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.
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 29th 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Perthwere 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 79th 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Above:Melbourne City’s Alexia Apostolakis (sky blue), who set up her side’s second goal, takes on Taren King of Central Coast Mariners today. Photo: Melbourne City.
A two-all draw between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City at Industree Group Stadium has left both sides with everything to play for in the second leg of the A-League Women Semi-Finals.
It was the Mariners’ Brooke Nunn who kept the home team in the game, both opening and equalising the scoring.
The first of her two goals came through the work of Annalise Rasmussen, who nutmegged City Captain Rebekah Stott and was left with miles of space to run into.
Rasmussen then played the ball to Izzy Gomez on a run who’s cutback found Jade Pennock at the spot, but Pennock’s initial shot was blocked by keeper Malena Mieres. Mieres, who had not been able to hold onto the ball, parried it into the feet of Nunn who made no mistake from such close range.
City answered back in the form of a spectacular Leticia McKenna free kick. The dead ball, taken from at least 25 yards out, was struck perfectly to beat Sarah Langman in goal. This is the second week in a row that McKenna has scored in such astonishing fashion.
The visiting Melbourne City then took the lead minutes later through Bryleeh Henry, who ran onto a well-timed line-breaking through ball from Alexia Apostolakis.
Henry’s run saw her cut across the pitch from right to left to meet the ball right under the noses of Central Coast’s defensive line. Utilising all of her pace, Henry then beat out a trailing defender, stepped around Langman, who had come off her line to meet her, and completed the finish into an open net to put City up 2-1.
Following the break, Nunn scored her second of the afternoon, running onto a pass from Jade Pennock and beating Mieres for a second time.
Locked in a draw, both sides seemed happy to wait out the rest of the time remaining, with neither making a serious case for a third goal.
This means that both sides will play for their place in the Championship game next weekend in Melbourne in the second leg with all to play for.
Above: Kim Little & Jess Fishlock while at Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City
What would a combination of Melbourne City’s three undefeated A-League Women’s teams look like?
So Melbourne City have gone Invincible. They did not lose a single game throughout the regular season. While this is the first time they’ve done it in a full length home and away season, it’s not the first time they’ve done this, or the second even.
Melbourne City’s first ever season in the A-League Women in 2015/16, then called the W-League, saw them not only go undefeated throughout the season, but they did not drop a single point to another team. All wins. That team also had a goal difference of +34. Which is the same goal difference they have this year, despite having only played 14 games back then.
They also did an Invincible Season in 2019/20, when they signed a slew of Matildas and National Team Fringe players, and some truly excellent International arrivals. It’s unsurprising they went without a loss in this campaign when you check out that season’s roster.
In honour of this incredible achievement, here’s what their best ever starting XI could look like, and why.
Barbieri is an icon of the women’s game, and has now gone two seasons Invincible with City, having been on the team in the 19/20 season and this current one. While she may not appear on the pitch as frequently these days, she’s been a huge reason why City has been so successful due to her leadership.
City’s Captain for a number of years before being snatched up to Arsenal Women, Steph Catley position as a left footed left back was performed second to none through her time with City. Her bombing runs forward and ability to track back made her incredible to watch. She also scored the Championship winning goal in the 2019/20 final.
Rebekah Stott
One of two, three time Invincible players and now Melbourne City’s current Captain, kiwi Rebekah Stott has all the experience and authority to run a smooth ship in defence. It’s unbelievable to think she has been doing this for so long.
Jennifer Beattie
Jennifer Beattie came to City on loan from parent club Manchester City for that first season and was an absolute brick wall in their defence. She also managed to score a couple goals too.
Ellie Carpenter
Not much needs to be said about Ellie Carpenter, but her one Invincible season with City in 2019/20 was one for the ages. The football that side played under Rado Vidosic allowed Carpenter to play as Steph Catley’s opposite footed twin on the right side, something she does even better in today’s game.
Substitutes: Alexia Apostolakis, Lauren Barnes, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, Taylor Otto
Another player who came to City for that inaugural season, only Kim Little came in on loan from Seattle Reign. Little was, as she still is, an absolute powerhouse of the midfield, and scored seven goals in her one and only season with City too.
Emily van Egmond
Van Egmond played with City in 2019/20 under Rado Vidosic and had one of her best club seasons being able to play as an attacking midfielder. The free flowing football City played was so ridiculously up her alley she scored six goals while doing it (an equal Club best that season with Kyah Simon, I told you that team was stacked).
Having played for City in both the 2015/16 season and the 2019/20 season, Aivi Luik is an easy pick for this side. At her peak, Luik was a dominant force of City’s midfield, both stringing up attacks going forward and slowing down the ones that came back at her.
Jess Fishlock
One time, while playing for Melbourne City, Jess Fishlock became the team’s head coach after Joe Montemurro left for his stint at Arsenal, and dragged them into the finals, and to a Championship, and that wasn’t even an Invincible season. Fishlock is a player you always know is going to make something happen, even if she has to do it all herself.
Substitutes: Laura Hughes, Yukari Kinga, Leticia McKenna, Tameka Yallop
A scissors, paper, rock contest to decide who takes a free-kick in a Grand Final?! 🤣🤯
Kim Little and Jess Fishlock chose a unique way to decide who got set piece honours in 2016 – but it paid off 🚀
The 2015/16 season was Crummer’s career best, scoring 11 goals in 14 games and winning the golden boot. She was outrageously good that season and still stands as an undeniable “What if?” for the national team had injuries and strange position changes hadn’t come her way.
Holly McNamara
This season’s golden boot winner with 15 goals to her name in only 17 games, Holly McNamara is the easiest pick of this list. McNamara brings something to the League that really hasn’t been seen perhaps since Sam Kerr last played here. Three ACL injuries have done nothing to stop McNamara as she remains only delayed, never denied.
Just casually picking up the ball in your own half and SCORING 🔥🔥
After missing the first 5 rounds of the season, Holly McNamara is equal TOP of the Golden Boot chart. What a player. pic.twitter.com/cl6I15o84M
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