Match Report: Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

Above: Chelsea Women celebrating Mayra Ramirez’s goal against Crystal Palace via Chelsea Women Website 12/02/24. Photo: @ChelseaFCW

By Maisie Mcnulty 12/02/24

In the fifth round, Chelsea, the current FA Cup champions, faced up against one of the teams vying for the Women’s Championship title, Crystal Palace. But the Blue and red eagles made sure they gave it their all, right up until the final whistle.

Initially, Lauren James was set to start however in a post-match interview with Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, it was said that Lauren James was ill yesterday and therefore Hayes decided not to risk it, especially with their upcoming fixture against Manchester City. Therefore Fran Kirby replaced Lauren James in the Blues starting line up.

Laura Kaminski’s side opted for a defensive formation of a 5-4-1 which was to be expected whilst going up against the five-time winner of the FA Cup, Chelsea. In the upfront position for Crystal Palace was no other than the current Women’s championship top goalscorer, Elise Hughes.

Fran Kirby had the opening chance of the game in the fifth minute as she popped a half-volley on the edge of the area which was just an inch too high causing the ball to land on the top of the goal.

It was a quiet start with Chelsea having more possession of the ball but Crystal Palace’s strong defensive back line denying the Blues of any chances they got. In the 11th minute, Crystal Palace had their first attempt of the match as Shanade Hopcroft took a right-footed shot at the goal, but missed to the far right.

In the 23’ minute it was a battle of the captains as Aimee Everett was shown a yellow card after a bad foul on the Blues captain, Niamh Charles. 

 Johanna Rytting Kaneryd committed a soft foul on Elise Hughes in the 31st minute winning Crystal Palace a free kick a couple of feet outside the area. Shanade Hopcroft fired the ball into the box but it just couldn’t find her teammates meaning it rolled out for Chelsea’s goal kick.

Although there were many close attempts by Chelsea including a narrow miss by Mayra Ramirez, after a brilliant cross from Niamh Charles, that went just high. As the whistle blew to indicate the end of the first half the scoreboards stayed the same with Chelsea Women 0, Crystal Palace 0.

As the second half began there was no changes made to the players and the performance, with both teams keeping up their strong form. In the 55’ minute Erin Cuthbert crossed the ball in from the corner to reach Jess Carter’s head in the middle of the box but it breezed above the crossbar.

In the 56’ minute Laura Kaminski made a double substitution, as well as Emma Hayes made two substitutions in the 62’ minute in hopes that a goal would come through soon. The attempts just kept on rolling for Mayra Ramirez as she took a shot with her right foot which was strongly blocked by Demi Lambourne in the 63’ minute. 

One of Palace’s first attempts of the second half was blocked by Hannah Hampton as Abbie Larkin headed it straight into Hampton’s hands. After a positive run of play by Chelsea, Mayra Ramirez took another attempt at goal in the 74’ minute but it was just a touch too high as it bounced off the crossbar and back into play.

With the last quarter of the match remaining, in the 75’ – 79’ minute we saw a triple substitution for the Eagles and another substitution for the Blues. 

Within seconds of restarting the game, in the 81’ minute, we saw a sublime goal from Mayra Ramirez as Ashley Lawrence crossed it into the box, leading to an outrageous finish of a backheel flick which put the ball in the back of the net. 

Even after a total of 8 added minutes, unfortunately for Palace, it was Mayra Ramirez’s goal that sealed Chelsea’s win progressing the Blues into yet another quarter-final within the FA Cup.

Chelsea: Hampton, Carter, Leupolz, Kirby, Reiten, Lawrence, Rytting Kaneryd, Charles (C), Cuthbert, Ramirez, Bjorn Substitutes: Ingle, Nusken (62’), James, Hamano, Beever-Jones (62’), Buchanan, Perisset, Cankovic

Scorers: Mayra Ramirez 79’

Crystal Palace: Lambourne, Gibbons, Arthur, Everett ©, Sibley, Sharpe, Hughes, Reilly, Nolan, Percival, Hopcroft Substitutes: Johnson, Filbey (80’), Blanchard (57’), Guyatt (75’), Dennis (75’), Larkin (56’), Atkinson

Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Charlton Athletic

Above: Beth England attacking. Photo: @Bethany_Eng15

By Mia Kipling

The magic of the FA Cup means seeing Barclays Women’s Championship teams and Women’s Super League (WSL) teams face each other. Much like tonight where Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic face each other. Both teams are no strangers to this fixture, having played each other eleven times previously with Tottenham winning five, Charlton winning five and a draw.

The hosts came close to scoring in the first two minutes with a headed effort from Summanen from a corner but hit the crossbar. 

In the 11th minute, Celin Bizets cross in from the right was knocked over the bar by Jessica Gray with captain Beth England’s header diverting just wide 

Bizets shot fired over the bar in the 22nd minute after playing a one-two with Grace Clinton on the edge of the area. 

Charlton’s best chance of the first half was around the 30-minute mark when Summanen was booked for a foul on Charlton Ayisi 22 yards from the goal, but the shot hit straight into the defensive wall.

We go into half time still equal at 0-0 with both teams putting in the works with multiple shots from each side so far.

We finally see the first goal of the game from Tottenham in the 75th minute when number 16 Kit Graham wins the ball on the edge of the box and fires a driven shot past the Charlton keeper, Jessica Gray and into the back of the net after coming off the bench in the 70th minute replacing Eveliina Summanen

Charlton’s last shot of the game came from a free kick taken by Beth Roe from deep which glanced off Nildéns head and over the bar.

When asked about how he feels about the new winter signings and how they fit into the squad, Robert Vilahamn says “If you look at Charli (Grant) and Amanda (Nildén), they’ve played 3 / 4 games now in a row, they’re actually adapting really well”

“They are very physical and a little bit older than Matilda (Vinberg) and I think they did an amazing game today. And Shuang (Wang) is older, she is an incredibly talented player but the communication and how to learn English takes a bit of time, so the game time today again is for her to adapt in all the situations”.

After the 1-0 win from Tottenham today, Vilahamn stated “Finding a way to win is very important, we need the mentality from the girls to do it, then again, we need to look at this game again because we were not good in the first half”.

Vilahamn is particularly fond of Bethany England’s leadership skills as “Bethany had a good talk with the team at half time about that (the performance in the first half), so the standards need to come up and we need to make sure we are better than that and the second half was better, we are learning every week”

Goal scorer Kit Graham describes her goal against her former club of 14 years as “It felt good, a bit of a weird one scoring against your old team but like I’ve said before, in the moment you sort of forget that and you’re glad it’s gone in the back of the net”.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3) Spencer, Grant, Bartrip, Nildén, Clinton, England, Bizet, Ahitnen, Bühler, Summanen, Wang

Scorer: Graham 75’ 

Charlton Athletic (4-3-3) Gray, Ross, N’Dow, Addison, Ayisi, Longhurst, McGowan, Barton, Skeels, O’Rourke, Roe

Attendance: 974

Referee: Lisa Benn

Match Report Millwall Lionesses 1-1 Sutton United

Above: Millwall team celebrating Chapman’s equaliser Photo: Myles Thornton

Millwall Lionesses came from behind to draw 1-1 with Sutton United who are on a run of 6 losses, and the Lionesses come off the back of an undeserved 3-2 defeat to Dartford in the league cup last week.

Millwall co-managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland made 3 changes to the side who were narrowly defeated by Dartford the previous week, Emma Whitter, Chloe Burr and Jordan Butler dropped out of the squad and were replaced by Ciara Watling, Emel Huseyin and Sharna Giordani.

It was a pretty dull first half with hardly any action, both teams playing the ball around but neither side having clear-cut chances to break the deadlock before the break.

Once the second half got underway, both Millwall and Sutton had more opportunities to open up the game, but again, not finishing the few chances they had created.

Maizi Garwood and Shay Bennett came on at 57 minutes, replacing Ella Bailey and Liv McGregor. Then, Shannan Drewe put a fantastic ball into the box from a corner, but it didn’t find any Millwall player and went behind for a Sutton United goal kick.

Maisie Joyce and Sharna Giordani then came on for Northern Ireland international Ciara Watling and American talent Madison Grandys.

Sutton took the lead with 10 minutes to go after Jaz Backhurst fired home and the players and fans probably began to believe the three points would be going back to SM1.

However, Millwall’s Sophie Chapman had other ideas, Drewe teased a great delivery from a free kick, Sutton keeper Zoe McNulty couldn’t hold onto her save and after a ricochet in the area, Chapman got a shot away to draw the lionesses level.

There were chances at both ends after the equalising goal but like the first half and most of the second half, neither side showed their finishing touch.

Millwall travel to National League  Division One South East side AFC Wimbledon in the quarter-finals of the capital cup next Sunday with Sutton United playing host to league leaders Dartford.

Millwall: Wiggins, Seely (C), Huseyin, Bailey, Chapman, Payne, McGregor, Watling, Grandys, Napper, Drewe. Subs: Jones, Garwood, Joyce, Bennett, Giordani.

Scorer: Chapman 84′

Sutton United: McNulty, Modak (C), Talbut-Smith, South, Malcolm, Measures, Backhurst, Buckmire, Bussey, Thomas, Savage. Subs: Cutler, Tyrer, France-Creaser, Spear, Humpphries.

Scorer: Backhurst 80′

Referee: Tom Amber

Attendance: 70

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Match Report: Southampton 1-3 Manchester United

By Emily Evans 12/2/24

Above: United celebrating after Williams’ goal. Credits: Impetus 71 – Josh Barrett 

Saints went head to head against the Red Devils at home today in the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup. The crowds were booming at the Silverlake Stadium on a sunny Sunday afternoon. People arrived from up and down the country to watch this match between the two red teams.

Saints started by taking the advantage, before the Red Devils took the majority of the possession, passing the ball cleanly up and down the pitch. 

Only a mere seven minutes into the game United took the lead with a goal from Ella Toone, who is not only a key player for them, but also a key player for the Lionesses. She pushed through Southampton’s defensive line, making their early goal almost inescapable, and keeping the away fans excited and loud. 

This however did not stop Saints, who came back with full force in their attacking but also their defending, managing to keep the visiting team at bay and push the ball into United’s box. 

In the sixteenth minute, Saints took a throw in thta ended with United getting the ball and securing it back into Southampton’s half, despite their great efforts to keep the ball, seemingly a key problem for the home team. 

After a very exciting twenty minutes, United had another chance to score again, however they didn’t succeed after the ball bounced off the corner post and the keeper managing to clear it – making the home fans very excited and showing their support for their team. Despite this, the visiting team continues to look dangerous, really testing Southampton’s defence. 

A strike right into the hands of Mary Earps, almost landed Saints their first goal, but their finishing tactics were seeming flawed, and Earps kicked the ball out of her half, a flurry of chances for United following, all the while looking more and more dangerous, but with none of their shots finding the back of the net. 

A break in play followed as Southampton’s number 9 received some treatment, but she was back up in no time and play resumed as normal, both sides really putting in the work, eager to win. 

A slip up in Manchester United’s defence meant Saints could push through, getting closer and closer to the goal, but ultimately leading to nothing as Earps received the ball. Once again, this being a key problem for Southampton – their finishing not being clinical enough, always going straight into the hands of the keeper. 

In the 31st minute, a free kick was granted to United, with their Captain and number ten, Katie Zelem, taking it. Nothing came from this opportunity as the ball soared past the side of the goal, but still making United look extremely dangerous when having possession. 

Several elements of the home team make them look dangerous, managing to get the ball out of their half, but with nothing coming from it – something they can use as a takeaway from the game to improve on. 

In the 34th minute, Collett took a shot that veered just to the side of the goal, all the while showing just how much they wanted this win against one of the WSL’s top teams. Their determination and skills never faltered, despite being 1-0 down.

The Southampton keeper, Kayla Rendell, was equal to much of what United threw at her.

Ella Toone once again looked dangerous but was stopped inside the box by Saints, who managed to clear the ball before another one of their players went down with an injury. This time it was their number twenty-three who seemed to be having trouble with her leg but got back up and made her way back onto the pitch as the play continued. 

United’s front pairing of Toone and Galton made their side especially dangerous, with them having many chances and constantly breaking through Southampton’s defensive back line. Regardless of only one meeting the back of the net, they demonstrated just what they have come to do – win this game in order to progress into the next round. 

Both teams continued to fight until the last minute of the first half where the visiting team stayed in the lead with a 1-0 advantage. Despite being down at half time, Saints have shown their clinical nature, managing to get the ball into United’s half many times, having some shots on target and keeping their opponents at bay. 

In the 50th minute, Saints had an excellent on-target shot, nearly managing to make the score line equal. However, it was saved by Mary Earps, who made an excellent save in order to keep her team in the lead. 

Southampton had to call on Rendell to make an impressive save when their defence broke down and Nikita Parris managed to sneak her way round, which she successfully saved, keeping the score line at 1-0. 

The home team pulled back and forced the ball into United’s half, really showing their determination and drive to score and bounce back after an accidental mistake, that nearly cost them another goal. To keep the score at only 1-0 is very impressive on behalf of Saints, who are currently a championship team and wouldn’t usually go against United. 

The crowd continued to cheer and support their teams, giving them the motivation to drive forward and secure a win, while both the home and away team gave it their all on the field. 

The 63rd minute brought around Parris once again taking a shot on goal, looking very clinical, but Rendell made another brilliant save keeping her team in the game. 

Straight after this, the home team bought it back, with their number seven, Lexi Lloyd-Smith, scoring an amazing goal, catching Earps off guard and bringing the score to 1-1. The fans went absolutely wild, cheering on their team and showing just how much support they bring. The home team’s comeback proved just how good this Championship side really is, giving them the motivation to push for a second goal, which was unfortunately for them saved by Earps. 

Two substitutions were then made, the United side perhaps being rattled by this unexpected goal and needing fresh legs on the pitch. Rachel Williams came on for Malard, and Irene Guerrero coming on for Naalsund. 

Following the lead of United, Saints then also made some subs, having Ella Morris replace Collett and Sophia Pharoah come on for Atlanta Primus. 

In the 71st minute, another attempt on goal was made for Saints, being saved by Earps but showing the strength this team has to score more goals in order to keep them in. Being the underdogs coming in to this match, it could be suggested that no one would have expected them to perform the way they have, managing to keep United on their toes the whole game, and even scoring a goal. 

Not long after, in the 73rd minute, a beautiful header by Rachel Williams put the away team in the lead once again, currently holding on to a 2-1 lead. This indeed proves their tactic of making subs correct, as the fresh legs did in fact bring them another goal. 

An opportunity for a third goal arose for United, and Williams despite only previously scoring her first goal not too long before, scored another one, bringing the score to 3-1. The away team really showing just how sharp they can be. 

In the 86th minute, Earps made a key save, just about managing to push the ball away and stop the home team from scoring another goal. 

Throughout both halves, both teams had a very strong attacking focus, each of them really pushing through the other’s defence and getting stuck in with tackles.

The home side voted for their number three, Milly Mott, as their player of the match, the result of her being clinical on the field and creating chances for her team. 

A key player that stood out to me in the home team was the keeper, Kayla Rendell, who managed to keep the score line so much lower than it could have been. Throughout the game, she made key saves, boosting her team and showing everyone the talent that has led to several England youth caps. Regardless of her not being Saints’ player of the match, she was mine. 

On the away side, Toone definitely stood out. Her determination and vision kept the game going, pushing her team forward and allowing more and more goals to be scored. She actively sought after the ball, making key tackles, and opening up spaces for United. 

The game ended with a 3-1 win to the Red Devils, securing them a place in the next round of

Southampton: Kayla Rendell, Milly Mott, Lucia Kendall, Laura Rafferty, Katie Wilkinson, Molly Pike, Alice Griffiths, Atlanta Primus, Jemma Purfield, Megan Collett, Paige Peake 

Subs: Ella Morris, Lexi Lloyd-Smith, Megan Wynne, Sophia Pharoah, Benedicte Haaland, Emma Thompson, Emily Kraft, Isabel Milne, Bethany Howard

Scorers: Lexi Lloyd-Smith (65)

Manchester United: Mary Earps, Gemma Evans, Katie Zelem, Melvine Malard, Maya Le Tissier, Hannah Blundell, Lisa Naalsund, Leah Galton, Millie Turner, Ella Toone, Nikita Parris

Subs: Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Aofie Mannion, Irene Guerrero, Hayley Ladd, Rachel Williams, Alyssa Aherne, Olivia Francis, Pheobe Chadwick 

Scorers: Ella Toone (7), Rachel Williams (74, 82)

Referee – Jade Wardle

Attendance – 4554

Goal fest in the west but Western snatch the win.

Western United 3-2 Brisbane Roar

By Kieran Yap 11/2/24

Above: Mia Corbin scored an excellent goal to put Roar in the lead, but it wasn’t enough to win the match. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Chloe Logarzo scored twice as Western United came from a goal down to win 3-2 against Brisbane Roar. The result puts Kat Smith’s side up to second on the ladder, and might make them the form side of the competition leading into the final weeks of the season.

The task was always a big one for the visiting Roar. Despite some vocal Victorian based support, they arrived at City Vista without two key players. Aesha Norrie and Hollie Palmer were both missing through suspension. Coach Alex Smith entrusted Alisha Woods with the midfield along with Tameka Yallop.

Western United had a near full squad to choose from. They welcomed back Aimee Medwin for the first time in 12 months, while Tyla-Jay Vlajnic returned to the starting eleven.

Vlajnic’s influence was almost instant. Her corner kick in the eighth minute set up the opening goal. Logazro met the ball at the near post, and her flicked header whizzed past Jordan Silkowitz. It was the brightest possible start by the home side, but Brisbane Roar were not perturbed by going behind. By half time they were a goal ahead through the wing wizardly of Sharn Freier.

The first goal came through a typical Freier run. A burst of acceleration on the left put her clear and she drove into the penalty box to tee up Kijah Stephenson to score. It was the 22 year old’s third goal this season, the local product has always been talented, but is starting to influence games regularly and has plenty of composure in the final third.

The second goal was the result of something  that Freier is not always known for. She sent in an early, curling cross from deep that Mia Corbin was able to hammer home off the woodwork. The Western United defence started to backpedal as soon as Freier received the ball, likely expecting another sprint, but she used that space to produce an inch perfect ball for Corbin. The finish matched the pass, and Western were suddenly chasing the game.

As the game passes the hour, both sides made changes. Kahli Johnson and Aimee Medwin were brought on for Western United. Brisbane withdrew Corbin and Mariel Hecher, to be replaced by Tamar Levin and Bonnie Davies. Johnson was immediately involved with a cross and shot. Her direct style provided a different challenge to the tricky Kiwa Hieda. Logarzo almost scored her second after running onto a long Vlajnic pass, but Silkowitz produced a remarkable close range save.

With 10 minutes to play, and after already having a goal disallowed for a foul on the keeper, Western drew level. Once again it was from a corner kick, this time it was Adriana Taranto who glanced the header into the net.

Relief turned to triumph in injury time when Western re-took the lead. Johnson’s right footed rocket crashed off the crossbar, and in the ensuing scramble to clear, Yallop brought down Adriana Taranto. Logarzo took spot-kick duties and celebrated a big week for herself with the winning goal.

The win was Western United’s fourth in a row. Kat Smith was able to make substitutions and tactical tweaks to wrestle back control of a match that they looked likely to lose. They have depth on the bench and game changing potential on the pitch and in reserve. Brisbane Roar would be encouraged by their attacking display. In Freier they have one of the league’s most dangerous wingers, and in Corbin they have a player who can finish the chances. But they will be disappointed in the way that they conceded. Two nearly identical corners and a last minute penalty kick is a frustrating way to lose an away game, especially after spending the majority of the match in a winning position.

Brisbane Roar continue on the road next week against Newcastle in what shapes up to be an opportunity for both sides.

Western United 4-3-3: Beall, Papadopoulos, Cerne, Maher, Vlajnic, Sawicki, A Taranto, M Taranto, Hieda, Logarzo, Keane. Subs: Medwin, Johnson, Dall ‘Oste, Prakash, Dakic

Scorers: Logarzo 8’ 92’ A Taranto 79’

Brisbane Roar 3-4-3: Silkowitz, Cuthbert, McCormick, McQueen, De La Harpe, Woods, Yallop, Freier, Stephenson, Corbin, Hecher. Subs: Levin, Davies, Brodigan, Richards, Kirkup.

Scorers: Stephenson 29’ Corbin 31’

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: TBC

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Heyman heroics secure a point for Canberra in the west

Perth Glory 2-2 Canberra United (10/02/24)

By Ben Carey

Above: Michelle Heyman was influential again for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United.

Canberra United played out an enthralling 2-2 draw with their hosts, Perth Glory, on a hot Saturday evening in the west. The draw sees Canberra United finally get off the bottom of the table, squeezing just ahead of Adelaide United on goal difference. Perth Glory, who started the season so strongly, are now on a winless streak of six matches. Their last victory came at the tail end of 2023.

It was a frantic start to proceedings, both sides playing high intensity, attacking football. But it was Canberra who were the first to exploit the opposition’s defence. Just before the 10-minute mark, right after a Perth attack, Canberra surged forward. Vesna Milivojević passed out to Nikki Flannery, who hit a silky-smooth ball across the box. Michelle Heyman was waiting in front of goals to tap it in.

Perth Glory were able to assert themselves into the match more as the first half continued though, and it wasn’t too long before it paid off. The 36th minute saw some great build up play from Perth Glory, consisting of excellent positioning and quick passing. Sophia Sakalis opened up the Canberra defence and whipped a perfectly weighted cross into the box, which was beautifully brought down by Millie Farrow to the feet of Susan Phonsongkham, who finished the chance in a clinical fashion. 

Just before the stroke of halftime though, Canberra struck againto reclaim the lead. Another great pass from Flannery set up Heyman once again, who struck the ball first time and thumped it into the back of Perth’s net. Heyman made it 12 for the season, and 106 for her career, truly outrageous numbers! She also managed to put some daylight between her, Lowe, Bolden, and Milivojević (who are sitting on nine goals) in the race for the 23/24 Golden Boot award.

Perth came into the second half with a renewed vigour and intent, putting together a number of sustained attacks on Canberra’s goals, but the final product was lacking. It seemed like the match was heading toward a fairly straightforward 2-1 upset, but things began to pick up again about 15 minutes before the end of regulation time. A foul by a Canberra player, right on the edge of the 18-yard box, was protested by the Glory, who insisted that the foul took place inside the box. Honestly, they had a pretty strong case. A penalty probably should have been awarded, but instead a free kick was given. 

Perth kept pressing and two minutes into stoppage time, they finally found their equaliser. Perth was surging forward, desperate to get another goal. A very good attempt by Farrow was thwarted, but immediately after, Izzy Dalton, took an incredible shot from about 30 yards out and dinked it over the head of Chloe Lincoln.

Just before the end of stoppage time, there was another questionable foul in the box, down the other end this time. A foul against an onrushing Milivojević had Canberra up in arms in protest. But nothing was awarded, and soon the final whistle blew.

Canberra United will play the dreaded Sydney FC next Saturday, meanwhile Perth Glory will take on Central Coast Mariners next Sunday.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-2-4): Aquino, Johnston, Anton, Cowart, Rigby, Lowry, Dalton, Sakalis, Farrow, Phonsongkham, Quezada. Substitutes: James, Cassidy, Foletta, Green, Hoarau.

Scorers: Phonsongkham 35’, Dalton 90+2’.

CANBERRA UNITED (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, Grove, Clark, Clough, Bertolissio, McKenzie, Milivojević, Jackson, Stanic-Floody, Flannery, Heyman. Substitutes: Christopherson, Ilijoski, Majstorovic, Skelly, Whittal. 

Scorers: Heyman 9’, 44’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: TBD.

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Barbieri the hero as City and Sydney draw

Melbourne City 0-0 Sydney FC

By Emma Burke 10/2/24

Above: Melissa Barbieri saves the day with a penalty stop for City. Photo: A League

After a delayed kick-off, due to Sydney FC accidentally travelling to the wrong venue, and a multitude of icy-poles were handed out by Melbourne City staff to beat the heat, Melbourne City and Sydney FC split the three points in a nil all draw at City Football Academy Field.

The first half saw Sydney have multiple chances on goal that they were unable to convert, including a particularly impressive shot from Captain Princess Ibini that hit the post and rattled the goals.

City were determined to continue to play in possession and work their way out through their backline up the pitch, a process they found difficult for most of the game due to missing key players in their defence like Rebekah Stott, who is away on International Duty with New Zealand, and Julia Grosso who is still returning from injury.

Sydney were awarded a penalty early in the second half, after a handball in the box by Taylor Otto, which would be taken by Princess Ibini.

Ibini’s shot was driven low, but was saved with ease by City Keeper and former Matilda’s Captain Melissa Barbieri, playing in only her second game of the season, after City sold their usual starting keeper Canadian Lysianne Proulx to Bay FC, a new expansion side in the NWSL.

The visitors continued to take shot after shot but clearly had either left their scoring boots at home, or at the first venue they went to, as they could not find a way to the back of the net.

With the points split, City remain safe at the top of the ladder, while Sydney take a step up into second (pending the rest of the round’s results). 

Round 17 of the Liberty A-League Women will send Sydney to Canberra to face Canberra United, while City plays host to Adelaide United.

Melbourne City (4-3-3): Barbieri, T. Mckenna, Otto, Roestbakken, Thomas-Chinnama, Hughes, Davidson, L. McKenna, Galic, Pollicina, Ekic Substitutions: L. Varley, S. Varley, McMahon, Meyers, Henry

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

Referee: Casey Reibelt

Attendance: TBC

Gielnik goal saves a point for Victory

Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Melbourne Victory

By Ryan Miller-Woods 10/2/24

Above: Emily Gielnik. Photo Melbourne Victory.

Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory shared the points with a 1-1 draw at Industree Group Stadium, In an enthralling match with 39 shots between the two sides.

Central Coast opened the scoring in the sixth minute as Tess Quilligan found Annabel Martin in the box. Her floated cross found Peta Trimis who beat Victory’s Jamilla Rankin to the ball and put it past Courtney Newbon for Trimis’ second goal of the season. A great start and passage of play by the Mariners.

They came close to doubling their lead six minutes later from a short free kick. Isabel Gomez passed the ball to Faye Bryson, and while the initial shot was blocked, Bianca Galic was able to fire wide from the rebound.

Central Coast controlled proceedings  within the first 23 minutes. Victory had created some close chances, but the Mariners looked the more dangerous in the final third. This was especially the case when Quilligan almost doubled her team’s lead but her shot from the outside the box just came off the crossbar.

The Mariners’ relentlessness in attack continued as Galic’s cross found Wurigumula whose header just went wide. Central Coast really could have been two or three goals up from the chances they had created.

As the first half concluded, Central Coast most definitely created opportunities in the final third with 11 shots in total but only two on target which kept Melbourne in the match.They remained in control for the majority of the half. They enjoyed more of the possession when the first 45 minutes concluded with 53% to 47%.

Eight minutes into the second half, Victory had probably their best chance of the match up until that point as Emily Gielnik made a great run towards goal on an angle and forced a save from Central Coast’s Casey Dumont. This was also, Melbourne’s first shot on target for the match.

In the 66th minute, Central Coast’s lack of conversion came back to haunt them as Gielnik made a great run with the ball, and from outside the box powered her shot into the top right corner. Dumont really couldn’t have done anything to stop that.

Nine minutes later, Victory came very close to taking the lead via a great cross by Jamilla Rankin that was floated towards Lia Privtelli. The eventual chip shot at goal forced a crucial save by Dumont.

In the 78th minute, Rola Badawiya’s shot went just wide following a fast break. In a half that felt like Victory was the more likely to take the lead, this was a very promising passage of play by Central Coast.

Five minutes later, Kyah Simon had a shot from more than 35 yards out which kept Victory’s Newbon alert but fortunately for her, Simon’s shot was a little too high of the goal.

In the 93rd minute, Victory had two opportunities to break Central Coast hearts first with McKenzie Weinert but her shot was blocked by a great save from Dumont and then not long after Kurea Okino had a chance but once again Dumont denied Melbourne and came to the rescue.

Teams: 

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

Scorers: Trimis 6’.

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

Scorers: Gielnik 66’.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: TBC.

A-League Women Media Conferences

Impetus had Genevieve Henry and Ryan Miller-Woods in three clubs’ press conferences ahead of Round 16 (9/2/24).

Canberra United

By Ryan Miller-Woods

Above: Cannon Clough addressing the media. Image: Canberra United.

The media heard from Canberra United’s Cannon Clough and Head Coach Njegosh Popovich ahead of Saturday’s match against Perth Glory. 

Canberra achieved arguably their most crucial result of the season with a 3-1 win against the league leaders Melbourne City in what was one of United’s best performances of this campaign. Hopefully, that result can bring them some important momentum for a serious charge towards the finals for the rest of the season. 

When asked how the team has pulled from the match itself, Clough said, “I think everyone pulled up obviously really happy (after the win). It’s been a long time coming, so no one was super shocked or super surprised, but really excited and definitely (have) momentum going into the next one.” 

In what was massively exciting news on Wednesday, is the return of Canberra’s captain Michelle Heyman to the Matildas for the first time since 2018 ahead of Australia’s Olympic Qualifiers against Uzbekistan later this month where the winner will go to the Paris Olympics in July. 

When Clough was asked how the team responded to Heyman’s call-up, she said, “I think everyone was just as excited for her. Another thing that I feel like has kind of been a long time coming, she’s kept her head down. So well deserved and we can’t wait to get around her through all of it.” 

The next few matches for Canberra will be very important as they will be facing the aforementioned Perth, Sydney FC and Western United who are fifth, third and second respectively. 

When asked how the team has reacted to that prospect and the approach itself, Clough said, “head on! We’re excited. Melbourne City was a top side, so might as well try and keep that going. I personally think that we play better against really good sides, which I’d say all the teams in the competition are. One game at a time but face them all the same, just going for three points.” 

The win against City last round was a brilliant performance all round for Canberra and thoroughly deserved the three points. United time and time again this season have shown the quality that exists within their ranks, especially from an attacking perspective, it’s more that certain results haven’t fully reflected where Canberra probably should be on the ladder. 

Above: Njegosh Popovich speaking to the media ahead of the face-off with Perth Glory. Image: Canberra United.

When asked about his thoughts on the win itself, Popovich said, “how can you not be happy about a win against the top side, the benchmark of the competition? We’ve always said it, Melbourne City are a competitor that everybody wants to win against, so for us to be able to do that on the weekend with such a dominant performance was great.” 

If Canberra can win against Perth this round, it could see United go to within five points of the top six (with a game in hand). 

When asked what the win against Melbourne City does for the team’s momentum going into the Perth match, Popovich said, “it makes them believe, gives them the confidence. We believe in our players but the reality is they’ve got to believe in each other and themselves.” 

Heyman’s call-up to the Australian squad doesn’t come as a surprise whatsoever with 10 goals and five assists in 14 games this season whilst playing some of her best football, the decision really was a no-brainer for Australia’s Head Coach Tony Gustavsson. 

When asked about his reaction to Heyman’s call-up for Australia, Popovich said, “Michelle, through her own opinion decided to retire at a certain time and then got the bug back and has had the hunger in the last couple of years to do what she’s done and what an incredible effort to do it on a world stage, hopefully be part of the Olympics.”

Central Coast Mariners

By Ryan Miller-Woods

The media heard from Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband and Kyah Simon ahead of their upcoming match against Melbourne Victory on Saturday. 

Above: Emily Husband speaking with the media. Image: Central Coast Mariners.

Central Coast were unlucky to have not got a result last round against the in-form Western United. A win could have further solidified the Mariners’ position within the top six, but there were some positives that came out of the match. A win against Victory could see them go as high as fourth on the A-League Women’s ladder come the end of the round. 

When asked about how the team went against Western United, Husband said, “(we’re) obviously not happy with the start we had to be honest. It’s a consistent theme for us this season conceding in those early minutes of the game, so it’s an area where we’ve really got to improve. But, proud of the response we had in the second half, we were a little braver on the ball and took the game by the hand a little better, so that was a positive moment for us. We’ve got to now build on that second-half performance coming into this weekend.” 

The match-up against Victory is set to be a very interesting affair where the Mariners will be wanting to get their revenge over Melbourne after their previous encounter in Round Five which saw Central Coast lose 2-1 from a goal by McKenzie Weinert in the 91st minute. What makes this match even more intriguing is that only a point separates the sides, with Victory in fourth with 22 points and the Mariners in sixth with 21 points. A win could be quite crucial for either side come the end of the regular season. 

When asked what she’s expecting from Victory this round, Husband said, “conceding in that final 90 minutes of the game against them away from home, if we had been a little bit more smarter I think probably could have sat back a little more, but we want to go and try and win every single game and unfortunately, the backside of that is when you push numbers forward to try and win a game, you’re more vulnerable on the counter and more vulnerable to concede. We’ll go and attack like we’ve done every game this season so far, we want to play attacking and exciting football.” 

Above: Star Kyah Simon speaks about her return from injury. Image: Central Coast Mariners.

The return of Kyah Simon from her ACL injury against Newcastle Jets in Round 14, was one not only long-awaited and eagerly anticipated. So far from her two appearances, hasn’t seemed to miss a beat despite before the match against the Jets, not having played a competitive match in 480 days. 

As well as her return from injury, is being back at the Mariners where it all began for Simon in the A-League Women back in Round One of the 2008/09 season on the 25th of November 2008 coincidentally also against this weekend’s opponents for the club. 

When asked about her return to the Mariners and what it meant for her personally to be back on the pitch playing for the club, Simon said, “it’s crazy to think there’s 16 years between the last time I wore a Mariners jersey. It’s a really nice moment for me to know that’s where I started my professional career here in Australia, on the Coast, for the Mariners. A real full-circle moment for me. A humbling experience knowing this is where it all began and I’m back here now doing the same thing.” 

Western United

By Genevieve Henry

Above: Kat Smith reflecting on her team’s current form. Image: Western United.

The high-flying Western United, currently second on the A-League Women’s ladder, will face tenth-placed Brisbane Roar on Sunday, but this will be by no means an easy encounter. Western United head coach Kat Smith talked the press through her thoughts on both the upcoming and previous games, as well as their overall position in the league. 

The news that Western co-captain and star Chloe Logarzo has been called back into the Matildas squad is exciting news for the whole club. Smith praised her staff, players, and fans for propelling her to this level, saying “(they have) the ability to stretch players beyond what they thought they were capable of and to get players back into that type of form to step back into the national team.” The motivation for Logarzo to continue to make national team squads and even push for a spot on the limited Olympic roster will likely push her to continuously improve and put all of her effort in for Western United, the call-up not only benefitting her, but the club as well. “Chloe is certainly the type of person that she’ll set a goal, she’ll achieve it, and she’ll set a new benchmark.” 

Reflecting on last round’s match against Central Coast Mariners, Smith shared that “we certainly needed to dip into some of our core values.” Although it was technically a home match, the teams travelled to Tasmania where fans of Western United showed up to support the team vocally. “It’s really pleasing to see the girls evolve through different types of challenges,” Smith said, emphasising how pleased they were with the result. 

Western seem to be on a roll with three wins in a row, Smith’s fresh outlook and tactics being just the thing they needed. “We’re not letting off in terms of what we’re demanding from this group and the expectations we have for their performances going forward will keep levelling up.” Smith shared that the club had a discussion about what was and wasn’t working for them, and highlighted the fact that what got them to this point will not necessarily continue to drive them forward. Smith and Western are all about evolution. 

Sustaining their current form may be a difficult challenge in the league’s most competitive season yet, but a home crowd for their next three games will certainly give them an edge. Smith praised fans for ”the impact that the home crowd has on the girls” and “the spirit we have in the community.” Capitalising on these favourable factors could see Western retain their current position, or even step on to the top of the ladder. 

Smith and Western are always focusing on their own performance and effort rather than their opponents. This is no different for their match-up with Brisbane, and although the gap in points tells one story, Smith is sure to not let her team drift into complacency. “We never stray from that,” she shared of their structure and willingness to maintain their identity. 

 

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Wanderers win in Bathurst

Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 Newcastle Jets

By Jonathon Hagger 9/2/24

Above: Western Sydney are back on the winners list. Photo : Wander Women

With six wins and two draws apiece the Western Sydney Wanderers faced off against the Newcastle Jets at Carrington Park in rural New South Wales. Two very talented, young and in red hot form teams plined up against each other for a Friday night football match that turned out to be a fantastic watch. 

With eight goals each so far this season, Sophie Harding for the Wanderers and Sarina Bolden for the Jets, were players to watch out for but it turned out to be the young guns who really impressed. 

The match started at a fast pace with each team sending the ball quickly from one end of the pitch to the other. The Jets strategy of applying a strong press disrupted the Wanderers passing accuracy early on resulting in a lack of rhythm. 

The eighth minute of the first half yielded the first heart stopping moment as the Jets snuck in behind the Wanderers defenders forcing the goalkeeper, Collins, to come a long way out from her goal and after not taking a clean save the first time, she had to employ all her reflexes to save the second attempt. Not long after the speed of the  Jets created an opportunity for Copus-Brown, who took a shot from the right hand side of the goal, only for the ball to agonisingly sail out for a goal kick. 

The pressure applied by the Jets was converted into a goal in the 14th minute as Bolden laid off a beautiful pass to the feet of Copus-Brown. A clean shot was  launched from just outside the goal area, beating a fully outstretched Wanderers  keeper whose effort was not enough to stop the goal. The Jets went ahead 1-0.

Sophie Harding took the initiative for the Wanderers in the 29th minute. Having beaten her defender, Harding took a shot at the goal but the ball sprayed wide. Might this be a turning of momentum in the Wanderers favour? It certainly appeared that way as the Jets players began to assert themselves much more. 

A long goal kick headed on through the midfield by Caspers straight down the middle of the pitch was just the opening that the Wanderers needed. Once again, in the 43rd minute Sophie Harding found herself running at full pace towards the Jets goal with three defenders chasing her. A well placed chipped ball beat the goalkeeper and levelled the match. Wanderers 1 – 1 Jets. 

The second half started off the same way the first half finished – both teams playing fast football. It was the Wanderers who had the early ascendency, setting up camp in the Jets half but the Jets weren’t giving in. Both teams attempted to enforce some dominance on the match with repeated counter attack opportunities opening up however both goalkeepers were up to the task. 

The Jets emphasis on applying a strong defensive full pitch press almost worked brilliantly in the 75th minute as the Jets midfield were pickpocketed giving Bolden a free shot on goal. It was thenWanderers GK, Collins, who was called upon to tidy up. 

Caceres, Wanderers wonder sub, drew a foul in the 77th minute just outside the Jets goal area. Harrison took the free kick that sliced through a lacklustre Jets defensive effort, with the first attempt being swatted away by Nino. The ball wasn’t cleared though and Wanderers defender Vicky Bruce coolly slotted the ball into the goal. Wanderers 2 – 1 Jets. 

The remainder of the match played out at the same frenetic pace. Each team moved the ball with great speed in both structured and unstructured attacks. The Wanderers closed out the match with two superb opportunities to score yet neither of which were converted. Chesari drove into the box and let a shot go which was very soon after followed by Harding perfectly placing the ball for Morris to score all but for the exceptional talent of Nino who saved a sure goal.

The match finished 2-1 with the Wanderers getting the win over the Jets. 

Final thoughts. Every person who attended the match got their money’s worth of entertaining football. The continual fast pace and end to end action made this match an absolute pleasure to watch. Two very good and competitive teams played out a high energy match that every football fan could savour. Well done to both teams. 

Performances to be proud of. Emma Dundas (Jets) was a real dynamo in the midfield. At only 16 years of age she plays with the maturity of someone who is 26. Holly Caspers (Wanderers) created lots of attacking opportunities.  

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

Subs: Khamis, Keir (90’ + 1), Chessari (62’), Caceres (62’), Morris (88’).

Scorers: Harding (43’), Bruce (78’).  

Newcastle Jets  United: 3-4-3. Nino, Baumann, Prior, Karipidis, Davis, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Hoban, Barbieri, Bolden, Allan.

Subs: Dunbar, Wilson, Cicco (45’), Huynh (76’), Gooch. (76’).

Scorers: Copus-Brown (14’)

Referee: Isabella Mossin. 

Attendance: 3,873.