Above: The Western Sydney Wanderers and the Newcastle Jets fought it out hard tonight but ultimately could not be split. Photo: via A-Leagues
The Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets have played out a fascinating draw to kick off this weekend’s A-League Women’s action. A very quick goal from Tahlia Younis was eventually cancelled out by Melina Ayres late in the second half.
It did not even take the Wanderers 50 seconds to get on the board, when Younis found herself in quite some space and decided to trust her long range shot abilities and scored truly from about halfway between the center line and the 18 yard box.
There was not much Newcastle keeper Georgia Ritchie could do as Younis placed the shot perfectly on the edge of the net, but the goal actually came a little bit against the run of play.
This was because it was the Jets that were making the more promising attacking plays initially after kick off, but after a good intercept from Ella Buchanan, it was eventually worked across to Younis by Yuan Cong and the goal was scored.
Both sides certainly had plenty of chances to try and get a shot away, but both sets of forwards struggled to get into positions that were dangerous enough to really challenge either of the goal keepers. The Wanderers were more willing to take shots from distance though, which is why they had five shots on the board before the Jets had their first.
The home side looked far more confident in front of goal than their visitors did, who spent more time trying to open up the angles of the Wanderers’ defence than actually getting shots away.
Younis went narrowly close to picking up a second goal with about 10 minutes to go in the first half, but ultimately only got one goal in what turned out to be an eventful first half for her as she came off late in the half with a soft tissue injury concern.
The Wanderers ultimately finished the first half with 14 shots at goal to four, despite having about 22% less of the possession. Interestingly though, both sides only had two shots on target in the first half.
Western Sydney started the second half in the same way they spent much of the first half, but slowly but surely the Jets started to figure out how to navigate the Wanderers’ defence and get their forwards into actually dangerous positions and into positions where they could start racking up the shots on goal.
They finally put it all together and scored an equalizing goal with just over 20 minutes to go when a hard working Sophie Hoban squared the ball perfectly to Ayres who was directly in front of goal and the star forward converted perfectly.
The Jets ultimately had more shots on goal in the second half than their hosts did and also had significantly higher of them be on target, but ultimately neither side could quite find a second goal for the evening and as such the match was tied.
Above: Brighton players before the West Ham fixture Photo: Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Brighton and Hove Albion interim head coach Chris Roberts previewed their upcoming game against Arsenal in the WSL, confirming that Fran Kirby remians sidelined and responding to Brighton’s horrible collapse against West Ham last week.
Roberts has admitted that he was disappointed after last week’s game against West Ham and conceding three goals in 10 minutes: “extremely disappointing, 80 minutes on the clock, we’re 2-0 up in fairly comfortable control of the game. We’ve had a couple of moments in the game where the game’s turned and of course, we’ve taken the learning from it. Extremely disappointing because it’s a results business, for 80 minutes, we were in in a great position, but ultimately lose the game. We analysed how we manage games; we’ve analysed the good and bad from the game and like every game, we need to take the learning from it into the next.”
Roberts also provided an injury update on the players “Fran (Kirby) is a little bit closer, but won’t make it in time for this weekend. Marit (Auee) is also a little bit closer, but this weekend will be just a little bit too soon for her as well. , Rosa Kafaji. She can’t play this weekend, obviously, being an Arsenal player. “
The Interim coach also shared when Dario Vidosic could return to the position “it was actually Rado’s funeral last night, a lovely send off for a really special man, it’s important that Dario and his family have time to process and to be there for each other in this moment. We’ve been part of that, a lot of us watched a funeral remotely, we actually had representation there from the club in Australia, which is which is really nice as well. We’ve just been there to support Dario at the moment.”
The coach also shared his thoughts on facing WSL giants Arsenal, who are currently the champions of Europe “I don’t know if there’s ever the right time to face a team like Arsenal, they’re an excellent team. They have got world class individuals, incredible depth, they can play a number of different teams in terms of starting players.”
“They’re very well coached. The fans that come with them bring a lot of energy. We have shown in previous games against them that not only can we compete, but we can take something from the game. Last year, we went 4-2 in an incredible game and then at the Emirates this year we caused them problems.”
“What we do know is when you play teams like Arsenal, you have to be at your absolute best, you need to ride the storm at times in the game and deal with big spells of pressure, but you have to be brave enough to play and you have to go into the game full of belief that you can get something from the game. That’s going to be really important this weekend.”
Roberts also shared how vital having Kiko Seike in the squad could be and the type of threat she provides: “Kiko hit the ground running, in her first game she scored a hat-trick against Everton last season. She’s got a real eye on goal, good finisher, presses well. she’s really been a top player for us. where we would like to continually work with her is the kind of the run that you’ve seen last week, that run from out wide to attacking more in central areas. We just want to try and get her into those parts of the pitch more often, even though she’s out in the wing.
Brighton and Hove Albion will face Arsenal at the Broadfield stadium on Sunday 15 Fubuary, with kick off is at 2:30pm.
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Above:Gabby Hollar celebrates after scoring for Perth Glory at Western Sydney Wanderers on the opening night of the season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Following a decorated collegiate career in America, forward Gabby Hollar earned the move of a lifetime to Australia to pursue her professional soccer career.
After taking the NPL in Victoria by storm with the Boroondara-Carey Eagles, A-League interest naturally followed, the American now in her second season out west with Perth Glory. We sat down with Hollar for an exclusive 1:1 interview going through everything from the early years to her hopes for the future of A-League.
Hailing from a small town in Ohio, Hollar the oldest of three, has her earliest sporting memories dedicated to soccer and basketball.
“We were very much focused on that as family. I have two younger sisters and we’ve all played soccer for as long as I can remember.”
“I was a bit better at soccer than basketball, so that’s kind of why we stuck with that. I also could grow a few inches if I wanted to play basketball. I think in year eight was when I decided I actually wanted to play college soccer.”
“I live in the middle of nowhere in the U.S. So all the people who were trying to play college were playing on big teams that travelled all over the country.”
“For my family, that just was not a realistic situation for us. I wanted to be a kid for as long as possible, and so I didn’t want to spend my weekends during school travelling to go to big tournaments, and plus financially, [it] just wasn’t feasible. And so I played for a small club. I drove an hour each way to play and then spent my weekends, summers, going to college camps to try to get seen by coaches.”
Hollar’s efforts were rewarded following a camp with, then top dogs, West Virginia University, the young forward committing her collegiate career to the Mountaineers. However, it wasn’t exactly the right fit.
“I was at the standstill of, do I want to even keep playing soccer or do I want to transfer? Because transferring in college wasn’t very big back then. And I decided, let’s give it a shot. So I mid-year transferred to Purdue and then Covid hit.”
“Still again wasn’t exactly what I was expecting college soccer to be like when I was little, it wasn’t like, oh my gosh, I thought like, oh, once I got to college, it was going to be sunshine and rainbows and that’s not how my journey was personally.”
Above: Gabby Hollar in possession against Brisbane Roar this season. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus,.
“[I] played at Purdue for a couple years, honestly didn’t play that much. I sat on the bench, and then because of Covid, I had [an additional] fifth year. I thought, why not try to make this be what I always dreamed of college soccer being? And so I transferred to South Alabama and it was like a dream come true.”
“A little bit of a rock rocky start. I actually got injured in our spring season and I didn’t start many games there. I played max 60 minutes a game, but I had such good coaching staff. It was such a good environment that my teammates were incredible. And it was finally like that’s what college soccer is supposed to be.”
“Towards the end of the season, I’d fallen back in love with the game and I was like, you know what, I’d kicked myself one day if I didn’t try [to pursue a professional soccer career]. And then I got in touch with an agency that helped me get to Melbourne.”
Hollar packed up a life in America following the completion of her admirable college career on and off the pitch, Hollar earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a double minor in Forensics and Sociology and then a masters in Sports Management.
Hollar shared that future career aspirations outside of football, have ranged from a field agent in the FBI to sports marketing and event management.
“I went to Melbourne and it’s very different to like set up compared to what I was used to in college. I mean college, it’s a full-time job. And in Melbourne, my teammates had full-time’s jobs and did soccer on the side”
“It was very difficult adjustment trying to keep myself like accountable with my training because we only trained two times a week and if you’re trying to go on to the next level, training twice a week isn’t going to do it.”
“It was a lot of training outside on my own or with some friends. It was an interesting experience, but it served its purpose and it got me to exactly where I wanted to be, which is here.”
Following her accoladed NPL season in Victoria, Hollar signed her first professional contract with the girls in purple in the 2024/25 preseason, honing in on an ‘All American’ mindset and sense of competition to the West.
“I think just the competitiveness of the collegiate environment and competitiveness to even get an opportunity to play for a collegiate team, is what drove me to coming to Australia. It felt like I was going through the college recruiting process again. In a way so just trying to fight for an opportunity, I think is is what I’ve learned from a young age”
“I’m just a big competitor. I mean, no matter what I do, whether it’s on the pitch or off the pitch, the competitiveness, I just can’t turn it off.”
Above: Gabby Hollar on the charge during her A-League Women debut for Perth Glory at Melbourne City in 2024. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.
Although Hollar admitted to enjoying the laid back Aussie lifestyle and her love for life by the beach.
“I think that Australia gets it right in enjoying life a bit more than Americans do sometimes. I don’t know if I can ever not live by the beach now”
From Alabama, to Melbourne, to Perth, Hollar is no stranger to a change of scenery in the name of soccer.
“I thrive off controlled chaos. I always joke, I like big change, but I can’t do little change. I’m such a routine girl, disrupt my nighttime routine and I’ll crash out. But throw me on the other side of the world and I’m good.”
“I’m super close with my family, I’ve been blessed that they’ve been able to come visit me and with technology we can stay in touch, but I’m not as much of a homebody as my sisters are so I’m like, what can I do next? What next adventure are we going on?”
Throughout Hollar’s playing career in Australia, the discourse surrounding conditions, pay and funding in what was promised to be a ‘prosperous post World Cup league’ has become increasingly multifaceted and pressing for the quality and longevity of the league.
Hollar expressed the importance of extending contracts from the current nine month period to a more sustainable twelve.
“We have girls who go and play in the NPL in the offseason. You play once week and I know the demands aren’t as high as this league. But if you’re staying on top of things and trying to stay fit to play in those games, you never get a break. You don’t have an off season.”
“We have a lot of young girls who are able to do it now, but personally I couldn’t go and do that in the offseason. My body can’t do that anymore. But that’s how we get paid.”
“Unless you have another job that can like sustain your living, then that’s what you have to do is you have to go play. And I think that it’s really sad that that’s where we’re at. To think that we can’t be employed like with a full-time job, with the amount of work and desire and effort and just time that we put into the sport.”
“If we have 12-month contracts, you get a longer preseason, it’ll show on the pitch. It is the next step that I believe needs to taken for the health and safety of the players too. so that people aren’t getting burnt out or injured or bringing injuries from either way into the other league.”
(c) Impetus 2026.
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Above: Izzy Dalton speaking to the media. Image: Perth Glory.
By Ella McShane (11/02/26)
Perth Glory are set to host Canberra United this Saturday at Sam Kerr Football Centre in round 17 of the Ninja A-League. The match may fall on the day of love, but with final standings now on the line, there isn’t predicted to be much love lost. Head coach Stephen Peters and skipper Izzy Dalton spoke to the media to preview what is set to be a dynamic attacking test.
Glory brings an impressive defensive outfit into this match with first goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey receiving the A-League Player of the Month nomination earlier in the week.
“She commands a box so well and you’ve seen ever since she’s come in, she’s saved us so many times,” said Dalton. “The back four as well…they’ve been immense for us. They’ve been great at defending, clearing and interception.”
Although defensively doing well, the girls in purple have not found the net since their trip away to the Central Coast in mid January. Peters admits that his side is guilty of “looking for the perfect chance.”
“Maybe it’s there’s a little bit of pressure in that front third to not blow the moment,” Peters said. “We’ve just got to be a little bit more clinical. We’ve got to be a little bit more free as well. Just have a few shots from outside the area and just see where it goes. Bring the opposition defence out of the box a little bit.”
For the majority of this A-League season, the table has been congested to the point of one goal being the difference between the climbing to the top or falling to the bottom of the ladder. However the last week in particular has seen the table become more dispersed with final standings beginning to establish.
There are still 6 games and 18 points to fight for. Peters said, “we’ll keep fighting and keep going to the end.”
Looking to the opposition, a gritty evening is almost guaranteed with Canberra United bringing one of the top attacking records in the league across the Nullarbor.
“They’re probably on the top end of the spectrum in terms of entries into the box and shops on target and crosses. So that tells you the contrasting styles there.”
Above: Stephen Peters speaking to the media. Credit: Perth Glory
“I think there’s going to be opportunities in transition as well, if we get our game right,” said Peters.
“It’s always a tight fixture. I don’t know why but it always seems to be a battle,” Peters said. “I think maybe that’s the nature of the two teams that we are.”
“It’s not going to be necessarily a pretty football match, but I think we’re up for the fight and I’m sure they will be as well,” said Dalton.
With the season at an early dusk, the memories of 2025/26 for players, staff, and fans alike are beginning to set.
“We are definitely a different team at home…I think teams would probably look at that and know that’s our strength,” said Dalton on their legacy. “I think we’re really growing as a team.”
“We’re a team that gives everything, gives 100%. And you know that when you play Glory, you’re going to be in for a fight. That’s definitely something where I think starting to be known for.”
“With the with the team, we’re looking at building a squad that’s capable of challenging for the title, so we’ve got to find out who are the ones that are going to lead us to that…I think we’ve made some significant strides in that.”
“In terms of staff, you know, I’m super happy with the staff. I think everyone’s very much on board of what we’re trying to do,” commended Peters.
“It’s important that we leave [the fans] with something that they are going to want to come back to next season,” Peters said. “And again, for the playing group, it’s the same thing. I mean, we want to make the top six, so it’s about putting our best foot forward to do that.”
The Round 17 fixture will take place at 5pm AWST at the Sam Kerr Football Centre and will be available to stream live and free on 10Play and on Paramount Plus for paying subscribers.
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Above: Andrée Jeglertz, manager of Manchester City, on the touchline. Photo: bbc.com
Hope Robinson attended Manchester City’s press conference this week ahead of their Women’s Super League clash with Leicester City at Joie Stadium on Friday, with City aiming to reclaim momentum after Arsenal loss.
Fixture Overview
Manchester City host Leicester City at the Joie Stadium on Friday 13th February at 19:00 in the Women’s Super League, as the league leaders face the side currently bottom of the table.
The Foxes travel to the North West following a strong January transfer window aimed at lifting them from twelfth place. Permanent signings Ashleigh Neville, Alisha Lehmann and Rachael Williams, alongside the loan addition of Sarah Mayling, are expected to strengthen both ends of the pitch.
Manchester City, meanwhile, completed one major addition with the signing of Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns, bringing added defensive stability to midfield. The reinforcements made by both sides have already begun to shape their performances heading into the run-in.
Form Guide
Despite suffering just their second league defeat of the season in a narrow 1-0 loss away to Arsenal, Manchester City remain in strong form, particularly at home where they have won every league fixture so far.
Leicester City have lost their last three league matches, most recently a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester United.
The contrast between the two sides is reflected in the table. Manchester City sit top with 39 points from 15 matches, recording 13 wins, zero draws and two losses. Leicester City remain bottom with nine points, having picked up two wins, three draws and nine defeats.
Previous Meetings
History strongly favours Manchester City, who have never lost to Leicester City, recording 14 wins and one draw in all competitions.
The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 3-0 victory for Manchester City, with goals arriving in the 74th, 83rd and 94th minutes. That result highlighted Leicester’s need for improved game management and the ability to sustain performance levels for the full 90 minutes.
Team news
Manchester City head into the fixture with an almost fully fit squad. Head coach Andrée Jeglertz confirmed that “we had a full squad in training today except for the players who have been out for a long time”.
Mary Fowler is available after returning to training following a knock, with Jeglertz stating: “She got a knock in training last week, she’s back in training this week and she’s available for Friday.” Aoba Fujino is also available after recovering from an issue picked up against Chelsea.
Jeglertz also confirmed there is “no update” regarding Bunny Shaw’s contract situation.
Tactical Battle
Manchester City’s ability to dominate games through an aggressive press has been a defining feature of their season. Jeglertz highlighted that their “biggest strength this season is being able to press high up”, while also acknowledging areas for improvement, admitting: “We struggle a bit with handling defending in a good way.”
Decision-making in advanced areas will be key, particularly after recent reflection. “We lacked decision making in the final half,” Jeglertz said. “Should we play wide, should we play central.”
Leicester City are likely to focus on defensive structure and transitional moments, looking to exploit space on the counterattack against a City side expected to control possession.
Players to Watch
Khadija Shaw, who scored a brace in the reverse fixture, remains Manchester City’s primary attacking threat. She is joined by Kerolin Nicoli, who also found the net in that match. Both forwards sit inside the league’s top three goalscorers with 14 and six goals respectively, while Kerolin’s recent hat-trick against Chelsea serves as a clear warning.
For Leicester City, Alisha Lehmann is one to watch. Despite arriving from Italy, she brings extensive Women’s Super League experience from spells at Everton, West Ham United and Aston Villa. Her direct running, technical quality and work rate could pose problems on the break.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Manchester City’s depth in midfield allows flexibility in both structure and personnel. Jeglertz emphasised the importance of adaptability, saying: “The players need to be able to play in different areas of the field, higher and lower.”
Yui Hasegawa remains central to City’s control, with Jeglertz describing her as “a very important player for us”. However, he also highlighted the benefit of alternatives, adding: “Yui will always be a key player for us but it’s also good for us to have more options and different players that can play together.”
Leicester City will need to remain disciplined defensively while sustaining intensity for long periods, particularly if City apply pressure early.
Manager’s View
Reflecting on the defeat to Arsenal, Jeglertz admitted he was “disappointed with the result”, adding: “We didn’t get the best out of us in the game, especially the first half.”
However, the response in training has been positive. “It was a short turnaround but the mood is back and we had great training today. We are definitely ready to bounce back on Friday,” he said.
Jeglertz stressed the importance of focus, stating: “We need to make sure we do everything we can to win and Friday is the first step to that. What other clubs are doing does not matter to us.”
On the physical and tactical demands of the fixture, he outlined clear expectations: “We need to create the spaces that we want. We need to run a lot without the ball. We need to break the line. We need to have that hunting mindset.”
Jeglertz also praised Coffey’s impact since arriving, explaining: “She has brought a lot of things. She’s a little bit different than the other ones, a little more physical and she’s more of a leader. It’s good for us and it makes the dynamic of the team even better.” He added: “You will see on Friday if she is starting or not but she is definitely ready.”
Key Matchday Battles
The flanks are likely to be decisive. Manchester City regularly exploit wide areas through Lauren Hemp and Kerolin, with full-backs Alex Greenwood and Kerstin Casparij also contributing heavily in attack.
Leicester City will rely on defensive discipline from Mayling and Neville, while Hannah Cain and Lehmann offer outlets going forward.
With some of the strongest players on both sides operating out wide, these duels could dictate the flow of the match. Manchester City may also look to shift the emphasis centrally if required, where the quality of players such as Vivianne Miedema and Hasegawa provides a significant advantage.
Manchester City enter Friday evening knowing that a response is required after their defeat at Arsenal, with Andrée Jeglertz emphasising focus, intensity and mentality as key themes ahead of the contest. Against a Leicester City side fighting for points at the bottom of the table, the hosts will be expected to control proceedings, but patience, decision-making and execution across the full 90 minutes will be crucial if they are to take the next step in what has been an intense period of the season.
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Above:Ashley Jordan for Francis Marion University. Photo: FMU Patriots
Bulleen Lions’s prodigal striker has returned. Ashley Jordan will step on the Veneto Club turf again after five years away in the US College system.
The explosive forward rejoins the club where she scored an astounding 39 goals in 27 games for the U19 side and won the Golden Boot three times. This is a signing that has many NPLW watchers excited for good reason.
“I’ve lived in Australia since I was 12, and went to college in 2020, so part of it was coming back to Australia in general” Jordan said to Impetus.
“I reached out to a few coaches, spoke to some people, but I think I knew that Bulleen was the home for me.
“I played, I believe two or three seasons there when I was younger.
“I actually played alongside Caity Friend (current Bulleen coach) in one of them. I was playing up in the seniors, and I really liked the environment, the facilities.
“After talking to Caity, having a few conversations, hearing what she believes in, really I think it’s rare to find a coach that believes in the same things as you, and you see their vision, and kind of align in that way.
“There’s a lot of reasons, but it feels like I’m meant to be at Bulleen.”
Jordan is an exciting talent. Fast, direct and mobile, she can help form a potentially terrifying attack alongside new arrival Olivia Bomford and fellow returnee Maja Markovski.
Jordan is not just a technically astute talent but has played the game most of her life. Born in Bangalore, India, she grew up playing tennis and football. After joining a Boca Juniors academy in India, her ability quickly became apparent playing as the only girl.
Coaches eventually told her father that she should be in an environment that had opportunities for women’s football, and once Australia became home, her focus became football. Her form in the NPLW youth systems earned plaudits and her return in the senior side has grown excitement about the upcoming year.
Bulleen has been a good home for forwards in recent years. The last two NPLW seasons have seen strikers from the club take home the Gold Medal as the best player in the league.
Jordan says the way that Caitlin Friend coaches players, makes the club an attractive destination.
“She believes in players,” said Jordan.
“She encourages her players to take risks and not be afraid of making mistakes.
“I love the environment so far in preseason, where everyone is so competitive, and really want to push themselves to be the best player they can.
“I think a big difference in the college system was everyone on your team is kind of out to get you for the same spot, and I think it’s not a very healthy way of a healthy style of competition.
“But I think the way that Caity has been able to foster the culture of people want to be competitive to push each other to become better.
“I think that really appeals to me. Taking risks, being a player that can perform in High-pressure scenarios, not being afraid what people will think, and just backing yourself, because your team has your back as well.”
Her time in the college system at The University of San Francisco and Francis Marion University was tough, but rewarding. She battled injury in one of the most unforgiving and competitive sporting cultures in the world, but also received her Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology.
“I had always kind of planned that,’ she says of the move to the US.
“Education is a big, part of my life as well.
“Nowhere else in the world can you get that kind of experience of school and college, so part of me always knew I wanted to experience that and San Francisco was just amazing.”
COVID lockdowns and then a serious back injury limited her game time in the United States, but she finished strong with seven goals and six assists over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The different style of football and competitive environments helped Jordan continue to grow as a player.
“I think, just overall, the style of college soccer, of American soccer, is much more physical.
“I think there are a lot more athletes who happen to play soccer.
“I think in the NPL, and Australia in general, everyone is a lot more technical, and actually are football players first.
“That was something to get used to, everyone being, you know, a lot more athletic, you know, everything’s faster, stronger.
“I think I added the ability to kind of be strong on the ball, be that kind of post-up player, like a target, which, that was never really my style as a striker, but being able to add that, being able to add the gritty things to just get ahead of people being proactive and the small 1% differences.”
Bulleen’s first game of the season is a blockbuster. Round One see’s Jordan and the Lions host Melbourne Victory at the Veneto Club. The league’s newest side may be an under 23 program, but contains an entire squad pushing for A-League contracts.
The home side will fear no-one however. They too boast A-League Women champions, youth internationals and some of the best players to step foot on an NPLW pitch. Neutrals could not ask for a better season opener.
“We’re all really excited,” Jordan said of the upcoming match.
“We played them in a practice match about a week ago, and I think we all had a lot of fun and scored a lot of goals.
“I think we have some great, players on the team that have a lot of experience and know how to set the tone of the game and kind of manage it in a way that I think we can come out on top, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Bulleen host Melbourne Victory at 4pm at the Vento Club on Saturday 14th of February.
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Above: Grace Fisk puts Liverpool 3-1 up late on Photo: Liverpool FC
Liverpool picked up a crucial win against Aston Villa, moving them off the bottom of the WSL table as they bid to avoid the relegation playoff. The 4-1 victory was a confidence booster, and builds on the momentum created by what was a busy January transfer window.
Liverpool started fast and their early pressure was rewarded inside 10 minutes. Alejandra Bernabe sent a well-timed through ball down the left flank, finding Ceri Holland, who left the Villa defence in her wake. She sent it across for Enderby, who made no mistake, leaving D’Angelo with no chance.
One goal wasn’t enough for Gareth Taylor’s side though, as they kept piling on pressure on Aston Villa’s goal. Their left-hand side combined again as a quick pass from Bernabe set Holland free down the left yet again. She played the ball across to new signing Martha Thomas, but it was a step behind her and instead fell to the feet of Deslandes, who’s sliced shot gave Martha Thomas the opportunity to stab the ball past the keeper.
Finally the home fans had something to cheer for, in a brutally tough season for the team. It could have been 3-0 a few moments later, as D’Angelo pushed over another cross from the left for a corner.
Aston Villa were given hope when Kirsty Hanson found herself on the right-hand side with the ball. The Scotland forward put the early cross in, flat-footing Natalia Arroyo’s defence, giving Miri Taylor the time to beat her marker and rocket a shot into the corner past Jennifer Falk.
Aston Villa came out the traps quickly in the second half as Hanson won the ball high up the pitch, taking on an early shot that forced Jennifer Falk into a good save down low on her left side. After all of Liverpool’s hard work, Aston Villa found themselves within touching distance of an equalizer in a crucial game for the Reds.
Liverpool put a corner deep into the box from the right-hand side with only 8 minutes left, looking to kill the game. After the ball found itself bouncing round the box with Aston Villa trying to clear the ball numerous times, it fell right into the stride of Liverpool’s captain Grace Fisk, who struck the ball home with venom.
As Aston Villa pushed late on the game looking for a way back into it, they were yet again exposed from wing play as Gemma Bonner played a pinpoint pass down the right-hand side, which saw Aurelie Csillag punish Aston Villa for the fourth time today as she sent away any doubt of the result with a strike into the roof of the net.
Liverpool came away with all three points in a crucial win for them, only their second win in the WSL this season. This sees them one point above 12th place with Leicester City dropping down as West Ham also won this weekend.
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Above: Mary Stanic-Floody and Hayley Taylor-Young. Photo : Canberra United
Sydney FC hosted Canberra United at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, with the Sky Blues sitting at the bottom of the table and desperate for a result. Canberra took the lead through Beth Gordon, but Sydney fought back when Madison Ayson levelled. In the end, Mary Stanic-Floody was the difference-maker against her former club, collecting all three points to take home.
Sydney FC faced Canberra United at Leichhardt Oval, with the Sky Blues entering the match sitting at the bottom of the table, whilst Canberra looked to continue their run of good form off the back of a 3–1 win over Melbourne Victory.
The match marked newly appointed head coach James Slaveski’s second game in charge, with several changes made to the usual starting XI. Most notably, Rubi Sullivan and Claire Corbett were named in the starting lineup as Slaveski continued to shape his side.
Canberra United wasted no time asserting themselves after the opening whistle, immediately pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough. However, just three minutes into the contest, play was unexpectedly paused in true A-League Women fashion when the sprinklers were activated on the pitch.
Once play resumed, Canberra continued to look the more dangerous of the two sides, creating several chances and spending extended periods in attack. Sydney were kept in the contest by the in-form Heather Hinz, who produced a series of saves to deny the visitors, with Sasha Grove proving particularly testing with multiple efforts on goal.
The sustained pressure eventually provided, with Canberra’s Beth Gordon opening the scoring, celebrating in style with a forward roll as her side took a deserved lead. Sydney’s defence appeared disorganised at times and struggled to cope with the constant attacking threat posed by Canberra.
Sydney’s luck changed late in the half, with the hosts earning a free kick well outside the penalty area in the 37th minute. Mackenzie Hawkesby delivered a pinpoint ball into the box, finding Madison Ayson, who finished to level the scoreline.
The closing minutes of the half saw neither side able to find a lead, and both teams headed into the changerooms level, with all still to play for in the second half.
Sydney made two changes ahead of the second half, with Skye Halmarick and Willa Pearson introduced as the hosts looked to build on their late first-half momentum. The second period saw a more confident Sydney side, although Canberra continued to hold the majority of possession.
It was Sydney’s Jodi Ülkekul who registered the first clear chance after the restart, but she was unable to direct her effort on target. Canberra remained patient in possession, while Sydney looked to capitalise on moments in transition.
For the second consecutive week, a red card was shown to a side facing Canberra United, with Kirsty Fenton sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity after pulling Michelle Heyman back by the jersey.
After being introduced in the 68th minute, Mary Stanic-Floody proved decisive against her former club, striking from outside the box to restore Canberra’s lead. Stanic-Floody had the opportunity to add a second after stepping up to take a penalty, but Heather Hinz produced a strong save to keep Sydney in the contest.
Despite Hinz’s efforts, Stanic-Floody’s goal ultimately proved the difference, with Canberra United holding on for a 2–1 victory at the final whistle to take all three points back to the capital.
Above: Fiona Worts in possession for Adelaide United Photo: Adelaide United
Adelaide United are up to fourth on the ladder, and have only lost once in their last eight games after this win at Wanderers Football Park on Sunday.
It took an own goal from Danika Matos just before the hour mark to separate two of the A-League Women’s in-form teams of recent weeks.
Wanderers came into this match on the back of superb wins at both Sydney FC and Melbourne City, and head coach Geoff Abrahams made two changes from Wednesday’s win in Victoria with Amelia Bennett coming in for Wang Ying, and Alana Cerne replacing Wang Cong.
Adelaide United fielded an unchanged starting XI from their previous game – which was also a win over Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium last weekend. It meant that the Reds had an extremely strong bench to call on with the likes of Dylan Holmes, Chelsie Dawber, and Adriana Taranto listed.
It was an arm wrestle of a game, but both sides played with attacking intent and drew the best out of the goalkeepers at either end. These teams prefer to counterattack leading to an intriguing contest despite the lack of goals.
Adelaide United created the best chance of the first half. Isabel Hodgson’s cross was nudged along by Erin Healy toward Fiona Worts. The striker got a good touch on the ball with Sham Khamis beaten but Poppy Hooks was on hand to clear it off the line.
Adelaide’s centre back pairing of Matilda McNamara and Ella Tonkin both like to start of join in attacks. McNamara’s pace allows her to become another overlapping attacker, while Tonkin’s long passing can unlock defences. But the home side sat deep and were able to absorb the pressure created by these chances.
In midfield, Melissa Taranto was putting her stamp on the game and was the most dominant player for the visitors. But as The Reds pushed forward, they left gaps at the back. Danika Matos was able to find space and cross for Bennett who shot straight at a typically composed Ilona Melegh.
Wanderers striker Yaun Kong took matters into her own hands in the second half. She created space for herself with a purposeful run through the middle, but her shot was dragged just wide of the near post with Melegh at full stretch just in case.
Matilda McNamara’s individual skill broke the deadlock. The centre back cruised into attack and cut inside from the left. The Wanderers defenders scrambled, perhaps expecting a cutback but McNamara saw an opening and shot on goal. The ball crashed off the far post but was hit with enough venom that any rebound touch would have spun it over the line. Unfortunately for Matos, she was the one to get that touch. It will go down as an Own Goal, but it belongs to Tilly Mac.
Alyssa Ng Saad almost levelled the scores for the home side, but her brilliantly struck half volley found Melegh equal to it. The young goalkeeper dove athletically to parry it away in spectacular style.
Despite the loss, The Wanderers played well and showed that their recent results were not fluke. They are once again an improving team, and if they can keep this squad together, they can build a promising future. Talia Younis was a standout performer for the hosts, the Young Matilda was involved in almost every promising attack as a busy and dangerous presence in midfield.
But The Wanderers could not find the equaliser and Adelaide continued their impressive recent form. The Reds have won six of their last eight games with their only loss in the time coming away to Wellington Phoenix. The Wanderers themselves have also shown improvement, in the reverse fixture just over a month ago, they conceded five to Adelaide United.
The three points were crucial to Adelaide’s ambitions this season, but also important from a symbolic standpoint. This was Chelsie Dawber’s 100th A-League Women’s game.
The Adelaide local made her debut for the club at the age of 17 and has been a star for the club ever since. Dawber is a creative forward with a powerful shot and can produce pin-point crosses from deep, while her mobility makes her a nightmare for defenders.
A highly watchable player, who sometimes feels like a barometer for the team, Dawber forms part of a locally developed leadership group at the club alongside the likes of McNamara, Isabel Hodgson and Dylan Holmes.
She’s long been a star of this competition and will always be an icon at Adelaide United. Impetus Football congratulates Chelsie Dawber on 100 games, and looks forward to the next 100 in Red.
By Gethin Thurlow for Impetus at Petershill Park (8/2/26)
Above:Emily Whelan (Orange) and Maria McAneny (Green and White) battle for the ballPhoto: Glasgow City FC
A draw between Glasgow City and Celtic closed the gap between the top four teams in the SWPL to just five points, with one gameweek to go until the split. On a day dominated by new faces, it was vintage SWPLers Nicole Kozlova and Morgan Cross on the scoresheet for their teams.
The Teams
Leanne Ross had a rather uncomplicated time picking her side, with Chloe Warrington coming in, as Lisa Evans continues to miss out. Hayley Lauder got the nod in defensive midfield ahead of Amy Anderson. New signings Codie Thomas, Lydia Sallaway and Emily Gray boosted a bench which was already notably strong – with Abi Harrison and Sofia Maatta on hand to bring freshness to the attack.
Manchester City loanees Poppy Pritchard and Tara O’Hanlon headlined the Celtic team news, both starting. For Pritchard, it was a second consecutive start – as she has seemingly won the striker spot over Saoirse Noonan for now. Morgan Cross, who started the season in such fine form has not enjoyed many minutes lately, but she started on the right wing. Celtic newbies Evie Rabjohn and Maddi Wilde made on the numbers on the bench in their first game for Celtic.
The Action
Glasgow City started the game in the ascendency, with Emily Whelan enjoying plenty of space on the right. Her first two shots didn’t trouble Lisa Rodgers, and Wrobel also shot from just inside the box, although it was a simple catch for the Celtic keeper. Despite the space being given up, O’Hanlon at left made some crucial tackles and impacted the game with her one-on-one defending.
The action was probably a bit too transitional for either of the Head Coaches liking, as both teams would commit to attacks and leave themselves exposed, leading to more fast breaks than structured attacks. On one such occasion, Emma Lawton was caught out, leaving Nicole Kozlova with a free reign down the left for City. She moved into the box, but her pull-back cross was cleared, and Lisa Forrest’s ensuing shot blocked.
Celtic repeatedly attempted to play in the speedy Pritchard – which is clearly an area Grant Scott identified as something which could hurt this City backline, and while nothing quite off early on, she certainly did show enough to be encouraged this was an effective tactic.
After Forrest clattered into Emma Lawton late, she picked up a yellow and Scotland right back Lawton had to leave the pitch, being replaced by Maddi Wilde, who’s on loan from London City Lionesses.
It was Celtic who started to then have the better of it, gaining consistent spells of possession inside the Glasgow City half for the first time. Particularly, the ball found it’s way to the feet of Maria McAneny on the left hand side. City still looked threatening though, with a high pressing Linda Motlhalo getting in behind the defence – only being stopped by a Claire Walsh tackle.
Celtic’s pressure told eventually, as Morgan Cross aimed a low cross straight to Poppy Pritchard in the middle, who smashed the shot wildly over the bar.
Poppy Pritchard showed that pace off early in the second half weaving past Lauder before Lana Golob timed a tackle perfectly to bring the attack to an end.
Whatever team talks were delivered, they didn’t impact the flow of the game, which remained a high paced open game. Glasgow City spurned an overload on the right when Wrobel’s pass trailed beyond Whelan for a goal kick, and minutes later some high pressing from Gallacher forced Lee Gibson into an awkward pass, although Amy Muir managed to deflect it off cross and earn a goal kick for her side.
The deadlock was finally broken by a mixture of great skill and silly mistakes. A long ball was launched towards the halfway line and beautifully headed on by Forrest. Wrobel stopped the ball dead in its place, before playing Emily Whelan in, who was unsurprisingly wide open on the right.
She cut inside, beating O’Hanlon and letting a left footed shot curl at Rodgers. What looked to be a routine claim suddenly bounced out, and Kelly Clark seemed to just let it go. That left Kozlova to stab the ball home into an empty net, and she was even able to mishit it and see the ball roll over.
The goal only seemed to empower and relax City, as just ten minutes later they had another chance. Some great determination from Wrobel saw her chase down a seemingly lost chance, pulling it back for Kozlova, who’s shot was blocked by Clark. Leanne Ross would rue that miss, as Celtic went down the other end and levelled the game. A switch from Maddi Wilde on the right picked out McAneny, who was benefitting from the freedom of Glasgow on the edge of the box. She lashed a delightful cross along the face of goal, before Morgan Cross beat her defender and turned it home.
With a renewed belief instilled in the visitors and City pushing to restore their lead, a period of madness was unleashed. From a freekick, Lee Gibson had to make a brilliant one-handed save to claw the ball from crossing the line, and Emma Brownlie had to nail a volleyed clearance. Luckily for Leanne Ross, she did.
Then, a nice passing move between Wrobel and Forrest looked to have unlocked Celtic’s defence, but Forrest’s killer pass was intercepted. With the 90 almost up, McAneny gave it a good go from a freekick on the left, but lee Gibson dived bravely and punched it clear.
Once injury time was called, for the first time both teams took their time and actually realised that a draw was not such a bad result, allowing the three minutes to expire without note.
Player of the Match Emily Whelan
Above: Emily Whelan against Queens Park Photo: @amyphotography_22 on instagram
Whelan was a constant thorn in the side of Celtic. She spent all her 69 minutes finding herself open again and again. She linked up really nicely with Brownlie behind and Wrobel alongside. Whilst her part in the goal wasn’t the greatest shot you’ll ever see, it was a just reward for her work all day.
Whelan is known for her pace, but today was also a day full of skillful dribbling, clever passing and vision in attack. While City as a whole struggled for that decisive clinical edge once they progressed into the final third, Whelan had that in bags. Tara O’Hanlon had a decent first start in Green and White, but it was made to look like a poor outing thanks to the display from Whelan. Sofia Maatta has started on the right throughout the majority of the season, but Emily Whelan has well and truly grasped that opportunity recently.
Where this leaves the teams
Much like the Rangers 1-1 draw, this avoided disaster, but it moves everyone else a little closer and City will be starting to feel them in the wings. Leanne Ross has won plenty of SWPL titles through her career in Glasgow, and she knows how to get over the line like no one else on the planet. However, from a position of seeming dominance at the winter break, a tough run of fixtures has ensured that three teams sit within five of Glasgow City.
The major concern for City will likely be the manner of draws. Against Rangers and Celtic, they had the slight better of it overall and were leading relatively late in each game before giving up an equaliser. Whether this is a natural consequence of teams attacking more freely when down a goal in those scenarios, or a deeper issue within this current team one thing is for sure: with the split presenting two more matches with Hearts, Rangers and Celtic, this title is far from secured.
While Grant Scott would’ve been dreaming of leaving the Peasy just two points away, keeping that gap at five rather than extending it to eight means it was a successful day. While Celtic didn’t enter City’s box many times, the attack looked good and Poppy Pritchard’s speed will certainly come in handy. Maddi Wilde also looked at ease covering for Emma Lawton on her debut, while Tara O’Hanlon had a respectable outing. Once the new signings fully embed into the squad, with 11 games left in the season the title is still their for the taking.
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