

Trust within the group is also key to handling pressure.

“If you’re in a team where you know you’re going to get backed 100%, the stakes don’t feel as heavy. You’re able to go out there and play with a sense of freedom.”

That belief allows players to keep their identity intact in high stakes, knockout football.

“The pressure of finals football shouldn’t take away your ability to play football. Once you step on the field and the whistle goes, it just becomes like another game.”

A lifelong Melbourne Victory supporter, Blissett said reaching a finals campaign with the club carries extra meaning.

“I sometimes have little pinch myself moments that the club that I grew up supporting is a club that I’m now going into my first final campaign in two years with. To know that we could possibly lift silverware, and I could be lifting silverware with a bunch of girls who I love being around, for a club that I’ve supported since I can remember loving football, is super exciting.”

Still, the focus remains firmly on the immediate task.

“It is an elimination final. It’s one step at a time, and this week, the focus is making sure that we beat Canberra at McKellar Park.”

“It is a whole new ball game when it comes to finals. Victory are known for scraping in and doing well in finals.”

Looking at Canberra, she pointed to both their quality and the challenge of playing away.

“Canberra is a great side. They have great heart. Playing at McKellar is a tough place, especially when it’s a sold out crowd.”

“I think we let our football do the talking. If we can match their heart, I think that will be fine.”

Preparation has centred on key tactical areas.

“We’ve been working on a press, on how we can nullify Michelle Heyman. They’ve got a great midfield so we’ve got to make sure that we’re on the ball, and also making sure that we’re concentrating on ourselves and what we need to do to be able to win the game.”

There is also added emotion around the fixture given uncertainty surrounding Canberra’s future within the league, but Blissett said that cannot change the approach.

When asked whether there was room for sentimentality under the difficult circumstances Cnaberra found themselves in, she acknowledged the emotion attached to the game, but was clear about the competitive reality. 

“Unfortunately, not. From the outside looking in, and from knowing some of these girls personally and playing against Canberra since I’ve been in the league, my first ever W league game, was going to watch Canberra play.”

“There is a bit of sentiment there. Obviously it’s devastating if they do fold. But at the end of the day, we have a job to do, and if we want to move forward, it is by making that their last home game, possibly.”

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NPLW Vic R9: Heidelberg bounces back, Box Hill climb to first and South win again

By Kieran Yap 23/4/26

Above: Mia Bailey of Heidelberg United. Photo: Adrian Geremia

South Melbourne halt Bulleen’s winning streak, Box Hill climb into first and Heidelberg return to winning ways in Round Nine of Victoria’s NPLW.

The action began in Caroline Springs as Spring Hills FC hosted the perennially strong Boroondara Eagles. The home side have had mixed results of late and were looking to bounce back from a 4-0 humbling at the hands of Box Hill United.

The visitors were also in the unfamiliar position of needing to respond to a loss. Their last game was an entertaining but frustrating 1-0 defeat to South Melbourne.

Tom Markovski’s side got off to a great start. Spring Hills captain Aleks Sinclair’s free kick was whipped in and deceived the Boroondara defence. Suzu Murakami got the decisive touch, but the delivery only needed to be directed goalward, such was the quality.

That lead lasted less than two minutes. Priya Savarirayan’s looping ball to the back post was scrambled home with a desperate lunge from Kanako Higuchi to make it 1-1 in the seventh minute.

Neither side could really claim to have controlled the match in a see-sawing first half, but Spring Hills went into the break with the lead. It was another set piece that did the damage. A corner kick was only half cleared by Boroondara and Aurbie Labno’s hooked finish restored the lead.

Boroondara responded in the second half. a move of real quality involving Emma Vane, Sarah Brunner set up Geneieve Fontes for a volleyed finish at the back post to level the scores in the 56th minute.

Savarirayan’s late winner settled the result. Vane was crucial once again, her pass took the Spring Hills defence out of it, but Savarirayan still had plenty to do and reached the ball before Jenna Ibrahim. Her first effort deflected up, but the decisive finish was composed and class to hit it over the sliding Box Hill defender.

The loss came at a considerable cost for Spring Hill’s. Before the final goal, Sinclair went down behind play after an apparent collision. Play stopped for an extended period as Spring Hills players circled around her and she could walk off.

Sinclair is a legend of this league and a star for her team and we wish her a quick recovery.

The win puts Boroondara back into second place and still with a game in hand over first placed Box Hill and second placed Bulleen Lions.

Box Hill United travelled to Dorothy Laver Reserve to face the always tricky Alamein FC. The home side are one of the more consistent clubs in the league and  a good test for any club with premiership ambitions. Box Hill won comfortably 2-0 to se3nd them to the summit of the table.

Their wingers did the damage on the scoresheet. Sofia Palywoda supplied the pass to open the scoring. The captain’s long ball was perfectly placed for Kiara Bercelli to run onto, and her lobbed effort on the half volley was probably the goal of the round. A moment of real quality from two in-form players.

The floodgates did not open for Box Hill in the way they have this season, but substitute Gabrielle Simpson sealed the win with a goal in the 81st minute. It was a victory made all the more impressive following Erin Keyt’s removal in the 66th minute. The star forward collided with a defender and had to be withdrawn from the match.

Keilor Park SC and Preston Lions FC played an entertaining and dramatic 2-2 draw.  Abby Holmes opened the scoring for Keilor Park with an excellent volleyed effort across her body in the 17th minute.

Preston made a change at half time that would turn out to be decisive. Natalie Olsen entered the match, but the home side still doubled their advantage. A long range missile from Marguerite Lena left Charlotte Hrehoresin with an almost unsavable effort to deal with, but Preston’s defenders might rue the space given in front of goal, even at that distance.

The three points looked secure for Keilor Park as the clock ticked into the final ten minute, but Olsen had other ideas. The forward flicked the ball in from a tight angle in the 83rd minute to pull one back and then scored the equaliser with a minute left on the clock. It was another close range effort, and first time shot. The goalkeeper jumped but the strike was scuffed and crawled across the line under her.

It was an unfortunate and slightly unlucky end for the home side but a credit to Preston’s determination to scrounge a point from the jaws of defeat.

After a 6-1 thrashing at home to Bulleen last week, Heidelberg United faced the star-studded Avondale FC and some of their former stars in the shape of Cameron Barreiro and Asuka Miyata.

There was only one goal in it, and that was due largely to the effort of talismanic goalkeeper Mia Bailey. The Warriors skipper was outstanding between the sticks against one of the more dangerous attacks in the league.

Avondale controlled much of the game, and Elise Kellond-Knight in dominant form in the middle of the park, but a moment of quality from Heidelberg decided the result.

Hayley Guerts got the ball on the counter-attack and threaded a perfect pass into the path of Jiyoun Seo. The calm finish did the pass justice and it was all the separated the teams at the final whistle.

Bulleen Lions have been on an enviable winning streak of late, but that was halted by the in-form and still improving South Melbourne.

South Melbourne captain Francesca Iermano opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a well struck effort from the edge of the box. Meisha Westland’s penalty in the 81st minute appeared to have settled the result.

However, Bulleen continued to push, and gave themselves a lifeline. Emily Bunnell attacked a loose ball from a free kick to force the ball home in the 87th minute.

An equaliser never arrived, and South Melbourne held on for a crucial victory in a win that showcased some growing depth in the squad. combined with a determined win over Boroondara and a convincing one over Alamein FC, South now have three big scalps in seven days of football.

Melbourne City secured their second win of the season with a 5-1 thrashing of Bentleigh Greens. It was a fantastic display by the young City side, with Junior Matilda Kaya Jugovic opening the scoring in the 15th minute.

The striker was well positioned to turn a corner kick into the net for her first of the season.

Karina Tolios finished a good team move in the 35th minute to give Bentleigh hope of a rare win, but City clicked into gear and scored four unanswered goals for an emphatic win.

Maya Capitanio restored City’s lead with an excellent finish one-on-one against an onrushing Ruby Samild in the 67th minute

Jugovic scored her second and City’s third with a looping finish from 18 yards just four minute later.

The scoreline remained respectable until late in the game, before City scored twice in as many minutes. Chelsea Bigg’s scored their fourth in the 82nd minute with a close range strike. Jami Marandola made it 5-1 with another effort from the six yard box. Samild’s initial save was excellent, but the Bentleigh defence did not act quickly enough to clear the danger and Marandola was able to score from the second attempt.

Sunday’s only match was between Melbourne Victory and Essendon Royals at The Home of The Matildas.

With Victory’s A-League side preparing for a final against Canberra United, several stars were missing from their lineup, including striker’s Ella O’Grady and Fiorina Iaria and deep plying playmaker Poppy-O’Keeffe.

Essendon could care less for their opponents misfortune though and scored three goals to push them into fourth on the table. ‘

Bronte Peels was exceptional for the visitors, The Essendon winger was dangerous every time she got on the ball.

The Royals opened the scoring through a well hit corner that Victory’s Anika Dovaston was unable to do much about. It will go down as a 30th minute own-goal, but it was awkward to deal with and almost any touch would have sent in goal bound.

Peel doubled the lead three minutes later. Kelli McGoarty’s run behind the defence forced a good save from Chloe Mckenzie, but Peel was on hand to hammer home the rebound.

McGroarty goals feel inevitable at this point in the season, and she scored off a rebound herself to make it 3-0 in the 82nd minute.

The win was huge for Essendon’s ladder position and another good result after an inconsistent opening month to the season. Victory will feel disappointed with the result, but showed real character to put in a determined performance against a strong side while being significantly under-strength.

In Appreciation of Heidelberg’s defence

Heidelberg United were coming off a 6-1 thrashing and facing a side that had scored 14 in the last four games. On paper,  this had the potential to get ugly.

But the Warriors defence were locked in, in truth the whole team was, and while the late winner feels like a smash and grab, the counter-attacking game could easily have delivered at least two more goals.

But a win like this starts from the back, and Heidelberg’s back four with goalkeeper Mia Bailey were desperate, disciplined and organised.

Avondale were expected to be creative, and threw a bit of a curveball into the match with Elise Kellond-Knight drifting wide with regularity to whip in dangerous crosses. Sloane Young was typically inventive on the opposite flank while Hannah Wilkinson provided a good target up front.

But the Bergers were prepared and impossible to break down.

They sat relatively deep, but on the occasion that Avondale did break throug, desperate lunging blocks by Nali Plant and Alyssa Sallese denied what looked like certain goals.

In possession they were good as well. Heidelberg’s game plan required them to pass quickly from the back, make quick decisions and no errors to create chances and beat Avondale’s press. Led by Bailey and Maiya Haysen on the ball they were able to accomplish this with only the crossbar and some impressive goalkeeping at the other end denying them earlier goals.

Bailey was fantastic. At  anywhere near her best she is one of the top goalkeepers in this league.

A frightening concussion in Round four stalled Bailey’s season, but she has lone none of the magic or fearlessness that has made her a key figure in Heidelberg’s most successful NPLW  era.

A brave, low save at the feet of Young in the 22nd minute, kept the score at 0-0 against the odds. Bailey put herself in harms way and for a while it looked like she may have suffered another injury but was able to continue.

Two two more crucial saves in the 60th and 63rd minute were the highlights, but it was also a controlled, confident display from the Queenslander.

Heidelberg’s response to last week’s big loss is admirable, and the team defence was a huge part of setting up the win.

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England celebrate 500th game with victory over Iceland.

Iceland 0-1 England

By Damion Arnold 18/4/26

Above: Alessia Russo (left) scoring her 30th England goal Photo: via @Lionesses.

England have picked up another crucial three points as they sit top of the qualifying group unbeaten after they narrowly beat Iceland 1-0 thanks to Alessia Russo’s first half goal and Hannah Hampton’s second-half goalkeeping heroics.

The Lionesses took the lead in the 21st minute through Russo. After a fantastic solo run from the edge of her own box, Lauren Hemp laid the ball off to Russo on the edge of the Iceland box. The latter spun and riffled a shot into the bottom left corner leaving Cecilia Runarsdottir no chance.

England ended the first half in full control as they had 70% possession.

After sustaining large amounts of Icelandic pressure, England get a good chance on goal. Russo cut the ball back to Georgia Stanway inside the box, but the 27-year-old could not keep the shot down.

In the 69th minute, substitute Beth Mead came close to doubling the Lionesses lead with a good header. However, Runarsdottir did brilliantly to get down quickly and parry the ball away from danger.

Iceland had their best chance of the game in the 79th minute. The hosts came milometers from scoring as they hit the post. Jessen struck the post; the ball bounced away from the goal and fell to Dilja Zomers. Her close-range shot was saved well by Hampton’s foot, and the subsequent ball was cleared by Niamh Charles.

Three minutes later, Hampton pulled off another amazing save. This time, Alexandra Johannsdottir received the ball at the back post. She had plenty of time to have a touch and get her shot away, but Hampton’s left leg was in the way.

There was a late scare for England as Iceland found themselves in behind via a long ball. Jessen got onto the end of it and managed to go round Hampton, who opted for a high starting position. However, once Jessen was round Hampton, she lost her footing and her shot was blocked by Wubben-Moy.

Lineup: Iceland 4-3-3: Runarsdottir (Inter Milan), Arnardsottir (Hammarby IF), Viggosdottir (Bayern Munchen), Sigurdardottir (Freiburg), Heidarsdottir (Valerenga), Hermannsdottir (Valur Reykjavik), Johannsdottir (Kristianstads DFF), Asgeirsdottir (RB Leipzig), Jonsdottir (Angel City FC), Boama (Kristianstads DFF), Zomers (Brann). SUBS: Birkisdottir (BK Hacken), Ivarsdottir (Inter Milan), Eiriksdottir (Valerenga), Antonsdottir (Madrid CFF), Vilhjalmsdottir (Inter Milan), Tryggvadottir (Fiorentina), Gros (Djurgarden), Georgsdottir (Genoa), Halldorsdottir (Brondby IF), Eiriksdottir (Fiorentina), Jessen (FC Koln), Palmadottir (BK Hacken).

Goal scorers: N/A

Yellow cards: N/A

England 4-3-3: Hampton (Chelsea), Bronze (Chelsea), Williamson (Arsenal), Morgan (Washington Spirit), Greenwood (Manchester City), Blindkilde (Manchester City), Walsh (Chelsea), Stanway (Bayern Munchen), Hemp (Manchester City), Russo (Arsenal), James (Chelsea). SUBS: Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Roebuck (Aston Villa), Carter (Gotham FC), Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Le Tissier (Manchester United), Charles (Chelsea), Hinds (Arsenal), Parkinson (Valadares Gaia), Kendall (Aston Villa), Mead (Arsenal), Kelly (Arsenal), Park (Manchester United).

Goal scorers: Russo 21’.

Yellow cards: N/A

Referee: Michalina Diakow

Attendance: 4,100

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Sheva tap secures Ireland another big three points

Republic of Ireland 1-0 Poland

By Alyce Collett 18/4/26

Above: Marissa Sheva (top) and Emily Murphy (bottom) celebrate after the former scored what turned out to be the match winning goal for the Girls in Green. Photo: via Ireland Football.

The Republic of Ireland have picked up another massive win in the context of their qualifying campaign for the 2027 World Cup, downing Poland 1-0 to beat the Poles for the second time within a week.

It was not the prettiest of performances, but making the most of one chance was all the Irish needed, and a fine goal from Marissa Sheva got the job done on the scoreboard.

The news was not all positive for the Republic of Ireland though, with both Emily Murphy and Denise O’Sullivan picking up a second yellow card for this campaign, therefore earning themselves a suspension for the next match of the campaign against the Netherlands.

It was a lot more even start to proceedings this afternoon than Tuesday’s match in Gdansk had been, with both sides getting some promising looks at goal in the opening minutes.

One thing that was clear though was that if the Irish were to make it two wins from two this window, they were going to have to work harder for more of the match in order to do so.

Ewa Pajor had the first close chance on goal, but ultimately went wide by the smallest of margins.

Murphy then went close up the other end moments later, but her shot bounced off the crossbar and away.

It was a free flowing first half, with a lot of end to end action but not many clear cut chances at goal.

Just as it was looking like the first half would be goalless, the Republic of Ireland struck with mere minutes left in the half.

A very well placed shot from Kyra Carusa was deflected by goal keeper Kinga Szemik, but the deflection bounced perfectly to Sheva on Szemik‘s blind side, and the lively Irish midfielder tapped the ball into the back of the net.

Sheva’s goal put the Irish on the front foot heading into half time, but that first half still gave both sides plenty to think about at the half time break.

The second half began in much the same way the first half had played out, but the home side did have significantly better chances than the visitors.

O’Sullivan went inches from doubling the Republic of Ireland’s lead about 10 minutes into the half, but like Murphy’s shot in the first half it too hit the crossbar.

The Irish continued to attack hard as the half progressed, but just could not find another goal, as close as they went on a number of occasions.

The Polish did have a few positive moments in their attacking third, but only had one moment that really challenged Courtney Brosnan in the Irish goal.

As regulation time ended and a very long eight minutes of stoppage time began, Poland perhaps sensed the urgency of the situation and began to really start to attack hard.

But no matter how hard the Polish attacked, a really strong defensive performance from the Irish kept the Polish at bay and ensured the Girls in Green gained maximum points from this international window.

Teams: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (5-3-2): Brosnan, Mustaki, Hayes, Mannion, Connolly, O’Sullivan, McCabe, Patten, Sheva, Carusa, Murphy. Substitutes: Moloney, Whitehouse, Kiernan, Ziu, Barrett, Clancy, Quinn, Finn, Noonan, Larkin, Toland.

Scorers: Sheva 42’

POLAND (4-3-3): Szemik, Zieniewicz, Woś, Dudek, Wiankowska, Achcińska, Kamczyk, Pawollek, Tomasiak, Pajor, Krezyman. Substitutes:  Radkiewicz, Szperkowska, Araśniewicz, Cyraniak, Grzybowska, Jedlińska, Nowak, Padilla-Bidas, Sarapata, Zaremba, Zawistowska.

Referee: Aleksandra Česen [SVN]

Attendance: 18,267.

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NPLW Vic R8: McGroarty scores four, Bercelli with a belter, and Bulleen climb to first

By Kieran Yap 15/4/26

Above: Claudia Mihocic. Bulleen Lions. Photo: Adrian Geremia

South Melbourne stage a resurgence in the standings, Bulleen’s winning streak continues and Box Hill Bounce back in Round 8 of the Victorian NPLW.

Friday night saw three games take place across Melbourne. Avondale FC travelled to face Preston Lions in an important game for both sides, with the home side needing to climb up the table, and the visitors seeking to make up ground with the top four.

Preston had plenty of early momentum, and Hollie Massey came close to opening the scoring. But her lunging effort narrowly missed contact with the low cross into the six yard box.

Charlotte Hrehoresin has been one of the Lions best players this season, and produced an excellent save to stop Sloane Young’s effort from 18 yards out. The home side looked like they had found a break through when Dragana Kljajic send her effort goal bound only to be denied by the woodwork.

Hannah Wilkson responded with a long range effort, but the two sides went into the break goalless.

Preston made it 1-0 in the 62nd minute. Valentine Pursey combined with Massey to put the English forward into the penalty box. Her shot across goal left Brooke Bennett with no chance.

To the frustration of the home side, Avondale found an equaliser just minutes later. Young was at the back post to tuck home Sidney Allen’s inswinging cross after Elise Kellond-Knight’s corner was only half cleared.

The result keeps Preston in the bottom three for now, and Avondale remain in mid table but only three points off fourth spot.

Keilor Park SC responded to a two-game losing streak with a close win away to Bentleigh Greens. Abby Holmes raced onto a long ball in the 16th minute to score for Keilor Park. She got as close to goal as possible before sliding the ball beyond the onrushing goalkeeper. In the wintery conditions, it was an excellent start.

Holmes made it 2-0 in the second half, bringing up her brace with another terrific finish. Bentleigh turned the ball over deep in defence and outnumbered, but Holmes made it memorable with a curling, chipped finish to double their lead.

Persistence paid off for the home side and they found a lifeline in the 70th minute. Madina Ali’s hold up play and pass on the turn presented Paige Clemenson with an opening, and she did not waste the chance. Putting the ball into the top corner from the angle.

Despite that boost, Bentleigh were unable to find an equaliser, and Keilor Park were able to hold on for their second win of the season.

In Friday’s final match, Box Hill United hosted the dangerous but slightly under-strength Spring Hills FC. The visitors were missing star forward Margaux Clarke and Box Hill were coming off a rare loss in Round Seven to Boroondara Eagles.

The home side were back to their best in this game. The reigning Champions’ passing game was in full effect as they patiently worked their way up the pitch to find Erin Keyt. With a feinted shot, and a quick change of direction, Keyt was in on goal and scored her eighth of the season.

An aggressive press created the second goal. Kiara Bercelli won the ball in attack and slipped the ball wide to Juri Kawano to finish as half time approached.

Keyt made it 3-0 early in the second half. Some good work in the wing by Bercelli and a fortunate bounce gave Keyt all the space she needed to lash home her second of the night.

Bercelli finally got on the scoresheet herself with a 76th minute goal to cap off an outstanding individual performance.

It was the best of the lot. A rocket from distance and a considerable angle, that took everybody by surprise, and left the lunging Jenna Ibrahim with little chance of stopping it.

Box Hill climb back to second on the ladder with this win, although Boroondara have one game in hand after their match against Melbourne Victory was postponed.

On to Saturday’s games and South Melbourne were eager to build on their midweek win over Boroondara. A Grace Taranto goal was all that separated the teams on Wednesday and South would now have to contend with an always challenging Alamein FC.

It was the visitors who looked the most dangerous early. Alamein’s Summer Laskey was causing problems for the South Melbourne defence, but they could not find the breakthrough while they had momentum.

South eventually settled and were ever dangerous on the counter attack. When it seemed certain that first half would end goalless, Raquel Derales’s deft finish gave the home side the lead with seconds remaining.

Tyla Jay Vlajnic’s perfectly directed free kick gave South a second goal. McKaela Schmelzer met the ball at full pace and with a powerful leap and buried it into the back of the net.

Alamein goalkeeper Olivia Cowan was collateral damage in the goal, and was subbed out in the 64th minute.

Nikki Furukawa’s 85th minute strike sealed the result to give South Melbourne their second win in three days.

Kelli McGroarty was the star of the show as Essendon Royals defeated Melbourne City 5-1.

It took only four minutes for the home team to score the first goal. McGroarty stole the ball near half way and shot from distance for a spectacular opener.

Mikaela Jurcic’s long ball forward created the second goal. McGroarty still had plenty to do, and hit the ball with ferocity to beat Dali Gorr Burchmore at the near post.

City fought their way back in. Kaya Jugovic’s determined run down the wing ended with a cross that was laid back to Mary Brown. Her low, first time finish was swept into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.

McGroarty had her hatrick early in the second half. Bella Sewards and Bronte Peel combined to whip the ball in to the goal face, and the American striker met it at the n ear post to restore the Royals two goal lead.

A 64th minute penalty kick completed her day, and put the result beyond any remaining doubt. In this tightly contested season, that huge win takes Essendon to fifth, and hot on the tail of Alamein, who sit only a point ahead.

The final game of the weekend was between Heidelberg United and the visiting Bulleen Lions. This match carried a special meaning for both sides as the first Keely Lockhart Memorial Cup. The much loved and forever missed forward played for both sides in her career, and a moment was taken after the match for a trophy to be presented by the Lockhart family and for both clubs to remember her.

Bulleen continued their impressive winning streak which now extends to six matches. Maja Markovsi’s pass put Olivia Bomford into the penalty box, and her ball across the face of goal was tapped in by Tiff Eliadis for Bulleen’s opener.

Markovski made it 2-0 from the penalty spot just minutes later. The foul was disputed by Heidelberg, but Markovski’s finish left no doubt.

Heidelberg pulled one back before half time. A corner kick was not clared by Bulleen and Jiyoun Seo found the back of the net after two Warrior’s shots were blocked in the buildup.

 The comeback was short lived though, and Markovski soon restored the two-goal cushion. Nia Salleh’s quick feet helped her cut inside and her pass into attack was cleverly dummied by Eliadis to present Markovski with a relatively easy finish.

In a mirrored effort of the opening goal, Eliadis turned provider for Bomford with a cutback from the opposite side of goal. Bomford sill had plenty to do to score and managed to get the shot away on the turn and underneath the onrushing Mia Bailey. 4-1.

Ashley Jordan scored Bulleen’s fifth and her first since returning to Australian football. She outmuscled her Heidelberg opponent to win possession and find space in the penalty box, and curled the ball into the top fasr corner.

Eliadis made it six with her second of the night. Claudia Mihocic started the move with a clever turn in the last line of defence, and Sarah Cain’s ball over the top found Eliadis in acres of room.

Her run eventually led her wide of the goal, but she was able to find the gap at the near post to finally end the scoring for the evening.

The result sees Bulleen rise to first place on the ladder. Although Boroondara have a game in hand and are only two points, behind, this has been a remarkable reversal of the first two rounds.

Box Hill are only second on goal difference, and Alamein will be hoping to return to winning ways in Round Nine, when the two teams clash at Dorothy Laver reserve.

In Appreciation of Sarah Cain

It is weird to say that Sarah Cain is underrated? She’s a former NPLW Gold Medallist with A-League Women experience and captaining the current league leaders, but it still feels like she flies under the radar.

Bulleen are not lacking for talent. Even without the explosive Alana Cortellino, they were still able to defeat Heidelberg 6-1. Tiffany Eliadis was dynamic and creative, Olivia Bomford has continued her excellent form since arriving from South Melbourne and Maja Markovski did what she usually does and found the back of the net.

But at the centre of everything is Cain. The Bulleen captain is constantly moving the ball forward, linking the defence and attack with quick decisions and an enviable passing range.

Cain does not hesitate on the ball, she picks the best option seemingly before she receives the ball, and repeatedly launches Bulleen into attack. The midfield general is also tough under physical pressure and has the pace to create space for herself in the centre of the pitch if she needs to get clear of a marker.

Her partnership with Bomford has provided Bulleen with two midfielders that can dominate box-to-box, and developing that connection so quickly has been a big reason behind the Lion’s resurgence.

That combination also allows Eliadis to be used in an attacking role where her experience and ability has been crucial in creating opportunities for Bulleen’s attack.

At 26, Cain is nearing the peak of her powers, and still seems to be getting better with each season. Cain is no quiet achiever, she is a lot of fun to watch and obviously highly rated at her club, but she did not figure in many pre-season Gold Medal predictions yet has been dominant in a strong side.

Is Sarah Cain underrated? It probably doesn’t matter, she has been outstanding.

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Australia win FIFA Series after beating spirited home side

Kenya 0-2 Australia

By Alyce Collett 15/4/26

Above: Hayley Raso (left) and Sam Kerr (right) celebrate after the latter scored the opening goal in Australia’s win over Kenya tonight. Photo: via Commbank Matildas.

Australia has won its 2026 FIFA Series after defeating Kenya 2-0 in today’s final.

It was not a pretty performance from the Matildas, with the side not delivering its finest performance, but goals from Sam Kerr and Clare Wheeler ultimately saw the series favourites get the job done.

Unsurprisingly it was the Australians who initially took a leading role in setting the tone for the match, with Hayley Raso in particular looking lively early.

However though despite what their world ranking would suggest, the Kenyans did really take it up to the Matildas for much of the first half.

The first half was much more competitive than any stage of the match against Malawi on the weekend was, and although they were getting good runs down both wings Kenya just did not have the numbers in the box to truly capitalise.

Vivian Nasaka was being lively for Kenya, but was playing a very wide left wing role and as such did not have the support in the box from her team mates to maximise on how close she was getting to goal. Tereza Obunyu was also getting some good runs through the middle, but much like Nasaka did not have the numbers support to truly capitalise.

It may have taken almost 25 minutes, but eventually the Matildas did finally find the opening goal through Kerr, whose shot initially was stopped by the Kenyan keeper Lilian Onyango, but the ball then slipped through her hands and the ball trickled into the back of the net.

One thing the first half was teaching Australia was to be really patient with their shots on goal, really having to wait to find the space and then shoot, despite having more of the ball in more dangerous positions in front of goal than its opposition.

Kenya did have some really strong shots on goal through Shalyne Opisa and Fasila Omondi, but some strong goal keeping from Mackenzie Arnold denied the Kenyans an equaliser thrice within a minute.

Kerr’s goal proved to ultimately be the only one of the first half, and the Australians went into the half time break with plenty to think about ahead of the second half.

Australian coach Joe Montemurro did make an intriguing substitution at half time, with midfielder Emily van Egmond coming on in place of winger Raso and Amy Sayer pushing into that wider role Raso had been playing.

Australia started on the front foot in the second half, with Kerr and Caitlin Foord working well together to generate shots on goal for Australia, albeit their shots ultimately kept going slightly wide of the target.

The Matildas did finally find a second goal about 10 minutes into the second half after Wheeler found herself with the ball at the top of the box, and danced her way around several defenders before striking the ball perfectly into the back of the net.

Australia almost had a third about five minutes later via Foord, but the goal was ruled invalid.

Kenya certainly kept pushing the Matildas, particularly the likes of Opisa giving the Aussie defence plenty to think about, but just lacked the quality of finishes to make the most of any chances.

One thing that will concern Montemurro and his staff moving forward was the lack of clinical passing, with the passing particularly in transition leaving much to be desired and handing the Kenyans much easier opportunities to intercept than a side of Australia’s quality should have been.

Ultimately those two goals were enough for the Australians to get the job done, but the Australian coaching staff will leave Kenya with plenty to think about ahead of the next stage of the team’s preparations for next year’s World Cup.

Teams: KENYA (4-3-3): Onyango, Jereko, Nasaka, Opisa, Emedot, Obunyu, Norah, Ochaka, Andiema, Madalina, Omondi. Substitutes: Kundu, Lwangau, Okumu, Nyabuto, Serenge, Muange, Vidah, Mukhwana, Airo, Shilwatso, Mango.

Goals:

AUSTRALIA (4-3-3): Arnold, Torpey, Rule, Heatley, Rankin, Wheeler, Sayer, Kennedy, Raso, Foord, Kerr. Substitutes: Chidiac, Nevin, Nash, Gomez, Lincoln, Aquino, Van Egmond, McKenna, McNamara, Siemsen.

Goals: Kerr 20’, Wheeler 55’

Referee: Yordanos Mulugeta (Ethiopia)

Attendance: TBC.

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England hold strong to see out win over Spain

England 1-0 Spain

By Damion Arnold 14/4/26

Above: Lauren Hemp celebrating her goal in the opening three minutes. Photo: via Lionesses

After scoring early on, England held defensively strong to keep Spain out and secure all three points in their race to World Cup qualification.

The two-time European Champions took the lead early through Hemp. In the third minute, Greenwood’s corner ball was not cleared well with the ball bouncing around the six-yard box. Hemp struck the ball on the volley and after some confusion as to whether the ball crossed the line, the goal line technology signaled it had.

Hemp had the chance to double the lead in the 19th minute, but her effort struck the post.

Ona Battle found herself with an unusual opportunity inside the England box. After receiving the ball and weaving between three England bodies, she takes a close-range shot. However, the full-back slices the shot and her effort flies over the bar.

Just before the break, the visitors registered their first shot on target. Patri Guijarro slipped behind the England defense and directed the crossed ball goalward. Hannah Hampton was there to stop the shot at her front post.

Five minutes into the second half, the visitors hit the bar. Olga Carmona stuck the crossbar inside the England penalty box.

On her senior debut, Lucia Kendall squandered a golden opportunity to score a goal just a minute after the Spain chance. Alessia Russo unselfishly slotted the ball across goal for Kendall, but the 21-year-old blazed the ball over.

Vicky Lopez missed a great chance to level the game in the 56th minute. She receives the ball inside the England box and strikes the ball well. Unfortunately, the effort struck the post and bounced out.

12 minutes later, Lopez found herself in another shooting opportunity. After cutting in from the right, she watched her effort get parried away by Hampton.

In the 70th minute, Claudia Pina’s corner found fellow Barcelona teammate Irene Parades at the back post. The centre-back could not direct the headed effort on target.

Hampton produced an excellent save in the 90th minute, denying Edna Imade’s close range-headed effort.

Lineups: England (4-3-3): Hampton (Chelsea), Bronze (Chelsea), Wubben-May (Arsenal), Morgan (Washington Spirit), Greenwood (Manchester City), Kendall (Aston Villa), Walsh (Chelsea), Stanway (Bayern Munchen), Hemp (Manchester City), Russo (Arsenal), James (Chelsea). SUBS: Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Roebuck (Aston Villa), Carter (Gotham FC), Le Tissier (Manchester United), Charles (Chelsea), Hinds (Arsenal), Parkinson (Valadares Gaia), Blindkilde (Arsenal), Kelly (Arsenal), Park (Manchester United), Barry (Bay FC)

Goal scorers: Hemp 3’.

Yellow cards: Bronze 85’ , Hampton 90+4’


Spain (4-3-3): Coll (Barcelona), Batlle (Barcelona), Parades (Barcelona), Leon (Barcelona), Carmona (Paris Saint Germain), Caldentey (Arsenal), Guijarro (Barcelona), Putellas (Barcelona), Lopez (Barcelona), Gonzalez (Gotham FC), Pina (Barcelona). SUBS: Nanclares (Athletic Club), Misa (Real Madrid), Navarro (Real Madrid), Fernandez (London City Lionesses), Codina (Arsenal), Corrales (London City Lionesses), Mendez (Real Madrid), Serrajordi (Barcelona), Benitez (Athletico Madrid), Athenea (Real Madrid), Imade (Bayern Munchen), Paralluelo (Barcelona).

Goal scorers: N/A

Yellow cards: Parades 59’.


Referee: Tess Olofsson

Attendance: 62,308.

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