Above:Jenna Nighswonger signing for Aston VillaPhoto: 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.
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.
Above: Peta Trimis celebrates after scoring against the Newcastle Jets.Photo: via the A-Leagues.
The Central Coast Mariners have quickly bounced back onto the winners list with a 3-2 win over the Newcastle Jets in the F3 Derby. An initial goal to Newcastle through Keli Brown was quickly cancelled out by Peta Trimis, before Annalise Rasmussen scored what turned out to be the match winner.
The game started off with a high energy level, with the Mariners pressing up on the three backs of Newcastle. Avaani Prakash and Annalise Rasmussen were creating pressure and this saw the midfielders often winning the ball forward.
After 6 minutes, Trimis ran onto a ball from over the top and drove a shot near-post. Anna Leat covered her goal very well and held onto her save after the first meaningful shot on target.
The Jets did not have much in the way of possession, but they broke forward with pace when they did get the ball. For example, at the 12 minute mark Charlotte Lancaster ran down the wing and crossed it into the box toward Alexis Collins. However, Tarren King and Annalee Grove were able to use the former’s strength and the latter’s positioning to stop the visitors conceding.
A moment later, Brown had a shot at goal in the box after some excellent link-up play. Brown opted for a delicate finish but directed her effort slightly wide of the goal to keep the game scoreless.
As the game developed, Newcastle adopted something of a route 1 approach, sending long balls forward and looking to create off the second ball.
Central Coast on the other hand were looking for shorter passing plays and pressing off the ball to create pressure.
There was certainly plenty of back and forth play through the middle part of the first half, but nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.
Sadly at 35 minutes, there was a significant stoppage of play after Isabella Coco-Di Sipio went down for the second time in the game. There was no confirmation of what the injury was, but it looked to be related to her right knee as Tiahna Fuller came in earlier than expected to replace her. Coco-Di Sipio was able to leave the field on her own feet which was a positive sign.
The lack of action on the scoreboard changed in the shadows of the half time whistle when Newcastle was rewarded for their great efforts as Libby Copus-Brown won the ball high up the pitch and played in Brown who hit a terrific shot into the top left-corner and opened the scoring for the Jets.
Despite a few more nervy moments in the Mariners defence, the lead remained a single goal at the break.
The second half started quickly, with Fuller firing a shot at goal in the first minute of the half that was blocked by the defence and Sophie Hoban firing a shot in on the other end which was saved by Grove. A minute later, Lancaster forced a more challenging save out of Grove after a run forward and a driven shot at near-post.
In the 53rd minute – seemingly from nothing – Trimis was able to equalise for the Mariners. Prakash played the ball to Trimis on the edge of the box, who then took a speculative shot from distance and was able to find the back of the net.
A minute later, Rasmussen broke forward after winning the ball in a battle with Prior and Claudia Cicco. Her shot was driven over the bar, but the momentum was suddenly back with the Mariners now that the scores were level.
There was a period of the Jets keeping possession for about six minutes in the second half. It did not lead to too many chances, but it did allow the hosts to control the pace and tempo of the game heading into the last half hour.
The game became more physical from this point, with a lot of possession being held in the middle third of the pitch. The Jets held slightly better territory during this period, but the Mariners still looked dangerous breaking forward with Prakash and Trimis in particular.
A Mariners breakaway in the 70th minute led to the league’s leading scorer finding the back of the net once again. Trimis made a run down the right wing and looped the ball into Rasmussen who drove a volley across Leat’s goal and into the back of the net.
Despite going behind on the scoreboard, the Jets did continue to try and create right up until the final whistle. There was a lot of frantic action particularly in the last five minutes of the match, but ultimately the Mariners’ defence held firm and they managed to see out the rest of the game with the lead.
Above:Wellington Phoenix’s Grace Jale (7) wins a header under heavy pressurewith 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.
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.
In his penultimate interview, Ben Tattoo speaks to fan of reigning champions Chelsea, about their season so far and how this could finally be their year in the Champions League
Can you tell me a bit about your history as a fan of Chelsea?
It started with my Dad. I didn’t have any choice in my Italian team and because he’s always been an Arsenal fan, I wanted to be a bit different.
So, I picked Chelsea, that was my history with Chelsea. That was around 2009. I started watching women’s football in 2012 with the Olympics, and then it stuck.
So that’s how we started, and then I discovered Twitter and built connections and friends around it as well.
Four or five times during the season, I try to come to London or for away games, and when the Champions League is on, that kind of stuff.
How did you feel about the summer transfer business?
I think Chelsea did a lot in January with Girma and Walsh. I think that was like the big thing and they addressed the needs, as we needed to refresh the squad. They started with the defence, and then they did the midfield.
In attack, I don’t feel particularly good about it and I think they left it late with (Alyssa) Thompson. I can’t blame them, you have to wait when you get a player like Thompson.
I think they could have done more maybe at left back and right wing. I think a lot of people would be pretty happy with Chelsea’s squad, but they are underperforming their expected goals (xG) a bit and not creating not scoring as many chances as last season.
How are you thinking about the season so far?
There’s been a lot of chat throughout the season obviously, with the loss against Everton. I’ve not lost my head, like other people have done, because I think we have to lose someday – it’s not realistic to keep winning everything.
The Champions League has been fine, which is what I think we need to win. It’s the big one. However, if you’re putting everything in one basket, you have to deliver.
You’re probably not going to get a weaker season for Barcelona after (Aitana) Bonmati’s injury and their squad limitations. It’s so thin. They’re going to be knackered by April.
Lyon are very well positioned, but I do think on paper we do have the best squad, it’s time to show it.
Do you ever have concerns or hear any grumblings from players that they’re not getting or see anybody language that you think, or they’re not getting much game time?
I don’t think Sjoeke Nüsken can be happy, that’s probably the big one. When she plays, she’s good. I saw her non-celebration when she scored the final goal against Roma. I think she does feel a bit hard-done by because she is not being played a lot.
Do you think it’s quite hard for young players to get in at Chelsea with their signing power compared to other teams? Lexi Potter for example?
Every time she’s come on, she looks ready to like to have minutes. I do think the fact that we’re not scoring is, like, it has an impact on her, because if when games are very tight, you may not want to bring on a teenager.
I think she could leave (in January), considering we’ve got (Orian) Jean-François as well. she can cover for Keira (Walsh). I do think she’s going to have a big role next season.
It’s been mixed for young players. Mara Alber, who we bought in the summer, she didn’t look ready in preseason, and she doesn’t get any minutes at all.
However, when you look at Wieke Kaptein and she’s basically a starter, so. I think players look at Kaptein and obviously Alyssa Thompson and they think, “that can be me”.
It’s not always going to be that way – Lexi Potter is not going to bench Keira Walsh. Yeah, you must be a bit realistic as well.
So it’s difficult and they’ve got some talented youngsters coming through, who are loaned out at the moment.
How do you think Chelsea will be doing for the rest of the season?
I do think the league is gone, even though Manchester City have bottled it before. I don’t see them realistically losing the league.
I don’t particularly care about the League Cup, if I’m honest. I don’t think any Chelsea fan would care about anything else if we do win the Champions League.
There’s the FA Cup; I do think a trip to Wembley is always good. If you get to Wembley, you’ve got to go!
If you could take one player from any other team who would it be, any player you want, stick them in the Chelsea Blue?
Probably Selma Bacha from Lyon. Niamh Charles – I feel a bit sorry for her because she’s almost too two-footed. She’s not the best left back, but obviously she’s not going to get in at right back as well.
She’s done well after coming back from injury last season, but I think Bacha would do really well for Chelsea.
Do you think Sonia Bombastor is the manager to take Chelsea to the Champions League?
I was against the appointment, but I had to shut up because she kept winning, you can’t say anything. At times she does things really well and then other times you think “why are you doing that?”
She’s quite a new manager because she doesn’t have that much experience. So maybe that plays into my thinking.
The problem is also – who else could we get? Tactically, I do think it would be easy to get somebody better than her. However, to manage the squad? She does this well and has shown that she can bench big personalities.
Let’s see how she does this season and see if she brings that Champions League home. Yeah, if she brings the Champions League like, you can do whatever you want (she laughs).
Above:Emma Tovar celebrates after scoring the first of Perth’s three goals tonight against the Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: via A-Leagues.
Perth Glory defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1 at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, extending their home winning streak to four matches and leaving Wanderers winless for a seventh consecutive game. Emma Tovar and Susan Phonsongkham set up the win with goals in the first half, before Ella Lincoln added to the haul in the second.
The Glory started the match as the more confident side, controlling possession and pressing the Wanderers high up the pitch, shutting down their opponents with relative ease. The opening exchanges saw a few halfhearted attempts at goal from both sides, but neither keeper was seriously tested in the early stages.
The breakthrough finally came in the 29th minute though when Tovar picked up the ball just outside the box and curled a precise left-footed strike past Sham Khamis, claiming her first goal in Glory colours.
The Wanderers had a brief response through captain Amy Harrison, who fired a shot on goal, but it was comfortably saved by Glory keeper Teresa Morrissey, keeping the visitors at bay.
As the half drew to a close, Glory earned a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the box. Phonsongkham stepped up and delivered with perfect accuracy, sending the ball into the top left corner to double the lead and give the home side a strong advantage going into the break.
When the halftime whistle blew, the Glory were in full control and eager to continue with the same momentum, while the Wanderers faced a difficult task in the second half to claw their way back into the match.
After an anything but smooth ball delivery from a robot named Darren, the second half was underway. Much like the opening half, the early stages were low on action, with both teams struggling to create clear cut chances.
The Wanderers threatened first when Yuan Cong had a solid attempt to close the gap, but Teresa Morrissey was alert and kept up her side’s clean sheet. However, redemption came shortly after for the visitors when Ella Buchanan delivered a precise cross that perfectly found Yuan’s feet, allowing her to slip the ball past Morrissey and make it 2-1. With this goal coming with 25 minutes still to play, there was hope for a Wanderers comeback.
Their comeback hopes were short-lived, however, as Lincoln unleashed a beautiful strike that found the back of the net. In a moment of pure poetry and déjà vu for Glory fans, Lincoln followed up her goal with a backflip celebration at the very appropriately named Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Despite a desperate late push from the Wanderers, they were unable to find another goal, and the match ended 3-1 in favour of the home side.
Check out our Instagram reels and stories for post match interviews and scenes from around the ground by Max Parris and Ella McShane – go to @impetusfootball on Instagram
Above:Adriana Taranto and Kirsty Fenton challenge for the ball.Photo: Adelaide United
Sydney FC and Adelaide United played out an entertaining if sometimes frustrating scorless draw at Leichhardt Oval. Despite the visibly poor playing surface both teams played some promising attacking football that brought the best out of their respective goalkeepers.
Ante Juric’s side came into this round in need of win. Sydney FC have not scored in five games, and are fast slipping down the table. They faced an Adelaide United side that has been formidable at home, but not as strong outside of South Australia. Despite Adelaide’s enviable strike power, this presented a good opportunity for Sydney FC to find their spark. NPL goal machine Skye Halmarick started her second consecutive game for the home side in a signal of intent.
Adelaide United started the stronger of the two sides. Some good interplay resulted in an Emily Condon effort missing the target, Erin Healy’s shot skimming wide, and a Melissa Taranto header going past the upright. Sydney FC almost responded spectacularly but Bianca Galic’s looped pass was perfectly and athletically cleared by Matilda McNamara despite the defender facing her own goal when she cleared the ball.
Sydney defended compactly, but struggled to build from the back. Adelaide’s midfield trio of Zois and the Taranto’s were well set up to shut them down and in the absence of a really quick midfielder, they have few options to break through the press if the passing options are closed.
Adriana Tranto in particular showed impressive energy and drive. She was able to burst through midfield and form a menacing presence, but the final pass was often snuffed out by Sydney’s defence.
Another Adrian Taranto run started the second half. After intercepting a goal-kick, she burst into the penalty area, but no Adelaide striker was on the spot to meet her cutback to the six yard box.
The game began to open up in the final half hour. The introduction of former Sydney FC striker Fiona Worts into the game instantly resulted in a chance for Adelaide. Worts earned a foul from Kirsty Fenton’s shirt pull and the Zois free kick found McNamara but the header was wide.
Erin Healy had a goal disallowed for a body check on Willa Pearson. It looked to be legal and if the roles were reversed it is hard to imagine a referee giving a penalty for a similar challenge. It looked on replay like an error by the referee.
Amelia Cassar momentarily sparked Sydney FC into life with a clever pass for Halmarick to chase. Unfortunately for her, Ilona Melegh was alert to the danger and able to race out to snuff out the chance.
Some expert centre-forward work from Halmarick created Sydney’s best chance. Her hold-up play, pass wide to Sarah Hunter and well placed header were all perfectly executed, but Melegh was able to gather the eventual chance once again.
Sydney substitute Riley Tanner almost secured the points for the hosts, but her quick footwork went unrewarded when he shot from the angle crashed off the woodwork after another strong goalkeeping effort from Melegh.
The draw was Sydney’s sixth goalless performance in a row, but Halmarick’s continuing comfort at this level and natural instincts for the position must offer some hope for fans.
Adelaide’s away form continues to trouble them, but they looked to have snatched the win in added time only for it to be denied by millimeters, the performances of this team are becoming more consistent as the season develops, and in Melegh, they may have the in-form goalkeeper of the competition.
ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-1-2): Melegh, E Hodgson, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, A Taranto, Zois, M Taranto, Healy, Condon, Dawber. Substitutes: Jenkins, Murray, I Hodgson, Morgan, Makris, Worts.
Above: Glasgow City celebrate scoring a goal earlier in the year Photo: @GlasgowCityFC on X
As the winter break hits, we’re as close to halfway through the SWPL season as we’re going to ever get thanks to the 6/4 split format giving teams unequal games played overall. There’s no better time to reflect on what has been an astonishing-as-ever SWPL season. While the title race isn’t looking as legendary as the last few years, anything can happen in this league and the stories of the nine teams below are as interesting as usual.
Glasgow City turn back the clock
Talking about Glasgow City is always inspiring, and as they just keep defying the odds every time it is always a feel-good story. Founding in 1998, they have been at the forefront of women’s football in Scotland from the very start. As they like to refer to themselves, the ‘original trailblazers’ continue to set the standards today. Having won 14 straight titles, the professionalisation of Celtic and Rangers, and later the Edinburgh rivals threatened to bury City after the reformed league post 2020. However, Glasgow City held strong and won two of the next three titles.
With the trophy embroidered in green the last two years, City’s utter dominance has been halted, even if they’ve remained competitive. However, this year feels more like 2014 or 2015, when they won the domestic treble and played some big opponents in Europe. In Scotland, Leanne Ross’s team have won every single game except two draws with Hibs, and a seriously impressive run in Europe only ended in extra time against Portuguese giants Sporting CP.
Having lost two crucial players in the window – striker Brenna Lovera and centre-back Sam van Diemen, probably their best asset at either end of the pitch last year; City have adapted better than other SWPL clubs and seem to have come out of the winter with a better overall squad. Crucial to that was the signing of Abi Harrison from Celtic after her contract ran out, who has filled in magnificently at the top of the pitch. Lana Golob meanwhile has filled the gap left by van Diemen to form the best centre-back duo in the league with Kimberly Smit.
Above: Goals conceded by the top 5 in the SWPL (bottom 5 have all conceded more)
Conceding only four goals all year, the Smit-Golob partnership with Lee Gibson behind them has been the recipe to getting over the line in games, and particularly while facing other big sides. If you get a clean sheet that’s at least one point guaranteed, and having built up such a significant lead, that all they really need to do in the second half of the season.
The post-split challenge of facing high quality attacks two or three times a week will be the last test of this defence and the team as a whole, but there are no indications that the independent side won’t write a new resilient chapter in their storied history – as they remind the league that while the money from men’s teams keeps pouring in, Glasgow City have not been conquered yet.
Montrose shock the league to lead top six race
With that incredible record, Glasgow City must have been the standout team of the season, right? Well arguably not so much. While Aberdeen brought in some significant names, Partick Thistle and Motherwell both improved upon squads that battled hard for sixth place last year, Montrose were quietly building under the radar. While it may sound irrelevant, taking a lead over Rangers in the opening game (even if they went on to lose it 6-1) showed that Craig Feroz’s side had something about them this year.
Given the nature of the league, the five non-professional teams always know they are fighting for that final place in the top six and hence top split and can’t rely on taking points off the pros. For them, those games are a useful way to show themselves off but defining the season overall are the games against those around you. Montrose started perfectly, dismantling last years ‘best of the rest’ Motherwell 4-1 in the second week of the season. Strike partners Sophia Martin and Kaela McDonald-Nguah grabbed too each, with some slick passing moves between them shredding apart Motherwell’s defence.
The style of goals in that game was very much an indication of how Montrose would target teams throughout the season. Rather than try to take control of the game and compete with the opposition in the middle of the park, Craig Feroz’s team sat back and looked to create goals on the counterattack – relying on the speed of their strikers to turn defence into goalscoring chances as quick as possible. While Aberdeen, Partick and Motherwell have focused on trying to dominate games, Montrose have had more success by going back to the basics.
The key player for Montrose in this system is striker Kaela McDonald-Nguah. Having started in the Celtic academy, she has played all over Scotland before joining Montrose this summer. As a striker, McDonald-Nguah’s speed and technical ability mean that she is an ideal candidate for getting the ball early with space to the goal and just a couple of defenders in front of her to beat. As the graph below shows, she has been more crucial to Montrose’s attack than any other player in the SWPL this year.
Above:The percentage of total team goals scored by each leading club scorer
For most of the season, Montrose focused on peaking at the right times – saving their better performances for the teams they had a chance of beating and frankly looking uncompetitive against the top five. However, when a vulnerable Hibernian side travelled up north in between games against other top sides, there was always going to be an opportunity. By holding out defensively in the game, they were able to quickly respond after going behind and eventually saw out a draw. With which they became the first non-professional club to take points off a professional outlet.
Hibs’ title defence grinds to a halt
After an incredible underdog title run, with Champions League qualifying and title defence on the agenda, it looked like an exciting season for the Hibees. Winning the league with what was a much smaller squad than their competitors, people wondered whether they would look to go ham in the transfer window – but instead, Grant Scott focused on signing youth. Milly Boughton, Hannah Jordan and Tiree Burchill joined the attack while Jess Fitzgerald bolstered the midfield, and Scarlett Herron provided a crucial centre-back option.
Above: The number of players signed by Hibs in each age group – highlighting their focus on youth
The lack of established SWPL names seemed a deliberate move and perhaps one that the Edinburgh side regret now. After keeping up a strong fight for most of the year, injuries to Kirsten Reilly, Linzi Taylor, Kathleen McGovern and Eilidh Adams at the same time derailed the Hibees, seeing them on a run of just two points from four games. This included losses to Celtic and Hearts, a draw with Glasgow City and a draw with Montrose – making them the first professional side to drop points to a non-professional team in 2025/26.
The shocking announcement on the first day of winter break that Grant Scott would depart the club and join Celtic certainly reset the expectations around the Hibees’ campaign. With Hibernian legend Joelle Murray stepping into a managerial role earlier than anyone probably would have wanted, she will have to pick up things very quickly if her team want to fight for anything more than fifth place.
The compensation fee from the Glasgow side was clearly enough to convince the Hibs ownership – alongside the injury crisis ongoing that a rebuild of the team was necessary. There could’ve been a desperate search for a qualified manager and some experienced SWPL names, but Hibs have instead chosen to stick to their guns with the promotion of Murray, even if she hasn’t learnt everything from Grant Scott that they would’ve wanted yet.
With vulnerabilities in all three clubs that are six points ahead – Rangers, Hearts and Celtic; the battle for second and a European place is well alive for Hibs if Murray can start well. While anything can happen in the SWPL, it does look a step too far to close that 13-point gap to Glasgow City at the top.
New era for Celtic
Back in the days when Grant Scott only knew one shade of green, Celtic’s season began under the cloud of a terrible end to the last season and a mass exodus before this one even began. With only limited signings to replace some big names like Abi Harrison, Kelsey Daugherty, Murphy Agnew and Lucy Ashworth-Clifford, hopes of a return to the top were slim amongst fans and there was pressure on Elena Sadiku’s position from the off.
Ultimately, two losses against Rangers and a seven-point deficit to first damned Sadiku, even if her last result was a good win at Hibs. In some ways the first half of the year is now a write-off, and a new dawn starts for the Ghirls. Sitting seven points back, the split always offers an opportunity to take points back and the pressure will be off Celtic with their new manager – so that offers a possibility to push for the title. Even if the trophy is beyond them, then a second place is well up for grabs; seemingly all they need to do is get over this atrocious Old Firm run.
Having won a miracle title last season with Hibernian, Scott clearly has a established pedigree within Scottish football – and given the fact his contract was announced at the same time as Sadiku’s departure, surely he was the number one choice for the job. As a manager, Scott’s success comes from building relationships with players and improving each of them on an individual level, rather than building a narrow and complicated tactical system. There’s rarely a player that joins Hibs without crediting Scott’s words and vision for the club.
The rest of this season will not define the Scottish manager’s legacy at Celtic, and he will have at least a year unless things drastically go wrong, allowing Scott to assert his blueprint for the club onto it. Celtic fans – while still holding some resentment towards the ownership – can feel at least somewhat excited for a new outlook at the club, even if it might look the same at the start. Winning titles consistently and competing in the Champions League remains the aim of the club, and they will keep pushing to achieve that.
Hearts take advantage in fight for Champions League
Every year since 2021 with the restructured SWPL, Hearts have been slowly building under Spanish manager Eva Olid. Having secured fourth place finishes in 22/23 and 23/24, Hearts were jumped by Edinburgh rivals Hibs last year who claimed that unexpected title win – but their overall season was actually still an improvement. This year has been almost the opposite; their results and overall standing indicate a big jump when in reality they have kept that same pace of improvement up.
The issue of Hibs and Celtic have been analysed already, and Rangers have had a drop off as they adapt to their new manager Leanne Crichton. Last season’s winners are closely to Montrose behind then they are to reclaiming that title, Celtic’s three losses against their professional opponents from Glasgow have limited their points tally, while Rangers’ two derby victories make up all their points against the top five except one draw with Hearts.
Hearts had already cemented themselves as a team who could be counted on to beat almost any non-professional side. Towards the backend of last season, they began regularly taking points off the other top sides, and while the Edinburgh derbies are always a toss-up, the ‘Jambo’s’ record against Hibs, Celtic and Rangers this year is exceptional. Led by three of the best strikers in the league: Carly Johns, Bayley Hutchison and Georgia Timms, Hearts’ record of scoring multiple goals in all but one of those games has been a major reason for the success.
Above: Each of the top-2-chasing teams record in games against eachother
As is a little rare in the SWPL, Eva Olid is very set to a tactical style and a three-defender formation. While the wing-backs support either the attack or the defence depending on the opponent, the structure remains the same. Scotland youth international sister Erin and Jess Husband are essential to this, playing usually as centre-backs. Every year they get older and more experienced, developing into the mainstays in the team which they are now.
Monica Forsyth and Lizzie Waldie have played well this season, picking up assists and crucial defensive contributions in equal measure. Jamaican star Olufolasade Adamolekun has that X-factor in attacking midfield that can be employed when all else fails, offering pace, dribbling skills and a cheeky long-range shooting ability.
The split will test if Hearts can really sustain a full season challenge of these teams – all SWPL winners in the past, as they look to qualify for European football for the first time in club history.
Hamilton battle but struggle to compete
Down at the bottom, it is unfortunately a predictable story. It was always felt that by running fully as a non-professional team, Hamilton would simply be on different playing field to the other nine teams – who all have some if not very limited semi-professional elements. Having only picked up their first point the last weekend before the break, they sit six points off Aberdeen in 9th place.
Manager Robert Watson was always very open about the club’s expectations and difficulties that lay ahead, but that doesn’t they’ve sat back and taken it. There’s been many games where the ‘Accies’ have defended resiliently or lost to heartbreaking late goals. Right on the opening day of the season, they only lost 2-1 to an injury winner from Partick Thistle. Holding Glasgow City to just 1-0 in September showed how outstanding that defence could be, but they couldn’t replicate that in easier games against teams around them.
An 11-0 loss at Rangers was probably the low point of the SWPL this year and rightly raised questions about how fair or sustainable it was for teams with such vastly different resources to compete in the same league. After the international break, they came back stronger, holding Celtic to just 3-0, and only exiting the cup to an extra time goal against high-flyers Montrose. One week after Montrose took a point off Hibs, Hamilton took their first point of the campaign from Craig Feroz’s side, giving them something to be proud of and take into the break with them.
Post-split, Watson’s team will have an opportunity to improve. Knowing that every game will be against another team from the bottom five, it wouldn’t take them much to put a good run of form together, and they go into each gamen with the knowledge that realistically any result is possible. It will take an almighty effort to even force a relegation playoff by finishing 9th, but whatever happens the Accies can be proud of their effort in the top flight.
And finally, a look at how the table is sitting compared to my pre-season predictions.
Above: Stephen Peters talks to the press. Image: Perth Glory.
By Ella McShane (7/1/2026)
Perth Glory are set to host Western Sydney Wanderers this Friday in round 12 of the Ninja A-League. Head coach Stephen Peters and goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey spoke to the media, analysing a solid run of performances and how they plan to bring the consistency and cohesion to a night under the lights at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Analysing three home wins out of four rounds Stephens stated, “It has been nice to put a performance together that we were pleased with in terms of on the ball and defensive capabilities…The fluency in attack is developing. I think the last two games have showcased that.”
Beyond tactics Stephens credited the squad’s refreshed success to a developed sense of “resilience” and “togetherness”, adding that “they’re all on the same page about what they want out of the game.”
A substantial injury list, among other factors, has required the squad to adapt repeatedly this season. “The pleasing thing about [the developed mentality] is, it doesn’t matter who is in and out of the team, they’re all bringing that to the table.” Stephens elaborated. “It is really, really pleasing that we are getting that consistency from that larger part of the squad,” “We’ve got players who are ready to step into those roles.”
Looking to the opposition, Glory’s approach appears to draw on the confidence gained from the reversed fixture earlier this season, that resulted in a 3-1 victory to Glory. “You’re obviously going to take things out from the first game of some of their players’ characteristics and what their dangers are,” stated Stephens.
Above: Morrissey speaks at the Perth Glory media conference. Image: Perth Glory.
Both Stephens and Morrissey emphasised that despite their strong home form, there is no sense of complacency heading into Friday’s match-up.“We can’t be too complacent in spite of how well we’ve been doing at home. We definitely won’t take this game lightly at all,” Morrissey said.
“[Western Sydney Wanderers] have also made tactical changes from game to game, using different formations for different opponents. So it’s going to be an interesting one to see which setup they choose against us,” Stephens stated, highlighting the importance of adaptability seen both within this round and the league as a whole. He added, “I’ve said this a bit like a broken record lately, but every team in the competition is capable of taking points on any given day. So you have to be up for it, and you can’t take anything for granted.”
Round 12 of the Ninja A-League will take place at 19:00 AWST at the Sam Kerr Football Centre and will be available to stream on Paramount+ and 10Play.
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