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.
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 Wheelerin 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.
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’).
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.
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.
Above: Melbourne City after taking on Brisbane Roar. Photo: Melbourne City
An early double to Leticia McKenna secured Melbourne City all three points in their top of the table clash against Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park.
A run down the line from Mariana Speckmaier set up McKenna’s first goal, the delivery into the box resulted in a goal-mouth scramble that the midfielder charged in on and scored at the far post.
Only minutes later, the Western Australian scored her second goal of the evening, an incredible top-bin finish on a free kick that curled into the top left corner out of the reach of a diving Olivia Sekany.
Later in the first half, Brisbane were awarded a means back into the game after Lourdes Bosch barrelled into Alicia Woods from behind in the box, leading referee Georgia Ghirardello to point at the spot for a penalty kick.
The spot kick was taken by Roar Captain and Matildas great Tameka Yallop, but her delivery showed too much to City keeper Malena Mieres diving correctly to her left to palm away the ball.
Brisbane came out in the second half much more defensively minded, looking to stem the bleeding and try and find a way back into the game.
While they managed to successfully keep City from furthering their lead, and quiet down Holly McNamara, who had been substituted on at half-time, they couldn’t get themselves on the scoreboard.
This result puts City four points clear at the top of the table ahead of the Roar, who sit in second place, equal on points with Melbourne Victory.
Check out our Instagram page – @impetusfootball to see two fantastic galleries of exclusive images from the game courtesy of Impetus’ Beck Hartley.
Above:Emily Gielnik fires in a shot for Melbourne Victory at Newcastle Jets today. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory bounced back from their midweek loss at Brisbane Roar to claim the points at Newcastle Jets today.
Both sides were playing their second game in four days with the Jets looking to build on their last-gasp leveller at home to Adelaide United on Wednesday – an outcome that still left them searching for their first win in five games.
The visitors asserted their dominance early in the first half and wasted no time testing Jets goalkeeper Tiahna Robertson, as Sara D’Appolonia unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box. Robertson managed to get her hands on it, keeping the scoreline goalless. Moments later, Rachel Lowe followed up with another attempt, but Robertson once again stood firm.
The breakthrough came through Emily Gielnik, who scored her first goal since Round Three and her seventh of the season. D’Appolonia provided a perfectly weighted ball, setting the Matilda up for a composed finish to give Victory the lead.
Newcastle Jets looked for a way back into the game, with Lauren Allan finding space inside the Victory area, however, her shot went straight into the hands of Courtney Newbon.
Before the break, D’Appolonia continued her strong performance by delivering her second assist. This time, she found Lowe in position to tap in her first goal of the season, doubling Victory’s lead and giving them control heading into halftime.
Victory continued to dominate possession in the second half, but the home defence remained resolute.
Newcastle’s Lauren Allan had an opportunity to break through with a header, but her attempt failed to find the target. A few minutes later, the Jets had another chance, this time from Josie Allan, who took a shot at goal but sent the ball soaring over the crossbar.
The Jets seemed to gain some momentum, with Claudia Cicco taking another shot though despite her best effort, the ball remained off target. Victory’s defence was well organised and standing up strong to whatever Newcastle were throwing at them.
As the game progressed, both sides continued to battle hard, but neither was able to alter the scoreline.
The Jets will now look ahead to their upcoming trip to Wellington Phoenix, where they will be hoping to pick up some crucial points. Meanwhile, Melbourne Victory will return home to face Perth Glory, looking to continue with this momentum and extend their winning streak.
Above: Catherine Zimmerman (pale green shirt), who put Western United ahead at Canberra today, shields the ball at McKellar Park. Photo: Western United.
Canberra United came from behind to record an excellent win over Western United at McKellar Park today.
Coming into the match both sides had mixed results in their previous matches. However, having the big boost of playing at McKellar Park worked a treat for Canberra as their 12th player, their fans, lifted their side to a well earned win over quality opponents. The domination of the Canberra United midfield in the first half and the quality of effort put in by Western United made for a thoroughly enjoyable match.
The nerves from each team were on display early as the players attempted to settle into a rhythm of play. The opening minutes saw Western United employ a high press which unsettled the Canberra defenders but not enough for a goal to be scored.
Neither team were able to assert any kind of ascendency and a majority of the play saw each teams midfield searching for ways to breach the oppositions lines. Well placed long ball deliveries, putting the strikers into open space, were unable to be converted.
An unfortunate bounce of the ball for Canberra inside the 18-yard box resulted in Chloe Logarzo taking possession of the ball and moving to her left. A tidy through ball to the feet of Zimmerman was converted into the opening goal after a lovely step to the left around her defender and clean shot into the net.
Michelle Heyman was gifted the first chance of scoring for Canberra off a lovely chip pass from the midfielder Emma Robers, which landed at the feet of the unmarked Matildas striker, but the angle of the shot was too tight to get the ball past the fingertips of the Western goalkeeper.
In the 21st minute, Canberra played the ball in a diagonal direction that crossed from one sideline to the other reaching Hayley Taylor-Young on the edge of the goal area. A crafty attempt at goal was blocked but went on to hit the Western defender, Claudia Mihocic, and crossed the white paint for an own goal.
Interestingly, Western United settled into defensive mode for long periods of the first half, thereby gifting Canberra a lot of time and open space to work with. Coupled with the home side applying one-on-one pressure in player marking, Western’s attacking strategies were nullified.
Besides the first goal going to Western United, a majority of the half was dominated by the Canberra midfield. Could Kat Smith, give her team the right encouragement at halftime to secure a win?
The second half started in a rush with the visitors playing the opening minutes with far more authority and direction. But it was Canberra who would strike first, against the run of play, off a wonder strike by Sofia Christopherson, who was left unmarked on the left-hand side of the Western goal area and turned the ball into the net.
Going behind seemed to spark the Western side into life. Increased time in possession, more accurate passing and building up their attack more constructively, built a strong foundation for the visitors to launch an all out offensive.
The change of momentum in Western’s favour required the Canberra defenders to become more involved and it was Liz Anton who repeatedly swept offensive plays clear of danger.
A memorable moment for 21-year-old Canberra attacker Tianah Miro then followed as she made her A-League Women debut, replacing her captain Heyman, making it an afternoon for her and her family to remember.
Repeated attacking forays into the Canberra half came up empty for Western despite their desperation to score again. Not all of the Victoria side’s shots on goals were on target or overly threatening with Sally James, the Canberra goalkeeper, easily collecting the ball.
As the clock ticked into the beginning of five minutes of stoppage time, Western heard the message loud and clear that it would be now or never if they wanted to secure a draw.
A shot from Aimee Medwin off a corner delivered by Grace Maher, supplied their final chance, but the shot flew harmlessly over the crossbar. In the end Canberra were able to hold on and secure only their second win at home this season.
WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Dall’Oste, Maher, Grove, Mihocic, Sardo, M. Taranto, Logarzo, Roach, Zimmerman, Johnson, Medwin. Substitutes: Lincoln, Dehakiz, A. Taranto, de Domizio, Ibarguen.
Report by Ben Gilby, exclusive photography from Rob Lizzi for Impetus at the Sam Kerr Football Centre (10/1/25)
Above: Caitlin Doeglas (purple shirt) looks to get a shot in against Sydney FC tonight on her return to the A-League Women after three seasons away. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
Honours were even at the Sam Kerr Football Centre after an engaging battle between Perth Glory and Sydney FC which saw a fairytale return to the competition for Caitlin Doeglas after three seasons.
The 28-year-old attacker, who had a standout season with NPLW WA champions and Top Four Cup winners Perth RedStar in 2024, marked her return to the purple shirt in style when she put her side ahead with 24 minutes gone, only for Lucy Johnson to equalise in first-half stoppage time.
Perth Glory boss Stephen Peters named a squad which included seven WA players, with one of them, Tijan McKenna making a welcome return to the bench after missing the last few games with injury.
Sydney recorded the first major opportunity of the game with 17 minutes played. Indiana dos Santos broke through the middle and found Shea Connors outside her with a perfectly weighted pass. The former Brisbane Roar attacker took the ball towards the edge of the box and let fly with a powerful drive that Glory keeper Casey Dumont pushed up and onto the far post before gathering.
Above: Two of the A-League Women’s next-gen stars, Grace Johnston (purple shirt) and Indiana dos Santos battle away tonight. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
The visitors probed again shortly afterwards, enjoying success in this stage through the middle once more as Princess Ibini found Maddie Caspers inside the centre circle. Caspers then threaded a glorious pass through the eye of a needle that dissected two Perth defenders to find Connors who advanced into the area, but was met by Dumont diving bravely at her feet to repel the danger, allowing Nat Tathem to come in and tidy up.
Then came Doeglas’ dream goal. Miku Sunaga won possession along the right-hand flank just inside the Sydney half and turned Faye Bryson to loft a ball into the box. Sydney keeper Tahlia Franco was unable to gather, allowing Gabby Hollar to lay a pass back for the onrushing Doeglas to sidefoot home to the left of the penalty spot.
The attacker has the experience and uncanny ability to be in the right place in the right time in such circumstances. This could be just the additional attacking weapon that the Glory need over the coming weeks.
Perth were going all out to hold the lead in the interval but fell short. One minute into stoppage time at the end of the first half, Lucy Johnson received the ball stationed 20 yards from goal to lift a first time shot into the net.
Above: Sydney celebrate Lucy Johnston’s superb equalising goal. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
The visitors created the first clear-cut opportunity of the second period when some mazy footwork and stunning close control from dos Santos allowed her to enter the box on the right-hand side, leaving three defenders trailing in her wake to fire a low drive into the arms of Dumont.
More superb individual skill saw Sydney in again with just over a quarter of an hour remaining. Johnson laid the ball across the field from the right for Caley Tallon-Henniker to play a smart outside pass for Mackenzie Hawkesby to go one-on-one with Dumont – but the Perth goalkeeper is the best in the business in such circumstances and made another brave save.
Moments later, Hawkesby broke through down the right and played an inside ball for Princess Ibini to hit a shot from just outside the box, which Dumont got down low towards the left-hand post to push away.
Above: Ella Lincoln (on the ball) broke through dangerously in the closing stages for Perth Glory. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
Then, with seven minutes remaining, Perth pushed forward. Sunaga fed substitute Ella Lincoln, who had acres of space to exploit along the left. This is exactly the type of position she loves to take advantage of. She took on Jordan Thompson, and motored away, to hit a trademark powerful shot from a tough angle that forced substitute keeper Brianna Edwards to make a superb one-handed save.
The Glory continued their push for a late winner with Georgia Cassidy causing chaos with two free-kicks. The first curled in low from the right and was scrambled away at the front post by Edwards.
The second, as the clock ticked into stoppage time at the end of the game, was lifted in high, but rapidly dipped and only flew over the top by the narrowest of margins.
Whilst both sides were going full out for the win to earn three points to push away from the lower reaches of the table, neither could quite manage it. However, the two head coaches will have seen things that would make them pleased.
For the Glory attacking creativity and intent was there in a way that would have excited their fans, and overall, their defensive strength was good, with Dumont in superb form additionally.
Now is the time for both sides to use this as a foundation to push on and record victories on a more consistent basis.
For more of Rob Lizzi’s EXCLUSIVE photos from the match, check out the two galleries on our Instagram page – @ImpetusFootball
Above: Alivia Kelly scored her first goal for the club against The Wanderers. Photo:Wellington Phoenix
Wellington Phoenix move above Adelaide United in the table to fourth after a comfortable 3-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Wellington were the first to threaten the goal in the seventh minute. Olivia Fergusson received the ball with her back to goal, turned, and threaded a defence-deceiving pass to an onrushing Mebae Tanaka. Sham Khamis was quick off her line to nick the ball of the feet of the Wellington forward.
The following corner saw the Western Sydney goalkeeper called into action once again, palming away Mackenzie Barry’s powerful header.
Fergusson and Wellington then got even closer to the opening goal. In a reverse of the previous chance, Tanaka turned attempted provider placing a delicate cross into the box for Fergusson who headed against the bar from point-blank range.
The Phoenix attacker then forced another good save from Khamis after her intelligent movement in the penalty area fashioned space to get the shot away. Wellington were firmly on top and deserving of a goal.
Khamis impressive cameo was soon to be over. Following Western Sydney first real forward foray, they were hit on the counter and Fergusson found herself baring down on goal. In a move of desperation, Khamis rushed out of goal and collided with the forward. The Western Sydney goalkeeper gave referee Isabella Mossin no choice but to show a straight red card.
Khamis’ replacement Keely Segavcic, who was making her debut, saved Annalie Longo’s seemingly goal-bound long-range effort, tipping the ball over the crossbar. Somehow Western Sydney made it to halftime without being behind.
Within seconds of the restart, the Nix finally grabbed a thoroughly deserved lead and it was achieved in spectacular fashion. Noticing that Segavic was off her line, Alyssa Whinham launched an audacious effort that looped over the substitute keeper and into the net.
One soon became two for the visitors. Maya McCutcheon fired from distance and the initial attempt was well saved by Segavcic. However, she could only divert the ball into the path of Alivia Kelly who tapped home the rebound from close range and score her first A-League goal.
It was inevitable that Wellington would further increase their lead and they made it three when Grace Jale’s lovely chipped through ball put second-half substitute Emma Main through on goal. Main did the rest, sliding the ball past Segavcic to conclude an excellent performance from Wellington.
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