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Clare Wheeler: Prospect of home World Cup yet to sink in

Impetus’ Jonathan Tay joined the Matildas media conference with Everton star Clare Wheeler (14/2/23).

Above: Clare Wheeler in action previously for Australia. Photo: Football Australia.

Even with the World Cup less than six months away, for Clare Wheeler, the prospect of having the biggest tournament in football come down under hasn’t quite hit home.

“No, not to me; it feels like a whirlwind. I think I’ll have to be there to believe it – I don’t even think when I’m there it’s going to sink in,” the Australian midfielder remarked. “After the fact it’s going to be like, ‘wow, that happened’. I think to have a home World Cup will just be so different; it’s an opportunity that doesn’t come round for every player; with every camp, I’m just thankful to be there.”

The Matildas are back on home soil for the Cup of Nations, playing hosts to Spain, Jamaica, and the Czechia. All sides will face each other, with matches played across Gosford, Newcastle, and Sydney from 16-22 February. With the World Cup just around the corner, Australia are using this series of fixtures as key preparation in the build-up to the July tournament.

**Above:** Clare Wheeler is thrilled to be part of the squad playing close to family on the Central Coast. **Image:** Football Australia.

“I’m so excited, I’ve got so much family on the Central Coast and in Newcastle; it’s going to be good to see them,” Coffs Harbour-born Wheeler said. “Sometimes it still catches me off-guard; starting at Adamstown Rosebud, and now to be back there and to actually have the pleasure of meeting some of the girls that play out there which is really special to see. I’m super excited to go back there and put the national team jersey on.

“This tournament is going to really replicate for us the group stage of the World Cup: we have a top-10 nation in Spain, we have a team in Jamaica who are very physical and strong – they’re going to replicate Nigeria for us – and then Czechia as well. It’s going to have that physical aspect for us to back up within two or three days; I think that’s going to be good preparation for the whole team.”

Having not played a part in the past two international windows, partly due to injury, Wheeler has seen fellow central midfielders Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross thrive, the pair spurring the Matildas onto four straight wins. 25-year-old Wheeler is hoping to earn minutes this series, and showcase her worth to the national side.

“For me personally, it’s crucial for me to show Tony what I can do. I’ve been trying to put myself in the most competitive environment to be the best national team player I can be. Now it’s time to show in the final sprint, I’ve got to put everything on the table.

“[Katrina] Gorry and Kyra [Cooney-Cross], they’ve gotten some really good results in the Denmark, Sweden, and Thailand games, they’ve been doing really well. The conversations I’ve had have been around being the best midfielder I can be, how I can add playing forward to my game, creating chances, and also some more versatility; obviously having a variety of positions does help. The last six months has been in and out with a bit of injury for me. So now coming back into it, it’s just [about] playing consistently again, at Everton as well, and hopefully building from there.

**Above:** Clare Wheeler (third from left) pictured with her fellow Australians Angie Beard, Alison Forman, Alex Huynh and Indiah-Paige Riley during her time at Fortuna Hjørring. **Photo:** Fortuna Hjørring.

“It’s a good problem to have for the team; if there’s a lot of competition it’s a good thing. Everyone’s great and wants the best for the team: at the end of the day, when the green and gold win a game, I’m happy. Obviously, I want to be the best player I can be, and if I’m doing the right things each day, I know that will happen.”

The Everton midfielder also touched on her mate Clare Hunt’s first call-up for Australia, with the Western Sydney Wanderers defender impressing in this season’s A-League. Wheeler noted the value that it shows the domestic women’s competition provides, but that to take that next step, as she herself has, a move abroad may be necessary.

“Clare [Hunt] has been a close friend for many years, we went to Sydney Uni together, and did Young Matildas together, so I’ve known her for a long, long time. I know the challenges and adversity she’s faced, with multiple big injuries back-to-back. So for her to have the A-League as that stepping stone to get back into football is great, and she’s been able to find her way back. I’m really happy for her to have the opportunity.

“I think the A-League is great for all that, especially for younger players coming through. And for those players [where] their league, like America, isn’t on at that time [of the year], like for Alex Chidiac, it does have that place. But it obviously isn’t full-time yet – that’s a big limitation for players.

“At this time two years ago, I was working in a bank and just decided to play for Sydney FC; that all came down to choosing to pursue football, and do that in a full-time capacity. So now that I’m here, and signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Everton, it’s completely different.

**Above:** Clare Wheeler (left) in action for Everton against Chelsea. **Photo:** BBC.

“I was hesitant to go overseas. There were things around Covid and also you’re so far away from your family, and the nature of our work – you can’t just drop and go home. But I’ve gained things going overseas, and playing against people from a variety of different countries week-in and week-out, playing different styles of football in Denmark and here in England, and challenging yourself. I think I debuted in the A-League Women when I was 15, so doing that for several years, it’s only a good thing to put yourself in a new environment, to see how you go. It’s not only made me a better footballer, but given me more confidence; I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Wheeler acknowledged the rapid trajectory she’s been on, having played at three different clubs within three seasons, in what is considered to be progressively more challenging leagues. She reflected positively on the journey it’s been, and the ideal position it’s put her in for her career right now.

“Having a longer contract – for anyone, it puts them at ease. I think the last two years have been crazy; this is my third club. Taking that next step continuously, I’m happy that I’m here in this environment, to actually put some roots down and get comfortable and competitive in this league and in England.”

“The level – it’s huge. Going from the A-League Women to here; basically everyone in the team is a national team player, it’s just that next step. Being in the most competitive environment you can be, sets you up the best I think.

“At Everton, I’m really having to fight every week for minutes; it’s what the national team is like. It’s very performance-based, the best of the best. And that’s what I need to be able to deal with, and have the confidence and mentality to keep going. Everton is exactly where I need to be – it’s in a league that’s incredibly competitive, where anyone can beat anyone on the day.”

Scottish Weekend Review

from Tom Freeman (13/2/23)

Above: Livingston celebrate as they go 15 points clear at the top of the SWF Championship. Photo: Alex Todd / Sportpix.

SWF Championship

Livingston have extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Women’s Championship in emphatic fashion in a 10-1 victory over challengers Renfrew at the Tony Macaroni Stadium.

With Championship clubs Rossvale and Ayr United on Scottish Cup duty, all eyes turned to the late kick-off in Livingston as the home side looked to recover from dropping points in Inverness the week before and maintain momentum in their drive to SWPL promotion.

In what will be seen as a hugely significant result, the West Lothian side recorded a record scoreline for the new-look national Championship, with a hat trick from striker Ashley Elizabeth and doubles from Shannon Mulligan and Jen Dodds complemented by strikes from Brogan Anderson, Amy Hay, and Lucy Brown.

**Above:** Ashley Elizabeth with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick for Livingston against Renfrew. **Photo:** Alex Todd / Sportpix.

Michaela Brown scored for Renfrew in the second half, but with her side already six goals down it was never going to be more than a consolation against a Livingston side that looked fit and hungry all over the park.

The gap between them and second-placed Rossvale is now an unprecedented 15 points, albeit the Glasgow club having two games in hand.

Speaking to club media afterwards, Livingston striker Jen Dodds said: “I thought it was our best performance of the season so far, in terms of winning the ball back and pressing. I thought we were really good at creating loads of chances and scored loads of goals.

**Above:** Hutchison Vale in possession against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. **Photo:** Thomas Sands Media.

Earlier in the day Inverness Caledonian Thistle came back to defeat Hutchison Vale in Edinburgh 2-1, with goals from Betty Ross and Natalie Bodiam securing three points to put the Highlanders back up to fifth in the table.

Hutchison Vale captain Angyl Learmonth’s first-half goal looked to have turned round recent fortunes for the Edinburgh side, but Caley Thistle have rediscovered the ability to score late goals in recent games to take the points.

SWF League One

Edinburgh Caledonia recorded a second decisive victory in as many weeks to go clear in seventh and close the gap with the top half of the table, in a 5-1 defeat of BSC Glasgow.

Biffa SWFL Regional Leagues

**Above:** Action from Kilwinning’s game against Queen of the South (sky blue). **Photo:** Alan Campbell.

Forfar Farmington dropped their first points of the short season in SWFL North in a 4-2 defeat to new club Inverurie Locos at Harlaw Park, while Queen of the South bested second place Kilwinning 2-0 with two early goals to extend their lead at the top of Biffa SWFL South.

Harmony Row stay top of the Biffa SWFL West after a close-fought 4-3 victory against Drumchapel United, while in the Biffa SWFL East Edinburgh South came close to holding table-toppers Central Girls but the Grangemouth side came away 2-1 winners.

A dozen for the Dons

AFC Wimbledon 12-0 Hounslow

by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon

Above: Ashlee Hincks, who scored seven goals for the Dons yesterday, fires in a shot for AFC Wimbledon against Hounslow yesterday. Photo: Emily Topping.

AFC Wimbledon Women certainly had their shooting boots on yesterday as they ran out 12-0 winners over Hounslow in the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.

After a hard-fought win against Actonians last time out the Dons made four changes to the starting eleven with Amy Taylor, Chloe Sampson, Ella Newman, and Megan Stow all starting.

The home side got off to a perfect start as an incredible long-range effort from Becki Bath saw them take the lead within two minutes. Shortly after things got even better as Ellie Dorey tapped in a rebound after Ashlee Hincks hit the post.

Close to the half-hour mark it was three as Hincks got amongst the goals with a fine finish. This signaled a flurry of goals as Dorey got her second three minutes later. Hincks then also had a brace, making it 5-0 after only 40 minutes.

Next up it was captain for the day Kelly Highman who scored her first goal of the season before Wimbledon’s number nine completed her hat-trick. Hincks then had four to her name as she tucked home a penalty before the break.

The second half started the same way as the first had ended as Hincks took her tally to five after getting on the end of a fine through ball from Stow. The striker then made it six and 10 overall from close range.

Sampson got in on the act as the game entered the final 15 minutes. The biggest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for Sarah Wentworth who completed her comeback from a serious injury that kept her sidelined for 14 months as she replaced Billie Brooks. Hincks then plundered her seventh and the Dons’ twelfth to cap off a memorable afternoon.

Speaking after the game, Dons boss Kevin Foster said: “The best bit about today was seeing Sarah Wentworth back after 14 months out. She’s a fantastic character. It’s difficult mentally for players when they go through tough injuries but she’s never let it show around the group. She’s always set a good example for our younger players and is a credit to the club.”

Wentworth also voiced her delight at being back, praising the team culture at the Dons. “It’s been amazing, it’s been hard don’t get me wrong but the medical staff, the girls and the management have all supported me,” she said.

The Dons are back at Carshalton Athletic on Sunday as they face Actonians in the quarter-finals of the Capital Cup.

Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker (Allen), Brooks (Wentworth), Highman (Billingham), Newman, Taylor, Plewa, Hincks, Sampson, Stow, Bath (Russell), Dorey (Boswell).

Scorers: Bath 2′, Dorey 6′, 31′. Hincks 27′, 38′, 42′, 45+2′, 46′, 52′, 86′. Highman 41′, Sampson 75′.

HOUNSLOW: Team not published

Attendance: 100.

Hastings United v Welling United photo gallery

Jon Smalldon was at the Pilot Field for Impetus to capture the best of the action as Hastings United met Welling United in the tier six London & South-East Regional Division One South (13/2/23).

Above: Tough tackling action as Hastings United (burgundy) host Welling United. Photo: Jon Smalldon for Impetus.

Hastings United 1-1 Welling United

The point for Hastings keeps them top of Division One South of the London & South-East Regional League. A first half goal from Sian Heather was cancelled out by Grace Laverick’s second-half strike. Hastings are a point clear of Ashford United at the top of the table, but have played a game more than the Kent side. The pair still have to meet this season – but that will change in a huge game at Pilot Field next week.

Jon Smalldon’s photo gallery from Pilot Field:

Teams: HASTINGS UNITED: Apps, Bellehewe, Creese, Gurr, Harris, Heather, Main, Muggeridge, Phillps, Roper, Sharp. Substitutes: Nicholson, Nicholson-Rogan.

WELLING UNITED: Bone, Cole, Dunn, Gilmour, Maple, McGregor, Panayi, Speak, Symonds, White, Hickson.

A-League Women Weekly Awards

Each week during the home and away season, Impetus’ writing and photography team covering the A-League Women 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 the Finals, will announce our winners for 2022/23 (13/2/23).

Player of the Week:

**Above:** Cyera Hintzen – a dominant afternoon for the Perth Glory striker which earned her two votes this week. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

BEN GILBY: Cyera Hintzen. Perth Glory’s American striker may have scored two sensational goals, but she delivers far for the team. Physically strong, Hintzen is adept and links up the play superbly. She is just one of several of the club’s attackers who have stepped up to the plate after Rylee Baisden’s season-ending injury.

KIERAN YAP: Cyera Hintzen was outstanding for Perth Glory. Her two goals were brilliant individual efforts, but she played an almost complete centre forward’s game. Perth has a varied array of weapons, but when Hintzen is in this sort of form, she unlocks all of them.

BEN CAREY: Morgan Aquino. While Cyera Hintzen’s two goals and an assist was an incredible achievement, Newcastle Jets have not exactly had the strongest defence this season. For me, Aquino was even more impressive. She made nine saves. Nine. Her perfomance ensured that Glory always had the momentum. And even more impressive, it was her first start in two months!

Coach of the Week:

**Above:** Western United head coach Mark Torcaso – who led his team to victory in the battle of the top two on Saturday. **Photo:** Western United.

BEN GILBY: Mark Torcaso. Western United did it the hard way against Melbourne City in the battle of the top two. Without Jess McDonald and Chloe Logarzo, and defeats in their last two outings, there were concerns that Torcaso’s side were slipping, but they certainly put those fears to rest.

KIERAN YAP: Mark Torcaso. The Western United squad looks a little different to the one that last defeated Melbourne City, but he masterminded another victory after two consecutive losses. It kept Western on top of the table and shook off any worries they might be slipping.

BEN CAREY: Gary van Egmond. First week on the job and he leads his team, Newcastle Jets, who have really been suffering lately, to a huge upset victory over the league leaders, Western United. That’s one way to announce yourself as head coach.

Event of the Week:

**Above:** Grace Maher – a superb weekend for her and her Canberra United team. **Photo:** AAP.

BEN GILBY: Canberra United’s win over Sydney FC. On a landmark day for club icon Michelle Heyman, the capital city side delivered a sensational win over Sydney FC, one which was long awaited by their fans. Those two successive 5-0 defeats seem a long time ago all of a sudden.

KIERAN YAP: Grace Maher’s corner in the dying minutes helping Canberra United to a brilliant win against the much-favoured Sydney FC. She could not have placed it better. Canberra’s star playmaker always delivers when the pressure is on.

BEN CAREY: Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory. On a scorcher of a day this match had it all. A penalty. A masterful goal from Shea Connors. A midfield battle between two of the best in the league, Katrina Gorry and Alex Chidiac. Incredible saves up both ends. 15 minutes of stoppage time all up. It was enthralling to watch live.

Liverpool v Leicester City photo gallery

Matthew Appleby was at Prenton Park for Impetus yesterday to capture the best of the action from the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Liverpool and Leicester City (13/2/23)

Above: Liverpool and Leicester City battle for possession yesterday. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.

Matthew Appleby’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from Prenton Park:

Teams: LIVERPOOL (5-4-1): Laws, Roberts, Bonner, Matthews, Campbell, Hinds, Nagano, Holland, Kearns, Lawley, Stengel. Substitutes: Robe, Lundgaard, Daniels, Cumings, Kirby, Dowie, Silcock, Taylor.

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

Scorer: Cain 8′.

Referee: Richie Watkins.

Attendance: Not publicised.

Nix pair added to New Zealand squad

13/2/23

Above: Brianna Edwards has received a late call-up to the New Zealand squad. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix’s Brianna Edwards and Michaela Foster today joined the Football Ferns squad in Hamilton to prepare for the team’s internationals against Portugal and Argentina.

Edwards, 20, has been called up to replace first-choice goalkeeper Vic Esson, who is injured. The New Zealand U-20 international was in the Ferns squad that played the USA last month.

She has started all 11 of the Phoenix’s matches this season in the absence of club captain Lily Alfeld.

Foster, a former New Zealand age group international, has been called into the senior squad for the first time after impressing for the Nix, playing every minute of her first professional season. The 24-year-old replaces clubmate Grace Wisnewski as the Ferns’ training player.

**Above:** Michaela Foster – joining the New Zealand squad today. **Image:** Wellington Phoenix.

Wisnewski has withdrawn from the squad for personal reasons and will remain with the Phoenix during the international window.

Betsy Hassett, Paige Satchell, Mackenzie Barry, and Kate Taylor will also assemble with the Football Ferns in Hamilton today.

New Zealand’s match against 22nd-ranked Portugal is this Friday night (17th February) at Waikato Stadium. They will meet 29th-ranked Argentina at the same venue next Monday (20th February), before playing the South American nation again at North Harbour Stadium on the following Thursday night (23rd February).

Foster will re-join the Phoenix after the first match against Argentina with Hassett, Satchell, Barry, Taylor, and Edwards to return to club duties just a couple of days before the team’s round 15 match against Sydney FC at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday, February 26.

Katrina Gorry: We’re “hitting peak performance at the right time”

by Ben Gilby (13/2/23)

Above: Katrina Gorry speaking to the media today in Sydney. Image: Football Australia.

Matildas star Katrina Gorry told the media today that the squad are in a good place ahead of the Cup of Nations, which kicks off on Thursday when Australia play the Czech Republic in Gosford.

The Brisbane Roar midfielder believes that the next 10 days will prove to be a hugely important dress rehearsal for what match day preparations will be like for the World Cup later this year.

**Above:** Kyra Cooney-Cross in Matildas training today. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

“(It’s like being) in tournament mode, getting ready for the World Cup, training schedules based around that, good quality opponents, similar to who we play in the World Cup.

“Playing different opponents is good to adjust our formation, adjust our press, and learn new things, change a few things, and get a better idea of what we might come up against.”

With the World Cup just over five months away, time is running out for players to finalise their spots in the squad. Competition within the camp is hotting up.

**Above:** Tameka Yallop sprinting in training today. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

“We always want to wear the jersey. When camp selection is coming up, all guns are blazing and we’re fighting for spots. There’s tension around the group, but that’s just everyone fighting for the shirt.”

Australia’s second game in the competition sees a rematch with Spain on Sunday in Parramatta. It is a chance for the Matildas to banish memories of their previous encounter, when a significantly below-strength Australia went down to a 7-0 defeat in Spain just before Euro 2022. Gorry spoke of the determination within the camp to show their true worth.

“Every game you learn a lot, and we took a lot of learning from that. As a team, we’ve grown so much since that game, and we’ve shown that in our last few performances. For us, it will be a great match-up on Sunday and see how far we’ve come as a group. We knew that the performances were coming, and we have a solid group of girls here.

“The players are hitting peak performance at the right time.”

**Above:** Mackenzie Arnold warms up in training today. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets: Post-match special & Photo Gallery

Ben Gilby reports the thoughts of Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis after his side’s 4-0 win over Newcastle Jets, and Tom McCarthy provides his usual superb photo gallery from Macedonia Park (12/2/23).

Above: Perth Glory’s Cyera Hintzen hits a cracker from outside of the box. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis was full of praise for his side’s “pragmatic” performance which delivered their third straight A-League Women victory as Newcastle Jets were defeated 4-0 at Macedonia Park today.

The result extended the Glory’s unbeaten run to four games, and Epakis was thrilled about his team’s reaction to the Jets’ domination of possession.

Speaking to the media after the match, Epakis said: “I’m really happy. We are in a good spot at the moment. We’re not in it by chance, we’re in it because we’re training hard, and the players are executing the game plan. They are rolling their sleeves up and playing a different game because of what happens. Those three goals, I couldn’t be happier.

“We’ve put a lot of emphasis into creating attacking options. Those players are working hard to put those chances away. All the strikes were great.”

**Above:** Alana Jancevski hits a first-time shot goalwards. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

The Perth boss was full of praise for the Jets and recognised that they caused his side some problems, particularly in the opening period.

“Credit to Newcastle, they have had a quick turnaround (from playing Western United on Wednesday). They started quicker, better than us, but we weathered the storm. You are always chasing the perfect performance. Until that happens, I’ll never be the happiest coach. Both last week (against Western United) and this week were wins with different performances.

“Last week we dominated possession, this week we were a bit more pragmatic, and we just had to do that.”

The Western Australian side approached the game in a more physical manner than normal, and Epakis told the media that this was all part of the game plan.

**Above:** Lauren Allan (left) tooks to escape from Hana Lowry. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

“We knew that Newcastle pose a threat with their physicality and their forward running off the ball and they got us like that when we first played them. We wanted to make sure we didn’t make those errors again. We had to match their physicality in the challenges, and we certainly did that.”

Perth are certainly having a season of two halves with the team beginning to reach their potential after a challenging start to the season results wise. The period has also seen them overcome the loss of leading scorer Rylee Baisden to an ACL injury. The Glory boss believes that his players’ reaction to that adversity has been a key part of their current form.

“There was a moment when we lost Rylee I put a challenge to the players that we needed another attacking player to step up. Not only one stepped up, a lot stepped up – Susan (Phonsongkham), Sofia (Sakalis), Cyera (Hintzen), Hana (Lowry), players off the bench, Hannah Blake who has come in. That’s really great for us and I’m really proud of that.”
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis.

Epakis was full of praise for striker Cyera Hintzen, who scored two spectacular goals today. He highlighted the fact that she offers the team far more than just putting balls into the back of the net.]

“She is a very special player, she is very underrated. She is not someone who thrives with attention, but I believe she deserves attention. She has been a big part of this team for two seasons now. She does a significant amount of work off the ball – pressing. She is the perfect benchmark number nine.”

**Above:** Cyera Hintzen – hugely influential all over the pitch. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

There was also another significant contribution from local-born star Izzy Foletta, who notched her first goal in superb style. Epakis is full of pride for the contribution made by the defencer.

“Izzy reached out just before pre-season started and she didn’t have a club. I told her to come in and train. She was faultless from moment one. Her energy and attitude is top class. She is relentless, she has a lot of go-forward, and offers a lot of energy. She earned her contract, had a set-back with injury (toe) but came back strong.”

**Above:** Locally-born defender Izzy Foletta had another impressive afternoon. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Perth Glory are now seven points adrift of Melbourne Victory who stand in the last Finals spot. However, the Western Australians have two games in hand, and the Glory boss has a message for the defending champions.

“We’re going after them. We saw last season in the hunt for Finals, the season can pose hurdles. We’re motivated to finish the season as strong as we can.”

Tom McCarthy’s photo gallery from Macedonia Park

Ben Gilby’s report from Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets today can be read here: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/02/12/ruthless-perth-claim-the-glory/

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

Wanderers down Nix for the first time

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-0 Wellington Phoenix

Report by Denise Duffy, with EXCLUSIVE pitchside photos from Kris Goman at Wanderers Football Park (12/2/23).

Above: Sophie Harding heads home Western Sydney Wanderers’ winning goal. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Western Sydney Wanderers’ Finals hopes are alive after they defeated Wellington Phoenix for the first time, thanks to Sophie Harding’s header.

With 29-degree weather and 41 km/hour of wind, it was a formidable setting for the Western Sydney Wanderers’ mid-afternoon match against Wellington Phoenix. Whether it was conditions or mentality, the Phoenix, coming off a bye week, lost some of their edge after recent good form.

In their Nix’s short history, Wanderers were the only team to have never beaten them. But the home side proved hungrier and better poised at the start of the game. The match was physical and decided by a one-goal margin off a corner kick.

**Above:** Clare Hunt fires in a free-kick for Western Sydney Wanderers. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

In the first half, the surging Western Sydney were met by a defensively compact, well organised visitors. Phoenix attackers dropped back and helped defend. Amy Harrison had an on-target shot from outside the box that was deflected out by Brianna Edwards in goal.

After earning the corner, the Wanderers took full advantage of their height and physicality and the fact that Kate Taylor was on suspension. Amy Harrison connected with an unmarked Sophie Harding for a glancing header to the far corner, beating Claudia Cicco, in the 39th minute and that would prove to be the difference in the final score.

**Above:** Sophie Harding shows her joy after scoring for Western Sydney Wanderers. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

This was a match for the stats freaks as the Wanderers hadn’t scored from a corner this season and also had no headed goals while, conversely, Wellington leads the league in goals from corners. Seems ironic to be finally defeated this way.

There was hope for the second half for Wellington, they used their press to start to pin the Wanderers fullbacks in and create turnovers and opportunities. It was their execution in the final third that had the visitor’s fans scratching their heads.

Although there were quality crosses from Michaela Foster and Betsy Hassett and a great chance from Milly Clegg in a last-ditch effort, saved in the bottom corner by Jordyn Bloomer, there wasn’t enough focus by Phoenix players in the box to execute a final ball in the back of the net.

**Above:** Paige Satchell drives forward for Wellington Phoenix. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Decision-making by Phoenix coupled with top-quality goalkeeping by Bloomer proved a hill too steep to climb for the Nix. The Wanderers, in the hunt for a playoff spot, showed they can be hungry and focused on the day.

Speaking after the game, Wellington Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence said:

“It should have and could have been more. We could have got something out of that game. Right at the death we could have drawn or won that game so there’s frustration amongst the players for sure.

“Losing one-nil to a corner, which we’ve worked really hard on our set pieces so that that doesn’t happen, that’s a bit heart-breaking for the players.”

Lawrence also pointed to the weather conditions, which were distinctly un-New Zealand like. “It was pretty hot, especially that first half. I thought the girls managed themselves well through that first half. We couldn’t really press as much in this heat. Very, very different to the weather New Zealand is currently experiencing, but no excuses.

“We’ll keep working and you can see from that second-half performance that we’re heading in the right direction, and we’ll keep heading that way.”

Kris Goman’s photo gallery from Wanderers Football Park:

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-1-4-1): Bloomer, Ferris, Harrison Price, Harding, Matos, Hunt, Steinmetz, Gallagher, Apostolakis, Gordon. Substitutes: Khamis (GK), Chessari. Saveska, Caspers, Abdul Massih

Scorer: Harding 39’.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-2-3-1): Edwards, Barry, Van Der Meer, Knott, Wisnewski, Pritchard, Hassett, Satchell, Cicco, Clegg, Foster. Substitutes: Candy (GK), Robertson, Rolston, Gomez, Vosper

Referee: Bec Mackie.

Attendance: 313.