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Late Morrison goal rescues a point for Victory against Mariners

Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Melbourne Victory

By Isabelle Campbell (23/11/24)

Above: Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison with a fan post-game. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory remained cool, calm, and collected under the pressure of the Central Coast Mariners’ early lead and came out with a point after a gripping draw.

The Mariners held the lead for most of the match, courtesy of academy graduate Annalise Rasmussen’s early strike, but a late free-kick from Victory saw captain Kayla Morrison ensure the points were shared.

The match kicked off with Melbourne Victory pressing forward, and Emily Gielnik came close in just the eighth minute with a promising shot that went off target. Just four minutes later, the Mariners struck gold when Rasmussen unleashed a spectacular long-range strike, assisted by Brooke Nunn. Victory struggled to respond, with Alana Jančevski and Isabel Gomez both sending efforts wide of the target.

Victory controlled possession for much of the first half, holding 74% in a 15-minute spell, but Central Coast’s defence stood firm. In the final minutes of the half, Courtney Newbon denied Rasmussen a second goal, and Brianne Riley blocked Gielnik’s attempt to level the score.

Taylor Ray was a standout for the Mariners, looking comfortable amongst her new teammates, consistently controlling the tempo of the game, and showcasing incredible distribution from the midfield.

Despite four minutes of added time, the Mariners maintained their 1–0 lead at the break whilst Jeff Hopkins’ side headed in to reevaluate their tactics and return to the game with their intentions set on improving upon their first-half performance.

Victory did, in fact, come out stronger in the second half, and Alex Chidiac would have equalised had Jessika Nash not made a crucial block to deny her. The Mariners held firm despite Victory’s relentless possession.

The game grew more physical as desperation set in. Alana Murphy received the first yellow card of the game for a blatant shirt pull, handing over a free kick though it didn’t come to anything.

Substitute Sara D’Appolonia had an immediate impact on her side’s attack, firing a shot that was blocked by the Mariners’ defence.

Tensions mounted when Ellie Wilson fouled Gomez, earning a yellow card and forcing Gomez off the field due to injury. Peta Trimis came on to replace her.

Despite a tense third quarter of the match, neither side created any clear-cut chances, with a dangerous cross from Gielnik that almost caused an own goal for the Mariners being the closest call.

In the final ten minutes, Victory found their momentum—or perhaps desperation to avoid dropping points. Jade Pennock fouled Chidiac, conceding a free kick in a prime position. Jančevski sent the ball in and defender Claudia Bunge picked it up as it bounced about the area, delivering it to the head of Morrison who headed it in, bringing her side to equalise in the 83rd minute.

The Mariners fought back, earning a free kick in added time after Bianca Galic was fouled by Laura Pickett, but the chance went begging, and the whistle blew with the score locked at 1–1.

This result places the Central Coast in fifth place on the ladder following their third draw of the season while Victory remain at a comfortable third place.

Round Five of the Ninja A-League will be split across two weekends due to the upcoming international break. November 30th will see the Central Coast Mariners take on Canberra United at home while Melbourne Victory will be travelling to the West Coast to take on Perth Glory on 8th December.

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Newbon, Wilson, Bunge, Goad, Murphy, Chidiac, Flannery, Gielnik, Morrison, Lowe, Jančevski. Substitutes: O’Grady, D’Appolonia, Briedis, Pickett, Candy.

Scorer: Morrison 85’.

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

Scorer: Rasmussen 12’.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 1,238.

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Chinnama: “We feel the sting” and aim to get better next game

by Ben Gilby (23/11/24)

Above: Perth Glory defender Naomi Chinnama speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s game against Canberra United in Sydney. Image: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory’s Young Matildas defender Naomi Chinnama believes that with the squad’s plethora of new players gradually beginning to gel, performances and results are about to improve.

The Western Australian side go into tomorrow’s Unite Round game against Canberra United at Sydney’s Netstrata Jubilee Stadium with one win from their opening three games.

In terms of how the new interstate and overseas players are settling in, the 20-year-old former Melbourne City player said: “We’re adjusting more and more. Definitely the time difference and travel has been challenging, but the good news is we’re all getting better at adjusting.

“The flights are longer than what is standard, but we don’t use that as an excuse, we prepare as best as we can, and moving forward we’ll get better and better.”

From a personal perspective, Chinnama goes into tomorrow’s game on the back of by far her best performance in a purple shirt last weekend at Brisbane Roar. The defender’s showing was one of the major positives in the team’s 3-0 loss at Perry Park.

**Above:** Naomi Chinnama in action on her Perth Glory league debut at former club Melbourne City. **Photo:** Tilly McDonald for *Impetus*.

“I feel like I’m starting to settle in nicely,” she said. “I feel like it’s an exciting journey for me. Coming to a (new) club, and the ultimate goal is to help us get as far as we can. I’m excited for this new chapter. I’m grateful for my time at (Melbourne) City, but new times ahead!”

With Perth standing on three points from a possible nine, this weekend could be a pivotal one in their season. One of the squad’s challenges ahead of this season was the loss of experienced members of their backline in the shape of Tash Rigby, Liz Anton, and last season’s breakout campaign from keeper Morgan Aquino. They go into Sunday’s game against Canberra United having conceded 10 goals in those opening three matches.

Chinnama recognises that the stat is far from positive, but believes that the squad are using that pain to come back stronger and more organised. “We like to hold ourselves accountable for everything,” the defender said.

“There is disappointment and I feel as though there are many valuable lessons we can take from each game, and as long as we learn from it…it’s important to feel the sting and just be better the next game.”

With Canberra led by iconic striker Michelle Heyman and having won two of their opening three games, Chinnama knows that tomorrow’s game will be a challenge for the Glory, but one she is pumped for.

“She’s (Heyman) definitely not to be taken lightly, and as for the team, in general, we know it’s going to be a tight competition…it is exciting…she’s such a top quality player that we want to make sure we study up!”

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Brisbane brush past Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-4 Brisbane Roar

By Joe Rosedon (23/11/24)

Above: Tameka Yallop of Brisbane Roar. Photo: Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar went top of the table after thumping winless Western Sydney Wanderers 4-0 in the second game of the Unite Round.

A double from Momo Hayashi coupled with goals from Tameka Yallop in her record-breaking game and Emily Pringle was enough to seal a commanding win for the Queensland side.

Brisbane dominated the ball in the opening stage but without creating anything that could be considered a clear-cut chance. Both Sharn Freier and Tamar Levin looked lively on the wings, but Western Sydney were able to keep them relatively quiet.

Western Sydney’s resistance did not last much longer. In fortunate circumstances, Brisbane took the lead. Hayashi’s deflected free kick wrongfooted Western Sydney keeper Shamiran Khamis to give the Roar the lead and score her first goal for Brisbane.

Brisbane were firmly on top following the opening goal and looked threatening on every attack. Levin’s close-range effort was smothered well by Khamis whilst Alicia Woods clattered the crossbar on the half-volley after Khamis’ punched clearance could only reach the midfielder.

The Roar deservedly doubled their lead in the closing stages of the first half, Hayashi making the difference once again. Yallop’s deep free kick was flicked by Levin to Hayashi to finish first time on the edge of the box.

Brisbane continued their dominance into the second half. Evdokiya Popadinova was able to drift to the right side and cut the ball back towards Yallop. The Matilda was inches away from a third goal, but the Western Sydney defence did just about enough to stop her from tapping home.

On her recording breaking 153^rd appearance for Brisbane, it felt just that Yallop would get in on the goal scoring action. A poor back pass from Western Sydney was capitalised on by Yallop, curling home from outside the penalty area with an excellent finish.

The pick of the goals, and Brisbane’s fourth, came from Emily Pringle. The American picked up the ball near the corner then brilliantly put the ball through the legs of Danika Matos. With the now acquired space in the box, Pringle drove in and fired past Khamis to complete a comfortable victory.

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

BRISBANE ROAR (4-3-3): Sekany, De la Harpe, McQueen, Varley, Blissett, Hayashi, Yallop, Woods, Levin, Popadinova, Freier. Substitutes: Richards, Kruger, Kuilamu, Hecher, Pringle.

Scorers: Hayashi 18’, 45+1’, Yallop 67’, Pringle 84’.

Referee: Kelly Jones.

Attendance: 1,398.

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McCutcheon seals first Wellington success

Adelaide United 0-1 Wellington Phoenix

by Alyce Collett (22/11/24)

Above: Wellington Phoenix show their delight after scoring their winning goal against Adelaide United. Photo: A-Leagues.

Wellington Phoenix have won their first match of the 2024/25 season, after they defeated Adelaide United 1-0 to kick off Unite Round in Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Sydney.

Although it looked like neither side would score for much of the match, a sneaky goal from Maya McCutcheon in the dying minutes of the first half, combined with an impressively strong defensive performance from the Phoenix, meant that they emerged victorious.

The first half surprised plenty, especially considering how these sides had been going so far this season.

Although initially, it looked like Adelaide was going to continue where it left off last week in terms of dominating territory and possession, it was not long before they were on the backfoot in that department as Wellington continuously attacked. But the Reds defence stood strong and Wellington were unable to truly capitalise.

Mebae Tanaka was looking really dangerous for the Phoenix down the right wing, but things just were not connecting more centrally for the New Zealanders. Behind Tanaka, Zoe McMeeken also created a lot of run and drive for Wellington.

Meanwhile, up the other end, Mackenzie Barry and the rest of the Phoenix defenders were doing a really good job quelling the influence of the likes of Fiona Worts and Emily Condon – not allowing them to have the space they needed to create anything dangerous. Up the other end Matilda McNamara and her well-timed intercept tackles continued to keep Wellington at bay.

Both teams had real chances in the final five minutes of the half that did not prove successful, with Worts and McCutcheon respectively denied.

Just as it looked like both sides were going to go into the halftime break still in search of that elusive first goal of the match, McCutcheon pounced on some chaos in the box after a free kick in from Tanaka, heading the ball into the goal to give her side the lead.

Although the possession had been as lopsided as over 70% in the Phoenix’s favour at times in the opening half, it ultimately evened up more to sit at 58% for them at the break. They did have 66 more passes during the half than their opponents though.

However, Wellington had 13 shots for the half, four of which were on target, which was in stark contrast to the Reds’ tally, which was four shots with none of them on target.

Adelaide had more of the attacking momentum to begin the second half, but a resolute Wellington defence meant that it ultimately all amounted to nothing. Erin Healy was really starting to make an imprint on the game, freeing up Condon and Worts to also become a bit more influential, and the Reds were starting to sniff something in attack. However, the resolute defence of the Phoenix meant that nothing came of it for the South Australians.

Emma Main almost made the Reds pay mere minutes after coming on just over the hour mark, but some smart and brave keeping from Claudia Jenkins meant that it too came to nothing.

As the second half progressed the Reds did not give up in their pursuit of the equaliser, but the Phoenix defence remained as strong as it had been all game.

Adelaide may have had the possession after the break, but they would pay the ultimate price for failing to register a shot on target. This was a superb maiden win of the campaign for the Nix.

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

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Vilao, McCutcheon, Barry, Jaber, McMeeken, Brazendale, Tanaka, Whinham, Fergusson, Wall, Ingham. Substitutes: Elliott, Main, Jale, McMillan, Neary.

Goals: McCutcheon 45+3’.

Attendance: 878.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

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Big guns are back as Girls in Green set sights on history

By Alyce Collett 22/11/24

Above: The Republic of Ireland line up for the anthem. Photo: FAI official media.

The Republic of Ireland have named their squad for a huge December international window, in which they look to create history and qualify for a first ever Euros tournament.

The squad is largely the same as the one that comfortably delt with Georgia in the last window, but a few key faces are back in the squad after recovering from injuries.

Defender Megan Campbell and midfielders Megan Connolly and Ruesha Littlejohn are all back in the squad, and their inclusion will provide flexibility for Eileen Gleeson and her coaching staff, and free team mates up like captain Katie McCabe to be more dangerous and influential closer to goal.

The big name missing from this squad though is Louise Quinn, who misses through injury. However, with the likes of Caitlin Hayes and Anna Patten now in the squad, Quinn’s absence is not as disastrous for the Girls in Green as it has been in the past.

Lucy Quinn and Ellen Molloy are some others who have also not been named in the squad because of injury.

The one surprise omission from the squad though is Saoirse Noonan, with the Celtic striker surprisingly not rewarded for her strong start to the domestic season with her new club.

The Republic of Ireland will kick off their two legged play off tie with Wales in Wales on Friday November 29 local time, before returning home to Dublin and to the Aviva Stadium the following Tuesday local time.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD VS WALES

Euro2025 Playoffs Round 2

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic)

Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (Sunderland), Diane Caldwell (Zurich FC), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), RueshaLittlejohn (London City Lionesses), Heather Payne (Everton), Marissa Sheva (Portland Thorns), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Amber Barrett (Standard Femina), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Julie-Ann Russell (Galway United)

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ParaMatildas win Australia’s first football World Cup “Redemption: We finally got it.”

Above: The ParaMatildas celebrate their historic world cup win. Photo: Mark Avellino/Football Australia.

By Genevieve Henry (19/11/24).

The ParaMatildas claimed a historic win today in the IFCPF Women’s World Cup final, making them the first Australian national team to win a football world cup.

The side, ranked the world number one, completed an impressive comeback against the USA to win 6-2, led by goalkeeper and captain Katelyn Smith, who scored an inspirational hattrick.

Smith, the extraordinary leader from Western Australia said, “To come out and score three goals, one from a penalty and two just kicking it long—hoping to find another player, but ending up in the back of the net— is very, very exciting.”

When asked how it felt to lead her country to a first ever World Cup win, Smith gave a humble captain’s response.

“I think it’ll take a little while to sink in. All the girls have leadership qualities in them and there’s not just one player out there who brings something to the team. There’s a lot of us, there’s ten people here, and there’s all the coaching staff who bring the best out of everyone.”

**Above:** Katelyn Smith celebrates after a true captain’s performance. **Photo:** Mark Avellino/Football Australia.

When the ParaMatildas first burst onto the scene two years ago, they immediately showed promise, making it to the final in this very same competition but ultimately falling to the US. But, with time and resources allowed to improve, the team have proved themselves to truly be the best of the best.

Smith said, “the heartbreak two years ago was a tough one. We were only new into it…to make it to the final and lose was a little bit gut-wrenching. But, now we’ve had two quality years together with a lot of the girls and we’ve come a long way. I’m very proud of everyone.”

Coach Kelly Stirton added, “We only had six weeks to prepare (in 2022). Unfortunately, we went down in the final, but after we lost that final, we prepared and we changed tactics. We brought new girls in and boosted the team. Now we’re here and we’ve won a World Cup final.” She added, “I’ve been waiting for this feeling for two years: redemption. We finally got it.”

A stalwart of the past two years and scorer of two goals, Georgia Beikoff, added, “we’ve always had that fire in our belly, but what’s come a long way in the past two years and we’ve worked really hard.”

Stirton claimed, “every one of those girls deserve it and every one of the girls back home deserve it as well. We’ve brought this back home for them. We’ve done this for Australia and we’ve done this for para-athletes in Australia as well.”

Beikoff said, “it’s not just for people with cerebral palsy (CP), it’s for anyone in Australia with a disability. This is all for you and we’re coming home with the gold…it’s absolutely amazing.”

Smith added, “being an advocate for women’s football and younger CP girls coming through, it just shows them that anything is possible and if you put your heart and mind to it you can achieve anything you want to.”

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Vivianne Miedema – short term pain for City’s long term gain

by Bethany Monkhouse (18/11/24)

Above: Vivianne Miedema in action for Manchester City on her WSL debut at former club Arsenal. Photo: ESPN.

Dutch international Vivianne Miedema’s latest injury setback – surgery on her left knee – has had a frustrating impact on her settling in process at new club Manchester City.

After a hugely promising start as shown in her performances against Arsenal and Barcelona, this latest injury was a big blow to both player and club.

City boss Gareth Taylor has tried to allay fears about the injury, stating that it is “only a small niggle,” and “only a minor procedure,” was required in hospital, although he was unable to give an estimated return date for the star signing, but claimed she is in “high spirits.”

Miedema made an instant impact at Manchester City, scoring her first goal against Paris FC away in the club’s 5-0 win in the Champions League qualifiers. She also scored on her league debut against her former team away at The Emirates.

In addition, she provided an assist for Naomi Layzell’s goal by heading the ball back into the centre of the box for the English defender against the defending Champions League holders Barcelona. This was only the second time that the Catalans had failed to score in their last 80 matches.

Above: Vivianne Miedema in action for Manchester City before her latest injury blow. Photo: BBC.

In such a short space of time, Miedema has shown a spark that her new team very much needed. Her ability to put shots in on goal is second to none.

This spark is crucial because some key players for City have been below their highest standards. It’s also been a tough time for Sky Blues attacker Chloe Kelly who has only started two out of seven games for City this season, in all competitions.

Another advantage that Miedema brings to the team, is her versatility as both a playmaker position and a goal-scorer. For example in that Champions League qualifier against Paris FC, she was deployed in midfield and still managed to score the first goal for her team.

Starting her career as a left winger, and then adapting to the number nine role before moving to number 10, the Netherlands’ record scorer has experience in a range of positions. Having both record breakers Miedema and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw linking up together is something that City fans cannot wait to see. WSL defenders may think differently.

Manchester City will be desperate to get Miedema back to full fitness – she on average scores a goal every 102 minutes she plays. This could prove vital for the North-West side to have the best chance of winning the league this season.

Her presence in the side also offers City real options for rotating the squad to compete in the League Cup, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.

Gareth Taylor believes that upon Miedema’s return, we will see an “enhanced and improved version” of her. The WSL and Champions League have been warned.

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Davis wondergoal wins the day for The Jets

By Kieran Yap 18/11/24

Above: Cassidy Davis at the centre of celebrations after her decisive goal.

Newcastle Jets 1-0 Wellington Phoenix

Newcastle Jets have won their first game of the season, with a 1-0 defeat of Wellington Phoenix at home. A Cass Davis wonder goal was the difference between the two teams that played with attacking intent, although without the cutting edge in the penalty box.

Newcastle began the game in a positive fashion. Sheridan Gallagher was in the starting lineup for the first time since returning to the A-League Women, and made up an attack with Lauren Allan and Deven Jackson either side of her.

Allan in particular enjoyed plenty of space on the right, with Newcastle identifying that early and trying to find the winger as quickly as possible. Both sides experienced some nervy moments deep in defence when playing it out from the back very nearly went disastrously wrong.

Gallagher continued her menacing form. The former Young Matildas captain dropped deep often to either hold up play or move the ball forward. Wellington were alert to the threat she poses and focussed on preventing her from shooting to good effect.

Out wide, Wellington had bigger problems. They have still not adapted to the losses of Michaela Foster and Hailey Davidson in the fullback roles, and Newcastle’s wingers were enjoying the opportunities to run and whip in crosses. Jackson almost opened the scoring with a stinging left footed strike from 18 yards. Vilao was forced into an excellent save after the first shot was blocked by the defence.

Davis’s goal came late in the second half. On first viewing it looks like a cross that floated in, but on replay, it was more likely that she meant it.

After receiving the ball from a throw in, Davis was under little pressure. The Jets captain is not best known for prolific goal scoring or large numbers of assists, but Wellington should have been aware that when Davis scores, it is usually a goal of the season contender.

Davis shaped to return the ball along the side line and used that time to look up and assess crossing options. With nobody in attacking the central areas or far post, she took aim, and struck a dipping shot that caught everybody by surprise.

The goal was worthy of winning any game, and proved to be decisive, but Davis was also typically industrious throughout, snuffing out midfield threats and helping sweep the ball forward repeatedly for The Jets.

Wellington had opportunities too. Minutes before Davis’s effort, they had a goal chalked off for offside and Annalie Longo missed a great opportunity to put her side ahead. Olivia Ferguson had a chance to equalise late, but the substitute’s 83^rd minute header went wide.

Wellington’s tough afternoon continued beyond the loss, with Longo suffering a suspected fractured eye late in the match. She is unlikely to play next week.

The results leaves Wellington on the bottom of the table with three defeats from three games. They lost plenty of talent in the off-season, but need to find a way forward fairly urgently now. Mebae Tanaka adds an extra bit of spark and invention when she is on the pitch, and The Phoenix fans will be wanting her involved from the start next week.

Newcastle looked assured in the way that they want to play, even if they are still missing a true penalty box predator like Sarina Bolden or Melina Ayres. Once they get through midfield they are a frightening side, and seem intent on doing that as quickly as possible, while still keeping the ball on the deck. The goal was a moment of genius, but they could easily have had one or two before that. How new signing Gia Vicari’s goal line header stayed out is one of those mysteries of the universe, but the chances will continue to come for her, and she looks like a lively striker.

Next week, at Unite Round, Wellington face an in-form Adelaide United, while Newcastle will go up against a Western United looking for avenge a 4-1 loss to Melbourne Victory.

Lineups:

Newcastle Jets: Robertson, Cicco, Prior, Baumann, Davis, Dundas, Allan, Hoban, Wilson, Jackson, Gallagher. Substitutes: Vicari, Hammond, Gooch, Adama, Boertje.

Goals: Davis 70’

Wellington Phoenix: Vilao, Brazendale, Jaber, Barry, McMeeken, Longo, McCutcheon, Elliot, Whinham, Main, Jale. Substitutes: Ferusson, McMillan, Tanaka, Wall, Feinberg-Danielli.

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: TBD

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Gielnik hat-trick sets up Victory

Melbourne Victory 4-1 Western United

Report by Joe Rosedon with EXCLUSIVE photos from Adrian Geremia at The Home of the Matildas (17/11/24)

Above: Kayla Morrison (left) looks to keep Western United at bay as Alex Chidiac (right) looks on. Photo: Adrian Geremia for Impetus.

A first-half hattrick from Emily Gielnik powered Melbourne Victory to a hugely impressive win over cross-state rivals Western United. An outcome that lifted them to second in the ladder as a result.

Jeff Hopkins’ side could not have set the tone better, taking the lead in twelve seconds. Sloppy play from the visitors from the kick-off saw the ball given away far too cheaply. Victory took full advantage. A ball back over the top caught the Western defence out and Gielnik was away, accelerating past Alana Cerne and firing her side into a stunning early lead.

**Above:** Emily Gielnik shoots earlier today. **Photo:** Adrian Geremia for *Impetus*.

Gielnik was soon to have her second goal of the game and Western were the architects of their own downfall once again. A seemingly mundane back pass by Cerne to Alyssa Dall’Oste was pounced upon by Gielnik who was able to divert the goalkeeper’s clearance into the net to double the home side’s lead.

Western United began to fight back. Catherine Zimmerman’s ambitious long-range strike had Victory keeper Courtney Newbon struggling but a combination of crossbar and fingertips was enough to maintain Victory’s two goal lead.

The pressure however paid off soon after. An excellent Grace Maher corner was met by Zimmerman. Her header crept past Newbon, who would have felt she should have done better, to give the away side a route back into the game.

Western were back to square one just twenty minutes later. Alex Chidiac’s relentless pressing forced Western into giving up possession. Chidiac drove into the space, looked up, and slotted the ball through to Gielnik. She remained composed in front of goal, as she had done all afternoon, and completed her hattrick.

**Above:** Western United’s Grace Maher curls in a free-kick today. **Photo:** Adrian Geremia for *Impetus*.

Nikki Flannery was inches away from giving Victory their fourth of the game in the opening stages of the second half. Her curled effort rattled the foot of the post and Gielnik’s follow-up was cleared off the line. At this stage, it seemed that Victory could run up a cricket score.

Yet, Western United still had life in them. Kahli Johnson caught Laura Pickett in possession high up the pitch, but her attempt just evaded the bottom right corner. Soon after, any chance of a famous comeback was out of sight for the visitors.

Sasha Grove was dispossessed by Beattie Goad. Her quick pass to Rachel Lowe was coupled with a first-time through ball from the midfielder that sent O’Grady away. The youngster showed remarkable calmness under pressure to score and seal a well-deserved three points for the home side.

For more of Adrian Geremia’s images from this match, plus photo galleries from three other A-League Women games this weekend, check out our Instagram page – @ImpetusFootball.

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

Scorers: Gienik 1′, 9′, 41′. O’Grady 81′.

WESTERN UNITED (4-4-2): Dall’Oste, Grove, Maher, Cerne, Dehakiz, Roach, Eggesvik, Hieda, Zimmerman, Medwin, Johnson. Substitutes: Lincoln, Sardo, Taranto, Ibarguen, Cortellino.

Scorer: Zimmerman 20′.

Referee: Rachel Mitchenson.

Attendance: TBC.

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Yallop leads Roar to win over Perth Glory

Brisbane Roar 3-0 Perth Glory

by Isabelle Campbell (16/11/24).

Above: Tameka Yallop drives into attack: Photo: Richard Haines

Brisbane Roar delivered a dominant performance in their 3-0 victory over Perth Glory. Both teams entered the match looking to build upon promising results in the previous week, but it was the home side who came away with a convincing win in Round Three.

In the first match of the weekend, Perth Glory, left feeling confident following a gritty win over the Jets, looked to continue with the same momentum that they played with at home. Brisbane Roar, fresh from a 1-0 win against Sydney FC, hoped to continue their strong defensive form, having limited the attacking opportunities of last season’s champions.

With both sides having won nine times and drawn four in their previous meetings, this match was predicted to be close. Roar had the advantage in the two teams last encounter, winning 2-0.

Sarah O’Donoghue faced her former team, making her debut start for Glory, while Charli Wainwright was named on the bench, currently with Perth Glory on a youth development agreement.

Brisbane Roar dominated from the first minute of the opening half, forcing Perth Glory goalkeeper Miranda Templeman into several key saves early on. Despite her best efforts, Brisbane’s pressure soon paid off with skipper Tameka Yallop finding the back of the net in just the 7th minute.

The home side quickly doubled their advantage as Tamar Levin scored a brilliant debut goal, set up by Chelsea Blissett. Brisbane’s constant attacking intent and quick transitions appeared to overwhelm Perth, who struggled to establish themselves in the game.

Physical battles defined much of the half, with Miku Sunaga earning a yellow card for a foul on Momo Hayashi that awarded Brisbane a free kick, though it came to nothing. Perth’s defence did have its stronger moments, with Tijan McKenna making a vital block to deny a threatening shot from Emily Pringle.

As frustrations and determination continued to build, Alicia Woods committed a foul on Sunaga, receiving the second yellow card of the game and handing Perth a free kick that failed to yield any real threat. Brisbane continued to press high, eventually causing Templeman to be tested late in the half, forcing an awkward save of what was almost an own goal off the head of Chinnama.

Perth Glory struggled offensively and failed to register a single shot on target, leaving them with significant work to do as they headed into halftime trailing 2-0 to the Roar

Brisbane Roar continued their dominance into the second half, further cementing their control over the match. Tameka Yallop remained at the heart of the action, firing a shot that was crucially blocked by Onyinyechi Zogg, whose solid defending kept Glory’s hopes alive momentarily.

However, Brisbane’s pressure paid off once again when Miranda Templeman committed a foul in the area, conceding a penalty. Yallop stepped up and converted the opportunity with composure, extending Roar’s lead and securing her second goal of the game.

Perth had a rare moment of promise when Kelli Brown unleashed a powerful, long-range shot, but Olivia Sekany was equal to the task, making a smart save to preserve Roar’s clean sheet.

The match grew increasingly physical as frustrations boiled over with O’Donoghue, Chinnama, Dalton, and Brown all receiving yellow cards in a scrappy last quarter of the game.

Brisbane’s control was evident not just on the scoreboard but in their passing game, with the team completing an impressive 561 passes.

At full time, Brisbane Roar claimed a commanding victory, with a clinical performance and a 3-0 scoreline that underlined their dominance in both offence and defence. Perth Glory, despite their defensive efforts, struggled to find any rhythm in attack and will be left reflecting on a frustrating outing to Perry Park.

With next weekend being the A-League Unite Round, both teams will be playing their matches at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval. Glory will be coming head to head with Canberra United whilst Brisbane face Western Sydney Wanderers.

For more of Richard Haines’ superb photography from the game, check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (4-2-3-1): Sekany, De La Harpe, McQueen, Varley, Blissett, Hayashi, Woods, Pringle, Levin, Yallop, Popadinova. Substitutes: Richards, Hecher, Kuilamu, Freier, Kruger.

Scorers: Yallop 7’, 59’ (pen), Levin 13’.

PERTH GLORY (4-2-3-1): Templeman, McKenna, Chinnama, Tatham, Johnston, Dalton, Cassidy, Brown, O’Donoghue, Sunaga, Hillary. Substitutes: Skinner, Zogg, Abdul Massih, Wainwright, Roberts.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello

Attendance: 1,588.

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