PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 22: Susan Phonsongkham of the Glory and Cassidy Davis of the Jets contest for the ball during the A-League Women round two match between Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets at HBF Park, on October 22, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 22: Susan Phonsongkham of the Glory and Cassidy Davis of the Jets contest for the ball during the A-League Women round two match between Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets at HBF Park, on October 22, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

HBF Park had the pleasure of hosting round 2 of the Women’s A league match between home team Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets in what turned out to be a very physical competition and a 1-0 victory for Perth.

Though both teams shared equal possession during the first half it was the home side, Perth Glory who created several goal-scoring opportunities during the second half only to be denied by a well-composed Newcastle Jet defence which featured new player Zoe Karipidis making her debut as a centre back for the away team.
 
Perth Glory finally broke through this defence in the second half with striker Millie Farrow’s pass back to midfielder Susan Phonsongkham who was able to strike the ball beautifully into the back of the net, giving Perth Glory a 1-0 lead. Commendation for the Newcastle Jets keeper, Izzy Nino who made several successful attempts to hold off Perth Glory Striker and New Zealander National player, Grace Jale from scoring in the remainder of the second half.

This game was not short of drama, with three Glory players coming off second-best in head clashes during both the first and second half of the game. The worst involved young full-back Grace Johnston who fell to the ground after clashing with Newcastle Jet’s midfielder, Claudia Cicco in the 53 minute. Though Johnston managed to remain on the pitch for an additional 12 minutes before being subbed off it is a reminder of how dangerous head collisions can be for players and we wish Johnston a full recovery.

 
Bridie Watson
Bridie Watson

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