Three CommBank Matildas were on the scoresheet in the latest round of A-League Women action.
One of those, Holly McNamara, scored the only goal of the game as City extended their unbeaten run to 21 games – with only two games remaining to achieve a remarkable undefeated season.
Read our review of all of the action below.
Western Sydney Wanderers 0 – 2 Sydney FC
Sydney FC continued their dominance of the Sydney Derby, overcoming their city rivals 2-0 on Friday night.
Mackenzie Hawkesby scored a penalty late in the first half to break the deadlock before CommBank Young Matilda Indiana Dos Santos doubled their lead in the second half. The result eliminates the Wanderers from finals contention, while Sydney FC remain – just - in the race.
Melbourne Victory 2 – 1 Adelaide United
A stoppage-time winner for Melbourne Victory meant that they continued to put pressure on the premiership race and consigned Adelaide United to finishing third.
Nicki Flannery broke the deadlock midway through the second half. When Dylan Holmes scored a penalty late in regulation time, it appeared as though Adelaide would walk away with a point. It was not to be, however – Flannery’s second in stoppage time proved the winner, with Victory taking all three points in the Pride Cup.
Alex Chidiac and Emily Gielnik both started for Victory. Alana Murphy was left out of the squad as a precaution.
Matilda McNamara started and played the full game for Adelaide.
Perth Glory 1 – 2 Canberra United
Canberra United secured a crucial three points in Perth, withstanding a late Perth surge to win 2-1.
Michelle Heyman scored early before Canberra’s lead was doubled after Mary Stanic-Floody converted a penalty. Tijan McKenna’s goal midway through the second half made things nervy for Canberra – especially after a missed penalty denied them their third goal – but they held on for the three points that sees them finish the round in sixth.
Heyman started and played the full match for Canberra.
Wellington Phoenix 0 – 1 Melbourne City
Melbourne City extended their unbeaten run to 21 games as they defeated Wellington Phoenix 1-0.
A goal for Holly McNamara in the first half was the difference as City were too strong for the Phoenix. They could have doubled their lead on various occasions – and had to withstand some pressure from the home side as well - but in the end, they would have been happy enough to settle for the one-goal victory.
McNamara, Laura Hughes, Leah Davidson and Karly Roestbakken all started for City, while Bryleeh Henry was a second-half substitute.
Newcastle Jets 0 – 2 Western United
Western United have secured their place in the finals, defeating Newcastle Jets 2-0.
It took until the second half to break the deadlock but once they did so, the result was unlikely to be in doubt. Catherine Zimmerman and Keiwa Hieda were the goalscorers as Western overpowered their opponents.
Chloe Lincoln and Chloe Logarzo both started and played the full match for Western United while Tash Prior started in her 50th game for the Jets before being substituted out in the second half.
Central Coast Mariners 2 – 1 Brisbane Roar
The Central Coast Mariners overcame a 21-second Laini Freier goal to defeat the Brisbane Roar 2-1 and move within one point of securing finals.
Freier’s goal gave Brisbane the early lead and momentum, but the Mariners were never going to give up in front of home fans. Isabel Gomez scored a stunning solo goal in the first half before Annalise Rasmussen scored the winner in the second.
Jessika Nash started and played the full match for the home side while Freier and Tameka Yallop did the same for the Roar.
