Graphics: Michael Alesich

Things were kept short and sweet with Sydney FC’s game against Victory called off. There was still plenty on the line as both Canberra and Adelaide secured big results in their run to finals while City added another win to their stocks. 

Perth Glory 0 – 1 Melbourne City

Written by Neil Bennett

A second 1-0 loss in three days to a Melbourne team has almost certainly condemned Alex Epakis’ Perth Glory to the first-ever wooden spoon in the club’s history, whilst the win has allowed Melbourne City to salvage some pride from what has also been their worst season in the W-League.

The game also marked the 100th appearance for Melbourne City’s Emma Checker, and it was her side who dominated for most of the encounter.

The first chance of the game fell to City’s Jenna McCormick in the 2nd minute, when her header from a corner flashed over the bar. Glory then responded in the 12th minute with a chance of their own. Caitlin Doeglas outstripped McCormick in a foot race but her powerful strike only hit the side netting.

In the 51st minute, Isabella Wallhead’s poor headed clearance from a free-kick was pounced on by City’s Norwegian youth international midfielder Noor Eckhoff, but she couldn’t keep her shot down and blazed it over the bar from close range.

The goal finally came in the 67th minute, when the impressive Alex Chidiac capitalised on more poor defending from Glory to feed a delightful ball into Rhali Dobson. Her finish was the equal of the pass and City went 1-0 up.

Glory was still showing some fight though, and in the 70th minute their best player on the night, Doeglas, cut the ball back to the top of the area for Hana Lowry to fire a fierce left shot towards goal, but the evergreen Melissa Barbieri made a fine save to keep the home side scoreless.

Newcastle Jets 0 – 1 Canberra United

Written by Steffen Moebus

It was befitting that Michelle Heyman’s 100th game for Canberra United had it all.

Brilliant sunshine at the start and driving rain at the end? Tick.

A pinpoint Heyman run and goal off the back of a pass that once again showcased Grace Maher’s vision? Tick.

A never say die Newcastle performance featuring Claire Coelho goalkeeping heroics, even though out of finals contention and without top goalscorer Tara Andrews? Tick.

Crossbar and goalpost pinball craziness? Tick.

A Canberra United side determined to put in a top showing to keep their finals dreams alive despite several hours on the highway and in the face of uncertain conditions? Oh yes.

That the game was able to be played at all was amazing. The Newcastle forecast on gameday minus one was up to 100mls of rain, while gameday was forecast to have 150mls, but at kick-off Newcastle’s Sportsground Number 2 was in great shape.

Canberra speedsters Nicki Flannery and Paige Satchell combined to great effect in the 13th minute to draw Coelho’s first save at close range before Heyman’s goal nine minutes later, while the pinball moment occurred as the first half closed.

There was to be no further scoring in the game but enterprising Newcastle midfielder Rhianna Pollicina scraped the Canberra crossbar early in the second half, and a ball trickled tantalisingly across the Canberra six-yard box just out of the reach of blue shirts late in extra time as the rain belted down. In between, the team in green pressed hard for a second goal, with Coelho somehow blocking Flannery a second time at close range; a fierce drive from Bianca Galic flying just over the left post; and efforts by Satchell and substitute Hayley Taylor-Young also denied. 

The uniform endeavour across the park by the visitors was reflected by Canberra United members awarding all players points in the post-match vote, but the Newcastle level of effort was also to be applauded in this entertaining game played in sometimes challenging conditions.   

Adelaide United 3 – 1 Western Sydney Wanderers

Written by Lani Johnson

Adelaide United have moved into third spot on the ladder after their 3-1 win against the Western Sydney Wanderers. A record number of 5159 spectators (woo hoo!) attended Coopers Stadium to watch these team play their final match of the regular season.

The Wanderers got off to a good start, with Olivia Price scoring the opener from just inside the box after a defensive scramble within the first four minutes of the match.

But Adelaide soon took control of the game, and apart from a few chances from Leena Khamis, it was United who held the momentum for the remainder of the match.

Isabel Hodgson scored the equaliser in the 18th minute, sending the ball into the side-netting. The second goal for Adelaide came from Maruschka Waldus, a clinical header to put her side in front.

A practiced set-piece in the 63rd minute resulted in the third goal for Adelaide, with Fiona Worts getting her foot to the ball and securing the three points for her side.

Adelaide remains in finals contention for now, but Canberra United and Melbourne Victory have games in hand and could finish above the Reds if luck goes their way. What a nail-biting end to the season!

 

Round 14 details

All times are AEDT.

  • Melbourne City vs Perth Glory at Frank Holohan Reserve – Thursday, March 25, 7:05pm.
  • Canberra United vs Sydney FC at Viking Park – Friday, March 26, 5:35pm.
  • Melbourne Victory vs Perth Glory at Epping Stadium – Sunday, March 28, 4:05pm
  • Brisbane Roar vs Newcastle Jets at Lions Stadium – Sunday, March 28 at 6:05pm

Download our shareable W-League calendar. 

Steffen Moebus
Steffen Moebus
Steffen is a life-long Canberra resident and enjoys covering football in and around his home town, as well as Aussies participating in the Nordic leagues (Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark).
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