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Clinical Villa tame sloppy Leicester

Aston Villa 5-0 Leicester City

by Nathan Edwards at Villa Park with EXCLUSIVE photos from Suvadeep Biswas (27/3/23)

Above: Leicester City goalkeeper Janina Leitzig makes a save at Villa Park yesterday. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.

Rachel Daly and Alisha Lehmann both scored twice as Aston Villa took advantage of a wasteful and sloppy Leicester City side to make history by winning four WSL games in a row.

Daly pounced on Sarah Howard’s heavy touch to slot Villa’s third goal in a rampant first period after Kenza Dali and Alisha Lehmann raced the Villans into a strong position in the game.

Villa’s top goal-scorer then poked in Lehmann’s cross ten minutes into the second half, before the Swiss international finished Villa’s tear on bottom-of-the-table Leicester.

It was a victory that would have delighted Ward, especially after seeing her side reach the FA Cup semi-final after beating Manchester City seven days prior.

Villa’s thrashing of the Foxes highlighted why both teams lie where they are in the table. Leicester registered more shots, and dominated possession, only for them to ship in five goals in a difficult defeat.

**Above:** Kenza Dali rifles in a shot for Aston Villa yesterday. **Photo:** Suvadeep Biswas for *Impetus*.

And just before Dali put Villa ahead, with a cultured finish from outside the box, Leicester saw a combination of Hannah Hampton and her defence clear Sam Tierney’s shot off the line.

Even after they fell behind, the side propping up the WSL table created chances, with Dali being an influence in both boxes, blocking Hannah Cain’s goal-bound shot.

Willie Kirk said, “When my analyst told me we had more possession and shots on goal, I failed to believe it until I saw it with my own eyes but I think that probably tells you the story of it.

“I think Villa were very clinical and I think we didn’t get some fundamental basics right for large periods of the first half, and we got punished by it.

“I think we were bright enough going forward at times, we created chances but we certainly weren’t as clinical as Villa and that sums up a lot of their season.

“They have been massively clinical throughout which has put them in the position that therein, and we need to find solutions going into the last six games.”

As for Villa, this victory helped them keep a strong hold on a top-half finish for the first time in their history.

**Above:** Rachel Daly goes close for Aston Villa against Leicester City. **Photo:** Suvadeep Biswas for *Impetus.*

Their journey to this feat has been helped by the skill and goalscoring talents of Rachel Daly, who is two goals off the WSL top goalscorer, Manchester City’s Khajida Shaw.

Carla Ward said, “She has been first class for us all year and she is a complete team player. Normally we might have considered taking her off but the reason I didn’t is that I want her to continue to strive for that Golden Boot. I want to give her the opportunity to go get it, but today she was fantastic.”

But it isn’t just the experienced players such as Daly, Lehmann and Dali who are fundamental to the Villans’ rise, with Ward praising Hampton as the most inform shot-stopper in the league.

Villa’s goalkeeper is just one of the multiple exciting prospects coming through at Villa right now and with the security that five goals gives a team, Ward flexed the quality of her side’s youth by ending the game with five academy players on the pitch.

Georgia Mullett came on for her WSL debut and nearly capped off a historic Villa win with a towering header that forced Janina Leitzig into a sharp save.

Talking about her younger players, Ward said, “We have a good mix. Some injuries in the week meant Evie Rabjohn got her debut and so did Alice (Keitley) which is great.

“They are young kids that have been training really well and stepped up to the first team. Georgia (Mullett) has come on and she is going to be a handful.

“It is what this football club is about, not just with us but with the men as well, and it is really important we will continue to develop youngsters and it is a big priority as this football club.”

The day was a rememberable one for the Villans who continue to grow under Carla Ward and look forward to testing that growth with two back-to-back clashes against Chelsea.

Whilst Kirk believed that their fate remains in their control still, and will be needing a quick turnaround from this damning defeat when they play relegation rivals Reading next weekend.

Suvadeep Biswas’ EXCLUSIVE photo gallery for Impetus at Villa Park:

Teams: ASTON VILLA (4-3-3): Hampton, Rabjohn, Patten, Turner, Pacheco, Dali, Staniforth, Nobbs, Lehmann, Daly, Hanson. Substitutes used: Mullett, Blindkilde, Keitley, Gregory.

Scorers:

LEICESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Leitzig, Bott, Howard, Plumptre, Nevin, Tierney, Mace, Whelan, Green, Jones, Cain. Substitutes used: Eaton-Collins, Purfield, Siemsen, Pike, Goodwin.

Referee: Jane Simms.

Attendance: 6,489.

Reading v Brighton and Hove Albion Photo Gallery

Andy Wicks was at the SC Leasing Stadium to capture the action in yesterday’s WSL match for Impetus (27/3/23).

Above: Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Lydia Williams makes a dramatic save yesterday. Photo: Andy Wicks.

Reading 2-2 Brighton and Hove Albion

Reading came from 2-0 down to earn a point against the Sussex side in the battle of the two sides immediately above the drop zone in the WSL. Two goals in the space of five from Veatriki Sarri put the visitors in the driving seat, yet a brace from Emma Harries in a 15 minute spell after the break earned the Berkshire side a point. However, the result ultimately rewards neither side with Leicester City still within striking distance of both at the bottom – and Reading face the East Midlands side next.

Teams: READING (3-4-3) : Moloney, Mayi Kith, Evans, Mukandi, Bryson, Troelsgaard, Moore, Woodham, Eikeland, Rowe, Wellings. Substitutes used: Harries, Vanhaevermaetat, Hendrix.

Scorer: Harries 46′, 60′.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION (4-5-1): Williams, Kullberg, Morse, Bergsvand, Pattinson, Robinson, Connolly, Olme, Sarri, Fox, Lee. Substitutes used: Carter, Bance.

Scorer: Sarri 8′, 13′.

Referee: Robert Madley.

Attendance: 970.

Dons down QPR at Loftus Road

Queen’s Park Rangers 2-4 AFC Wimbledon

by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon (27/3/23)

Above: AFC Wimbledon in possession at QPR yesterday. Photo: Emily Topping.

Ellie Dorey led the victory charge at Loftus Road as AFC Wimbledon bounced back emphatically after Thursday night disappointment in the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.

Dorey’s influence sparked the opening goal yesterday, before she netted twice, in a convincing 4-2 win that came after dropping two points at London Seaward.

The Dons got off to an energetic start by dominating the early stages, putting the hosts under enormous pressure, and reward followed after a QPR defender deflected the ball into her own net after fine work from Dorey.

Not content with trying to defend a one-goal lead, it was 2-0 60 seconds later as Dorey got on the scoresheet herself with a fine effort. Dorey scored again to make it 3-0 to the Dons with less than 15 minutes gone.

However, the next goal would come against the run of play for the hosts with Kasha Petit, who previously worked for AFC Wimbledon’s Foundation, reducing the arrears. That only resulted in sparking Wimbledon once again and it was 4-1 when Becki Bath was brought down inside the penalty area by the QPR keeper.

The second-half was a different story as the physical strain from a very busy fixture calendar and a growing injury list began to take its toll on the Dons.

In the opening 15 minutes of the second period Faye Baker was called into action several times to maintain the three-goal advantage. With 20 minutes left, Hannah Billingham came close to getting on the scoresheet as the home keeper spilled her long-range effort. However, it was the hosts who got the next goal with 15 minutes left. Despite Baker being called into action several times, a resolute Dons side put in a professional performance to see the game out without further scares.

Speaking after the game, Dons head coach Kevin Foster said: “It was a very good first half. I thought we were excellent going forward. When you have four chances and score three, that sets the tone for the game and it made us feel comfortable.

“Fair play to QPR as they came at us in the second half, and there was a lot of tired legs after Thursday night, but we dug in.”

AFC Wimbledon return to the Cherry Red Records Stadium at Plough Lane on Sunday with Cambridge United in opposition (2pm kick-off). Adult tickets are available for only £5 with free entry for Under-18s.

Teams: QUEEN’S PARK RANGERS: McLean, Lewin, Jordinson, Bishop, Curr, Searle, Hennessy, Blodgett, Stanley, Pope, Petit. Substitutes: Carolan, Webster, Akerman, Cutler, Moore.

Scorers: Petit 17′, Hennessy 75′.

AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Highman, Billingham, Sampson, Donovan (S. Siber), Dorey, Heria, Plewa, G. Siber (Wentworth), Bath.

Scorers: Own Goal 10′. Dorey 12′, 14. Plewa (pen) 25′.

Attendance: 1,231.

Scottish Weekend Review

from Tom Freeman (27/3/23)

Above: FC Edinburgh’s Emma Mitchell completes her side’s comeback from 2-0 down against Westdyke with her penalty to level the scores. Photo: Ger Harley/Sportpix.

SWF Championship

Ayr United beat Renfrew Ladies 2-1 and Inverness Caledonian Thistle beat Morton away. Despite a second-half surge from the home team, with the game finished 3-2 to the Highlanders. There were goals from all over the park from Dryburgh Athletic as they beat Hutchison Vale 6-2 in Dundee. In the late kick off, league leaders Livingston were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Glasgow side Rossvale, meaning that the top three in the Championship all dropped points.

SWF League One

FC Edinburgh are now 22 games unbeaten in Scottish Women’s League One after seeing off a strong challenge from Westdyke at home.

In the final game before Scotland’s fourth tier splits into top and bottom six, the league leaders had to work hard to rescue a point against the northeast club at Meadowbank after Westdyke had gone 2-0 up with lobbed goals from Bethany Cochrane and Lyndsey Brown. Edinburgh winger Jayden Simmons pulled one back with a solo effort before Edinburgh captain Danielle Forsyth was adjudged to have been impeded in the box and Emma Mitchell produced a clinical penalty to equalise.

It is the first time since the opening day that the Edinburgh side has dropped points in the league.

Falkirk strengthened their claim for second with a 3-0 victory at Giffnock, while Stenhousemuir and St. Mirren both won to secure their top-half status.

Edinburgh Caledonia and Grampian also both won, against Dundee West and BSC Glasgow respectively, to make their rearranged tie next Sunday a decider in which of them will take the remaining top-six slot.

Biffa SWFL

Harmony Row remained top of West with a 4-1 victory over West Park, while Cumbernauld Colts beat Alloa Athletic 3-0. In North, Stonehaven beat Dryburgh Development 2-1 while league leaders Forfar Farmington beat Dyce 7-0. SWFL East leaders Livingston Development beat Musselburgh Windsor 4-0 while in SWFL South, Kilwinning beat Flip the Mindset 5-1.

A-League Women Weekly Awards

Each week during the home and away season, Impetus’ team of writers and photographers covering the competition will nominate a player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of the player and coach votes as the weeks go by, and just before Finals, will announce our winners for 2022/23 (27/3/23).

Player of the Week:

**Above:** Perth Glory’s Cyera Hintzen’s superb performance after coming on as a sub against Melbourne City earned her three votes this week. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

BEN GILBY: Whilst she may have played not much more than half an hour for Perth Glory against Melbourne City, Cyera Hintzen‘s influence was such that she takes my vote this week. Alex Epakis has been calling her the “competition’s benchmark number nine” for a while now, and the American is on fire right now for Perth.

KIERAN YAP: Michelle Heyman. On the day that she broke the appearance record for the A-League Women, Heyman put in another vintage performance. There was one assist to her name, but there is a real fear factor about her when she’s on the ball. It was a must win game for Canberra United and she stood tall.

JONATHAN TAY: Though Cyera Hintzen only played 30 minutes for Perth Glory on Sunday against Melbourne City, she absolutely stole the show, notching two assists and a goal in a second half thriller at Macedonia Park. Glory initially struggled to gain a foothold in the match, before Hintzen changed the game, flicking on a corner for Sadie Lawrence to nod home and bring Perth level. The American later found Hana Lowry at the top of the box to fire Glory’s third goal, before scything through a backpedalling City defence to slot home a goal of her own.

BEN CAREY: Cyera Hintzen. She came off the bench at the one hour mark when Perth Glory were down 1-0 and completely turned the game around with two assists and a goal. Absolutely insane perfomance.

Coach of the Week:

**Above:** Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich continues to lead his side towards Finals. **Photo:** Canberra Times.

BEN GILBY: Alex Epakis. His Perth Glory team were doing it tough against Melbourne City. Yet, the belief and desire he has instilled in this squad to produce incredible achievements when their backs are against the wall continues.

KIERAN YAP: Garrath McPherson. Brisbane Roar have not lost to Victory in over a year. McPherson seems to know how to beat the reigning champions or at least stifle them better than most.

JONATHAN TAY: Njegosh Popovich. Canberra United’s inexorable rise continued, knocking off second-placed Western United on Saturday. It’s been a huge turnaround in form from the two 5-0 losses (one of them to Western) they suffered in January, picking up points in every match since. On the weekend they consistently stretched their Victorian opponents and created regular chances throughout the game. They now sit level on points with Melbourne Victory in fourth place and go into next weekend knowing a win books their spot in the Finals.

BEN CAREY: Njegosh Popovich. He guided his team to an emphatic 3-0 win over league leaders Western United and kept their finals hopes very much alive.

Event of the Week:

**Above:** Hannah Blake shows unbridled joy after scoring in Perth Glory’s sensational win over Melbourne City. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

BEN GILBY: Michelle Heyman breaking the competition’s all-time appearance record. Another outstanding achievement from a total legend of the sport.

KIERAN YAP: Hana Lowry’s goal. She has steadily taken more responsibility for the team this season and her goal against City was an encapsulation of her recent form. A wonderful goal when her team needed it most.

JONATHAN TAY: Perth Glory’s 4-3 win over Melbourne City. Not a lot of games will top Perth Glory’s chaotic 4-3 win over Melbourne City on Sunday. The sides combined for six goals in an end-to-end second half, in a match which saw five lead changes and had it all. Glory scored two goals in the space of a minute to overturn a 1-0 deficit, before City equalised just three minutes later. Glory then retook the lead, scoring another two goals within the space of seven minutes, withstanding a barrage of 32 City shot attempts in total to come away victorious. The result dragged both sides into a dogfight for the top four, with just four points separating third to sixth. The fact this was veteran Kim Carroll’s last home game before retiring made it all the more special.

BEN CAREY: Perth Glory v Melbourne City. This match was absolutely wild. For the majority of the match it looked for all the world like it was going to be a straightforward 1-0 victory for City. And then Hintzen came on and the rollercoaster ride began. Two Glory goals in a minute. An equaliser from City. A total of six goals after the 70 minute mark. Absolute chaos, and enthralling to watch.

**Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.**

NPL WA Women 2023 Round One Wrap

The NPL WA Women is back for a new season, and so is Ben Gilby‘s weekly round-up of all the action. As before, there is a full report from one game and all the details from the other three matches (27/3/23).

Above: Gemma Craine in action for Perth SC against Subiaco on Sunday. Craine was directly involved in three of her team’s four goals. Photo: Rob Lizzi.

Game of the week:

Perth RedStar 0-2 Hyundai NTC

Hyundai NTC condemned Perth RedStar to their first league defeat since the final round of the 2021 season in the battle of the two sides who made last year’s Top Four Cup Final.

This was a deserved victory for the teenagers of the NTC who put in a performance of strong defense, excellent passing, and physicality when it was needed.

Whilst RedStar earned three corners in the opening 12 minutes, it was the visitors who had two early chances, both involving their hugely talented Goldfields striker Tanika Lala. She was denied by home shot-stopper Maya Diederichsen with three minutes on the clock, before turning her marker and getting another effort not long afterwards.

Sarah Carroll was influential for RedStar as ever, and the former Perth Glory player looked to combine with Renee Leota in front of goal. Chiori Akeda also supplied a ball in from the left for Leota, but the former Football Fern’s volley went too high. Clear-cut opportunities for the defending champions were limited.

Klaudia Hoolis was a promising presence on the field for NTC. The youngster was busy, full of vision and energy. Georgia Cassidy also stood out for her sumptuous passing ability, not just close range, but with a canny ability to switch the play out wide with centimetre-perfect balls.

**Above:** Hyundai NTC celebrate Tanika Lala’s first goal of the match. **Image:** streamer.com.au

With 25 minutes played, NTC hit the front with an idiosyncratic goal from Lala. The ball was played through to the striker who used her pace and physicality to beat Andreia Teixeira and Emily Dunn before firing past Diederichsen.

The visitors had the better of the remaining exchanges of the opening half. Grace Johnston’s cross-shot came in from the left, but neither Lala nor Anna Powell could connect.

There were two further chances for the NTC before the break. Lala was involved again for the first with six minutes of the half to play as Cassidy found her just outside the box and the striker fired in a powerful shot that Diederichsen repelled. Hoolis showed great vision to find Powell, but her shot went wide.

The final opportunity of the half fell to RedStar as Carroll took advantage of a mix-up at the back to get a strike away which failed to trouble Lilly Bailey in the NTC goal.

RedStar came out firing at the start of the second period. Leota’s back heel and Akeda’s lay-off resulted in a shot by Grace Monteiro that was blocked and Leota’s follow-up was gathered by Bailey.

**Above:** Sarah Carroll prepares to fire in a free-kick for Perth RedStar. **Image:** streamer.com.au

Carroll broke clear through with just over 20 minutes remaining and drove a shot towards goal that Bailey did well to repel with her left foot. That was the last real chance that RedStar could muster.

Ischia Brooking, on as a second-half sub for NTC showed her talent with several superb turns and she hit a long-range effort that went narrowly over the top, but Diederichsen had it covered.

Johnston continued to pose headaches to the defending champions with her ability to break through the centre. From one such move, Johnston found Lala who was denied by Diederichsen.

However, another Johnston drive through the middle saw Brooking found. She in turn fed Lala who was brought down by Diederichsen in the box, and referee Liam Barclay pointed to the spot. Cassidy stepped up and hit her right-of-centre shot into the net to seal NTC’s win.

RedStar have now suffered back-to-back losses, albeit last weekend’s Night Series Final was on penalties. This is a challenge to overcome that they have not faced. RedStar have the coaching staff and players to hit back strongly. However, this gives real hope to the other sides in the WA NPL Women’s that the silverware could find new destinations this year.

Teams: PERTH REDSTAR: Diederichsen, Carroll, Studman, Doan, Ikeda, Ridley, Dunn, Leota, Teixeira, Monteiro, Coleman. Substitutes used: Ritchie, Mogridge, Woolley.

HYUNDAI NTC: Bailey, Anderson, Collins, Johnston, Cassidy, Powell, Lala, Collinson, Hoolis, Archibald, O’Hallaran. Substitutes used: Brooking, Tana, Tanner, Britton, Johnson.

Scorers: Lala 25′, Cassidy (pen) 82′.

Referee: Liam Barclay.

Weekly Wrap:

Perth SC 4-0 Subiaco

**Above:** Jaime Duncanson celebrates after putting Perth SC 3-0 up. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi.

Pete Rakic’s Azzurri followed up their Night Series Final win last weekend with a successful opening to the new season at Dorrien Gardens.

Gemma Craine was influential in her team’s win as she was involved in three of her side’s four goals. It was the former Perth Glory A-League Women star who provided a high cross from the right for Ellie La Monte to take a touch before sealing the finish to put Perth SC ahead just before the half hour mark.

Craine showed her class just before the break when she collected her own goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett’s ball out and danced her way through along the right before cutting in to smash home.

It was 3-0 just after the hour mark when Craine found La Monte outside her on the right. The cross came in and Jaime Duncanson hit a superb first time volley from the left of centre in the box.

Abbey Meakins completed the scoring with nine minutes remaining when a corner came in from the right. The ball coming back to Meakins at the back post before angling a drive into the net.

Fremantle City 1-2 Murdoch University Melville

Goal!! for Murdoch University Melville out of NPL Women – Western Australia at Hilton Reserve in the 17:41 mark of the First Half. Score Fremantle City 0:1 MU Melville

Watch live and free on Streamer #seeitonstreamer https://t.co/mzY3TbJBt9 #NPLWEST #FCFCMUM pic.twitter.com/2mrjXEvkoi
— Football West (@FootballWest) March 26, 2023

The 2021 champions gained an impressive opening round victory at Fremantle. They took the lead with 18 minutes on the clock as Sophie Meaden was found from the right and the Murdoch star lofted a superb shot over the home goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder (see clip above). Meaden doubled MUM FC’s lead on the hour mark before Fremantle hit back with five minutes remaining, but Murdoch held on to gain all three points.

Balcatta Etna 9-0 Curtin University

**Above:** Balcatta Etna (navy and red) compete for possession with Curtin University yesterday. **Photo:** Fotoenzo.

Curtin could not have started the season in more challenging manner. Last year’s wooden spoon winners went into the game on the back of a Night Series record of three losses from their three matches with no goals scored and 32 conceded. The visitors to Grindleford Reserve had lost their opening Night Series game 8-0 here on 19th February, and it didn’t get any better yesterday.

It took the home side just under a quarter of an hour to take the lead, thanks to Tia Stonehill’s curler. However, once ahead, Balcatta didn’t ease off. Three minutes later, they forced an error at the back which led to Lauren Continibali lifting a shot into the net.

Five minutes later, it was 3-0 as Ferne Carter directed the ball into her own net from a Balcatta corner on the right with Monique Prinsloo getting on the scoresheet on the half hour as she directed a half-volley home following a cross from the right. Within four minutes it was 5-0 as Continibali chipped a free-kick from outside the area over the wall for Kimberley McCartney to head home. There was another five minute interlude before the sixth as Prinsloo tapped in a low cross from the right.

There were a further three goals after the break, with Prinsloo grabbing the lot to complete a personal haul of five goals. Prinsloo completed her hat-trick within 45 seconds of the re-start after following up a block on her original shot to score. Seven minutes into the second half, Stonehill played in a low ball from the left for Prinsloo to tap home, and the rout was completed with 16 minutes remaining as the Balcatta star capitalised on loose play at the back from Curtin to dispatch a simple shot into the net.

**Above:** There was so much to celebrate for Balcatta Etna yesterday. **Photo:** Fotoenzo.

Perth Glory v Melbourne City Extra

Ben Gilby reports on the post-match conferences given by both head coaches, whilst Tom McCarthy supplies his regular photo gallery from Macedonia Park (26/3/23).

Above: Hannah Blake shows her joy after scoring for Perth Glory at Macedonia Park today. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis was hugely proud of his team for overcoming a slow start to run out 4-3 winners over Melbourne City to keep their Finals hopes alive.

“Wow! Wow! What a match!” Epakis enthused. “That performance probably is a nice picture of how the whole season has gone. We started slow and looked a bit down and out and found a way to overcome what we needed to in order to get a result. We’ll finish strong. That’s the identity of this team, we know what we are, we know what we are capable of. We’re a fighting squad. We’re a team of workers and we work really hard for everything we get.”

Speaking to a number of players this season, one of the clearest messages that has come through is the exceptionally tight bond in the group and the belief that their head coach instills in them. The outcome of this match was a tribute to that, as Epakis recognised.

“The players did really well to take those chances. There were times when we were under the pump. At half-time I said to them, there will be times when it won’t be pretty, you might have to fill in for someone as they have been pulled out of position. It was an idea of rolling up our sleeves and producing a Kim Carroll performance. I think that’s well and truly what we got.”

**Above:** Perth Glory legend Kim Carroll enters the pitch for the final time at home. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Cyera Hintzen’s introduction as a second-half substitute was a major factor for Perth’s comeback. It was yet another hugely influential performance from the American.

“We couldn’t get much-controlled possession. We brought Cyera and G (Gabriella Coleman) on to stretch that (Melbourne City) back four, and that gave more space in midfield. That’s why in the last 20 it looked like we had more of he ball as we had players pulling them (Melbourne City) away. I really believe Cyera is the bench-mark nine in the competition – goals, assists, off-the-ball work. I give so much credit to Gabriella – she has come in and put in so much.

“We have three games this week and Cyera has a bit of a niggle and so have a few players. We knew we have to use the whole squad this week. It’s not ideal having so many games in such a short period. Come in, do a job, and see how we do. We won’t train too much, just focus on the game.”

Today’s encounter was the beginning of three games in three different states for Perth to finish the regular season. It’s a tough programme and the Glory boss outlined how the team will spend the coming week.

“We’ll have tomorrow focus on recovery. The day after train early the following morning and then head to Sydney. We play there Wednesday night, then fly to Brisbane and have recovery there – Friday will do a light session with recovery to an extent. Then the game and, after that we’ll see where we’re at…”

A win on Wednesday at Sydney FC will see Perth as one of three teams on 28 points going into the last round of matches. Strap up tightly, it’s going to be a hell of a week.

**Above:** Cote Rojas in possession for Melbourne City today. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic was frustrated at his side’s inability to transfer first-half dominance into a victory at Perth Glory today.

“I can’t take away a lot of the good play we had in the first half. We completely dominated. We had numerous great chances. We could easily have been three or four-nil up, but that’s football if you don’t take your chances.”

Vidosic recognised that once the Glory got a foothold in the game, many contributing factors came together in order to push the hosts over the line and take the three points from the Victorian side.

“It was Kim Carroll’s last home game, Perth are chasing Finals, we shied away when they applied more pressure. We went away from what we were doing. We gave away corners, and we could have not conceded any of their goals. The crowd (by far the biggest attendance at any A-League Women game this weekend) then got into it. Even then we could have scored more, but there we are.

“For the fans today, and as a neutral, it is a great game. It had everything. From my point of view, we can’t be allowing that. We were so good, we were in control, we were 1-0 up. We were too transitional. Little things made the difference today.”

The City boss conceded that his side missed a golden opportunity to avoid what is potentially a winner takes all with fellow Finals contenders Canberra United, but his players have to learn from the errors of today.

“We’ve had injuries, players playing in areas where they don’t always. It’s a work in progress. We were very good. They were desperate, Perth, blocking shots that could have gone in the back of the net. The football was excellent first half. Second half, when you concede four, it’s never good. It sets up a game next week – a big one against Canberra that we need to win for Finals.”

Tom McCarthy’s Photo Gallery from Macedonia Park:

To read Jonathan Tay‘s report of the match, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/03/26/glory-for-perth-after-dramatic-comeback/

Glory for Perth after dramatic comeback

Perth Glory 4-3 Melbourne City

by Jonathan Tay (26/3/23)

Above: Joy for Perth Glory in their stunning win today. Photo: Keep Up.

Perth Glory triumphed in an incredible, see-sawing battle with Melbourne City on Sunday, winning 4-3 at Macedonia Park, and boosting their chances of a top-four finish.

A second half which had six goals from both teams combined, saw a Cyera Hintzen-inspired Glory come back from a 1-0 deficit, before holding on to the lead by the skin of their teeth for the famous victory.

With Canberra United’s recent impressive form vaulting them into a heated battle with Melbourne Victory for fourth place in the league, it was vital for Perth Glory to get a result to retain any hope of catching either team and keeping alive their own Finals ambitions. Melbourne City meanwhile, were just a point ahead in third place, and also had their sights set on a win, with head coach Dario Vidosic emphasising the need to avoid a “do-or-die game next weekend.”

City welcomed back Melissa Barbieri from a calf injury, slotting into goal to play her 100th A-League match, whilst Rhianna Pollicina also returned to the side, with striker Hannah Wilkinson moving to the bench. Perth came into the match with a little extra motivation, with this home fixture being the last one of 35-year-old Kim Carroll’s career, after the defender announced her retirement earlier in the week. A much-loved legend of the club, Perth boss Alex Epakis stated ahead of the match that Carroll was a “fantastic person for the team, the club, and the game in general.”

**Above:** Perth Glory legend Kim Carroll received a presentation to mark her final home game. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

That description was exemplified immediately, with City wingback Kaitlyn Torpey having a point-blank effort charged down by Carroll just 36 seconds into the match. Unfortunately for Glory, that initial effort characterised the majority of the first half, as Melbourne seemingly set up camp around their final third, racking up 15 shots in the opening period. Perth were happy to concede possession to City’s ball-dominant style of play, asking for a lot of running from Hana Lowry and Alana Jancevski up front, and relying on Sakalis and Blake to provide width and creativity.

City’s front four of Maria Rojas, Holly McNamara, Daniela Galic, and Pollicina all combined well, linking play and constructing intricate passing networks to find each other in space and conjure their numerous chances. Rojas, McNamara, Galic, and Leticia McKenna all had good opportunities within the first half hour to open the scoring.

The eventual City goal in the 33rd minute came in very fortuitous circumstances; Perth keeper Sarah Langman spilling a tame through ball from McNamara right into the path of Pollicina, with the midfielder making no mistake in front of a gaping goal.

City were unlucky not to go into the half-time break two goals up; Galic crashed a spectacular long-range strike past a rooted Langman and off the underside of the crossbar. Glory coach Epakis was left scratching his chin and searching for answers amidst the City siege, but would have taken comfort in his side coming away with just a small deficit leading into the second half.

Cyera Hintzen was brought on in the 60th minute, as Glory looked to press a greater attacking impetus and make City pay for their profligacy in front of goal. The American delivered, sparking a period of magic as Perth scored two goals in the space of a minute, midway through the second period.

Hintzen first pressured City defender Naomi Chinnama into conceding a corner, before the substitute flicked on the resulting delivery to Sadie Lawrence who nodded home at the back post, and equalised for Perth.

Blake making it 2-1 to Glory…
Glory 4-2 City#PERvMCY #ONEGlory pic.twitter.com/wLM1GXh6tv
— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) March 26, 2023

No sooner had the game restarted than Glory suddenly had the lead; a weak Barbieri clearance fell to Perth’s Hannah Blake, and she produced a stunning effort from the right wing to lob the City keeper and find the back of the net.

A stunned Melbourne City were violently shocked back into life and wasted no time in finding their own way back into the game. Just minutes later, Pollicina had an initial shot blocked in the penalty area, but the rebound came straight to substitute Wilkinson who hammered home to become the all-time leading scorer in City history.

Perth though had their tails up, having already taken the lead once, with Hintzen in particular looking like she was not going to be denied. The game was played end-to-end at a frenetic pace, with both sides trading numerous chances.

Glory first regained the lead in the 81st minute, with Hintzen laying off for Lowry to finish exquisitely into the top corner. City then thought they had another leveller, with a corner creating a mad scramble in the box, but referee Kelly Jones adjudicated that the ball had been cleared off the line by the Perth defence.

THREE goals in THREE minutes!!! 🔥😱

This might just be the most hectic few minutes of football you will ever see!

Tune into the action on @channel10au Play 📺

📰 What is happening in Perth: https://t.co/IpN8tWVqni #PERvMCY #WeAreALeagues pic.twitter.com/nxDDTBhjJM
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) March 26, 2023

Another Glory substitute Gabriella Coleman then set up their fourth goal, bursting down the left wing, before her cross found a streaking Hintzen who side-footed past Barbieri to send the home crowd wild. Melbourne though were still very much a threat, and in the first minute of stoppage time, a Wilkinson cutback saw Grosso tap home from close range to cut the margin in half.

City will be left wondering how they ended up on the losing end, after tallying 32 shots in total in the game and looking so at ease during the opening half. They even had late openings to again tie the game, with Katie Bowen having an effort tipped round the post by Langman before Torpey had another shot deflected just over the bar from the subsequent corner.

The Melbournians will now host a very nervy last home match of the season, coming up against a Canberra side who will be looking to leapfrog them into a Finals berth. For Perth Glory, whilst they will need other results to go their way to reach the top four, they again echoed Epakis’ words in having “that relentless desire to just find a way to win.”

Glory will hope this remarkable upset spurs them on in their sprint to the finish and provide them enough adrenaline, with two matches in four days to close out the regular season.

Ben Gilby‘s coverage of the post-match media conferences of both head coaches, plus Tom McCarthy‘s photo gallery match will appear on the site later today.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-4-2): Langman; Rigby, Anton, Carroll, Foletta; Blake, Lawrence, Mastrantonio, Sakalis; Lowry, Jancevski. Substitutes: Aquino, McKenna, Cain, Coleman, Hintzen.

Scorers: Lawrence 70’, Blake 71’, Lowry 81’, Hintzen 87’.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-2-2-2): Barbieri; Torpey, Chinnama, Checker, Grosso; Bowen, McKenna; Pollicina, Galic; Rojas, McNamara. Substitutes: James (GK), Accardo, Henry, Malone, Wilkinson.

Scorers: Pollicina 33’, Wilkinson 74’, Grosso 90+1’

Referee: Kelly Jones.

Attendance: 910.

Connors strike puts the kibosh on Victory’s finals hopes

Melbourne Victory 1-1 Brisbane Roar

By Kieran Yap (26/3/23)

Above: Shea Connors, Sharn Freier, and Hollie Palmer celebrate Brisbane Roar’s goal. Photo: Liberty A-League.

A Shea Connors strike and some late heroics from Hensley Hancuff have earned Brisbane Roar a 1-1 draw away to Melbourne Victory.

The home side entered this round in fourth spot, but in need of a win to maintain some distance between themselves and the resurgent Canberra United. Brisbane had only pride to play for. Their win over Western United having been overturned, but the played like a team with everything on the line.

This match had the energy and intensity of a finals match, and in some ways was a tactical wrestle between the minds on the bench, as much as the players on the pitch.

Brisbane were without Larissa Crummer. In the absence of the Matilda, Brisbane set up with five players in midfield and opted for Connors as the sole attacker. Victory started with a midfield trio of Amy Jackson, Tiffany Eliadis and Alana Murphy. Paige Zois was unavailable, leaving the midfield light on experienced options.

Neither team truly dominated the early stages of the match, but Brisbane denied Victory time on the ball. When the Roar were in possession, they acted quickly, trying to find Connors behind Kayla Morrison and Claudia Bunge.

It appeared early on that they were missing a final link between midfield and the striker, and when youngster Kijah Stephenson went off injured, it looked like things had gotten tougher.

Despite this early setback, Brisbane hit the lead in the 29^th minute. Connors played the ball to Shark Freier and then took off toward goal and full pace. Freier’s return pass was well weighted and Connors was suddenly behind the Victory back line. This situation has meant danger for most A-League defences over the last two months and Connors sped into the box and shot over Casey Dumont from an acute angle.

Dumont was able to get a have to the looping shot, but it was not enough to keep it out of the net. Connors had scored her fourth goal in as many games.

29' | Sharn Freier puts a ball through to Shea Connors, setting her up nicely for a shot from the angle with her left foot 👏 pic.twitter.com/Cyl4H4PmL5
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) March 26, 2023

Victory responded soon after through the ever-dependable Amy Jackson. The veteran midfielder charged into the box and drew a foul. The referee pointed to the spot, and Melina Ayres made no mistake with the penalty kick.

The second half saw Victory with most of the attacks, but the outnumbered midfield looked rushed under Roar’s pressure.

Lia Privitelli was brought on to inject some directness and pace out wide. She made an impact and drew some good saves out of Hensley Hancuff, but could not beat the in-form American.

Victory continued to push for the winning goal, but Roar absorbed the attacks. A header from a corner kick was blocked on the line, and then Hancuff’s diving effort denied Beattie Goad’s volley.

The home side’s effort was admirable, but Roar rarely looked threatened. The threat of Connors upfront prevented them from going on the all-out attack in the dying stages.

Ayres looked the most dangerous for the home side, but was unable to find much space in front of goal. She was well-marshalled for the majority of the match. Alana Murphy was industrious in midfield and tried to turn the tide, but it was not Victory’s day.

The draw is not a disaster for Jeff Hopkins’s side, but it does take their finals position out of their own hands. Only goal difference separated them from Canberra United, and they face Wellington Phoenix away next week.

That is a must-win game, and Victory will need a favour from Melbourne City, and Brisbane Roar next week to keep the chasing pack at bay. They have been specialists at grinding out the results when they need them so far, and should back themselves to close out the home and away campaign with a win.

On this occasion, they faced one of the league’s in-form strikers, and that one moment of brilliance is all it took to leave their season in the balance.

They will reset, and approach Wellington like it is their first finals game of the season. In all effect, it is.

Brisbane’s performance was impressive. Palmer was the cool head in midfield, Freier was creative on the flank, and Norrie worked hard as always. They defended in numbers, and the evolution of Jamilla Rankin into a central defender seems to be working. Up front, they have the ability to trouble any defence. Garrath MacPherson’s squad was missing some big names, but still defended well and attacked with purpose.

On a more positive note for Victory, the active fan group announced their player of the season. The Victory Vikings awarded Beattie Goad as the winner of the Dumont Trophy.

The winger has been a consistently bright spark this season and her return to the A-League women has been a real success so far.

Congratulations to Beattie Goad on winning the Dumont Trophy for our Player of the Season. Beattie has been a revelation this season, and we couldn't think of a more deserved winner 🏆👏💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/AhPH4flO1r
— Victory Vikings (@victory_vikings) March 26, 2023

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Morrison, Bunge, Nash, Tathem, Jackson, Eliadis, Murphy, Goad, Zimmerman, Ayres. Substitutes: Templeman, Privitelli, Markovski, Briedis, Curtis.

Scorer: Ayres (pen) 37’.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-5-1): Hancuff, Freier, Rankin, McQueen, Rasschaert, Norrie, Kruger, Riley, Palmer, Stephenson, Connors. Substitutes: Shuttleworth, Kramer, Levin, Davern, Robinne.

Scorer: Connors 29’.

Referee: Bec Mackie.

Attendance: 521.

Sydney FC v Adelaide United Photo Gallery

Kris Goman was pitchside for Impetus at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium yesterday to capture the action as Sydney FC hosted Adelaide United in the A-League Women (26/3/23).

Above: Sydney FC’s Rachel Lowe is denied by Adelaide United goalkeeper Annalee Grove. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.