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McNamara Aids City In Hard Fought Win

Melbourne City 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers

By Kieran Yap (6/2/22)

Above: City celebrations. Photo: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City maintained second position and continued to nip at the heels of Sydney FC with a hard-fought win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

The resurgent former champions welcomed back Holly McNamara to the line-up. After limping off against Thailand in the Asian Cup, there were some worries about a possible injury. She had lost none of the magic since joining The Matildas and was a constant danger throughout the match.

It was Western Sydney who had the first real chance of the game. A back pass was latched onto by Libby Copus-Brown, but Melissa Barbieri was able to smother the shot and calm Melbourne’s nerves.

City almost took the lead through an unlikely source. Captain and defensive rock, Emma Checker hit the post in the opening stages. Her explosive run took her past a couple of Wanderers’ defenders but her shot crashed off the woodwork to deny a spectacular goal.

McNamara and Rhianna Pollicina were involved in everything good for Melbourne City. The young attacker cruised beyond Cailtin Cooper but her pass just missed Pollicina. It was a missed opportunity but a warning of what was to come.

The crafty pair combined in the 28^th minute to score the opening goal. Pollicina carried the ball forward and played it wide to McNamara. Her cross was directed toward Hannah Wilkinson who could not direct it to goal, but it fell invitingly to Pollicina who had continued her run.

The finish was composed and well struck. Sarah Langman had no chance of saving it as it flew into the bottom corner.

**Above:** Rhianna Pollicina turns away after putting Melbourne City ahead. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

It was an example of what McNamara brings to the City and why she was selected for the national team. Her playmaking ability from the left flank is excellent, she switches onto her right foot with ease and curls in dangerous crosses or shots. If a defender gets too close she has the skill to skip around them, if they back off, she whips in a ball like the one that created the goal.

As the clock ticked toward 45, the action increased. Pollicina turned provider with a ball into the run of McNamara. She was able to get goal side of Cooper but her shot was off target.

McNamara and Pollicina (we need to think of a collective nickname for them) connected again to set up Kaitlyn Torpey. The wingback buried the shot but was marginally offside in an escape for the Wanderers.

Eventually, the second goal arrived. Holly McNamara received the ball on the left side of the box. After stopping, twisting, and pausing she hit the ball into the only space it could go. It flew past Langman to double the lead. Her patience created the chance, her technique scored the goal.

Before the halftime whistle could blow, Western Sydney pulled one back. Erica Halloway surged into attack and her cross was deflected awkwardly by Emma Checker. It bounced off the woodwork and fell eventually to Byleeh Henry.

The centre forward held off the attention of two defenders and laid it back to Teigan Collister who’s low show beat Barbieri who was blinded by the crowded penalty box. It was a great bottom corner finish to grant the Wanderers a lifeline in the second half.

City continued to press for another goal in the second half. McNamara turned on the flank and her shot was on target but not enough to beat Langman. Pollicina curled a perfect long ball into her path and beyond the defenders but McNamara was put off by the attentions of Teigan Allen and the chance was missed.

City fans and players thought they had a strong claim for a penalty, but the referee did not hesitate to wave play on.

Hannah Wilkinson had the best of City’s second-half chances. Torpey’s pass played her beyond the defensive line but her shot was saved by the in-form Langman.

**Above:** Western Sydney Wanderers’ Teigan Allen. **Photo:** Western Sydney Wanderers.

The Western Sydney goalkeeper was terrific as she denied Pollicina and Wilkinson from scoring as the one-on-one chances kept occurring.

The Wanderers defence has been their defining feature this season. They have not been easy to score against thanks to Langman, but they have also been difficult to break down thanks to their back four.

Clare Hunt has been one of the team’s best players, and in her absence, they looked more vulnerable despite the strong tackling ability of Alex Huynh.

Western Sydney looked rushed in possession in midfield but delayed in the final third. Bryleeh Henry is known for her pace but her ability with her back to goal is underrated. Numerous times she played it back and then ran into space, but the return pass never came.

The Wanderers have the talent to unlock defences on paper, but they need to move it quicker when they get into attacking positions.

When they do get the ball in quickly, they look dangerous even if the chances are a little chaotic. Collister’s goal was an example of an urgent ball forward, getting numbers in the box and scrapping to create a chance.

Melbourne City look ominous in attack and steady in defence. In midfield, Rebekah Stott is linking the two areas with ease and style.

They have the inventive players to create chances with regularity and the composure to finish them. If not for Langman this could have been a thrashing.

Melbourne City celebrated Melissa Barbieri’s 25^th year as a top-flight footballer in the way that she deserved. The three points were her priority but her achievement will not be lost on a football community in which she has been long admired.

She is one of the competition’s best players and looks unlikely to hang up the gloves anytime soon.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (3-4-3): Barbieri, Heatley, Checker, Tunmeth, Vlajnic, Stott, Davidson, Torpey, Pollicina, Wilkinson, McNamara. Substitutes: Blissett, James (GK), McKenna, Westland, van der Meer.

Scorers: Pollicina 28′, McNamara 45′.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-4-2): Langman, Matos, Cooper, Huynh, Halloway, Gallagher, Steinmetz, Galic, Collister, Copus-Brown, Henry. Substitutes: Allen, Chauvet, Galea, Habuda, Khamis (GK).

Scorer: Collister 47′.

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.

Attendance: 840.

Canberra Come Back From The Dead To Deny Glory

Above: Canberra United’s Ash Sykes gets a shot away in the second half against Perth Glory today. Photo: Canberra United.

Canberra United 3-3 Perth Glory

By Ben Gilby (5/2/22)

Canberra United hit back from 3-1 down with two goals in the last 11 minutes to put a major dent in Perth Glory’s Finals hopes.

Perth had been looking good to record their first-ever win in Canberra against a United side who are without a win in their last ten matches.

Canberra head coach Vicki Linton made three changes to her team with Ash Sykes dropping down to the bench with Hayley Taylor-Young moving from the backline to her traditional offensive position.

Lauren Keir replaced Taylor-Young at the back with Grace Maher also coming in for Margot Robinne.

For the visitors, Cyera Hintzen started after scoring one and providing an assist in her team’s comeback win over Wellington Phoenix on Monday. It was a straight swap for Sofia Sakalis.

**Above:** Aerial combat at Viking Park today. **Photo:** A-League Women.

Canberra made a strong start, looking to develop a rapid passing game through the midfield and looking to release Taylor-Young on the right.

With six minutes gone, Perth captain Tash Rigby pulled back Allira Toby both outside and in the box. Referee Isabella Blaess initially looked to have waved play on. However, after what seemed to be an inordinately long period spent looking over at her nearest placed assistant, she finally and correctly pointed to the spot.

Grace Maher stepped up and dispatched a clinical penalty kick into the right-hand corner of the net.

Perth tried to respond with Hana Lowry beating Laura Hughes along the right then and squeezing past Ali Haran to win a corner which the home side cleared despite a half-hearted penalty shout for handball.

Despite this it was Canberra who was far more composed on the ball in the opening 20 minutes, seeming to have more time to patiently construct their passes in the search for the final killer ball. Lauren Keir was finding a lot of space on the right which the visitors would have done well to limit.

From one such build-up, Maher played an accurate ball through to Chelsee Washington who got a shot away from the ‘D’ which flew narrowly over the bar.

**Above:** Chelsee Washington gets a shot away for Canberra United. **Photo:** Canberra United.

Canberra were also creating opportunities on the right with Michelle Heyman showing that she still has pace to ease away from Rigby before getting a shot in from an acute angle that Morgan Aquino was equal to in the Perth goal.

The Greens had another penalty shout just before the half-hour mark when Toby looked to play a pass back to Washington, and the ball came off of the arm Danish international Mie Leth Jans. Play did continue this time and, referee Blaess called it right again as Jans did not look to know much about it.

Approaching the half-time whistle, whilst Glory were able to deny Canberra the speed of passing and creativity, they still struggled to impose their own brand of intensity on the game. This, plus the inability of the Western Australian side’s midfield to find Hintzen in the final third was hampering Perth’s chances.

The American’s worth was shown with 44 minutes played. Canberra goalkeeper Keeley Richards, who was showing signs of a knee injury, rolled out a pass which was nodded back to Lowry on the right of the box. The Perth local played an intelligent ball between Haran and Maher to Hintzen on the edge of the box. She took a touch, turned, and fired a shot into the left-hand side of goal.

Buoyed by this, Perth pressed from the kick-off and Mikayla Vidmar got in a tangle which allowed De Vanna to race away, but the former Matilda could not get enough power in her shot to trouble the ailing Richards.

Lowry then fired in a powerful effort at the left-hand post which Richards held onto just ahead of the interval.

Given the problems that Richards’ left knee was giving her, after an awkward fall to earth collecting the ball just before the break, it was a surprise to see her come out for the second half.

Canberra, with Ash Sykes on for the second half created the first chance of the second stanza. Maher’s skills from a set-piece are well-known, but she excelled herself with a vicious inswinging corner from the right which Lowry cleared away from the back post. The ball came back to Sykes who fired high over the bar.

The home side came close once more with 57 minutes on the clock. Emma Ilijoski played a ball across from the left between Deborah-Ann de la Harpe and Rigby for Sykes. She squared a low pass for Toby to escape too easily from Kim Carroll and Abbey Green, but the Canberra attacker could only put it wide.

The home side rued these two missed opportunities with 25 minutes to go. Vidmar, under pressure, conceded a corner. Lowry bent the flag-kick in from the right. Canberra failed to clear and Anton smashed home.

The Kiwi has only scored two goals in the A-League Women, both of which have come at Viking Park against Canberra United.

Another defensive disaster just six minutes later led to Perth’s third. Sarah Cain, on as a sub had a pass deflected into the path of Hintzen by Maher. In trying to clear the danger, Haran could only hit the ball against Vidmar which allowed it to roll back towards Hintzen.

**Above:** Cyera Hintzen (centre) who has now scored four goals in four games for Perth Glory. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

The American ran across the box and turned a shot back into the net past a despairing Richards for her fourth goal in four games this season. It was therefore surprising to see her substituted with just over 15 minutes to go for young Aideen Keane.

Also on at the same break in play was 17-year-old Canberra goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln. It is of course a moot point, but if an obviously struggling Richards had come off the pitch sooner, Perth may have been denied their second goal at least.

At 3-1 behind and without a win in their last nine matches, some may have felt that Canberra was dead and buried, but the Green’s are famed for their fighting spirit.

With 12 minutes remaining on the clock, Sykes earned a corner after pressuring Rigby and Anton. The set-piece came in from Robinne to the back post for Washington to time her run into the back post. Rising above two defenders, she nodded home.

Canberra ratcheted up the pressure in the closing stages. There were six minutes remaining when Kim Carroll was adjudged to have fouled Sykes. Maher stepped up around thirty yards out and lifted the ball in towards the back post. Heyman headed the ball to Haran who nodded it across the box for Keir to lift the ball into the net.

Despite their best efforts, Canberra could not find a winner. This was a massive missed opportunity for Perth Glory. With their remaining three matches against the two Melbourne sides and Sydney FC, they will have it all to do to qualify for the Finals.

**Above:** Lauren Keir celebrates her equalizing goal for Canberra United. **Photo:** Canberra United.

Speaking after the game, Perth head coach Alex Epakis said: “It feels like two points dropped. The first 10 minutes they were on top. The last 10 minutes they were on top. In between we were the better team.

“There were a lot of elements of things there that showed where we want to be. We recovered well after the early goal. We stamped our authority on the match. I’m happy with that, but we need to do that more consistently through 90 minutes.”

Epakis reflected on the substitution of two-goal Cyera Hintzen when the team went 3-1 up by saying: “That was a weighting issue. She’s come back from a pretty significant injury and we have to compromise a bit.”

Asked about some of the refereeing decisions, the Perth head coach said: “Some of the decisions were borderline unfair. We didn’t lose the lead because of the ref, but we didn’t keep it because of her either. There needs to be a level of accountability for the officials in terms of quality. Everyone else is assessed. I hope the APL are doing their due diligence.”

With both Canberra’s comeback goals being set-pieces, Epakis highlighted the need for his team to defend them better. “You need to be more stronger and aggressive in those moments. When you are under that much pressure, you are always liable to crack.”

Perth’s head coach concluded by expressing his message for the players going forward. “There is a lot of frustration there after today. Instead of putting that against each other, we really want to focus that on the opposition this coming week. Hopefully what happened today will be the fuel that keeps us going for the final push.”

Glory defender Liz Anton was devastated after the game. “I got a goal here last year too, so that’s good, but the result was a draw and we’re pretty disappointed with that. It never seems to go our way here and that sucks.

“Coming into the game we knew that one of Canberra’s strengths is set pieces and we gave away some soft late set-pieces and that really threw us under the bus. We weren’t good enough.”

There were contrasting emotions from Canberra United’s Lauren Keir who spoke about her equalizer: “I was quite surprised, I didn’t expect it to come across the box, I just put it away. I’m pretty stoked to get my first goal.

“We stick together to get results. I’m so happy with the girls and the fight that we put in there at the end.”

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-2-1-3): Richards, Keir, Vidmar, Haran, Ilijoski, Maher, Hughes, Washington, Taylor-Young, Heyman, Toby. Substitutes: Lincoln (GK), Robinne, Middleton, Sykes, Grove.

Scorers: Maher (pen) 9′, Washington 79′, Keir 84′.

PERTH GLORY: (4-2-1-3): Aquino, Rigby, Anton, K.Carroll, Green, Jans, Lawrence, Lowry, de la Harpe, Hintzen, De Vanna. Substitutes: Newbon (GK), Koulizakis, Sakalis, Cain, Keane.

Scorers: Hintzen 44′, 70′. Anton 64′

Referee: Isabella Blaess.

Attendance: 1,125.

Victory Boosts Finals Hopes As Wellington Nixed Again

Above: Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Brianna Edwards dives in an attempt to repel a Melbourne Victory attack. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Wellington Phoenix 0-2 Melbourne Victory

Words and Pictures by Kris Goman exclusively from WIN Stadium (5/2/22).

A blustery, rainy day at WIN Stadium in Wollongong finds Wellington Phoenix up against Melbourne Victory who haven’t played a match since January 16 after many of the team battled COVID. Conditions are cool which makes it great for chasing soccer balls but the wind makes things a bit more challenging.

Phoenix is desperate for a win and well and truly deserves it. They’ve been playing well, scoring goals and winning hearts but they just can’t pull off a win and unfortunately, things don’t change in this match.

Wellington started things off well when Izzy Gomez took a free-kick and Ava Pritchard picked up the rebound to drive it to goal. It went just to the left and out untouched. Pritchard gets another shot from the centre of the box that was saved in the bottom left corner, five minutes later.

Victory had better luck in front of goal. Alana Murphy scored early when she took a corner which was cleared to Alex Chidiac. Chidiac passed back to Murphy who was still near the sideline and she put another cross in. This time it was heading to goal but Lily Alfeld leapt to punch it clear but mistimed the connection slightly and the ball deflected straight into the goal. Bit of an early disaster for Wellington.

The second goal came ten minutes later when Phoenix was playing out and Chidiac intercepted Kate Taylor’s pass and got it to Mindy Barbieri who slipped the ball through to Chidiac on the run into the box. She squared it and Tiff Eliadis ran onto it and with one left-footed touch had put it past Alfeld for her first-ever A-League goal.

Wellington looked set to retaliate when Talitha Kramer brought the ball down the left side. Her cross was headed away by Bunge directly into the path of Gomez who hammered the ball towards goal. Amy Jackson was able to deflect it out safely. This resulted in a series of corners that Victory managed to defend successfully. Grace Jale went close with a header towards top centre that was tipped over by Casey Dumont

Then Victory got a corner of their own. The ball came in from the corner and was headed away to Jackson. She pounded it from the far right corner of the box and Bunge deflected it to the goal. Alfeld got a hand to it but it bounced towards the goal line however Kramer cleared it before it could fully cross the line in a goal-saving strike.

**Above:** Eyes on the ball in an energetic race for possession. Photo: Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

In the second half, defence was stepped up on both sides and fewer chances were created. Pritchard got a look in when a right footed shot was saved in the bottom right corner.

A genuine chance for Wellington came late in the game when Vosper intercepted a back pass and centred it to Pritchard at the top of the box. Her shot was on target but blocked by Casey Dumont and she couldn’t capitalise on the rebound.

In stoppage time, Charlotte Lancaster struck from outside the box but Dumont once again saved it in the top right corner. From the breakaway that resulted, Lia Privitelli hit the left post.

There was some spirited work in the last ten minutes as Phoenix tried to claw back a goal but they were ultimately denied and still sit winless at the bottom of the table. In the meantime, Victory looks like they are back in form and now sit in fourth place and are in finals contention.

Speaking after the game, Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis said: “I actually felt like we were the better team for big periods of that. I thought the first goal came against the run of play. I felt like we had decent amounts of possession, I felt like we were controlling passages of the game so to come in two-nil down at halftime was a really interesting one.

“Ultimately the difference between us and them was that they were clinical in moments when they needed to be and we weren’t. That’s the calibre of a top team that can live in moments when games aren’t necessarily going their way and still get a result out of it.”

Kris Goman’s Exclusive Photo Gallery from WIN Stadium

Click on the arrow on the right-hand side of the image to advance to the next photo.

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX: Alfeld (C), McMeeken, Barry, Taylor, Kramer, Whinham, Gomez, Jones, Pritchard, Knott, Jale. Substitutes: Edwards (GK), Vosper, Walker, Lancaster, Martin.

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY: Dumont, Eliadis, Bunge, Jackson, Doran, Murphy, Chidiac, Barbieri, Privitelli (c), Markovski, Iermano Substitutes: Maizels, Robers, Nevin, Zois, Hendrix

Scorers: Murphy 13’, Eliadis 23’.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: 61.

Sunday’s A-League Women Preview

Above: Melbourne City’s Emma Checker speaking to the media on Friday ahead of her team’s game with Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Melbourne City.

With Melbourne City hosting Western Sydney Wanderers tomorrow at AAMI Park, Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from head coaches Rado Vidosic and Catherine Cannuli, plus City’s Australian international defender Emma Checker (5/2/22).

Melbourne City star Emma Checker believes that her team needs to focus on re-building their self-confidence ahead of Sunday’s game with Western Sydney Wanderers.

“We’ve been pretty disappointed with our performances, although we’ve had some good results. We know that form-wise, we’re not in the greatest place, so this weekend we want to focus on ourselves to return to that form we had in the earlier rounds.

“I think it’s been a lack of confidence. We have belief and a very special group, but we need to regain individual confidence. We have to dig a bit deeper and find it within ourselves. Tactically we know what we are doing. What we’re trying to execute is fine. Our decision making once we do get into the final third is sound. So showing that it is a mindset thing because we are finishing strongly.”

Checker emphasized the importance of having Holly McNamara back in the squad after her spell in India with the Matildas for the Asia Cup. “We’re hoping that she can contribute massively to the game at the weekend. She’s a star player in our team.

“We’re so proud of her. She came in, it’s her first season and she has shown such confidence. For a young player like that to play at the level she does and the standard she does is quite phenomenal. She hasn’t just shown it in the A-League Women’s now, she’s shown it internationally too. This is just the beginning for her.”

The seven cap Matilda offered her assessment of the national team’s recent disappointing showing in the Asia Cup.

**Above:** Emma Checker highlighted the fact that in the rush to blood young players for the national team, several quality players in their mid-20s may not have been given a fair crack of the whip. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

“It’s hard having not been around the squad, but I know the girls will be massively disappointed. We looked a bit unshackled in that game (against Korea). Even though we had chances, we struggled to execute them. Critical things aside, there were some positives.

“Sam (Kerr) had some amazing opportunities and in any other game, they might have gone in. But we can’t solely rely on her to win every game for us, and I think that was part of the problem. There weren’t many other big chances for other players.”

Checker also made a valid point that in the rush to introduce so many young players into the national side, some very good players towards the peak of their careers are missing out.

“I understand the process of trying to progress and develop the youth, but I can’t help feeling being in that mid-20s age bracket that there are a few of us who are not necessarily getting an opportunity, but I guess that’s sport.

“If I keep playing well and performing consistently, then at least I know that I am giving myself every chance (of getting a recall). My bigger goals are around being a consistent part of the squad, so I hope that time does come. I’m at peace with knowing I’m doing everything that I can control at the moment.”

The defender then turned her focus towards this weekend’s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers.

“Games like this one can be some of the hardest mentally, to prepare for. The reality is they do have quality, but they haven’t found their true potential yet. At some point, they will find that, so we have to be prepared. We have to be sharp and on our toes as our form has been off of where we want it to be.”

**Above:** Melbourne City head coach speaking at his media conference on Friday. **Photo:** Melbourne City

Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic looked ahead to Sunday’s game with Western Sydney Wanderers and reflected on the influence that 18-year-old Holly McNamara has on his team.

“We’ve looked very carefully at their (Western Sydney Wanderers) last few performances and we know the danger of getting exposed (by them). It is very important that we start on the front foot. If we do that and play our normal game, the result will take care of itself.”

With Holly McNamara back from international earlier than planned after the Matildas’ shock quarter-final exit at the Asia Cup, Vidosic outlined her chances of coming back into the City squad on Sunday.

“Look, she arrived back on Wednesday night, we gave her Thursday off. She had some MRI scans on her knee (as a result of her injury against Thailand in India). She trained today (Friday) and she will train tomorrow and then we hope she will be OK. We haven’t decided whether she will start, how much she will play. We’ll leave it up to her and if she feels OK, then she will go in the squad.”

He identified the difference he has seen in McNamara since her return. “It’s a great opportunity for young players. She’s come back three or four centimetres taller. She is faster, she is stronger. That’s how much it means to her. It opens so many doors and she can now think about going overseas and even starting to select what club she goes to. It’s amazing what five or six good games in this competition can do.”

City’s head coach reflected on his team’s performances over the last few weeks which have seen a comprehensive defeat at Sydney FC and a very late win at Brisbane Roar.

“I think we’ve lacked penetration. Remember we lost Holly (McNamara). We tried to play Stotty in her position. Although Stotty has qualities she didn’t have the quality of running behind, so that’s something we’re hoping Holly will bring back to our squad.

“If we can utilize that we will probably look more dangerous, we will create more opportunities and then our pressing and everything else will look more effective and allow everyone else to step forward.

“We kept the ball much better in Brisbane, but in Sydney, we didn’t do it and that was a big, big problem. We were a bit fortunate to win the game in Brisbane. In saying that, the goals (that we scored) were fantastic. Those two were world-class. The cross and header across the goalkeeper, then free-kick over the wall.”

Whilst City’s head coach is delighted to have Holly McNamara back from international duty, he knows that within ten days he will be losing Hannah Wilkinson and Rebekah Stott for New Zealand’s She Believes Cup schedule. As yet there appears to be uncertainty over Australia’s plans for the same period.

“At the moment, I don’t know if I could lose players to the Matildas. We believe that there won’t be any Matildas games or camps, but we don’t know for sure.”

Whilst Vidosic’s side would benefit from keeping their Australian international cohort, Vidosic knows it is an advantage that other title challengers will also have. “It would be the same for Sydney FC or Melbourne Victory, so in a way we are disappointed (as they may have more internationals than City)!”

City’s head coach ended the session by updating on the availability of players for Sunday’s match.

“We still have a couple of players impacted by COVID, so they will not be part of the game. All the other players are fit. Not 100% fit, but we will have to have one eye on missing Hannah (Wilkinson) and Stotty shortly (for the international window) so looking at replacing them.”

**Above:** Catherine Cannuli speaks to the media on Friday ahead of her team’s clash with Melbourne City. **Photo:** Western Sydney Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Catherine Cannuli reflected on the club’s challenges this season ahead of the trip to face Melbourne City.

“Look, there’s no denying that we’d like to have a lot more points than we have at present. I think the team has gelled quite well, and one positive is that we have quite a young team at present so we can keep building towards of the future of the A-League Women’s competition.”

With Wanderers having back-to-back away games against both Melbourne-based clubs starting with City this Sunday, Cannuli sees positives in these matches. “Away games are great! It’s a bonding time. You really get to know what people are like when you travel away with them for three days.

“We’re up for the challenge and we have spoken about it as a group. We want to finish the competition off strong.”

With Cannuli over halfway through her first season as a head coach, she reflected on the campaign so far. “It’s been full of challenges. We’ve not yet managed to have our full-strength team on the park yet. We’ve had COVID challenges, we’ve had injury challenges. As a head coach, you are always learning.

“Not even doing 15-20 years as an assistant coach would prepare you for what it’s like to take the role of a head coach.”

Apart from the concession of three goals last weekend at home to Adelaide United, Wanderers’ defence has been strong this season. Therefore, Cannuli is confident that her team has what it takes to deny City’s dangerous attack led by competition top scorer Hannah Wilkinson.

“I have no issues with our defence, it was something we focused a lot on in pre-season because of all the goals that we had leaked over previous seasons. I’ve got full faith in our defence to be able to handle Melbourne City’s attack.

“The main thing is that we go out there and start to put on a performance that we can be proud of and allows us to get something out of the game.”

“The girls are ready to go, they have nothing to lose. We need to go out there and get three points for our confidence and for how hard they have been working. They deserve to get something out of this game.”

Adelaide Continue Red Hot Form in Finals Race

Above: Newcastle Jets’ Elizabeth Eddy curls in a free-kick at Coopers Stadium last night. Photo: Adelaide United.

Adelaide United 3-0 Newcastle Jets

By Kieran Yap (5/2/22)

I do not want to jinx them, but this looks like it might finally be the year Adelaide makes the top four.

A 3-0 win over the Newcastle Jets is the third game in a row they have taken full points. They have only conceded once in the last four games and have scored three goals in their last two.

There is plenty of football left to play, but Adelaide seems to be steadily improving the longer the season goes on. With five games remaining and the team in top form and a steady lineup, nobody will want to meet them in the finals should they qualify.

The Reds hosted Newcastle with an unchanged line-up. The visitors could not be easily dismissed on paper. The Jets were unbeaten in five games but have more draws than wins and sit in sixth place, five points adrift of Perth Glory.

Their leading scorer Tara Andrews started on the bench in a curious move. She did not appear injured when she came on in the second half, so this may have been a tactical move by Ash Wilson to try and press Adelaide using Jemma House.

It may also have been done with the gruelling incoming schedule in mind where squad rotation will be important.

Adelaide started with an unchanged starting eleven. Adrian Stenta trusting the same team that beat Western Sydney Wanderers 3-0 to do the job again.

**Above:** Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets contest possession at Coopers Stadium yesterday. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

And why wouldn’t he? Adelaide dominated the early exchanges. They won the ball back quickly from Newcastle and kept possession, but not in a ponderous or cautious way. The Reds pass quickly and aggressively, often with one or two touches.

A slick midfield move saw Emily Condon play the sort of through-ball that is becoming her trademark. Paige Hayward raced onto it but The Jets keeper Claire Coelho reacted first and snuffed out the danger.

Adelaide’s second chance came when the in-form Chelsie Dawber found space on the right flank. She took on Gema Simon and whipped in a cross that Fiona Worts met well. Again, Coelho was able to stop it.

A long free-kick found Hayward in the penalty box, her shot was directed on target but again Coelho was equal to the effort.

The Newcastle goal continued to live a charmed life when Worts had another opportunity to take the lead. Dawber and Hayward combined to get another shot on target. Coelho saved well but the ball fell to Worts who finished perhaps too calmly when lashing it would have opened the scoring.

The breakthrough eventually came in spectacular fashion. A seven pass move, that started at centre-back and moved from end-to-end eventually found Worts. She flicked it wide to Hayward who returned the ball to the edge of the box.

The final ball was the least perfect of the move that involved more than half the team, but Worts controlled it on the bounce with her right foot and rifled it home with her left on the half-volley.

**Above:** Adeliade United celebrate Fiona Worts’ goal. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

Adelaide was 1-0 up after a first half of almost total control with 67% passing accuracy, much of that in dangerous areas.

Newcastle’s best chance came from a long ball forward that Ash Brodigan did well to bring down and face goal. Her shot was well struck and whistled past the post in a warning that Newcastle could still sting if given the chance.

Emily Condon had been creative throughout and almost doubled the lead with a free-kick as the half came to a close.

It curled beautifully and left the stadium in silence and Coelho stunned, but crashed off the upright in another escape for the Jets.

Newcastle introduced Andrews after halftime. She instantly changed the flow of the game. Her height and intelligent movement immediately started to stretch the Adelaide defence.

They had struggled to maintain possession in the first half. Andrews gave them a target and a player who can occupy the defence.

She would have been disappointed not to score, however. A Marie Dølvik ball in just evaded the outstretched right boot of the number nine and a free header in the box would normally be buried. But at 1-0 up, Adelaide suddenly looked slightly less comfortable.

Chelsie Dawber would be the one to put any worries to rest. After receiving the ball in the middle from Hayward, Dawber went the long way around the defence.

She dribbled laterally to the goal before going around the Jets right back. The eventual shot was on target and strong enough that Coelho could not hold it. It bobbled into the path of Worts who finished easily for her second goal.

Dawber sealed the result with a nice piece of individual skill. The long pass from Sasaki was controlled with one touch and with the second she attempted to spin into space. She was clipped as she turned and after a brief hesitation to wait for an advantage, the referee awarded a penalty.

Dawber stepped up to convert the spot-kick herself, make it 3-0, and end the game as a contest.

**Above:** Dylan Holmes with Chelsie Dawber (right) after the Adelaide striker scored her seventh of the season from the penalty spot. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

Newcastle had no such luck up the other end. Elizabeth Eddy went on a storming run into the box and was tugged back. The first pull was outside the area, but the contact continued, and she was controversially denied a penalty kick.

She took the free-kick herself and it took Annalie Grove’s best effort to deny her with a diving fingertip save at the top corner.

Grove deserves plaudits for Adelaide’s recent upswing in form. She started the season with a calamitous performance against Melbourne Victory but very quickly put that game behind her and has been excellent since.

Newcastle host Melbourne Victory next in a must-win game for both clubs. Adelaide travel to face Perth Glory in a mini-final that could determine both sides’ place in the final standings.

The football frenzy has begun. It was an imperious performance by The Reds to kick it off.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Grove, E.Hodgson, McNamara, Sharples, I.Hodgson, Condon, Sasaki, Holmes, Dawber, Worts, Heyward. Substitutes: Omiya, Evans, Murray, Varley, Templeman (GK).

Scorers: Worts 24′, 76. Dawber (pen) 80′.

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Coelho, Simon, Brewer, King, Fenton, Eddy, Davis, Brodigan, Dølvik, House, Harding. Substitutes: Andrews, Johnson, Jordon, Jaber, Boric (GK).

Referee: Rebecca Mackie.

Attendance: 2,032.

Saturday A-League Women Preview

Above: Canberra United’s Keeley Richards in action. Photo: Canberra Times.

Ahead of Saturday’s A-League Women match between Canberra United and Perth Glory, Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Canberra United goalkeeper Keeley Richards along with Perth Glory striker Cyera Hintzen, and head coach Alex Epakis (4/2/22).

Canberra United goalkeeper Keeley Richards spoke of her joy at being back at Viking Park to play for the first time since 8th January when Perth Glory visit on Saturday.

A combination of away matches and a period of COVID-related isolation has prevented the Greens from running out on their favoured patch.

Looking ahead to the game, Richards said: “I’m really excited at being back at Viking Park, we all are. Obviously, the start of the season has been disappointing. Now we’ve done the training and done the work. We’ve just got to go out now and play football.”

Canberra United go into the game still searching for their first win of the season and are 12 points outside of the Finals places. Yet the Canberra custodian hasn’t given up hope of making the top four. “It isn’t ruled out (for us), it’s still possible mathematically. We’ve just got to get on a run in these last seven games.

“We’ve got the side to do it, the quality to do it, we just need to turn it (our form) around. Hopefully, we can start that on Saturday night.

“Perth are a very quick team up top. From when we played them before there were a lot of breakaways. As a backline, we need to drop off and know where their runners are going. Hopefully, we can get them on the counter and use our midfield which is really skilled and play through them a bit.

Richards has also revealed a secret sideline as a Lego architect after constructing a model of the club’s Viking Park home during the team’s recent hiatus due to COVID.

**Above:** Keeley Richards shows off her Lego Viking Park. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Canberra United.

“It’s got a lot of things in it, the barbeque area up the top, the changing room, and the media box. Plus the scoreboard, the DJs tent for the game day tunes…It took about 20 hours to build all in. I had to wait for some bricks to arrive which were ordered online!

“It took up most of my time in isolation. A lot of bricks arrived on the Monday when we were put in quarantine and then Emma Ilijoski went to the Lego store in Canberra for me to get some too. Now I’m finished I’m hoping to give it to Viking Park for them to enjoy.”

**Above:** Perth Glory striker Cyera Hintzen in action against Canberra United when the two sides met at the beginning of January. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Perth Glory’s American striker Cyera Hintzen might only have played three games for the club either side of injury, but in that time she’s scored two goals and proved to be a real handful to opposition teams.

The striker began by giving her views on how hard it has been to face a longer than expected stay in New South Wales due to the extension in Western Australia’s border closures.

“I’ve had a great time considering everything we’ve gone through. When we first got the news, it was upsetting for some, but we’ve all come together to do a good job, and getting these last two wins have really helped.

“I’m really happy with my form. I was nervous coming back in my first game after injury, but it was great to get a goal which made me relaxed and settled.

**Above:** Cyera Hintzen in Thursday’s media conference. **Photo:** Perth Glory

“Now I’m getting to know everyone, I feel that we are coming together well and that is showing well on the field.

“I feel that we all understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We all play well off of each other. Whenever we go into a game, we just know each other and what we’re going to do.”

Despite Saturday’s opponents Canberra United still looking for their first win, Hintzen is wary of the threat that they pose.

“We can’t take any team lightly and we’ve been training well for the last few weeks. We know that we have to win now, no matter who we are facing.”

With Hintzen’s time in the A-League Women more than halfway through, she reflected on the competition so far. “My experiences here have been great and I would love to come again to play in this league.”

**Above:** Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis speaks to the media on Thursday. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis has seen his team take seven points from the last nine available. Now in the top four, they are transitioning into the role of being hunted by those below them. An additional factor is those below the Glory holding games in hand. Reflecting on that situation, Epakis said:

“We’re in the hunt and I don’t know if anyone expected that apart from ourselves. The schedule will impact on what happens as a lot of those teams (chasing pack) have to play each other. We just have to take every week as it comes.”

Looking back at Monday’s come-from-behind win against Wellington Phoenix, the Perth head coach was full of praise for the opposition.

“Wellington played really well. They will put a mark on the competition. We did enough to win, they played their best for 90 minutes. It wasn’t our best performance, we needed resilience and character to get over the line which we did well.”

“Tash (Rigby), Kim (Carroll), and Lisa (De Vanna) made sure at half-time that there was lot more focus and effort. It’s great to rely on characters like them to help develop the team rather than just myself.”

After their trip to Canberra on Saturday, Perth’s run home will see them face Adelaide United, Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory, and Sydney FC. All teams around them in the table. It will be a serious test of Glory’s credentials just to make Finals, but one Epakis is relishing.

“It’s a great opportunity for us as a group. We want to be able to compete with those teams, so to have them lined-up one by one over the next couple of weeks is something I am really looking forward to.

“However, we need to focus on Canberra first and then hopefully get three points. We want to test ourselves against the best and see where we are as a group.”

The two sides faced each other at the beginning of January in a 0-0 draw at Wanderers Football Park. Epakis has taken on board elements of that match in planning for this weekend’s rematch at Viking Park.

“We made chances in that game, but couldn’t capitalize on them. It was on the back end of the spell of three games in a week and we lacked a bit of punch at times. Going into playing them this time, we are more together as a group, more fresher. We need to take our chances against Canberra. They have real experienced players, especially up front with Michelle Hayman and Ash Sykes.

“We can’t give them chances and make sure we take ours. Every game we have played against Canberra recently has been a nail-biter and end-to-end. Hopefully this time we can control things and put the game to bed early.”

**Above:** Gemma Craine in action against Wellington Phoenix on Monday before her injury. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Perth’s head coach gave an update on player availability: “We know Gemma Craine’s (broken wrist) injury is serious and may be out for the season. She has had to have some stabilizing plates put in it. We will support her and get around her as she had the injury last year as well.

At the present time, Craine is aiming to remain with the team at their North Sydney hub, something Epakis sees as a positive. “Gemma is an extremely team orientated person and is great to have around. It’s good that she wants to stay with us.”

Elsewhere, there is a mix of news with recovery from COVID and injury at the present time.

“Leema Khamis has COVID at present and so do Bella Wallhead and Tijan McKenna. Alana Jancevski is working her way back from the impact of COVID. Susan Phonsongkham is getting close to returning, but I think this week may be too close for her.”

The impact of the number missing is the possibility that some players may have to play out of position against Canberra United on Saturday.

“We have players raring to go for an opportunity and they are training really hard. It’s the players who don’t play as often as they would like who really set the tone for the players who are starting. It pushes the players who are in their position at the time. the squad mentality is what marks us out as a group. I have absolute belief that every player can do their job and that we can achieve something special this season.”

Friday A-League Women Previews

Ahead of Friday’s two A-League Women matches, Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from the camps of three of the four teams in action.

Above: Adelaide United striker Chelsie Dawber speaking to the media this week. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

ADELAIDE UNITED:

Adelaide United‘s in-form striker Chelsie Dawber spoke of her delight to return to Coopers Stadium for her team’s game Round Ten game with Newcastle Jets on Friday night.

“It’s always good to play at Coopers as it’s different from Marden (the venue where Adelaide United’s women have played most games in recent times).”

After an inconsistent start to the season, the Reds are in excellent form, which has seen them rise to third place in the A-League Women table. Dawber tried to put her finger on what is behind their recent successes.

“We’re really gelling as a team now, both on and off the pitch…we lost a few players at the end of last season and signed some from interstate…Now we have belief that we can beat top sides and we know we are not a yo-yo side. We look to perform week-in-week-out now and look to continue the performances of the last few weeks and do that again on Friday. We’ve definitely come on leaps and bounds.”

The locally born striker also identified how the team’s consistent positive run of results over the past two seasons has brought about a change within the players who have been at the club long term.

**Above:** Adelaide United’s in-form striker Chelsie Dawber spoke of her Matildas aspirations and a potential overseas move this week. **Photo** **supplied to *Impetus* by:** Adelaide United.

“We put more pressure on ourselves now to perform each week. A couple of years ago we were happy to get a win here and there. Now the culture and mindset has changed and we’re more positive and know we can be Finals contenders this season.”

Dawber’s present goal-scoring record of three in her last four sees her continue where she left off for Adelaide City in the South Australia NPL Women’s competition with the striker scoring 16 goals in 21 games. It is a run that the South Australian is hoping to continue in order for her to earn international recognition.

“I’ve scored a lot of goals and also at the back end of last season in the W-League too. I’d like to think I’m in contention for the Matildas, but I have to keep scoring each week. I’m still young, who knows, my time may come.”

The 22-year-old also recognizes that in order to grow as a person and as a player she is likely to have to look for a move outside of Australia. She revealed that this is something that may happen sooner rather than later.

“I’d definitely like to go overseas to play and hopefully that would give me more experience to maybe then train with the Matildas, but my focus now is Adelaide United. My agent has spoken to a few clubs, but if I keep playing well and scoring, maybe there will get some chances to get some experience overseas.”

**Above:** Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta (far left) spoke to the media today ahead of Adelaide United’s game with Newcastle Jets tomorrow. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Adelaide United.

Ahead of his team’s game with Newcastle Jets on Friday, Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta reflected on last week’s dominant performance against Western Sydney Wanderers.

“Across the 90 minutes it was probably our most consistent (performance of the season). We were in control for most of the match, we created lots of chances and we defended as well as we have all season.”

Stenta spoke of how impressed he has been with the Jets so far this season: “They are back in the saddle after having a bit of a (COVID enforced) break. They are unbeaten in five. As long as I’ve been here, we’ve always had really close games with Newcastle, so I’m expecting a really close match.

“There are only 14 games in our season, so every game is important. You can’t afford to have too many slip-ups as there are not many games to make up ground.”

Adelaide’s head coach admitted that his team’s strong performances of late are giving him the best type of problem – who to select and who to leave out.

“We have an interesting dynamic at the moment as there’s a lot of players playing well, but also a number really impressing in training and trying to force their way in. It’s a headache to have, but a good headache!”

With Chelsie Dawber in excellent goal-scoring form at present, Stenta revealed she is thriving having been given extra responsibilities in the squad.

“She’s now part of the leadership group and that has added another level to her game. She is always dangerous. It doesn’t matter what the impact on the game has been, if she can find herself in the right spot, she will finish well.”

He concluded by updating injury news. After taking a blow to the head at Western Sydney, there was good news about Dylan Holmes. “Dylan is fine, she’s OK to play this weekend, (taking her off last week) was more precautionary than anything.

MELBOURNE VICTORY:

Melbourne Victory has announced a new signing in time for Friday’s game with Wellington Phoenix in Wollongong.

American defender Brooke Hendrix has joined the club for the remainder of the 2021/22 Liberty A-League Women’s season in place of injured captain Kayla Morrison.

Hendrix joins from NWSL club Racing Louisville. The 28-year-old comes with extensive European experience having previously played for West Ham United in the FA Women’s Super League, Brescia in the Italian Women’s Serie A, FC Staad in Switzerland, and Fylkir in Iceland.

After defensive difficulties since the early-season injury to Morrison, Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins spoke of his delight at completing the signing of Hendrix.

“We’re incredibly excited to sign a player of Brooke’s calibre for the remainder of the season. Brooke fits the shape of the type of player we require to continue to push for the title this season and will fill an important gap left by the injury of Kayla Morrison.

“Her experience across the globe matched with her physical prowess and ability to command the defensive line is something we’re really looking forward to see her bring to the team.”

Hendrix was excited about the opportunity that is in front of her over the next six weeks.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Melbourne Victory for the remainder of the A-League Women’s season and can’t wait to hit the ground and get started,” Hendrix said.

“I’ve heard a lot about the league from abroad and I’m looking forward to the challenge and helping Melbourne Victory achieve success this season.”

The defender will be available for selection for Friday’s clash with Wellington Phoenix at WIN Stadium pending international clearance.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX:

Wellington Phoenix have another tough task ahead of them on Friday night when they welcome defending champions Melbourne Victory to WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

However, head coach Gemma Lewis is confident that her team’s first win in the competition is just around the corner.

“Everything has been focussed around this one win.., but we look at the next five games and feel like there’s more up for grabs than just one win in there, based on our current performances, based on the oppositions that we’ve come up against.

“I realise that us saying that when we haven’t won a game yet might see quite backwards, but I think our mentality of where we’re at now in the season, how confident we feel in the team we’re almost like saying to them ‘what do you want, put a number on it, how many points do you want to get out of the next five games and we’re going to chase after that’.

“We’re not going to turn around and say we’re going to aim for three points from every single game because we don’t feel like that’s setting ourselves a realistic expectation.

“We haven’t settled on a number yet but it won’t be three. We want to set ourselves bigger targets than that.”

Lewis is expecting her team to bounce back strongly after letting a 2-1 lead over Perth Glory slip between their fingers in the final nine minutes on Monday.

“I’m hoping to see a better bounce back from that moving forward that we’re holding ourselves accountable.

“Not accepting that ‘aww we were so close’ and ‘that was great to be that close’ (when) it was our own undoing that stopped us getting the points.”

While the Phoenix have had only three full days to prepare for tomorrow night’s match, Victory haven’t played for almost three weeks.

“If I’m being quite honest a short turnaround always brings a little bit more worry because of how we like to play, because of the type of team we are and physically where we’re at in the season you know some players are carrying some fatigue.

“The bounce back from the game hasn’t been so bad it’s more been trying to calm the nerves and the feelings that we might not be ready to compete by tomorrow and getting in that belief in them that we can use the depth in our squad.

“Players can step up that are fresh and maybe haven’t had those minutes or fatigue in them and they’re raring to go and we can still compete at that level.”

**Above:** Grace Wisnewski. **Photo:** Hagan Hopkins/Getty Images. **Supplied by:** Wellington Phoenix.

Gemma Lewis will be unable to call on hard-working midfielder Grace Wisnewski, who has made herself unavailable for selection for mental health reasons.

“We’ve supported her and think she’s an incredible player and an incredible person. Even before coming here she was working through mental health, and deals with some anxiety.

“We support her in that space and we’ve supported her through this whole programme both at home and now here.

“With the short turnaround she doesn’t quite get a good recovery space and settles in enough time to be ready to go again and doesn’t want to put the team in unnecessary harm by her potentially not playing as well as she would like to.

“It’s just not the right time for her to be playing. We’re super supportive of her sitting this one out and supporting her team-mates.”

Lewis praised the 19-year-old’s strength for discussing her feelings.

“She brought it to us and we talked about it…I think it was really important for her to make that decision herself.

“We massively support that and we also think it’s the right decision for the team at this moment in time.

“We’re super supportive of it and also super proud that she feels confident in her environment to let us share that.”

Phoenix will also be without Kelli Brown due to concussion, and, despite returning from an ankle knock against Perth Glory on Monday, Mackenzie Barry may also miss out.

“She (Barry) did so well against Perth so of course we want her but the short turnaround doesn’t allow her (ankle) a lot of time to settle and almost puts it at a higher risk.

“Potentially for this game she misses out to make sure she’s fully back for the next game and onwards, because our turnarounds are a lot more reasonable.

“We don’t want to put her an unnecessary risk knowing that we could lose her for a longer period of time.”

Sydney Success Earns Whyman Record

Sydney FC 2-0 Brisbane Roar

Report by Kieran Yap

Exclusive Photos From Leichhardt Oval by Kris Goman (3/2/22).

Above: Sydney FC’s Paige Satchell (middle) looks to escape from Brisbane Roar’s Katrina Gorry (left). Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Sydney’s 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar has extended their lead at the top of the table and earned the side a new record.

It was Jada Whyman’s eighth clean sheet in a row emphasizing the team’s status now as the defensive standard bearers in the A-League Women.

The game started off positively for Sydney FC. Charlize Rule played a clever cross into the area in the fifth minute. It was hit at an awkward height for the Brisbane defence who may have been anticipating a more lofted ball. They failed to clear it and it bounced across the face of the area where Maria Rojas turned it into the goal on the half-volley.

**Above:** Cote Rojas (9) celebrates after putting Sydney FC ahead. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Brisbane had conceded early but responded positively. Katrina Gorry was typically involved in all areas of the pitch and tried to create something whenever she shot on the ball.

When Gorry gets the ball, her first instinct is to move, to sidestep, or to accelerate. Only once all other options are exhausted does she resort to passing backward. She remains one of the league’s most watchable players, her craft was sorely missed by The Matildas in India.

The Roar’s best chances on goal in the first half came through Shea Connors. The American striker was more mobile in this game. She started on the left as normal but moved through the centre and the right flank.

She had three shots on target, one from each position, but Whyman was equal to them, aided by her team’s defensive pressure.

Connors also created a chance for her side when her curled in pass was half-cleared and found Larissa Crummer. But the number nine blasted her shot over the bar.

Gorry tried her best to level the scores with a couple of efforts from outside of the area that missed the target.

Although Brisbane were doing most of the attacking since the goal, Sydney did not seem troubled. The midfield Sarah Hunter, Mackenzie Hawkesby, and Rachel Lowe closed down space and won the ball back quickly. Princess Ibini’s efforts to track back and help the defence were also notable in the first half.

**Above:** Sydney FC’s Princess Ibini (right), who worked hard all night. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Any plans Brisbane had at halftime were undone in the 49^th minute, once again after some hesitant defending and once again within five minutes of kickoff.

Charlize Rule, the provider of the first goal, scored her third this season. A Sydney FC corner kick was not easily cleared. With Mia Bailey off her line, Rojas tried to hook it back over her head, but the young goalkeeper was able to backpedal fast enough to push it back into play.

Rule reacted faster than the defenders in the chaos and nodded home to extend Sydney’s lead.

As Brisbane chased the lead, and brought on Hollie Palmer to add some more creativity to the midfield, the visiting side was dealt another blow.

Annabel Haffenden lost possession to Rojas from the centre of defence. The Chilean striker raced towards goal and Haffenden pulled her back in a professional foul.

It was a straight red card, and with Brisbane already two goals and a player down, getting a result seemed impossible.

**Above:** Annabel Haffenden is sent off after pulling back Sydney FC’s Cote Rojas. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Charlize Rule had a case for being player of the match in this game. But her night was cut short after a clash of heads with Jessie Rasschaert ended with her substitution for Jessika Nash.

As Brisbane surged forward in search of a goal, Sydney FC almost added a third. Hawkesby’s long-range effort crashed off the upright as Bailey leapt to stop it. It was a spectacular effort that deserved a goal.

The game ended 2-0 and with Brisbane a player short. They came up against the premiers in waiting and could not find the goal they needed.

Sydney FC are virtually unstoppable. It is more than just quality, they have genuine depth. An attack missing Remy Siemsen and Cortnee Vine was still dangerous throughout. Paige Satchell’s pace keeps any fullback from straying too far upfield and Rojas scored one and impacted the game immensely.

The midfield has four high-quality players to fill three positions. Lowe, Taylor Ray, and Mackenzie Hawkesby form a hard-working, yet composed and polished trio. Sarah Hunter has further improved her game this season and was Sydney’s most involved player in the first half.

They have virtually no weaknesses. Most teams have one area of vulnerability. To defeat Sydney FC this season you cannot isolate one aspect of their squad. An opponent might have an attack that can match their defence, but does anybody have the squad to match them in midfield and attack all at once?

**Above:** It was another good display from Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman, who, in the process broke the record for the most consecutive clean sheets in W/A-League Women history. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Sydney FC have more quality on their bench than some other teams do in their first XI.

Are they beatable this season? Only by luck.

Brisbane suffered another defeat, and it effectively ends their push for the top four.

They still remain consistently watchable. The Roar are an attack-minded, entertaining side that is struggling to finish chances and struggling to prevent opposition chances.

But this game was all about Sydney FC and Jada Whyman’s record. They are a team difficult to score against and difficult to prevent from scoring.

With only three home and away games remaining, they face Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory, and Adelaide United. They look likely to win these three games. The title is practically decided.

Kris Goman’s Exclusive Photo Gallery From Leichhardt Oval:

Click on the arrow at the right of the image to see the following photos.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Rule, Mclean, Tobin, Green, Lowe, Hunter, Hawkesby, Satchell, Rojas, Ibini. Substitutes: Hollman, Johnson, Nash, Offer (GK), Ray.

Scorers: Rojas 5′, Rule 49′.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-3-3): Bailey, Rasschaert, Rankin, Haffenden, Margraf, Kitano, Gorry, Hecher, Connors, Crummer, McElligott. Substitutes: Davern, Gett, Palmer, Tathem, Worth (GK).

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 501.

Alana Jancevski: Developing And Growing With Perth

Above: Alana Jancevski – one of Perth Glory’s young attacking weapons who is a star in the making. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Alana Jancevski has long been thought of as one of the most talented teenagers in the Australian women’s game. She’s in her first season in the A-League Women with Perth Glory and has caught the headlines already. Alana spoke to Impetus’ editor Ben Gilby, especially for this week’s #MidweekDub feature (2/2/22).

Alana Jancevski began playing football at the age of five, as she takes up the story. “I started playing for Bundoora United where I was a part of boys’ teams until the age of 12 where I then moved on to play for NTC (National Training Centre) in Victoria. I played there for five years. In that time period, I was also a part of the W-League squad at Melbourne Victory as a train-on for three years and the Junior Matildas (U17s) squad in 2018/2019.

“I then moved on to play for FC Bulleen Lions in the 2021 NPLW season. After the 2021 season, I was then contracted to play for Perth Glory in the current A-League Women’s season. I also received national exposure through KICK TV Series on ABC ME which documented my journey in football.”

Alana has been on the radar of many Australian women’s football fans since scoring an incredible goal in 2018 for the Young Matildas against Thailand. That was a memorable moment in her embryonic career.

**Above:** Alana Jancevski celebrates after scoring for the Junior Matildas against Thailand. **Photo:** AFC.

“Being a part of the U17 Junior Matildas squad was an amazing experience that I’ll forever cherish. Being able to represent your country is something truly special and to do it with a group of girls that became family is the key memory I’ll take away. Being able to play for your country let alone get on the score sheet in an Asian Cup was certainly a dream of mine and for it to come true was a surreal feeling.”

The 18-year-old has developed a bit of a name for herself when it comes to scoring stunning long-range goals. She emphasized the importance of training to further hone her undoubted skill in this part of her game.

“I think the key to scoring is getting the basics right first and continually practicing different techniques from within close range which will allow you to develop confidence in your ability to then try them from long range.”

Ahead of the 2021/22 A-League Women season, Alana took the life-changing decision to move from Victoria to Western Australia. She took us through the process and how the prospect of being coached by Alex Epakis was a key fact in joining the club.

“Making the move from Melbourne to Perth was a challenging one, but one that I am glad I made. The environment that Alex had created here in the West was something that caught my attention. His style of coaching and the goals and ambitions he has in place for two to three seasons expressed the true commitment he has to make Perth Glory a championship-winning side. It has exceeded my expectations and I am loving every minute with a talented group of girls and an amazing group of staff.

“Alex is a great person who happens to be a talented football coach. His drive and determination to give 110% to everything he does is something that stands out. He doesn’t accept nor drive low standards and continually wants to improve as a coach every day.

**Above:** Alana Jancevski gets a header in for Perth Glory at Sydney FC. **Photo:** Kris Goman.

“Having a coach that continually wants to grow individually highlights his commitments to make each and every player the best versions of themselves to add their unique qualities to the greater good of the squad.

“He has pushed me like no other coach has; he has made me not only physically a better footballer but has allowed me to become mentally stronger in tough moments which is something that I needed to develop in order to take the next step in my footballing journey. I look forward to continually working with Alex to take more leaps in the near future.”

A late arrival in the Glory team ahead of the season opener was Matildas legend Lisa De Vanna, someone Alana is delighted to be learning from.

“Lisa is a great addition to the squad. I remember meeting her as a 13-year-old at school and being starstruck. I have grown up watching her brilliance as a fan and to now get to play alongside her is a dream.

“I got to train with Lisa last year at Melbourne Victory and I now have the privilege to play with her. She has already taught me so many things and her approach to helping young players never goes unnoticed and I’m sure I will continue to learn from her in the upcoming season.”

Whilst, due to COVID related border issues, Perth Glory have spent the last five or six weeks being based in a North Sydney hub. The club has also suffered injuries to key offensive players such as Demi Koulizakis, Cyera Hintzen, and Susan Phonsongkham. Despite all of these major challenges, Perth remain well placed for a tilt at Finals football.

**Above:** The aftermath of Alana Jancevski’s winning goal for Perth Glory at Brisbane Roar. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

Alana has played her part in their great start by scoring her first-ever A-League Women’s goal to seal a late win in Brisbane. “It was a surreal feeling! I have dreamt of that moment for my entire life and to be able to live it is something I will forever cherish. For it to be in the later stages of the game to clinch the three points made it even more special as I was able to help my teammates.”

Alana’s goal sealed Perth’s second successive win at the end of a match, and the striker is clear about why they were able to do it.

“Our team culture is something that is special and something I have never experienced before. The amount of heart and passion we put into everything we do goes to show how we play week in week out. Throughout both those matches, this is something that has stood out as we fought until the end in both fixtures which allowed us to win those games.”

With this being Alana’s first season in senior football, she has set herself a few aims for the campaign.

“I want to be able to showcase my abilities and hopefully be involved in more score involvements whether that be goals or assists. I also want to work on my defensive attributes as this is an area I can continue to improve. I also want to grow as a young leader within the squad.

The teenager has high hopes for her Perth Glory team this season as well.

“Being a footballer, you have to have the competitive nature to win at all costs. As a group, a successful season is winning as many games as possible to make the top four and try to go all the way.”

Thetford Unbeaten League Run Ended In Dramatic Fashion

Thetford Town 1-2 Fakenham Town

By Darrell Allen (1/2/22)

Above: Becky White (left) in action for Thetford Town against Fakenham Town yesterday. Photo: Hannah Parnell.

After two weekends of cup action for Thetford Town, all eyes were on the return of the Norfolk Women and Girls League and a huge top-of-the-table clash awaited on Sunday as second place Thetford Town hosted third place Fakenham Town.

Bright blue skies and sunshine were the order of the day, a little chilly but very good weather-wise considering it was January.

Pre-game, Thetford Town’s new signing Amy Coaker was present and full of enthusiasm for the afternoon ahead.

Following a moment of silence to remember Lewis Sturman’s Mum from Fakenham Town impeccably observed by all, we were then off and underway.

Fakenham got the best early touches of the ball but Thetford was not allowing anything to happen with it and quickly turned the screw. The opening goal came on five minutes when wonderful work from Thetford Town striker Rebecca White earned the reward as she managed to get the ball to Abbie Corbyn who slotted past the Fakenham keeper. Thetford Town in front as they then looked to build on it.

**Above:** Abbey Corbyn, who put Thetford Town ahead. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell.

Thetford Town denied Fakenham as the defence stood firm not allowing a quick reply, captained as ever brilliantly by Sausha Levy-Twomey. The next stage of the game was all Thetford dominance, a great cross from Melissa Boulton but nothing to show for it.
Katie Hardie crashed a dramatic shot against the bar as Thetford loomed to put the game out of reach.

The game calmed after this point. A series of several on and off substitutions as David Skipp used the options available to him well and managed his players’ fitness and wellbeing perfectly all afternoon. The luxury when you have 16 players must have felt like dreamland after Thetford played with 10 players for 80 minutes at Bungay last weekend in the cup.

Amy Coaker was introduced on the wing for her debut and got stuck in from the start.
Thetford were without the ever-reliable Rachel Lynch who was coordinating matters from the touchline alongside David Skipp in the absence of assistant Stuart Terry who was resting at home following suffering broken ribs. We wish Stuart well and hope he is back next Sunday.

Thetford Town saw the game through to half time with no danger and were full value for the lead. They will feel very disappointed that they didn’t score more in a dominant first-half period.

The second half began as the sun began to drop and Fakenham Town came out with a new lease of life.

**Above:** Thetford Town’s new signing Amy Coaker in action on her debut against Fakenham Town yesterday. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell.

Lydia Ward produced another solid performance in the Thetford goal to deny Fakenham and ensure that Thetford got to the hour mark still in the lead. Abbie Corbyn continued to try and make things happen for Thetford Town but in terms of attacking creativity, there was very little to write home about for the home side.
Fakenham continued to stay in the game and reward came on 88 minutes when Shelley Woods fired across the keeper and into the corner.

A nervous stoppage time period followed with both teams having chances, Thetford could have won it when Abbie Corbyn crossed and Becky White couldn’t get her header in the right place.

Fakenham Town then went straight up the other end and Shelley Woods fired the ball over Lydia Ward to win it.

Verdict: A disappointing afternoon for Thetford Town as their unbeaten league record is ended in dramatic fashion at Mundford Road. Plenty of positives to take though with recent signings Amy Coaker and Chloe Bentick involved. A decent crowd and lots of people using bar facilities before, during, and after the game. The future is very bright and all Thetford’s home games continue to be free of charge and welcoming of everyone.

**Above:** Thetford Town pose with a Her Game Too banner. **Photo:** Thetford Town.

Thetford recently launched a partnership with Her Game Too and were delighted to have a photo with a new banner yesterday to support the fact that football is a game for all.

Player of the match: This week goes to Abbie Corbyn for her goal and tireless effort, determination, and work rate to always try and make things happen.

Teams: THETFORD TOWN: Ward, Webb, Davies, Levy-Twomey, Hardie, Musgrove, Howard, Boulton, Corbyn, Bentick, White. Substitutes: Coaker, Bambury, Rogers, Skipp, Howard.

Scorer: Corbyn 5′.

FAKENHAM TOWN: Betts, Pooley, Ketteringham, Riches, Hutchinson, Sands, Lubbock, Spurrell, Lubbock, Woods, Baker. Substitute: Davies.

Scorers: Woods 88′, 90′.

In the days’ other Division 1 fixtures, leaders Mulbarton Belles won 2-0 at Sprowston. Long Stratton took all three points at Stalham thanks to a sole goal by Luci Middleton. Bungay Town continued their great form with a 3-1 win at Beccles, Lucy Eagle, Selina Rowland and Gemma Moore on target for the victorious visitors.

In the days’ final game the Thorpe St Andrew girls produced a performance to be proud of despite losing 5-0 at home to Dussindale and Hellesdon. A very creditable result and shows the progress of the team following a 25-0 defeat in the reverse fixture in the opening day of the season. Certainly a good birthday weekend for Thorpe St Andrew manager Tony Allen who celebrated his big day on Saturday.