Vrouwen Eredivisie Week 11: Huge clashes at both ends of the table

By Jan-Kees Joosse (23/1/26)

Above: PSV v PEC Zwolle. Photo: Pedro Sluiter.

This week in the Eredivisie delivered a top-of-the-table clash and relegation fights. Will ADO survive, and were club hierarchy right in their decision to let their head coach go mid-season? Will Ajax take advantage of a fatigued Twente and finally usurp them at the summit?

Ajax 1-1 FC Twente

The top clash between FC Twente and Ajax in the Vrouwen Eredivisie ended in a 1–1 draw. Ajax remain top of the table with a two-point lead, although Twente still have a game in hand.

As is often the case in matches following the winter break, both teams showed signs of rust. The result was a game that lacked fluency at times, but it also produced two standout performances from young talents — an encouraging sight for Dutch women’s football supporters, who do not often get to see their future stars perform on home soil.

After the break, Ajax struck first through Ranneke Derks, who came on as a substitute for Xanne Kip. With a perfectly timed run in behind, an excellent first touch and composed finish, the 17-year-old scored a goal of real quality.

On the same flank, FC Twente fielded Liv Pennock, who made her debut after Sophie Proost was ruled out through injury. Pennock immediately made an impact, showcasing blistering pace that proved decisive. Although she was caught offside on several occasions, her speed eventually paid off when she pressured Ajax defender Amber Visscher, won the ball and calmly finished the equaliser.

That two attackers from the generation that won Euro U17 gold and World Cup U17 silver decided an Eredivisie classic underlines the promise of the next wave in Dutch football.

PSV 2-0 PEC Zwolle

Based on points, PEC Zwolle have been one of the surprise packages of the season, trailing PSV and Feyenoord by just three points after the winter break. For PSV, this match served as a valuable test ahead of the second half of the campaign, following an unsteady opening phase.

PSV had already lost to Ajax and FC Twente, making them less of a title contender than last season, when they beat Ajax and drew with Twente. Their priority now is to keep the chasing pack behind them, with PEC Zwolle and Feyenoord the main threats.

PSV approached the task in a solid and controlled manner. The team looked more composed and sharper than before, aided by the debut of Janice Cayman. The defender brings vast international experience and has made an immediate impact since her move from WSL side Leicester City.

The opening goal, scored seven minutes before half-time by Chimera Ripa, followed a well-constructed move involving Nina Nijstad and Riola Xhemaili. Ripa finished calmly inside the box and stood out with her creativity in attack.

Renate Jansen doubled the lead later on. After missing an earlier big chance, she could not fail from close range when Liz Rijsbergen delivered a perfect cross.

In their first match of 2026, PSV demonstrated superior individual quality compared to PEC Zwolle. The Eindhoven side are firmly pushing for one of the three Champions League places and possess the squad to do so. Investment in the women’s team is evident, not only through Cayman’s arrival but also with substitutes such as Fenna Kalma and debutant Shanice van de Sanden.

Seven internationals were on the pitch for PSV — an impressive figure at Eredivisie level. If the talent fully clicks, PSV could surprise in the second half of the season and beyond. For PEC Zwolle, the question remains whether this season is a flash in the pan or the start of a longer-term rise.

Heerenveen 3-2 AZ

The most dramatic and surprising match of the round took place in Friesland, where Heerenveen defeated AZ 3–2 in a crucial relegation battle.

On paper, AZ were the stronger side, but once again they failed to sustain their level for a full match. Several factors worked against the visitors. Desirée van Lunteren was suspended following her red card, heavy fog hovered over the pitch, and goalkeeper Netty Booms lost confidence early on, while her teammates squandered chance after chance.

Goalkeeper errors dominated the opening phase. Heerenveen took an early lead when Booms lost sight of the ball and failed to command her area, allowing Fenny Meijer to score opportunistically. AZ responded through Ellouzi from close range, with Heerenveen goalkeeper Badenhop also looking unconvincing. Meijer then struck again from distance, but Booms misjudged the power of the shot and let it slip through her hands.

A debatable foul by Badenhop gave AZ a chance to equalise from the spot, but Mol failed to convert. AZ continued to create opportunities and finally made it 2-2 in the 71st minute through Maudy Stoop.

Pushing for a winner, AZ were caught out in stoppage time. Heerenveen showed bravery and refused to show excessive respect for their opponent. Evi Maatman finished superbly, her jump and body position guiding the ball into the far corner. The quality of the strike made the victory feel deserved.

Heerenveen now move clear of the relegation zone in eighth place, while AZ are forced to look nervously over their shoulder if performances do not improve.

FC Utrecht 2-2 Hera United

Under Linda Helbling, FC Utrecht are developing a reputation as comeback specialists. Once again, they recovered from a 2-0 deficit, this time to draw with Hera United — just as they previously did against PEC Zwolle and AZ.

Utrecht’s recurring issue remains their lack of focus in the opening minutes. Goalkeeper Femke Bastiaen, who is enduring a highly inconsistent season, played a central role in Hera’s early goals. She failed to deal convincingly with Kyra’s shot for the 1–0 and shortly afterwards passed the ball straight to Hassani, who punished the error with clinical precision.

Trailing 2-0, Utrecht dominated possession and territory. Nikita Tromp orchestrated the attack with her calmness on the ball, spotting space for Sam de Jong, whose assist allowed Lobke Loonen to score the 1-2. With ten goals in all competitions, Loonen remains somewhat underrated, her consistency overshadowed by Utrecht’s defensive frailties.

Utrecht eventually secured a point through substitute Mahieu, again assisted by De Jong. While relegation fears are absent, the draw masks ongoing problems in goal and defence. The absence of Ilse van der Zanden, now excelling in Serie A with Fiorentina, is still clearly felt.

Hera United, strengthened by the additions of Bruins and Kaagman, will be satisfied with a point that keeps them ninth, just above the relegation zone. Upcoming fixtures against Heerenveen and NAC Breda promise to be decisive.

Feyenoord 1-0 Excelsior

Feyenoord claimed an unnecessarily tight but crucial victory on Sunday evening as Kirsten van de Westeringh’s goal secured a 1–0 win over city rivals Excelsior.

Jessica Torny’s side struggled to break down their opponents in the first half, despite creating chances, they missed a lot of them. The best opportunity came for Kirsten van de Westering who overhit the ball in front of goal.

Another big opportunity fell to debutant Tori DellaPeruta, who went through one-on-one after a fine solo run, only to shoot wide. The loanee from Fiorentina has joined her sisters’ team and looked very promising for the Rotterdammers.

The breakthrough came twenty minutes from time in spectacular fashion. Van de Westeringh unleashed a long-range effort from well outside the box, and the ball flew into the net.

The win keeps Feyenoord firmly in the top tier of the Eurojackpot Vrouwen Eredivisie. They are still contenders for European spots. They have the most international squad and Jessica Torny and technical manager Manon Melis are building towards something more European minded. This season a win over a team like Ajax, FC Twente or PSV is a ‘must’ to prove their worth at the top.

NAC Breda 1-0 ADO Den Haag

NAC Breda hosted a crucial relegation six-pointer against ADO Den Haag. From the opening whistle, tension was palpable.

The match didn’t have the most attractive style of play, but it sure was a very entertaining fight between two teams at the bottom of the table.. NAC thought they had taken an early lead in the fifth minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. At the other end, alert defending prevented ADO from scoring.

Brigitte Franken had the best chance of the first half, heading narrowly wide when left unmarked from a corner. ADO gradually took control but struggled to create clear-cut chances. After the break, they dominated possession, while NAC looked to counter. The pressure increased, but NAC goalkeeper Nikki de Haan produced a series of excellent saves.

With ten minutes of stoppage time added, the breakthrough finally came in the 92nd minute. ADO lost possession sloppily at the back, NAC countered at speed, and after a fortunate rebound, Josje Visser fired low into the right corner to seal the win.
NAC’s team spirit proved decisive, contrasting with ADO’s uncertainty.

The clubs’ difference in support structure also stood out: NAC played in front of a relatively large crowd in the main stadium, while ADO lacked a fully staffed technical bench. With seven points already on the board, NAC can be proud of their resilience.

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

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Brisbane Roar up the ladder after historic win

Brisbane Roar 3 – 1 Canberra United

By Emma Burke 23/1/26

Above: Brisbane Roar celebrate after scoring in their win against Canberra United. Photo: via the A-Leagues.

In their third game in seven days, Brisbane Roar defeated Canberra United 3-1 at Spencer Park thanks to goals from Daisy Brown, Sharn Freier and Bente Jansen.

This result also sees Brisbane’s undefeated run now stretch to five games and see them climb all the way from ninth to fourth on the ladder.

Making her first start of the season by replacing Teagan Bertolissio who received a red card last week, Sophia Christopherson opened the scoring for her side when Roar keeper Chloe Lincoln made a poor clearance right into her path.

Christopherson sent the ball right back at Lincoln, who had no time or opportunity to rectify her error.

It took the home side until the last minute of regular time in the first half to tie things up, which they did by taking advantage of a quick break.

A pass from the Dutch import Jansen split Canberra’s lines and allow Ashlyn Miller to run onto the pass before toe-poking it forward to herself.

Miller was able to then send off a square ball to Daisy Brown, who was waiting in the six yard box, and her first time touch sent the ball into the left side of the goal.

Giving up their lead was only the start of it for Canberra, who were then briefly locked out of their change room at half time.

The visitors came out of the rooms looking to secure the lead again, applying a high press against Brisbane’s defence in the hopes of exploiting an error but in the meantime, Roar substitute Freier did what she does best and tore up the left flank.

Freier was able to shake off defender Hayley Taylor-Young, who had already been put through her paces by Aimee Medwin, and then seeing no option to cross to in the box, Freier elected to hold onto the ball and press forward into the box before dragging the ball across the face of goal to score on a very tight angle.

Canberra had a solid attacking spell where multiple shots were fired in quick succession, but Brisbane’s defence stood strong to block each one.

The final goal of the night was scored by Jansen, once again taking advantage of a poor clearance from Canberra’s defence and scored her seventh goal for the season.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (4-1-2-1-2): Lincoln, Medwin, Studer, Varley, Seidl, Woods, Miller, Meyers, Hayashi, Jansen, Brown Substitutes: Franco, Freier, Stephenson, Piazza, Cuthbert, Kinsella

Scorers: Brown 45′, Freier 66′, Jansen 89′

CANBERRA UNITED (5-3-2): James, Christopherson, Robers, Taylor-Young, Grove, Malone, Wardlow, Anton, Gordon, Heyman, Aulicino Substitutes: Majstorovic, Hawkins, Stanic-Floody, Briedis, McKenzie, Dale

Scorers: Christopherson 13′

Referee: Rebecca Durcau

Attendance: 955.

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Brian buoyant about Toffee chances against Brighton

By Alyce Collett 23/1/2026

Above: Everton coach Brian Sorenson in training. Photo: via Everton FC

After a confidence boosting win last weekend in the FA Cup, Everton do not have to wait too long to get back on the pitch in the Women’s Super League (WSL), as they open this weekend’s action with a Friday night clash at home against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Everton’s head coach Brian Sorenson was reflective of where his side was placed at this point in the season.

“I think our performance in the last block was good against Villa, Man City and Chelsea” Sorenson said.

“We did well and maybe got the points that we deserved in that in that block, but also earlier on we were losing tight games.

“But overall, I think we’re in a good place. We had a good performance against a very top side from City.

“If you watch the game last night, for example, Chelsea had problems building against Citi and we did that quite constantly. It’s just the output in the final third that we were lacking. We’re working on that and we were confident going to this game also knowing that it will be a tough game because I think Brighton has some very good players, especially in the front line.”

Scoring has not always come freely to the Toffees this season, but Sorenson does not think that is where the bigger issue lies for his side.

“I think like this season, it actually hasn’t been scoring goals that’s been our main problem, it has been the defence” Sorenson explained.

“Of course we always want more and we want to score more, but if you look back on the last three season I’ve been here, this is the season where we score by far the most until now.

And we know that it’s tight games. We need to make sure our defence is super solid and then we know we’ll create a chance or two, and then it’s just taking advantage of that.”

Sorenson acknowledged the injury issues the Seagulls have faced this season – and also noted the similarities to the issues his own team has faced – and said that because of how “the games that are super tight, they can go either way”, his team needed to find new ways to get around the challenged Brighton throw at opponents.

“It’s about being defensive solid and take your chances the other way” Sorenson explained.

“I still think they play really good football. They are very dynamic in the approach.

“I think they’re very similar to us – they change formations in game and from game to game, they have different approaches on how they want to defend but also the way they attack. They can build it with three, they can build with four, they can rotate the fullbacks inside. They can rotate the fullbacks forward.

“It’s super dynamic, so that’s just what we need to be alert of.”

The games may be coming thick and fast for Everton at the moment, but it is still the winter transfer window and the deals are coming thick and fast for many sides in the WSL.

Despite how busy Everton was this time last year, this transfer has been a lot quieter for the Toffees, with Hannah Blundell coming in on loan the only new face so far this window.

However, if everything goes to plan there are more new faces to come.

“We are looking to add at least two more” Sorenson confirmed.

“So we are working extremely hard for that, but it’s not an easy window. The prices have skyrocketed and we haven’t budgeted for that. So we need to see if we can be creative, otherwise we just have to pull through with the ones that we have.”

There has been a lot of talk surrounding the future of star forward Kelly Gago, but Sorenson had some news that will bring relief to the Everton faithful.

Sorenson does not “think she’s going anywhere” because “she wants to go and she has release clause in her contract, so the club that wants to can just pay that and she’s free to go, but from my understanding it’s like 10% of that release clause that’s been submitted.”

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Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters and Tijan McKenna preview timely clash with Melbourne City 

Above: Tijan McKenna speaks to the press. Image: Perth Glory.

By Ella McShane (22/1/26)

The girls in purple come into the weekend off the back of a shared point with last years league champions Central Coast Mariners, a welcome change from both last season and the early stages of the campaign. Head coach Stephen Peters and defender Tijan McKenna spoke to the media.

“There’s a good bit of confidence with the football and we’ve generated some good competency with our defence,” said Peters.

McKenna was named A-Leagues December player of the month, despite having filled in at centre back out of necessity over the past several weeks. McKenna described the accolade as a pleasant “shock”. 

“It’s definitely helped me as a player, playing out of position, in multiple spots. Just developing me even more” 

“I think she’s found a bit of a home [at centre back]..It’s really good, I am really proud of her.” Peters commended the young defender.

Looking to the opponent, the respective sides come into the weekend with a mere three weeks separating the last match up. 

“It’s unique, for us we don’t want to go away from things that you did well, but you also want to make tactical adjustments,” stated Peters.

Reassessing City’s threat, Peters reaffirmed the ever-present attacking danger posed by Holly McNamara, while also emphasising the strength and depth of the squad as a whole.

Above: Peters talks to the press. Image: Perth Glory.

“You’ve got to be on your guard. But Leah Davidson gave three assists in that particular game. Thats the quality that they possess, if it’s not Leah, it’s Laura Hughes, if it’s not Laura Hughes it’s Leticia McKenna. They’ve got a very good side.”

“They’re a very consistent side they’ve got similar actions from the first whistle to the last whistle.”

Peters reflected on the previous match-up, saying, “We made errors at crucial moments that hurt us, but our overall approach play was strong.” 

Peters also pointed to a key positive, adding, “We’re the only team in the competition to have taken the possession statistics away from them, so we’ll take confidence from that.”

The A-league table grows tighter as the season progresses with a mere 4 points currently separating Glory from their league leading opponent.

“Every game is becoming a finals game because of how close the competition is becoming.”

Megan Wynne and Natalie Tathem are inching closer to a return to the pitch following ACL injuries, with Tathem in full training and Wynne following closely behind

Peters also revealed that caution will be exercised the following weeks to consider player loading. 

“We’ve got to look at a bit of a load management situation with the two games so close together.” 

“We will most likely delve into the squad for the next two games.”

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Terland goal sees United into Subway Cup final

Arsenal 0-1 Manchester United

By Emme Fortnam (21/1/26)

Above: Terland celebrating her goal Photo: Manchester United FC

Elisabeth Terland’s first half goal was enough to secure Manchester United’s place in the Subway Cup final, as they visited Meadow Park.

The Action

The game started with a promising run from Olivia Smith, who crossed for Frida Maanum. The Norwegian’s header was grabbed by Phallon Tullis-Joyce, as Arsenal asserted themselves on the game from the off. Moments later, Arsenal got their first corner taken by Katie McCabe. Jayde Riviere and Alessia Russo battled for the ball, before the English striker sliced the ball out of her feet.

Manchester United started to take control throughout the first 20 minutes with Jess Park being key for them to hold onto the ball as she linked up everything.

Mariona Caldentey took a corner, which ended with the vicious clash between Anna Sandberg & Alessia Russo, who both ended up on the floor.

As the game progressed, Manchester United proved why they belonged in the semi-finals, showing a more aggressive side of their game following a measured last game against Arsenal in the WSL. Mark Skinner will be happy with the adaptation he saw from his side.

In the 32nd minute, from a McCabe free kick, Maya Le Tissier stamped her authority on the game with a strong clearance.

Into added time at the end of the half, and Anneke Borbe tried to be a bit too cute in clearing the ball, eventually leaving it to Elisabeth Terland who was able to find the goal.

Momentum build up

Arsenal returned to the second half eager to even the score after Terland’s goal, as they cautiously but tactically passed the ball round, avoiding Man United’s defensive structure. Frida Maanum then went for the goal, but was too high.

Lotte Wubbon-Moy, as Arsenal’s captain for the game, really pushed through showing her expertise. Following that initial pressure, Arsenal spent a lot of time around the box, intimidating the visitors. 

Victoria Pelova soared the ball over to Russo, who went for the goal, but dragged her shot wide. On the hour mark, Olivia Smith was given a second yellow, hampering Arsenal’s chances to level the game.

New Beginnings

New star signings for both teams made a name for themselves during this Subway Cup semi-final. Ellen Wangerheim and Smilla Holmberg both put in a performance to excite the fans about their future. Holmberg tried an effort on goal after a pass from Mariona Caldentey, but it flew over the bar. Still, her effort to reach the ball brought a roar from the fans.

United continued to create chances of their own, with Russo and Holmberg having to defend from Terland late on. Neither team could add to the score however and it finished 1-0 to Manchester United. 

63’ H. Lundkvist for A. Sandberg, 64’ L. Naalsund for S. Awujo, 72’ M. Malard for J. Z. Olme, 90’ L. Schüller for E. Terland 

TEAMS: ARSENAL (4-3-3): Borbe, Hinds, Wubben-Moy (C), Codina, McCabe, Pelova, Mariona, Maanum, Smith, Foord, Russo. Substitutes: Blacksteinius (for Maanum 58′), Little (for Pelova 74′), Holmberg (for Hinds 75′), Mead (for Russo 84′) van Domselaar, Liddiard, Catley, Harwood.

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce, Sandberg, Le Tissier (C), Park, Terland, Awujo, Riviere, Janssen, Zigiotti, Wangerheim, Hinata. Substitutes: Lundkvist (for Sandberg 63′), Naalsund (for Awujo 64′), Malard (for Zigiotti 72′), Schüller (for Terland 90′), Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Turner, Griffiths, Drury.

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Chelsea hold off City pressure to reach Subway Cup final

Manchester City 0-1 Chelsea

By Hope Robinson 21/1/26

Above: Grace Clinton pushes forward, with Sandy Baltimore covering. Photo: mancity.com

A header from Wieke Kaptein secured a 1-0 victory for Chelsea over Manchester City,
sending them through to the Subway League Cup final after a tightly contested
semi-final at Joie Stadium.

Early Game Overview

The match began at a paced tempo, with both sides evenly matched in the opening
five minutes before Chelsea gained the upper hand. Sonia Bompastor’s team
pressed aggressively, closing space quickly and forcing Manchester City into early
mistakes. A loose diagonal pass from Rebecca Knaak inside three minutes allowed
Chelsea to launch a sharp attack, with Sam Kerr and Alyssa Thompson repeatedly
threatening behind the defensive line.


Chelsea’s midfield played a more central role than usual, moving the ball efficiently
and winning key duels through Erin Cuthbert, Wieke Kaptein, and Sjoeke Nüsken.
City attempted to bypass the press with long balls to Khadija Shaw, while Grace
Clinton impressed with her work rate and defensive positioning. Both teams played
directly and looked to attack, but clear chances were limited in the opening phase.
Chelsea’s pressure paid off in set pieces, winning their first corner inside seven
minutes and five by the 14th. Sandy Baltimore found space on the edge of the area, though Vivianne Miedema blocked the effort. City defended well from corners,
winning second balls, and staying organised.


Manchester City threatened in the 11th minute when Shaw isolated Millie Bright
before Naomi Girma intervened. Momentum swung briefly towards City from the 16th
minute as their pressing forced a turnover and a dangerous break, with Lauren
Hemp releasing Shaw, only for Baltimore to recover. Despite these moments,
Chelsea’s physicality, pressing, and control of possession kept them in charge of the
first 20 minutes.

Tactical Battle and Momentum Swings

After the opening 20 minutes, City began to control possession, winning a free kick
following a foul on Hemp. Alex Greenwood’s curling attempt was comfortably saved
by Hannah Hampton, and Chelsea started to lose the ball more often, with
clearances falling straight to City players.

Between the 25th and 35th minutes, City used their full-backs effectively, combining
with wingers to stretch the play. Kerstin Casparij pushed high on the right, leaving
City with a back three, while Clinton drifted wide. Chelsea dropped deeper to protect
space, making City’s press harder to execute. City’s midfielders moved well, winning
second balls and dictating the tempo, while Chelsea took more time on the ball and
slowed their build-up.

City created a chance in the 31st minute when Millie Bright fouled Shaw on the edge
of the box. Greenwood’s free kick struck the wall, with Yui Hasegawa’s follow-up
effort wide. Chelsea briefly relieved pressure when Ellie Carpenter won a sixth
corner, but it came to nothing.

In the final ten minutes, pace became a key factor. Thompson raced against Jade
Rose, while Hemp stretched Chelsea on the left. City combined well through
Greenwood and Hemp, with Laura Blindkilde-Brown delivering a superb pass to
Shaw. She redirected the ball to Miedema with Hampton off her line, but the strike hit
the side post, the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock before three
minutes of added time. Similar momentum swings and play are seen throughout the
second half.

Turning Points and Winning Strikes

The opening goal came in the 41st minute when Kaptein converted a corner from
Baltimore. Baltimore had been delivering excellent set pieces all game, and Chelsea
capitalised on a recycled ball that City failed to clear. Kaptein timed her leap
perfectly, while Ayaka Yamashita could have reacted more sharply. In stoppage time
of the first half, Blindkilde-Brown delivered a superb pass to Shaw, who redirected it
to Miedema with Hampton off her line, but the effort struck the side post.

Chelsea created early chances in the second half. Cuthbert attempted a strike from
the edge of the box, but City blocked it, while Casparij hit the woodwork with a half-
volley five minutes in. Hemp won possession and led attacks, and Hasegawa
dominated the midfield. Hampton tipped a Shaw header over the crossbar, although
she was offside, and Hemp supplied another dangerous cross that Clinton narrowly
missed.

Chelsea’s defence remained composed under pressure. Kaptein slipped under
challenge, allowing Hemp to drive forward, but Hampton recovered. Hasegawa
threaded a pass through to Miedema near the 60th minute, only for Hampton to
make a vital save. James struck powerfully from a Thompson pass in the 65th
minute, but Yamashita denied her. Three minutes later, Hasegawa shot from the
edge of the box, with Hampton tipping it over the bar, producing one of the game’s
standout moments.

City continued to push in the final quarter. Baltimore forced a save from Yamashita
around the 75th minute, while Casparij picked up a yellow card in the 80th. Hemp
attempted to break through several times but was crowded out, and Thompson
tested the defence with a cross across the goalmouth. A late strike from Hemp led to
a corner, and in the 93rd minute, a near-miss from Miedema and Hemp could have
levelled the match. City pressed until the final whistle, but Chelsea’s composure and
defensive organisation held firm.

Kerr’s Influence, Fowler’s Return, and Chelsea’s Semi-Final Triumph

Sam Kerr started as the right-sided striker, with Alyssa Thompson on the left, and
impressed in hold-up play and link-up combinations. Rebecca Knaak marked her
closely, but Kerr’s off-ball movement between City’s centre-backs created space for
teammates.

She frequently dropped into a central “number ten” role when Thompson
stayed high, helping Chelsea control possession and press effectively. Kerr’s
physical presence and timely runs disrupted City’s build-up, forcing errors, and
keeping the defence stretched. Her positioning near the box allowed her to threaten
on the ball and support wide attacks. Overall, Kerr’s movement, pressing, and hold-
up play were crucial to Chelsea’s attacking rhythm.

Meanwhile, Mary Fowler’s return from an ACL injury appears on the horizon, with her recent training sessions suggesting she could be ready to feature soon. The prospect of Fowler joining a forward line led by Shaw adds an exciting new dimension to City’s attack.

Manchester City moved well in wide areas, with Hemp and Greenwood combining to
create chances, and Hasegawa controlling midfield. They pressed effectively but
struggled to convert possession into clear opportunities. Defensive lapses on set
pieces and failure to track runners, particularly Kaptein, proved costly. Overall, their
dominance was undermined by finishing and organisational errors, leaving them
short in attack and defence.

Chelsea are through to the Subway League Cup final after their 1-0 semi-final win over
Manchester City, who exit the competition. They will face Manchester United, who
beat Arsenal 1-0, at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol on Sunday 15th March. Chelsea
go into the final with confidence, aiming to retain the trophy and complete back-to-
back victories.

Teams: CHELSEA (3-5-2): Hampton, Bronze, Bright (c), Girma, Carpenter,
Baltimore, Cuthbert, Kaptein, Nüsken, Kerr, Thompson. Substitutes: James (for
Kerr, 60’), Reiten (for Nüsken 81’), Rytting-Kaneryd (for Thomspon 88’).
Scorer: Kaptein 41’.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Yamashita, Casparij, Rose, Knaak, Greenwood (c),
Hasegawa, Blindkilde, Clinton, Miedema, Hemp, Shaw. Substitutes: Coombs (for
Clinton, 64’), Beney (for Casparij 87′).

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Kyah Simon first half hat trick in first start for Dijon

Above: Kyah Simon earned her first start and a hat trick for Diijon. Image: Dijon.

On January 21, 2026, in her first start for Dijon, Asutralian striker Kyah Simon scored a hat trick in the first half during the French Women’s Professional Football League Cup (Coupe Ligue Féminine du Football Professionnel) versus Reims.

Dijon went on to win the game 4-0 and finished first in their qualifying group. Dijon will play at home their quarter-final versus Nantes on February 4th/5th.

Simon’s first goal was in the 11th minute on a cross from Meriame Terchoun.

The second one was with a header in the 22nd minute on a cross from Chengshu Wu.

The third one was with another header at the 30th minute on a cross from Margaux Vairon.

It was a great start for Simon. It will likely be the first of many starts to come if she maintains fitness.

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Vintage Kim Little performance sees Arsenal past Villa in FA Cup

By Emme Fortnam (21/1/26)

Above: Stina Blackstenius and Kim Little celebrating the opening goal Photo: @cozphotos on instagram

A goal and assist from Arsenal captain Kim Little secured Arsenal a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, who put up a strong defensive display to keep the game close throughout the fourth round tie.

The Teams

Arsenal centre back Leah Williamson missed out with a calf injury, while Slegers opted for the Russo-Blackstenius combination to start. For Villa, a few injuries hampered their team with Missy Bo Kearns stepping into the role of captain.

The Action

After a good initial spell on the ball from Aston Villa, it was Arsenal who began to dominate possession. With a free kick and corner, they were presented with two chances, but Stina Blackstenius couldn’t connect with Kim Little’s cross, and Ellie Roebuck made a save to keep the game goalless.

The defensive determination of Natalia Arroyo’s side began to show, as they held firm around the box – cutting off those crucial passing lanes and forcing the Arsenal attack into uncomfortable positions. Kearns and Lucy Staniforth in midfield were particularly impressive.

With a concussion, Emily Fox was forced to leave the game, allowing Smilla Holmberg to make her second appearance for Arsenal. From a corner, the visitors’ first chance arose – with Missy Bo Kearns firing wide.

Another save from Roebuck, this time keeping Russo’s header out and a crossbar hit from Beth Mead stopped Arsenal, keeping the score level at half time.

After a defensive first half, it didn’t take long until the first goal went in. Just after 50 minutes, Stina Blacksteinius scored a thrashing goal, after being found by a Kim Little cross. 10 minutes later it was the turn of Little to score herself. Following a corner, the ball bobbled around and eventually rebounded off the bar – it was Little who reacted first, smashing the ball home to extend the advantage.

In response, Arroyo made two changes, bringing on Georgia Mullett and the debuting Oriane Jean-Francois. They both come on with the clear goal trying to win back that possession, as they looked to push on and score. With only being on for about 60 seconds, Jean-François received a yellow card not a great start for her Villa debut.  

For one last throw of the dice, Villa replaced defender Noelle Maritz with striker Ebony Salman, while Arsenal brought on new legs with more conventional player-for-player substitutions. Ultimately, the Arsenal defence held strong, securing a win – but it was a valiant defensive performance from Aston Villa.

Arsenal will host WSL2 side Bristol City in the fifth round of the FA Cup, while Aston Villa’s focus can be fully of league success from now on.

Teams: ARSENAL (4-3-2-1): Borbe, Fox, Wubbon-Moy, Catley, McCabe, Little (c), Caldentey, Mead, Russo, Smith, Blackstenius. Substitutes: Holmberg (for Fox 22′), Foord (for Smith 71′), Maanum (for Russo 71′), Pelova (for Caldentey 84′), Codina (for Little 84′).

Scorers: 1-0 Blackstenius 52′, 2-0 Little 62′.

ASTON VILLA (3-4-1-2): Roebuck, Maritz, Patten, Parker, Wilms, Staniforth, Taylor, Maltby, Kearns (c), Hijikata, Hanson. Substitutes: Deslandes (for Maltby 46′), Mullett (for Kearns 63′), Jean-Francois (for Staniforth 63′), Salman (for Maritz 71′).

Referee: Lisa Benn.

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Adelaide net the points in end-to-end battle in Newcastle.

Newcastle United 1-2 Adelaide United  

Alice de Koster-Kitto 21/01/2025

Above: Melissa Taranto and Ilona Melegh. Photo: Adelaide United

Adelaide United have taken home the win, after defeating Newcastle United 2-1 at No.2 Sports Ground. The victory follows 90 minutes of end-to-end action, and uncertainty, and marks Adelaides first win in Newcastle in almost five years.

In early action, Adelaide United had two good chances within the first few minutes, both coming from a high press from Fiona Worts. A free taken by Paige Zois gave the visitors yet another early chance to open the scoring. Although Adelaide kept possession in their attacking end at the start, they couldn’t get through the Jets defence.

The Jets came close to the net following a corner in the 10th minute, that resulted in a scramble inside the box, however a goal was not to be found, despite momentarily seeming it was inevitably going over the line.

It seemed that Sophie Hoban had opened the scoring for the Jets with an excellent wide range shot on target, that looked as though it had gone in, inciting momentary celebrations from the home fans. The ball however was just wide, although it seemed to push the hosts to chase the openibng goal, as they began to put a real foot in the attacking end.

Emma Dundas had another close shot, that just bounced off the cross bar, putting Newcastle even further in favour of scoring the opener, as it appeared to be only a matter of time, until the hosts found a goal.

Despite early promise from Adelaide, the reds struggled to break through for the majority of the first half, as Newcastle dominated, holding the possession, creating continual chances, and capitalising on them with 6 shots within 25 minutes, while Adelaide had none.

Unavoidably, Newcastle Jets took the lead in the 26th minute with a power shot from captain Cass Davis, that flew through Adelaides defence, and could not have been halted by the hands of Ilona Melegh.

There was some response from Adelaide, as they seemed to regain the determination they had at the start, with a good chance from Condon, followed by a Paige Zois corner, that could have easily recreated her recent olympico against Melbourne Victory, if not hit away by Anna Leat.

A corner in the final minutes of the first half regulation gave the Jets a chance to extend their lead before the break, but despite efforts, the scoreline remained 1-0 at halftime.

Adelaide managed to take control of the ball again at the top of the second half. While they had no real chances, they held off the Jets’ attack, as Melegh had little to do for the first few minutes.

Newcastle was only held off for a few minutes, as they broke through to the attacking end with a promising attempt from Kelli Brown, which didn’t really amount to a chance, but got the Jets back in their attacking end. Brown got another huge opportunity just minutes after her attempted volley, striking in close range from the side of the box. The shot was ultimately saved by Melegh, but swung the game back in the hosts’ favour.

The 60th minute saw an equaliser from Erin Healy, who cleverly shot right through Tash Prior and Claudia Cicco, sending the ball straight to the net, with no real chance to be saved.

Healy got dangerously close to scoring a potential match-winner and netting herself a brace just minutes after her goal, with a strike from distance that was well saved by Leat, as it cleared the defence.

With the score remaining equal, and stoppage time running out, it became quite unclear how the game would go, as another goal seemed inevitable, but chances were fairly even at both ends. That was until Adelaide became the ones to capitalise, and break the stalemate, as Carina Rossi netted her first Ninja A-League goal.

With 15 minutes of regulation left, it seemed quite possible that the Jets would score an equaliser, and bring the final score to 2-2, while Adelaide could have just as easily extended their lead even further, as the end-to-end action continued.

Melina Ayres shot the ball into the back of the net following a run from Lauren Allan, which was called offside. The flag remained up, and the goal was not awarded, as the score remained the same in the final minutes of play.

The five minutes of added time were action-packed, with Newcastle desperately trying to find an equaliser in the nick of time. Both Malina Ayres and Lauren Allan got dangerously close to earning the Jets a goal, but all shots were saved by Melegh. Despite efforts, the hosts could not break through,  and the Reds took home the points.

Newcastle Jets head into a 10-day break, as they have a bye week next round, while Adelaide will head over the ditch to take on Wellington Phoenix at Porirua Park over the weekend.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Leat, Karipidis, Prior, Cicco, Breier, Copus-Brown, Davis, Dundas, Hoban, Brown, Lancaster. Substitutes: Ritchie, Wilson, L.Allan, Ayres, J.Allan, Collins

Goals: Davis 27’

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Melegh, Tolland, Tonkin, McNamara, E.Hodgson, Morgan, Condon, Zois, I.Hodgson, Worts, Dawder. Substitutes: A.Taranto, Makris, Jenkins, M.Taranto, Healy, Rossi

Goals: Healy 60’, Rossi 73’

Referee: Mikayla Ryan

Attendance: TBC

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Miller goal earns Roar a deserved draw

Brisbane Roar 1-1 Melbourne City

By Kieran Yap 20/1/26

Above: Ashlyn Miller celebrates her goalPhoto: Brisbane Roar.

Ashlyn Miller has rescued a point for Brisbane Roar in a very late comeback against Melbourne City.

Holly McNamara scored from the spot to give the visitors a first half lead after Aideen Keane was awarded a controversial penalty, and City looked set to leave Spencer Park with three points until Miller’s goal secured a draw in the final minutes.

In the continued absence of Leah Davidson and Laura Hughes, City started Karly Roestbakken in midfield. With Danella Butrus missing through concussion protocol, Bryleeh Henry returned to the starting lineup following her full return to fitness.

Despite the missing stars, City still controlled the early stages of the game, although Kijah Stephenson gave the visitors a scare when she almost skipped clear of Alexia Apostolakis.

A series of cross from City threatened Brisbane’s defence, but to no avail and Momo Hayashi responded with a long range effort that Milena Mieres was able to comfortably collect.

The game changed in the 41st minute when Aideen Keane turned on the edge of the area and Aimee Medwin made faint contact. The referee pointed to the spot despite the protests of the home side and McNamara took the chance to send her side into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Brisbane enjoyed more attacking play in the second half, but both sides defences were able to hold firm. The introduction of Kiera Meyers and Miller added some extra spark for Roar. Miller’s volleyed attempt brought the crowd to life, but Leticia McKenna was in the right place to block the goal bound effort.

Brisbane’s support were in uproar when a flicked effort on goal appeared to have struck a City defenders hand. To their frustration the call was denied and the score remained at 1-0, but the home side had the momentum as the match entered the final 10 minutes of regular time.

When the goal finally arrived, it did not feel undeserved, but City might feel unlucky nonetheless. Alicia Woods forced the ball forward and Miller got the short away. It squirms through the outstretched hands of Mieres to level the scores in the 87th minute.

The drama was not over as City surged to regain the lead. Shelby McMahon fashioned the best chance with a cross that fell for McNamara and then Danielle Turner, but Chloe Lincoln was aggressive off her line to clear.

The result feels like an escape for Brisbane, but they may feel aggrieved over the harsh penalty. For City, it will feel like a missed opportunity to re-establish themselves as league leaders after a disappointing result last week against Newcastle at home.

Brisbane have three days to resset before they host the high flying Canberra United. Melbourne City have an extrs days rest, but face the long trip to Perth, where they face a resurgent Glory side that has become formidable at home.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres, Turner, Otto, Stott, Apostolakis, Henry, Roestbakken, McKenna, Keane, Uchendu, McNamara. Substitutes: Jackson, Mcmahon, Wilson, Barbieri, Rako, Jugovic.

Goals: McNamara 42’.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-4-2): Lincoln, Medwin, Piazza, Varley, Seidl, Stephenson, Hayashi, Woods, Freier, Jansen, Brown. Substitutes: Meyers, Miller, Studer, Kinsella, Franco, Cuthbert.

Goals: Miller 87’.

Referee: Izzy Cooper.

Attendance: TBC.

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