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Phallon Tullis-Joyce: Manchester United’s deep-sea obsessed revelation

By Catherine MacKenzie (06/05/2025)

Above: Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Photo: Manchester United.

Speaking to Impetus’ Catherine MacKenzie alongside other media, Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce shared her experience watching last year’s FA Cup final from the sidelines, how she deals with the pressure that comes with being Manchester United’s no.1, and what this year’s FA Cup final means to her.

At the end of the 2023-24 season, surprising news came out of Manchester. United and England legend Mary Earps – at the time voted the World’s Best goalkeeper – would leave United for pastures new across the channel in Paris. It was a fitting end that her last action as a United player was to lift the FA Cup trophy at Wembley, hot off the heels of a 4-0 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur.

Following Earps’ departure, United had two senior goalkeepers in their ranks: there was highly regarded but young and inexperienced academy product Safia Middleton-Patel, and unknown American import Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who arrived the previous summer from Seattle. Tullis-Joyce was given the nod as United’s new no.1, allowing the club to spend its relatively modest funds elsewhere, and neither she nor United have looked back since.

In a season of transition for United – Earps’ departure coincided with other high-profile players leaving the club, such as captain Katie Zelem – Tullis-Joyce has been a constant, starting every game but one (an FA Cup duel with Wolverhampton). It is telling that despite these departures, a key feature of this United side has been togetherness. The squad work together as a team, win as a team, and lose as a team. Speaking to Tullis-Joyce, it is clear this approach is something that suits her. Asked what she is looking forward to ahead of the FA Cup final, the keeper said:

“I am excited to be with my teammates. It’s just the chemistry is really what makes it so special to get to this moment. I think it’s just building upon the legacy of the women that started it here. Because it could not have been easy to be a part of those first teams and they’ve already gotten the hardware with that first trophy, and being able to witness that from the sidelines was super special. Now we want to keep adding to that shelf.”

For evidence of the team’s cohesion, one only needs to look at how they defend. Whilst Tullis-Joyce has proved solid in providing cover, making standout saves at crucial moments, the team in front of her also play their part – something the keeper is keen to acknowledge.

“Terri [forward Elisabeth Terland] can be terrifying. I think we’ve seen that this entire time. She’s always just dead set on helping the team in any way that she can.”

The sentiment of whole-team defending is shared by club captain and center-back Maya Le Tissier: “We all love defending. I love blocking, I love doing anything I can to keep the ball out of the back of the net. And that goes for every single player on the pitch. The way that we press helps us massively. It’s a massive team method.”

It is not all about her fellow players, though. Tullis-Joyce also highlights the guidance she has received from Manchester United goalkeeping coach Ian Willcock, who will depart United at the end of the season to join ex-United boss Casey Stoney’s team at the Canada WNT.

“I have the best time with Wilco. I’m super grateful. He was actually the person that I had a phone call with who helped me make that decision to come to Manchester United, because he came with the whole presentation of the things I already did well and things I could improve on, and he actually got me excited about the game again. I knew that I would grow massively under his tutelage, and you know, I was pretty correct with that and I will miss him greatly.”

**Above:** Tullis-Joyce with Mary Earps, Middleton-Patel and Ian Willcock with the 2024 FA Cup trophy. **Photo:** Ian Willcock on X.

Whilst Willcock will travel to Canada, Tullis-Joyce’s roots are further South – born and raised in New York City, the keeper was first called up to Emma Hayes’ USWNT in October 2024. Although she did not debut in that camp, she did not have long to wait, earning her first cap for the United States against Brazil in April 2025. She made six saves to keep a clean sheet, and the US won the match 2-0. On her experiences in camp, the keeper shared:

“They’ve been really, really accommodating to me. And you know, I’m just grateful to the staff here and getting to know the staff there, they’ve just been great people.”

Representing a country like the United States comes with a pressure – just as there is a pressure to play for a club like Manchester United, particularly given their legacy of world class goalkeepers like Edwin van der Sar, Peter Schmeichel, David de Gea, and now Mary Earps. Although she arrived in Manchester from Seattle Reign, which has its own large fanbase in the NWSL, United no.1 is an impossible position to prepare for – not only for the size of its fanbase, but also for the size of its ambitions in one of the world’s toughest leagues:

“You have to adapt to survive in this league”.

This strength of mindset is something that Tullis-Joyce has shown time and time again this season. From going down to ten against Manchester City at Old Trafford to making five saves against Chelsea the evening that they became Champions – Tullis-Joyce has proven adept at managing stress and pressure with maturity. Asked specifically about the pressure she encounters as part of both United and the USWNT, she spoke of the importance of being in the moment:

“I think I just have to do the thing. That’s what I tell myself every single day, and every single game day. You know, as nervous as you are, as stressed as you are, as much pressure as there is, there is just one step in front of the other. Which is like a quote from a Christmas movie!”

**Above:** Tullis-Joyce after her first USWNT cap. **Photo:** USWNT.

Adding more pressure are the inevitable comparisons to Earps, who cemented a place in the hearts of many across England due to her heroics in both the 2022 European Championships and the 2023 World Cup. It is easy to imagine that the goalkeeper to replace her at club level would feel the pressure of these comparisons, inevitable as they may be. However, the American steadily bats away the notion:

“I think for me that pressure was never related to Mary. I never let myself go down that route. I know that I am a different keeper. Every single keeper is a different keeper. So I never really let that affect me. The pressure is making sure that I keep to the same standard that is expected of a Manchester United goalkeeper.”

Her refusal to be drawn into a rabbit hole of comparison provides evidence once again of the importance of mindset for Tullis-Joyce. The goalkeeper shared that she sometimes leans into the pressure she feels, resulting in excitement rather than stress: “I think it makes every game that much more fun. Just knowing how much is at stake and how much the standard that we have for this club…is something to honestly look forward to each game.”

Some may think that this focus on the moment lends itself to periods of reflection. However, she has a different plan for the summer period: “As soon as the season ends, I’m getting in the ocean.”

Whilst Bayern Munich goalkeeper Mala Grohs is passionate about engineering and Georgia Stanway about tattooing, for Tullis-Joyce, it is the water. With a degree in marine biology and certifications in scientific and scuba diving, the United player once compared her teammates to different species of fish, in a video filmed for the club’s media channels. Stanway has her tattoo studio, Tullis-Joyce has her ocean.

There is something unique about the way that many players in the women’s game seem to have passions outside of the football world. Perhaps a symptom of needing a ‘back up plan’ in case professional football does not work out (or purely for retirement planning), there is a theme of players recognising what time not thinking about football gives them.

“I think it’s helped me tremendously just to have something that’s completely and utterly separate from my career here on the field. And I even took up free diving as well. That helped me understand my bodily physiological responses to stress. So now I’ll be able to kind of sense my stress a little bit faster. That let me be my best self on the field because now I am not carrying that stress with me. From day to day, I am actually able to get a pretty major release just by being able to let go through nature.”

Tullis-Joyce has two major games to manage before she can get in the ocean: a trip to the Emirates to face rivals for second-place Arsenal, and the FA Cup final at Wembley against Chelsea. Asked if she used the recent USWNT camp to ask Hayes for tips on beating her old club Chelsea in the FA Cup final, Tullis-Joyce was coy: “I think her loyalties are to Chelsea”.

Whilst the goalkeeper may be dreaming of mako sharks and blue whales, she is also excited to be in the starting lineup this time around: “I am pretty excited for the final. I think it’s been really fun to be a part of that journey, but now to have a bigger role and make it to the final to see what it’s all about.”

Manchester United face Chelsea in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday 18th May 2025 at 13:30. The match will be streamed live on BBC One in the UK.

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Will Brighton’s purpose-built women’s stadium pave the way?

By Clare McEwen (05/05/2025)

Above: Brighton’s Amex Stadium. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion FC Website.

In January 2025, Brighton & Hove Albion FC announced plans to design a custom-built stadium for their women’s team by the 2027-28 season. In her debut for Impetus, Clare McEwen asks some key questions: is a new stadium really needed? What could a purpose built stadium for a women’s team look like?

Brighton & Hove Albion are breaking ground in women’s football: metaphorically and soon to be literally. Their purpose-built stadium project, the first of its kind, is bidding to push women’s football further down its own unique path whilst asking a question of other WSL clubs.

Brighton are investing heavily in their women’s team: building the squad this season with marquee signings including England internationals Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris, they are now also planning their new women’s stadium – all signs are pointing to club bosses realising the opportunity women’s football presents and seizing the initiative.

Currently, the team play most of their games at Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium, but deputy club chairman, Paul Barber, hopes they will have their own purpose-built stadium for the 2027/28 season. Although we’ve seen a shift towards women’s teams playing more games at the clubs’ main stadiums, there are many advantages to these teams having their own stadiums.

**Above:** Broadfield Stadium. **Photo:** Frank Jasperneite.

As much as the sport is the same regardless of who’s playing it, in reality, the needs of players and fans are different. And then there is the attendance at women’s matches. One day the crowds will rival those seen at men’s games but until then, there is a need to be realistic.

There’s no doubt the main club stadiums provide a great experience for everyone. Players get to play at iconic stadiums in front of bigger crowds than can be squeezed into their home grounds. Families get to enjoy the major club stadium vibe but with accessible ticket prices and an inclusive atmosphere (rather than the more hostile and hugely expensive men’s games). But there are downsides. It’s expensive to run a big stadium so ticket sales have to cover expenses. And as much as this won’t be a problem in the future, at this point in time, it is.

That’s not the only concern. Teams (and fans) get a much better atmosphere when stadiums are full. It’s probably not great to play in a massive stadium with a few thousand spectators rattling around in it. The atmosphere at Chelsea games played at Stamford Bridge has sometimes been described as disappointing by fans. It must also be disappointing for the players. You lose some of that home advantage if there is no audible ’12th woman’ in the stands.

These high profile games also only get played when the men’s teams are not using the main stadium; the women’s teams work around the men’s schedule — such as when Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich was moved to Meadow Park instead of the Emirates so that the men’s team could play Crystal Palace in the League Cup. In the future, this balance will surely shift, but for now, even Champions League games mean making the journey out of central London for Arsenal fans.

This is why purpose-built, mid-sized stadiums are the logical next step in the evolution of women’s football. Currently, although Arsenal and Leicester City regularly use the club’s main stadium, most WSL teams have either smaller grounds of their own (Chelsea and Everton) or share their grounds with academy teams, non-league teams, English Football League (EFL) teams or rugby teams.

Chelsea’s Kingsmeadow is too small for bigger games – and Everton’s Walton Hall Park will soon be too small for WSL requirements (Goodison Park is currently being looked at as a possibility now that the men’s side will be moving out). Although Manchester United’s Leigh Sports Village is bigger and well-suited to the size of the fanbase, it is shared with Leigh’s rugby team and the United men’s academy team.

**Above:** Manchester United’s Leigh Sports Village. **Photo:** Castleford Tigers Website.

It seems Brighton are currently the only club seeking to make purpose-built women’s stadiums a reality. If they get it right, it may become the blueprint for other teams. Brighton and Hove City council gave the go-ahead for the club to look for a site for a purpose-built 10,000 capacity women’s stadium facility. This would become the first football stadium in England to be specifically built around the women’s team. With Brighton leading the way, it’s surely only a matter of time before other clubs follow.

There is a chance for Brighton to build the facility from the ground up: size isn’t the only consideration. Women’s football attracts a different audience to men’s, so it’s important to find out who comes to women’s matches and how to redesign the football match experience around them.

Making it more family-friendly should be a consideration — family rooms, baby change facilities, buggy parks, different food and drink options, family-friendly ticket options, and easy (and plentiful) parking areas, for example. Seat tiers are currently designed for a male height and size. How could this be designed to make viewing easier for women and children? Could they build in areas for people with sensory overload concerns, blind people, and other disabilities that would extend beyond just a couple of wheelchair spaces?

For the players, changing rooms designed for them would look different to those built for men and Brighton are already considering whether the pitch surface itself should be different — do different surfaces alter injury risk? Pitches have always been created for male players and maybe a different surface would reduce the injury risk in females.

Leaving no stone underturned, Brighton are planning their own research into whether pitch preparation could be altered to better suit the female physique. If a club is building a whole new stadium specifically designed for women, it is sensible to look at everything and Brighton seem to agree.

Their project offers an opportunity to revolutionise stadiums for different players and a different audience. Paul Barber, deputy club chairman, has said that a purpose-built stadium would give “respect and focus” to the women’s team and help them build an audience that isn’t yet there, but he believes will be in the future.

The club is thinking of a modular approach to building the stadium so that it can grow with the audience. They’ve already thought about a mid-sized stadium and maybe a purpose built pitch for female athletes.

Brighton could lead the way in many areas of purpose-built stadium design. Fans, players, and other clubs will all be watching, hoping this is the start of a new era in women’s football. Ideally, other clubs will get on board quickly and help build the research pool with Brighton, but for now, Brighton & Hove Albion are pioneers. Maybe they even will revolutionise women’s football.

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Brighton claim first ever win against Arsenal

Brighton & Hove Albion 4 – 2 Arsenal

By Emily Wyatt (05/05/2025)

Above: Brighton celebrate a big win. Photo: @BHAFCWomen on X.

Brighton pounced on a low-on-confidence Arsenal to claim a historic first victory against the Gunners, beating them 4-2 at the Broadfield Stadium.

In the opening moments of the game, Brighton put immediate pressure on Arsenal’s back line. Jelena Cankovic was the first to take a shot at goal but was deftly denied by Manuela Zinsberger with a fingertip save.

Arsenal made an immediate response seconds later, with Alessia Russo using her strength to guide the ball down the right-hand side of the pitch. After sending a fantastic ball into the box, Russo found the feet of Foord who was one-on-one with the keeper but the pressure from Sophie Baggaley was enough to send the ball just wide of the post.

As Arsenal eventually began to find their feet in the game, they were caught out on the counterattack. All it took was a perfectly timed pass from Cankovic and Fran Kirby powered the ball into the top right corner, sealing the first goal of the match for the home side.

**Above:** Fran Kirby peels away after scoring Brighton’s first. **Photo:** @BHAFCWomen on X.

Despite the setback for the Gunners, Arsenal looked positive and continued to apply pressure to Brighton’s back line for a large sector of the first half.

The Gunners managed to make it equal in the twenty-ninth minute through Caitlin Foord as she received a precise delivery from Mariona Caldentey.

However, the victory was short-lived for Arsenal and in the closing stages of the first half Brighton claimed their second goal of the game after receiving a corner, resulting in an astonishing volley from Cankovic.

Although the half time stats presented Arsenal to be dominating the game, the scoreline told a remarkably different story.

Going into the second half was clear that Brighton were feeling confident and it wasn’t long until this confidence paid off.

Extraordinarily, in the space of three minutes Brighton bagged two more goals through Cancovik and Seike. Cancovik managed to get her name on the board for the second time of the day after a poor clearance from Zinsberger was intercepted and played back over to her.

Arsenal’s defensive system suffered again just over a minute later, after Seike beat Katie McCabe to the ball and confidently shot it past the Arsenal keeper.

In the closing stages of this exhilarating game, Caldentey found the back of the net and got a second for the away team after finding herself unmarked just within the box.

However, this, along with a close attempt from Jenna Nighswonger that hit the crossbar from long range just wasn’t enough for Renee Sleger’s side to get back into the game this late on.

For Brighton, it was an important event as they had beat Arsenal for the first time. Although for the Gunners, this was their second consecutive defeat in the space of a week, leaving a large stain on their confidence ahead of a big week. The result also gives Manchester United a way of pipping them to second place – all they need to do is beat the Gunners at the Emirates next weekend.

Teams: BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION (3-1-4-2): Baggaley, Thorisdottir, Bergsvand, Hayes, Symonds, Auee, Kirby, Cankovic, Olislagers, Seike, Parris. Substitutes: Masaka, Miranda, McLauchlan, Rayner, Rule, Stefanovic, Vilamala.

Scorers: Kirby 16’, Cankovic 43’, 52’, Seike 54’

ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger, Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe, Little, Caldentey, Mead, Maanum, Foord, Russo. Substitutes: Blackstenius, Cooney-Cross, Nighswonger, Ilestedt, Kelly, Pelova, Williams, Wubben-Moy, Walti.

Scorers: Foord 29’, Caldentey 90+3’

Referee: Amy Fearn

Attendance: TBC

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The Manchester derby: four goals and a red card

Manchester United 2 – 2 Manchester City

Above: Manchester United celebrate. Photo: @ManUtdWomen on X.

Manchester United welcomed their local rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in a vital match in the race to the top three of the Women’s Super League. In this collaboation between Impetus contributors, Manchester United fan Catherine MacKenzie and City fan Gethin Thurlow break down the game and consider where the result leaves their teams….

The context

Manchester United finished last season in fifth place, out of contention for the Champions League qualifying stages. City finished second, equal on points with champions Chelsea but behind on goal difference.

Despite a blockbuster win against reigning champions Barcelona in the Autumn, City were eliminated in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League after injuries ravaged their squad depth.

United have had a stronger 2024-25 season and would cement the all-important third place WSL finish with a point against City. To have the opportunity to usurp the Red Devils and poach third place, City needed a win against them.

City’s previous game was a narrow one-nil win over Leicester City, buoyed by the return of long-term injured duo Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp. United faced a Chelsea who would be crowned champions with a win; the blues managed a late winner in Manchester to wrap up the league title.

The action

United started the game strongly and had an early goal from Elisabeth Terland ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Combined with the stop-start nature of the game (which saw major injuries to City’s Leila Ouahabi and United’s Jade Riviere), this gave the visitors the momentum. City took the lead as Lauren Hemp crossed into Laia Aleixandri, who shot home.

Minutes later, City defender (and substitute for the injured Ouahabi) Rebecca Knaak headed home from a Yui Hasegawa corner.

**Above**: Rebecca Knaak celebrates her goal. Photo: @ManCityWomen on X.

City were not two ahead for long, however, thanks to another early substitute. Aoife Mannion had come on in the 29^th minute for the injured Jade Riviere, and she put in a sublime ball which Grace Clinton slotted home to give United a lifeline.

Melvine Malard was introduced on the hour mark, equalising five minutes later through a team goal that started with Tullis-Joyce and included touches from Maya Le Tissier, Aoife Mannion and Elisabeth Terland.

**Above:** Melvine Malard celebrates scoring the leveller. **Photo**: Manchester United Website.

The latter stages of the second half were tense as both teams gave their all in the quest for Champions League football; United needed to maintain the draw, and City needed to get the winner.

Alex Greenwood was shown a yellow for a frustrated foul, and Mannion was sent off after receiving her second. The home side faced the last fifteen minutes a player down, however a tenacious display from the backline managed to limit City to a handful of strong chances despite mounting pressure.

The game ended with a draw, cementing United’s Champions League ambitions and leaving City four points behind in fourth.

The fan POV: Manchester United

By Catherine MacKenzie

This game felt important on a number of fronts: the potential for Champions League football next year, facing a City who are rejuvenated with the return of England internationals Hemp and Greenwood.

The game was also played at Old Trafford, in front of a powerful crowd of over 30,000, a far cry from the 12,000 who attended the opening game of the season against West Ham.

Most important was the potential to cement Champions League football for next season. Head coach Marc Skinner has consistently suggested that his primary aim for the season was to achieve third place.

To the fans, the club’s ambitions were tempered by last summer’s exodus of players and comments from new majority-owner Sir Jim Radcliffe suggesting he did not take the club’s women seriously – which were reinforced by actions such as moving the women into temporary portacabins whilst the men’s facilities were being revamped.

Cementing the Champions League for next season has been seen as a way of celebrating a team that has been known to ‘go under the radar’ this season – particularly defensively, as the team leads the way in terms of WSL clean sheets and have only conceded 12 goals, one less than champions Chelsea.

However, against City it was the midfield that made the difference. United’s midfield – Grace Clinton, Hinata Miyazawa, Ella Toone, and later Dominique Janssen – were instrumental in both defensive solidity and offensive transitions.

**Above**: Grace Clinton picks the ball out of the net after scoring. **Photo:** @ManUtdWomen on X.

Clinton’s work off the ball allowed her to contribute both defensively and offensively, while Miyazawa’s technicality provided balance.

Toone, operating in a more advanced role, showcased her creativity and vision, contributing to United’s attacking transitions. Janssen was introduced following Mannion’s red card, likely for her ability to control the direction of play and calmness on the ball.

United needed Janssen’s experience in the closing stages, when City were throwing the proverbial kitchen sink at the United goal. A calming presence that has been through many international tournaments and big games for VfL Wolfsburg and Arsenal, United will need more figures like Janssen to compete in the Champions League next year.

Skinner alluded to this after the game:

“We saw City drop off because of injuries. In order to go into the depths of the Champions League, or even out of the qualifying rounds….we’ve got to have that depth. We have good depth but we need a little bit more. Hopefully it opens that market for us. When we have recruitment calls, it’s all about if you get Champions League, if you get Champions League….”

It is not common that a draw in the Manchester derby can be celebrated; however today, the promise of Europe next season means United fans will be celebrating that result as if they had trounced their rivals 5-0. Speaking post-match, Skinner suggested the same:

“…to go 2 nil down to then come back and to go down to ten players….to see the game out absolutely feels like a win.”

The fan POV: Manchester City

By Gethin Thurlow

For City, It was another tough blow in a brutal season dominated by injuries to key players.

Going into the game, there was an increasing sense of optimism among the fans. The last week felt like it was coming together – Hemp and Greenwood returning last Sunday, and Chelsea beating United midweek to keep the gap at four points.

Whilst it was not at all guaranteed that United would fail to beat Arsenal on the final day; there was a definite feeling that a victory would’ve put third place firmly in City’s grip.

Losing the potential for third in such a way – after holding a 2-0 is particularly brutal, and City’s lack of ability to manage the game until half time was ultimately their undoing.

You could also argue that not taking advantage of the extra player was costly, but it was always going to be an uphill battle with United crowding the box and going all out for a draw by this point.

A controversial tactical tweak that did not pay off was pushing Greenwood out to left back when Leila Ouahabi went off injured, with Rebecca Knaak taking up the left centre back role.

**Above:** Alex Greenwood in the derby. Photo: @ManCityWomen on X.

Usually, Ouahabi provides an overlap while Hemp cuts inside and can cross beautifully, whereas Greenwood lacks the pace to do this, and her positioning and solidity is missed in the middle.

With Knaak often being dragged out of position, perhaps City could have instead turned to Layzell or Wienrother on the bench and moved Casparij to the left, as was so successful against Barcelona back in October.

To miss out on a Champions League place goes beyond the initial heartbreak and even further than ‘we won’t get Champions League nights next year’. It makes City a much less attractive option for players coming into England (Kerolin herself admitted that was a major reason for signing in January) and could mean an exodus of players who are sick of not winning trophies.

Ultimately, it concludes what was an unsuccessful three-month interim period for Nick Cushing – compared to the objectives set out when appointing him that is. It is harsh to judge him against these standards considering that the injury crisis got so much broader as he took the job and it is worth noting there were some significant improvements compared to Gareth Taylor’s running of the team.

Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-1-4-1): Tullis-Joyce, George, Le Tissier ©, Toone, Clinton, Galton, Riviere, Bizet, Terland, Miyazawa, Turner. Substitutes: Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Mannion (for Riviere 29’), Sandberg (for George 46’), Awujo, Janssen (for Toone 72’), Naalsund, Griffiths, Malard (for Bizet 63’).

Scorers: Clinton 45+8’, Malard 68’.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3): Keating, Casparij, Prior, Greenwood (C), Ouahabi, Aleixandri, Hasegawa, Coombs, Park, Hemp, Kerolin Nicoli. Substitutes: Yamashita, Layzell, Roord (for Hemp 65’), Wienroither, Blindkilde Brown (for Coombs 81’), Fujino (for Casparij 81’), Knaak (for Ouahabi 10’), Oyama, Murphy.

Scorers: Aleixandri 38’, Knaak 42’.

Referee: Emily Heaslip

Attendance: 31,465

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NPLW WA 2025 Round Seven Wrap

by Ben Gilby and Ella McShane (4/5/25)

Above: Jess Flannery (15), Louise Tana, and Daisy McAllister jump for joy today with Maja Archibald coming to join them as Perth SC became the first side to defeat Football West Academy this season. Photo: Rob Lizzi.

It was a big week of action in the league with the top two facing off against each other, and the same for the bottom two. Elsewhere, there was a battle of sides placed third and fourth on the ladder, and a game between those placed fifth and sixth. It was an absolute cracker.

During the midweek, Subiaco claimed a 5-1 victory at Murdoch University Melville in a game that was originally scheduled to be played in Round One, but was postponed due to extreme heat.

UWA-Nedlands 2-0 Murdoch University Melville

The round opened on Saturday afternoon as UWA-Nedlands gained a vital victory in the battle of the league’s bottom two sides at the UWA Sports Park.

Going into the encounter, these were the only two teams in the NPLW WA yet to win this season, but there was clear daylight between the teams in this huge encounter, with the home side running out comfortable victors.

UWA-Nedlands carved out their first opportunity just 40 seconds into this match as Samara Riches hit a shot just over the top. Indeed, the hosts claimed three corners inside the first five minutes alone as they came out firing.

With 10 minutes played, Melina Franklin, who was excellent throughout, broke through to play in Riches, who hit a shot from the right of the box that trickled against the left-hand post.

Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) attacks were few and far between. Their earliest opportunity came when Anna Denona’s free-kick curled over the top with 17 minutes on the clock.

Just before the half-hour mark, the warning signs began to flash for the visitors as Kaitlyn Mohan tipped a shot from outside the box over the top. Within 60 seconds, though, she would be beaten.

UWA-Nedlands forced back-to-back corners, and from the second, MUM FC cleared initially, but only as far as Andrea Preiato, who lifted a first-time shot from the edge of the box into the net.

There was one further opportunity before the break when Mohan was forced to save from her own defender as Jessie Ellis’ header from a UWA-Nedlands corner was flying perilously close to the goal.

Murdoch University Melville were on the back foot, finding it almost impossible to break out of their own half of the field. The home side had forced eight corners in the opening half and as many shots on target. MUM FC were looking for their first in both of those stats.

Things didn’t improve for the visitors after the break, as UWA-Nedlands continued to have the possession and territorial advantage. On the hour mark, Franklin’s turn and shot from the outside of the box to the right needed a touch from Mohan to ensure it went narrowly wide of the left-hand post.

Finally, the hosts made sure of the points with a second goal in the 79th minute. An excellent one-two along the left between Franklin and Riches saw the former cross high into the box. Elise Cleminson got a touch which took play out for Amy Hartley to return a low ball into the mix for her fellow substitute Hannah Seeley to turn home.

This was a deserved win for UWA-Nedlands. They controlled the pace, possession, and field throughout. Whilst it must be said MUM FC did come into this game on the back of a midweek game against Subiaco, it was a disappointing display from the visitors who are now bottom of the ladder and have a significantly worse goal difference record compared to their opponents.

Teams: UWA-NEDLANDS: Sauer, Gibson, Cain, Dadswell, Preiato, E.Gaspar, Shore, Riches, Rodrigo, 12, Franklin. Substitutes: Kinkaid, Hayward, Hartley, Seeley, Visic, Large, Beese.

Scorers: Preiato 28′, Seeley 79′.

MURDOCH UNIVERSITY MELVILLE: Mohan, Denona, Symons, Harding, Ascenzo-Cabello, Cleminson, Baldin, Baiamonte, Patience, Glanfield, Saraceni. Substitutes: Ellis, Klomp, Skinner, Bailey, Byrne, Bui.

Fremantle City 1-0 Subiaco

by Ben Gilby

Freo ran out winners in this crucial battle between the two sides, who went into the round just outside the top four thanks to Leyna Wood’s early goal.

With Subi’s midweek win over Murdoch University Melville pushing the hosts down to sixth on the ladder, the port city outfit knew that a victory would be important to prevent Greg Farrell’s side from putting clear daylight between the two clubs.

Fremantle built an early lead. With just over five minutes played, Abbey Green drove forward to feed Tatem Spencer, who saw her shot saved by Monique Todd in the Subi goal. City would have better luck with the very next piece of play.

The home side regained possession from the resulting goalkick, with Janice Kiama then picking up the play in the centre midfield. She found Catherine Adams outside her to the left, who in turn fed Wood. The American turned the ball further out to Mikayla Lyons, who returned the favour with a lovely insightful pass through to the box, where Wood hit a cool finish into the left of the goal.

The outcome of this match would prove to be even sweeter for Fremantle, who are now unbeaten in their last three matches, as results elsewhere ensured that they would climb into the top four for the first time this season.

Teams: FREMANTLE CITY: Phillips, Poad, Leek, Osborne, Spencer, Adams, Kiama, Meaden, Green, Wood, Lyons. Substitutes: Siah, Mayoe, Khiati, Reynolds, Johnson.

Scorer: Wood 6′.

SUBIACO: Todd, Burdett, Suckling, Rudd, Campos, Bailey, McCulloch, Papalia, Harvey, Zampogna, Taylor. Substitutes: Kim, Ntoumenopoulos, Silver, Edwards, Robinson, Tyne.

Perth RedStar 5-0 Balcatta Etna

by Ella McShane

Perth RedStar gained a superb victory over top-four rivals Balcatta Etna as a rich reward for Renee Leota’s landmark 300th appearance for the club.

The New Zealand international brings awe-inspiring experience and accolades to both Perth RedStar and the NPLW as a whole having won seven league titles, six State Cups, and four Top Four Cups. On top of this Leota can point to being part of the Football Ferns’ 2008 Olympic squad as part of her 15 international caps.

The half started off steady, with both sides negotiating for control. At the eighth-minute mark, Balcatta’s Lucy Jerram pulled over a promising cross from the left wing but it found the hands of a calm and collected Gabby Dal Busco in the home goal.

Leota was involved in a chance for RedStar as her pass met the feet of a steadily striding Caitlin Doeglas. Balcatta’s defence were alert to the threat Doeglas posed, and promptly entered a one-v-two. Given minimal space to work in, Balcatta may have thought they had the Perth Glory attacker covered – except this is Caitlin Doeglas we’re talking about.

A trademark stunning attempt caught Balcatta goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett off her line, and the home side were in front.

The visitors’ hunger for to hit back became evident. What started off as a steady and gradual match-up, quickly became intense, with a collective of 14 fouls and 13 shots at goal recorded in the first half alone.

Surrounded in a sea of white Balcatta shirts, it seemed unlikely that RedStar would be able to capitalise on even a small chance this close to their goal. Again, Doeglas worked her magic with a powerful shot from outside the box to put her side 2-0 up after 32.

Marking the special occasion, Leota secured what can only be described as a perceptive goal. The Kiwi skilfully intercepted a pass from Balcatta’s defence aimed towards goalkeeper Bennett. Weaving her way around would-be tackles, Leota secured a lovely goal on a such a momentous afternoon for her personally.

In steady succession, RedStar’s Sarah Carroll’s prompt analysis of positioning skillfully intercepted a loose pass from the visitors, and the number two pushed on to earn the defending champions a comfortable 4-0 lead.

Another threat from RedStar called for a rapid response from Balcatta’s backline. Balcatta’s backline positioned to defend; Frankie Murray-Hocking’s misjudged defensive efforts saw the ball find the back of her side’s goal.

Although the afternoon was far from ideal for Balcatta Etna, the squad should be commended for their ability to analyse the game and assume intentional playing positions. Balcatta’s forward speed and, more particularly, Lucy Jerram on the wing, were also noteworthy.

However, for a team that many people put into the equation as likely league champions in pre-season, too many errors were made defensively, and Perth RedStar are always going to seize on them to make a team pay. They did so yet again today, and how.

Teams: PERTH REDSTAR: Dal Busco, Teixeira, Woolley, Bennett, Doan, Dunn, Monteiro, Ridley, Carroll, Leota, Doeglas. Substitutes: Coleman, Bellanca, Continibali, Lornie, Finnegan, Gray, O’Donohoe.

Scorers: Doeglas 15’, 32’. Leota 41’, Carroll 52’, Murray-Hocking (OG) 60′.

BALCATTA ETNA: Bennett, Murray-Hocking, van Heurck, St. Pierre, Davis, Meakins, Marwick, Jarvis, Duncanson, Jerram, Gale. Substitutes: Cook, Britton, Hargreaves, Comito.

Perth SC 3-0 Football West Academy

by Ben Gilby

**Above:** Football West Academy goalkeeper Daisy McGeadie Cole is beaten by Jess Flannery’s superb shot that put Perth SC 3-0 up at Dorrien Gardens today. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi.

The Azzurri scored three stunning goals to see off the Football West Academy (FWA) in Sunday’s battle between the only two teams in the competition who were unbeaten going into this round.

Perth were on the front foot from the start, and earned their first corner with just three minutes played. It would take just a further two minutes for them to take the lead.

Epril Nossent played a teasing through ball from the right flank for Daisy McAllister to chase between FWA defenders Daniella Santich and Marley Barlow. McAllister showed great pace and skill to beat the pair and lift a stunning shot from just outside the box into the right-hand corner of the net.

The home side’s forward momentum, allied with crisper passing and tactics, ensured that the visitors had minimal time when on the ball, and ensured that they remained on top.

Perth were working hard to keep the visitors’ key attacking weapons of Klaudia Houlis and Xuri Dalton at arm’s length. Indeed, Houlis had just the one opportunity during the opening 45.

It came just before the half-hour mark, when she used her pace to beat Hannah Collins on the left-hand edge of the box and fired a shot just over the top from an acute angle.

There was one further chance before the break when Azzurri keeper Dayle Schroeder looked to play the ball out, but Dalton was in the way for the FWA, and the ball fell for Lacey Heys, who was denied by an excellent diving save by the Perth shot stopper.

Perth reasserted their control early in the second half, as they forced three successive corners.

From the first, which came in high from Mathers from the left, Matilda Boehm saw her header at the back post pushed away by Daisy McGreadie Cole in the FWA goal. Flannery curled the resulting flag kick from the right, which saw Mathers’ effort from close range repelled by the visiting keeper for the third attempt that came to nothing.

Then, just before the hour mark, the Azzurri doubled their advantage with another outstanding move.

Maja Archibald took possession inside her own half and fed McAllister to the right of centre. Her sublime touch with the outside of her foot was measured to perfection for Louise Tana to run onto to lift a shot into the net from outside of the box.

Whilst the FWA had a glimmer with 20 minutes remaining when Dalton’s free-kick from 30 yards out was pushed out by Schroeder at the right-hand post, they still couldn’t get any sort of foothold in the match.

Perth punished them again in the 79^th minute – again in some style. A perfectly weighted ball from Mathers released Flannery, who raced to the edge of the box and let fly with a stunning effort which flew into the left-hand corner of the net.

The visitors had a greater percentage of possession in the closing period, but they could only really muster a handful of half-chances, which saw Schroeder comfortably repel efforts from Houlis and Nelli Johnson.

PERTH SC: Schroeder, Nossent, McCartney, Boehm, Marshall, McAllister, Collins, Archibald, Flannery, Tana, Mathers. Substitutes: Ottobrino (for Tana 78’), Ingrey, Warburton, McCready, Rennie, Longmore.

Scorers: McAllister 5’, Tana 57’, Flannery 79’.

FOOTBALL WEST ACADEMY: McGreadie Cole, Johnson, Barlow, Leong, Santich, Houlis, Kuzamba, Heys, Brady, Dalton, McAuliffe. Substitutes: Dumont (for Barlow 73’), Williams-Jones (for Brady 13’), Santos (for Dalton 81’), Garnett (for McAuliffe 81’), Collinson (for Kuzamba 83’), Speakes, Borg.

Referee: Stephen Knight.

Ladder

Football West Academy P 7 Pts 18 GD +12
Perth SC P 6 Pts 16 GD +12
Perth RedStar P7 Pts 13 GD +19
Fremantle City P6 Pts 8 GD =
Balcatta Etna P 5 Pts 7 GD +6
Subiaco P 6 Pts 7 GD -1
UWA-Nedlands P7 Pts 3 GD -18
Murdoch University Melville P6 Pts 0 GD -25

Round Eight Fixtures

SUNDAY: Balcatta Etna v Football West Academy, Perth RedStar v UWA-Nedlands, Perth SC v Fremantle City, Subiaco v Murdoch University Melville.

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Birmingham City left feeling blue as London City Lionesses claim Championship title

***Above:*** *London City Lionesses after the final whistle confirmed their promotion to the WSL. **Photo:** London City Lionesses on Twitter*

Birmingham City 2-2 London City Lionesses

By Alyce Collett (4/5/25)

London City Lionesses are Barclay’s Women’s Championship champions after picking up a point from a 2-2 draw against Birmingham City. Coming into the match only needing to avoid a loss, London City initially had a comfortable lead, but had to fight off a solid Blues’ comeback to make sure they lifted the trophy.

London City’s goals came from Isobel Goodwin and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, while goals from Emily Van Egmond and Cho So-hyun brought Birmingham City back into the match, those goals were ultimately not enough.

The match was open and free flowing early, with much of the match being end to end action. Birmingham City had the first decent chance to score, but the sheer numbers of the London City defence neutralised it.

Eventually momentum started to swing the visitors’ way, as they started to rack up time in their attack and picked up a couple of corners in a row. City were not without their moments of potential though, at times really testing the foundations of the Lionesses’ defence.

As the half reached its halfway mark Ivana Fuso started to really get into the game for the home side and started to create things in midfield, while Lee Geum-Min was also starting to get into dangerous positions.

Meanwhile for the visitors Goodwin was getting herself into good positions, but her first touch was too heavy at times which was letting her down. Sofia Jakobsson was also creating dangerous moves out wide on the right.

As the first half progressed it was a very even contest, and it was the type of match where minor mistakes or millimetre imperfections could prove telling.

As half time drew closer London City started to wrestle back control and got incredibly close to putting a first goal on the board but could not quite find the back of the net. The scoreline ultimately sat goalless at the break after an intriguing first half, with the match still all to play for in the second half.

The half time stats really showed how even the first half had been.

London City had about 7% more of the possession, but crucially only one of their seven shots was on target. By comparison, Birmingham City got three of their six shots on target.

The Lionesses came out of the half time break on the front foot, and did not even take two minutes to put the opening goal on the board after Goodwin scored a rocket from outside the box.

They had a second just over 10 minutes after their first when Boye-Hlorkah headed home an Asllani corner to make the hill the Blues had to climb just that bit taller.

However just as everything looked settled, Birmingham City breathed some life back into the game after Van Egmond headed home a goal of her own.

The goal gave the home side a bit of a pep in their step and they started to press harder when in possession. They continued to build up continuous time in their attacking third, but just could not find a way past the London City defence.

As the minutes continued to tick down it was not looking good for the home side, but with about five minutes left in the match Cho belted a shot home to really make it anyone’s game. Just to add to the drama, with everything that had happened in the second half there ended up being 10 minutes of stoppage time.

London City went very defensive in that stoppage time, and it was clear that they were just trying to ride out the time as all they needed was a draw to take the title. Birmingham City kept attacking and spent just about the entire 10 minutes with the attacking momentum, but no matter what or how hard they tried they just could not get past the London City defence.

It was a messy and at times chaotic final moments of the match, but ultimately the Lionesses kept the Blues out, and the title was theirs.

Teams: BIRMINGHAM CITY (4-2-3-1): Franch, Lawley, Holloway, McKenna, Cooke, Harrison-Murray, Fuso, Magill, Van Egmond, Yuri, Lee. Substitutes: Szperkowska, Mason, Quinn, Quinn, Smith, Cho, Akpan, Baker, Locke.

Scorers: Van Egmond 64’, Cho 86’

LONDON CITY LIONESSES (4-2-3-1): Orman, Neville, Goldie, Kumagai, Asllani, Perez, Jakobsson, Roddar, Goodwin, Imuran, Boye-Hlorkah. Substitutes: Poor, Mukandi, Brougham, Campbell, Ivanovic, Meyong, Wilde, Brown, Godfrey.

Scorers: Goodwin 47’, Boye-Hlorkah 59’

Attendance: 8,749.

Referee: Stacey Fullicks

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Merseyside stays blue as Everton outclass Liverpool

***Above:*** *Katja Snoeijs celebrates her goal that opened the scoring at Anfield. **Photo:** Everton FC.*

Liverpool 0-2 Everton

By Alyce Collett (4/5/25)

Everton have kept their stranglehold on the Merseyside Derby well and truly alive after recording an impressive 2-0 win over crosstown rivals Liverpool at Anfield.

Goals to Katja Snoeijs and Karen Holmgaard helped Everton get the win, but a mightily impressive performance from the Toffees’ defensive group was the true match winning factor, keeping out wave after wave of Liverpool attack to help give the visitors the win.

Everton made some promising attacking moves, with Snoeijs in particular proving very dangerous.

She was rewarded for the danger she was creating not even seven minutes in, when she snuck the ball into the bottom corner of the Liverpool net past Rachel Laws to give the Toffees the early lead.

Liverpool certainly had plenty of chances to attack the Everton goal– with the likes of Sophie Roman Haug and Olivia Smith driving much of it– but a resolute Everton defence led by Elise Stenevik ensured that the danger posed by any potential Liverpool shots on goal was quickly neutralised.

As the half progressed though, Liverpool continued to pepper the Everton goal, but a tight and at times constricting defensive job from the visitors meant that all those shots on goal amounted to nothing for the home side.

Liverpool almost found an equaliser through a Taylor Hinds long bomb within the last five minutes of the half, but the shot was ultimately inches too high.

In the end Snoeijs’ goal proved to be the only one of the first half, and Everton took the upper hand into the break.

There were a few very telling first half stats.

Although Liverpool had 20% more of the possession in the first half and made 100 more passes than Everton did, Liverpool only managed to get two of their nine shots on target, compared to Everton’s one of two shots being on target.

**Above:** *Snoeijs (centre) celebrates with her teammates after giving Everyon the lead. **Photo:** Everton FC.*

Liverpool came out after half time on the front foot, continuing to attack the Everton net just like they had towards the end of the first half. Smith in particular, but also players like Marie Höbinger, were certainly keeping the Everton defenders on their toes, but a well organised Everton defence and another stellar performance from Courtney Brosnan denied their crosstown rivals again and again.

Brosnan was a star in the net, making save after save after save, but the Everton defence also played a huge part in keeping Liverpool out, completely outnumbering the Liverpool attackers and positioning themselves in a way that did not overcrowd the defensive area.

Despite the Liverpool dominance in the second half, Everton managed to find a second goal completely against the run of play with just over 20 minutes to go, when Holmgaard’s shot was not dealt with on the line by the Liverpool defence.

The contrasts in defensive confidence was clear for all to see. While Brosnan and the Everton defence were rock solid up one end, Laws and the Liverpool defence were far from confident clearing their line, so shaky in fact that they almost cost themselves a third goal.

However even with only 10 minutes to go, another twist was added to the match when Sara Holmgaard was sent off after picking up a second yellow card in the match for a dangerous tackle. But in the end even having an extra player on the field could not help Liverpool, as Everton held on for one of their most impressive wins of the season.

In perhaps the most telling stat of them all, Liverpool finished the game having had 62% of possession, over 200 more passes than Everton and had a whopping 18 shots on goal in the second half, but only three of them were on target. In contrast, during the second half, Everton had four shots on goal, two of which were on target.

TEAMS: Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Laws, Fisk, Clark, Bonner, Hinds, Kerr, Nagano, Hobinger, Holland, Roman Haug, Smith. Substitutes: Micah, Kirby, Evans, Fahey, Matthews, Kapocs, Enderby, Bartel, Daniels.

Everton (4-1-3-2): Brosnan, Fernandez, Hayashi, Wheeler, Vanhaevermaet, S.Holmgaard, Snoeijs, K.Holmgaard, Gago, Olesen. Substitutes: Ramsey, Hobson, T.Payne, Watson, Sarri, Galli, Weir, Madsen, Thomas.

Scorers: Snoeijs 7’, K.Holmgaard 69’

Referee: Lisa Benn

Attendance: 15,376

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Victory gain advantage for semi final second leg

Adelaide United 1-3 Melbourne Victory

By Alyce Collett 4/5/25

Above: Melbourne Victory players celebrate a goal against Adelaide United. Photo: A-Leagues

Melbourne Victory have one foot in the 2024/25 A-League Womens Grand Final after winning the first leg of their semi final 3-1 over Adelaide United.

Despite the scoreline it was overall a very even match, with Victory just able to capitalise on some Adelaide mistakes at the back to nab some late goals.

Emily Gielnik first put the Victory ahead before Erin Healy cancelled out that lead minutes later, then a Claudia Bunge brace put the Victory back in front late to give the visitors the ascendency heading into next week.

There was a metaphorical fog of nerves over both sides in the opening minutes of the first half, with neither side quite showing their usual polish.

Victory were dominating the territory game but did not quite have the polish when dishing off their shots, whereas Adelaide’s problem was not the danger of their shots, but the frequency of them, and also the home side were looking shaky at times playing out from the back.

The visitors were however counting their lucky stars Kayla Morrsion was playing for them and not the opposition though, as her headers and tackling ability saving her side on a number of occasions.

As the half progressed both sides had a number of very close chances on goal, but some resolute defending from both sets of defenders meant that neither side could manage to find the back of the net.

Melbourne Victory were eventually able to pickpocket the Adelaide defence and it came from none other than Courtney Newbon, whose long ball from defence set up Gielnik, who smashed home a shot to give Victory the lead.

However their joy was short lived after Adelaide equalised minutes later, when Healy pounced on a deflection in close to strike home a goal of her own.

It was an at times chaotic end to the first half, but in the end the scores were still even at the break.

The second half started as free flowing as the first half had ended, with both sides spending plenty of time in their attacking end.

The first substitutions from both sides were intriguing ones, and perhaps gave an indication as to how both coaches were approaching this match with one eye onto next week.

When Adelaide were forced to sub Tiana Karambasis, they chose to sub on an attacker in Chelsea Dawber instead of a defender, while Melbourne Victory chose to be overly cautious with Emily Gielnik when she first showed some potential injury concerns.

Both players that came on in those subsitutions – Dawber and Holly Furphy – did bring some spark into the game, both creating some excitement and dangerous play.

Although for a while it did not seem like any more goals were coming, Victory managed to pop up and pick up a second goal for the match after Bunge executed a trademark header to head home an Alana Murphy corner.

Bunge was not done scoring, heading in another goal 10 minutes later – this time off an Alex Chidiac corner.

Bunge’s second goal and some superb keeping from Newbon helped give their side some breathing space heading into the second leg next week despite some strong attempts late from the Reds.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (3-4-3): Jenkins, E.Hodgson, León, McNamara, Tonkin, Karambasis, Morgan, Condon, Holmes, Healy, Worts. Substitutes: Dewey, Dawber, I.Hodgson, Sasaki, Bowler, Healy, Melegh.

Goals: Healy 40’

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-4-2): Newbon, Wilson, Bunge, Murphy, Chidiac, Flannery, D’Appolonia, Gielnik, Morrison, Jancevski, Lowe. Substitutes: O’Grady, Curtis, Furphy, Young, Pickett, Candy.

Goals: Gielnik 38’, Bunge 77’, 88’

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: 4,372

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London City Lionesses v Birmingham City: battle for promotion

By Alyce Collett (03/05/2025)

Above: The women’s Championship trophy. Photo: Durham City FC.

This weekend sees the Barclays Women’s Championship season come to its conclusion, and its winner will be crowned on Sunday.

In a fitting twist of fate, the two sides who can still win the title will play each other this weekend, with the title race coming down to what happens on the field in Birmingham on Sunday afternoon.

Where the race is at the moment

Each team’s path to the title is pretty clear cut.

As things currently stand, London City are two points clear on top of the table, so only need a point to claim the title and promotion, while Birmingham City’s only hope of winning the title is if they win.

Current Barclay’s Women’s Championship Ladder

Recent form

Both teams come into this clash with very strong recent runs of form in their last five matches.

In that time frame, London City have picked up four wins and one draw. They have scored 12 goals and only conceded two.

Birmingham City are also undefeated in its last five matches, having picked up three wins and two draws. In that time frame their goal difference is +5, having scored nine goals and conceded four.

The last time they met

Last time these two sides met was back in November, and it was Birmingham City who emerged victorious that day, winning two goals to one thanks to goals from Neve Herron and Gemma Lawley.

Both of Birmingham City’s goals came in the first half and London City’s goal came from Georgia Brougham at the death, but unfortunately for the Lionesses they ran out of time to pick up any more goals.

How do you prepare for Isobel Goodwin?

Even with several big name senior internationals in their side, London City’s most dangerous player is arguably a 22 year old young Lioness.

Isobel Goodwin has made a huge impact in her first season at the Lionesses, and been at times impossible to stop when it comes to scoring goals.

**Above:** London City’s Isobel Goodwin celebrates. **Photo:** London City Lionesses Website

She has scored 15 goals in 17 games so far this season, at an average of one goal per 83 minutes she has played. By comparison, that is six more goals than Birmingham’s two top goal scorers Simone Magill and Lucy Quinn have scored combined.

The battle at the back

Another interesting battle to watch will be that of the goal keepers.

Remarkably, both Birmingham City’s Lucy Thomas and London City’s Emily Orman currently lead the Golden Glove race in the Championship with seven clean sheets a piece, so will play crucial roles in keeping the ball out of the respective nets.

The Louise Quinn Factor

Promotion to the Women’s Super League is big enough motivation for any side, but Birmingham City have an extra motivation factor with the match also being the final one in club captain Louise Quinn’s career. Such a staple of the Birmingham City side in recent seasons, the Blues will want nothing more than to send her off with a big win.

**Above:** Birmingham City’s Louise Quinn. **Photo:** Sky Sports.

Birmingham City vs London City Lionesses kicks off on Sunday May 4 at 2:15pm at
St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, Birmingham, and will be the first women’s championship game to be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK.

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“We want to test ourselves against the best”: Hopkins eager for Adelaide challenge

By Alyce Collett 3/5/25

Above: Jeff Hopkins. Photo Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory coach Jeff Hopkins spoke to the media ahead of the team’s trip to face Adelaide United

It is a very big day for Melbourne Victory today, who kick off their 2024/25 A-League Women’s campaign with part one of a two leg semi final against Adelaide United.

A very calm Victory Women’s coach Jeff Hopkins spoke to the media yesterday, and believes that the team’s processes will hold them in good step for this two legged series.

“I think we’ve got a good formula at the moment,” Hopkins said.

“We look after our team very, very well, and when we’re together, we’re together for a little bit longer. We can make sure that all the finer details are looked after when we travel together, when we’re in the hotel together, we get to do a little bit extra. So I think that’s why out of all the teams in the league, we have the best record in away games for the season.”

Playing multi legged series is not a common thing in Australian football, but Hopkins certainly has a plan for how to approach the series.

“They are two separate games, but you’ve got to have a strategy and not get carried away with the result of one game,” Hopkins said.

“We’ve done a fair bit of scenario training last week. We’ll have rather than a team meeting, a strategy meeting as well before we play, so everyone kind of understands that. Being a goal up or a goal down in this game, it’s a little bit different to a normal game.”

Ahead of the match, Hopkins had good news to share on the injury front, noting that Emily Gielnik and Ellie Wilson were both ready to go after missing the club’s final match of the home and away season against Brisbane. He also confirmed that he had a “full quota” of players to choose from for the semi, including Lia Privitelli for the first time this season.

One of Adelaide’s strength is no doubt its attacking prowess, but Hopkins has strong belief in his defensive system – both players and structure – and is confident that they will neutralise those threats.

“They’re a good side … they’re scoring a lot of goals, creating a lot of chances, and their front five, whoever plays there is quite formidable,” Hopkins acknowledged.

“But like I said, we’ve got a very good back line, goalkeeper, and defensive structure really, so we want their best team to come and play against us. We want to test ourselves against the best.”

Although they got so close to winning the premiership this season, Hopkins said that the fact that they did not doesn’t add any motivation factor for the finals series, saying that who won the premiership “doesn’t really interest me or motivate me”, rather “what we’ve done this year is motivating me.”

He noted that “clean sheets, the, the record run of winning games, that’s what kind of excites me and I want to keep that going. If this team can prove itself to be the best team ever put on a Victory Women’s shirt, I think that kind of motivates me and it motivates players.”

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