Jets unable to snap losing streak as Mariners win F3 derby

Newcastle Jets 1 – 2 Central Coast Mariners

by Callum Logie (10/1/26)

Above: Peta Trimis celebrates after scoring against the Newcastle Jets. Photo: via the A-Leagues.

The Central Coast Mariners have quickly bounced back onto the winners list with a 3-2 win over the Newcastle Jets in the F3 Derby. An initial goal to Newcastle through Keli Brown was quickly cancelled out by Peta Trimis, before Annalise Rasmussen scored what turned out to be the match winner.

The game started off with a high energy level, with the Mariners pressing up on the three backs of Newcastle. Avaani Prakash and Annalise Rasmussen were creating pressure and this saw the midfielders often winning the ball forward.

After 6 minutes, Trimis ran onto a ball from over the top and drove a shot near-post. Anna Leat covered her goal very well and held onto her save after the first meaningful shot on target.

The Jets did not have much in the way of possession, but they broke forward with pace when they did get the ball. For example, at the 12 minute mark Charlotte Lancaster ran down the wing and crossed it into the box toward Alexis Collins. However, Tarren King and Annalee Grove were able to use the former’s strength and the latter’s positioning to stop the visitors conceding.

A moment later, Brown had a shot at goal in the box after some excellent link-up play. Brown opted for a delicate finish but directed her effort slightly wide of the goal to keep the game scoreless.

As the game developed, Newcastle adopted something of a route 1 approach, sending long balls forward and looking to create off the second ball.

Central Coast on the other hand were looking for shorter passing plays and pressing off the ball to create pressure.

There was certainly plenty of back and forth play through the middle part of the first half, but nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.

Sadly at 35 minutes, there was a significant stoppage of play after Isabella Coco-Di Sipio went down for the second time in the game. There was no confirmation of what the injury was, but it looked to be related to her right knee as Tiahna Fuller came in earlier than expected to replace her. Coco-Di Sipio was able to leave the field on her own feet which was a positive sign.

The lack of action on the scoreboard changed in the shadows of the half time whistle when Newcastle was rewarded for their great efforts as Libby Copus-Brown won the ball high up the pitch and played in Brown who hit a terrific shot into the top left-corner and opened the scoring for the Jets.

Despite a few more nervy moments in the Mariners defence, the lead remained a single goal at the break.

The second half started quickly, with Fuller firing a shot at goal in the first minute of the half that was blocked by the defence and Sophie Hoban firing a shot in on the other end which was saved by Grove. A minute later, Lancaster forced a more challenging save out of Grove after a run forward and a driven shot at near-post.

In the 53rd minute – seemingly from nothing – Trimis was able to equalise for the Mariners. Prakash played the ball to Trimis on the edge of the box, who then took a speculative shot from distance and was able to find the back of the net.

A minute later, Rasmussen broke forward after winning the ball in a battle with Prior and Claudia Cicco. Her shot was driven over the bar, but the momentum was suddenly back with the Mariners now that the scores were level.

There was a period of the Jets keeping possession for about six minutes in the second half. It did not lead to too many chances, but it did allow the hosts to control the pace and tempo of the game heading into the last half hour.

The game became more physical from this point, with a lot of possession being held in the middle third of the pitch. The Jets held slightly better territory during this period, but the Mariners still looked dangerous breaking forward with Prakash and Trimis in particular.

A Mariners breakaway in the 70th minute led to the league’s leading scorer finding the back of the net once again. Trimis made a run down the right wing and looped the ball into Rasmussen who drove a volley across Leat’s goal and into the back of the net.

Despite going behind on the scoreboard, the Jets did continue to try and create right up until the final whistle. There was a lot of frantic action particularly in the last five minutes of the match, but ultimately the Mariners’ defence held firm and they managed to see out the rest of the game with the lead. 

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-3): Leat, Bates, Cicco, Prior, Lancaster, Copus-Brown, Dundas, Karipidis, Hoban, Collins, Brown. Substitutes: Allan, Allan, Ayres, Davis, Page, Ritchie.

Scorer: Brown 45+2′.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-5-1): Grove, Baumann, King, Thew, Martin, Coco-Di Sipio, Prakash, Kraszula, Quilligan, Trimis, Rasmussen. Substitutes: Buchanan, Farrow, Fuller, Hughes, Levin, Varley.

Scorer: Trimis 53′, Rasmussen 70′.

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: 1,261.

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City gain impressive win in Wellington despite Woods’ debut strike

Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Melbourne City

by Emma Burke (10/1/26)

Above: Wellington Phoenix’s Grace Jale (7) wins a header under heavy pressure with teammate Mackenzie Barry and Melbourne City’s Aideen Keane (black shirt) also competing. Photo: Ryan Imray for Impetus

A goal on debut for American Makala Woods, who recently joined Wellington Phoenix as an injury replacement wasn’t enough for the home side to comeback against Melbourne City, losing the game 2-1 at Porirua Park.

It was the visitors who found the back of the net first in the 16th minute through Leticia McKenna, who expertly finished a cutback pass from Danella Butrus, sending the ball into the top right corner.

Minutes later City would double their lead after Butrus’ angled shot on goal was deflected by Nix keeper Victoria Esson right into the path of Aideen Keane, who only needed to tap the ball over the line.

A dominant first half for Melbourne City truly highlighted the impact that star signing Samba has had on Wellington, with this being their first game played without the Nepalese striker, who was confirmed to have injured her ACL last round against Brisbane Roar.

Above: Manaia Elliott prepares to send in a corner for Wellington Phoenix at Porirua Park today. Photo: Ryan Imray for Impetus.

City’s quality opening half was only marred by an injury to midfielder Leah Davidson that caused her to leave the game and was replaced by Karly Roestbakken.

The second half saw the Phoenix start to work themselves back into the game, helped by the introduction of Woods, who gave the side a focal point for their crosses into the box.

Woods’ goal, a header that was the end product of a perfectly placed cross from Brooke Nunn, did make the six minutes added on frantic for both teams.

Despite this, the cool heads of Melbourne City prevailed, who now move up to the top of the table, and continue their streak of having never lost to the Phoenix since their inclusion in the A-League Women competition.

For Ryan Imray’s full photo gallery from the match for Impetus, head to our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball.

Teams WELLINGTON PHOENIX (3-4-1-2): Esson, Walker, Barry, Van de Meer, Nunn, Brazendale, Jale, Wall, Leon, Main, Vlok. Substitutes: Danieli, Elliot, Pijnenburg, Benson, Woods, Bartlett.

Scorers: Woods 90’.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Turner, Keane, Davidson, McKenna, Butrus, Uchendu, McNamara. Substitutes: Barbieri, Roestbakken, Henry, Wilson, Jackson, Jugovic.

Scorers: McKenna 16’, Keane 21’.

Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley.

Attendance: 1,301.

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O’Grady and Victory building confidence from comeback in Gosford

By Isabelle Campbell 10/1/26

Above: Ella O’Grady. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Victory striker Ella O’Grady spoke to the media after a week’s rest about how the last minute heroics against the Mariners is driving the team forward.

Ella O’Grady admits she’s watched her equalising goal from Melbourne Victory’s last match “a couple of times,” noting that rewatching her own goals has become something of a running joke among her teammates.

Coming off the bench against Central Coast Mariners, O’Grady scored the final goal in a blockbuster comeback. Victory were trailing 3-0 at the end of regular time but in what was dubbed a ‘Christmas miracle’ scored three goals in added time to secure a dramatic draw.

Reflecting on the goal that got a point back for her side, O’Grady said:

“Having the mentality that you know you don’t want to lose, and coming back in added time from 3-0 down, that’s quite hard to do, so to have that equaliser, watching it back felt like I had chills down my spine. Unfortunately didn’t get a win, but I’ll take an equaliser.”

When asked whether she felt a little more time on the clock could have delivered a fourth goal, O’Grady was confident:

“Oh, absolutely. I think we had so so much momentum. We almost had it in the last couple minutes. But if we had a bit more time, we probably could have got one more.”

With a bye week following the Mariners clash, the squad had the time to recover and rest, while allowing players to refocus and prepare for the challenges ahead, something O’Grady believes has helped in continuing to build their mindset.

“Having a break over the last couple of weeks, we’ve had a chance to reset. Find some form a little bit again, get the mentality, not just from starting players and bench players, but anyone that’s pushing for a spot in the actual squad as well.”

Looking ahead to their clash with Brisbane at the Home of the Matildas, O’Grady said the team now carries a stronger sense of identity and resilience. She also referenced the earlier meeting this season, when Victory came up short against the Roar.

“We had a new squad, new players coming in, and we kind of didn’t really set the mentality, that Victory mentality, yet. I think it took a while to get there.

“And I think after last week, that just shows what we’re all about as a team. How we can come back and we’re never beaten. So I think going into the game this weekend, we’re coming off that, which is pretty special.”

O’Grady has consistently come off the bench this season, pushing to prove herself and make an impact whenever she steps on the pitch.

“Every every bench player is hoping that they can get some more minutes each week, but I’ll just keep doing my thing during the week and pushing hard for the girls, not only for myself to get some minutes, but so that they’re prepared for the weekend as well.”

Part of what seems to be helping Victory find form this season is the competitive culture within the squad, with players constantly pushing each other to raise their game.

“Competition within the team, having the mindset that someone’s knocking on your door to take your spot. I think it’s quite important as a player, on the bench, for someone trying to get into the squad, and as a starter, it’s quite important to have, so that we’re bringing the intensity each week, fighting for our spots during the week and in the games.”

“If you’re not performing then you’ll come out of that squad for someone else to come in. I think, even in mini games that we’ll do throughout the week, they’re a bit of fun, but they also drive a bit of competition.”

Victory now carry the lessons and confidence from their last match into the Brisbane clash, looking to convert their resilience into consistent performances as the season moves forward.

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League struggles and European chances: Chelsea’s crucial January

By Ben Tattoo (9/1/26)

In his penultimate interview, Ben Tattoo speaks to fan of reigning champions Chelsea, about their season so far and how this could finally be their year in the Champions League

Can you tell me a bit about your history as a fan of Chelsea?

It started with my Dad. I didn’t have any choice in my Italian team and because he’s always been an Arsenal fan, I wanted to be a bit different.

So, I picked Chelsea, that was my history with Chelsea. That was around 2009.  I started watching women’s football in 2012 with the Olympics, and then it stuck.

So that’s how we started, and then I discovered Twitter and built connections and friends around it as well.

Four or five times during the season, I try to come to London or for away games, and when the Champions League is on, that kind of stuff.

How did you feel about the summer transfer business?

I think Chelsea did a lot in January with Girma and Walsh. I think that was like the big thing and they addressed the needs, as we needed to refresh the squad. They started with the defence, and then they did the midfield.

In attack, I don’t feel particularly good about it and I think they left it late with (Alyssa) Thompson. I can’t blame them, you have to wait when you get a player like Thompson.

I think they could have done more maybe at left back and right wing. I think a lot of people would be pretty happy with Chelsea’s squad, but they are underperforming their expected goals (xG) a bit and not creating not scoring as many chances as last season.

How are you thinking about the season so far?

There’s been a lot of chat throughout the season obviously, with the loss against Everton. I’ve not lost my head, like other people have done, because I think we have to lose someday – it’s not realistic to keep winning everything. 

The Champions League has been fine, which is what I think we need to win. It’s the big one. However, if you’re putting everything in one basket, you have to deliver.

You’re probably not going to get a weaker season for Barcelona after (Aitana) Bonmati’s injury and their squad limitations. It’s so thin. They’re going to be knackered by April.

Lyon are very well positioned, but I do think on paper we do have the best squad, it’s time to show it.

Do you ever have concerns or hear any grumblings from players that they’re not getting or see anybody language that you think, or they’re not getting much game time?

I don’t think Sjoeke Nüsken can be happy, that’s probably the big one. When she plays, she’s good. I saw her non-celebration when she scored the final goal against Roma. I think she does feel a bit hard-done by because she is not being played a lot.

Do you think it’s quite hard for young players to get in at Chelsea with their signing power compared to other teams? Lexi Potter for example?

Every time she’s come on, she looks ready to like to have minutes. I do think the fact that we’re not scoring is, like, it has an impact on her, because if when games are very tight, you may not want to bring on a teenager.

I think she could leave (in January), considering we’ve got (Orian) Jean-François as well. she can cover for Keira (Walsh). I do think she’s going to have a big role next season. 

It’s been mixed for young players. Mara Alber, who we bought in the summer, she didn’t look ready in preseason, and she doesn’t get any minutes at all.

However, when you look at Wieke Kaptein and she’s basically a starter, so. I think players look at Kaptein and obviously Alyssa Thompson and they think, “that can be me”.

It’s not always going to be that way – Lexi Potter is not going to bench Keira Walsh. Yeah, you must be a bit realistic as well.

So it’s difficult and they’ve got some talented youngsters coming through, who are loaned out at the moment.

How do you think Chelsea will be doing for the rest of the season?

I do think the league is gone, even though Manchester City have bottled it before. I don’t see them realistically losing the league.

I don’t particularly care about the League Cup, if I’m honest. I don’t think any Chelsea fan would care about anything else if we do win the Champions League.

There’s the FA Cup; I do think a trip to Wembley is always good. If you get to Wembley, you’ve got to go!

If you could take one player from any other team who would it be, any player you want, stick them in the Chelsea Blue?

Probably Selma Bacha from Lyon. Niamh Charles –  I feel a bit sorry for her because she’s almost too two-footed. She’s not the best left back, but obviously she’s not going to get in at right back as well.

She’s done well after coming back from injury last season, but I think Bacha would do really well for Chelsea.

Do you think Sonia Bombastor is the manager to take Chelsea to the Champions League?

 I was against the appointment, but I had to shut up because she kept winning, you can’t say anything. At times she does things really well and then other times you think “why are you doing that?”

She’s quite a new manager because she doesn’t have that much experience. So maybe that plays into my thinking.

The problem is also – who else could we get? Tactically, I do think it would be easy to get somebody better than her. However, to manage the squad? She does this well and has shown that she can bench big personalities.  

Let’s see how she does this season and see if she brings that Champions League home. Yeah, if she brings the Champions League like, you can do whatever you want (she laughs).

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Flips, Flair and Four Straight: Glory Continue to Dominate at Home

Perth Glory 3-1 Western Sydney Wanderers

by Isabelle Campbell (9/1/26)

Above: Emma Tovar celebrates after scoring the first of Perth’s three goals tonight against the Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: via A-Leagues.

Perth Glory defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1 at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, extending their home winning streak to four matches and leaving Wanderers winless for a seventh consecutive game. Emma Tovar and Susan Phonsongkham set up the win with goals in the first half, before Ella Lincoln added to the haul in the second.

The Glory started the match as the more confident side, controlling possession and pressing the Wanderers high up the pitch, shutting down their opponents with relative ease. The opening exchanges saw a few halfhearted attempts at goal from both sides, but neither keeper was seriously tested in the early stages.

The breakthrough finally came in the 29th minute though when Tovar picked up the ball just outside the box and curled a precise left-footed strike past Sham Khamis, claiming her first goal in Glory colours.

The Wanderers had a brief response through captain Amy Harrison, who fired a shot on goal, but it was comfortably saved by Glory keeper Teresa Morrissey, keeping the visitors at bay.

As the half drew to a close, Glory earned a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the box. Phonsongkham stepped up and delivered with perfect accuracy, sending the ball into the top left corner to double the lead and give the home side a strong advantage going into the break.

When the halftime whistle blew, the Glory were in full control and eager to continue with the same momentum, while the Wanderers faced a difficult task in the second half to claw their way back into the match.

After an anything but smooth ball delivery from a robot named Darren, the second half was underway. Much like the opening half, the early stages were low on action, with both teams struggling to create clear cut chances.

The Wanderers threatened first when Yuan Cong had a solid attempt to close the gap, but Teresa Morrissey was alert and kept up her side’s clean sheet. However, redemption came shortly after for the visitors when Ella Buchanan delivered a precise cross that perfectly found Yuan’s feet, allowing her to slip the ball past Morrissey and make it 2-1. With this goal coming with 25 minutes still to play, there was hope for a Wanderers comeback.

Their comeback hopes were short-lived, however, as Lincoln unleashed a beautiful strike that found the back of the net. In a moment of pure poetry and déjà vu for Glory fans, Lincoln followed up her goal with a backflip celebration at the very appropriately named Sam Kerr Football Centre.

Despite a desperate late push from the Wanderers, they were unable to find another goal, and the match ended 3-1 in favour of the home side.

Check out our Instagram reels and stories for post match interviews and scenes from around the ground by Max Parris and Ella McShane – go to @impetusfootball on Instagram

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Morrissey, Sardo, McKenna, Zogg, Johnston, Cassidy, Dalton, Tover, Trew, Phonsongkham, O’Donoghue. Substitutes: Skinner, Anderson, Hollar, Lincoln, Wainwright, Westaway.

Scorers: Tovar 29’, Phonsongkham 44’, Lincoln 84’.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-2-2-2): Khamis, Wang, Buchanan, Hooks, Matos, Harada, Chessari, Harrison, Younis, Berryhill, Caspers. Substitutes: Bennett, Price, Sony, Yuan, Cerne, Edwards.

Scorer: Yuan 75’.

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson

Attendance: 879.

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Sydney and Adelaide entertain despite lack of goals

Sydney FC 0-0 Adelaide United

By Kieran Yap 9/1/2026

Above: Adriana Taranto and Kirsty Fenton challenge for the ball. Photo: Adelaide United

Sydney FC and Adelaide United played out an entertaining if sometimes frustrating scorless draw at Leichhardt Oval. Despite the visibly poor playing surface both teams played some promising attacking football that brought the best out of their respective goalkeepers.

Ante Juric’s side came into this round in need of win. Sydney FC have not scored in five games, and are fast slipping down the table. They faced an Adelaide United side that has been formidable at home, but not as strong outside of South Australia. Despite Adelaide’s enviable strike power, this presented a good opportunity for Sydney FC to find their spark. NPL goal machine Skye Halmarick started her second consecutive game for the home side in a signal of intent.

Adelaide United started the stronger of the two sides. Some good interplay resulted in an Emily Condon effort missing the target,  Erin Healy’s shot skimming wide, and a Melissa Taranto header going past the upright. Sydney FC almost responded spectacularly but Bianca Galic’s looped pass was perfectly and athletically cleared by Matilda McNamara despite the defender facing her own goal when she cleared the ball.

Sydney defended compactly, but struggled to build from the back. Adelaide’s midfield trio of Zois and the Taranto’s were well set up to shut them down and in the absence of a really quick midfielder, they have few options to break through the press if the passing options are closed.

Adriana Tranto in particular showed impressive energy and drive. She was able to burst through midfield and form a menacing presence, but the final pass was often snuffed out by Sydney’s defence.

Another Adrian Taranto run started the second half. After intercepting a goal-kick, she burst into the penalty area, but no Adelaide striker was on the spot to meet her cutback to the six yard box.

The game began to open up in the final half hour. The introduction of former Sydney FC striker Fiona Worts into the game instantly resulted in a chance for Adelaide. Worts earned a foul from Kirsty Fenton’s shirt pull and the Zois free kick found McNamara but the header was wide.

Erin Healy had a goal disallowed for a body check on Willa Pearson. It looked to be legal and if the roles were reversed it is hard to imagine a referee giving a penalty for a similar challenge. It looked on replay like an error by the referee.

Amelia Cassar momentarily sparked Sydney FC into life with a clever pass for Halmarick to chase. Unfortunately for her, Ilona Melegh was alert to the danger and able to race out to snuff out the chance.

Some expert centre-forward work from Halmarick created Sydney’s best chance. Her hold-up play, pass wide to Sarah Hunter and well placed header were all perfectly executed, but Melegh was able to gather the eventual chance once again.

Sydney substitute Riley Tanner almost secured the points for the hosts, but her quick footwork went unrewarded when he shot from the angle crashed off the woodwork after another strong goalkeeping effort from Melegh.

The draw was Sydney’s sixth goalless performance in a row, but Halmarick’s continuing comfort at this level and natural instincts for the position must offer some hope for fans.

Adelaide’s away form continues to trouble them, but they looked to have snatched the win in added time only for it to be denied by millimeters, the performances of this team are becoming more consistent as the season develops, and in Melegh, they may have the in-form goalkeeper of the competition.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Hinz, Lemon, Pearson, Tumeth, Fenton, Galic, Lowry, Hunter, Cassar, Halmarick, Ulkekel. Substitutes: Robertson, Ayson, Tanner, Corbett, Luchtmeijer, Sullivan.

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-1-2): Melegh, E Hodgson, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, A Taranto, Zois, M Taranto, Healy, Condon, Dawber. Substitutes: Jenkins, Murray, I Hodgson, Morgan, Makris, Worts.

Referee: Lara Lee.

Attendance: 1,857.

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Glasgow City dominate while Montrose stun the league: SWPL mid season review

By Gethin Thurlow (7/1/26)

Above: Glasgow City celebrate scoring a goal earlier in the year Photo: @GlasgowCityFC on X

As the winter break hits, we’re as close to halfway through the SWPL season as we’re going to ever get thanks to the 6/4 split format giving teams unequal games played overall. There’s no better time to reflect on what has been an astonishing-as-ever SWPL season. While the title race isn’t looking as legendary as the last few years, anything can happen in this league and the stories of the nine teams below are as interesting as usual.

Glasgow City turn back the clock

Talking about Glasgow City is always inspiring, and as they just keep defying the odds every time it is always a feel-good story. Founding in 1998, they have been at the forefront of women’s football in Scotland from the very start. As they like to refer to themselves, the ‘original trailblazers’ continue to set the standards today. Having won 14 straight titles, the professionalisation of Celtic and Rangers, and later the Edinburgh rivals threatened to bury City after the reformed league post 2020. However, Glasgow City held strong and won two of the next three titles.

With the trophy embroidered in green the last two years, City’s utter dominance has been halted, even if they’ve remained competitive. However, this year feels more like 2014 or 2015, when they won the domestic treble and played some big opponents in Europe. In Scotland, Leanne Ross’s team have won every single game except two draws with Hibs, and a seriously impressive run in Europe only ended in extra time against Portuguese giants Sporting CP.

Having lost two crucial players in the window – striker Brenna Lovera and centre-back Sam van Diemen, probably their best asset at either end of the pitch last year; City have adapted better than other SWPL clubs and seem to have come out of the winter with a better overall squad. Crucial to that was the signing of Abi Harrison from Celtic after her contract ran out, who has filled in magnificently at the top of the pitch. Lana Golob meanwhile has filled the gap left by van Diemen to form the best centre-back duo in the league with Kimberly Smit.

Above: Goals conceded by the top 5 in the SWPL (bottom 5 have all conceded more)

Conceding only four goals all year, the Smit-Golob partnership with Lee Gibson behind them has been the recipe to getting over the line in games, and particularly while facing other big sides. If you get a clean sheet that’s at least one point guaranteed, and having built up such a significant lead, that all they really need to do in the second half of the season.

The post-split challenge of facing high quality attacks two or three times a week will be the last test of this defence and the team as a whole, but there are no indications that the independent side won’t write a new resilient chapter in their storied history – as they remind the league that while the money from men’s teams keeps pouring in, Glasgow City have not been conquered yet.

Montrose shock the league to lead top six race

With that incredible record, Glasgow City must have been the standout team of the season, right? Well arguably not so much. While Aberdeen brought in some significant names, Partick Thistle and Motherwell both improved upon squads that battled hard for sixth place last year, Montrose were quietly building under the radar. While it may sound irrelevant, taking a lead over Rangers in the opening game (even if they went on to lose it 6-1) showed that Craig Feroz’s side had something about them this year.

Given the nature of the league, the five non-professional teams always know they are fighting for that final place in the top six and hence top split and can’t rely on taking points off the pros. For them, those games are a useful way to show themselves off but defining the season overall are the games against those around you. Montrose started perfectly, dismantling last years ‘best of the rest’ Motherwell 4-1 in the second week of the season. Strike partners Sophia Martin and Kaela McDonald-Nguah grabbed too each, with some slick passing moves between them shredding apart Motherwell’s defence.

The style of goals in that game was very much an indication of how Montrose would target teams throughout the season. Rather than try to take control of the game and compete with the opposition in the middle of the park, Craig Feroz’s team sat back and looked to create goals on the counterattack – relying on the speed of their strikers to turn defence into goalscoring chances as quick as possible. While Aberdeen, Partick and Motherwell have focused on trying to dominate games, Montrose have had more success by going back to the basics.

The key player for Montrose in this system is striker Kaela McDonald-Nguah. Having started in the Celtic academy, she has played all over Scotland before joining Montrose this summer. As a striker, McDonald-Nguah’s speed and technical ability mean that she is an ideal candidate for getting the ball early with space to the goal and just a couple of defenders in front of her to beat. As the graph below shows, she has been more crucial to Montrose’s attack than any other player in the SWPL this year.

Above: The percentage of total team goals scored by each leading club scorer

For most of the season, Montrose focused on peaking at the right times – saving their better performances for the teams they had a chance of beating and frankly looking uncompetitive against the top five. However, when a vulnerable Hibernian side travelled up north in between games against other top sides, there was always going to be an opportunity. By holding out defensively in the game, they were able to quickly respond after going behind and eventually saw out a draw. With which they became the first non-professional club to take points off a professional outlet.

Hibs’ title defence grinds to a halt

After an incredible underdog title run, with Champions League qualifying and title defence on the agenda, it looked like an exciting season for the Hibees. Winning the league with what was a much smaller squad than their competitors, people wondered whether they would look to go ham in the transfer window – but instead, Grant Scott focused on signing youth. Milly Boughton, Hannah Jordan and Tiree Burchill joined the attack while Jess Fitzgerald bolstered the midfield, and Scarlett Herron provided a crucial centre-back option.

Above: The number of players signed by Hibs in each age group – highlighting their focus on youth

The lack of established SWPL names seemed a deliberate move and perhaps one that the Edinburgh side regret now. After keeping up a strong fight for most of the year, injuries to Kirsten Reilly, Linzi Taylor, Kathleen McGovern and Eilidh Adams at the same time derailed the Hibees, seeing them on a run of just two points from four games. This included losses to Celtic and Hearts, a draw with Glasgow City and a draw with Montrose – making them the first professional side to drop points to a non-professional team in 2025/26.

The shocking announcement on the first day of winter break that Grant Scott would depart the club and join Celtic certainly reset the expectations around the Hibees’ campaign. With Hibernian legend Joelle Murray stepping into a managerial role earlier than anyone probably would have wanted, she will have to pick up things very quickly if her team want to fight for anything more than fifth place.

The compensation fee from the Glasgow side was clearly enough to convince the Hibs ownership – alongside the injury crisis ongoing that a rebuild of the team was necessary. There could’ve been a desperate search for a qualified manager and some experienced SWPL names, but Hibs have instead chosen to stick to their guns with the promotion of Murray, even if she hasn’t learnt everything from Grant Scott that they would’ve wanted yet.

With vulnerabilities in all three clubs that are six points ahead – Rangers, Hearts and Celtic; the battle for second and a European place is well alive for Hibs if Murray can start well. While anything can happen in the SWPL, it does look a step too far to close that 13-point gap to Glasgow City at the top.

New era for Celtic

Back in the days when Grant Scott only knew one shade of green, Celtic’s season began under the cloud of a terrible end to the last season and a mass exodus before this one even began. With only limited signings to replace some big names like Abi Harrison, Kelsey Daugherty, Murphy Agnew and Lucy Ashworth-Clifford, hopes of a return to the top were slim amongst fans and there was pressure on Elena Sadiku’s position from the off.

Ultimately, two losses against Rangers and a seven-point deficit to first damned Sadiku, even if her last result was a good win at Hibs. In some ways the first half of the year is now a write-off, and a new dawn starts for the Ghirls. Sitting seven points back, the split always offers an opportunity to take points back and the pressure will be off Celtic with their new manager – so that offers a possibility to push for the title. Even if the trophy is beyond them, then a second place is well up for grabs; seemingly all they need to do is get over this atrocious Old Firm run.

Having won a miracle title last season with Hibernian, Scott clearly has a established pedigree within Scottish football – and given the fact his contract was announced at the same time as Sadiku’s departure, surely he was the number one choice for the job. As a manager, Scott’s success comes from building relationships with players and improving each of them on an individual level, rather than building a narrow and complicated tactical system. There’s rarely a player that joins Hibs without crediting Scott’s words and vision for the club.

The rest of this season will not define the Scottish manager’s legacy at Celtic, and he will have at least a year unless things drastically go wrong, allowing Scott to assert his blueprint for the club onto it. Celtic fans – while still holding some resentment towards the ownership – can feel at least somewhat excited for a new outlook at the club, even if it might look the same at the start. Winning titles consistently and competing in the Champions League remains the aim of the club, and they will keep pushing to achieve that.

Hearts take advantage in fight for Champions League

Every year since 2021 with the restructured SWPL, Hearts have been slowly building under Spanish manager Eva Olid. Having secured fourth place finishes in 22/23 and 23/24, Hearts were jumped by Edinburgh rivals Hibs last year who claimed that unexpected title win – but their overall season was actually still an improvement.  This year has been almost the opposite; their results and overall standing indicate a big jump when in reality they have kept that same pace of improvement up.

The issue of Hibs and Celtic have been analysed already, and Rangers have had a drop off as they adapt to their new manager Leanne Crichton. Last season’s winners are closely to Montrose behind then they are to reclaiming that title, Celtic’s three losses against their professional opponents from Glasgow have limited their points tally, while Rangers’ two derby victories make up all their points against the top five except one draw with Hearts.

Hearts had already cemented themselves as a team who could be counted on to beat almost any non-professional side. Towards the backend of last season, they began regularly taking points off the other top sides, and while the Edinburgh derbies are always a toss-up, the ‘Jambo’s’ record against Hibs, Celtic and Rangers this year is exceptional. Led by three of the best strikers in the league: Carly Johns, Bayley Hutchison and Georgia Timms, Hearts’ record of scoring multiple goals in all but one of those games has been a major reason for the success.

Above: Each of the top-2-chasing teams record in games against eachother

As is a little rare in the SWPL, Eva Olid is very set to a tactical style and a three-defender formation. While the wing-backs support either the attack or the defence depending on the opponent, the structure remains the same. Scotland youth international sister Erin and Jess Husband are essential to this, playing usually as centre-backs. Every year they get older and more experienced, developing into the mainstays in the team which they are now.

Monica Forsyth and Lizzie Waldie have played well this season, picking up assists and crucial defensive contributions in equal measure. Jamaican star Olufolasade Adamolekun has that X-factor in attacking midfield that can be employed when all else fails, offering pace, dribbling skills and a cheeky long-range shooting ability.

The split will test if Hearts can really sustain a full season challenge of these teams – all SWPL winners in the past, as they look to qualify for European football for the first time in club history.

Hamilton battle but struggle to compete

Down at the bottom, it is unfortunately a predictable story. It was always felt that by running fully as a non-professional team, Hamilton would simply be on different playing field to the other nine teams – who all have some if not very limited semi-professional elements. Having only picked up their first point the last weekend before the break, they sit six points off Aberdeen in 9th place.

Manager Robert Watson was always very open about the club’s expectations and difficulties that lay ahead, but that doesn’t they’ve sat back and taken it. There’s been many games where the ‘Accies’ have defended resiliently or lost to heartbreaking late goals. Right on the opening day of the season, they only lost 2-1 to an injury winner from Partick Thistle. Holding Glasgow City to just 1-0 in September showed how outstanding that defence could be, but they couldn’t replicate that in easier games against teams around them.

An 11-0 loss at Rangers was probably the low point of the SWPL this year and rightly raised questions about how fair or sustainable it was for teams with such vastly different resources to compete in the same league. After the international break, they came back stronger, holding Celtic to just 3-0, and only exiting the cup to an extra time goal against high-flyers Montrose. One week after Montrose took a point off Hibs, Hamilton took their first point of the campaign from Craig Feroz’s side, giving them something to be proud of and take into the break with them.

Post-split, Watson’s team will have an opportunity to improve. Knowing that every game will be against another team from the bottom five, it wouldn’t take them much to put a good run of form together, and they go into each gamen with the knowledge that realistically any result is possible. It will take an almighty effort to even force a relegation playoff by finishing 9th, but whatever happens the Accies can be proud of their effort in the top flight.

And finally, a look at how the table is sitting compared to my pre-season predictions.

Predicted table

  1. Glasgow City
  2. Rangers
  3. Hibernian
  4. Heart of Midlothian
  5. Celtic
  6. Aberdeen
  7. Partick Thistle
  8. Motherwell
  9. Montrose
  10. Hamilton Academical

Current Table

  1. Glasgow City
  2. Rangers
  3. Heart of Midlothian (+1)
  4. Celtic (+1)
  5. Hibernian (-2)
  6. Montrose (+3)
  7. Partick Thistle
  8. Motherwell
  9. Aberdeen (-3)
  10. Hamilton Academical

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Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters and Teresa Morrissey preview home matchup against Western Sydney Wanderers

Above: Stephen Peters talks to the press. Image: Perth Glory.

By Ella McShane (7/1/2026)

Perth Glory are set to host Western Sydney Wanderers this Friday in round 12 of the Ninja A-League. Head coach Stephen Peters and goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey spoke to the media, analysing a solid run of performances and how they plan to bring the consistency and cohesion to a night under the lights at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.

Analysing three home wins out of four rounds Stephens stated, “It has been nice to put a performance together that we were pleased with in terms of on the ball and defensive capabilities…The fluency in attack is developing. I think the last two games have showcased that.”

Beyond tactics Stephens credited the squad’s refreshed success to a developed sense of “resilience” and “togetherness”, adding that “they’re all on the same page about what they want out of the game.” 

A substantial injury list, among other factors, has required the squad to adapt repeatedly this season. “The pleasing thing about [the developed mentality] is, it doesn’t matter who is in and out of the team, they’re all bringing that to the table.” Stephens elaborated. “It is really, really pleasing that we are getting that consistency from that larger part of the squad,” “We’ve got players who are ready to step into those roles.”

Looking to the opposition, Glory’s approach appears to draw on the confidence gained from the reversed fixture earlier this season, that resulted in a 3-1 victory to Glory. “You’re obviously going to take things out from the first game of some of their players’ characteristics and what their dangers are,” stated Stephens. 

Above: Morrissey speaks at the Perth Glory media conference. Image: Perth Glory.

Both Stephens and Morrissey emphasised that despite their strong home form, there is no sense of complacency heading into Friday’s match-up.“We can’t be too complacent in spite of how well we’ve been doing at home. We definitely won’t take this game lightly at all,” Morrissey said. 

“[Western Sydney Wanderers] have also made tactical changes from game to game, using different formations for different opponents. So it’s going to be an interesting one to see which setup they choose against us,” Stephens stated, highlighting the importance of adaptability seen both within this round and the league as a whole. He added, “I’ve said this a bit like a broken record lately, but every team in the competition is capable of taking points on any given day. So you have to be up for it, and you can’t take anything for granted.”

Round 12 of the Ninja A-League will take place at 19:00 AWST at the Sam Kerr Football Centre and will be available to stream on Paramount+ and 10Play.

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Melbourne Victory’s NPLW program to provide a “genuine pathway.”

By Kieran Yap 6/1/26

Above: Santi Escudero. Photo: Adrian Geremia for Impetus

Melbourne Victory are about to enter the Victorian NPLW. Head coach Santi Escudero and Team Manager Emma Checker spoke to Impetus about the club’s ambitions.

Melbourne Victory’s women’s program has long been one of the benchmarks in Australia. The club has attracted some of the biggest names from overseas, developed Matildas stars and regularly contended for trophies.  

Heading into 2026, the club has taken important steps to not only continue that success but improve on it. For the first time, Melbourne Victory will field an U23 side in the NPLW Victoria.  

This move will ensure that young players can develop internally, in the same system, with access to the highest-level facilities. If successful, the pathways for domestic Australian football will more closely resemble Europe’s, and with the talent and experience on board, there is every chance it will.  

The first head coach of this program will be Santi Escudero. A current assistant to Jeff Hopkins, Escudero comes with an impressive track record in Australia and extensive experience abroad. 

Hailing originally from Valencia in Spain, Escudero found his way to Australian women’s football, through stints as a researcher at Villareal, where he worked with former Victory men’s coach Carlos Salvachua, then through the Real Madrid Foundation and most recently as head coach of FV Academy, Football Victoria’s former development side in the NPLW.  

Escudero is joined on staff by an A-League Women icon, NPLW star and former Matilda Emma Checker. The centre back ended her distinguished playing career with Preston Lions in 2025, after almost 15 years as a professional footballer.  

“The difference will be massive,” Escudero told Impetus when asked about the impact the program can make.  

“Because until this moment, the A-League Clubs didn’t have any reserve team or any young team that can be in competition, and that’s very important.” 

Under the previous system, young players could find an NPLW club throughout the A-League off-season to gain experience, but there was no deliberate, clear pathway to Australia’s top tier. Escudero believes that Victory’s NPLW program can accelerate progress for individuals and the sport.  

“It’s important, not only for the good for football, for or Melbourne Victory, it’s for all girls’ football. 

 “Because we are going to run with the same program as the men’s….and that’s the system that is works around the world. So, that is a great step forward.” 

Emma Checker’s experience playing in Australia, South Korea, France and Sweden since the age of 15 makes her a valuable authority of what can help young players reach their potential.  

After retiring from the NPLW playing duties at the end of the 2025 season with Preston Lions, Checker was excited to get stay involved in the sport. A strong relationship with Victory Football Director John Didulica opened the door.  

While Escudero will be calling the shots on matchday, Checker will fill a behind the scenes role a team manager, ensuring that the players and staff will have everything they need to perform at their best.  

“I guess now, coming off the back of playing, my ideal way of staying involved was more in a mentoring capacity, and I guess further progressing the pathway for young girls,” Checker told Impetus. 

“This gave me a bit of an opportunity to dive into both of those areas in being a mentor for the girls within the program, but also shaping what the program actually looks like.” 

A unique position

Both Escudero and Checker believe that what sets this NPLW program aside from other youth development systems in the state, is that it will aim to directly prepare the young players for A-League football, both on and off the pitch. The jump in individual playing standard between the leagues is not a big one, but the aim to give the best prospects the highest chance of success with the club and even beyond it.  

“I think we’re in a pretty unique position, in the sense that our girls get exposure to what an A-League women’s program looks like,” said Checker.  

“While we’re obviously also trying to continue to develop what the A-League space looks like, this is the best opportunity to give the young girls the opportunity to stretch and reach for that next step. 

“I think this is a part of, getting closer to what we aspire to be like with some of the overseas leagues, where they’ve got second-tier teams and a genuine progression from being a junior through to a senior player at a club. 

“Obviously, a lot of work has gone into getting this license, and I’m genuinely grateful for those that put in the time and effort, because this is the first step towards that.  

“This gives the A-League an opportunity to have a second team as such, where everyone’s now got an opportunity to get game time. 

“The A- league was a little bit behind in that sense, where the younger girls who were good enough to be signed, but not good enough to necessarily play each week, weren’t getting game time anywhere. 

“So I think the benefit of this is. They now have that opportunity, and the second benefit is our younger girls who are exclusively part of the NPL program, get that amazing opportunity to share the field with A-League players as well, and intertwine with what their systems look like. 

“I think we are on track to progressing things…and I think the best part about getting this license is that we are taking the right steps, and as a club, we’re taking a lot of pride in being part of the program.” 

Knowledge and quality

Among Victorian football circles there is a general excitement that Escudero is the right man for the job. The performances by FV Academy were impressive and entertaining in the 2025 season, but results were not the primary or realistic aim of that program, development was.  

Escudero was able to drastically and visibly improve the side in a matter of weeks, with an attractive, possession based and attacking style of play, where young current Victory players like Poppy O’Keeffe and Fiorina Iaria were given freedom to play and confidence to grow. 

 

This was accomplished during a season interrupted by needing to step away and coach Victoria in the National Championships, where the state’s U16 side lifted the trophy.  

One of the most notable jumps in performance was a re-match against South Melbourne. After a 7-2 defeat in March, Escudero’s team responded with a 0-0 draw that they were unlucky not to win. FV Academy looked the stronger side for much of the game, despite South having also signed their captain since that first encounter. It underlined his commitment to developing young players and according to him, it is a question mainly of experience, which is what this NPLW program hopes to help with.  

This NPLW side, aims to increase match minutes for young players, a vital part of player development and a challenge for many in Australia.  

“The difference in between the senior teams in NPL for FV Victoria last season and Melbourne victory in the U23s, is only the experience.  

“So, as soon as possible, we can put knowledge and put more experience, on those girls.  

“I think that’s the key, to be competitive and to get the same level that some clubs.  

“That takes time, for sure, because it’s not the same first three games as the last three games, because during the competition, the girls are getting experience.  

“At the end, with the talent that they have, the quality that they have, they are very, very competitive, so the level is almost the same, in terms of performance.  

“What I try to do during the training session is to try to put my experience up as a soccer player, my experience as a coach, I try to put that in their mentality.  

“I try to put more knowledge than quality, because all those girls, they have enough quality. They are talented players.  

“Some of them, they play Junior Matildas, Young Matildas, or they played last season in NPL, so that we need this as soon as possible to understand what’s football, what’s the reality. 

“The girls, they are very proactive to learn, they want to learn, they listen, and they are curious to know more about all the new things.” 

As an U23 side, the Victory NPLW team will provide players with a valuable stepping stone, bridging the leap in pace and physicality between youth and senior football.  

As a former prodigy herself, Checker reflects on her own career path and sees how something like this could be helpful to rising stars of the future.  

“I think there’s always going to be those unique circumstances where a player is more advanced and ready to jump and, I guess, skip that level, but the reality is, I would say more than 90% of players do still need that more gradual progression. 

“Even in the way that we’ve set up our systems where our NPL girls train right before the A-League, so they get to cross over with the A-League girls at the exact same training facility, and access to the same staff.  

“If one of those girls were to get, offered an A-League contract the next season, they’ve had such, great exposure to what it already looks like. 

“It’s a very, very unique position now that girls actually have this opportunity in a way that we’ve never seen before.  

“For me, it was very much like, get pulled out of a club, like a local club team, and just go straight to an A-League team, whereas this now gives that, connection piece between.  

“But what I would say is, I think a lot of NPL clubs have put a big emphasis recently on improving the women’s program, and I experienced it being a player in the NPL, I think it’s changed and come a long way.  

“So, while the A-League teams that now have a license are obviously lifting the bar, I think there’s a lot of clubs that are also trying to do the same thing in recognising the space, that women’s football and what it needs, and just making sure that we are giving young girls the best possible opportunity to, make the next level.” 

As Victory prepare for their first foray into the NPLW, the club’s aims are ambitious, but patient. Obviously staying out of the relegation battle is important, and a top four finish is ideal, but Escudero and Checker are both united in working towards the long-term future of the program, the club and the players they work with. 

“In terms of objectives, all of us want the best, we’re looking for the best for Melbourne Victory as a Club,” said Escudero 

“The first step is to try to move up as most players as possible, with a higher level that we can during this season, because our priority is the elite team. 

“After that, for sure, we want to be competitive, and to get us most victories as possible, but we need to remember that that’s a development program. 

“In the program, you must take time to develop players, and you must take time to prepare the team to compete.” 

“If we talk about some other NPL clubs, let’s say South Melbourne, they are training to compete, training to win.  

“We’re training to develop players, to improve players, at the same time, we need to compete… and at the end of the competition that we want is to keep the under-23s in the NPL, because that means that next season, maybe we can move one step forward, and we can work as well to get into the top four.” 

Not just box ticking

Emma Checker was accustomed to success as a player. Knockout football was always a goal and as a Matilda, success was expected.

In support of Escudero, she hopes to pass this along to the next generation of Melbourne Victory stars, to help them reach the top, and the NPLW side will be an important part of that journey.  

“The club has put so much emphasis on making sure that this program replicates as closely as possible what an A-League women’s program looks like. 

“They have worked really hard at making sure that there’s crossover between staff, and resourcing, like sharing home of the Matildas, making sure that timing is set up for crossover, so I think there’s been a real priority in that, and being able to get Santi across the line is a really great example of how much the program means to the club. 

“A lot of work goes in by the clubs to reach a point of gaining this license, but also getting it off the ground. So, getting the license is one thing, but you’ve got to actually be able to use it and have the systems in place to actually succeed, with a longer-term goal.  

“It’s just that real focus on making sure we’re not just box ticking, we’re not just entering the league to say, ‘yep, we’re in the NPL’ 

“We’re entering this league to make sure that we are providing a genuine pathway, and one that hasn’t been provided before.” 

Melbourne Victory’s first NPLW game will be against Bulleen Lions on February 14 

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Impetus A-League Women Awards: December 2025

4/1/26

Above: Impetus’ choice of player of the month for December 2025 – Melbourne City’s Holly McNamara. Photo: Adrian Geremia for Impetus.

Impetus’ team of writers and photographers covering the A-League Women this season have joined together to select their Player, Young Player (aged 21 and under), and Head Coach of the Month for November. Here are our choices in each category.

Player of the Month:
Holly McNamara (Melbourne City)

by Alyce Collett

It was another strong goal scoring month for one of the brightest young attacking stars of Australian football.

Despite Melbourne City only playing two games in the month of December, McNamara scored at a rate of more than one goal a game, with a hattrick against Perth Glory propelling her to the top of the Golden Boot standings as things currently sit.  

Not only is she scoring plenty of goals, but is also doing a lot of work to help set up the goals, which is not something traditionally associated with someone playing the number nine role like she is at the moment. McNamara currently sits equal third in the league for goal assists, which is just one behind current league leaders Sharn Freier and Holly Furphy.

The two pronged front line attacking partnership McNamara is developing with Chinaza Uchendu is creating a lot of headaches for opposition defences, and making an already daunting City attack even more dangerous.

Young Player of the Month:
Sasha Grove (Canberra United)

by Kieran Yap

Above: Sasha Grove, who has had an excellent December. Photo: Canberra United

Grove was decisive in December. The winger/fullback/sometimes forward scored two goal of the round winners, including a last minute equaliser against The Central Coast Mariners.

Grove has been highly impactful for Canberra beyond the goals. She creates chances with her explosive wing play and her versatility allows Antoni Jagarinec to move to to either full back spot if his side needs to add an extra attacker.

Canberra United ended the month on top of the table, and Sasha Grove’s performances were a huge factor in that accomplishment.

Head Coach of the Month:
Antoni Jagarinec (Canberra United)
Above: Canberra United head coach Antoni Jagarinec, who guided his team to the top of the ladder in December. Photo: Canberra United.

After starting the season with only one point from their first three games, Antoni Jagarinec encouraged his talented Canberra United squad to trust in the process with huge success.

The capital city side had an unbeaten December with four wins and a draw. Three of those victories came in successive weeks against competition heavyweights Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC, and Melbourne City.

Jagarinec has his side playing with confidence coursing through their veins. Michelle Heyman is firing the goals, Sasha Grove is in some of the best form of her career, and key arrivals Mary Stanic-Floody and Emma Robers are rising.

Canberra have entered 2026 on top of the ladder – if Jagarinec can ensure his side have the confidence and belief should a more challenging run of results come, then they could end up going deep into Finals this season.

Impetus A-League Women Monthly Award Winners 2025/26:

PLAYER:

November: Michelle Heyman (Canberra United)

December: Holly McNamara (Melbourne City)

YOUNG PLAYER:

November: Pia Vlok (Wellington Phoenix)

December: Sasha Grove (Canberra United)

HEAD COACH:

November: Stephen Hoyle (Newcastle Jets)

December: Antoni Jagarinec (Canberra United)