Perth Glory 0-0 Sydney FC
By Kieran Yap with photography by Rob Lizzi 29/1/26
Above: Nat Tathem returned to play. Photo: Rob Lizzi
Another outstanding display from Heather Hinz denied Perth Glory’s near endless attacking wave at Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Sydney FC arrived in Western Australia on their second successive away trip, following a goalless draw against Melbourne Victory there was a feeling that they might be able to get a result against a Perth Glory side that has been strong at home.
Glory were coming off defeat against Melbourne City that was costly in more than just points. Tijan McKenna was missing through injury, but the home fans welcomed back Nat Tathem from a serious knee injury.
The momentum swung back and forth in the early stages. Sydney FC began stronger and created several good chances on goal. Riley Tanner’s battle with Grace Johnston appeared to be a key matchup for the evening with Tanner threatening on the ball, but Johnston able to force her into shots from the angle when she looked to cut in.
Perth took some time to get into the game, but when they did, they looked as good as they had all season. Isabel Dalton brought the best out of Hinz with a long range effort and a dipping cross that almost caught out the in-form goalkeeper.
Rola Badawiya was a dynamic, mobile attacking presence coming in off the left. She cut in and shot on goal, but her effort skimmed wide and Susan Phonsongkham was dangerously roaming behind the attack looking to create chances and keep the duo of Maddison Ayson and Willa Pearson guessing.
Theresa Morrissey was not called into action as much as Hinz, but when she was she was up to the task, strong hands and good positioning denied Ulkekul and Hana Lowry from close range.
When Hinz was eventually beaten, the ball would still not fall fortunately for Perth. Multiple Glory players directed the ball toward goal from a set piece, but Amelia Cassar was somehow able to clear it over the bar in a near impossible situation.
Sydney began the second half in the ascendancy, but could not capitalise on that momentum. It was not long before Perth began to probe and attack again, creating chance after chance but to no avail.
Glory fans thought the breakthrough was imminent when Badawiya looked to have been fouled in the box, but no penalty was given.
Perth Glory would not be deterred, but they would be denied. Hinz remained unbeatable throughout the evening. Ella Lincoln, Phonsongkham and Emma Tovar all had shots that were saved in spectacular style.
Sydney FC face Western Sydney Wanderers next up, while Perth Glory will try and overcome both the form of Wellington Phoenix and the tyranny of distance when they take the field in Round 15.
Teams: Perth Glory (4-3-3): Morrissey, Sardo, Anderson, Zogg, Johnston, Phonsongkham, Dalton, Tovar, Trew, Badawiya, O’Donoghue. Substitutes: Skinner, Hollar, Tathem, Lincoln, Lala, Wainwright.
Sydney FC (4-3-3): Hinz, Tumeth, Ayson, Pearson, Fenton, Lowry, Hunter, Cassar, Lemon, Ulkekul, Tanner. Substitutes: Robertson, Hawkesby, Corbett, Luchtmeijer, Halmarick, Sullivan.
Referee: Page Malau-Aduli
Attendance: TBC
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