Jenkins strike earns Perth the Glory in battle of the top two

Central Coast Mariners 0-1 Perth Glory

by Ben Gilby (14/11/26)

Above: Maggie Jenkins celebrates after scoring her match winning goal. Photo: Perth Glory.

Maggie Jenkins’ goal 12 minutes from the end of normal time ensured that Perth Glory went level on points with leaders Central Coast Mariners the top of the A-League Women after this battle of the top two.

The New Zealander’s first goal for the Western Australian club saw them continue their superb start to the season, which has seen them earn 10 points from a possible 15, with seven of them coming on the road – a sensational achievement for a club who historically find it tough to come away from long journeys with the spoils.

Mariners created the first opportunity of the game. With seven minutes played, Peta Trimis played a corner short on the left before crossing in the return pass. Skye Halmarick got up the highest, but it was a comfortable save for Alyssa Dall’Oste, who was able to gather the ball calmly.

Shortly afterwards, the visitors carved out an opening of their own. Mariners gave away possession on the left, allowing Jenkins the space to run through and hit a curling side-footed effort from just under 25 yards that wasn’t quite high enough to evade the catch of former Perth keeper Morgan Aquino.

As the game reached the 25 minute mark, Glory showed the quality of their passing build-up again. Julia Sardo on the left played a pass that dissected the Central Coast midfield for Susan Phonsongkham to beat the close attentions of Te Reremoana Walker and get a low shot away that went narrowly wide of the right hand post.

Emma Tovar continued her excellent start to the season for the Glory with a commanding performance throughout, and just prior to half-time received the ball from Rola Badawiya, who had her back to play close to the right hand touch line, and turned beautifully to beat two markers and play in the midfielder.

Tovar beat Alexia Karrys-Stahl had space to run into and hit a low shot that lacked power, enabling Aquino to get down and hold the ball.

For the Mariners, a run from Kaiya Buchanan saw the ball played into the box. Halmarick’s touch found Trimis who turned and shot inside the box early in the second half caused Dall’Oste to get down quickly.

On the hour mark, Danika Matos danced her way down the right touch line and fed Halmarick who was in a central position, but the Young Matilda saw her shot bounce wide of the far post.

As the game entered its final 20 minutes, the best opportunity so far came. Tovar had the ball to the right of centre in the middle of the park and played a short pass to substitute Ella Lincoln. Although under the attention of both Kaiya Buchanan and Tess Quilligan, the attacker turned away from them and let fly with a shot from 25 yards which Aquino did well to hold as it bounced in front of her.

Then, five minutes later, the deciding moment of the game. Georgia Cassidy stood over a free-kick, 25 yards or so outside the box, to the right. The ball came in low to Lincoln, who touched it out towards Tovar, who beat Charlotte Lancaster and accelerated down the right flank to play in a pacey cross for Jenkins to rise highest and head home into the right hand corner of the net.

Glory Head coach Stephen Peters will be thrilled not just by the haul of points achieved on the road from his team, but also the fact that they have kept clean sheets in four of their five fixtures this season.

His team’s next bid for a statement making result on the road comes with next Sunday’s trip to Melbourne Victory.

Mariners however, have a long wait before attempting to bounce back from this, their first home defeat of the campaign as, due to the bye and international break, are not in action again until 13th December when they face Brisbane Roar.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-2-3-1): Aquino, Lake, Quilligan, K.Buchanan, Matos, Trimis, Walker, Familton, Halmarick, Karrys-Stahl, Kapetanellis. Substitutes: De Domizio, Iaria, Lancaster, Witz, Baumann, Fuller, Grove.

PERTH GLORY (4-1-4-1): Dall’Oste, Thew, Cassidy, Sardo, E.Buchanan, Zogg, Dalton, Jenkins, Tovar, Badawiya, Phonsongkham. Substitutes: Abdul Massih, Anderson, Lincoln, Trew, Westaway, Morrissey, Wainwright.

Scorer: Jenkins 78′.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 1,034.

Follow Impetus on social media:

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Champions’ homecoming ends in tight draw

by Emma Burke (14/11/26)

Above: Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets tussled it out for a one goal all draw this afternoon. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

Goals to Cortnee Vine and Tash Prior have seen Melbourne City and the Newcastle Jets share the points in a 1-1 draw at ctrl:cyber Pitch.

There were plenty of chances for both sides in the first half, but they were either off target or managed by quality defending and goalkeeping.

It was the home side who opened the scoring, minutes before the end of the first half.

Melina Ayres provided the assist to Vine, sending in a through ball that broke through Newcastle’s defensive line.

Vine was able to run onto the ball and finish with the first time touch, chipping American Claire Henninger.

The second half had Melbourne City looking to further their lead, however the defensive partnership between Prior and Cassidy Davis in the centre of defence for the Jets held strong.

Newcastle found their equaliser through a set piece. A scramble in the box had Prior sending the ball spinning towards goal off her shin.

City keeper Malena Mieres dove for it but was too late to deny the ball its passage over the line.

The home side spent the remaining 20 minutes of the game trying for a winner, coming close with a shot from substitute Kelli McGroarty being saved by Henninger and a header from Momo Hayashi from close range also being tipped over the bar by the Jets’ keeper.

Melbourne City (4-4-2): Mieres, Medwin, Stott, Hayashi, Roestbakken, McMahon, Ray, Jackson, Keane, Vine, Ayres. Substitutes: McGroarty 76′, Prakash 83′

Scorers: Vine 42′

Newcastle Jets (4-3-3): Henninger, Karipidis, Davis, Prior, Hooks, Levin, Dundas, Klos, Flurey, Thornton, Adams. Substitutes: Allan 63′, Valladares 63′, Sandhu 83′

Scorers: Prior 69′

Referee: Mikayla Ryan

Attendance: TBC.

Follow Impetus on social media:

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Neary & Nunn : “The Girls Are Buzzing” for Porirua Park return

Above: Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Brooke Neary reflects on her starting debut. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

By Tayla O’Brien (12/11/2026)

Wellington Phoenix’s confidence is high after a 2-0 win over Adelaide United ahead of the Phoenix’s return to Porirua Park.

The Phoenix are heading back to Porirua Park with some new-found energy after securing their first win of the season, a result which both Brooke Neary and Brooke Nunn said was important for the group as they find more rhythm for the season.

Despite a difficult start of the season and a hard loss against Perth, the Phoenix responded with a positive week of review and training. Neary said that there was a major shift in the group’s mood in Adelaide.

For Neary, the victory carried additional significance, marking a personal milestone after earning her first start following her last match and debut off the bench in the final match for the Phoenix during the 24/25 season.

Reflecting on her performance, Neary said she was particularly pleased with two important moments, including a punch and a one-on-one save.

Her journey into this role is unique, having only three years of goalkeeper experience after playing the start of her footballing journey as an outfield player. After being scouted she remained hesitant but the support of her dad and the club ultimately helped her take the opportunity.

“It’s been a crazy three years and I’m so grateful,” Neary said.

The occasion was made even more special by the support given to her by those around her. Neary described returning to the change rooms as a moment she’ll always remember.

“It was a pretty pinch-me moment, like coming back into the change rooms having everyone around me, and all the messages and calls, it’s pretty cool,” Neary said.

Neary also acknowledged the guidance received from experienced goalkeeper Vic Esson, highlighting the support and advice that has helped her within the squad and her development.

While the result provided a boost within the squad, the focus is now turned to returning back home, with both Neary and Nunn expressing their excitement at being able to play at Porirua Park in front of the Phoenix supporters.

For Neary, the connection with the home crowd is something the players are looking forward to experiencing again.

“I think the girls are buzzing, obviously we love Sky Stadium, but Porirua Park…” Neary said. “It’s such a great vibe and atmosphere.”

Nunn said she sees how important the supporters are to the team and what they bring to match days.

“We love it at that stadium, the atmosphere is so good, the energy is good, the crowd really becomes our 12th man,” Nunn said. “We are really excited to be back home.”

Above: Wellington Phoenix wing-back Brooke Nunn ahead of the match against Sydney FC. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

For Nunn, this win was more than just getting three points. Having felt that the team deserved more from their previous performances, securing a win and three points just gives the team an extra boost of confidence and is a step forward for the group. She said that the squad had felt a little shaky following Perth, but the win had helped lift the mood.

With a group continuing to build connections and learn each other’s playing styles, Nunn said that developing chemistry takes time, particularly as players adjust to new teammates and combinations.

The competition within the squad is another important factor, everyone is fighting for their spot which is earned through consistent performances and commitment. Nunn stressed the importance of the players showing up each week ready to compete, with everyone wanting to show what they have.

As the Phoenix continue building, the first win offers major confidence. With the energy growing, combinations developing, confidence building and a return to Porirua Park coming, the players will be looking to carry their energy into their next set of challenges.

With their squad developing and supporters ready to play their part, the Phoenix will be hoping there’s more to celebrate.

Follow Impetus on social media:

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Mariners survive Jets onslaught to claim a precious point

Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Newcastle Jets

by Texi Smith (8/11/26)

Above: All eyes on the prize – Mariners and Jets prepare for the ball into the box. Photo: Ryan Miller-Woods for Impetus.

Central Coast Mariners were given a reality check in Gosford on Saturday afternoon,
as local rivals Newcastle Jets finished strongly to go close to a derby victory.

An early goal by Skye Halmarick ignited the Mariners’ fans expectations of another
dominant display from their heroes, but the Jets were no pushover, deservedly
equalising midway through the second half with a delightful finish from former
Mariner Tamar Levin.

The game was in the balance for the remainder of the contest,
the Jets coming closest in stoppage time with two gilt-edged chances, the hosts not
looking like the force that they have been so far this A-League season.

The opening exchanges were frantic, Te Reremoana Walker showing great feet for
the home side, but they seemed content to take risks at the back. Any doubts
defensively were completely forgotten though with only four minutes on the clock,
Danika Matos feeding Eliza Familton for the cross, and when the ball popped out to
Halmarick, she made no mistake with a low shot just inside the post for 1-0.

Normal service underway, and moments later Peta Trimis played in Halmarick but Claire
Henninger was out smartly. The Mariners’ early pressure gave way to five glorious
minutes for the Jets, a long throw from Poppie Hooks came to Claire Adams who
smashed a fierce shot just past the post from the edge of the area.

Next was a fantastic cross from the exciting Cameron Valladares, but Adams
miskicked with the volley, and another incredible cross from the flying right winger
saw the heads go up in the box and Adams reach for the knock down, but Morgan
Aquino made the save from right in front.

Zoe Karipidis then stole a ball in midfield and advanced, but got the shot all wrong. The Mariners did get another half-chance, Talia Kapetanellis doing well to keep the ball in on the left to cross for Halmarick, but the header was wayward.

That bravado at the back from the Mariners almost caught them out when Aquino dallied with the ball. Emma Dundas nipped in to steal the ball off her but the Mariners’ keeper was able to dive onto the loose ball and avert the danger.

Newcastle finished the half strongly, Allie Thornton on the end of some fabulous
interplay but her shot was way off target. This had been an entertaining half of
football.

Above: Central Coast Mariners’ Talia Kapentanellis (yellow shirt) attempts to hold off Newcastle Jets’ Poppie Hooks. Photo: Ryan Miller-Woods for Impetus.

The second half was wide open in the first few minutes, culminating in Henninger
underhitting a pass and Hamlarick seemingly fouled in the area in the resulting
panic, but referee Sophie Allum wasn’t interested.

Mariners looked like adding to their tally, Trimis weaving through to hit her shot straight at Henninger, then crossing perfectly for Familton to challenge for a header. It was the Jets who did have the ball in the net though, Valladares with a cross for Thornton to head home but the flag was already up.

The Jets were turning the screw; Rebecca Lake got lucky when turning her back on
the ball and it struck her arm, the visiting players quite rightly appealing for the penalty, and the home side went to the bench to try and shore things up.

The scourge of the corner straight out of play for a goal kick was experienced at both
ends as frustration started to creep in, and when Greta Kraszula slipped and fell on
the ball, Dundas couldn’t believe when the referee awarded a free kick to the
Mariners midfielder.

Trimis curled in a corner from the left that was an olimpico in the making, Henninger
getting a strong fist on the swirling ball, while up the other end, Aquino sold her
defence in trouble, Kraszula ambushed, Adams was blocked brilliantly by Lake as
she went to shoot and Valladares fired straight at the relieved Aquino.

The goal was coming, and when Familton slipped, Elin Flurey slipped in Levin who cut onto her right and curled a beauty past Aquino for the deserved equaliser.

The Mariners almost re-took the lead from the resulting kick off, as the Jets gave the ball away, Halmarick with the audacious chip from distance that fell just the wrong side of the post with Henninger stranded.

The Mariners grabbed the initiative, Trimis with a teasing cross that Morgan Witz met
at the far post with a volley that only just cleared the crossbar and there were further
chances, Trimis the architect, but the target was difficult to find.

The rain came pouring down. Conditions were suddenly very different. Charlotte Lancaster’s deflected shot was well handled by Henninger, before the Jets had two fabulous chances right at the end.

First Thornton played the perfect ball across the penalty area for Dundas to run on to, but her shot was hopelessly high over the bar, and with time running out, a corner fell to Levin at the far post but she too fired over with the final chance of the game.

The Jets will be delighted with their performance in today’s derby; they soaked up
the early pressure and turned the game around, the Mariners unable to conjure up
the attacking verve that we’ve seen in the opening games of the season.

For more of Ryan Miller-Woods’ photography from the game, check out our Instagram feed – @ImpetusFootball

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-4-2): Aquino, Buchanan, King, Kraszula,
Lake, Matos, Walker, Kapetanellis, Familton, Trimis, Halmarick. Substitutes: Karrys-
Stahl, Lancaster, Witz, Quilligan, Barwick-Grey, Fuller, Grove, De Domizio.

Scorer: Halmarick 5’.

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-4-2): Henninger, Prior, Karipidis, Adams, Valladares, Klos,
Levin, Davis, Dundas, Thornton, Hooks. Substitutes: Bates, Flurey, Allan, Sanhu,
Copus-Brown, Ritchie, Walandouw.

Scorer: Levin 71’.

Referee: Sophie Allum.

Attendance: TBC.

Follow Impetus on social media:

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Canberra score breakthrough win to end Glory undefeated start

Perth Glory 0-1 Canberra United

by Alyce Collett (8/11/26)

Above: Michelle Heyman (green uniform facing) and Madison Ayson (green uniform facing away) celebrate during Canberra’s breakthrough win over Perth Glory. Photo: Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS.

Canberra United have picked up an important first win of the A League Women’s season, defeating Perth Glory 1-0 yesterday to hand the Glory their first loss of the season and make them concede for the first time all season.

It was overall a pretty even contest, but Canberra just made better use of a singular chance to snatch a goal which resulted in the win.

Canberra’s goal came about 10 minutes into the second half, when Condon breeched Perth’s defence for her first goal for her new club. She kept working the ball forward and with a clever kick around the pack she found some space and slotted the ball home.

Even in the opening minutes of the match it was those in green on the attacking front foot, keeping the press on the Glory defence strong even without possession of the ball to keep the ball firmly wedged in their forward half.

But, it was Glory who got the first real shot on goal chance just shy of the 10 minute mark. However, Susan Phonsongkham’s shot was well headed away by Liz Anton.

There was an interesting contrast between the two sides of attacking styles in the first half, with Perth liking to use the wide areas of the pitch whereas Canberra really preferring to use the central corridor.

It was a free flowing first half that resulted in only a combined 10 shots on goal (seven to three in favour of the hosts) but no goals to show for it.

As the half progressed Perth did take control of the attacking momentum, so as such finished the first half with more of the possession (62% to 38%) and more final third entries (38 to 25). However, they had only one more touch in the opposition box in the first half than Canberra did.

Canberra started the second half on the front foot much like they had in the first, being the first side for the half to get some sustained time in their front half and had the same number of shots on goal in the first 12 minutes of the second half as they had in all of the first half. Perth did also then have some time in front of goal, but after the ball slipped over the Perth attacking end line, Canberra then worked the ball up the other end for Condon’s goal in the 55th minute.

Perth certainly were not without their opportunities to find an equaliser later in the second half, but Canberra’s defending in the box left less room for Perth’s attackers to get into a good position to have a dangerous shot on goal. This meant that although Canberra goal keeper Sally James still had work to do, that work was not overly difficult in nature.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Dall’Oste, Buchanan, Sardo, Cassidy, Thew, Zogg, Tovar, Westaway, Jenkins, Badawiya, Phonsongkham. Substitutes: Dalton, Lincoln, Trew, Wainwright, Wynne, Anderson, Morrissey.

CANBERRA UNITED (4-2-3-1): James, Christopherson, Taylor-Young, Sasaki, Anton, Ayson, Grove, Gordon, Heyman, Condon, Dale. Substitutes: Malone, McMahon, Tallon-Henniker, Tolland, Majstorovic, Schöfberger.

Scorers: Condon 55’

Referee: Charlotte Flynn.

Attendance: TBC.

Follow Impetus on social media:

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Wellington win away against Reds

Adelaide United 0-2 Wellington Phoenix

By Emma Burke 6/11/26

Above: Emma Taylor-Main and Holly Murray Photo: Adelaide United

Wellington Phoenix have won their first game of the season, defeating Adelaide United 2-0 at ServiceFM Stadium, scoring early and late to do so.

It was long-time Matilda Tameka Yallop who found the back of the net early, her first goal in her new colours since moving to Wellington Phoenix this season.

The home side had two great opportunities to find an equaliser. Lara Gooch, who joined Adelaide this season from Newcastle, played two incredible through balls that broke open Wellington’s defence, but both players on the end of each pass, Kiera Meyers and Chelsea Dawber, sent their shots straight into the arms of Nix keeper Brooke Neary.

It was Neary’s first start for Wellington and her side’s first clean sheet for the season. The 19-year-old Kiwi keeper, who was promoted over their usual keeper Victoria Esson, who conceded five goals in the last three games.

Both sides failed to make the most of a multitude of chances over the course of the second half, with the Reds hitting the post twice, and Phoenix striker Makala Woods skying some well placed crosses.

Just before regular time expired, Indiah-Paige Riley sealed the win for Wellington. Her right-footed shot from the middle of the box had Adelaide’s Ilona Melegh beaten for the second time this evening.

Adelaide will now travel to face Melbourne Victory for round five, while Wellington finally head home to host Sydney FC for their respective round five fixture.

Adelaide United (4-2-3-1): Melegh, Cicco, Murray, Harris, Hodgson, M. Taranto, Zois, Gooch, A. Taranto, Meyers, Dawber Substitutes: Salvestrin 57′, Yakel 67′, Breier 67′, Rossi 80′, Nicholas 80′

Wellington Phoenix (4-4-2): Neary, Pickett, Erceg, van der Meer, Walker, Vlok, Yallop, Jale, Nunn, Woods, Clegg Substitutes: Elliot 46′, Riley 46′, Taylor-Main 46′, Wall 90+2′

Scorers: Yallop 15′, Riley 87′

Referee: Isabella Mossin

Glory take the points in Distance Derby

Perth Glory 2-0 Wellington Phoenix

By Emma Burke 2/11/26

Above: Georgia Cassidy. Photo: Perth Glory

Perth Glory have come away with the spoils in the first distance derby of the season, defeating the visiting Wellington Phoenix 2-0 at HBF Park.

Wellington came out with the first chance of the game when Brooke Nunn fed Makala Woods an exccellent ball into the box but The angle was just too tight for Woods to make it count.

Perth immediately answered that chance with the game’s opening goal.

Susan Phonsingkham recieved the ball wide on the left side of the field, making a simple cut inside to beat two defenders, she was able to find the run of Emma Tovar.

Already in front of her defender, Tovar was well in space in the box and able to fire the ball into the bottom right corner.

Tragedy struck for the Phoenix, when only 10 minutes later their striker in Makala Woods was helped off the pitch with an ankle issue.

Woods had been well attended to by the Glory’s defence, and two challenges that left her grounded and clutching her ankle was one too many.

It was Rola Badawiya who scored the second goal for Perth Glory, just before the half-time whistle.

Phonsongkham’s delivery from the corner was pinpoint, finding the head of Badawiya who was placed right in front of Vic Esson in goal.

Badawiya dedicated her goal to her father, who woke up at 4:45am to watch her play, taking off her boot and holding it up as a makeshift phone.

The second half saw the Nix step out clearly looking to find a way back into the game, but they unfortunately seemed to have left their scoring boots back in Wellington.

Every shot they took was either sent over the crossbar or out wide. The loss of Woods to injury early on had a serious impact on their forward movement.

This result sees Perth open their season with three clean sheets and without a loss.

Perth will remain at home for the next round, hosting Canberra United, while Wellington will continue to make their way home slowly, with a pit stop in Adelaide on their way back to New Zealand.

Perth Glory (4-3-3): Dall’Oste, Buchanan, Thew, Zogg, Sardo, Tovar, Cassidy, Westaway, Badawiya, Jenkins, Phonsongkham Substitutes: Dalton 63′, Wynne 63′, Lincoln 65′, Abdul Massih 73′, Trew 73′

Scorers: Tovar 4′, Badawiya 40′

Wellington Phoenix (4-4-2): Esson, Barry, Walker, Erceg, Eglinton, Riley, Jale, Yallop, Nunn, Woods, Vlok Substitutes: Taylor-Main 17′, Pickett 59′, Clegg 59′, Elliot 86′

Referee: Mikayla Ryan

Follow Impetus on social media:

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Kapetanellis at the double as Mariners cruise

By Texi Smith 31/10/26

Above: Central Coast celebrates a goal. Photo: Jonah Halim for Impetus

Central Coast Mariners 2-0 Adelaide United

Another two goals for Talia Kapetanellis allowed Central Coast Mariners to edge Adelaide United in an entertaining contest in Gosford on Saturday evening.

The visitors gave as good as they got, giving the hosts plenty to do in a game that would look like a routine victory on paper, but was far from it. Goals at the beginning of both halves decided the result today, but this was more about the eye-catching displays of the

Mariners’ central midfielder Te Reremoana Walker and Adelaide’s defender Tianna Harris as both teams gave a good account of themselves in perfect footballing conditions.

The game could have been immediately thrown into chaos when Skye Halmarick was brought down in the opening moments, Claudia Cicco fortunate not to concede a penalty, and when goalkeeper Ilona dwelt too long on the ball a minute later, Halmarick almost capitalised. The first corner of the game from Peta Trimis saw Melegh flap at the ball, the rebound falling to Halmarick and the snapshot was blocked by the legs of Melegh, the offside flag already up.

It was no surprise then, after such a bright opening, that the home side struck on ten minutes, Eliza Familton bundling through a challenge on the right to reach the byline and her cross invited Kapetanellis to nip in front of her defender and the diving Melegh to steer the ball into the unguarded net for 1-0.

This had been an impressive opening from the Mariners and when Danika Matos miskicked her shot soon after, the ball fell into Familton’s path, but she couldn’t sort out her feet quickly enough to apply the finish. Morgan Aquino gave the home crowd a nervy moment, standing on the ball after a tricky back pass, but she managed to scoop the ball away under pressure.

The Mariners continued to probe, Halmarick sending Familton into the penalty area with a deft pass and she unselfishly squared to Kapetanellis, but the time it took her to control and tee up the shot, Holly Murray was there to block.

Adelaide then enjoyed a period of pressure, Chelsie Dawber blazing wildly over from a pull back from Emily Hodgson on the byline. Livewire Adriana Taranto threatened to run all the way to goal, her shot blocked by Taren King and the ball fortuitously falling into Aquino’s arms.

The rampant right side of the Mariners midfield saw Matos race away, her cross half cleared back to Matos in a shooting position, but it was on her usually unused left foot and the tame shot was cleared. Just prior to the MC revving up the crowd, Kiera Meyers delivered a low cross from the right.

Dawber seemed to hesitate Instead of committing, Matos a little lucky that the rebound didn’t end up in her own goal

It was almost a carbon copy a few minutes later, this time a beautiful ball out right by Adriana Taranto saw Lara Gooch bear down on goal, but Aquino made the save, defender Rebecca Lake almost turning the ball into her own goal.The game was finely poised at half time, the Mariners with the majority of possession, but when Adelaide broke, they did so with intent and they were definitely in this game.

A game-changing moment at the start of the second half could have altered the complexion of the game, a late stamp by King on Dawber going unpunished, and it was all Adelaide at the beginning of the second period.

However, when Matos fed Trimis on the right, she crossed perfectly for Kapetanellis to head home at the far post, the ball skipping just inside the post for an impressive second goal for the Mariners.

The game continued to be open and flowing, Hodgson drilling in a shot via a deflection that Aquino saved down low. Kapetanellis perhaps had her eye on a hat-trick soon after, electing to shoot when Trimis was completely free at the far post, and when Hamlarick slotted a through ball into Trimis, she never really had full control and the shot was blocked by Melegh and hacked clear by the outstanding Harris.

The MC pumped up the home fans once more, but it was Adelaide on the attack, Adriana Taranto racing up the middle to feed Tessa Salvestrin who fired in a low shot straight at Aquino.

The game was getting away from Adelaide by now, despite their endeavour and persistence, and when

Matos and Morgan Witz combined, Halmarick connected with a flying header that just went the wrong side of the post.

There was time for Salvestrin to bring a bouncing ball down, spin and shoot just wide from outside the box as Adelaide searched for a crumb of comfort, and when Halmarick won a header to send Witz scampering clear, it was only the assistant referee’s flag that prevented her rounding the keeper to finish off the contest.

Instead, a late corner from India Breier almost emulated her feat from round one against Sydney FC, an olimpico denied as the ball just cleared the crossbar.

Central Coast Mariners deserved winners today, but with Adriana Taranto the engine in midfield, they were never out of sight in this one and Adelaide United will take heart from a solid performance against their free-scoring opponents.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-2-3-1): Aquino, King, Matos, Buchanan, Lake,

Kraszula, Walker, Kapetanellis, Familton, Trimis, Hamlarick. Substitutes: Karrys-Stahl,

Witz, Fuller, Grove, Quilligan, De Domizio, Iaria.

Scorers: Kapetanellis 10’, 53’

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Melegh, Harris, Hidgson, Murray, Cicco, M. Taranto, Zois, A.

Taranto, Dawber, Gooch, Meyers. Substitutes: Breier, Salvestrin, Rossi, Yakel, Dewey,

Millar, Drawwater

Scorers: None

Referee: Shab Roshan.

Attendance : TBC

Follow Impetus on social media:

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Sydney bounce back to get first win on third attempt

Brisbane Roar 0-1 Sydney FC

by Alyce Collett (31/10/26)

Above: Sydney FC are happy campers tonight after finally picking up their first win of the 2026/27 season. Photo: via Sydney FC.

Sydney FC picked up its first win of the 2026/27 A League Womens season with a 1-0 win over the Brisbane Roar this afternoon.

Despite the scoreline it was a dominant performance from the Sky Blues in a number of key areas, with a second half goal from Faith Webber the ultimate difference on the scoreboard.

Buoyed by the return of some of their young stars from international duty, Sydney were on the front foot early from an attacking sense.

It began in the second minute with a strong shot from Faith Webber that ultimately went narrowly wide, and from there the Sky Blues continue to pepper the goals for much of the early exchanges. Webber did not work alone though, with the likes of Amy Chessari, Riley Cohn and others certainly putting the Brisbane defence under a lot of pressure and on the back foot early.

Brisbane did not find themselves in their attacking final third inside the first 20 minutes, but were not really threatening at all apart from a couple of strong shots from Daisy Brown.

Inter dispersed between brief glimpses of hope for the Roar was plenty of Sydney attacking attempts, but as hard as the Sky Blues tried they just could not find the back of the net.

In the end the scoreline remained at nil all at half time, but despite the even scoreline Sydney dominated in just about every key stat.

Sydney ultimately recorded 15 shots in the first half, but only four of which were on target. By comparison, Brisbane recorded three shots in the first half, all of which were on target.

This was combined with a dominance by Sydney in stats such as possession (68% to 32%) and touches in the final third (141 to 49).

The second half started pretty evenly with both sides getting some positive chances at goal, and both of the early second half substitutions, Amber Luchtmeijer and Lily Punch, making a strong impact off the bench.

In the end though Sydney finally got some reward for their dominance with the match winner in the 66th minute. After Maddie Caspers slotted a perfect through ball to Webber, the day’s captain struck a perfect first touch shot from distance right into the back of the net.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (5-3-2): Lincoln, Martin, Kinsella, Tathem, Curtis, Long, Agnew, Kruger, Brown, Guillou, Smothers. Substitutes: Markovski, Punch, Roach, Stephenson, Franco, Hodgson, Hoyos.

SYDNEY FC (4-2-3-1): Robertson, Dulaney, Roling, Pearson, Channing, Chessari, Price, Corbett, Webber, Cohn, Caspers. Substitutes: Luchtmeijer, Sullivan, Aungle, Croll, Puckett, Taylor.

Scorers: Webber 66’.

Referee: Bec Mackie.

Attendance: TBC.

Follow Impetus on social media:

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Arsenal head-coach Renee Slegers previews tough game against Aston Villa

By Chloe Reynolds (30/10/26)

Above: Alessia Russo wheeling off to celebrate one of her three goals against Benfica earlier in the week. Photo: Arsenal FC

It’s been less than a day since Arsenal played in the Women’s Champions League and head-coach Renee Slegers was already sat down with the media to preview Sunday’s class against Aston Villa.

Firstly, the Dutch coach shared her thoughts on last night’s game.

“Very happy with the performance. I think (Benfica) are a tough side to play against,  I think we nullified a lot of what they can bring to the game and strengths they can bring to the game.

“For example, the duelling and the direct play, which we dealt with really well. We were defensively solid it in the game and we also set ourselves up to be good from counterattacking moments.

“I think we created a variety of chances through set-pieces, longer attacks, faster moments, a good percentage of shots on targets.

“I think it was a really sharp performance from the team. There were new partnerships, there was starters and there was finishers, and of course, Alessia scoring three goals for us.

“It was a great night together with the fans.”

Ona Batlle started the game in her preferred position as a right back. This is what Slegers had to say:

“We have a lot of quality players on both sides. Ona and Geraldine had a great partnership yesterday, it was growing throughout the game, and they said it themselves afterwards as well. Ona was great with her run’s forwards and with her crosses.

“We also have a lot of other good players in those positions, so it’s about making sure that we use the squad the right way and most effectively game by game”

Slegers provided some updates on whether players will be returning to the squad or not.

“Kim (Little) was back last night, which was great to get her back onto the pitch.

“There might be a chance Fredia Maanum makes it for the for the game as well.

“Daphne van Domselaar is getting closer and closer. Maybe again too early.

“Katie Reid, she was back training with the team, she got an ankle injury, which sets her back, which is unfortunate. So, we don’t expect it to be back before Christmas. the rest is the same as last night.

Slegers also provide an update on Chloe Kelly, who has been absent from the squad since the start of October

“It’s hard to set a clear timeline. It’s still day-by-day, seeing how the symptoms are, what we can and can’t do. She had a specialist appointment a couple of days ago. Let’s see where we go from here, but she’s not available for the weekend.”

Slegers is facing a familiar foe this weekend in Brian Sorensen, who recently took over as interim manager of Aston Villa.

“Knowing him from his Everton time, I think it was always hard to play against Natalia (Arroyo)’s Aston Villa team as well. They would pose a lot of questions.

“Now, of course, with Brian, they’ve got a really good start. We remember the game last year, how it was difficult for us to tell the way game was, was good, was dominant.

“So, we have to be prepared, we have to be humble. What they’re going to do, it’s always a guessing game. Very often it happens that teams do something different against us. 
Let’s see what their game plan is. We have to focus on ourselves and keep building on our last performance.”

Caitlin Foord has had a rough start to the season but has recently showed exactly why she should be a starter, and Slegers was full of praise for the Arsenal veteran.

“She’s been Massive for us. She’s been a leader with the intensity and the fight she brings on the pitch. And that’s what we spoke about ahead of Spurs, the North London Derby.

“We needed fight, grit on the pitch, duels. And she brings that. That’s one of her big qualities in the game and she injects that into the team. The way she plays is contagious. And she’s been so important for us in that game. And with that performance and everything she brought and everything we expected, we needed against Benfica because we expected fight there as well.

“We wanted her to be on the pitch again, and she had a great 90 minutes again for us. She scores the fourth goal. The way she does it, it’s a wide combination and she sprints at high speed. She sprints into the box to get into that situation and finishes it.

“So, gutted for her. She didn’t get the goal. And goal difference can become important as well in the league phase. But yes, she had her 50th appearance for Arsenal in the Champions League last night. That tells you everything about what she’s done for Arsenal for so long. The player that she is. And she’s in great form right now.”

Arsenal host Aston Villa at the Emirates Sunday, November 1 at 12:00PM.

Follow Impetus on social media:

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and Facebook.