A-League 92:40 Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Perth Glory

Standing ovation for Danny De Silva as he leaves the field, subbed off for Buhagiar. As I’ve been blogging the W-League, I haven’t seen the whole of this game, but he’s apparently been seriously impressive. Doesn’t surprise me from what I’ve seen in just the few minutes I’ve caught – he and Powell set up a goal I’d be happy to watch many times over.

Won’t Perth take this one particularly harshly if their former player costs them the game.

A-League 86:00 Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Perth Glory

Powell really impressing in the last few minutes, and he sets up Hoole very nicely in the box, who holds onto possession too long and takes a shot leaning backwards on the ball – it’s well over the bar. Should really have been more selfless with possession.

Here comes Yagoub Mustafa for the Glory in his A-League debut.

A-League 83:30 Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Perth Glory

Yes I know, Ellie, I was about to check in on the other W-League game, also. That should finish at the same time as this A-League clash, so I’ll be able to bring you the results at once.

Just saw another replay of the goal - Powell perfected the pass to De Silva, and did brilliantly to follow it up. Smart thinking from De Silva, too, who is having some season.

Wilson comes off for Brimmer as Perth try and fire up for the last ten minutes or so.

Well done Brisbane

Three wins for the Roar as a club this weekend.

W-League 95:00 Canberra United 0-1 Brisbane Roar

Probably another couple of minutes to go here after Butt’s treatment time is taken into account, but unfortunately for Canberra it’s all Brisbane, with Gorry effectively taking another 30 seconds or so off the clock. She’s impressed, running and presenting all day. Gielnik tries to own possession, but it’s over the sideline. One last chance for Canberra.

W-League 92:00 Canberra United 0-1 Brisbane Roar

Just the four minutes of extra time - my sense is not enough for United. Gorry takes the corner kick for Roar, it’s flat and low, bouncing with surprise value. Not sure that was how she meant to strike it. Canberra try desperately to gain ground on the turnover, but there’s bodies tumbling everywhere. Here they come again - but we’ll stop play as Butt looks to have sustained a calf injury. Let’s hope not for her sake, and for the Matildas! Let’s hope it’s cramp.

W-League 89:30 Canberra United 0-1 Brisbane Roar

Not a bad effort by Bassett, who found Arnold unawares. She looked to palm the shot, but it’s ruled a goal-kick. On replay, it looks as if Arnold did indeed allow the wide shot to fly past. Doesn’t take much for Canberra to pose a threat, but it’s not quite happening for them today. Lovely sliding tackle by Pressley to stop Raso in her tracks, who was out in plenty of space with speed.

W-League 88:00 Canberra United 0-1 Brisbane Roar

Ouch, Raso is writhing around on the ground after she looked to take a foot in the stomach or ribs. Players falling over everywhere as exhaustion kicks in. Canberra pressing hard and late to try and find the equaliser, and Heyman and Carpenter are the two who look most likely.

Cheung is subbed off after not her best performance, with Toby making her way on for just the few remaining minutes plus extra time.

W-League 84:00 Canberra United 0-1 Brisbane Roar

Another corner won for Brisbane, who continue to pile on the pressure. It’s a high ball in, but Cheung can’t turn the header into anything threatening. Down the other end Heyman finds Carpenter with the perfect cross, and Carpenter flies to meet the volley, but it’s mis-timed after she sprinted to make the ball in the first place. Heyman owed Carpenter one, and she delivered.

W-League 81:00 Canberra United 0-1 Brisbane Roar

Butt with plenty of space yet again, she finds Gorry out wide to a trio of orange, but no joy for the second. Torpey looks to have cramped - she’s been relatively impressive today - but can’t be subbed off with no substitutions remaining for the Roar. Canberra, meanwhile, take an impromptu time-out, with head coach Garriock no doubt telling her troops they’re still in the game.

W-League 78:00 Canberra United 0-1 Brisbane Roar

Gorry connects with Hunt after trying to chip over her and looks sore, flying into the turf. She looks set to come off. Wai Ki Cheung lacks accuracy with a shot on goal, the ball floating well wide. Hasn’t been her best, and she’s yet to score in the A-League. Should really have scored the early shot in front of an open net – while Heyman should also have one to her name.

Butt likes the look of her 50th from long range, but there’s not enough power in the shot to trouble the keeper.

W-League 75:27 Canberra United 0-1 Brisbane Roar

I forgot to add earlier that Clare Hunt has repalced Ash Sykes, who looked very sore. Whittall is also about to maker her entrance, this time for Flannery who looks exhausted. She’s been full of running in both attack and defence.

W-League 73:50 Canberra United 0-1 Brisbane Roar

Canberra unable to find any rhythm forward in a dominant display from the Roar. Sykes injured really hasn’t helped. But, as if on cue, Ellie Carpenter almost does it all herself, winning the ball in the midfield, coming in deep after the pass from Thorsnes, beating O’Brien with the first touch and then setting up Heyman on a platter. Heyman can’t find touch, and Carpenter is dismayed, hands thrown on her head. She’s something special, Carpenter.

W-League 71:10 Canberra United 0-1 Brisbane Roar

Gorry takes the corner, and it’s a one-two with Butt. Gorry winds up but can’t clear the defender, but finds herself in all sorts of space to set up Gielnik on the opposite wing. Canberra clear and find the quick repel, but it’s a turnover and Brisbane come again. Roar on top, and pushing.

W-League 65:36 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Don’t forget there’s only 14 rounds of W-League, so we’re actually almost at the half-way mark. Hard to believe, it feels like it just started. If you’re just coming to it make sure you check out Ann Odong’s preview of this season’s action. Perth Glory are sitting pretty on top at the moment, although they have played the extra fixture, comparative to these two sides.

W-League 63:20 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Sykes is back on the field but it looks as if she’s had a moon boot strapped to her foot. Not sure how she can play with such heavy taping, but she’s tough. Nice field position from Canberra after a stirring run from Thorsnes. Bassett lines up for the corner as the locals look to take the lead. It’s a beauty, but fisted away by Arnold.

W-League 61:00 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Cheung finds Butt, and Gorry finds Gielnik for the cross in. Expect plenty of dangerous crosses from Gielnik, who has already forced a corner for her side. Cheung finds Raso outside the box, but her strike is wide, floating past the right post.

W-League 59:30 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Raso beaten, for one of the only times today, this time to Thorsnes. It sets up Sykes for a possible cross, but she’s trodden on by Torpey. Carnage all round, as we’ll surely get a breather and a sub.

Sykes takes to the sideline for some treatment, while it’s Abbey Lloyd who makes way for Gielnik.

It’s a dangerous ball-in from the free-kick, but Pressley is too late to get to the back post.

W-League 56:15 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Canberra weren’t far off from scoring there, with a Michelle Heyman header finding Ash Sykes who fired one off and missed narrowly to the left. That would have been something of an injustice after how much the Roar have dominated play.

Here’s another change coming, this time for the Roar, with Gielnik warming up. Might be Wai Ki Cheung to make way.

W-League 53:15 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Wai Ki finds you know who in Raso who spots Lloyd on the opposite wing, she then finds Butt who runs the ball into the box and fires it back to Boureille. It’s a drawn out build up, and ends with a Torpey cross and a nice header which is cleared for a corner. Gorry to take it. It’s a low, powerful one, but Wai Ki Cheung can’t fire it into the net.

W-League 50:30 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Brilliant ball to Raso who then finds Butt on the corner of the box. She sets up a long-range shot for Boureille, who fires off a stunning one-touch bomb. It’s a wonderful save from Kopmeyer, who dives hard and fast to her right, to palm the dipping ball.

W-League 48:50 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Nice ball back to the keeper by Gorry, who doesn’t reward her faith with a dodgy clearance. Still, Canberra aren’t able to make the most of the turnover. Carpenter, with the defensive intercept, is the other who has really impressed me today, and is also seemingly a crowd favourite.

W-League 46:45 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Just the one sub with Grace Maher off and Amy Sayer on, Sykes into the midfield. Sayer just 16 so one of the emerging stars of the W-League. Think Maher is unlucky to be subbed off, but Canberra needed to mix something up.

Speaking of Raso, she’s right back into the action, setting one up at the feet of Polkinghorne, but she can’t quite make the most of it. Wai Ki then finds Raso again, who can’t get one past the defence. Not sure how else to describe Raso’s game other than total dominance – and she’s into the action again with a pass to Wai Ki who is unfortunately off-side.

Women’s rugby league

For those women’s sport fans who may be following along (yes I know, I’m making assumptions about the audience)... did you catch Larissa O’Connor’s great piece on the momentum behind a national women’s rugby league competition earlier this week? It was written in the lead-up to the Jillaroos’ triumph over the Kiwi Ferns on the weekend.

Enjoy!

W-League coverage

For those mentioning it, I’m also disappointed by the lack of W-League coverage this week. Nothing on SBS (free-to-air) and only live-streaming of this game on Fox online. A-League on Fox League on TV. That means there’s absolutely no coverage of the City v Adelaide United W-League clash, which is currently 1-0 in Melbourne’s favour after a header to Ashley Hatch.

Glad to hear you’re enjoying the W-League-led blog today – unfortunately we are also dictated by what’s televised, when the game is played, when I need to have my dinner, etc. Haha. But trust me I’m doing my best to do it as often as possible :)

W-League half-time Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Just the one minute of added time, which sees Gorry intercept a loose Pressley pass. This time it’s “how hard is it?” from the vocal Canberra crowd. Here comes the speedy Carpenter, who in turn finds Heyman. Not sure that she saw Flannery flying down the left wing – she certainly took too long to release if so.

No score in the first-half, after a largely dominant display by the Roar.

W-League 44:00 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Oops, Pressley tries some fancy footwork in the defensive third and is forced to clear her own mistake to allow the Roar another run at it. Polkinghorne’s through ball finds Torpey, and Raso’s threatening ball in is poorly cleared. Gorry comes again with a cross that almost finds Wai Ki, but it’s not to be. Frenetic pace to end the first half.

W-League 42:00 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Polkinghorne taking the attacking free-kick, as she usually does (same goes for corners). Gorry and Pickett stand by, and Gorry fools us all by taking the kick. The rebound is dangerous with Ash Sykes beating Raso for pace, and Raso mis-timing the slide tackle to earn herself a yellow. Reckon Roar would have been in trouble if she hadn’t have stopped Sykes in her tracks. The long free-kick from Pressley is repelled with little threat.

The crowd are at it again, this time demanding Canberra ‘keep possession’! Easier said than done though, really, isn’t it.

Meanwhile Carpenter is off on another impressive run after intercepting Gorry. Loved her game, too. Small flashes of brilliance.

W-League 38:50 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Gorry wide to Raso, whose cross just clears Butt and Wai Ki. Have to agree with the commentary team who argue that Thorsnes marking Raso hasn’t necessary been a successful move. Raso running rings around her, currently (that said, I’m not sure who could contain her in the form she is in today).

W-League 37:30 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Lovely one, two for Gorry with Butt, but the shot is too long and high. The Roar came in seventh last season, which is hard to believe given their form to date, and today (not to mention that they boast the five Matildas). Wai Ki is offside again, and looks frustrated with her performance today.

W-League 35:40 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Butt won’t be deterred, and finds a clear strike in little to no space. Her fired shot is mopped up by Kopmeyer, but it was an impressive feat to get one off in the first place. This time Raso just overcooks the pass to Torpey, but she’s impressed mightily so far, back in the W-League after her time with Portland Thorns.

Meanwhile Carpenter beats three, maybe four defenders in a seriously skilled run, but is finally repelled.

W-League 32:20 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

“Get the ball Canberra, God!” comes the cry from the crowd. Then “pick her up!” I identify with such frustration, fans. Not with this particular game, per se, but I’m sure I’ve repeated those lines a few times myself.

Few sloppy turnovers from both sides here, with Bassett taking down Butt in a clumsy challenge. She claims this is the second time she’s been felled unfairly. That’s another solid challenge from Canberra. Bassett gets a lengthy telling off from the referee.

W-League 29:50 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Looks like Thorsnes is marking Raso, she’s not as fast but a tactical reader of play. Good move, I think, as Raso is by far the most threatening player on the field so far. This time she wins herself a corner from nothing, Kopmeyer forced to come out and block her third bite of the ball. The cross is a dangerous one, but it’s cleared well by Thorsnes.

W-League 28:00 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Nice build-up by Brisbane, with Torpey ending up with the cross/shot. Some conversation about whether Raso should be shifted to the left, given how dangerous she’s already proved. This time she’s hip-and-shouldered by Thorsnes for a Brisbane free-kick (deliberate use of Australian Rules terminology there as it didn’t seem a football challenge). Gorry’s lofted kick is too high, and over her teammates’ heads.

W-League 25:00 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Wow, this time it’s Raso who misses the open goal, she ran perfectly behind the defence, and Kopmeyer was off her line, but she could only find the left side of the net.

Polkinghorne and Flannery collide going for the header, and the result is a Carpeneter free for United. ‘Canberra United’ chant goes up around the ground, but it’s too long and cut off easily by Arnold.

W-League 23:00 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Canberra need answers for the speed of Raso – who is continually poking holes through the defence, with some excellent assist play. Reckon she’s almost been too unselfish, but Wai Ki had no reason not to score with the last ball. Tameka Butt looks sore, let’s hope nothing’s amiss as she’s been on fire for the Matildas.

Here comes Heyman, who is clearly the crowd favourite, she finds Carpenter with a lovely cross, and Carpenter is upended as the crowd cries foul. No luck on the call.

W-League 19:45 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Raso making it happen again, with the perfect assist to Hong Kong international to Cheung Wai Ki who for some inexplicable reason fires it straight to Kopmeyer – as on the commentary, it would’ve been harder for her to hit the keeper than not, then. Wonderful lead-up play from Raso.

W-League 18:12 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

All of Raso, Gorry and Lloyd fire strikes at Kopmeyer, but they can’t evade the wall. Meanwhile, Polkinghorne finds Tameka Butt with a beautiful lofted through pass, but she can’t score. Very nice lead-up play by Brisbane.

W-League 16:00 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Forgive me if I mistake the goalkeepers today, both Kopmeyer (Canberra) and Arnold (Brisbane) have played for the opposing side!

Both sides trading turnovers at the moment, but Raso and Thorsnes respectively are making the running in the middle. Fine turn from Heyman opens up the Roar defence, but Carpenter can’t do the same, and the ball is turned over.

W-League 13:20 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Canberra’s forwards are pushing up well, and putting plenty of pressure on the Roar clearances. Heyman lurking particularly dangerously. This time it’s the Roar who intercept a sloppy United clearance, and Raso’s excellent run is set up for Tameka Butt, who lofts one over the cross-bar. She’s been easily my pick of play so far, Raso.

W-League 11:37 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

O’Brien with a very, very loose pass which is intercepted by Grace Maher, who is positioned high and picks up the easy intercept. She finds Bassett, who loops it to Thorsnes, but there’s nothing doing with some desperate and effective Roar defense. Another United cross hits Thorsnes on the chest, she strikes neatly, but it’s into the gloves of a fumbly Arnold.

W-League 09:30 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Bolting run from Thorsnes who finds Flannery, but the Roar defence are solid, and the clearance is a long one. Liking the look of Thorsnes, who is plying her trade in Australia. Few cheap turnovers to date, but the Roar look dangerous in attack – although they’re pulled up for off-side on this particular run.

Lots of discussion re: Sam Kerr’s Asian player of the year award, which she followed up with a goal for Perth Glory fresh off the plane on Friday night. Not much that woman can’t do.

W-League 06:05 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Speaking of Raso she finds a neat ball through, before she hits the deck after colliding with the United defence, but can’t convince the referee that she deserves a free-kick. She’s off like a pocket rocket today, Raso.

Heyman, meanwhile beats Pickett for a nice cross in, which sadly for the locals, comes to nothing.

W-League 04:20 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Very suburban feel to this whole coverage, with a single camera on duty, it seems. Great vibe from the crowd though, with some very loud supporters cheering on Michelle Heyman’s first run forward. She’s looking ominous, as is Raso for the Roar.

W-League 02:40 Canberra United 0-0 Brisbane Roar

Would you believe it, an ‘unexpected error’ has occurred with the Canberra United v Brisbane Roar footage. I could have predicted this. Give me a moment.

Oh no we’re back on!

Carpenter and Gorriy going head-to-head in the midfield, with Gorry taking the honours in their first mini-duel.

Matildas Roar

The formidable Hayley Raso is just one of five returning Matildas suiting up for the Roar today, she impressed me against China!

W-League kick-off

Is not far off, very strange experience waiting on the live stream to begin, presumably right on the cusp of play! In the meantime, here are some nice warm-up visuals.

(No further score in the A-League, bound to be a win to the Victory, it seems. Impressive after they went 2-0 down with a demoralising VAR overrule!)

A-League 85:40 Wellington Phoenix 2-3 Melbourne Victory

Would you believe it? Troisi scores after an excellent through ball from Berisha, just outside the box. Italiano comes up to meet him but he can’t stop it – that’s surely the winner.

A-League 85:00 Wellington Phoenix 2-2 Melbourne Victory

Fascinating contest here to date, with Melbourne Victory seemingly taking the early lead with a Besart Berisha goal being overturned by the VAR. On the television replay it looked a tight and perhaps even incorrect call, but we won’t question the VAR, will we? Phoenix than capitalised on a purple patch, scoring twice in two minutes through the same man in Kaluderovic. Both were brilliant headers – the first a powerful one landing just under the cross bar, the other a tactical looper over Thomas’ head.

It all looked over for Victory at a demoralising 2-0, but they hit back through Berisha in the 54th minute after Italiano palmed Barbarouses’ shot into his path, for a rebound into the empty net. Victory then forced an own goal after a Berisha header just minutes later to incredibly level the game.

I’ve got this one on the TV as I wait for the live stream to fire up, and Victory had a gilt-edged chance to take the victory through the man of the hour, Berisha, who missed everything with an open net in front of him (the ball put on a platter by Troisi). That would certainly, surely have been the game. Minutes later Phoenix have their own chance through Vidsoic after the cut back from Doyle, but the strike flies over the bar.

This is set up for a thrilling finish!

Lisa De Vanna

Been following the W-League action this weekend? If so I hope you caught Lisa De Vanna’s brilliant goal for Sydney FC against Melbourne Victory at Cromer Park yesterday...!

The Sky Blues went on win 2-0, after Princess Ibini scored the first with a strike from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner. She was assisted by another Matilda in Chloe Logarzo.

Starting XIs

Here are your teams for today:

Welcome

Hello everyone and welcome to this experimental version of Sportwatch. By experimental I mean – my feature game is the Canberra United v Brisbane Roar W-League clash, which is not televised but rather live streamed through Fox Sports, so pray with me that it works. (Worst case scenario we will do some creative re-jigging, OK).

So, provided all is well... this match pits second (Canberra United) against third (Brisbane Roar). Both teams are level on points, having lost one match and won three each, but Roar are behind on goal difference, while Canberra will be looking for their fourth-straight victory this W-League season. The Roar come into this round fresh after a week off (a bye weekend for the Matildas clash against China, which we also blogged).

Heather Garriock (United head coach) will be buoyed by the return of her two star Matildas in Michelle Heyman (looking to force her way back into the national side after an injury lay-off) and Ellie Carpenter. Heyman will join fellow strikers Ashleigh Skyes and Elise Thorsnes (of Norway) who debuted last week in a formidable attacking outfit.

This should be a great one. I will also keep you updated on A-League action, which is happening simultaneously, including the early game between Wellington and Melbourne Victory.

Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime, have a read of how the FFA governance crisis may affect Australia’s bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup.