Melbourne City achieved a record equalling eighteen game unbeaten streak in the A-League Women over the weekend, drawing 1-1 with Canberra United.
Elsewhere, the teams towards the bottom of the table spoilt the party of those contending for finals, with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC defeating the Central Coast Mariners and the Brisbane Roar.
Read our full review of the Matildas at Home action below.
Central Coast Mariners 1 – 2 Western Sydney Wanderers
The Wanderers have won three games on the bounce with a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Central Coast Mariners.
The Mariners took the lead in the second half when Isabel Gomez scored her first goal after returning from injury, capping her return to the starting lineup in the best possible way. However, the Wanderers hit back. After Olivia Price’s equaliser, Holly Caspers scored her third goal in three games in stoppage time to snatch the victory for the Wanderers.
Jessika Nash started and played the full match in defence for the Mariners.
Canberra United 1 – 1 Melbourne City
Melbourne City equalled the all-time league unbeaten record with eighteen games undefeated, but couldn’t walk away with three points, as Canberra held them to a 1-1 draw.
City were the dominant side throughout the game and were rewarded with a goal from a corner scored by Taylor Otto. They weren’t able to hold on to their lead, however, with Aideen Keane capitalising on a passing error to score the equaliser and secure a hard-earned point for Canberra.
Michelle Heyman and Holly McNamara were not available for Canberra and City respectively after arriving back from the SheBelieves Cup earlier that morning.
Laura Hughes, Leah Davidson, Bryleeh Henry and Karly Roestbakken all started and played the full match for Melbourne City.
Newcastle Jets 2 – 1 Perth Glory
A quickfire brace for Sophie Hoban in the first three minutes of the match proved crucial as the Newcastle Jets held on to defeat Perth Glory 2-1.
Hoban’s double meant that the Jets sped out of the blocks incredibly quickly. The Glory worked their way back into the game, and a goal to Ella Lincoln in the second half – as well as a red card for Libby Copus-Brown – gave them hope that they could leave Newcastle with at least a point. It was not to be, however, and the Jets won their first game in ten.
Tash Prior was unavailable for the Jets after a late arrival back from the SheBelieves Cup.
Western United 1 – 2 Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory closed the gap to City to only five points as they defeated fellow cross-town rivals Western United 2-1.
Holly Furphy scored for Victory to give them an early lead before Western United equalised just before the half-time break. Victory’s captain Kayla Morrison secured all three points early in the second half with a fantastic header from a corner to keep the pressure on the top of the table.
Chloe Lincoln and Alana Murphy were unavailable for Western United and Melbourne Victory, respectively, after their late arrival back from the United States.
Chloe Logarzo lined up in the centre of midfield for Western, while Alex Chidiac and Emily Gielnik both started and played the full match for Victory.
Wellington Phoenix 1 – 3 Adelaide United
Adelaide delivered a hammer blow to Wellington’s finals ambitions, as well as solidifying their own, with a 3-1 victory in Wellington.
Ella Tonkin scored a header to give Adelaide the lead in the first half before Olivia Fergusson equalised just before the break. However, a Lucia Leon second-half brace would seal the result for the Reds, who are now safely nestled in third – seven points clear of Western United in fourth.
Matilda McNamara started and played the full match for Adelaide United.
Sydney FC 3 – 2 Brisbane Roar
Sydney FC secured their third win of the season, defeating Brisbane Roar 3-2.
The home side dominated the first half and were rewarded with a goal to Mackenzie Hawkesby early in the match. There was perhaps a sense of déjà vu as Laini Freier and then Mariel Hecher scored early in the second to give Brisbane the lead.
However, Sydney hit back, with captain Natalie Tobin and then American striker Shea Connors scoring to regain their early advantage and walk away with a well-deserved victory.
Tameka Yallop was unavailable for the Roar, but Laini Freier stepped up to play the full match and score a long-range goal. Sharn Freier remains unavailable with an ankle injury.
