Skinner: Clinton “In good space” ahead of Manchester Derby.

by Catherine MacKenzie (17/1/25)

Above: Grace Clinton for Manchester United. Photo: @RainbowDevils on X

Marc Skinner revealed that Grace Clinton is available and the squad is in “a good space” ahead of this weekend’s derby against Manchester City.

The Women’s Super League returns this weekend, and the biggest clash of the round is undoubtedly the Manchester derby, as Manchester City aim for a third consecutive win over their local neighbours. Speaking to media early this morning, Manchester United manager Marc Skinner revealed that Grace Clinton and Simi Awujo are both available after missing the FA Cup win over West Bromwich Albion. Midfielder Geyse Ferreira is the only new absence, due to personal reasons.

Asked extensively about the quality of Manchester City and the dangers he expects them to pose to his United team, Skinner said that the game will “come down to individual moments” on and off the ball and explained that he hopes his team will “make sure their decision-making processes are not impacted by the pressure they give you”. He also eluded to the team dynamics he expects, stating that “they (City) have grown in that team for a lot longer”, emphasising that United are a “younger” team with “less experience in these games”.

Asked about the atmosphere he expects at City’s Etihad stadium, Skinner said he has told his team not to “fear the environment you go in to”, adding that the team needs to be “mature, and try to accept the fact that we are in a game that is high pressure”.

Expanding on the qualities he hopes his team will show against the team currently second in the league, he added that his focus was on getting the balance right between defensive and attacking play; that he wants United to have “more time in the box, more touches, be more assertive on the ball and take every challenge head on”.

He emphasised that he wants his players to play with flair: “I want us to show energy, hunger, and commitment”. He spoke a lot about expression – hoping his team battle for “every header”, and “really express ourselves when we get the ball”.

Reflecting on last year’s matches against City, Skinner noted that his team “let ourselves down in one or two moments”, and that he hopes they have learned that “from minute one you need to be in it”.

He also spoke about playing Manchester City in back-to-back fixtures; first in the Women’s Super League, followed three days later by the League Cup. Asked about how he will approach the turnaround, he admitted that “you learn a lot from the first game”, and that he will aim to “keep it fresh” by rotating players during the two games.

Skinner was also asked about a number of individual players. On Ella Toone’s return to the squad after two months out with an injury, he noted that he has been impressed with her personal growth throughout a difficult period: “I’ve seen her grow on the field but also as a person off the field, her growth as a person is what I am most proud of”. On Maya Le Tissier’s role as captain this season, Skinner added that “Maya is a special person” who “thrives on these games”.

Lastly, he was asked about the psychological impact of facing such a tough opponent. Skinner asserted that “any psychological barrier is a choice”, but that “I don’t feel that from the group”, and “there is a hunger to try and win these games”.

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Rebecca Knaak, can she be the difference as City fights for the title?

by Freya Hiscott for Impetus (14/01/25)

Above: Rebecca Knaak signs a contract with Manchester City until 2026. Photo: @mancitywomen on Instagram.

An insight into Manchester City’s newest signing, Rebecca Knaak, and the experience she will bring to this City side as they fight to break Chelsea’s WSL winning streak of five in a row. 

An insight into Knaak’s career

Rebecca Knaak, a German defender has recently signed for Manchester City from FC Rosengard until the summer of 2026. Knaak spent three seasons in Sweden, winning the Damallsvenskan (the Swedish league title) in both 2022 and 2024 and securing the Damallsvenskan Cup in the 2021-22 campaign. As an integral part of her former club, Knaak was central to Rosengard’s defence, with the team in the 2024 season losing only once and conceding just nine times in 26 fixtures. Knaak’s remarkable season also saw her attain individual recognition as she claimed the Damallsvenskan’s Defender of the Year award. Knaak was pivotal to that latest title win, finishing with 12 league goals, surpassed by just five other players across the entire division.

Knaak’s stunning debut 

With defender and captain Alex Greenwood currently recovering from an MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury and Alanna Kennedy absent from City’s latest matchday squad, Knaak made her first appearance for City in their 3-0 win against Ipswich in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Playing the full 90 minutes, Knaak was a dominant force in the opposition box, making strong tackles and providing an assist in the first 20 minutes, where she guided Jill Roord to scoring the opener. The versatile centre-back had an impressive game, which almost saw her secure her first goal for the Blues when a corner taken by Mary Fowler met with Knaak’s head; however, the ball quickly took a deflection onto the crossbar.

Above: Rebecca Knaak in action for Manchester City on her debut performance. Photo: Rebecca Knaak on Instagram 

What makes Knaak the perfect signing for the Blues? 

Having represented Germany at youth level, the 28-year-old brings a wealth of experience to this young Manchester City team. Knaak debuted for Germany’s Under-15 youth team at age 14, which led her to eventually captain the Under-20s. With the City squad having an average age of 24, the team has a combination of experienced players who have played at both club and international level, but also plenty of promising young talent coming through. Knaak is now one of the older players in the squad so her understanding of the game should help strengthen and inject experience into the team. In the 2023/24 WSL season, Manchester City saw three goals scored from the backline, coming from Captain Greenwood and Spanish internationals Laia Aleixandri and Leila Ouahabi. In Knaak’s latest season playing for FC Rosengard, she drove the ball into the net 11 times in the Swedish league, contributing massively to the side’s title win. 

In the 2023/24 WSL season, The Women’s Super League Golden Boot was awarded to Manchester City striker Khadija Bunny Shaw, who scored 21 goals in 18 games. Lauren Hemp also completed the most assists that season with eight. With both of these influential players currently ruled out of the City squad due to injuries, Gareth Taylor has been giving more game time to younger players, such as 18-year-old academy graduate Lily Murphy. Since signing her first professional contract for City in December 2024, Murphy has played in four WSL games and five Champions League fixtures, scoring one goal. Due to Knaak’s experience in being a key player in both boxes and her ability on the ball, she will be the perfect player to bridge the gap between experienced players and younger, more inexperienced players within Manchester City’s squad. 

Sørensen: “We needed that quality week in week out.”

Above: Hayley Ladd signs her contract with Everton. Photo: Everton FC

by Alyce Collett (16/1/25)

After not getting to get on the park last weekend, this weekend Everton finally get to start the 2025 half of their campaign with a clash against Aston Villa.

Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, Everton manager Brian Sørensen brought those in attendance up on a number of key areas ahead of the clash and the second half of Everton’s season.

One of the biggest topics discussed was Everton’s January transfer window, which has arguably been the busiest of any of the Women’s Super League (WSL) sides. So far this window the Toffees have signed the likes of now former Manchester United player Hayley Ladd and French striker Kelly Gago permanently, as well as Louna Ribadeira, Martina Fernández and Emma Watson temporarily on loan.

Sørensen spoke bout Everton’s busy January transfer window, noting that “one thing is the players. That’s what we needed in terms of the depth in the squad and then having that quality available week, week in, week out.”

“I think the two games in the fall where we actually had a bit of consistency was up against Arsenal and up against City, where we didn’t have to change last minute or somewhat dropped out and so on. So now we have a much better squad that can deliver that consistency in terms of quality and numbers.”

He eluded to that “maybe one more” player will come to Everton “but it’s not a certain”.

He also neither confirmed nor denied there would be any more departures this window, saying that “someone in that next layer that, for whatever reason, want to be certain, or given more game time, then it could be a possibility”, but there are currently no discussions in progress about players departing.

Everton have also had some temporary departures, with young stars Issy Hobson and Ellie Jones being loaned out to Sheffield United, and Macy Settle loaned out to Blackburn Rovers. Sorenson explained that his aim for them while out on loan was to get “senior exposure week in, week out, in a very competitive league.”

“To close the gap to the WSL, I think you need that exposure” Sorenson said.

“We couldn’t afford sending them out before, that was reality, and then we also couldn’t give them the match exposure.”

He also gave an update on a number of key players under an injury cloud.

He said that Elise Stenevik is not ready to return from a hamstring injury, but Karen Holmgaard will be in contention to return from her hip injury very soon.

He also said that Aurora Galli, Inma Gabarro and Kenzie Weir are all “progressing very well” in their recoveries from their respective ACL injuries.

It has been a while since Everton have played a match, but Sorenson explained how he and his team have tried to keep the momentum going from their last match, which was an upset win over title contender Manchester City.

“We showed a couple of clips leading up to the Tottenham game of our performance there just to emphasise and highlight how good some of the spells were” Sørensen explained.

“But we also know that Tottenham and Villa, is going to be a different opponent. We’re not going to set up the same way, we will do it a bit different. But we take great confidence in beating City for sure.”

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Doeglas: I was in shock…I’ve worked so, so hard for this”

by Ben Gilby (16/1/25)

Above: Caitlin Doeglas speaking to the media earlier today. Image: Perth Glory.

It was the stuff of fairytales. Coming back to the A-League Women with Perth Glory after three years away. Making a 50th appearance. Scoring a goal. Caitlin Doeglas did it all last Friday.

Reflecting on her comeback game in a purple shirt after coming in on an injury replacement contract against Sydney FC, attacker Caitlin Doeglas was full of smiles.

“I was never expecting it. For it to be my 50th (W/A-League Women appearance) and then score – I was so happy with how it went.”

The attacker had been training with the squad for several weeks before injuries struck the Western Australian side’s front line. Sarah O’Donoghue and Kelli Brown were both struck down, and Doeglas was offered a contract to replace the latter player.

“I was just training with the girls, they have such a great environment down here. Having a lot of fun, and really relaxed. Obviously, it wasn’t under the best of circumstances with all the injuries, but I’m happy to step up.

“I was purely in shock. I think I just said ‘Oh wow!’ and then didn’t say anything for a little while! Then I rang my mum and the tears came. I’ve worked so, so hard for this – it was just the best feeling.”

The 28-year-old’s return to Perth Glory came after a tough three years. Doeglas injured her ACL for the second time. Her determination to prove herself once again shone throughout.

“I always knew I would come back better and stronger because I did so much rehab. I worked really really hard on that. The season after, I went to the NPL in Sydney and played there. They have one of the best leagues in Australia.

“I did well there, I really surprised myself and proved to myself that I can still stick it to some of the best young players in Australia. I knew I could possibly still be part of an A-League team, but to get a call-up and for everything to fall into place, has just been the best.”

The attacker then returned to her hometown to play a prominent part in Perth RedStar’s NPLW WA side last season which won the championship and the Top Four Cup Final. Doeglas was in sparkling form throughout and was clearly loving every minute of it. However, starring in the NPLW is one thing, but hitting the back of the net in the A-League Women is quite another.

“It’s definitely been an adjustment. Now it’s a full-time gig. When I was last here, it was just training in the afternoons and you did your day job…Now it’s more full-time which is great. It shows the league is growing and we’re getting closer to where we want it to be.

“The facilities – it’s so nice (now). In the morning we can have our field session and have showers and ice baths. We have a gym here. That’s the biggest difference for us. Previously, we only had the field sessions and that was as far as it went, so it shows how just in three years how big a jump the league has had, and it’s only going to go up from here.”

Doeglas really hit the ground running against Sydney last week, offering Perth the sort of outlet and deadly finishing that had been missing since the injuries struck. She also has the experience of being part of several Glory sides who have won at Victory. Something she is aiming to achieve once more on Saturday.

“Melbourne Victory have been really consistent through the years…they’ve done some really good recruiting, they have (Emily) Gielnik back in and it’s going to be a really tough encounter. We’re going to give it our best shot, and that’s all we can do.

“They’re tactically very strong, physically very strong. The training we’ve done this week has been really, really good, we’ve got some good momentum going into this game. I think we did really well against Sydney and with a few minor tweaks we can give Victory a really good run for their money…I hope I can bring a bit of that ‘beating Victory’ experience along!”

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Brighton go into their first competitive fixture this year confident despite Fran Kirby’s absence.

by Aimee-Lou Caldecourt for Impetus

Above: Brighton huddle together following their defeat to Arsenal just before the winter break. Photo: @BHAFCWomwn on X

Dario Vidošić addressed the media this morning ahead of the first WSL game back after the winter break, as Brighton and Hove Albion travel to Liverpool on Friday evening. 

Brighton were not exempt from the icy conditions of the weekend as their FA Cup game versus Durham was postponed, and they have not played a competitive match in over a month. However, training continued, and focus switched to facing Liverpool this Friday.

Being almost halfway through the season now, Brighton will remain 5th no matter the results of this game week. Vidošić remained confident that top four is still a tangible target for the Seagulls. He is also hopeful that silverware may be on its way back to Brighton this season.

Brighton are confident going into this fixture, and with both Brighton and Liverpool having the postponements this weekend, there will be a lot of fresh legs eager to play competitively. 

Vidošić reflected on previous away games this season, saying that the team “learnt a lot” from the heavy Arsenal defeat they suffered last time they played on a Friday night. “We’ve progressed well but we want to [perform well] for 90 minutes against everyone… it shouldn’t really matter what the badge is we are playing against.”

In terms of injury news, Vidošić has a couple of squad players back thanks to the postponement at the weekend. Fran Kirby is still a notable miss and will be for a couple of weeks, however it has been said that she is ahead of schedule in her recovery and rehab. Vidošić confirmed that he has a couple of squad players back from injury who may be available for selection.

The winter break gives each team the opportunity to fine tune parts of their game in order to come back stronger for the second half of the season, so Vidošić has “worked in all phases with and without the ball in preparation for Durham and now Liverpool” with the team to understand other team’s strengths and weaknesses and then apply their own style of football to the game. 

The WSL is back in full force this weekend and this game should be an interesting battle to kick off the second half of the season.

Sydney FC and Canberra United contest washed out

Sydney FC 2-0 Canberra United

by Emma Burke (15/1/25)

Above: Leichhardt Oval was hit by a storm that indefinitely halted play. Photo: Canberra United

Sydney FC’s game against Canberra United was cancelled after a torrential storm tore through Leichhardt Oval early in the second half, with the hosts leading the game 2-0.

Sydney came out pressing high and hard on Canberra United, giving the visitors no time to try and move forward after brushing off attacks on their goal.

A header from Tori Tumeth came inches away from the back of the net, but a rising Sally James did enough with an outstretched hand to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Sydney broke the deadlock just before 20 minutes had elapsed, when their Captain Nat Tobin took matters into her own hands, bypassing the midfield to break the lines with a pass forward for Princess Ibini.

Ibini’s run was expertly timed, beating her defender and luring James off her line, giving her the chance to beat the keeper at the far post, scoring for only the second time this season.

The home team’s second goal came from Lucy Johnson, her third goal in as many games, beating her defender in the box and firing on goal before Sally James had any idea of what was happening. 

Johnson’s second goal was the first time Sydney FC have managed to score more than once in their last 15 games, going all the way back to Round 21 of last season where they beat Adelaide 3-0.

Canberra had their best goal-scoring opportunity just before the end of the first half when Mary Stanic-Floody stood over a free kick and delivered it into the crossbar. The ball bounced down and was then somehow shunted out by Sydney’s desperate defence.

Not long after the second half began, referee Isabella Mossin suspended play due to lightning in the area, soon a storm rolled in and spectators were told to seek shelter inside the grandstand at Leichhardt Oval.

It was later announced that the game would not be finished, leaving the result possibly in limbo. If the game is not rescheduled, Sydney will be awarded all three points. A decision is expected on Thursday.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Edwards, Tumeth, Thompson, Tobin, Bryson, Johnson, Chauvet, Caspers, Dos Santos, Ibini, Tallon-Henniker. Substitutes: Franco, Connors, Lemon, Hawkesby, Luchtmeijer.

Scorers: Ibini 18’, Johnson 38’.

CANBERRA UNITED (4-3-3):  James, Bertolissio, Anton, McKenzie, Robers, Malone, Gordon, Taylor-Young, Christopherson, Heyman, Stanic-Floody. Substitutes: Markovski, Murray, J dos Santos, Nathan, Majstorovic.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: TBC.

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Clare Wheeler: Everton and the Matildas can “definitely climb and push the top teams”

by Ben Gilby (14/1/25)

Above: Clare Wheeler in possession during Everton’s Merseyside derby win over Liverpool in November. Photo: Emma Simpson / Everton FC.

Ahead of the WSL’s return from the Christmas break, Impetus’ Ben Gilby put questions to Everton and Australia midfielder Clare Wheeler in an EXCLUSIVE interview.

The New Year is a time for reflection and goal setting. Clare Wheeler looks back on the end of 2024 and ahead to the New Year seeing nothing but positive signs for both her club and country.

Everton went into the WSL’s Christmas break on the back of a superb 2-1 win over Manchester City at Walton Hall Park. Whilst there could be frustration at the team’s inability to ride that huge wave of confidence and momentum boost due to the league going on pause, Wheeler only sees good things.

“We just have to see the positives. We want to build on that momentum, but I think having the break in the middle of the season is a good thing. We take the positives out of that game taking it forward now for the rest of the season.”

The success over City was added to Everton’s earlier victory in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, and a draw at Arsenal which proves that the Toffies are capable of going toe-to-toe with the best. These outcomes were achieved despite a long injury list. The challenge for them in 2025, Wheeler feels, is to increase the team’s consistency as new faces become more used to their roles in the squad.

“So as much as we’d like to have more points than we have presently, we understand it’s been a challenging six months with injuries. We’ve had some new recruits come in and they’ve hit the ground running and everyone’s buzzing for the next six months. We need to take our opportunities and are now looking to build now going forward.”

Everton’s prospects were further boosted last week with the arrival of Hayley Ladd and Emma Watson from Manchester United. Wheeler is excited about the wider impact that these and potential other new signings will have on the team going forward.

Above: Clare Wheeler drives through the midfield during Everton’s win over Manchester City last month. Photo: Emma Simpson / Everton FC.

“The new recruits will definitely help. Some of the injuries have been long-term. Having new people come in is important and it builds the competitiveness within the team as well. Also, the new recruits that we got in over the (UK) summer, it’s a really hard league to get used to, now they’ve been here for six months you can see they are a lot more confident in our style of play. As a group, we’re also gelling more.

“I want Everton to do well because this is a group that can do well. I want us to finish as high as possible and to do that I’m going to be competitive in training and in games.

“We can definitely do it, we can definitely climb (the table) and push the top four teams. We proved it against City and with the draw against Arsenal. We just need to be more consistent and do it week to week.”

In terms of what she wants to develop in her own game for the remainder of the WSL season, the midfielder is desperate for one thing in particular.

“I’d love a goal – I’m still looking for that goal to be honest! But having decent game time does build confidence. That comes from being in the league for my third season now. I have more confidence and I think you are now seeing that on the field.”

The Matilda is clear that one of the key reasons for her ever-increasing self-confidence is her head coach Brian Sørensen, The Dane has guided Wheeler for the past four seasons – the first year with Fortuna Hjørring and now on Merseyside.

“I’ve come a long way in the time I’ve been with him. His style of play is something that I identify with. We want to keep the ball, we want to play out (from the back), and I think its hard to get used to at the start. It’s pushed me.

“Playing in the WSL, there is no easy games. You go in each week knowing you need to perform. You’ve seen every team this year is connected to a Premier League men’s team and the investment you’ve seen – it’s competitive from first to last. It makes you such a better player.”

Above: Clare Wheeler (6) celebrates after scoring her first international goal for Australia in Sydney against China in June. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Wheeler’s ongoing growth has been reflected in her impressive performances on the international stage with Australia. Whilst she missed 2024’s final camp, which saw the Matildas face both Brazil and Chinese Taipei twice each with injury, the midfielder was part of the team that recorded a superb win in Germany at the end of October.

Under the interim leadership of Tom Sermanni, the Matildas are looking to evolve after a disappointing Olympics and develop with all eyes on the 2026 Asian Women’s Cup that Australia are hosting. The 27-year-old Everton star believes that things are heading in the right direction for her national side,

“It’s been really good to get to know Tom and his coaching style. He’s done really well. He understands the Australian football landscape and the players that we have. We had some tough fixtures. The camp I was in against Switzerland and Germany – to get that result against Germany was great.

“If you look at it in the Olympics and our goal (to perform there), we fell short and was hard to deal with. To then play Germany who medalled at the Olympics (winning bronze) and get a result, it really instilled a bit of belief there and assured ourselves that we can go toe to toe with the best.

“The ‘Never Say Die’ attitude is something that is engrained in all of us and I think it pretty much showed. It was a promising step in the right direction.”

Clare Wheeler exuded confidence about the months ahead for both Everton and Australia. You know she will do everything in her power to ensure it goes well for club and country.

(c) Impetus 2025.

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Manchester United hit seven past third-tier West Bromwich Albion

Manchester United 7-0 West Bromwich Albion

by Catherine MacKenzie (13/1/25)

Above: Manchester United celebrate one of their seven goals. Photo: @ManUtdWomen on X

Substitutes made the difference as Manchester United thrashed West Bromwich Albion 7-0 to reach the FA Cup fifth round.

United were rusty in the early stages

Looking at the scoreline, you would be forgiven for thinking that the FA Cup fourth-round match between Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion had been a dominant thrashing, with the losing team barely touching the ball. However, that was not the case in a freezing Leigh Sports Village, as United were held to a close 1-0 for almost 60 minutes. 

Initially, United seemed to be showing a level of rustiness which could perhaps be understandable given that this was their first outing since the Christmas break. There were wayward passes that a more technically astute opposition would have exploited, and although chance after chance was created, nothing really happened for much of the early stages of the game.

The difference between professional and semi-professional was clear

West Brom approached the game to defend and make life difficult for United, and they succeeded for the first hour, with 11 players behind the ball at all times. They were pragmatic in not attempting to play out from the back, going for the long ball instead. Although this made them difficult for the hosts to break down, United had a height advantage and won every ball back in midfield. 

The visitors did have the occasional chance, with their first coming near half-time. Their major problem was that they took too long decision-making on the ball, which an experienced United back line had little trouble deciphering. They rarely looked dangerous, and any chances they did have were a result of mislaid United passes.

Above: Leah Galton battles with a West Bromwich Albion player. Photo: @ManUtdWomen on X.

That said, it is important to remember that West Brom play in the third tier of English women’s football – the National League Northern Premier Division. The league is semi-professional, with most players’ football careers coming alongside regular other work. 

It makes sense that players will not have the same technical ability or quick decision-making of Manchester United (who are professional), and in this context, there are some real highlights for West Brom to take from the game. Their defence stood strong for a solid hour, with Seren Watkins making several good challenges that kept United at bay.

Substitutions changed the tempo

For the opening hour, the main creative outlet for United came from their wide players, with both Jayde Riviere and Geyse making many crosses into the box for Melvine Malard or Elisabeth Terland to claim. United struggled to capitalize on their chances, however, and the scoreline remained 1-0 for 60 minutes. Not helped by a defensively organised opposition, United looked frustrated in front of goal, a common theme of recent months.

Around the hour mark, West Brom started to tire and lost their defensive discipline. This was compounded when United made their substitutions – first Celin Bizet, Rachel Williams, and Anna Sandberg, followed seven minutes later by Aoife Mannion and Ella Toone making her return after being injured for two months. The fresh faces brought a new energy to a frustrated United team, and they quickly found a rhythm that the visitors struggled with.

Above: Ella Toone celebrates marking her comeback with a goal. Photo: @ManUtdWomen on X.

What followed was probably a combination of United brushing off the rust and West Brom feeling the effects of their earlier defensive efforts. Rachel Williams scored her first and United’s second, and the floodgates opened. A mere 18 minutes later, United had scored an additional five goals (courtesy of Toone, a Bizet brace, and Williams completing a hattrick) and the visitors were well and truly defeated. 

What this means for Manchester United

If you asked most Manchester United fans for a review of the team’s 2024, it would likely not be a positive response. The year was dominated by headlines about what was happening off the pitch – from being moved out of their own training facilities so that the men could use them, to facing comments from their majority shareholder that the women’s team is an ‘opportunity’ and insignificant compared to the men’s team. 

For fans of United, these headlines have provided an accompaniment to uninspiring on-pitch performances and a focus on playing it safe rather than aiming to win.

The major highlight of six years of Manchester United Women also came in 2024, however, as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup final. They won their first piece of major silverware in an exciting and attack-focused performance that left the team from London grasping at straws to catch up. 

That joy was short-lived, however, as a mere six days later United received a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea in the final game of the season at Old Trafford; as Aggie Beever-Jones commented on Instagram, the stadium really was the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ (for the wrong team!).

United started the 2024-25 league campaign in a very mixed fashion, with excellent defensive performances combined with a lack of creativity and low number of goals scored. There is a real need for something positive to happen around this team, particularly as off-pitch news continues to dominate. 

A real sign of growth for the club would be to continue their success in the cup by having a strong run for the second time. The ability to build on previous successes is not one that has been shown by Manchester United in the past, and this year’s FA Cup is a good opportunity to change that.

Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce, George, Le Tissier, Malard, Galton, Riviere, Janssen, Terland, Miyazawa, Turner, Geyse. Substitutes: Middleton-Patel, Mannion (for Riviere 65’), Sandberg (for George 58’), Bizet (for Geyse 58’), Griffiths, Toone (for Terland 65’), Anderson, Williams (for Malard 58’).

Scorers: Malard (23’), Williams (78’, 79’, 90+2’), Toone (83’), Bizet (89’, 90+7’).

WEST BROMWICH ALBION (4-5-1): Miller, Brown, Reynolds, Green, George, Orthodoxou, Watkins, Rabjohn, Warner, Miller, May. Substitutes: Jhamat (for Miller, 83’), Mahmood (for May, 83’), Oakley (for Warner, 66’), Harris, Haughey, Evans, Whittick.

Referee: Lucy May

Attendance: 2,313.

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Mariners climb into top six with win over luckless Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-3 Central Coast Mariners

By Kieran Yap 12/1/25

Above: The Central Coast Mariners after their win over Western Sydney. Photo: Central Coast Mariners.

The Central Coast Mariners have battled their way to a 3-1 win against Western Sydney Wanderers. Goals from Brooke Nunn, Tess Quilligan, and Bianca Galic ensured the three points against the luckless hosts.

The Mariners are a difficult side to beat under the best conditions. Emily Husband’s team has built a reputation for being organized, tough and dangerous in attack. Not withstanding the one-hour weather delay, things were hard for the home side before this game even kicked off, and the Wanderers afternoon only got worse with a series of self-inflicted problems.

Western Sydney entered this game without the talismanic goalkeeper Sham Khamis and despite an encouraging and confident start, they soon put themselves under pressure. A back pass to goalkeeper Keeley Segavcic was turned over to Brooke Nunn who scored from point-blank range to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Bianca Galic almost doubled the lead with a stinging shot that Segavcic did well to keep out.

Tess Quilligan eventually doubled the lead. The 19-year-old’s initial shot was well-struck but blocked. The rebound fell nicely for the Mariners midfielder who’s second attempt flew into the top corner.

The Wanderers made some curious moves at half time, subbing off leading scorer Sienna Saveska. It left Sophie Harding as the only recognized sorcerer on the pitch and although the Mariners defence was also understrength on paper, Taylor Ray looked more than comfortable alongside Jessika Nash.

The result if not the scoreline was made certain when Amy Harrison was judged to have fouled a runaway Galic. There was some discussion between the referee and her assistant to determine if the foul was inside the 18-yard box, and eventually the penalty was given. Galic tucked away the resulting spot kick to make it 3-0 in the 69th minute.

When former Wanderers ball-kid Tianna Fuller entered the match, it looked like more pain was to come, but Segevcic kept out her strong attempt.

There was some late consolation for the home side when Olvia Price finished emphatically in the dying stages of the game, but it felt like a footnote on a long afternoon.

It was a strange match for Western Sydney. Between the overly cautious substitutions, the basic defensive errors and struggling to match The Mariners physicality, they barely felt in this game. The brightest spots came very early in the match and Saveska’s ability to convert half chances was something they could have used.

Central Coast looked solid despite a reshuffled midfield and defence. Ray was strong in defence, while her passing and set pieces caused problems for The Wanderers. Nash was excellent against the reigning Dolan Medallist and showed why she has captained Australia at youth level with calm leadership in a chaotic game.

The Mariners sit in sixth place after this win and can further solidify their finals credentials with a win against 11th placed Sydney FC next week. Western Sydney face the unpredictable yet dangerous Canberra United. Their chances will be greatly enhanced by keeping their leading Scoton the field, and they will hope some knocks and bruises to other players like the important Amy Chessari have healed by then.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (3-4-1-2): Segavcic, Buchanan, Harrison, Ferris, Rue, Price, Chessari, Matos, Younis, Saveska, Harding. Substitutes: Bennett, Trew, Cassar, Harada, Hall.

Scorer: Price 90+3’.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-3-3): Langman, Rowe, Nash, Ray, Martin, Quilligan, Galic, Nunn, Evans, Pennock, Rasmussen. Substitutes: Fuller, Kraszula, Puxty, Trimis, Carmichael.

Scorers: Nunn 10’, Quilligan 23’, Galic 69’.

Referee: Sarah Jones.

Attendance: 892.

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Adelaide maintains winning streak in an intense victory over The Nix

Adelaide United 2-1 Wellington Phoenix 

by Alice De Koster-Kitto (12/1/25)

Above: Wellington Phoenix’s Mackenzie Barry (yellow shirt) tries to hold off the challenge of Emily Condon in a fight for possession today. Photo: Adelaide United

Adelaide United have continued their winning streak in a 2-1 victory against Wellington Phoenix at Marden Sports Complex. The win marks The Nix’s second loss of the season matches, knocking them down to fifth on the ladder, while Adelaide takes their fourth place ranking. 

The match opened with quite a congested press, with most of the action happening close in the middle of the park, and neither side allowing the other the space to create any real opportunities. 

Although possession started out fairly even, and remained so through the match, an attempt from Annalie Longo gave the visitors a slight upper hand early on, as Wellington seemed to be able to seize the few opportunities they had, and they entered the match with clear intent. 

With both teams being in excellent form, the match proved to be very unpredictable, and a few small changes in possession made the meeting anyone’s game. 

Neither keeper was given any real opportunity to become involved, although a few excellent saves from Carolina Vialo, kept Phoenix from conceding when Adelaide began to assert themselves in the attacking end. 

Annalie Longo remained a crucial part of Wellington’s strategy throughout the match, involving herself in almost all chances and attempts, which kept the visitors in the game, despite high pressure from the Reds.

The deadlock was broken by Emily Condon, in the 41st minute, putting Adelaide United in the lead with a cross from a distance hitting the back of the net. 

The hosts’ dominance was extended three minutes later, with a close-range goal from Chelsie Dawber making for an intense end to the first half.

The second half did not see much change in the style of play, as Adelaide continued to build from the back, while Wellington moved seamlessly as a unit, preventing each other from furthering the scoring or building the momentum. 

In an intense twist, a cross from Alyssa Whinam, ended in an own goal when Adelaide’s Lucia Leon, tapped the ball into the net, in an attempt to defend from inside the box to give Wellington hope of a comeback. 

During seven minutes of stoppage time, Wellington expanded past their defensive tactics, adding some late drama to the match, as they created more quick chances, and an equalizer seemed to become quite possible, but it just wouldn’t come.

Wellington Phoenix will head home to Porirua Park to take on Newcastle Jets. Adelaide United now face a huge top four battle when they take on Brisbane Roar at Perry Park. 

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, E.Hodgson, Leon, Tolland, Tonkin, McNamara, Morgan Dewey, Condon, Dawber, Worts. Substitutes: Grove, Middleton, Karambasis, Bowler, Pangaris.

Scorers: Condon 41’, Dawber 44’.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Vialo, Jaber, Barry, Kelly, McCutcheon, Jale, Fergusson, Elliott, Brazendale, Longo, Wall. Substitutes: Danieli, MacMeeken, Whinham Tanaka, Main.

Scorers: Leon (OG) 60′.

Referee: Beth Rattray

Attendance: 748.

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