This week the W-League was back on our TV boxes!! So good. Also so good this week? The results of this round of games means that after 6 games played by all, and another 6 to play, there is only five point between first and seventh spot. The second half of this season is shaping up to be unpredictable and tense.
Lucky for me Sydney FC have finally found some form and registered another win, making it three from the last three games and a 3-1 win against cross-town rivals Western Sydney Wanderers. Meanwhile Melbourne Victory kept within touching distance of the top four by a convincing 4-0 win over Adelaide United. Newcastle Jets continue to demonstrate their willingness to push for first place, beating Brisbane Roar 3-0 to establish their dominance in the league, meaning Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets all sit on top of the table with 12 points. Meanwhile Melbourne City and Canberra United fought for a spot to sit in the top four at the end of the round.
Melbourne City v Canberra United
Guys there were storm troopers that walked onto the field with the players. Who said sci-fi doesn’t mix with sport? This surely proved them wrong!
Both sides had chances early on. CBR pressed when City had the ball and caused loose passes for City. Neither side were able to connect very well though early in the first half.
The match up down the flank of Ellie Carpenter and Ash Hatch was great all game, both players demonstrating why they are both so important for their respective sides.
City get the first goal on the 19th minute with another Fishlock special. A defensive mistake from Canberra, a result of the pressure applied by City, meant City got the turn over with Haley Kopmeyer off her line and Jess Fishlock finishes like she always does. 1-0.
Another defensive mistake, another goal, this time for Canberra in the 22nd minute. Michelle Heyman presses on Lydia Williams as they look to pass out from the back, a weak pass out given to Heyman to finish from 5m out. 1-1.
After the equaliser City found their feet, controlling the game with possession and getting the better of the chances. Meanwhile Canberra keep losing the ball trying to play out of defence far too often to be considered comfortable for any Canberra supporter.
Half Time Thoughts
It took a bit for both teams to settle from the start but after the equaliser City seemed to have settled into the game best and finished the half controlling possession like they do best.
Canberra struggled to connect their lines, the switch of Toni Pressley and Laura Bassett to midfield and defence respectively might be working to limit City’s attack in a defensive response but hasn’t allowed for that ease of connection there has been in previous games.
Both goals were a result of defensive/keeper mistakes. Can we say no to lazy defensive passes yet? Too many this season with forwards pouncing on them.
Second Half
Both teams looking to pounce early off the kick off.
Rhali Dobson for City looked threatening running at defenders all game, including the first real chance of the second half where she run through the middle of the field, managing to get a shot off for Kopmeyer to get fingertips.
Both sides had spells of solid possession, City perhaps the better but nothing too clear cut. Canberra really looked like they were missing Ash Sykes going forward.
Canberra had a lot more of the ball this half but City still in control and look to be pushing for chances more.
#StopCrapBackPasses2k17
Goal! Of course Fishlock gets it. After some worrying play by the Canberra defence, City finally pounce. Some nice little passes player for Fishlock to get in front of goal to score with ease.
City have done well all game apart from the defensive stuff up to allow the earlier goal. They were very patient all day with their build up.
The game ends with a City 2-1 victory.
Final thoughts
This game just demonstrates City’s strength through the middle of the park, with the likes of Alana Kennedy, Jess Fishlock and Kyah Simon down the center. Canberra, who have lacked width in previous games, tried to out play City through the centre and whilst they looked ok at times, City never properly looked challenged. In time some of Canberra’s youth will be able to compete and perhaps beat this City side by playing like this, but for now this week it just wasn’t going to work.
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 