Phoenix fire to win over Sydney

Wellington Phoenix 2-0 Sydney FC

by Alyce Collett (21/12/24)

Above: The Wellington Phoenix XI that started against Sydney FC. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix have picked up an early Christmas present by defeating Sydney FC by two goals to nil at Porirua Park this afternoon.

The first half may have been as even as it got, but Wellington came out firing after an extended half time break, and with goals from Grace Jale and Zoe McMeeken it was the hosts who came away from the match with the points, to record their first win against the Sky Blues on home soil.

The first half started in a pretty free-flowing fashion, with a lot of end-to-end action and both teams having plenty of attacking play, but thanks to strong defensive work those attacking plays did not call on too many goalkeeping saves. 

For the most part, any time either side had a decent enough chance at goal, their opponent would pack the box with sheer numbers to placate the danger of the attack. 

Sydney did have back-to-back dangerous chances about halfway through the half – with Millie Farrow really at the centre of them – but did not capitalise on either of the prime opportunities. Carolina Vilao was also having a really strong game for the Phoenix, and much like last week was really keeping her side in the match.

Possession was chaotic from both sides at times, with strong defensive pressure ensuring no one had much time to gain true control of the ball. 

The half-time stats really showed how even the first 45 minutes had been. Wellington only had four percent more time in possession than Sydney, which in reality translated to only 20 more passes. However, Sydney’s passing accuracy was seven percent better than its hosts. 

Sydney led the shot count three to two, but both sides only had one shot on target. 

The biggest discrepancy was in the touches in the opposition box, which Sydney led 11 to two. 

But, any thoughts of fixing issues and trying to get back onto the field after half-time would have to wait as the weather in New Zealand’s capital took a turn for the worse and there was a delay which saw the half time break quadrupled. 

When the second half finally did get underway, the end to end nature of the action continued.

In a bright spark for the Phoenix, half time substitute Alyssa Winham had really provided a spark in midfield as the momentum was definitely in the home side’s corner. 

The deadlock was finally broken at about the hour mark, when Grace Jale struck a long bomb from outside the 18 yard box – an effort that should have realistically been stopped by Sydney keeper Tahlia Franco, but the ball ultimately skidded past her and into the goal. 

One thing that the Phoenix did really well in the second half was neutralise the effect of Sydney’s most dangerous players in attack. Farrow’s time on the ball drastically reduced from where it was in the first half, while Princess Ibini had barely touched the ball in the first half and that continued in the second. 

As the second half progressed Wellington increased their defensive pressure, which really subdued any attacking play the Sky Blues had. 

Wellington was then rewarded for its control of the match with a second goal two minutes from the end of normal time after McMeeken headed a goal in from a corner. 

Ibini was almost able to get one back moments after the restart, but the upright came to the rescue of the Phoenix.

The seven minutes of added time was at times chaotic, but ultimately the home side held firm to claim the win. 

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): Vilao, McMeeken, Jaber, Barry, McCutcheon, Jale, Ferguson, Tanaka, Longo, Main, Wall. Substitutes: Neary, Kelly, Whinham, Elliott, Brazendale.

Scorers: Jale 59’, McMeeken 88’

SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Franco, Tumeth, Tobin, Thompson, Lemon, Chauvet, Caspers, Hawkesby, Ibini, Farrow, dos Santos. Substitutes: Edwards, Connors, Luchtmeijer, Johnson, Sullivan. 

Referee: Beth Rattray.

Attendance: 435.

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Victory win on the road against Canberra United

Canberra United 0-2 Melbourne Victory

By Emma Burke 21/12/24

Above: Beattie Goad for Melbourne Victory. Photo: Melbourne Victory

Despite missing their star striker in Emily Gielnik, Melbourne Victory stepped up in her absence and found two goals to defeat Canberra United 2-0 at McKellar Park.

Victory found their opening goal in only the fourth minute of the match, scored by former Canberra United player Nikki Flannery. 

Flannery won her new side a corner kick which was delivered expertly to the near post by Alana Murphy. Flannery found the back of the net while mid-air off her left foot, right in front of Canberra keeper Sally James, who could do nothing but watch the ball sail in.

It took Victory until the final play of the first half to double their lead over United, thanks to Sara D’Appolonia.

The American international shook off her defender before launching a long range shot from outside the box. The shot took a fortunate bounce on its way to the goal, making it rise over the hand of a diving James in goal.

The second half saw Canberra look for a way back into the game, mostly through long balls overhead to try and unlock the goal scoring threat that is Michelle Heyman to no avail.

Victory instead were looking for a third goal to put the game to bed. They had to settle for just the two goals, however, as none of their attempts made it over the line.

This result sees Melbourne Victory secure their place in third on the ladder, below Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar, while Canberra sit in 10th, above Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.

For the final round of this calendar year, Victory will remain on the road to face Sydney FC on 28th December, and Canberra will remain hosts, this time to Newcastle Jets on 29th of December.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (3-4-3):  James, Alyson, Robers, Anton, Bertolissio, Stanic-Floody, Malone, Taylor-Young, Markovski, Heyman, Christopherson. Substitutes: Gordon, Skelly, McKenzie, Murray.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (3-4-2-1): Newbon, Morrison, Bunge, Wilson, Goad, Murphy, D’Appolonia, Flannery, Chidiac, Lowe, Jancevski. Substitutes: Pickett, O’Grady, Briedis

Scorers: Flannery 4’, D’Appolonia 45+1’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 1,412.

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Late drama as Perth claim point at the Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Perth Glory

by Ben Gilby (20/12/24)

Above: Megan Wynne (left) looks to hold off Western Sydney Wanderers’ Ella Buchanan earlier today. Photo: Perth Glory.

A goal from the penalty spot six minutes into second-half stoppage time from Kelli Brown earned Perth Glory a deserved point from their trip to Western Sydney Wanderers today.

The New South Wales side hit the front thanks to Amy Harrison’s free-kick with only five minutes of normal time remaining, but their hopes of winning successive matches were dealt a blow with the late leveller from the former Wellington Phoenix attacker.

Glory went into the game with former Wanderers youngster Ella Abdul-Massih coming into the starting line-up in place of Nat Tathem who went onto the bench.

Chances were few and far between in the first half. The first opportunity came 18 minutes in when Harrison’s free-kick from around 35 yards for the home side flew over the top.

Almost immediately afterwards, Wanderers came closer still as Tahlia Younis took the ball to the right-hand edge of the box and played a cross in that deflected up off Onyi Zogg and fell for Cushla Rue rather too quickly for her to get proper direction on her header which went wide of the back post.

Perth began to get an increasing foothold in the game, and from Megan Wynne’s long throw on the right, Gabby Hollar flicked a header back for Brown who directed her own header just wide of the far post.

It then took an excellent tackle from Ella Buchanan to deny Wynne after the Welsh international was brilliantly fed by Brown as Perth continued their improved offensive display.

Neither keeper was greatly troubled again until just after the hour mark. Tijan McKenna bit in to win possession in the middle of the park and held off Sienna Saveska to play a perfectly weighted ball forward for Brown who held off the close attentions of two defenders as she entered the area to hit a shot that Sham Khamis dived brilliantly to push away. It was one of those moments of skill from McKenna that showed why she deserves to hold a midfield position rather than being deployed in a solely defensive role.

Above: Kelli Brown, who played an integral role up front for Perth Glory today at Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Perth Glory.

Then, with 85 minutes played the drama began. Western Sydney were awarded a free-kick just outside the box after Naomi Chinnama fouled Amy Chessari on the right of centre. Harrison stepped up to lift the ball over the Perth wall before bouncing against the base of the left hand post and in.

Perth pushed forward for a late leveller. With 89 on the clock, Brown took up possession outside the box to the left and hit a pass that saw Gemma Ferris take a swing and a miss, allowing the ball to roll on for Hollar who was denied at close range by Khamis on the edge of the six-yard box.

Khamis denied the visitors once more early in stoppage time as a beautifully weighted pass into the feet of Miku Sunaga allowed the Japanese attacker to feed Brown inside her to hit a shot that the Wanderers keeper saved excellently.

With four minutes of stoppage time played, Sunaga charged forward again and collided powerfully with the outstretched arm of Khamis and fell to the ground. Despite the goalkeeper’s protestations, referee Rachael Mitchenson showed her a yellow card and then pointed to the spot.

Brown stepped up and hit the penalty high, but with more than sufficient power to ensure it ended up in the back of the net despite Khamis getting a hand to it on the way.

This was a game that the two sides will feel they had the chances to win. Sham Khamis was superb throughout making a series of magnificent stops. On the plus side, both Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory record a second week undefeated. They will be positive about taking this improved run of form into a strong challenge over the Christmas and New Year period.

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

Scorer: Harrison 85′.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Johnston, Chinnama, Zogg, Abdul-Massih, Wainwright, Cassidy, McKenna, Wynne, Brown, Hollar. Substitutes: Foletta, Roberts, Sunaga, Tathem, Templeman.

Scorer: Brown 90+6.

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.

Attendance: 862.

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Return of the Mac as City unbeaten start goes on

Adelaide United 1-3 Melbourne City

by Isabelle Campbell (20/12/24)

Above: Matilda McNamara (centre) – scored in only her second substitute appearance back from her ACL injury today in Adelaide for Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City continued their dominant form in today’s encounter with Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium, continuing their unbeaten run in the league this season.

Adelaide United entered A-League Women’s clash eager to reverse their fortunes. The Reds had made three changes to their lineup – one inforced by the suspension of Matilda McNamara for being sent off in their 3-1 defeat at Perth Glory last week, as they aimed to end a six-game winless streak against Melbourne City.

City also opted for three changes to their starting XI, highlighted by the return of veteran goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, marking her first appearance of the season.

For Adelaide, Fiona Worts remained a player to watch. The prolific striker has been a standout performer this season, leading the club with six goals—a tally that also sees her tied for the league’s top scorer.

The match kicked off in thrilling fashion, with Mariana Speckmaier giving Melbourne City the lead inside the opening 30 seconds. Speckmaier was on target after a well-timed assist from Leah Davidson—her first of the season.

Adelaide United quickly bounced back, however, through an unfortunate own goal. A slow back pass from Rebekah Stott slipped past goalkeeper Barbieri, who was unable to make contact with the ball, watching it roll into the City net.

Following the early excitement, the match settled into a quieter phase, with both teams struggling to create meaningful chances. Despite possession on both sides, neither team could manage a shot on goal as the tempo slowed.

Lourdes Bosch then attempted to break the deadlock with a powerful strike from distance, but Adelaide keeper Claudia Jenkins was well-positioned and made a routine save.

Above: The battle for possession in today’s game between Adelaide United (red) and Melbourne City. Photo: Adelaide United.

Melbourne City regained the advantage just before halftime with a stunning strike from TJ Vlajnic. Collecting the ball outside the box, Vlajnic unleashed a powerful shot that soared past Jenkins and into the net, putting City back in the lead with a brilliantly executed finish.

City had a promising opportunity early in the second half when Speckmaier looked for all the world about to tap in a cross. However, the ball landed in the gloves of Jenkins once again.

Taylor Otto made a darting run in behind to get on the end of a pass, but she timed her movement just a moment too soon, with the offside flag going up as the ball left her foot.

Holly McNamara was substituted on with 20 minutes of regular time remaining, marking her second appearance of the season after making her return from an ACL injury last week.

Just four minutes after taking the field, McNamara showed her immense worth to City in particular and the league more widely with a goal, a remarkable moment following a 13-month absence due to injury. Her performance highlighted the invaluable presence her side has been missing during her time away.

Both teams had opportunities to add to the scoreline in added time, but were unable to trouble the scoreboard.

Adelaide United attempted eight shots in the match, their lowest total in a single game this season. However, none of these efforts were on target, highlighting the struggles they faced in breaking down Melbourne City’s defence.

The two teams will play their final matches of 2024 at home, with Adelaide set to host Western Sydney Wanderers and City facing off against Wellington Phoenix.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, León, Tolland, Tonkin, Dewey, Bowler, Condon, Dawber, Mullan, Worts. Substitutes: Grove, Grigg, Karambasis, Morgan, Panagaris.

Goals: Stott (OG) 8′.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Barbieri, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Vlajnic, Davidson, Hughes, McKenna, Bosch, Speckmaier, Harvey. Substitutes: Mieres, Henry, McNamara, Pollicina, Roestbakken.

Goals: Speckmaier 1′, Vlajnic 41′, McNamara 74′.

Referee: Mikayla Ryan.

Attendance: 2,404.

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Gabby Hollar: “We’ve been building each week”

by Ben Gilby (19/12/24)

Above: Gabby Hollar talking to the media yesterday at the club’s base in Fremantle. Image: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory attacker Gabby Hollar believes last weekend’s victory over Adelaide United was reward for hard work that has brought incremental improvements each week this season.

The 3-1 win in front of a partisan crowd of just under 1,000 at the club’s new Sam Kerr Football Centre home saw the American score her first goals for the club. It was an experience that she cherishes.

“It meant a lot, to get three points against Adelaide who are a good side, and in front of the home fans as well…it was great to finally get on the scoresheet, but more than that, to get the three points with the team was incredible.”

It was the perfect response to the team’s heartbreaking loss to Melbourne Victory the previous week to a goal scored in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes. Perseverence and determination came together to get the points last week.

“I think we’ve just been building each week and the steps we’ve taken, we just kept building off of that and it was bound to happen…(we had to) just keep trying to play for 90 minutes, 100 minutes, and we finally showed that against Adelaide.”

The match was rumbustuous throughout with some tasty challenges and battles. Hollar loved every second of the approach and saw it as a positive sign for the growing team spirit among head coach Stephen Peters’ side.

Above: Gabby Hollar (centre, on ground facing camera), celebrates her first goal for Perth Glory against Adelaide United on Sunday. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

“It (was a) more physical (game) than it’s been in the past (this season). I think it was a good thing, I think it was a great thing. We were in their face from the start to the finish. I think that just showed, any time there was a mistake or anything like that, our reaction was, in my opinion, incredible.”

After the match, Adelaide United mentioned how loud the atmosphere was in the stadium due to the fans being so close to the pitch. Hollar believes it’s a sign that fans and players coming together can create something special: “I think as the game progressed, it (the atmosphere) got more intense, and we loved it. It’s so fun to play in front of fans who are into it, are loud, and engaged, and it was incredible.”

Through the matches this season, Hollar’s position in the team, and that of Kelli Brown and Megan Wynne has moved around with the trio changing places from through the middle to the flanks at times during matches. It’s a strength among those three players that the American believes the Glory can reap rewards from.

“We’re very fluid and dynamic in how we move, so just trying to figure the best movements for all of us, and I think we’re headed in the right direction.”

Friday’s trip to Western Sydney Wanderers is a huge game. After the Wanderers claimed their first win of the campaign in some style, putting five goals past Western United last time out, both sides are in a position to make a big climb up the ladder.

Whilst Perth have only two wins from their opening six games and sit in 10th place, they are only a point outside the all-important top six at present. Hollar expects a tough game, but feels the team are well prepared.

“It’s such a competitive league that anyone can win on any given day…we’ve watched them (Western Sydney Wanderers) on some film, but if we just keep building and take the momentum from our last game, I think we’re in good hands.”

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Emily Gielnik vs Michelle Heyman: How can they be best utilised?

By Genevieve Henry (17/12/24).

Above: Michelle Heyman (2) celebrates after scoring against Uzbekistan earlier this year. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

With two of the A-League Women’s best centre-forwards in the Matildas squad at the same time, Emily Gielnik and Michelle Heyman both give the future Matildas head coach different qualities to look at. Impetus’ Genevieve Henry looks at their differences, strengths, and weaknesses, and how they can be best utilised.

A promising sign for the Matildas is that both managed to find the back of the net against Taiwan. While Heyman has scored more recently for the Matildas, Gielnik was clearly battling with the mental aspect of scoring and getting one in could have made all the difference.

The Melbourne Victory player especially, is a confidence player and the impact of her first goal since 2021 cannot be understated. If both can continue to perform, there is no reason why they shouldn’t both be included in the squad for the SheBelieves Cup in February.

Gielnik, who is 32, has just under 60 caps for the national team with 12 goals to her name. She has played all over the world, with some very impressive clubs to her name. She has played in Sweden, England, Germany, and of course, Australia; even playing for famous clubs Liverpool and Bayern Munich in her career.

Heyman is four years older, with around 75 caps and 28 goals. She has spent most of her career thriving in Australia, but has also had stints in Denmark and the USA. This is to say, both are vastly experienced but likely only a solution for the next year or two (though no one could bet against Heyman playing until she’s 40). 

Gielnik and Heyman have excellent qualities for a number nine, both excelling at hold-up play and physicality. Towering over most players at 1.83m and 1.80m respectively, both are aerial threats. This suits the Matildas style of play exceptionally well, as they have become accustomed to serving crosses to Sam Kerr’s noggin over the years. 

Most of Heyman’s goals are simple finishes compared to Gielnik’s goals. She has a sixth sense of where to receive a pass or a cross, and she almost always manages to convert. She is a menace in the box and a danger to defences if she has the service. Gielnik’s goals can come from anywhere on the pitch, but she is also less reliable when it comes to the easy ones. Gielnik described her playing still in the pre-match presser against Taiwan last week.

Above: Gielnik in action for the Matildas against Brazil. Image: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“I’m an old school nine. I’ll stick to my strengths. I know I’m a different kind of player to Sam and some other forwards that we have. It’s all about just recognising that and just staying in my lane. I’m hungry. I’m determined. For right now, I do see myself as a nine… (but) I’m quite versatile. I feel like I can play out wide still. But for right now, being in the nine has rewarded me. I’ve been scoring goals and doing well for my team.” 

Heyman is the perfect player for breaking down a low block against teams the Matildas would likely play in the Asian Cup or qualifiers, but she tends to struggle against stronger opponents. Against Brazil, she failed to make an impact against their smothering defending. But, she is invaluable when breaking down teams who park the bus. 

Gielnik, on the other hand, has proven to be able to handle typically stronger opponents. With goals against teams like Germany and USA as her most recent contributions to the Matildas, Gielnik tends to operate well when forced to create something out of nothing. As an impact substitute against Brazil, she offered more dangerous play than Heyman had.

Against Taiwan, she had many good chances, which is promising, but she also didn’t put them away, signifying that she may rely on pressure to perform.

Heyman is a target player while Gielnik makes herself more involved in the build-up. She has found the back of the net at a slower rate already this season in the A-League Women than last season, and it seems to be due to the lack of service from teammates. Heyman was spoiled with Nikki Flannery’s assistance last season, but only time will tell if she can hit form by herself or by forming connections with another player from Canberra.

She is also not the sole source of goals, with the acquisition of Maja Markovski relieving some of the pressure on Heyman. At the international level, she is luckily surrounded by players who can certainly provide great service consistently. 

Above: Heyman full of smiles with the national team. Image: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.


Ultimately, most Matildas fans will hope this isn’t an issue that needs to be solved for much longer, but with Kerr expected to be out until February or March, it’s likely that the SheBelieves Cup will require a solution at the nine. Gielnik spoke about this in the pre-Taiwan match presser, as well.

“Sam is Sam. I’ve always tried to never compare myself to (other) players. Since Sam’s been out, I find myself naturally gravitating towards a nine. I saw an opportunity there. At some stage she will come back in, but for me, it’s all about being in good goal scoring form, playing well, and assisting, whatever that looks like, to help the team win.”

We also saw Gielnik and Heyman on the field at the same time against Taiwan, for the first time in their careers. This tactic did not seem to be one that the Matildas will carry into the future, as it did not produce the desired results. Although there were a few great passes from one to the other, it never ended in a goal, both Gielnik and Heyman missing golden opportunities. 

Gielnik and Heyman are both incredible players. In a short-term sense, they could help the Matildas greatly when played to their strengths. 

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Arsenal Champions League stadium move – Meadow Park was the only option

by Rachel Gore (16/12/24)

Above: The Emirates Stadium. Photo: Arsenal FC.

The last month has seen highs and lows for Arsenal; the squad has consistently won matches however they have also been told that they are being forced out of The Emirates Stadium so that the men can play there instead.

At the beginning of November, it was announced that Arsenal men’s League Cup quarter-final fixture would have to occur on 18th December due to a Metropolitan Police request that Spurs and Arsenal did not host home matches on the same day.

To many this would not have seemed to be an issue, simply the men would play Crystal Palace at the Emirates on 18th. However, a match at the venue had already been scheduled for this date; Arsenal Women were set to play Bayern Munich in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Arsenal had been selling tickets for their women’s game on this date since September but suddenly it would no longer be held at the Emirates – the women had been pushed out to accommodate the men.

It is not simply the principal of the removal of the women’s team for the men’s that is disappointing for fans, it is also the practicality. Now, the game will occur at Meadow Park which has a capacity of 4,500. Prior to the announcement of the stadium change, more tickets than this had already been sold meaning that many fans who thought they would get to witness Arsenal take on Bayern Munich will no longer get the chance to.

The problem with Meadow Park is not solely its capacity, it also does not meet UEFA regulations. These regulations include a wide range of requirements, some of which look at pitch heating, grass height, pitch surrounding areas, and goalpost structures. UEFA has granted “special dispensation” to their usual regulations for this fixture, allowing Arsenal to host the match at Meadow Park.

If Arsenal were still to host the game against Bayern Munich, after The Emirates was taken away, it was never going to be a case of them finding a big enough venue for the number of tickets already sold, the only option was Meadow Park due to UEFA regulations.

Above: Meadow Park, the venue for Arsenal’s Champions League game with Bayern Munich. Photo: Arsenal FC.

Article 25.02 of the Champions League competition regulations states that “each club must propose one or a maximum of two stadiums for its home matches as from the group stage” and that these must be nominated prior to the beginning of the competition.

For Arsenal, this change in stadium is particularly disappointing following their conscious effort to show that the Emirates was also the home of their women’s side.

In May, the club announced that they would host 11 women’s games at the Emirates in the 24/25 season, three of these being Champions League fixtures. Upon this announcement, club CEO, Vinai Venkatesham, said that the move “is part of a collective drive across the club to take the women’s game forward and support sustainable growth of the game so it can thrive in the long term”.

Arsenal was not the only club making stadium changes this season. Numerous Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs announced that they would be hosting some, or all, of their matches in their respective ‘men’s’ stadiums. These included Spurs, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, who are hosting three WSL games at their major stadiums. Furthermore, the King Power Stadium is the permanent home of Leicester City and Villa Park will hold all of Aston Villa’s WSL matches.

These shifts to move women’s football matches into main stadiums should have meant that Arsenal Women’s removal from the Emirates was unprecedented. However, the reality of women’s football remains; it’s overlooked and therefore the men’s teams remain the priority. This fact is recognised by fans who have been left disappointed but not necessarily surprised.

Arsenal’s interim head coach, Renee Slegers, has called this move to Meadow Park a “bump in the road” and fans are certainly hoping that this is all that it is.

The forced removal of Arsenal WFC from the Emirates to make way for the men’s team has raised many questions about the priorities of the club and how women’s football is truly viewed in the UK.

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City remain undefeated upon Holly McNamara’s return

Melbourne City 4 – 2 Canberra United

By Alice de Koster-Kitto (15/12/24)

Above: Holly McNamara steps back on to the pitch. Photo: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City have extended their winning streak in a home victory against
Canberra United, as Holly McNamara made an inspiring impact upon her return to the Ninja A-League.

The scoring was opened with a 12th-minute strike from Michelle Heyman, putting Canberra United in the lead, despite Melbourne City’s early advantage.

Melbourne City entered the match determined to prolong their five-match winning streak, and their tenacity only heightened as the visitors took the lead.

The host’s high press limited Canberra’s further chances, as they maintained possession during the first half. It was quite apparent that there was to be further scoring in this match, however.

Melbourne’s dangerous strike rate, paired with Canberra’s impeccable defensive line meant it was unclear which side the next goal would come from.

Although there were several shots on target from the leaders, a low block from
Canberra United, prevented City from equalizing until the 48th minute, with Kathryn Harvey’s header from extremely close range.

Despite their loss in the end, Canberra United’s keeper Sally James was a stand-out for the visiting side, extending her wonderful start to the season, as the 22-year-old saved several dangerously close shots from Melbourne City, notably from newly capped Matilda, Laura Hughes.

City’s lead was extended in the 60th minute when a header from Mariana Speckmaier bounced off the hip of Canberra’s Maja Markovski, hitting the back of the net, and going down as an own goal.

A 71st-minute substitution saw Melbourne City’s Holly McNamara return to the Ninja A- League, after 392 days. The 21-year-old suffered a 3rd Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury in November of 2023, after scoring a hat trick in a 3-1 victory over Newcastle last season.

McNamara’s return to the pitch came with a shift in momentum as City matched the energy and stamina that Canberra had maintained throughout the match, and their dominance was further established.

Despite a few good chances, Canberra continued to give up possession in dangerous areas, which ultimately saw Laura Hughes net City’s third goal of the evening.

During the final minute of regulation, Canberra’s top goal scorer, Michelle Heyman earned a brace as she took a shot from the center of the box, hitting the back of the net, and restoring a little faith in the visiting side.

In an inspiring turn, Holly McNamara assisted in the 4-2 victory when her shot was nudged in Leticia McKenna in the 3rd minute of stoppage time.

The win marks Melbourne City’s 5th consecutive win in the 2024/25 Ninja A-League season, leaving them at the top of the ladder with an impressive 14 points. Canberra United currently sits at ninth, with a total of seven points.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): Mires, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Roestbakken, Davidson, Hughes, Harvey, McKenna, Henry, Speckmaier. Substitutes: Barbieri, Murray, Bosch, McNamara, Vlajnic.

Scorers: Harvey 48’, Markovski 61’ (OG), Hughes 77’, McKenna 90+3.

CANBERRA UNITED (3-5-1-1): James, McKenzie, Anton, Ayson, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Taylor-Young, Christopherson, Markovski, Malone, Haeyman. Substitutes: Murray, Natham, Majstorovic, Bertolissio, Gordon.

Scorers: Heyman 12’, 89′.

Referee: Bec Mackie.

Attendance: 926.

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Battling Brisbane send Mariners to first loss

Brisbane Roar 2-1 Central Coast Mariners

by Jonathon Hagger (15/12/24)

Above: Sharn (left) and Laini Freier, who were on the field together for the same time for Brisbane Roar today. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

The highly anticipated match between the classy Brisbane Roar and their opponents the undefeated Central Coast Mariners delivered an impressive encounter. Following a 24-hour delay due to atrocious weather conditions, both teams came into the match well-rested and ready to go. 

With the match being played on a rather damp pitch, much of the play in the opening minutes saw each team patiently assessing both the conditions and their opponents. Brisbane had a greater level of possession which they turned into an incredible opportunity to score in the ninth minute through a breakaway run by Sharn Frier that deflected off a Mariners defender in the six-yard area and came agonisingly close to crossing the goal line.

Less than 60 seconds later, Hayashi launched a sneaky speculator shot on goal that hit the Mariners’ goal crossbar but didn’t go in.  

Patience and possession aptly describe Brisbane’s approach to the match with repeated waves of attack. Frier’s pace and balance on the ball opened up a scoring opportunity in the 18th minute however the strong defensive work of Jessika Nash, managed to diffuse the danger.  

Frier continued to assert herself with a lovely layoff in the centre of the pitch to Kuilamu in the 26th minute who took a shot however the Mariners keeper was well positioned to make an easy save.  

Central Coast weren’t letting Brisbane have all the ball though and from the 35th minute onwards camped themselves in the Roar’s half. Brisbane appeared to change their game plan and seemed happy to absorb the pressure being applied.

The most contentious issue in the first half came about in the 38th minute as Mariners attacker Pennock was clattered into by defender Varley inside the penalty area. Referee Mossin decided there wasn’t enough contact in the play to warrant a penalty.

The remainder of the first half played out with the Mariners dominating possession and Brisbane mostly soaking up the pressure being applied.

The second half started in the same way that the first finished, with both teams settling into a see-saw pattern of possession. It took until the 52nd minute for the Mariners to threaten the Brisbane goal on the back of Trimis beating her marker on the wing and a well-weighted cross that eventually found Martin in the six-yard area. The home defence once again stood strong and the score remained unchanged.  

The script was flipped in the 56th minute when Martin was dropped to the pitch attempting to advance the ball away from her goal area. Having lost possession the nearby Brisbane players swooped on the ball with Deborah-Ann de la Harpe scoring an exceptional goal on a tight angle off her right foot that swept past the outstretched arms of the keeper and found the net.

Just 90 seconds later, the visitors handed possession back to Brisbane just outside the goal area, and a clean through ball from Freier to the centre of the six-yard was, thankfully for the Mariners, unable to find an orange shirt, and went out for an attacking corner. 

The opening goal of the match had a massive impact on the approach each team took from that point on. The Mariners appeared to become hesitant, whereas Brisbane increased the pressure. Freier took control of play keeping the Mariners defenders guessing. An excellent attacking corner in the 65th minute gave Brisbane multiple opportunities to score as the ball bounced around between players however it wasn’t to be with the keeper Langman eventually tidying up.  

The Mariners found themselves with a great chance to score in the 67th minute following a free kick awarded after Trimis was fouled just inside the right-hand touch line. A curling kick from Martin was well on target but was headed over the net.  

In the 75th minute, the game was blown open as Fuller pounced on a loose ball that Brisbane defender Pringle let slip at the top of her goal area. A well-placed shot went to the wrong side of the Brisbane keeper and into the back of the net.

However, Brisbane were not yet done and after repeated attacks on the Mariners’ goal, one finally came to fruition in the 79th minute from a miracle header from Yallop that went in. It was a goal that seemed to defy the laws of physics.  

While the Mariners battled away and attempted to equalise, Brisbane’s defence stood fast. A late Mariners corner in the 89th minute was unable to find an attacking player and the opportunity to score was lost.  

The final six minutes of play in stoppage time provided chances for each team to score, but Brisbane ran victors to hand the Mariners their first loss of the season.  

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (3-2-4-1): Sekany, de la Harpe, Varley, Blissett, Woods, Hiyashi, S. Freier, Yallop, Levin, Kuilamu. Substitutes: Richards, Hecher (70’), Kruger, Pringle (55’), L.Frier (71’).  

Scorers: de la Harpe 56’, Yallop 79’. 

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (3-4-1-2): Langman, Riley, Irwin, Nash, Martin, Pennock, Faloc, Ray, Rasmussen, Nunn, Trimis. Substitutes: Carmichael, Fuller (67’), Quilligan (93’), Puxty (85’), Evans (67’).  

Scorer: Fuller 75’.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.  

Attendance: 751.

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Perth take the Glory after fine win over Adelaide

Perth Glory 3-1 Adelaide United

Report by Ben Gilby with EXCLUSIVE photography from Rob Lizzi at the Sam Kerr Football Centre (15/12/24)

Above: Perth Glory’s Naomi Chinnama gets up highest to head home her side’s first goal in today’s game. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Perth Glory claimed their second win of the A-League Women season as they produced their best 90-minute display of the campaign to defeat an Adelaide United side who went into the game in fourth place.

The home side were extremely well organised at the back and largely nullified the considerable threat of Fiona Worts, Chelsie Dawber, and Emily Condon. Offensively, they were able to make the most of chances when they came – factors that ensured that the points would stay in Western Australia.

Glory boss Stephen Peters handed an A-League debut for locally produced midfielder Charli Wainwright. This was a landmark day for the youngster who has both outstanding vision and passing range. It meant that the regular midfield starting line-up for NPLW WA side Perth SC were all playing together in an A-League Women game, with Wainwright joining Georgia Cassidy, Tijan McKenna, and Grace Johnston in a purple shirt.

With co-captain Izzy Dalton missing, Glory brought back another hugely talented local youngster, Mischa Anderson on the bench. The defender has been a star for both the NTC and Perth RedStar in recent NPLW WA seasons. Miku Sunaga also returned as a substitute after missing last week’s home game with Melbourne Victory.

Above: Charli Wainwright (purple shirt on right) puts in a tackle on Adriana Leon during her Perth Glory debut. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

For the visitors, all eyes were drawn to their bench. The listing of Emily Condon and Chelsie Dawber as substitutes showed the potential and power of the South Australians. Any team who has two such talented players as replacements is capable of serious damage. Condon would be thrown into the fray after just 10 minutes after an injury to Erin Healy.

Perth started positively. Gabby Hollar, returning to the starting line up after being on the bench last week, released Megan Wynne who danced up the right flank and played in a teasing ball that Claudia Jenkins punched away. In these early exchanges, Tathem was linking up well with the Welsh international on that flank as the Glory gave the Adelaide defence plenty to think about.

It’s taken a few weeks for Wynne to find her feet in the A-League Women, but she was a player possessed from the start of this encounter. Taking possession, turning, and driving into space between the Adelaide defence, she caused problems that Adrian Stenta needed to solve quickly.

The South Australians were looking to find Fiona Worts offensively at every opportunity, but the English striker was well marshalled by two Glory defenders at all times, with Tathem guiding the younger heads around her superbly. This was a well-organized and confident start by Perth. They just needed to find a goal to show for their efforts, as visiting keeper Jenkins had only rarely been forced into the action.

The reward finally came with 23 minutes of the clock. With the Glory awarded a free kick on the right, Georgia Cassidy curled the ball in viciously towards the back post where Naomi Chinnama rose highest to score her first-ever A-League Women goal in her 49th appearance.

Above: Perth Glory celebrate Naomi Chinnama’s goal. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Adelaide worked hard to respond, but the Perth defence screened off their attackers, which forced the South Australians to play across rather than through. It could have been better still for the home side with four minutes of regulation time to go before the break. Tathem honed in on goal but looked to square a pass to Kelli Brown rather than going for power, allowing Jenkins to gather.

The visitors had the better opportunities in the second period, and Casey Dumont was called upon to make two superb saves back to back just after the hour mark to deny Condon. Moments later, Tathem blocked Maleri Mullan’s effort on the left-hand side of the box.

Perth went straight down the other end and were denied by a sensational piece of goalkeeping by Jenkins. She first saved Hollar’s shot with a dive before getting a hand to Johnston’s follow-up which was cleared at the expense of a corner that saw Hollar head wide of the left-hand post.

The home side were left to rue those misses as, with 20 minutes remaining, Adeleide levelled. Chelsie Dawber received the ball, drove forward to be one-on-one with Dumont, and fired a powerful shot into the net.

Yet, parity only lasted four minutes as Wynne was brought down as she entered the area by Mullan and Hollar confidently sent the penalty into the right hand corner of the net.

Above: Gabby Hollar (purple shirt) gets up high to make a header today. The American scored Perth’s second and third goals. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Things got even worse for the visitors when Matilda McNamara was shown a red card for pulling back Kelli Brown as the last defender. Despite the newly called-up Matilda’s protestations and those of teammate Ella Tonkin, there was no changing referee Mikayla Ryan’s mind. The resulting freekick brought about a goalmouth scramble of schoolyard proportions before the visitors finally cleared.

In stoppage time, Perth sealed the win in style as Hollar sent a powerful header in at the back post from Brown’s corner on the left.

Perth now have a huge encounter on Friday night when they travel to take on a Western Sydney Wanderers side, fresh from securing their first win of the campaign in some style against Western United. Both teams will see it as a real chance to kick-start their seasons and push towards mid-table.

Check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball for more of Rob Lizzi’s EXCLUSIVE images from the game for us.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Tathem, Zogg, Chinnama, Johnston, McKenna, Cassidy, Wainwright, Wynne, Brown, Hollar. Substitutes: Abdul-Massih, Anderson, Foletta, Sunaga, Templeman (GK).

Scorers: Chinnama 23′, Hollar (pen) 74′, 90+1′.

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, Tolland, Tonkin, McNamara, Hodgson, Morgan, Bowler, Dewey, Worts, Healy, Leon. Substitutes: Condon, Dawber, Grove (GK), Karambasis, Mullan.

Scorers: Dawber 70′,

Referee: Mikayla Ryan.

Attendance: 968.

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