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Late Jansen heroics save a point for the Roar against the Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Brisbane Roar

By Callum Logie 16/1/26

Above : Bente Jansen. Photo: Brisbane Roar

Friday Night at Wanderers Football Park saw two teams having quite different seasons battle to a hard-fought draw. A late substitute strike from Ella Buchanan was mitigated by an added time equaliser from Bente Jansen, keeping Brisbane in the top six.

Western Sydney came into the fixture after falling 3-1 away to Perth Glory, whereas Brisbane were looking to get back-to-back wins after a key away victory over Melbourne Victory.

The Wanderers adjusted their formation to be a bit more positive at home, with Yuan Cong returning to the starting line-up with Holly Caspers dropping to the bench.

Olivia Price returned to the starting line-up as Ena Harada dropped to the bench and Emilia Bennett got the start at full-back in place of Ella Buchanan.

On Brisbane’s side of the ball, there were no changes to personnel in the starting line-up, but Aimee Medwin and Ashlyn Miller swapped starting positions from what the team presented at Melbourne.

In what’s been a tough season for the Wanderers, the hosts were able to start positively, immediately electing for a wing play approach to try and feed lofted deliveries to Yuan. Brisbane deployed a rather deep back-line, with the three midfield players helping out defensively when off the ball.

After just two minutes, Brisbane Roar were able to create a great chance right away. Jansen strayed wide from her advanced position and held the ball up for Alicia Woods who quickly found the run of Aimee Medwin. With space outside the box, Medwin took a shot from the edge of the area and tested Khamis who directed the powerful shot wide for a corner.

The first 15 minutes of the game were tensely fought, particularly in midfield with many hard challenges from the respective sides’ holding midfielders.

Amy Chessari needed to exit the game in the 16^thminute due to injury concerns, which brought Harada on earlier than planned for the Wanderers.

Patience was the name of the game, with any shot taken being blocked or deflected. In the 28^thminute, Khamis produced an excellent save after a deep back post corner from Woods found Leia Varley with a free header. Khamis was able to leap to her left and deflect it wide. Khamis was also able to collect the effort from the subsequent Marianna Seidl corner that Sharn Freir deflected goalward.

In the 41^st minute, a speculative ball forward found the feet of Jansen who cut inside from the right and drove a low shot toward the Western Sydney goal. It was just wide of the far post, but the Roar looked like the more likely to score of the two teams.

Jansen looked the most dangerous going forward for both teams, the defence of WSW focusing on the threat of Freir while the Roar defence looked to keep Yuan contained, both to great effect in the first half.

Scoreless at halftime, the teams would be looking to make some adjustments in order to break the deadlock in the second half.

Everything was still to play for in the second half, with WSW looking to break their 61-day winless streak and Brisbane Roar looking to move up the table as they look to cement a place in the finals.

The Wanderers had the first meaningful chance of the second half as a corner found the chest of Poppie Hooks who was able to get enough force behind it to force a solid save from Chloe Lincoln.

At 54 minutes, Khamis gave the ball away when she was trying to clear to Medwin. Medwin took a quick touch and drove the ball toward the near post. Khamis was able to recover very well and made the save to keep the game scoreless.

The second half was more evenly contested than the first in terms of possession, Western Sydney putting together some more passing sequences and providing some pressure on Brisbane. It was a game of strong defences and a great goalkeeping performance from Khamis.

Khamis showed her prowess again in the 64^thminute as a strong driven effort from Woods was patted wide of the post by the experienced keeper.

In a remarkable sequence, Western Sydney managed to open the scoring in the 83^rd minute. Kim So-Eun made a sharp dribble move down the right side and drove a low cross through everybody to find Ella Buchanan who was able to scramble the ball over the line at the far post.

Chloe Berryhill was injured in added time and had to be helped off the field. Hopefully not a serious injury for the Western Sydney forward.

In added time, around the 95^th minute, Brisbane found Jansen on a run behind which sent her one on one with Khamis. Jansen managed to round the keeper and keep her composure to slide the ball into the bottom corner to tie it up just before the final whistle.

Considering the balance of play through the game, the draw was a fair result as Brisbane’s play was strong throughout the game. The Wanderers goal was very well worked and provided some hope for the team moving forward into the season.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-3-3): Khamis, Bennett, Hooks, Wang, Matos, Chessari, Price, Harrison, Younis, Yuan, Berryhill. Substitutes: Buchanan, Caspers, Cerne, Edwards, Harada, Kim.

Scorer: Buchanan 83′.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, Seidl, Varley, Hayashi, Medwin, Woods, Piazza, Freir, Brown, Miller, Jansen. Substitutes: Cuthbert, Franco, Kinsella, Meyers, Stephenson, Studer.

Scorer: Jansen 90+5′.

Referee: Lara Christie Lee

Attendance: 715.

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Jets take the points against City

Melbourne City 1-3 Newcastle Jets

By Emma Burke 16/1/25

Above: Melina Ayres and Kelli Brown celebrating a goal for Newcastle. Photo: Newcastle Jets

The Newcastle Jets have defeated Melbourne City for the first time in their history, beating the league leaders 3-1 at AAMI Park.

Newcastle came to Melbourne with the perfect game plan in place to tackle Melbourne City, employing a consistent high press to break City down.

Their aim was to force an error out of City when restarting from the back, and they were successful in their endeavour.

City captain Rebekah Stott played an uncharacteristically poor pass to her centre back partner Taylor Otto, allowing enough space and time for Jets striker Alexis Collins to intercept the ball.

Collins played forward to Melina Ayres, who played it right back to her. The shot Collins took was denied by Malena Mieres in goal, but only into the path of Kelli Brown, who made no mistake with the second chance and put the ball away.

City were able to level the scores just before half time, when Holly McNamara expertly converted a penalty kick, awarded after a handball by Tash Prior in the box.

McNamara’s goal brings her level in the golden boot race, alongside Central Coast Mariners’ striker Annalise Rasmussen, both with eight goals to their name.

Unlike usual City performances when the scores are level, Melbourne were unable to grind down their opponents, so the Jets continued to soar in the second half.

A poor pass out from the box by Mieres, intended for Karly Roestbakken, saw her pocket picked at the top of the box by Libby Copus-Brown. Copus-Brown has no trouble beating Mieres by sending the ball into the bottom left corner.

The Jets’ final goal came through a gorgeous team play. Substitute Sophie Hoban played a long ball down the right for Melina Ayres to run on to. Ayres then pulled the ball back with a perfectly weighted backheel that found Charlotte Lancaster.

Lancaster fired on goal from the top of the box, beating a diving Mieres and securing all three points for her side.

This result marks City’s second loss for the season, but they manage to retain their position at the top of the table.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): Mieres, Roestbakken, Otto, Stott, Turner, Keane, Apostolakis, McKenna, Butrus, Uchendu, McNamara Substitutes: Barbieri, Henry, Wilson, Jackson, Jugovic, Rako

Scorers: McNamara (pen) 41’.

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Leat, Bates, Prior, Karipides, Page, Lancaster, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Ayres, Collins, Brown Substitutes: Ritchie, Wilson, J. Allen, Johnson, Hoban, L. Allen

Scorers: Brown 32’, Copus-Brown 66’, Lancaster 71’

Referee: Page Malau-Aduli

Attendance: 1,901.

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Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters and Mischa Anderson: “Our League Seems to Get Forgotten”

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

By Ella McShane (15/1/26)

Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters and Mischa Anderson preview what is set to be a dynamic top of the table clash with Central Coast Mariners.

Round 13 coincides with the launch of the Professional Footballer’s Australia’s (PFA) ‘Ready for Takeoff’ vision. A “comprehensive public analysis of the womens game in Australia” that “sets out 21 recommendations to deliver a world class fully professional A-League Women competition” (PFA, 2026).

This has generated discourse across the league in regard to player conditions, the leagues inability to capitalise on the success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup and what will constitute a bright future for womens football in Australia.

“Our league seems to get forgotten in the whole process.” Stated Peters when asked about the issues outlined.

“Everyone obviously celebrates the success of the Matildas, which is incredible, but is that money being reinvested into the league in the way it should be?”

“From a fan perspective, I think they could be doing more. But its obviously a money issue.”

“Where does the money come from? I don’t know.”

“But we’ve got to catch up…I went to the netball and I was amazed at the size of the crowd and the interaction of the supporters”

“I think the conditions for the players needs to improve, and the salary needs to improve so they don’t have to work two jobs. It’s a very difficult set up for the girls.”

Defender Mischa Anderson echoed Peters’ sentiments regarding the need to improve player conditions, while also highlighting the benefits of the intimate atmosphere at Sam Kerr Football Centre and how it can enhance performances.

**Above:** Mischa Anderson talks to the press. **Image:** Perth Glory.

“At Sam Kerr, the fans help us a lot during games. If we can get more of them, it will lift our performances even further,” Anderson said.

Looking to the opponent, this weekends match up has shaped up to be a top 5 clash despite Glory’s less than ideal start to the season.

The main messaging to players heading into this weekend has been: “Find some consistency.”

There is also an understanding that, while the team is “quite pleased with where [they] are sitting at the moment,” external distractions must be avoided.“If you start ladder watching, it’s not going to get you anywhere.” Stated Peters

Attention has instead turned to addressing shortcomings away from home, with Peters acknowledging: “We’re not very good away from home, so there is a good challenge there for us.”

When asked for potential reasoning as to the squad’s short comings away from home Peters detailed that “It is hard to quantify…there is something there I’m just not sure exactly what, we are a more robust and enthusiastic side at home…whether its we’ve got the twelfth man at Sam Kerr or we just can’t travel well”

“Hand on heart I feel like every game that we have travelled to we have travelled well.”

Rola Badawiya completed a full training session and a return to the team sheet is looking hopeful for the weekend.

Round 13 of the ALW will take place at 5pm AWST Sunday the 18th of January at Polytec Stadium. Streaming for free of 10Play and Paramount+.

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“We’re really proud to embrace it”: Victory ready for Pride Cup showdown

Above: Melbourne Victory celebrates in last year’s semi-final against Adelaide. Image: A-Leagues.

By Isabelle Campbell (15/01/26)

With the Pride Cup returning this weekend, the stage is set for another chapter in one of the A-League Women’s most compelling rivalries, as Melbourne Victory travel to face Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.

The fixture carries weight on multiple fronts: a long-standing rivalry, a crucial opportunity to reset momentum, and the significance of a match that celebrates inclusion across the league.

Defender Claudia Bunge says the group is embracing the moment.

“Really motivated. We’ve had a big week of training. The games against Adelaide, there always is a bit of extra rivalry there, and it’s usually pretty close. Usually one goal, two goals in it. So the girls are really excited and really motivated.”

Victory head into the Pride Cup following a home loss to Brisbane Roar, with the focus now shifting firmly to the next challenge. Bunge says the group has spent the week on the training track working through areas identified from that performance as they prepare for Adelaide.

“I think we made moves against Brisbane. I think collectively, we played better than what we had previous weeks, to concede off a corner is always really hard, but it’s just those finer margins. I think that’s something we’ve struggled with this year, is just tightening up around transition moments and the finer details. So that’s something we’ve been working on, and something we’re going to look at going into against Adelaide.”

Despite an inconsistent run of results, both players and staff believe the group is close to unlocking its full potential. Bunge pointed to the squad’s internal accountability and belief.

“Everyone’s really transparent and is looking inwards, individual things that we can do as players to carry the team forward. I think we did see some positive signs against Brisbane. It was unfortunate to concede, pretty sure it was almost straight off the corner. So those ones do sting a little, but it doesn’t change anything that we do. I think we’ve got a great squad. We’ve got great depth. The club’s really supportive of us, our staff are amazing. So we’re just gonna keep to our guns, keep to our processes. And I’m hoping that it can land on the pitch.”

For Victory, the Pride Cup adds another layer of meaning. The fixture has become a significant moment on the calendar, particularly for the women’s program.

“It’s massive for our team and for women’s football in general. I think women’s football is really encouraging and really open and inclusive, which is great, and we’re really proud as a team to get a chance to embrace that. We’re really looking forward to the pride cup. It’s always a big occasion each year. And matched with playing Adelaide, we’re really excited. Looking forward to playing it against the Reds.”

Head coach Jeff Hopkins echoed that sentiment, reinforcing that the Pride Cup is not just a one-off occasion, but something embedded in the club’s identity.

“It’s a game that we look forward to. We’re 100% behind the pride Cup and the concept. In terms of this week, it’s great to highlight a few things. We’re having educational sessions this week, our staff, our players, and we kind of embrace those. But also, I think in the bigger picture, it’s important that we show that we are an inclusive team, an inclusive club. And we get out there every week, and we kind of live that rather than just think about being about this week. I think the thing I love about this club is the fact that it is welcoming and inclusive to everyone, and I hope that our team just shows that as well.”

Reflecting on the Brisbane loss, Hopkins felt the performance showed how close Victory are to turning results around.

“It was a pretty scrappy game that came down to a mistake in an area where we’re normally very, very strong. The game could have gone either way. I thought we actually controlled periods of the game without really creating enough to actually win the game.”

“We’re not far away. It’s just that little, magic ingredient that we’re missing, that we’re searching for as well, and when we find it, and we’re getting close, well good luck to the team that’s playing us that weekend.”

That belief is matched by confidence heading into a venue where Victory have historically performed well.

“It’s always a great game against them. They’re a quality side, and we love playing at Coopers. It’s a great surface, a great stadium, great atmosphere. Always a decent crowd there, and with the double header this weekend, should be even better.”

With rivalry, Pride Cup significance, and season-shaping stakes all colliding, Victory face an opportunity in Adelaide to reset their campaign on a night that carries weight well beyond the result.

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Lancaster rocket returns Jets to the winners list

Sydney FC 1-2 Newcastle Jets

By Kieran Yap 13/1/26

Above: Charlotte Lancaster. Photo: A–League

The Newcastle Jets have beaten Sydney FC 2-1 thanks to a late Charlotte Lancaster strike in injury time. The visitors had to come from behind after Amelia Cassar opened the scoring at Leichhardt Oval, but goals from Melina Ayres and Lancasters winner secured the points for Newcastle.

Ante Juric’s side was trying to avoid an unwanted record. Another game without scoring would make it six in a row, the first time any side in the league achieved such an unenviable feat.

Sydney looked eager to break that streak early, Bianca Galic’s effort from a cutback was blocked and Skye Halmarick was close to her first A-League goal with a headed attempt.

Sarah Hunter was deployed in a slightly more advanced role than where she has spent much of her career. The midfielder sat behind the front three, moving the ball quickly to the wingers on either side.

While Newcastle did not look under pressure, they still struggled to get a foothold in the early stages. Sydney looked more likely to score and when it arrived, it was special.

Cassar received the ball wide on the right almost 25 yards from goal and spotted Anns Leat off her line. With composure, class and skill, she lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to open to scoring, and add her name to the list of likely goal of the season contenders.

Newcastle had created few chances when they drew level, but Melina Ayres only needs one. Lauren Allan sent in a high looping cross that fell to Ayres. The Jets striker had all the time she needed to position herself and finish into the far bottom corner to level the scores.

Despite the equaliser, Sydney FC continued to control the majority of the game. With Newcastle’s defence organized and sitting deep, they found it hard to create clear cut chances or get behind the back four. A long range volley from Sarah Hunter had Leat scrambling to save, but there was nobody to follow up the parried effort.

Somewhat against the run of play, the Jets almost took the lead. Tash Prior and Cass Davis were patient in the buildup and Joei Allan was classy on the wing to find Haley Johnson in space, but the striker hesitated slightly and that was enough for Sydney to clear the danger.

Newcastle’s confidence was growing and the game was opening up. Davis’s run through the middle released Ayres and her powerful shot brought the best out of Heather Hinz. The Sydney FC goalkeeper was called into action again moments later to deny Josie Allan.

Sydney FC regrained momentum and went int search of a winner. Substitute, Claire Cornett tested Leat from an angle, and Hana Lowry’s free kick came close, but did not trouble Leat.

With the game headed for a draw, Lancaster delivered something special. Her long range rocket in the dying stages was spectacular in style and devastating in impact. It delivered the killer blow and three points to the Jets, returning them to the winners list after a month of consecutive defeats.

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

Goals: Cassar 18’

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Leat, Cicco, Prior, Wilson, Breier, Davis, Hoban, J Allan, L Allan, Johnson, Ayres. Substitutes: Dundas, Copus-Brown, Lancaster, Ritchie, Collins, Brown.

Goals: Ayres 29’ Lancaster 90’

Referee: TBC

Attendance: TBC

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Big ambitions, even bigger moves: The WSL transfer window so far

By Emme Fortnam (13/1/26)

Above: Jenna Nighswonger signing for Aston Villa Photo: Aston Villa FC

Making an Impetus debut, Emme Fortnam rounds up the main stories from the WSL January transfer window so far.

The current winter transfer window started on 2 January 2026 and ends on 3 February 2026. It is a time for players to show off their skills and create a bigger name for themselves. This transfer window has been pretty busy so far, with big moves from Leicester and high-profile loans from clubs like Arsenal, Man United and Chelsea.

Starting with loans – we have seen Jenna Nighswonger go on loan to Aston Villa, creating some waves throughout the Arsenal fanbase given her use this year by Renee Slegers. There’s a feeling from within the Gooners that they didn’t get a chance to see Nighswonger at her best, while Aston Villa exclaimed their excitement and eagerness to work with the full back who would “she would add real quality” to a team in fine form at the moment, with a victory over Brighton giving them sixth place in the WSL for now.

London rivals Chelsea have seen two loan departures, Maika Hamano to Tottenham and Mara Alber heading over to Werder Bremen. Both moves received a neutral reaction within the media and the fans, who understood that gaining experience and development from getting consistent playing time was necessary.

Hannah Blundell is also currently on loan following this transfer window, from Man United to Everton. In her new surroundings at Goodison Park, the left back has said she is very excited to contribute to the pitch and work with new players. Given her winning experience across her career and her defending skills, Blundell certainly has the ability to help build some momentum for the second half of Everton’s season.

Moving on to some standout deals in this transfer window, Ashleigh Neville’s permanent move from Spurs to Leicester could’ve started better. Just 3 days after the move was made, Neville faced her old team in a WSL match, scoring an own goal. The Spurs icon still seemed very positive about the move, and the first match is never going to be defining for her Leicester career.

Arsenal made a strong addition with the signing of Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby. The young Swede debuted on Saturday as Marc Skinner’s team travelled to the Emirates, where her energy and presence down the right was noticeable in her 14-minute cameo and offered some early excitement for Arsenal supporters in a season full of frustration.

Spurs’ Scandinavian invasion makes the prospect of a genuine fight for third place realistic, especially after Signe Gaupset stole the show in her very first start this weekend. Julie Blakstad comes back to the WSL rejuvenated, never having broken into the Manchester City team she featured in before. Defensive options Hanna Wijk and Matilda Nilden will both experience football outside of Sweden for the first time and offer Martin Ho depth in that area of the pitch.

Obviously we are only 19 days into the winter transfer window, and there will definitely be some more notable transfer – with Sam Coffey’s move to current leaders Man City all but confirmed, but already we have seen huge changes up and down the league. The whole dynamic of the WSL looks different, and that is exciting as we head into 2026 and the last half of games in the season.

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Brisbane secure victory against Melbourne

Melbourne Victory 0-1 Brisbane Roar

Alice de Koster-Kitto 11/01/2026

Photo: Marianna Seidl. Photo: Brisbane Roar

The Home of The Matildas saw visitors Brisbane Roar take the points in a 1-0 defeat over Melbourne Victory. The win marks their second against Victory this season, after a 3-2 victory in November.

Brisbane had the advantage at the start, as the wind made a significant impact on play early on, and they were the initial holders of the possession. It was Victory, however, who had early chances, despite shooting against the wind, with attempts from Kennedy White and Rhianna Pollicina that were intercepted by the Roar defence.

Victory was able to move the ball forward frequently, through the efforts of Pollicina and Holly Furphy, but a lack of allowed space from Brisbane’s backline meant the visitors continued to hold the upper hand.

An excellent save from Courtney Newbon kept Brisbane Roar from taking the lead in the 18th minute, when a dangerous strike from Bente Jansen caused panic for Victory’s defence.

A clever pass from White to Furphy, who made a great cross that almost amounted to a goal, presented the first real danger for Roar.

Taylor Ray made a cross from distance, straight through the midfield to Pollicina, who tried to shoot on target. While the ball was footed away, it was an excellent build-up from Victory, and it propelled their likelihood of scoring.

A shot outside the box from Daisy Brown that couldn’t quite reach an orange shirt allowed for a corner kick from Marianna Siedle, which could have amounted to an opening goal direct from the corner, but was just wide of the net.

Victory took over the majority of the possession towards the tail end of the first half, while Roar seemed to have better opportunities to open the scoreline. Despite efforts at both ends, neither side could break through during the first half.

There was a new sense of urgency at the top of the second half, and a few moments of physicality, as both sides searched desperately to find the back of the net.

Taylor Ray was a standout for the hosts, as her long balls over the heads of Brisbane’s midfield were able to get Victory out of moments of danger when being trapped by the Roar.

A run from Sharn Freier got the ball to Daisy Brown, who made a phenomenal strike towards goal, which was deflected by Jancevski at the last minute, sending it just over the crossbar. Brown continued to come close to opening the scoreline when another shot bounced off the crossbar.

The 19-year-old’s efforts came to fruition in the 56th, heading the ball in off a Siedl corner. There was some debate as to whether the goal was awarded to Brown or would be an own goal from Laura Pickett, although the goal was ultimately given to Brown.

As stoppage time approached, the game remained in favour of Brisbane. While there weren’t any particularly close shots at either end, if there was another goal to come, it looked likely it would be from Brisbane, as they continued to dominate, while Victory fell somewhat flat.

Furphy made way for Nicki Flannery in the 71st minute, whose speed gave some power back to Victory, although any chances were quickly intercepted.

Brisbane got alarmingly close to extending their lead, as a run from Kijah Stephenson was not intercepted until the very last second, as it seemed the ball was set to go over the line.

The scoreline was almost equalised, as a ball in from Pollicina met the foot of Whote, who took a shot that was not to be intercepted by Brisbane’s defence. The shot, however, was expertly stopped by Chloe Lincoln.

After 4 minutes of added time, there were no more goals to be found, and victory belonged to Brisbane, although a late shot from Pollicina had the hosts close to equalising.

Melbourne Victory will head to Coopers Stadium in round 13 to take on Adelaide United, while Brisbane will go head-to-head with the Wanderers in Western Sydney.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-1-4-1): Newbon, Pickett, Bunge, Morrison, Jancevski, Ray, Furphy, Pollicina, Lowe, Sakalis, White. Substitutes: O’Grady, Woodward, Blissett, Saveska, Flannery, Techera

BRISBANE ROAR (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, Seidl, Varley, Hayashi, Miller, Piazza, Woods, Medwin, Brown, Freier, Jansen. Substitutes: Studer, Meyers, Stephenson, Cuthbert, Kinsella, Franco

Goals: Brown 56’.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: 1,008.

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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 53^rd 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 70^th 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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