Blades Secure Three Points In Their First Game Since Sacking of Jonathan Morgan

By Emily Wyatt 4/02/24

Above: Sheffield United, post-match vs Durham. Photo: Sportimage / Richard Lee

A very physical and competitive game in the Barclays Women’s Championship between two close sides unbelievably saw Sheffield come from behind and win 5-2 over Durham.

The match-up between these two sides was undoubtedly going to be a competitive tie after both teams had suffered losses in their previous games of the Barclays Women’s Championship last weekend, as well as it also being Sheffield’s first game since the sacking of their manager during the week. It would never be a question that both sides would want to come away with a secure win and get more points on the board.

The first half began with what looked like a very solid and secure Sheffield going forward. The side had multiple chances in the opening ten minutes, however they could not manage to find the back of the net. A few attempts from The Blades included a very early opportunity which ended up being cleared by Durham’s Salicki, the side went on to take another strike at goal which in the end went firing closely over the crossbar.

Despite the dominance from the visitors early in the game this didn’t intimidate Claire Ditchburn’s side and in the 19th minute The Blues’ number nine, Beth Hepple, went on to put the ball in the back of the net, settling both the team and the fans.

The side went on to have many more chances in the next ten minutes of the tie with The Blues’ Andrews making Sheffield’s number one work hard to pull off a huge save, declining the number nine to put away another goal in the back of the net. But the keeper could not hold the side off for too much longer as Durham’s number seven went on to score a second for the home side off the back of a corner.

However, despite the two-goal lead for The Blues in the first half an hour, the away side were still hungry for a breakthrough goal and that is what they eventually got after a powerful header from Tara Bourne in the 30th minute. After this, it was clear that Sheffield’s confidence was re-boosted as they went on to dominate the rest of the first half.

The Blades went on to claim a free kick, taken by their number nine. Despite a good save from Durhams’ McAloon, Sheffield received a penalty after a defending Durham gave away a foul in the box. Calmly, Rayner put away the opportunity securely which left both sides level at 2-2 going into the break.

HALF-TIME: Durham 2-2 Sheffield

Once the whistle blew to signify the beginning of the second half, the visitors were attacking instantly in the search for their third of the day. Only seconds later Sigsworth was celebrating her first goal, putting the home side behind for the first time in this game. Sheffield went on to dominate the game in the following moments, creating many chances and claiming corners waiting to put more chances in the back of the net.

Claire Ditchburn made a change in the 60th minute, bringing on Erin Nicholson for Olivia Bramley, hoping to regain control of the game and get themselves back into the battle.

However, only moments later, Durham’s McAloon gave a penalty away to the opposition after committing a foul when trying to pull out a save to prevent her team from going another goal behind. Undoubtedly, Sheffield’s number ten put an unsavable ball into the back of The Blues net, now putting them five to two in front.

Despite being behind by two goals the home side was not going to give up. More substitutions were made for the side with Ella Wilson, coming on for Grace Ayre while McAloon made a sensational save after going one on one with the opposition’s number ten.

No matter what they did, Sheffield did not come back down and went on to score another goal with Issy Goodwin making a small chip on the keeper.

In the end, it was a 5-2 win for Sheffield over Durham after a dominant comeback from being two goals behind in the fixture’s first opening moments. Claire Ditchburn’s blues will want to claim a win in two weeks where they will play away to London City Lionesses. She stated that “it was obviously a tough one to take” but the side had “a positive first half”.

Durham: McAloon, Briggs, Bramley, Robson, Hepple, Lambert (C), Andrews, Salicki,
Bradley, Ayre, Ryan-Doyle.
Substitutes: Saunders, E Wilson, Noonan, Nicholson.

Scorers: Andrews 10’ Hepple 19’

Sheffield United: Stenson, Newsham, Barker, Bourne, Sigsworth, Rayner,
Goodwin, Haywood, Kinzett, Brown, Connolly-Jackson
Substitutes: Davies, Docherty, Graham, Hodson, May, Wilcock, Muir,
A.Brown, Butler

Scorers: Bourne 25’, Goodwin 44’, 64’,90+5’, Sigsworth 46’

Attendance: TBC

Points shared between Reds and Spurs

Liverpool 1 – 1 Tottenham Hotspur 

By Fran Lever 5/2/24

Above: Tottenham players after their draw away to Liverpool Photo: THFC

In a scrappy game that was hard to call at time, it was draw for the middle of the table teams Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. 

Before the game, Liverpool sat in fifth place and Tottenham Hotspur sat in sixth place. Both teams have showed so much potential this season. Liverpool won their opening game of the season at the Emirates and won against Manchester United in December. Tottenham have been improving under a new manager and new signings but had huge losses to both sides of Manchester. 

The game between the two sides promised to help write the script for the rest of the season and potentially suggest how the middle of the table was going to look by the end of the season. 

This is the Women’s Super League in 2024 though. Nothing is clear as it was, the traditional top four might not be safe and the game ended in a draw which will keep fans guessing. 

Liverpool’s midfield looked magic at times and Fuka Nagano and Missy Bo Kearns both shone as they tried to create chances for their team. 

Tottenham’s new signing Charlotte Grant and their loanee from Juventus Amanda Nildén helped shut down any attempts. Grant saw a yellow for her defensive efforts, with Liverpool fans chanting towards the end she should have seen a second for a risky challenge.  

Grant’s yellow was not the only one that was shown to the Lilywhites. A further four were shown to Kit Graham, Martha Thomas, Jessica Naz and Wang Shuang throughout the game.

Grace Clinton again proved how she has transformed Tottenham’s midfield. She was able to create many chances for the team but that is where Tottenham are currently struggling because they are struggling to find their rhythm with two up front. 

Martha Thomas was in more of a goal scoring form before Christmas she had whilst covering Bethany England, who has recently returned from the injury that had her sidelined. 

England scored 12 in 12 WSL games last season following her move from Chelsea whilst Thomas has scored seven in the WSL this season since her move from Manchester United including the winner of the North London Derby in December. 

It was not until Thomas was the only one on the pitch out of the two, she was able to assist Celin  Bizet for the goal and break down Liverpool’s defence. The same as when she scored against Arsenal. 

Is it coincidence or is something not clicking yet between the two players and does Robert Vilahamn need to go back to the drawing board with the team still being in three competitions? 

Liverpool struggled against Tottenham’s defence but they were eventually able to break them down with a late goal from Marie Höbinger. Their biggest chances to create a bigger scoreline though were in the first half with the creative efforts of the midfield but again, like their opponents the chances were unable to be finished. Both sides have two up front and it does not work with both their soild midfields and defence, they do not have the freedom to run. 

Gemma Bonner is an unsung hero for Liverpool’s defence and did not help towards Tottenham’s current striker issue. Bonner was frequently to break the attack down. She is a soild part of Matt Beard’s side and defence. Overall, the team would have conceded more without her.  

Both teams had the power of super subs. Naz was able to add speed to Tottenham’s side and it was Höbinger who scored the goal to bring Liverpool level. The goal came with an assist from another sub, Melissa Lawley – who made her 100th appearance during the game. Both the Liverpool subs made the difference for the reds which is something Beard may need to go away and think about. 

The game was lackluster at times so Liverpool and Tottenham will be happy to leave with at least a point from the effects but will be wishing they were able to do more. 

With the game, they both still sit at the same positions in the Women’s Super League table and the middle of the table battle continues. 

LIVERPOOL (3-5-2) 

Laws; Bonner, Fahey, Fisk; Koivisto, Kearns, Nagano, Holland, Matthews; van de Sanden, Román Haug 

Substitutes: Parry, Keirnan, Höbinger, Lawley 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-4-2) 

Votikova; Grant, Turner, Bartrip, Nildén, Bizet, Ahtinen, Summanen, Clinton; England, Thomas 

Substitutes: Naz, Petzelberger, Graham, Wang

Scorers:  Höbinger 90+1’ , Bizet 71’ 

Referee: Lauren Impey

Attendance: 1,979 

Millwall Lionesses go out fighting in the league cup. 

Millwall 2-3 Dartford

By Myles Thornton 5/2/24

Above: Shannan Drewe Photo: Tom West Photography

Millwall Lionesses were defeated late on by Dartford, who are top of their respective league, in the London and South East Regional Women’s League Cup.

It was always going to be a gritty game at Princes Park, and the lionesses showed a great sign of intent from minute one. 

Just before the half time break, Shannan Drewe opened the scoring, she found the ball at her feet just outside of the area and smashed home a great volley to fire the lionesses into the lead. 

Former Millwall academy player Paris Smith got one back for the Darts on 53 minutes. A good goal, and hope was restored for the hosts. 

It wasn’t long though and the lionesses were ahead again, Northern Ireland international Ciara Watling done well to play a pass to Emma Whitter, who found new signing Madison Grandys, and the American got her first goal for the club. 

Dartford got back on level terms though after the referee gave a penalty that not one Dartford player or staff member called for, Nicha Dyett stepped up and slotted the penalty down the right hand side. 

Very late drama then as Dartford had a shot from the edge of the area that hit the post and, unfortunately for Millwall, Lizzie Adams was there to tap it home and grab a last gasp winner at the death of the game. 

Dartford progress into the semi finals of the London and South East Regional Women’s League Cup, and Millwall Lionesses will feel they didn’t deserve to lose that game as, for most of it, they were the better side. 

Millwall will look to get back to winning ways as they next face Sutton United Ladies at St Paul’s Sports Ground in the league on February 11th, and Dartford will host Aylesford also in the league. 

Millwall: Wiggins, Seely, Payne, Bailey, Butler (C), Chapman, Grandys, Whitter, Napper, Drewe, Burr. Subs: Bennett, Jones, Sherwood, Garwood, McGregor. 

Scorers: Drewe, Grandys

Dartford: Charlton, Hinds, Woodgates, Adams, Griffiths, Dyett, Alberts, Powell, Howell, Cleary, Smith. Subs: McKeag, Davis, Vaughan, Woodhouse. 

Scorers: Smith, Dyett, Adams

Attendance: TBC

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West Ham defeat Arsenal in crucial game for both teams

By Joseph Rosedon 5/2/24

Above: West Ham celebrate their win over Arsenal at home. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus71

West Ham 2 Arsenal 1

West Ham stunned title-chasing Arsenal with a comeback victory, sealing their first WSL victory against the North London side.

Second-half goals from French duo Viviane Asseyi and HawaCissoko gave West Ham a famous victory.

From the start West Ham deployed a deep block to stifle Arsenal’s attacks. Katrina Gorry in particular employed dogged defensive work in the midfield areas whilst providing important forward passes to relieve pressure. 

The North London side used attacking triangles down the right-hand side to open up the stubborn defence but their first chance came from a goalmouth scramble Matilda’s starting goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold tipping a looped effort over the bar and punching away the subsequent corner.  

Arsenal came close again. Vivianne Miedema shimmied her way into the box with intricate footwork but was denied by a brilliant last-ditch tackle from match-winner Cissoko

Miedema’s footwork again found space in the West Ham box, this time however her effort cannoned off the bar. It felt that a goal was inventible.

It was her strike partner Alessia Russo who broke the deadlock. Steph Catley found Russo unmarked at the far post from a corner. The England international stooped low to head home to give Arsenal the lead. 

After so much Arsenal dominance in the first half, West Ham needed a strong start to the second half if they were to get anything from the game.

Indeed, they did. Catley, who assisted Arsenal’s opener let West Ham back into the game. The left-back gave away a penalty. 

Asseyi did the rest, coolly slotted away past Manuela Zinsberger in the Arsenal goal. 

The team in Claret and Blue soon made it 2-1. Zinsberger failed to clear a West Ham free kick sufficiently. The ball fell to Cissoko who curled the ball home with a stunning left-footed effort from inside of the box.

In response Arsenal made a triple substitution, bringing on Cloe Lacasse, Stina Blackstenius and Matilda’s midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross but failed to make a significant impact on the game as West Ham were able to cling on to victory. 

Russo had chances to add to her goal tally but failed to convert while Lacasse may have felt she should have had a penalty. Blackstenius also had an effort saved by Arnold at her near post. 

A third loss for Arsenal this season leaves serious question marks about their title challenge. All three of these losses have come against teams outside of the traditional “Top 4”.

For West Ham, a vital victory in their Women’s Super League survival bid, extended the gap between them and Bristol City at the foot of the WSL table.

After the match, West Ham manager Rehanne Skinner said “I’m absolutely delighted with the grit, determination, and the attitude of the players from start to finish today.

Players were putting bodies on the line, in and out of possession, trying to work and get opportunities. And I think we were diligent and disciplined, and I think it’s a massive credit to the players. I think they were outstanding today”.

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall said “I expected West Ham to come out and press a little bit more aggressively than they did.

I do think we missed the last qualitative bit in scoring a second goal, trying to break down their low block”

West Ham: Arnold, Tysiak, Zardorsky, Cissoko Shimiziu, Hayashi Gorry, Ziu Smith, Asseyi, Ueki(

Subs:Lundin, Harries, Mewis, Denton, Cooke, Walsh, O’Hanlon, Ademiluyi

Goals: Asseyi (50) Cissoko(58)

Arsenal: Zinsberger, Fox, Wubben-Moy, Williamson Catley, Walit, Pelova Miedema Foord Mead Russo  

Subs: D’Angelo, Codina, Williams, Ilestdt, Cooney-Cross, Lacasse, Blackstenius, Maanum, Little 

Goals: Russo (43) Asseyi (50) Cissoko(58)

Attendance: 4,172.

Jets down the Nix in thriller

Newcastle Jets 3-2 Wellington Phoenix

By Ryan Miller-Woods 4/2/24

Above: Newcastle Jets celebrate their win. Photo Newcastle Jets FC

In a highly enthralling match that had a combined total of 37 shots between both teams and five goals, Newcastle Jets achieved their first win in three rounds.

The 3-2 victory over Wellington Phoenix has moved the Jets up into eighth position on the A-League Women’s ladder now just one point away from the Top Six.

Wellington opened the scoring as Isabel Cox crossed the ball into the box for in-form striker Mariana Speckmaier. In the scramble she beat the Newcastle defenders and slotted the ball past Isobel Nino into the bottom left corner for her fourth goal in three matches and seventh of the A-League Women’s season. It made her the all-time leading goalscorer for the Phoenix in the league ahead of ex-Wellington player Grace Jale.

Despite not scoring in the first twenty minutes Newcastle looked dangerous in parts. They made chances, especially from set-pieces which the Jets kept the Phoenix on their toes. The Phoenix looked really strong in terms of their passages in play with Cox and McMeeken playing really important roles in how Wellington built up the field.

The Jets had a very good opportunity to equalise in the 27th minute thanks to Cassidy Davis whose cross in the box just missed Sarina Bolden.

Six minutes later, Newcastle found their equaliser as Zoe Karipidis put a ball into the box intended for Bolden but instead went past Wellington’s Brianna Edwards into the bottom left corner.

In the 38th minute, Newcastle came very close to taking the lead as Lauren Allen crossed the ball into the box. Bolden’s header was spectacularly denied by Edwards with an outstanding piece of goalkeeping.

Five minutes into the second half, Newcastle took the lead thanks to Copus-Brown. Her first-time shot from outside the box flew over Edwards and into the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Given how they went in the first half from an attacking perspective and how they started this half, the Jets took a deserved lead in the match.

In the 56th minute, Wellington levelled the scoring after Macey Fraser provided a beautiful through ball for Cox. She went around the keeper and laid the ball into the bottom left corner for her second goal of the season.

Nine minutes later, Newcastle regained their lead after Bolden controlled the ball with a great turn in the box where her shot curled past Edwards into the bottom right corner.

In the first minute of stoppage time for the second half, Wellington came close to equalising thanks to McMeeken whose cross in the box found Hailey Davidson. Her shot came off the post but in the end that wouldn’t have mattered as the Phoenix were deemed to have been offside.

Teams: Newcastle Jets (4-3-3): Nino, Baumann, Davis, Wilson, Karipidis, Copus-Brown, Dundas, Hoban, L. Allan, Bolden, Barbieri. Substitutes: Rochaix, Prior, Huynh, Hammond, Gooch.

Scorers: Karipidis 33’, Copus Brown 50’, Bolden 65’.

Wellington Phoenix (4-3-3): Edwards, M. Foster, Barry, Jaber, Davidson, Fraser, Taylor, Longo, McMeeken, Speckmaier, Cox. Substitutes: Danieli, Whinham, Breslin, Main, Elliott.

Scorers: Speckmaier 4’, Cox 56’.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: TBC.

Canberra’s counter attacks defeat City

Canberra United 3-1 Melbourne City

By Kieran Yap 4/2/24

Above: Laura Hughes (Left) battles for possession with Canberra United’s Sarah Clarke. Photo: Canberra United

A determined defensive display and Michelle Heyman at her best delivered Canberra United a 3-1 win against Melbourne City at Mckellar Park.

From a glance at the table, this match between the first and last placed teamed in the league was not the most eye catching fixture. But these were the two highest scoring sides, with the moster entertaining attacks. Canberra United’s season has not been smooth sailing, but for neutrals, every match delivers goals and with Heyman leading the line, there is always reason to hope for a result.

Melbourne City arrived in the capital with a disrupted lead up to the match. Versatile fullback Kaitlyn Torpey was absent as she finalized a move overseas, and Melissa Barbieri stepped in to replace Lysianne Proulx who was also completing a transfer. Dario Vidosic was already missing Julia Grosso and was forced into a reshuffle, although it would be impossible to replicate that pace of Grosso and Torpey on both flanks.

The result was Karly Roestbakken starting against the side where she played her youth football, and a front three that was well stocked in creativity but lacking in out and out line breaking speed.

Canberra’s defence sat deep and counterattacked at pace. Nikki Flannery had the first good chance of the game in the 30th minute. She was put through on goal by Heyman but fired her shot straight at Barbieri from close range. City continued to dominate possession and knock the ball around their final third, but could not find a way past the Canberra United back four with Teagan Bertolissio and Sasha Grove both brilliant on the flanks. In the middle Sarah Clarke and Cannon Clough made space and time a scarcity for Hannah Wilkinson and Rhianna Pollicina.

Canberra broke the deadlock twice before half time. A long ball from defence was latched onto by Heyman. The star striker disposed of her first maker with a clever turn of the body, and then nodded the ball beyond the next defender. She was in space but there was still 30 yards between her and the goal. With the City defence rushing back, Heyman paused, cut inside and delayed her shot before slotting it beyond Barbieri to make it 1-0.

That lead was doubled on the 39th minute. A Flannery cutback on the right was met by Mary Stanic-Floody. The playmaker did not hesitate to pull the trigger and her effort flew into the back of the net from the edge of the box. Canberra went into the break 2-0 up and relishing the contest.

With City in the unfamiliar position of having to chase the game, Dario Vidosic made the changes. Kiera Myers, Tijan Mckenna and Bryleeh Henry were all introduced, but Canberra were still able to absorb the pressure no matter who was on the pitch, Myers was creative on the right, but the attack still lacked a cutting edge, and while Henry provided some spark on the opposite wing, she was often too far away from goal to test Chloe Lincoln, although the came close on a couple of opportunities.

With Wilkinson missing on international duty next week a move of Henry into the number nine role might be an option for Vidosic to explore.

Canberra effectively sealed the contest with a third goal in the second half. Henry was about to send City into attack again, but Grove somehow dashed back and took possession cleanly. She played the pass quickly to Vesna Milivojevic and the ball was launched upfield towards Heyman.

The Canberra captain was unable to get the shot away herself, but a combination of passes with Deven Jackson ended with a cross to the far post where Flannery was able to tap home.

City pulled a late goal back when Taylor Otto forced the ball over from close range but were unable to find the crucial next goal to make the home crowd nervous. The match ended 3-1 and although neither side’s ladder position changed, it was a huge result for Canberra United.

They are not out of contention for a finals spot, and seemed to have found a combination of personnel that work well together and a game plan that suits them. On this occasion, Canberra United’s strengths matched up with City’s weaknesses to devastating effect and not every team will be as susceptible to counter attacks, but this will be a huge confidence boost for Njegosh Popovich.

Lineups:

Canberra United 4-4-1-1: Lincoln, Grove, Clough, Clarke, Bertolissio, Jackson, Mckenzie, Stanic-Floody, Flannery. Substitutes: Murray, Rojas, Nathan, Christopherson, Majstorovic.

Scorers: Heyman 30, Stanic-Floody 39’ Flannery 74’

Melbourne City 4-2-2-2: Barbieri, Chinnama, Stott, Otto, Roestbakken, Hughes, L Mckenna, Ekic, Galic, Pollicina, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Meyers, Davidson, T Mckenna, Henry, Varley

Scorer: Taylor Otto 91’

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: TBC

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Western win at their Hobart home

Western United 2-1 Central Coast Mariners

By Kieran Yap 3/2/24

Western United have continued their march up the ladder with a 2-1 win against Central Coast Mariners despite some late scares in front of goal.

Kat Smith’s side arrived in Hobart as the hosts and looking to continue their strong form that has seen them only lose once since mid-December. Central Coast had experienced some inconsistent results, but have been in strong form and after welcoming back Kyah Simon to the squad last week they suddenly looked even stronger on paper.

The match itself began in frantic style. Western United captain and Philippines international Jaclyn Sawicki opened the scoring in just the second minute with a close range effort past Sarah Langman. The midfielder has been deployed further forward in her second season at the club and has been coming closer to scoring each week. She received the ball wide in the panelty area and cut inside the first defender before sending the ball into the back of the net with relative ease.

The Mariners looked surprised to concede so early, but responded almost instantly. Rola Badawiya reacted quickest to a partially blocked strike and slotted the ball past Hillary Beall. Six minutes had been played and the score was 1-1.

Each side had their potential game breakers. Badwiya continued to threaten throughout the half, and the dangerous striker had a goal disallowed for a foul on Grace Maher after a push in the back sent the defender to the turf.

At the other end, Chloe Logazro was looking ominous. Her freedom in attack allowed her to create chances and get on the end of some. Her lunging volleyed effort had a high degree of difficulty, but the Australian international is capable of scoring from those opportunities.

Western United re-took the lead before half time. Adriana Taranto’s long range strike bounced off the crossbar and Hannah Keane was able to control the shot, hold off a challenge and blast the ball into the net to make it 2-1.

Central Coast searched aggressively for an equaliser in the second half. Isabel Gomez and Bianca Galic were tireless throughout and Peta Trimis continued to scheme in midfield, but chances became scarcer as the afternoon wore on.

Both teams were looking for that extra goal and the substitutions reflected two managers with attack on their mind. Kahli Johnson was brought on for Western United, while Emily Husband played her enviable trump card by introducing Kyah Simon and Shay Evans into the fray.

Both strikers made an impact. Evans’ pace almost put her in on goal after some neat interplay at the edge of the box, and Simon had a headed chance narrowly miss before a late first time effort was hit at Beall.

The Mariners attacking display was worthy of at least a point, but the game was managed in professional and at time cynical style by Western United with Stacey Papadopoulos tugging back Anabelle Martin to prevent a late breakaway.

The win saw Western jump up to second on the ladder, they still trail Melbourne City by at least three points, but are above Sydney FC based on having won more matches this season.

Next up, Kat Smith’s side faces a dangerous Brisbane Roar, while Central Coast Mariners will host Melbourne Victory in Gosford.

Lineups:

Western United 3-5-2: Beall, Cerne, Maher, Dakic, Papadopoulos, A Taranto, Sawicki, M Taranto, Hieda, Logarzo, Keane. Substitutes: Johnson, Prakash, Sardo, Dall’ Oste, Robers

Scorers: Sawicki 2’ Keane 28’

Central Coast Mariners 4-2-3-1: Langman, Bryson, Karambasis, Irwin, Wardlow, Gomez, Galic, Badawiya, Trimis, Hayward, Wurigumula. Substitutes: Martin, Rasmussen, Simon, Evans, Dumont.

Scorer: Badawiya 6’

Referee: Isabella Blaess

Attendance: TBC

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Vine and Sydney FC prove too much for Perth Glory

Sydney FC 3-1 Perth Glory

By Callum Logie (03/02/24).

Above: Shay Hollman on the ball for Sydney FC Photo: Sydney FC

Leichhardt Oval in Sydney hosted Sydney FC’s Saturday night clash with fellow contender Perth Glory.

Sydney FC came into the game off a 1-1 away draw with Melbourne Victory. The Perth Glory on the other hand came off a surprise 2-1 loss to Adelaide United away from home.

Sydney FC seem to have settled on a consistent XI with their current personnel. The youthful midfield of Shay Hollman and Madeleine Caspers being complimented by a talented mentor in Mackenzie Hawkesby. The front three of Cortnee Vine, Princess Ibini and Indiana Dos Santos will look to create and convert plenty of chances against a talented Perth squad.

Perth made a couple of changes themselves to bounce back. They modified their starting formation to a 4-4-2 with Millie Farrow being joined by Quinley Quezada. Sadie Lawrence also replaced Claudia Mihocic at the back, looking to firm up the Glory defence.

The first major chance of the game came 13 minutes in for Sydney, with Vine releasing Hawkesby down the right side of the box. Hawkesby cut back to Ibini who drove a low effort just wide of the goal. Sadie Lawrence marked Ibini tightly which led to the shot off target.

At 15 minutes, Vine made a run down the right wing after a long ball from Jada Mathyssen Whyman. Despite a determined effort from Elizabeth Anton, Vine was able to send a very threatening cross that beat everyone in the box, including Morgan Aquino. Indi Dos Santos was just short of making the connection to convert and Perth remained even.

Aquino continued to be put under pressure as a roaming Tori Tumeth was sent through by Ibini drove a low effort that was directed wide by the keeper. The resulting corner from Hawkesby almost went in but Aquino and her defence were able to scramble the ball away before ultimately collecting off a tame Jordan Thompson header.

In the 21st minute, Sydney’s attacking players combined again as Indi Dos Santos played to Ibini who held the ball up to set up a long range effort by Hawkesby. The midfielder’s shot was comfortably over the bar but the passing play by Sydney was continuing to apply pressure.

The pressure eventually did pay off for Sydney as Vine received the ball with space on the right wing. She played the ball clinically across to Madeleine Caspers who showed terrific composure to take a touch and then open the scoring with a driven effort into the bottom corner. Another goal for the 16 year-old who’s been having a terrific season.

In the 27th minute, Indiana Dos Santos was clumsily taken down in the box by Hana Lowry which won Sydney FC a penalty. Princess Ibini stepped up to take the penalty and a driven effort to the middle of the goal was tipped over the bar by Morgan Aquino to keep the deficit at only one for the Glory.

A handball at the edge of the Perth Glory box by Hollman presented the first proper opportunity for Perth. Hana Lowry looped in the free kick which she claimed but took a dramatic deflection to equalise for the Perth Glory. The deflection did in fact come off Quezada which meant that it was the forward’s goal rather than credited to Lowry who did take a great free kick.

The last portion of the first half saw Sydney continue to try and create chances with a few free kicks from Hawkesby and an attempted rainbow flick from Indiana Dos Santos. Ultimately, Sydney were unable to restore their lead before half-time but went into the break with more momentum.

Perth had one more half chance in the first half as Isobel Dalton struck a very long range effort on target but held comfortably by Whyman as it did not have enough power to trouble the keeper.

Early in the second half, some short passing play between Dos Santos and Hawkesby allowed Dos Santos a good look at goal. Her curled effort was competently saved by Aquino as it did not have enough power but Sydney FC picked up where they left off in the first half.

Sydney kept the pressure on, Dos Santos often as a catalyst. A shot from Dos Santos was deflected to the edge of the box which Vine struck with a venomous half volley. Unfortunately for Vine, the shot was wide of the goal but the closest Sydney had gotten in the second half.

Much like the first half, the Sydney FC pressure did not relent, and the moment Ibini found some space on the ball, she played a terrific through ball to Vine who ran on into the box and struck a low driven effort into the bottom left corner which restored Sydney’s lead.

Dos Santos almost added another after a breakaway from Vine. Vine played across to Ibini who lobbed the ball over to Dos Santos, but the defensive coverage from Perth captain Natasha Rigby denied Dos Santos a spot on the score sheet. Ibini struck a snapshot soon after from near the penalty box which was saved well by Aquino.

Mackenzie Hawkesby had an opportunity in the 70th minute after being played through by Ibini. Aquino proved equal to the effort and another which was just a minute later by Ibini which was curled toward the right side of the goal but unable to get past Aquino who had a great game in goal.

Vine put the icing on the cake for the Sky Blues after a sensational through ball by Indiana Dos Santos. Vine got onto the ball just outside the box, rounded Morgan Aquino and slotted the ball home for her brace.

In stoppage time, Perth did have a chance to pull one back. Substitute Georgia Cassidy struck a volley after a corner was not cleared by Sydney FC. The strike was deflected off Jordan Thompson but Whyman was positioned well enough to just make the save.

The possession battle in this game was striking in the sense that while both teams enjoy playing a possession based style, Sydney were able to keep hold of possession a lot more effectively than the Glory.

The fact that Perth were able to score despite having hardly any chances shows just how dangerous the team can be and why they find themselves still in a strong position on the table. The Glory are a very determined side and are never really out of any game, possession or not.

The Sydney FC front three were excellent throughout this game. Dos Santos and Vine created chance after chance and Ibini’s hold-up play was excellent. Sydney created a staggering amount of chances and overwhelmed a Glory side which looked very close to them on paper.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Tumeth, J.Thompson, McLean, Fenton, Hollman, Caspers, Hawkesby,Vine, Ibini, I. Dos Santos. Substitutes: Franco, Lemon, Kruger, J. Dos Santos, Ray.

Scorers: Caspers 24’, Vine 59′, 85′.

Perth Glory (4-4-2): Aquino, Rigby, Lawrence, Cowart, Anton, Jale, Dalton, Lowry, Sakalis, Farrow, Quezada Substitutes: James, Foletta, Green, Cain, Cassidy

Scorers: Quezada 33′.

Referee: Isabella Libri

Attendance: TBC

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Panagaris wins it late for Adelaide United

Adelaide United 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers

By Jonathon Hagger 3/2/24

Above: Chrissy Panagaris celebreates her winning goal. Photo: Adelaide United

Teams travelling away from home to play Adelaide United at their home ground of  Coopers Stadium face a tough challenge. The Adelaide United women are staunch in defending their home field advantage demonstrated through their having defeated some high quality teams when at home. With a blazing hot sun and perfect pitch conditions, the final result of the match was largely dictated by the strategies of each team’s use of their energy. It was an excellent decision by the A-League to have two drinks breaks in each half which produced good quality football throughout the entirety of the match.

It was the Western Sydney Wanderers who started fast, securing possession of the ball seeking a go ahead goal. Knowing that the heat of the day would sap players’ energy later in the match, Wanderers employed a strategy of seeking dominance right from the kickoff. 

Adelaide however were the equal of the Wanderers finding gaps repeatedly through the midfield formation, putting Dawber into clear spaces to launch attacks. The tenth minute of the match gave Adelaide a fantastic opportunity to score with a well placed corner kick not being dispatched cleanly by the Wanderers defenders but Adelaide were unable to find the back of the net. 

Sophie Harding, Wanderers goal scoring wonder, demonstrated time and again why she is one of the best players in the league. Speed, skill and accuracy are hallmarks of her game and all of these were on display early. A shot from distance in the 16th minute was a scoring opportunity but the ball curled up and over the top bar. 

A loose trailing arm in the goal area by Adelaide’s Hannah Blake resulted in Wanderers  player Vicky Bruce going down after being hit on the cheek. The referee quickly decided the action was worthy of a penalty. Despite goalkeeper Annalee Grove picking the right direction of the ball, Amy Harrisons shot was too quick and found the back of the net. The Wanderers went ahead 1-0 in the 44th minute. 

Source: @aleaguewomen 

The second half continued on in the same style as the first half ended. The Wanderers pushing hard, desiring an early goal while the Adelaide sides structure remained  composed giving few chances away. The effect of the heat of the day became apparent as both sides became far more compact. 

It took until the 58th minute for the first opportunity to score arose, with Wanderers getting a clean shot on goal which Adelaide’s Grove was easily able to collect. An immediate counter attack ensued with Chelsie Dawber having an excellent opportunity to score but a badly hit shot found its way into the stands.  

Adelaide engineered their first real chance in the 68th minute with a beautiful 1-2 passing manoeuvre down the left hand side that put Dawber into space. A clean pass across the face of the Wanderers goal was unable to find an Adelaide player resulting in an opportunity to score being squandered. It was Dawber again, just two minutes later,  who was able to outsmart her defender and sliced through a beautiful pass to a wide open Hannah Blake who netted an easy goal.

Hannah Blake, goal scorer. Photo: @BDbmedia. 

With the score line being tied the match sprang to life with both teams not willing to settle for a draw. It was from a handover of possession that Adelaide’s Hodgson pounced on a loose ball in the middle of the pitch. A clean pass cut through the Wanderers defenders finding Chrissy Panagaris, who executed a lovely shot beating the goalkeeper putting Adelaide ahead 2-1 in the 85th minute. 

The remainder of the match was played out at high speed and peak energy. Both teams gave their absolute all until the final whistle but it was to be Adelaide’s day as they finished as winners 2-1 over a hearty Wanderers unit. 

Chrissy Panagaris. Source: @adelaideunited. 

Both teams will be looking forward to some time off the pitch for much needed recovery. Adelaide’s win keeps their season alive despite their being last on the table. The win keeps them within striking distance of achieving a top six finish. Meanwhile, the Wanderers will begin their preparations for their next challenge being the Newcastle Jets on Friday night. The Wanderers also are in the hunt for the top six. 

There is a lot to be excited about as the season continues! 

Adelaide United: 4-3-3. Grove, Tolland, Tonkin, Waldus, Hodgson, Holmes, Sasaki, Blake, Dawber, Hodgson, Jancevski.

Subs: Wilson, Morgan. (79’), Mullan (94’), Holtz (82’), Panagaris (79’). 

Scorers: Blake (70’), Panagaris (85’). 

Western Sydney Wanderers: 3-4-1-2. Collins, Bruce, Harrison, McComasky, Matos, Price, Apostolakis, Rue, Caspers, Harding, Morris. 

Subs: Khamis, Keir (87’), Chessari, Caceres (53’), Younis (88’). 

Scorers: Harrison (44’).

Referee: Casey Reibelt 

Attendance: TBC.

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Lowe penalty seals the victory over Roar

Brisbane Roar 1-2 Melbourne Victory (03/02/24)

By Ben Carey

Above: Alex Chidiac passes the ball to Elise Kellond-Knight in the midfield. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory recorded a tight 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar thanks to a late penalty converted by Rachel Lowe. It was a warm evening in the Sunshine State and there were over 2,000 people in the stands and on the grass behind the goals. The atmosphere was incredible. 

Victory got off to a lighting fast start, putting the Roar defence under immense pressure from the get-go. In the third minute, Holly McQueen spotted Emily Gielnik making a dangerous run down the right flank and made a superb slide tackle to deny her a goal scoring opportunity, at the expense of conceding a corner. The corner was taken by Elise Kellond-Knight. It was an awkward high-curling ball that Roar was unable to clear. It fell nicely for Victory defender, Emma Checker, who thumbed it home to secure the early lead. It’s Checker’s second goal in Victory colours, having scored her first against Western United early in the season.

For the next half an hour or so it was a very even contest, both sides having chances up each end. In the 36th minute, Sharn Freier came bounding down the left side, passed it to Tameka Yallop in front of the box, who flicked it on because Victory defenders were crowding her out. The ball made its way to Deborah-Anne de la Harpe who took a shot on goals. The shot was parried away but it fell right to Yallop who volleyed it into the back of the net to equalise the match. The goal was Yallop’s second in as many matches. 

Brisbane Roar carried the momentum into the second half, starting strong with a number of chances in the first five minutes alone. Eventually, Melbourne Victory wrestled back control of the match and created some chances of their own, but the Roar defence, and Jordan Silkowitz in goals, was equal to the task. 

In the 70th minute, some great build up play from the Roar exposed the Victory defence. Yallop found herself with the ball with some space in a dangerous area in the midfield and decided to go for goals. She took a brilliant shot from about 30 yards out, which was heading for the top middle of the goals, but Courtney Newbon pulled off a simply magnificent reflex save to tip it off the crossbar. It fell to Brisbane striker, Mia Corbin, but she was rushed and was unable to put it away.

About five minutes later, the pendulum swung entirely the other way. Roar were playing a high press, with their defenders up near the halfway mark. A sloppy pass turned over possession to McKenzie Weinert, one of the fastest and most dynamic players on the pitch. She bolted towards the goals, leaving the Roar defenders for dead. She went one on one with Silkowitz who cleaned her up in the box. Silkowitz probably should have been sent off, but instead she received a yellow card and conceded a penalty. Rachel Lowe stepped up and converted from the spot for the second week running, after having scored a penalty against Sydney last week. She’s having quite the campaign. 

Victory really picked up their intensity in the last 15 minutes of the match, creating lots of chances. The Roar created a few as well, but nothing came of them. Victory closed out the match with a tight 2-1 win. 

This will be a tough one for Brisbane Roar to take. They created tons of dangerous chances, but they were not nearly clinical enough and it came back to haunt them. That said, Jenna McCormick and McQueen put in a solid shift in the backline, both intervening at crucial moments all over the park. Freier was great in the midfield as always, using her speed and footwork to help set up the plays. Yallop in the front line was fantastic yet again. Her experience, physicality, and intent to always win the ball and move forward are a huge asset to any team. Also, her finish today was excellent.

It was a fantastic team performance from Melbourne Victory, who are now undefeated in four matches, coming back from a tough end to the year. Newbon was excellent in goals, making six crucial saves to keep her team in the match. Jamilla Rankin was great against her former side. Checker was strong down the back of the pitch and also clinical once more in front of goal. She got the whole affair off to a positive start. Alex Chidiac was solid in the midfield. But it was the front three who were on another level today. Weinert, Lowe, and Gielnik were a formidable trio, linking together beautifully. Together they created eight chances and took nine shots. Weinert won the penalty, and Lowe converted it. Jeff Hopkins should be pleased with his sides performance.

Melbourne Victory will play Central Coast Mariners away from home next Saturday. Brisbane will also be on the road next week, when they face Western United on Sunday. 

BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-3): Silkowitz, Cuthbert, McCormick, De La Harpe, McQueen, Stephenson, Yallop, Norrie, Palmer, Freier, Corbin. Substitutes: Richards, Kirkup, Davies, Levin, Hecher.

Scorers: Yallop 36’. 

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Newbon, Rankin, Morrison, Hansen, Checker, D’Appolonia, Kellond-Knight, Chidiac, Lowe, Weinert, Gielnik. Substitutes: Candy, Murphy, Nash, Okino, Privitelli.

Scorers: Checker 4’, Lowe 77’ (Pen).

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 2,175