Bunge Confident Victory Can Bounce Back Against Adelaide

Above: Claudia Bunge speaking to the media. Image: Melbourne Victory.

By Isabelle Campbell (13/12/25)

Melbourne Victory centreback Claudia Bunge believes the team is close to finding its rhythm despite a challenging start to the season. After a difficult defeat to Canberra United last weekend, the squad has responded with an intense week of preparation.

Coach Jeff Hopkins also confirmed that Nicki Flannery will be included in the squad for the upcoming clash against Adelaide United. Having missed the first six rounds due to injury, her inclusion could be a key factor in unlocking the full potential of Victory’s lineup as the team looks to regain consistency and build momentum.

“It was a tough game for sure. I think Canberra are really strong this year. We’ve had a bit of a shaky start and we’ve highlighted that and worked really hard at training this week. We’re looking forward to going up against Adelaide, who are also going to be strong, and start implementing some of the things we did in training.”

Leaving the Canberra loss in the past, Victory now look ahead to Adelaide United in what is widely known as the ‘Original Rivalry’, a fixture Bunge knows well.

“We’ve got a bit of a rivalry with them. We’ve been in finals football with them, probably ever since I’ve been at the club and it’s always a really competitive and close match against them. We definitely don’t like each other, but I think that’s going to bring the best out of both teams. We’re really excited.”

This season has presented new challenges for Victory, with Bunge attributing much of the inconsistency to changes in the squad and the time required to form new combinations.

“We’ve got a lot of new players this year, I think probably about half stayed from last season. So we do have that foundation, but losing our entire midfield and losing Gielnik, I think we’ve had to reshape our attacking identity a bit. I think that’s taking a bit of time for us to settle. We’re seeing really promising things and people are starting to come back from injury now, I think that’s just gonna help our team and make positions more competitive.”

Bunge’s recent international experience with New Zealand in their two game friendlies series against the Matildas, saw her go head-to-head with striker Sam Kerr. Speaking on the experience of marking one of the games best, Bunge shared:

“She’s obviously such an incredible player, she’s someone you have to always know where she is. She loves living off your back shoulder. So I’m constantly just checking ‘Where is she?’ But those are the types of players that I want to be playing against. I’m hoping that if I can get a bit more time with the ferns, I can come up against players like Sam often.”

With a short turnaround of just three days between playing for the Ferns and returning to the pitch with Victory, Bunge shared how the process of managing the physical load between games has become increasingly important.

“I think it’s just about making sure my body feels right, so if I need to do a little less at training, spend a bit more time doing recovery, ice baths and stuff, then I’ll do that. I’m getting a little bit older now, only 26 still, but I feel like I’m starting to figure out what works for me and if that means less time on the grass and more time on the physio bed, then that’s what I’ll do. But honestly, not too much changes other than that.”

Looking ahead to Adelaide, Bunge is fully aware of the challenge the team presents. Despite their similar inconsistency in results so far this season, she expects them to be a formidable opponent. 

“I think the league in general this year, everyone’s really competitive. Adelaide have kind of had a bit of a similar start to us, a bit inconsistent, but on paper, I would say they’ve got one of the strongest teams in the league. So we’re definitely not underestimating them. I think eventually they will find their form. I think their team’s too good not to. So we are aware of that, but we’ve been a bit inconsistent, but I think when things start gelling with us, we’re gonna be pretty hard to stop.”

With several crucial players slowly returning from injury, the squad is poised to become stronger and more competitive. 

“They’re really important players in our team and really good additions. We’ve been riddled with a few injuries at the start of the season, but it’s really exciting to have them back and they’re only gonna boost the squad, boost the competition within the squad. So I’ve got full faith that things will just start gelling.”

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Analysis: Brick Wall helps take down giants

by Alyce Collett (12/12/25)

Above: Courtney Brosnan was crucial in helping Everton defeat Chelsea and end its undefeated run. Photo: via Everton FC.

Last weekend saw a historic result in the Women’s Super League (WSL) as Everton caused what might just end up being the upset of the season in knocking off Chelsea 1-0 and ending the Blues’ historic run of undefeated matches in a row.

As much as Honoka Hayashi’s 12th minute goal was important in ensuring the result, there was another player that had an even bigger role in helping the Toffees get over the line – their goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.

Brosnan is a goalkeeper who sometimes gets forgotten about in mainstream media because she does not play for a big club like Arsenal or Manchester City, but has been the absolute bedrock of the Everton side since moving across from West Ham and her performance against Chelsea last weekend was another example of why she should be more talked about as one of the best goal keepers in the competition.

In this analysis piece we take a deeper dive into Brosnan’s efforts against the reigning champions, explain why she was so important to Everton getting the huge result, and try and delve deeper into what this might mean for Everton’s upcoming challenge this weekend.

Courtney Brosnan stats vs Chelsea

Minutes: 90
Shots on Target Against: 6
Goals Against: 0

Chelsea recorded 30 shots against Everton last weekend, and although only six of them were on target, that is still a lot of relentless pressure on the Everton defence. With Brosnan at the heart of the Everton defensive team, she was able to provide the defensive surety that allowed the rest of the defensive group to confidently stand up to the relentless Chelsea attack.

One of the biggest positives of Brosnan’s game and the way she plays as a keeper more broadly Is her strong agility and her strong ability to read the ball through a crowded 6 yard box. In situations where some keepers would get caught off guard, lose the ball in the crowd and have the ball sneak past them into the goal, Brosnan is able to react with precise timing and tap away shots others would have not been able to reach.

A perfect example of this from last weekend’s match was in the sixth minute when Catarina Macario put up a shot that nutmegged through several sets of legs and was looking primed to go into the bottom corner of the back of the net, but Brosnan was able to read the path of the shot perfectly and tap it away and out of bounds.

Brosnan is also a very strong goal keeper, both in a physical sense and in a mental sense.

On the physical side of things, she can strongly mark the ball in a packed box – particularly in corner situations – and it is unlikely that the ball is going to be dislodged from her hands.

On the more mental side of things, Brosnan is not afraid to put her body on the line, and come out to stop shots and even potential shots. There was a prime example of this against Chelsea when she came out wide and perfectly timed a potential Lauren James cross that could have also just as easily been a kick straight to Brosnan’s face.

One other interesting thing to notice when watching Brosnan is her positioning within the 6 and 18 yard boxes.

She does not stay on her line too long – and often only does this when the ball is nowhere near her goal – but she also does not come out too far from her goal either, which stops opposition players being tempted to chip her and catch her off her line, or the need for her to pedal back at some speed for any reason.

During the game against Chelsea, the average distance from goal that Brosnan was while doing any of her defensive actions was 6.6 yards, or just over 6 metres. By contrast, Chelsea goalkeeper Livia Peng‘s average for the same metric was 25.5 yards, or just over 23 metres.

What does this mean for this weekend?

The challenging match ups keep coming for Brosnan and Everton, with the Toffees set to face Arsenal this weekend.

If the Toffees want to keep momentum going and pick up win three of the season, Brosnan is going to need to have another big game.

Despite the results not always going its way so far this season, Arsenal has scored more goals than Chelsea has so far this season, and the Gunners have a higher shots on target percentage so far this season than their London rivals.

Everton has caused some headaches for the Gunners in recent years, and a huge part of that is the confidence Brosnan provides and the assurances that if an opposition forward does get into a position to be able to shoot, Brosnan is going to be able to not only react quickly enough but in the right direction to be able to stop the shot.

Arsenal’s first choice forwards this season – which most of the time is Caitlin Foord, Olivia Smith and Alessia Russo – particularly tend to like to use agility to get past defenders as opposed to brute strength, so Brosnan’s strong reaction times will be put to the test this weekend.

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Peters and Lincoln preview Perth’s Phoenix clash

Above: Stephen Peters speaking to the media. Credit: Perth Glory.

By Ella McShane (11/12/25)

Perth Glory are set to host Wellington Phoenix this Friday at the Sam Kerr Football Centre in global football’s longest distance derby, as Round 7 of the Ninja A-League resumes following the international break.

Head coach Stephen Peters said the week off came at an important time for the squad. “It was nice to come home and rest a few bodies up, because the three away games in a row took their toll both physically and mentally.”  Ella Lincoln shared the sentiment, noting the busy travel schedule has been “very physically demanding, but we are trying not to make it an excuse.”

Having fallen to the bottom of the table and carrying the burden of the greatest goal difference in the league, serious questions have been raised around the squads overall quality. Peters, identifying the issue as “a mentality and discipline thing…I don’t think it’s a technique thing, I don’t think it’s a tactical thing, I think physically we are good.” He added that he remains fully confident in his group’s efforts in training stating: “I can never fault the players’ training; they always put top effort in.” 

Reflecting on recent performances, Peters noted that Glory showed “good elements” in both the Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC matches, while admitting the team were “poor for parts of” the clash with Melbourne Victory. Consistency, he said, is now the priority. “We need to be consistent, and we need to make sure our mindset is right on the money. We cannot afford to have any lapses in concentration.”

With the team currently on a four-game losing streak, Peters acknowledged the pressure within the club stating: “Four losses in a row is never nice for anybody – not just for myself but the support staff and anyone that has anything to do with the team… so we put that pressure on ourselves to be better every day. 

Above: Ella Lincoln speaking to media. Credit: Perth Glory.

Lincoln provided insight into Peters’ “clear” messaging to the team. Peters’ emphasising “not [letting] the opposition outwork us. We’ve found this league is very tight and the team that usually comes away with the three points is the team that’s put in the bigger shift.”

Turning attention to the opposition, Peters’ emphasised the importance of respect for the opposition and utilising a home advantage. He revealed he watched Phoenix’s recent match against Melbourne City with “great interest,” adding, “In my opinion they were the better team.”

Friday’s distance derby will also mark Peters’ first managerial meeting with Wellington coach Beverly Priestman. “I’m pretty excited. I think she’s a bit of a trailblazer.” Peters further praising Priestman sharing that “I think she’s doing a great job with the team.”

Injury concerns remain for Glory, with Megan Wynne, Natalie Tathem and Emma Tovar among those on the sidelines. Peters declined to confirm who might return this week, saying, “We’ve got a few that are in the window to be selected, but I don’t really want to talk about who they are and where they are until we name the team sheet.”

Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix kicks off at 7:00pm AWST at Sam Kerr Football Centre. Available to stream on 10+ & Paramount+. 

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Renée Slegers hails Chloe Kelly: “She brings that edge on the pitch”

By Chloe Reynolds (11/12/25)

Above: Slegers speaking to the media on Thursday. Photo: Arsenal website.

Arsenal head north this weekend to face a resurgent Everton side who are fresh off the unlikeliest of wins against champions Chelsea, ending the London side’s 34-game unbeaten league streak. Ahead of the duel, head coach Renée Slegers was questioned on the Toffees – and the news that winger Chloe Kelly has been nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Team news

Slegers has said that the only two players in doubt are Jenna Nighswonger and Laia
Codina, confirming that the duo “have been managing minor issues.” However, there was a more positive update as the head coach revealed that “I think Codi is a little bit further ahead, so there’s one more session to go. She might be able to travel, so we’ll see how she goes tomorrow. Jenna, I don’t think will travel.”

Chloe Kelly “brings that edge on the pitch” – Slegers

Earlier today, it was announced that Chloe Kelly has been nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year – a hugely prestigious title in the UK and one won previously by Mary Earps and Beth Mead. Slegers praised Kelly as “a big personality for us,” adding that “she brings that edge on the pitch.”

Her club head coach was also keen to emphasise Kelly’s achievements this year, winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Arsenal and scoring the penalty that cemented England as back-to-back European champions.

Above: Kelly after scoring for England against Italy in the 2025 Euro semi-final. Photo: Denis Balibouse/Reuters.

“Her last season has been very successful, coming to us, coming back to Arsenal and being really important for us, winning the Champions League,” she reflected, adding that “everything she achieved with England and the role she played for England. She’s had a really good season.”

Why Slegers “highly respects” Everton boss Brian Sørensen

Everton, who had only won one game all season produced a shock win against
Chelsea last Sunday, and Slegers believes that the Toffees could be a threat to the
Gunners. “I highly respect Everton and Brian for the team they are, she said.

“They’re a very unpredictable team. They can do different things, so it’s always, at the start of the game, having a good look at what their plan is and what their structure is and what they try to do. 

Transitions, they’ve been extremely clinical from their transitions, so we have to manage that really well because we know the strength they have with the quality of players that can set it up and the quality of players that can finish it.”

On the specific dangers Everton pose, Slegers praised their “quality and speed up top, so we’ll have to manage that really well. It’s one of their big weapons.”

Whilst focused on their offensive power, the head coach also highlighted the Toffees’ defense: “If you look at the way they defended their last game when they got the 1-0 win, they defended for their lives in the box. The goalkeeper saves a lot of shots and moments, so we expect the same.”

She also added that she expects Everton to have taken “a lot of belief” out of their win at Kingsmeadow last week, and is readying her team for a tough game.

Hailing Arsenal’s “incredible” fans

Arsenal played their last home game of the year on Tuesday night at Medow Park,
and with three away games left, Slegers was keen to show her appreciation for Arsenal’s fans. “I think I can take a moment to thank the fans so far for 2025. There’s three games left to play for us, no more home games, but if you look at it like you say, travelling early, the early kick-off against Liverpool and the amount of fans we get at the Emirates,” she praised.

“I know everyone has been travelling from, or some have been travelling from far to see us so early in the day. So we appreciate it, we don’t take it for granted, I’m very thankful for the support we get as a team.

That’s the home games for 2025 and we have three away games left, but it’s incredible that there will be so many fans (at) Everton away. I take a moment to say thank you to the fans for 2025, they’ve been incredible.”

This will also be the Dutch coach’s first trip to Goodison park since the Toffees’
move back in September, following the opening of the new Hill Dickinson stadium for Everton’s men.

On Goodison, Slegers said “I know it’s a stadium with a lot of history. I haven’t been there yet so it will be my first time but of course great. I think Everton have been part of the WSL for a long time and pushing.

Brian is doing so much as well, on the pitch on a daily basis but also things in the background. It will be a nice moment to go to Goodison Park and play there.”

Arsenal travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on Saturday, kicking off at 12 noon UK time.

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Vrouwen Eredivisie Week Ten: Ajax win 8-0, red cards shown at Feyenoord

By Jan-Kees Joosse (11/12/25)

Above: Ajax celebrate their 8-0 win. Photo: Ajax.nl.

This week in the Eredivisie delivered goals, tension and a few big milestones. While Ajax impressed with a big win over FC Utrecht, PSV and Feyenoord fought hard for crucial points to compete at the top.

Ajax 8-0 FC Utrecht

After a big loss against PEC Zwolle (7-1 last time out), Ajax produced an emphatic response at home. On De Toekomst, FC Utrecht were swept aside by 8-0. Some of their big talents like Ranneke Derks and Danique Tolhoek showed off how promising they are. Again they proved their worth of a titlerace contention.

Ajax started sharply: Van Egmond opened the scoring after just five minutes, before Tolhoek struck the post from distance. A sour moment followed when Isa Colin had to be stretchered off, but Ajax continued in full force.

Through Derks and Van Egmond they quickly extended the lead to 3–0. Tolhoek and Van de Velde made it 4–0 and 5–0, and Tolhoek struck again just before half-time. Even after the break Utrecht could not find an answer. They were completely lackluster like Ajax were against Pec Zwolle. Derks capitalised on defensive mistakes and later completed her hat-trick.

FC Utrecht have shown a lack of sharpness against PEC Zwolle, AZ and now Ajax. They lack match-focus during the start of games this season and are far from what team they were last season. With a game in hand, they are capable to bounce back during the season. 

Feyenoord 1-0 PEC Zwolle

In Rotterdam, PEC Zwolle really proved they have a really good coach and strong team performance in them against every team. After their big win over Ajax, they had an even amount of points as Feyenoord. So there was much to prove. Who deserves to chase the top-teams in the Eredivisie and claim the title ‘Best of the Rest’?

Notably, PEC arrived with confidence – having beaten Ajax 7–1 before the international break – but it was Feyenoord who struck at the key moment after a sharp ball in by Mao Itamura. Who again is a difference maker for Feyenoord. Kirsten van de Westeringh put it home, just before the break. 

The match could have gone either way: another Van de Westeringh goal was ruled out, just like a finish from Akari Takeshige. Tensions boiled late on with red cards for Dechamaily Lont and a PEC player following a confrontation. Feyenoord held on and took three vital points.

Jessica Torny’s Feyenoord have been very consistent this season. They’ve given every team they faced a lot of work to do. When they lost it was only with small margins. Losing with a penalty against Ajax, and a Jill Roord goal to lose against Twente – small margins tell a story. They are very close to the top of the table. 

ADO Den Haag 0-2 PSV

ADO had a better performance under their new management, but PSV survived the new manager bounce with a poor perfomance. In the latter stages of the match they found their form and a couple moments of individual quality secured the win for PSV.

PSV had a much tougher task in The Hague. Bottom side ADO showed character and made life difficult, particularly during a sloppy first half. PSV failed to find their rhythm and repeatedly gave the ball away dangerously, while ADO could not convert their best chances. 

After the break, PSV gradually took control, although the opener came from nowhere. Liz Rijsbergen unleashed a brilliant long-range strike into the top corner, a world-class goal. After that, PSV barely looked troubled again. In the dying minutes, Rijsbergen again made the difference by setting up Lore Jacobs for 0-2.

A major milestone: Renate Jansen played her 300th Eredivisie match, on her birthday, becoming the all-time record holder. And there was more good news with Aniek Nouwen returning from injury.

HERA United 1-1 Excelsior Rotterdam

Lower down the table, HERA and Excelsior both knew how vital the points in this direct clash would be. HERA took the lead just before half-time after miscommunication in the Excelsior defence and for a long time that looked enough.

Excelsior pushed on however and finally got their reward. In the 81st minute Van Spijk stayed composed and lifted the ball beautifully over the goalkeeper. Excelsior even had opportunities to win it late on, while goalkeeper Van der Klooster had kept her side alive earlier with several strong saves.

A draw in the end, but certainly not a quiet match—more like a perfect illustration of how tense things are at the bottom this season.

NAC Breda 0-2 sc Heerenveen

NAC and sc Heerenveen both started the weekend on four points, making this a true six-pointer. With heavy rain turning the pitch into a battle zone, both sides knew that one mistake could decide everything.

Heerenveen looked more dangerous from set pieces and fast breaks, and eventually Aymee Altena broke the deadlock with a precise header just before half-time.

NAC thought they had equalised after the restart, only for the flag to go up late and rule the goal out. That frustration hurt, and Heerenveen continued to threaten before Altena struck again with ten minutes remaining. NAC could not mount a final push and now face an uphill battle to climb off the bottom.

Conclusion

The season is far from over, but this round felt like a turning point for several sides: Ajax rediscovered top form and their easy goal making has to put some fear in FC Twente who have a game in hand against AZ – their match rescheduled due to the Champions League. PSV showed resilience and did what they need to do to stay at the top, the comeback of Aniek Nouwen in defence must be good for PSV’s future in the Eredivisie. Down below desperate fights for survival are already taking shape and the transfer window this winter might be crucial.

Follow Jan for news about Dutch women’s football at  www.fcleeuwinnen.nl. 

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Canberra United score twice to beat Sydney FC

Canberra United 2-0 Sydney FC

By Kieran Yap 11/12/25

Above: Canberra United celebrates a goal Photo: Canberra United

Goals from Michelle Heyman and a first for Sienna Dale secured a 2-0 win for Canberra United against Sydney FC, while Sasha Grove’s impressive form continues to build.

Canberra United offers fans a special deal, a ticket bought for this midweek clash with Sydney FC would grant them entry into the weekends fixture with Melbourne City. On the strength of this performance, that was the best deal in Australian football.

The home side started strongly, possibly buoyed by their weekend win over Melbourne Victory, but more likely because they were organised and enthusiastic. Hayley Taylor-Young and Emma Hawkins were especially proactive early, creating numerous chances on the left.

Sydney FC were without Riley Tanner, the Panama international was rested following national team duty. Ante Juric opted for an attack of Mackenzie Hawkesby, Caley Tallon-Henniker and Millie Cassar.

Canberra’s midfield press kept the game mostly on their terms. They were aggressive on winning the ball back and quick to put the visiting defenders under pressure with quick movement, often to the flanks.

Jazmin Wardlow came closest to opening the scoring in the first half. Her header from a set piece flashed wide.

Canberra’s high energy tactics were paying off, but came with a risk, Bethany Gordon was perhaps lucky to only receive a yellow card for a sliding tackle.

The home side began the second half much as they did the first and before the hour, they had a deserved lead. Michelle Heyman had been well marked in the opening stages, but her flick direct from Sally James’s long pass released Sasha Grove on the right.

Canberra’s cult hero burst free of her marker, leaving the defender on the turf and accelerated more to give herself time and space. Meanwhile, Heyman’s run had continued and she finished well from Grove’s excellent cut back.

Tori Tumeth almost levelled the scores immediately, but her shot from wide skimmed past the far post when all it needed was a touch from anyone near it.

Canberra United escaped that danger and soon had a second. Gordon’s well paced free kick fell to Sienna Dale who turned to score through a crowded penalty area.

Sydney FC’s efforts to chase the lead were in vain and even the introduction of Hana Lowry could not overcome Canberra’s enthusiastic defensive efforts. To cap off another outstanding performance, Grove finished the game on the left side of defence, to secure the three points.

Canberra United’s second successive win should give them all the confidence they need to get a result against Melbourne City in the next round.

Sydney FC will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season against Wellington Phoenix following a week off with the Bye.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-3-3): James, Anton, Wardlow, Bertolissio, Taylor-Young, Aulicino, Gordon, Hawkins, Grove, Sasaki, Heyman. Substitutes: Majstorovic, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Christopherson, Dale, Malone.

Goals: Heyman 53’ Dale 65’

SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Robertson, Lemon, Pearson, Fenton, Tumeth, Hunter, Caspers, Galic, Cassar, Hawkesby, Tallon-Henniker. Substitutes: Oppedisiano, Ayson, Lowry, Ulkekul, Halmarick, Sullivan.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 761.

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Keeper MacLean steals the show in tenacious Drybugh cup defeat to Hibs

Hibernian 7-0 Dryburgh Athletic

By Gethin Thurlow For Impetus at Meadowbank (8/12/25)

Above: Rebecca Lonie (Maroon) and Jess Ramsey (Green) chase the ball in the rain Photo: Hibernian FC

Dryburgh shot-stopper Zoe MacLean made a number of incredible saves in what was a strong defensive display by the third division side, who kept the score at a more than respectable 4-0 for the majority of the game. In a significant moment for the hosts, 16-year-old wonderkid Jess Ramsey scored her first goal for the club, as they advanced to the fourth round of the SWF Cup.

The Action

Given the gulf between the sides – a fully professional and current defending SWPL champions outfit up against third tier Dryburgh it was not surprising that Hibs controlled the ball at the edge of their opponents’ box for the majority of the game.

Dryburgh’s game plan became obvious from the first minute, to sit back in an ultra-low block with so many bodies crowding the box that Hibs couldn’t operate effectively enough to create clear shooting opportunities.

This proved effective as the game advanced, and while Grant Scott’s team able to fire the ball towards the box whenever they wanted, his players never had time or space on the ball and it was continually cleared by the Dryburgh defence.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to accrue some shots on target, as Livingstone and Herron both had strong efforts kept out by MacLean, who didn’t look anything like a third tier goalkeeper throughout the match. The first shot which didn’t find the hands of MacLean in fact was an absolute fizzer from Ellis Notley that rattled the bar.

The champions of Scotland that they are, Hibernian weren’t going to let any moment slip. When they had any sort of space inside the box for the first time just before the 20-minute mark, Kirsty Morrison drove down the right wing and pulled the ball back beautifully to Tiree Burchill, who smacked the ball straight into the far corner. A brutal display of patience and clinical edge.

By no means did this open the floodgates however, and some more defending and shot stopping occurred for the next 10 minutes. From a corner, the ball briefly bounced around the various heads inside the six-yard box, before Scarlett Herron decisively forced the ball into the net, with MacLean having no chance amidst the chaos on her goal line.

On the stroke of half time, Rosie Livingstone showed off the quality that saw her start multiple European games thrashing a goal in from the edge of the box. This was only after she had a close-range effort and Siobhan Hunter a furiously strong freekick saved by Dryburgh’s hero, who’s hands seemed to be made of steel.

As the second half got underway, Dryburgh stayed resilient. Despite the physical advantage that Hibs players had from training full time and the mental discipline required to play how they did, the away side inspired the large fan support they managed to bring from Dundee.

They held out until the 63rd minute, when academy star Jess Ramsey scored her first goal with her first touch in the match – redirecting Tegan Bowie’s cross past MacLean.

While Rowena Armitage faced zero shots in the Hibs net, Dryburgh’s attackers worked tirelessly throughout, and in one particular example, winger Emma Lawson delightfully received a long ball towards their oppositions box and controlled it with a backheel.

Naturally, one would assume that as the game wore on, Athletic’s resistance would break down, but in reality, the opposite happened. As Hibs introduced striker Eilidh Adams back from injury they still pushed with the same intensity but were repeatedly denied by whatever Dryburgh could throw in the way of the ball.

In the final 10 minutes of the game, Hunter rifled a free-kick through the wall, before Boyle and Adams added finishes from close range; but ultimately those goals did an injustice to the overall display from Dryburgh Athletic, who defended with more vigour and application than a fair few semi-professional sides have at Meadowbank this year.

Player of the Match Zoe MacLean

Above: Drybugh goalkeeper MacLean Photo: @DryburghAthW on X

It’s difficult to sum up Maclean’s performance for the people unlucky enough not to witness it. While there is no official stat line, she must have been close to if not into double figures in terms of saves made. Her positioning, movement and strength were all that of a much higher level than she’s currently playing. These shots were powerful and well-placed efforts from league winners, and the torrential Scottish rain can’t have made the ball easier to handle.

While Maclean remains a Championship player for the moment, I wouldn’t be surprised if she finds herself in the SWPL or SWPL2 soon. Based on this display, she would barely have looked out of place starting in goal for any of the teams that Hibs come up against in the top tier of Scottish football.

Where this leaves the teams

There were positive signs for the Hibees in terms of injury returns, with Caley Gibb’s start confirming her full fitness. Eilidh Adams’ 20-minute spell finally signalled the return of an out-and-out striker. Scarlett Herron got another 90 minutes of valuable experience under her belt, as it looks like she’ll be continuing at centre back for the foreseeable with Linzi Taylor still missing.

Advancing to the next stage of the cup was always going to be the Edinburgh side’s main aim, and achieving this whilst giving all seven goal scorers confidence in front of goal is an added bonus for Grant Scott.

Before the game, Dryburgh Athletic called this the biggest game in their history, and the performance certainly matched this. Holding the SWPL champions to seven goals might not seem impressive, but this a prolific attacking unit which regular puts five or more goals past SWPL sides, and beat current seventh placed Motherwell 9-0 earlier this year.

The gaps between leagues are huge, with the training and preparation of either side unrecognisably different. Dryburgh had a plan, went out there and made the travelling fans – which outnumbered some SWPL clubs at Meadowbank, ever so proud. While Zoe MacLean was incredible, it was a full 16-player defensive effort, and they showed what Dryburgh Athletic are all about.

Teams: HIBERNIAN (4-2-3-1): Armitage, Doran-Barr, Hunter, Herron, Gibb, Notley, Boyle (c), Morrison, Boughton, Livingstone, Burchill. Substitutes: Papadopoulos (for Gibb 46’), Bowie (for Livingstone 46’), Ramsey (for Boughton 62’), I Taylor (for Burchill 62’), Adams (for Morrison 70’).

Scorers: 1-0 Burchill 19’, 2-0 Herron 30’, 3-0 Livingstone 43’ 4-0 Ramsey 63’, 5-0 Hunter 82’, 6-0 Boyle 87’, 7-0 Adams 90’.

DRYBURGH ATHLETIC (4-3-3): MacLean, Delworth, Hassett, Kelly, Martindale, Dailly, Robbie (c), Fraser, Laing, Christie, Lawson. Substitutes: Scobie (for Christie 51’), Lonie (for Lawson 62’), Burns (for Dailly 62’), Watt (for Kelly 86’), Coutts (for Fraser 86’).

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Mariners score four past Jets

Central Coast Mariners 4-1 Newcastle Jets

By Emma Burke 7/12/25

Above: Central Coast Mariners. Photo: A-Leagues.

Central Coast Mariners have served Newcastle Jets their first loss of the season, beating them 4-1 in the F3 Derby at Polytec Stadium.

Despite the Jets opening early and against the run of play through Lauren Allen, assisted by Alexis Collins, the Jets were unable to withstand the force of the Mariners. 

It was Annalise Rasmussen, an Academy graduate, who found an equaliser towards the end of the first half, breaking a three game goalless streak for the side.

Rasmussen had kept a level head throughout the half after being called offside multiple times, and was finally rewarded with a goal, scored on the end of a cross from Peta Trimis.

The Mariners waited until late into the second half to truly demolish the visiting Jets, scoring three goals in the space of just 12 minutes.

Rasmussen ended her shift for the evening with a brace, scoring again, this time assisted by an Isabel Gomez pass that broke through the Jets’ lines.

It was Rasmussen’s replacement in Tamar Levin who found the back of the net for the first time in a Central Coast shirt. 

Levin’s shot was fired in from outside the box, well out of the reach of Jets’ Kiwi keeper Anna Leat. 

The final nail in the coffin for the Jets came at the right-foot of 17-year-old Eliza Familton, who also made her debut for the Central Coast.

While the game was an overwhelming success for Central Coast, they may now have an injury concern for their starting keeper, Sarah Langman, who went down late in the second half, clutching her right knee. 

Langman received treatment on the pitch, with her knee being heavily strapped, but was unable to continue playing only a few passages of play later, which saw Annalie Grove make her first appearance for the Mariners between the sticks.

Central Coast Mariners (4-4-2): Langman, Baumann, King, Barwick-Grey, Martin, Coco-Di Sipio, Quilligan, Kraszula, Trimis, Rasmussen, Gomez Substitutes: Grove, Levin, Prakash, Clough, Buchanan, Familton

Scorers: Rasmussen 42’, 71’, Levin 78’, Familton 84’

Newcastle Jets (3-1-4-2): Leat, Wilson, Prior, Cicco, Davis, Copus-Brown, Dundas, L. Allen, J. Allen, Collins, Ayres Substitutes: Ritchie, Karipidis, Adams, Breier, Page, Johnson

Scorers: L. Allan 22’ 


Referee: Sophie Allum

Attendance: 328.

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Roar’s attack purring in defeat of Adelaide United

Adelaide United 1-3 Brisbane Roar

By Kieran Yap 7/12/25

Above: Bente Jansen (L) Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane Roar gained a valuable three points on the road against Adelaide United. Bente Jansen’s brace and a sparkling display by Kiera Myers was enough to secure a 3-1 win against Adelaide United.

Alex Smith’s Roar travelled to Cooper’s stadium for their first outing in three weeks. A bye and a postponement meant that their last game was on the 16th of November, and they were looking to bounce back from that 1-0 defeat to Western Sydney.

Adelaide United had a similar gap between games, but were aiming to sustain momentum from a win against Canberra United almost a month ago.

Brisbane started the strongest of the sides. They fielded a very attacking lineup, with Tameka Yallop, Jansen, Sharn Freier, Grace Kuilamu and Meyers all starting, but they defended from the front. The Roar pressed Adelaide aggressively and any ball that got out the back was mopped up and returned by Momo Hayashi or Alicia Woods.

Adelaide’s midfield of Adriana and Melissa Taranto and Emily Condon, struggled to maintain possession or move the ball forward in the  opening stages. The game was largely being played in Brisbane’s attacking third and Meyers’s tricky footwork created the first real chance of the game, but her cross was blocked.

Despite Brisbane’s early dominance, the home side almost took the lead. Chelsie Dawber’s cross was whipped in dangerously but Melissa Taranto’s outstretched effort was centimetres away from connecting.

Brisbane’s attack finally delivered the opening goal though and it was Grace Kuilamu who broke the deadlock. The young striker calmly finished off Aimee Medwin’s cross from the left to make it 1-0 in the 29th minute.

Brisbane’s strong start was challenged by an apparent hamstring injury to captain and star playmaker Tameka Yallop. The Matildas midfielder pulled up short as she chased a ball towards goal. She punched the turf in frustration and was replaced by Kijah Stephenson.

The injury might have dampened the mood, but not Roar’s momentum. Another flowing passing move found Sharn Freier in space, and another cross from the left ended up in a goal. This time is was Jansen who nodded back across goal to double the advantage.

Adelaide United grew into the game in the second half and pulled one back in spectacular style. After winning the ball back in attack, Dawber’s clever flick put Erin Healy infront of goal, but still with three defenders and 18 yards between her and scoring.

The shot was almost unsavable from the Ireland international. She rocketed the ball beyond Chloe Lincoln before the goalkeeper or her defenders could ready for the strike. It was 2-1 and Adelaide had their spark back.

Another attack from the home side looked like it could be one of the goals of the season. An excellent passing move that began with Holly Murray at the left of defence and ended up with Isabel Hodgson crossing from the right deserved a goal, but Hayashi was ready to clear and deny Adelaide an equaliser.

Even without Yallop, Brisbane’s attack still looked deadly when given the chance and with Adelaide searching for a second, they left themselves exposed to counter attacks through the pace of Kuilamu or Freier.

Kuilamu’s through ball, put Jansen into space and she raced in on goal, although Claudia Jenkins did well to block the initial shot at close range, Jansen was able to scramble home the rebound the effectively seal the result with just over 20 minutes to play.

The Dutch forward almost had a hat trick when Hayashi pushed forward to play her in on goal, but her finish was uncharacteristically off target. Despite that missed chance, Brisbane were able to hold out Adelaide to record a 3-1 win and climb to the top of the table with games in hand over both Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.

Next up for the Roar is a potentially tricky visit to face and unpredictable Newcastle. Adelaide United will head to Melbourne where Victory await.

Lineups: Adelaide United (4-2-1-3): Jenkins, I Hodgson, McNamara, Murray, Tonkin, M Taranto, A Taranto, Condon, Dawber, Healy, Worts. Substitutes: Rossi, E Hodson, Zois, Murray, Millar, Tolland.

Goals: Healy 51’

Brisbane Roar (4-1-4-1): Lincoln, Millar, Hayashi, Varley, Medwin, Woods, Freier, Yallop, Jansen, Meyers, Kuilamu. Substitutes: Stepehenson, Studer, Kruger, Franco, Kinsella, Piazza.

Goals: Kuilamu 29’ Jansen 45’ 67’

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: 4,004.

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Action packed Sydney derby sees spoils shared

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-0 Sydney FC

by Callum Logie (7/12/25)

Above: Western Sydney Wanderers’ Amy Chessari (hoops) battles for possession with Mackenzie Hawkesby today at Marconi Stadium. Photo: Sydney FC.

Marconi Stadium hosted the Sydney derby which saw a lot of action on the field, but neither team was able to get the deciding goal as they split the points.

An overcast but pleasant day in Western Sydney hosted the derby between two sides with different aspirations coming into it. Sydney FC were looking to remain undefeated and move up to the top of the table while the Wanderers were looking to propel up the table with their second win of the season.

Sydney FC started out with a very young back line, with 14 year-old Willa Pearson and 16 year-old Rubi Sullivan getting starts, with fellow teenager Amelia Cassar getting the start in the front three. Chinese International Yuan Cong got the start up front for the Wanderers, who came out in a positive shape seeing both Holly Caspers and Kim So-Eun in the starting eleven.

The first five minutes were rather tentative, with both teams looking to feel each other out and get stuck in defensively. Western Sydney controlled the majority of the possession and territory during the start, but the defensive line of Sydney FC, lead by Kirsty Fenton, held firm.

The first meaningful chance came from Riley Tanner. Western Sydney lost possession after an errant pass from Amy Harrison and Mackenzie Hawkesby leaped into possession and played a clever ball through to Tanner. It arrived awkwardly to the wide forward and her effort on goal was competently collected by Sham Khamis.

On the other end almost immediately after, some determined aerial play from Yuan released Harrison for a driven shot at Tiahna Robertson. Robertson proved equal to the effort and collected the ball on the second effort.

There was no shortage of goalmouth action within the three minutes after the ten minute mark, with Mackenzie Hawkesby drifting wide and setting up a curled shot from Madeleine Caspers. Caspers strike was well directed but saved well by Khamis, and Cassar’s subsequent effort was deflected behind for a corner.

The midfield battle in particular was very interesting to watch, with Harrison, both Caspers sisters, and Bianca Galic all looking to create chances in what was a rather narrow gameplan from each team early on.

At 15 minutes, Hawkesby struck a snapshot half volley after an aerial battle was won by Sydney. While a nice display of ingenuity from the forward, the shot was straight at Khamis who looked in good form to start the first half.

The Wanderers tweaked their game plan early, focusing up the left wing and looking to create with Holly Caspers. The focus was testing Pearson and Fenton in the middle with the aerial threat of Yuan who was winning her fair share of battles in the air.

A breakaway forward set up by nice hold up play from Cong allowed Kim space to break forward, she played a gentle ball across to Holly Caspers who took a shot after taking a touch, but the effort was deflected for another corner. The middle third of the first half was controlled by Western Sydney.

Yuan and Kim combined well on a few occasions in the first half, Cong consistently looking to test the centre backs physically and the creativity of Kim complementing the target forward well.

Yuan’s hold-up play created another chance for the hosts, with Harrison taking a shot from around 20 yards but directing it high and wide, not getting the best connection with her shot.

Hawkesby won a free kick in a dangerous position, well within shooting territory for Sarah Hunter. Hunter did take a curled shot around the wall but it was too close to Khamis who was able to collect the shot at the first time of asking.

Just before half-time, Yuan found herself open from eight yards out for a free header at goal after a good run forward and cross from Ella Buchanan. The shot was just slightly wide of Robertson’s post but it was the closest either team got to opening the scoring in the first half.

Tanner and Hawkesby combined to create a great chance for Caley Tallon-Henniker in the 49th minute, but Khamis charged out to close the angle and made the save to keep the game even at 0-0. Despite the lack of scoring, there was quite an engaging flow of play in this derby.

In the 55th minute, the visitors created a terrific chance. Galic broke forward and set up Hawkesby from just behind the penalty spot. Unfortunately for the forward, her effort was driven over the bar and the scores remained even.

A couple of minutes later, some good passing between Tanner and Galic set up another great chance, this time for Maddy Caspers. Her left foot effort was driven wide of the goal, but Sydney were consistently knocking on the door in the second half.

Robertson nearly conceded the first goal of the game as she played a misdirected pass into the path of substitute Talia Younis who immediately slid the ball across to Yuan. Robertson remarkably got back to her spot in time to make the save from the effort and Sullivan was able to clear from danger as there was an injury stoppage for Robertson, who was able to continue after receiving some treatment for a cut to the head.

Younis drove a shot wide after some clever build-up play from Yuan and Holly Caspers. Yuan took another shot a couple of moments later but was unable to direct it on target. 

The Wanderers once again created a chance after a poor pass from Maddy Caspers directly played in Talia Younis, but Tiahna Robertson charged down and made the save to keep the game even at 80 minutes.

Western Sydney continued to press and push forward, not content with settling for the draw. Some determined forward play led to an excellent shot from the edge of the box from substitute Alyssa Ng-Saad which was denied by an outstretched Robertson who put on a heroic performance in the second half.

In stoppage time, Hana Lowry in her first game in over a year took a shot from the edge of the box that was driven over the bar. It would have been a fairytale return for the midfielder after such a long rehabilitation, but it was not to be.

In an action-packed derby game, both goalkeepers put up great performances to keep clean sheets and mark what may have been the most exciting 0-0 draw of the season. Sydney FC remained undefeated but Western Sydney Wanderers ended their 6 game losing streak in Sydney derbies.

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

SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Robertson, Lemon, Pearson, Fenton, Sullivan, Kaspers, Hunter, Galic, Tanner, Hawkesby, Cassar. Substitutes: Ayson, Halmarick, Lowry, Oppedisano, Ulkekul, Tallon-Henniker.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 1,348.

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