“We’re a Great Team” Morrison Confident Ahead of Newcastle Clash

Above: Kayla Morrison speaks to the media. Image: Melbourne Victory.

By Isabelle Campbell (17/12/25)

Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison says her side must use last week’s gritty win over Adelaide as a platform for consistency as they prepare to face the Newcastle Jets in Newcastle on Friday night.

Victory bounced back from a disappointing loss to Canberra with a hard-fought Original Derby win, and Morrison said the response across the group had been encouraging.

“I think we had, obviously not our best game against Canberra, but that led into one of our better weeks of training, which in turn led to maybe not our best performance against Adelaide. But what I said to the girls was it was a performance that we’re known for, get a goal and then hold on to the lead, do what needed to be done to win. So we walked away pretty happy.”

The challenge now, according to the skipper, is ensuring that performance becomes the standard rather than an exception.

“It is going to be hard with the short turnaround to the game, but I think now that we’ve kind of felt what it is to kind of grind out a match, we can take that into the next match, hopefully get goals and then not let them score. I do think they’re a good team this year, but I think we’re a great team, so hopefully we can get the win there and then prep for the next quick turnaround.”

Despite a season marked by fluctuating form, Victory remain toward the top end of the table, a position Morrison believes reflects how tight the competition has been.

“I think everyone’s kind of been up and down, which helps us. It’ll be what team can find that consistency and who can find it the quickest, and hopefully that will be us.”

Victory have recently been boosted by the return of key players, including Nicki Flannery and, earlier, Taylor Ray, something Morrison feels will be an important factor in their attacking play.

“We were struggling to find goals. So I think getting in as many attackers, or people who want to play the ball forward, get forward, like Taylor, like Nicki, I think that will really help take the pressure off the other girls up there. So it will be great, if anything, it just kind of drives competition as well.”

That internal competition, Morrison says, can also help refine decision-making in front of goal, an area where Victory have created chances but not consistently capitalised.

“I think that is a mentality thing from us. It’s hard to get those opportunities, but then who’s going to have the hunger to put it in the back of the net? I think competition will make people think, ‘I want to be the one scoring the goals. I want to be the one assisting.’ 

I thought Holly kind of showed that on the weekend with Adelaide. She was up and down the line, she was getting crosses in and maybe, knowing that other people are coming back in the squad, it’s like, ‘Okay, I’m going to be the one that’s playing 90 minutes. I will not be the one to get subbed’”

Morrison had nothing but praise for young winger Holly Furphy, who has been a standout player for the side so far this season.

“I’ve known Holly for a long time, and I’ve always thought she was an incredible player. She went away to America, and she came back a great player. I think she struggled maybe a bit mentally before, but she gained a lot of strength and dealt with adversity while she was over there. So I think we’re seeing Holly really try to kind of find herself now. I think she knows what works for her, and I think the people around her need to help amplify that and help play to her game, because she is someone who will win those games.”

With significant changes to the squad over the offseason, including numerous departures in attack and midfield, Morrison acknowledged the side is still refining its on-field chemistry.

“There’s been a really big change with the starting 11. So we are still learning what each other needs, but I think it’s been long enough now we should know, and it’s got to start clicking for us.”

The upcoming fixture list leaves little room for error, with short turnarounds, the Melbourne Derby and the busy Christmas period all looming.

“If it goes well, it will accelerate us, but if it doesn’t, it puts a damper on things, because there’s a lot of points to be won here. You just hope everyone’s in good spirits, you hope that it’s more exciting to be playing this amount of games than it is daunting. I look at it and think, it’s a good turnaround.

If you feel, ‘Oh I should have scored that goal’, well you can do it in three days. So I think it will be an exciting period for us. We’re a fit team, we have a great S&C and they’ll make sure that we’re fit and we’re ready and we’re recovered. We’ll be raring to go.”

Friday’s opponents, the Newcastle Jets, have impressed Morrison at this stage in the campaign, who expects a tough contest away from home. When asked what has made the Jets a much-improved opponent compared to last season, the captain shared,

“I don’t know why. Obviously, I want to say because my friend Melina [Ayres] is there, and she’s such a great goal scorer. I think they’re just a hungry team. New coach, maybe he’s kind of sorted out a good way for them to play. But we play better against good teams, you know you have to bring it. You can’t be in the mindset of ‘it’ll be easy’, because this is a good team, it’s going to be hard. So everyone will be mentally switched on from the whistle.”

Stopping former Victory striker Melina Ayres, who spent several seasons with the club and is an opponent the squad knows well, will be a major focus for Victory’s defence. Ayres has long been one of the league’s most dangerous attacking players, with her experience and instinct in front of goal making her a player to watch.

“I don’t know if it’s saying, ‘we’re gonna stop her every single time’. I think it’s just putting her in the worst position possible to shoot. She is known for shooting from anywhere, and always really hungry.

You talk about hunger, she is someone who will score the ugliest goal in the world because she’s just willing to do the ugly stuff. So it will be hard to stop her completely, but we’ll do the best we can to just put her in the worst positions possible.”

As Victory look to turn resilience into rhythm, Morrison believes the coming weeks will define their season. With confidence restored, competition for squad places intensifying and a demanding run of fixtures ahead, the captain is backing her side to rise to the challenge and take another step toward the consistency needed to remain firmly in the running for silverware.

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What will Leicester do in the transfer window? A superfan’s view

By Ben Tattoo (16/12/25)

Above: Leicester’s team talk before the London City Lionesses game this weekend Photo: LCFC_Women on X

Ben Tattoo interviews Charli Parkes, host of the ‘Why Always She’ Podcast, ahead of the January transfer window, to discuss Leicester City’s season so far and how the rest of the campaign could shape up.

Hi Charli, thank you for joining us. What is your history as a Leicester fan?
In 2023 my husband and I decided we wanted to watch more women’s football, and Leicester are our closest WSL team, so we chose them. I didn’t think that I would get into it as much as I have, but I love it. My husband and I started a podcast called ‘Why Always She’ where we talk about it, and I’ve been on Leicester radio to talk about the team.

Rick Passmoor took over from Amandine Miquel close to the start of the season, were you surprised?
Yeah, I was really surprised. We’d got our highest points tally ever under Miquel and there weren’t any hints that things would change. But when the new director of football came in, he did a review of everything at the club, and I guess they decided she wasn’t up to scratch. I wouldn’t have changed things. You can’t fault his commitment, though, apparently he comes to every game.

What did you think of the club’s business in the summer?
It was a strange one, because three players were signed under Miquel and then three players came in under Passmoor. Olivia McLoughlin has been really good, I remember seeing her play for England Under 23’s. She’s come into our midfield and has barely missed a minute. I rate Van Egmond too; she has struggled in some games but has generally been good. (Heather) Payne added some depth at the back but now she is injured. (Celeste) Boureille was signed by Miquel, and she’s looked solid, but she’s also had some injuries.

It felt like some important players left last season, Yuka Momiki and Sophie Howard in particular?
Losing Momiki was not great, but the biggest loss in my opinion was Sophie Howard. She was an absolute colossus for us and a really important leader. Losing Ruby Mace was obviously disappointing, but she’s such a good player, she was going to move on eventually, and we got a really good fee for her.

How do you feel about the season so far?
I think we’re in a bit of a rut, though I think we still have more points than this time last season when we were really struggling with injuries. We seem to be able to beat anybody away in the League Cup, but can’t do it in the league! My husband and I joke about how suffering is a big part of being a football fan! It makes the good times even better. However, I think it’s a tight league, and anyone can beat anyone, as Everton showed recently, so we’ll see how things go.

Where do you think the team needs to strengthen in January?
Playing a back three, we are really reliant on our wing backs. Asmita Ale has been immense down the left, if we could clone her that would be great! Down the right we’ve struggled a lot more. Janice Cayman has been tried there. She is a stalwart and I’d like to get her in the team, but she’s 37 and can’t bomb up and down the flanks. Hannah Cain has struggled in that position too. So we definitely need to invest in that area.

Do you think Leicester will do a lot of business?
We were linked on deadline day with Lucy Parry at Liverpool, and I think she would be good, she hasn’t been getting many minutes but has come in recently due to injuries, and I don’t think Gareth Taylor wants to let anyone go with the thinness of their squad at the moment.

The club are the second lowest scorers in the league; do you think they need to add to the forward line?
Every season I feel like we’re crying out for a striker! One of the interesting things about our system though is our use of a front two. Noémie Mouchon has felt like the answer at times, but the club have been wrapping her up in wool after her injury last season. Shannon O’Brien works really hard and is always trying to get in behind (defences). Jutta Rantala was looking good, but she’s now out for the season again, which is gutting. Rosella Ayane came from Spurs, I think she was a bit maligned there, but I think she’s looked decent coming off the bench.

If you could bring any player to the club. Who would it be?
I love Stina Blackstenius, she’s so quick and she would play great in a front two so would suit our system perfectly. My personal preference is that football should be about getting the ball forward quickly, and I’d love us to get the ball forwards quickly to Stina and she’d score loads of goals!

Any transfer predictions for the rest of the WSL?
I think Trinity Rodman will go to Chelsea, they seem to like their American wonderkids. Arsenal will and need to strengthen. Gareth Taylor has been making a lot of noise about needing recruitment at Liverpool, and I think Manchester United need to invest too. Everton spent big in the summer, and I’m not sure they’ll spend more. London City already have a gigantic squad, but I can see them investing in more.

How do you think the rest of the season will go? What position are you hoping for?
I’d take just staying up be honest (laughs)! We came 10th last season for the second season in a row, and then had another reset! So we’ll go again in the summer (hopefully!) and see where we go from there.

This is the first in a series of 12 articles covering all teams in the WSL, keep your eyes open for more coming in the next few days.

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Slegers calls on Gunners to “play the Arsenal way”

By Roos Schelen (16/12/25)

Above: Renée Slegers during yesterday’s pre-match media conference. Photo: Arsenal website.

Renée Slegers says Arsenal will try to chase a top four position in this UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) league phase.

Arsenal play Oud Heverlee Leuven (OHL) on what is the final day of the league phase in the competition. Arsenal sit eighth and Leuven sit twelfth. Arsenal have already qualified for the knock out phase play off rounds. They could still skip those if they get a top four position and advance to the quarter finals directly, but a lot of results will have to go their way.

Slegers says: “It’s not within our hands, but we try to chase those top four positions. But Leuven will have to go for something as well or they will go for something. So it’s going to be an interesting game. All games will be played at the same time, so scenarios can change in an instance.”

OHL have held Paris FC, Paris Saint-Germain and AS Roma to draws so far in this UWCL campaign. Slegers thinks Leuven are an interesting team. “I think they are very disciplined in everything they do and they defend in certain areas. But they also have the ability to change things in game. They can go higher, they can go lower, they have quite some depth in the squad, so they can make changes that will change the game for them. So there’s a lot of different scenarios for the game tomorrow”, Slegers assesses. 

During the weekend, Leah Williamson made her return from injury after more than 4 months out. In her absence, Steph Catley, Lotte Wubben Moy and Katie Reid have held the fort well at centre back. Katie Reid is now unfortunately out with an ACL injury, but Catley and Wubben Moy continue to make an impact on the pitch for Arsenal. Williamson being back however doesn’t give Slegers selection headaches. 

“I’m happy that so many are performing at a high level”, Slegers says. “And I’m happy that Leah is back fresh. She got her first minutes against Everton and looked really good, looked like herself. And we always plan, thinking ahead. But like I just said, things change quickly and you need different things at different stages. There’s going to be schedules that are full”, she adds. 

She also says she is really happy with the quality that Arsenal has. “I think it’s them taking really good ownership of building those relationships and partnerships with each other. And that’s been on a really high level. So it’s really good to have Leah back and it’s really good to have so much quality in central positions”, Slegers concludes. 

The game tomorrow at Leuven’s Stadion den Dreef is sold out, which means a record crowd for Belgian women’s football. Beth Mead joined Slegers in the pre-match press conference and has played in the record breaking 2022 and 2025 Euros finals, a sold out Emirates Stadium, among others.

When Impetus asked Mead whether she’s getting used to playing so many record-breaking matches, Mead suggested that it is still surprising: “It’s fun to play in front of so many people. When you see how far the women’s game has gone, you played in front of a few hundred people, not even that.”

Tomorrow’s match between Oud Heverlee Leuven and Arsenal will be played at 8pm BST and is streamed live on Disney+. 

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Mariners earn first away win as Wanderers slip to bottom

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-2 Central Coast Mariners

by Isabelle Campbell (14/12/25)

Above: Central Coast Mariners celebrate at Wanderers Football Park today. Photo: A-Leagues.

In the last game of round seven, the Central Coast Mariners recorded their first away win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers at Wanderers Football Park, securing the result through first-half goals before a late Wanderers response.

Heading into the match, both teams were looking to turn their luck around. Matildas’ Chloe Berryhill was named in the starting lineup and set to make her first appearance and start for the Wanderers after joining during the week, bringing plenty of experience to the side.

The Mariners were still searching for their first win on the road, while the Wanderers had yet to find success at home. With both sides carrying a streak of misfortune, it was clear that one of those runs would come to an end by the final whistle.

Wanderers showed early intent, with the first major chance of the contest arriving in the 11th minute. Forward Kim Soeun drove forward into attacking space, but with limited options available inside the penalty area, she was unable to find a teammate, allowing Mariners goalkeeper Annalee Grove to step in and collect comfortably.

It was an early involvement for Grove, who was making her Mariners debut after being called into action following Sarah Langman’s season-ending ACL injury.

Possession was shared fairly evenly as both sides looked to impose themselves, but it was the Mariners who found the breakthrough. Izzy Coco-Di Sipio opened the scoring with her debut A-League goal, capitalising on the visitors’ attacking pressure and giving Central Coast a crucial lead.

The Wanderers sought an immediate response, pushing higher up the pitch and testing the visitors’ defence. Captain Amy Harrison attempted to bring things level with a strike from distance, though her effort failed to carry enough power to trouble Grove in goal.

Momentum continued to favour the Mariners, and they doubled their advantage through Izzy Gomez, who found the net against her former club to make it 2-0. 

As the half drew to a close, Central Coast pushed for a third. Peta Trimis came agonisingly close with five minutes remaining, her effort narrowly missing the top corner by inches.

The halftime whistle followed soon after, with Central Coast Mariners heading into the sheds with a 2–0 lead, while the Wanderers retreated to reassess their approach and search for a way back into the contest in the second half.

The second half began quietly, with few clear-cut chances as both sides battled for control. In the 63rd minute, Soeun again tried her luck but was denied by the Mariners’ defence. A minute later, Central Coast were awarded a free kick in a promising position, though they were unable to convert.

The home side lifted their attacking intensity as the half progressed. Holly Caspers came close to narrowing the deficit after collecting the ball off the Mariners’ defence and firing at goal, but her effort drifted wide. Moments later, a perfectly weighted cross from Talia Younis found the head of Poppie Hooks, yet the Wanderers were still unable to put a goal on the scoreboard.

Late drama followed when Younis found the breakthrough in the 90th minute, scoring her first A-League goal in style. Spotting Grove off her line, the substitute showed composure to deliver a well-taken finish, bringing the scoreline to 2-1 with five minutes of stoppage time remaining and setting up for a tense finish.

Despite the late pressure, the Mariners held firm until the final whistle, securing the three points and recording their first away win of the season, while the Wanderers were left to rue missed opportunities in front of home support.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (3-4-2-1): Khamis, Cerne, Buchanan, Hooks, Matos, Harrison, Chessari, Harada, Berryhill, Yuan, Soeun. Substitutes: Ying, Price, Ng-Saad, Younis, Caspers, Edwards.

Scorer: Younis 90’.

CENTRAL COAST WANDERERS (4-3-3): Grove, Barwick-Grey, Martin, Gomez, Rasmussen, Kraszula, Quilligan, King, Trimis, Baumann, Coco-Di Sipio. Substitutes: Prakash, Levin, Buchanan, Familton, Clough, Varley.

Scorers: Coco-Di Sipio 18’, Gomez 28’.

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: 932.

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Natalia Arroyo: Villa are “in a good place”

By Rachel Gore (13/12/25)

Above: Natalia Arroyo. Photo: @AVWFCOfficial on X.

Eighth place Aston Villa will take on top of the table Manchester City this weekend, straight off the back of a midweek WSL win against Liverpool.

Ahead of their second WSL clash this week, Impetus heard from Villa’s manager Natalia Arroyo who spoke on her team, what Thursday’s win meant and how her team will “find a way of dominating the game”.

All players that were available during Villa’s midweek victory are fit to play tomorrow.

Speaking on this win against Liverpool, Arroyo said that her side “feel a bit relieved” after taking the three points from Liverpool.

Keeping another clean sheet and performing well, Villa came away from Thursday’s game proud. They are however not used to midweek matches and therefore playing this weekend, only days after their last match, is something that could strain their players – having less time to prepare for games can also be a negative.

Despite this Arroyo believes that her side “are in a good place” and are excited to take on City.

As a squad City are “super aggressive when they lose the ball” and “if they put a cross in the box, Bunny Shaw will catch it”.

Their ability to regain possession and effectively attack force opponents “to defend lower and lower”.

Arroyo recognises all these threats that City pose but also knows that this weekend’s fixture against the current league leader is an opportunity to see where her team is at.

She hopes that her squad can make City suffer and trusts her players to perform “in these big games”.

To perform well Arroyo hopes her players will be focused on where the ball is and controlling the match – they need to “stop the noise and focus on performance”.

Arroyo says she hopes her side side will stay “strong” as they have done against other top of the table teams and hopefully will come away with pride.

Villa will face City at the Joie Stadium and kick off at 12:55 UK time. The fixture can be streamed on the Women’s Super League YouTube channel.

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Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur: a vital WSL clash

By Rachel Gore (13/12/25)

Above: United celebrating last season’s 1-0 win. Photo: Matt McNulty / Getty.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will meet this weekend in the WSL as they fight to keep their places in the top three and top five respectively.

With both sides having won their last WSL fixtures after losses and draws, they are hoping to start a new winning streak in the league.

United are currently in third place in the table, they hold a one point lead on Arsenal and Spurs and trail slightly behind Chelsea who sit in second. In fifth, Spurs have the same number of points as Arsenal with goal difference dragging them down.

The Reds are striving to keep their place in the top three with Spurs aiming to score goals and stay in the top five.

Ahead of their clash this weekend, Impetus heard from both clubs’ managers.

Marc Skinner: United need to be “aggressive”

Coming off the back of a Champions League loss, United’s manager, Mark Skinner, hopes to take “learnings” from playing against this top side into Sunday’s match against Spurs.

Skinner recognises that these lessons from the loss to Lyon “will be immense in the future” and is proud of the way his team moved the ball during key moments in the match.

Taking this pride in positive moments of play with them, Skinner’s side aims to “be really aggressive with and without the ball” when faced with Spurs this weekend.

United know that they must be “alive” with Spurs having been in “good form” this season.

The focus will be on defensive solidity with Skinner emphasising the need to keep a solid backline.

Facing criticism for his squad rotation against Lyon, Skinner was keen to clear the air.

“I see the players day in and day out. I see who’s physically at it, who’s mentally at it,” said Skinner.

He uses these observations to decide who he will choose to play stating that he does not think his “job is to necessarily make the players happy”.

Rather it is to “keep them focused and ready so they can make their impact when they get the opportunity”.

It is this focus and alertness that will allow the Reds to be “aggressive with and without the ball” this weekend.

Against Spurs they will “not be passive in any moment” and remember that as a team they “can hurt anyone”.

Tomorrow’s match will be “a tough task” for United but one that they are “looking forward to”.

Martin Ho’s “full focus” has been on this game

Spurs’ manager, Martin Ho, knows that United are “competing for the title”, that they “have word class players and they’re playing the big stages of the Champions League”. However, he also knows that “with the right attitude” and correct application his team could take away a win.

This league game has the team’s “full focus”, and he will not “rest or rotate players for the sake of it”.

Ho want to win every game and recognises that his job is “to put out the team most competitive to start the game”.

Coming off a big with last weekend against Aston Villa was “huge” for Spurs. In this fixture the side had excellent “attitude and resilience” while being faced with adversity from international break injuries.

One of the squad’s recent injuries was to Jess Naz, a strong and dependable forward. Ho said that her ACL injury is “disappointing and frustrating, especially when she has done one before, but she’s been in good spirits the last few days”.

Even with the injury to Naz, and other long-term injuries to his players, Spurs “can be competitive” – Ho has “full faith in the group” who will “go in with confidence and the belief” that they can win.

If Spurs to get the win tomorrow, they will see their best ever start in the WSL after eleven games.

This is exciting for Ho, but his focus is on development with an emphasis on improving “every week, every session, every game”.

There is a focus on the players and the staff and if that elicits points and is “written in the books” then that is “brilliant” for all involved.

This week, focusing on the players and staff involves keeping a strong mentality and remembering that the team have the capability to beat United.

Aiming to control the game on and off the ball, Ho’s side are feeling prepared for tomorrow’s fixture.

Manchester United v Tottenham kicks off at Leigh Sports Village at 14.30 UK time and can be watched on YouTube.

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Victory return to winners list with hard fought win

Melbourne Victory 1 – 0 Adelaide United

By Alyce Collett 13/12/25

Above: Melbourne Victory (blue uniform) celebrates with Rachel Lowe (centre) after she scored against Adelaide United. Photo: via A-Leagues

The Melbourne Victory have returned to the winners list in the A-League Women’s, downing Adelaide United 1-0 thanks to a second half goal from Rachel Lowe. Although the match at times was relatively even between the sides, Victory capitalised at key moments and Adelaide come away from this match with plenty to think about if it wants to resurrect its season.

The Victory were on the front foot early, not wasting much time before beginning to test the Adelaide defence, with the likes of Holly Furphy and Rhianna Pollicina asking some serious questions of the defence of the visitors.

The Reds responded pretty quickly with some dangerous attacking play of their own, with Emily Hodgson in particular giving the Victory defence plenty to think about out on the wing.

As the half progressed though, things became very free flowing and very even, with the ball moving from end to end with relative ease and both sides getting their fair share of attacking final third time.

Kennedy White and Erin Healy both had promising shots on goal, but just could not quite get their shots exactly where they wanted them to get them in the back of the net.

The problem Victory were facing was that their final passes into the box just were not working, so as good as the home side’s build up play was, it ultimately meant nothing as the final passes were not reaching their target.

Meanwhile for Adelaide, the issue for the Reds was that they were unable to get close enough to goal to really put up any overtly dangerous shots, preferring to shoot regularly from even outside the 18 yard box.

In the end neither side were able to find the back of the net in the first half and both sides went into the half time break with plenty to think about.

The first half stats were as even as the on field play would have suggested.

Melbourne Victory had only two percent more of possession and only one more shot than their visitors did, but both sides had the exact same number of shots on target.

Although both sides had chances on goal in the early minutes of the second half, but it was the Victory who were ultimately able to make the most of one of those chances, as Lowe – who had been a little bit on the quiet side up to this point – found herself the recipient of a cross from Furphy to the top of the box, and all Lowe needed was one touch to strike perfectly and catch the Adelaide defenders napping.

Although Lowe’s goal proved to be ultimately the only one of the match, the Victory continued to pile on the shots in the second half (eight shots to Adelaide’s four) and they had the only two shots on target for the second half.

It was the little things that ultimately cost Adelaide in the end. These included things like lapses of concentration in defence and the inability to break through the centre of Victory’s defence to really challenge the Victory goal on a consistent basis.

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (3-4-3): Newbon, Jančevski, Morrison, Bunge, Pickett, Ray, Pollicina, Lowe, Sakalis, White, Furphy. Substitutes: O’Grady, Flannery, Curtis, Techera, Young, Woodward.

Scorers: Lowe 50’

Adelaide United (4-2-3-1): Jenkins, E Hodgson, Murray, Tonkin, Tolland, Zois, M Taranto, Healy, I Hodgson, A Taranto, Dawber. Substitutes: Makris,Condon, Rossi, Gooch, Dewey, Melegh.

Referee: Isabella Mossin

Attendance: 2,004

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Jets take full points in defensive masterclass

Newcastle Jets 3-0 Brisbane Roar

By Alice de Koster-Kitto 13/12/25

Above: Newcastle Jets (large group on right) celebrate during their 3-0 win over the Brisbane Roar Photo: via A-Leagues

The Newcastle Jets has picked up an impressive win over the Brisbane Roar, picking up an action-packed 3-0 victory. The match was a crucial one across the pitch, with both sides looking to maintain a strong start to the season, while missing crucial players, but ultimately goals to Melina Ayres, Kelli Brown and India Breier saw the Jets get the job done.

Things were fairly even at the top of the match, with no side asserting real dominance in the first few minutes, and the ball fairly evenly distributed through the middle of the pitch.

Libby Copus-Brown made a good pass toward Ayres that could have opened the scoring for the Jets in the 8th minute, however Ayres could not quite make the ball in time to convert it into a real chance.

Roar responded as Grace Kuilamu attempted to play the ball forward, before being intercepted by Tash Prior.

Brisbane continued to take the majority of the opportunities and managed to keep the ball in their attacking end during the first quarter of the match with good attempts following from Bente Jansen and Sharn Freier, however the Jets’ defence managed to hold off the attacking threat.

The hosts got extremely close to opening the scoring as Ayres attempted to skip the ball past Chloe Lincoln in close range, before Lincoln intercepted it at just the right time.

The response from Roar was aggressive, with a dangerously close attempt from Freier in the box, which was saved by Anna Leat. The attempt was followed up by Kijah Stephenson’s touch, which was intercepted by the Jets’ defence.

While play remained strong at both ends, it seemed increasingly likely that the first goal would be scored by Brisbane, as they remained in the attack, and the Jets struggled to move the ball forward in their favour.

Despite Brisbane’s attacking dominance, it was the home side who opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Ayres netted her second goal of the season, finishing a long-range cross from Olivia Page as she skated past Momo Hayashi to strike the ball straight past Lincoln to the back of the net with ease.

Brisbane responded towards the break, putting dangerous pressure on the Jets inside the box that was ultimately intercepted by Leat, who booted the ball across the pitch, allowing Jets to regain possession.

Newcastle Jets were awarded a penalty after a foul on Brown by Leia Varley. Brown took the free kick that swung directly into the top of the net, extending the Jets’ lead, and leaving them ahead 2-0 at the break.

There was a number of halftime substitutions, most surprisingly from Roar, with Jansen making way for Zara Krueger, despite a characteristically strong performance in the first half.

The start of the second half remained just as action-packed as the first, with close attempts at both ends. An attempt from Freier was intercepted by Leat and then was quickly followed up by a strike from Brown at the other end, which was shot over the crossbar.

Kuilamu made an excellent run and attempt that should have converted to a goal for the Roar, if not for the clever interception of Claudia Cicco. Both Cicco and Kuilamu were standouts for their respective sides and made major contributions to the intensity and unpredictability of the match, especially in the second half.

Possession and attacking dominance remained in favour of Brisbane, but Newcastle continued to take the lead and shut down the continuous attempts from the visitors.

Kuilamu made an excellent through ball to Freier that looked as though it should’ve given Roar their first score of the match, but a well-timed interception from Prior kept the ball out.

Breier extended the Jets’ lead in the 71st minute with a powerful shot from distance that flew past the Roar’s defence, and could not be stopped by Lincoln.

A 74th-minute substitution saw Daisy Brown make her Ninja A-League debut for the Roar, as Alicia Woods made way for the 19-year-old.

As stoppage time approached, the match did not slow down. Despite Newcastle holding the heavy lead, Brisbane continued to look for the back of the net, but were still not able to make it past the impeccable defensive performance from the hosts.

After 5 minutes of added time, there were no further goals to be found despite tireless efforts at both ends, leaving the scoreline 3-0 to Newcastle Jets.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Leat, Page, Cicco, Prior, Bates, Copus-Brown, Davis, Dundas, Brown, Ayres, Breier. Substitutes: Ritchie, Adams, Lancaster, Allan, Karipidis, Collins

Goals: Ayres 32’, Brown 45+1’ (Pen), Breier 71’

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

Referee: Sophie Allum

Attendance: 1,166.

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Leaders Canberra condemn City to first defeat

Canberra United 2-1 Melbourne City

by Ben Gilby (13/12/25)

Above: Michelle Heyman (facing camera, centre) celebrates her goal that put Canberra United 2-0 up at a wet McKellar Park today. Photo: A-Leagues.

Canberra United extended their winning run to four games, with a second successive victory against a potential title challenger at home in the space of just four days.

Goals from Michelle Heyman and Emma Hawkins in seven second half minutes ensured that the capital city club followed up Wednesday’s impressive 2-0 win over Sydney FC with this success over a City side who were condemned to their first defeat of the season as a consequence, as Holly McNamara’s penalty with 19 minutes remaining eventually counted for nought.

The visitors made a fast start, and came close twice in quick succession with seven minutes on the clock as first McNamara hit a low shot from the edge of the area that bounced back off the left-hand post.

With 24 minutes played, Canberra had their first opportunity of the game when Heyman sent a shot that was heading in all the way before Rebekah Stott got a block in.

Just after the half hour mark, McNamara was causing chaos again and let fly with an effort from around 20 yards, but James held on.

The home side had another half chance before the break with Heyman denied again as Malena Mieres got down to grab the ball.

Canberra started the second half on the front foot with Mieres forced into a save from Hawkins straight from the kick-off as the Canberra defender was played in beautifully with a slide-rule pass that dissected the City back-line. The low shot was dealt with by the diving City keeper.

Canberra took seven minutes of the second half to get the game’s first goal. Tegan Bertolissio chested the ball down right of centre for Nanako Sasaki, stationed just outside the box who lifted a teasing ball in for Hawkins towards the back post to head home.

Just before the hour mark, the hosts doubled their advantage with a sweeping move that went end to end. James made a clearance to Sasaki who was positioned just inside her own half on the right. The former Adelaide United midfielder swept a cross field pass out to Hayley Taylor-Young who played a ball into the box for Heyman to send a classy half volley into the net for her fourth goal of the season.

Canberra could have had a third shortly afterwards as Hawkins’ effort from just outside the box was stopped by Mieres.

Melbourne City were though granted a lifeline with 19 minutes of normal time remaining as Bertolissio brought down Aideen Keane in the area and referee Jack Quartermain pointed to the spot. Up stepped McNamara to dispatch a powerful low shot into the bottom right-hand corner.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser and saw an effort from Karly Roestbakken saved by James, and one from Chinaza Uchendu denied by offside as the game moved towards the last five minutes of regulation time.

Seven minutes into stoppage time saw City’s final chance as Danielle Turner’s effort was blocked by Sofia Christopherson.

This was another hugely impressive outcome for Canberra who showed offensive quality, desire, grit and defensive ability as they confirmed that they will end the weekend top of the ladder.

This was an undoubted set-back for City, but they only have four days to wait to try and put things right when they host Adelaide United in the first of their three games in hand on the top two sides in the competition.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-4-2): James, Grove, Taylor-Young, Hawkins, Bertolissio, Gordon, Sasaki, Anton, Robers, Aulicino, Heyman. Substitutes: Christopherson, Dale, Majstorovic, Malone, Stanic-Floody, Wardlow.

Scorers: Hawkins 52′, Heyman 59′.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-1-4-1): Mieres, Turner, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, McMahon, Jackson, Butros, Davidson, McKenna, McNamara. Substitutes: Barbieri, Keane, Jugovic, Roestbakken, Uchendu, Wilson.

Scorer: McNamara (pen) 71′.

Referee: Jack Quartermain.

Attendance: 978.

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Phonsongkham Olimpico wins it for Glory

Perth Glory 1-0 Wellington Phoenix

By Emma Burke 13/12/25

Above: Susan Phonsongkham scores. Photo: Ninja A-League

A goal scored directly from a corner by Susan Phonsongkham secured Perth Glory their first home win for the 25/26 campaign, defeating Wellington Phoenix 1-0 in the distance derby.

While the game was wholly dominated by Wellington Phoenix, who maintained 60% of the possession and had 16 shots to Perth’s five, they were unable to convert those numbers into a win, for the second week in a row.

It was an increasingly physical game as it progressed between the two sides, with both teams clearly desperate to find win.

Glory’s goalkeeper, Teresa Morrissey, played an immense role in holding the visitors scoreless. One of her many saves of the night included doing just enough to push the ball over the crossbar with the tip of her fingers after a well place shot from Lara Wall.

Wellington were relentless in their attack, spearheaded by their Nepali international Samba, who brought not only a major threat to Perth’s clean sheet, but a horde of supporters in the Sam Kerr Football Centre all clad in Nepali national team gear, who roared wildly every time she came near the ball.

Though it looked as if nothing was going to break the deadlock between the two sides, a substitute and a corner managed to make the difference.

Having entered the game only 15 minutes beforehand, Phonsongkham’s corner kick fell right through the hands of Wellington keeper Victoria Esson. Phonsongkham did later admit in a post game interview that the wind may have helped the ball on, something the visiting side have personal experience with considering the conditions at Porirua Park.

This win sees the Glory snap their four game losing streak and break their goalless drought of three games.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Morrissey, Johnston, Anderson, Zogg, McKenna, Cassidy, Dalton, Westaway, Hollar, Trew, Badawiya. Substitutes: Skinner, Tovar, Phonsongkham, Sardo, O’Donoghue, Lincoln

Scorers: Phonsongkham 75′

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Esson, Bott, Barry, Walker, Jale, Samba, Elliot, Leon, Van der Meer, Wall, Nunn. Substitutes: Danieli, D. Brazendale, Main, Vlok, Benson, Bartlett

Referee: Mikayla Ryan

Attendance: 1,069.

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