Melbourne City beat Central Coast Mariners 1-0
Finally, a win at AAMI park for City as they shut up shop on the Mariners. McCormack is the game-winner with the only goal for the game, and City start life after Tim Cahill in better fashion than they left it. The Mariners, meanwhile, can’t make it three-in-a-row in one of their less-impressive performances for the season.
Player of the match goes to Schenkeveld. He says the defence found it “really difficult” in the end despite being the “better team” for the first half. Says the team were maybe a “little scared” at the end, but the team are looking forward to the game against Sydney. He’s asked about his role in creating the goal for McCormack, and he humbly credits Bouzanis instead. Says the team must “focus” after the loss of Cahill and band together as a team. Ends by crediting the team as “good guys”.
Bouzanis now appears on TV, and pays credit to Brattan for calling for the ball that led to the McCormack goal.
That’s all from me - thankyou for joining me for this Star Wars themed Melbourne City W-League, A-League double header. Catch you here again next week.
A-League 93:15 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
An almost-final chance for the Mariners, Powell draws the foul on Schenkeveld. It’s taken by Hoole, and it’s too deep, safely into the hands of Bouzanis, who has had a great game, distribution-wise (on cue he turns it over...)
A-League 90:00 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
Buhagiar to come on for Joshua Rose. McCormack’s sub is explained as cramp-induced. De Silva is also limping for the Mariners - hasn’t quite been his night, but he’s had the occasional flash of brilliance.
Pain with the ball into the box - Schenkeveld needs two attempts to clear it, not enough pressure from Central Coast. Still, City are playing extremely defensively and look troubled.
Four minutes of stoppage time. On cue Mauk blocks the shot from Pain, set up by the cross from Buhagiar - almost a game-saving block.
Updated
A-League 87:20 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
City have gone very defensive - possibly too defensive, for mine. It’s set up for some De Silva intervention, possibly Powell too. Berry accidentally finds a handball as he tries to force his way through on Bassett. Disappointing.
Sub waiting for City, McCormack to make way and Crowley to come on.
A-League 84:40 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
De Silva finds his way behind Malik, and Schenkeveld is party to the run, sliding in to save the day. He manages to clip De Silva on the way, which saves the corner.
Was this a penalty? Should the VAR have acted?
How can the VAR not pick this up?
— Joey Ratcliffe (@JoeyRatcliffe) December 10, 2017
Purposely avoiding tough decisions #MCYvCCM pic.twitter.com/v5PUAyKGCy
Is there actually a VAR at every game, or just Sydney ones? #MCYvCCM
— Kevin Airs (@KevinAirs442) December 10, 2017
Updated
A-League 82:00 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
Plenty of boos for Hoole, who goes down with not much contact from La Rocca. To be fair, he did seem to stomp on him on the replay. Probably hoping for a second yellow to La Rocca. Questions asked as to whether that should have been a foul or penalty.
Seriously there’s quite a bit of commentary on the seagulls. Anyone want to shed some light?
Have not seen one seagull at tonight's game #MCYvCCM
— Clement Tito (@ClementGTito) December 10, 2017
A-League 80:00 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
La Rocca takes his first yellow for a shirtfront on Hoole (honestly, that’s what it looked like, just for very little force). Here comes Hoole’s free-kick, but it’s a poor one, and McCormack is able to head it away. He gets a second opportunity, this time it’s a much better attempt, and Powell teams up with De Silva, aiming to repeat last week’s heroics, but there’s nothing doing this week. Liam Rose makes way for Adam Berry - his first game this season in the midfield. Nice game from Liam Rose, if overshadowed by Atkinson’s debut.
Bouzanis has really perfected the long-range distribution. He’s quick and dangerous with the release.
A-League 77:00 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
Looks like even the A-League community are following the Guardian’s famous Australian bird voting poll. (Btw, results are announced tomorrow morning, and Calla is live-blogging from 7:30am. Yes that’s real)
Are you on holiday @AAMIParkSeagull? Have not see any of your feathered friends at #MCYvCCM tonight.
— John (@JohnKo71) December 10, 2017
#votedibis
A-League 75:30 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
McGing holds up McCormack (literally, I mean he held him off the ball with his arms). The man who is very dangerous with a free-kick has a go at another, but it’s straight into the wall. Unfortunate for him and City fans.
A-League 74:40 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
I’d like you all to know that I’ve been monitoring the #starwarsround hashtag, and there is literally noone tweeting it except the A-League official account.
Meanwhile I have (regrettably) just found this:
Yes the A-League has put Star Wars characters in team news for #StarWarsRound and YES it's the worst thing on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/MLHFiRXVo9
— Huw Bonello (@Huw_Bonello) December 7, 2017
A-League 71:40 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
First substitution is in, and it’s Appiah off for Blake Powell. Don’t mind that move, Powell was brilliant against Glory and should provide some much-needed spark for Central Coast.
Meanwhile Jakobsen earns himself a yellow with a dodgy-looking sliding tackle on McGing.
A-League 69:00 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
City fans are up and about - went to call them Heart, then. I miss Melbourne Heart - I felt they appealed to my sensibilities as someone who likes to support the underdog. Plus I liked the choice of sentimental (if daggy) “mascot”. But now they’re the richest club in Australia, very much against my sensibilities. What to do, who to support?
Meanwhile - if City/Heart win today they’ll be clear in third, which wouldn’t be a bad return.
Brama, meanwhile, almost pulls off a remarkable goal from long-range, and Bouzanis is quickly on with the counter-attack, emboldened by his last move, he tries to pick off a long-range pass to McCormack which doesn’t quite come off (but isn’t a bad effort). 75% possession to Mariners in the last five minutes.
A-League 63:50 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
Credit where credit is due to Bouzanis, and also Schenkeveld, who delivered it back for Bouzanis when Brattan demanded the ball.
What a ball from Bouzanis to start that, pure evidence of how important a keeper's distribution can be. #MCYvCCM
— Katie Lambeski (@katielambeski) December 10, 2017
the dean bouzanis pass that led to the ross the boss goal was sensational #MCYvCCM #coycb ⚽️🔴⚪️🔵⚽️
— PJVV (@pjvanvliet) December 10, 2017
GOAL! Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
A-League 60:10 Melbourne City 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
Another corner for City, after Brattan forces one. The same man delivers, but it’s a bit too fierce in delivery. Talk that the City’s UK arm might be interested in bringing Brattan over to the UK.
On cue, Brattan delivers. He links up with Fitzgerald, and then delivers the perfect ball to McCormack who can relatively easily tap it past the keeper. Fantastic pass from Bouzanis to Brattan, right down the other end of the ground on the left wing. He demanded the ball from his keeper, and appeared to set the whole play up in his mind before it was executed.
Lovely play.
Updated
A-League 57:10 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Hoole on the counter-attack, he finds his way into the box, and then delivers for Pain who from long-range appears to tip the ball over the cross-bar, but there’s a deflection off Malik. Corner to come. Ominous signs for the home side, who outplayed their opponents significantly in the first half.
Hoole’s corner is into a good area, but La Rocca clears.
Here’s the interception we’ve been waiting for, and Atkinson almost dribbles past McGing (multiple times) but finally gives up the ball. Plenty to like, and plenty of confidence for a debutant.
A-League 55:00 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Brattan turns into trouble, and Josh Rose tries to turn Connor Pain into goal, but the defence is too good. Plenty of discussion as to Atkinson outplaying Josh Rose, despite the significant gap in age and talent.
City allowing the Mariners into the game this half - allowing them to build their way up slowly with precision passing and with little urgency for the intercept.
A-League 50:00 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Free-kick goes the way of the Mariners, and Hoole gets it to Appiah, but it’s over the cross-bar. Looks like he collected Brattan on the way through, and both men are floored as Brattan receives some treatment. Schenkeveld’s tackle, which led to the free-kick, is described as “WWF style” on the commentary.
W-League Newcastle Jets beat Brisbane Roar 3-0
Newcastle Jets created a three-way logjam at the summit after a sensational 3-0 win over joint-leaders Brisbane Roar. A first-half hat-trick from American midfielder Arin Gilliland was the difference as the Jets stunned the otherwise in-form two-time champions.
After the completion of the round, Perth Glory remain equal top despite having the weekend off. Sydney FC’s revival continued on Saturday with their comfortable 3-1 win over local rivals Western Sydney Wanderers built around a first-half double from teenage forward Remy Siemsen. Matildas’ skipper Lisa De Vanna added a third at Allianz Stadium as the Sky Blues made it three wins from as many outings.
Melbourne Victory also finally delivered on their early-season promise with a 4-0 rout of Adelaide United. The Victory found their goalscoring form with English striker Natashia Dowie scoring twice, while Lia Privitelli and Korea international Jeon Ga-eul both netted their first goals for the club.
- With thanks to AAP
A-League half-time Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
That’s half-time, and it’s a goalless draw so far. Possession is nearly 50-50, which is a shock to me, but it’s six goals to one for City (five of those on target). Plenty of corners for Melbourne, too, with seven to four. They also have the better of duels (including aerials), and are generally dominating play with nothing to show for it so far.
City fans are displeased on the whole, but united about one thing:
How good has Atkinson been on debut? #MCYvCCM
— Ray Theuma (@Raymond_T_76) December 10, 2017
A-League 44:00 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Look, I have to say, this hasn’t been the best half of football I’ve seen. My housemate, not a sports person, just came in and asked “god, does anything even happen in football?” - not the best game to defend it.
Here go City again with Brattan’s corner a dangerous one - Melbourne are crying out for a handball, but so far there’s nothing doing. Surely the VAR will cause some further controversy before this game is up.
This one is going down pretty much the same route as the W-League double header, numerous chances for City, with nothing to show so far.
A-League 40:30 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Jakobsen has a gilt-edged chance at a goal, forcing his way deep into the box after the one, two with McCormack, but he mis-hits, striking it directly at Kennedy. Good save, but to be fair, he didn’t hit it well at all.
Lots of talk about how good Sydney are, and whether they’re a step ahead of the rest of the competition, again.
A-League 38:10 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Third corner for the Mariners, has some nice elevation, and is off a City head, so it’ll be another chance for Hoole to fire one into the box. This one is flatter and harder at the near post, but there’s nothing doing. Isn’t having the greatest game, Hoole. But has the five assists this season - and involved in seven of the Mariners’ 13 goals. Plenty of praise for Okon’s team this season and their significant improvement. Can’t say it has been their finest half, tho.
A-League 35:45 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Here comes the man of the moment Atkinson, and it’s a beautiful cut back in, but Fitzgerald can’t quite tap it in. I’m not exaggerating when I say that Atkinson already has the crowd on their feet.
Quite a few complaints mounting re: the state of the pitch, also. I can assure that it looked this bad in the W-League too.
Farrrrk me the AAMI pitch is bad. How goods having all of these football stadiums used as concert venues during football season 👎🏻 #MCYvCCM
— James (@JamesK_1312) December 10, 2017
A-League 32:45 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Hoole for De Silva, who takes the one, two, the ball ending with Josh Rose out wide on the left. My apologies to Golec - he’s had the 27 passes at 89% accuracy, but it was De Silva whose playmaking talents caught my eye (De Silva, for the record, has the 17 passes at 82%). Liam Rose also making the most of his place in the side, going at 84% from 18 passes. Uh oh, speaking of Rose, he takes no contact but falls to the ground with what looks to be a high hamstring or glute injury. Looks sore. Maybe a cork though, judging by vision that shows Mauk colliding with his leg in a duel.
In better news, the Mariners are looking lively after a slow start.
A-League 28:10 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
It’s very nearly an own goal to McGing - but Kennedy is quick with the reflex and punches it over the crossbar. Oof that was close. City really pressing. Hoole’s lazy touch allows City through again - with the exception of De Silva they’ve turned the ball over poorly, but finally Josh Rose finds Pain out wide, who in turn almost finds Appiah on a nice run - great defensive clearance from La Rocca but they’ll take the corner. No luck - it’s cleared well by Jakobsen.
Atkinson with a beautiful lob pass to McCormack... plenty of cheers for him from the AAMI park crowd.
A-League 25:15 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Atkinson hasn’t taken long to make some fans. Oh, and Melburnians, he’s a Tasmanian (Launceston born - the first since Kurt Reynolds).
Atikinson is a gun... Surely muscat has lost his spot now. #MCYvCCM
— Steve (@schreckyy) December 10, 2017
Atkinson for @MelbourneCity has shown enough in the opening 20 mins to suggest he will play a big part in their team for the rest of the season. #MCYvCCM
— Chris Jack (@chrisjackis) December 10, 2017
That new lad Atkinson looks the goods. Love it how he backs himself in, keep playing him for rest of the season Joycey #MCYvCCM
— ☘Celtics☘(22-5) (@CashmanCeltics) December 10, 2017
A-League 22:00 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
De Silva with the nutmeg - isn’t he a joy to watch? He sets up a long-range cross for McGing, but Schenkenveld is too good with the clearance (speaking of players I love to watch!) Hasn’t he endeared City fans? Liking the look of Atkinson so far, too.
A-League 18:50 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Almost 60% possession for City, and finally the Mariners are in the box thanks to none other than De Silva. They play it back patiently to Liam Rose, who almost gives the ball up to Jamieson again, who is looking ominous. Fitzgerald eventually makes the intercept. City with 80% passing accuracy, distributing the ball smoothly.
A-League 15:40 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Nice work by Jamieson who makes the intercept and turns Hoole inside out, but his pass to McCormack is wide and poor. Atkinson with a very nice turn of foot on the right wing, he’s drawing plenty of attention from the crowd and has been aggressive in his play. City all over the Mariners at the moment, who are turning the ball over far too cheaply.
A-League 13:00 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
No-one is impressed by this, not even City fans, judging by the comments.
Thoughts on the team photo tonight? 😂🤔 #StarWarsRound #MCYvCCM pic.twitter.com/cwKuG0HSmQ
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) December 10, 2017
Jamieson with the long ball in, but it’s too high for Mauk and cleared by the Mariners. City making the early running. On cue Mauk finds the ball at the back of the box, and the strike is hot, to Kennedy’s right, fired low.
Barrett takes the corner again, and it’s a nice, looping effort cleared by Baro. Brattan has another try from long-range, this time it sails just wide.
A-League 10:00 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Baro with a yellow on McCormack - his fifth for this season. This free-kick is taken by Brattan, but it’s too long and sails onto Kennedy’s chest.
A-League 08:40 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
City earn their first corner, this time through a Fitzgerald run. Brattan takes it. It’s a nice effort, but there’s a foul on Liam Rose, who gets gingerly to his feet. He’s in for Hiariej, who is a significant loss for Central Coast.
Brattan with another corner, this time it’s low and the header is taken by McCormack after a deflection from La Rocca. Should have scored from there, no question. Kennedy blocks it, but the ball rebounds to Mauk who ALSO should have scored. Won’t get much better chances than that.
A-League 05:40 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Appiah with a lovely little pass out wide to Pain who in turn finds Appiah back on the inside. He tries some fancy footwork to fool his markers and it ends up back with Josh Rose on the wing. His distribution is a little sloppy. Speaking of Roses, Liam is in today in a late change for the Mariners - his second appearance for the season.
A-League 04:00 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
First corner for the Mariners, to Hoole. It’s a terrible effort, bouncing well before his teammates, but the clearance means the Mariners can reload. Nothing doing, but they come again after going right back to Ben Kennedy. Pain, Appiah, De Silva... plenty of headaches for City (no pun intended).
A-League 01:00 Melbourne City 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
OK I’m not joking but I just heard the words “wasn’t the Sydney derby a great laxative to the political constipation of the FFA” (on the TV). I am speechless.
Plenty of support for Danny De Silva making his way into the Socceroos’ World Cup squad.
Updated
A-League Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners
Would you believe it, some flak on Twitter for the Star Wars round.
A couple of Storm TRouxpers in the tunnel ahead of tonight’s game #MCYvCCM #StarWarsRound pic.twitter.com/xN9mEKjXfS
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) December 10, 2017
I really do not get this whole #StarWarsRound thing. Nothing to do with football and not that big of a demographic to market to. A nice little cash injection for the #ALeague I guess. #MCYvCCM
— Alvin Ng (@AlvinNg) December 10, 2017
First look at this star wars gimmick, sorry not for me... better ways to promote fball #MCYvCCM
— Michel (@Michel0S) December 10, 2017
A-League Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners
Right, I’m back, and here for Melbourne City’s first game without Tim Cahill, who is off to… somewhere else… for the match minutes he desires, and believes he deserves.
City ended a four-game losing streak last week, while the Mariners are in fourth thanks to back-to-back wins.
Here’s some stats, courtesy of the A-League.
- Melbourne City are undefeated in their last six Hyundai A-League games against the Mariners (W5, D1), after having picked up just one win in 15 encounters prior (D4, L10).
- Warren Joyce’s men are winless in their last three games at AAMI Park (D1, L2).
- Paul Okon’s players have a passing accuracy of 80% when playing away from home this campaign, greater than any other team in the Hyundai A-League.
- City star Ross McCormack has recorded seven shots on target from outside the box this Hyundai A-League campaign, more than any other player. In fact, McCormack has scored three direct free-kicks this campaign; no other player has managed more than one.
- Mariners gloveman Ben Kennedy has the highest save percentage of any goalkeeper to record 10+ saves this Hyundai A-League season (82.4%).
A-League Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners - Starting XIs
Our team is in for tonight's clash with the Central Coast, kick-off 7pm #MCYvCCM pic.twitter.com/u1hQkcq51N
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) December 10, 2017
🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨 Tom Hiariej is a late scratching due to a leg injury he sustained in our last training session. Liam Rose will start in the midfield. @josh_rose3 is also back from injury, straight into the starting side! #MCYvCCM #CCMFC pic.twitter.com/uc7RhrCeeS
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) December 10, 2017
W-League half-time Brisbane Roar 0-3 Newcastle Jets
For those wondering about our other W-League fixture (which sadly isn’t televised) - Newcastle have had a seriously impressive half (and have a seriously ominous lead). Surprise result!
HALF-TIME | We've had our chances but trail at the break. #BRIvNEW pic.twitter.com/qoN6iX39Kf
— Brisbane Roar (@brisbaneroar) December 10, 2017
I’m off for the next half hour for a dinner break - but will be back to bring you the City v Mariners A-League game.
W-League Melbourne City beat Canberra United 2-1
Big win for City, they’re third now with a game still happening (Roar above them). Let-off for Lydia Williams, whose mistake almost cost her side a win, but some Jess Fishlock brilliance ensured her team took the points. She wins player of the match thanks to her double, as well as plenty of courage and fight. She admits it’s a “huge” win and they found a “physical” Canberra quite a challenge - it’s a mental win for them as much as anything, she says.
Very tight season! Who do you fancy from this point?
92:00 Melbourne City 2-1 Canberra United
Fishlock’s turn for a yellow - but she still evades the sub, with Simon coming off instead for Jackson. There’s a distinct sense of time-wasting as this game comes to its conclusion.
90:00 Melbourne City 2-1 Canberra United
Thanks Brendan for sharing this with me – as an ex state-cricketer myself an 18-ball duck is an impressively unfortunate record - but for clarity it is apparently an Indian record, not a world one. What is the world record for the longest duck? And 5 for 16... ouch.
@Kate_ohalloran It's not Oz sport, but SL have India 16/5 off 13.4 overs. Karthik has set a new world record with an 18 ball duck.
— Brenden Fawkes (@BrendenFawkes) December 10, 2017
Speaking of Carpenter, she’s already right in the thick of it with a minute to go of regulation time. But she’s surrounded by blue shirts, and can’t find any passage through. Nice defensive press from City.
Updated
87:00 Melbourne City 2-1 Canberra United
Have to agree with this one - think the team has put too much pressure on Kopemeyer/relied on her too much. That said, she hasn’t committed the error like Williams, and has done well in the circumstances.
This is a frustrating game for a @CanberraUnited fan & old goalie to watch. So many dangerous passes back to @hkopmeyer 😬 #MCYvCBR #WLeague
— Sarah West (@sarahthewest) December 10, 2017
Canberra make another sub with King coming on for Roestbakken. Let’s hope the change frees them up a little - I like what I see so far with Carpenter stepping into the middle as they continue to press for a late equaliser.
84:30 Melbourne City 2-1 Canberra United
Who needs Star Wars when you have a hero in Jess Fishlock? She got the moves.
Canberra just can’t get any fluency going forward - I’m surprised they haven’t changed things up a bit more. Sykes is a loss, but Carpenter hasn’t been her usual damaging self, and Heyman hasn’t had enough of it to set up the goal - neither has Thorsnes, who has been quiet after the yellow for her clumsy challenge on Fishlock.
Guess who? 🏹 #MCYvCBR #wleague pic.twitter.com/YyItSPVDtL
— The Women's Game (@TheWomensGame) December 10, 2017
GOAL! W-League Melbourne City 2-1 Canberra United
79:00 Melbourne City 2-1 Canberra United
Colvill with a very dangerous-looking pass to Heyman, but City are quick to mop up and repel. City have had 11 shots on goal to just the three but still can’t find the back of the net.
Well, I jinxed it, because they’ve finally got the breakthrough through the wounded warrior in Fishlock. She’s urged to come off by her bench, but she isn’t having a bar of that - and why would she? Some messy defence from Canberra - they were asking for trouble, and finally got it when Kinga delivered a beautiful pass to Fishlock in the area. She was unmarked and it was a beautiful strike.
.@JessFishlock YOU ARE A LEGEND. #MCYvCBR #WLeague
— 🤦🏻♀️Emmsy🤦🏻♀️ (@emmsyish) December 10, 2017
Updated
W-League 74:50 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Simon tries to work the ball into the area, but it’s blocked by Bassett. She claims the rebound and this time finds Kinga’s head, but it’s well over the bar. City will be disappointed to leave with the draw today.
Meanwhile Hunt takes a yellow for her contact on Simon - her coach Heather Garriock looks less than impressed, but it was something of a smart block on Simon who was bursting toward goal. Fishlock takes it, and it’s not a bad ball – Kopmeyer comes out to punch it but manages only a finger or two, hence another corner.
City finally make a sub, with Dodson off for Crummer.
Updated
W-League 70:30 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Sayer, who has been rather impressive in the midfield today, makes way for 16-year-old Colvill.
City have had far more corners than Canberra - seven to one, in fact, but they haven’t made the most of them so far, tending to fire them deep and long and too far from goal to cause too much trouble for their opposing defenders.
Meanwhile, Jess Fishlock, who will be sore after today, takes another hit, this time from Colvill in what may have been a technical foul. She earns herself a yellow for her efforts, and Fishlock pleads with the referee for a break.
W-League 64:30 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Not sure how she’s done it but Fishlock manages a wonderful cross to the opposite flank, to set up Hatch in the box. She in turn finds Fishlock again, who dribbles around her opponent and finds plenty of power in the shot that ends in Kopmeyer’s hands. You can’t keep her down.
Some serious hustle here from City, who just keep coming - finally resulting in a Simon volley that is sadly inaccurate. Great ball in from Kinga.
W-League 60:00 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
A bit of dismay at Thorsnes’ tackle on social media.
Damn, Thorsnes has no chill. #MCYvCBR
— Chelsey Bush ☃️ (@ChelseyWrites) December 10, 2017
Very dirty and dangerous tactal Ms Thornes. And the second today. #W-League #MCYvCBR
— Stefenmac (@Stefenmac) December 10, 2017
Here’s some vision:
Break in the play as Jess Fishlock goes down under a heavy tackle. #MCYvCBR #wleague pic.twitter.com/BaoUKUZqVg
— Ann Odong 🌈 (@AnnOdong) December 10, 2017
W-League 58:00 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Thorsnes earns herself a yellow with a nasty-looking sliding tackle into Fishlock’s left-knee. She looks in some pain – but I highly doubt that was intentional, even if it was clumsy (don’t think she managed to get any of the ball, as she came at her from behind her on the left).
First sub of the day has happened, with Grace Maher coming on for Munoz.
Fishlock looks upset – and like she knows something is seriously wrong here. Let’s hope there’s not. Good sign - she’s on her feet and moving, but very proppy. She looks intent to stay on - not sure how she’ll manage that, but she’s a tough one.
Kennedy takes the free-kick, but it sails well over the net. Not her best set piece.
Updated
WBBL Sydney Sixers defeat Sydney Thunder
For those wondering how the cricket ended up:
Reigning champions Sydney Sixers completed an impressive opening weekend to their WBBL title defence with an imperious six wicket derby win over Sydney Thunder built around a rapid-fire innings of 49 from Alyssa Healy.
The platform set by Healy helped the Sixers to victory with eight balls remaining as they reached 4-146. The Australian wicketkeeper and Sixers opener swung the bat lustily before being caught on the boundary to end a 27-ball knock.
Ashleigh Gardner followed her record-breaking 114 on Saturday with a pivotal 47 off 35 balls to help the Sixers home in front of a 4,812 attendance at a carnival-like North Sydney Oval.
Local rivals Sydney Thunder proved stiff opposition and posted 6-142 built around a composed 58 from captain Alex Blackwell. However, wickets fell at regular intervals for the Thunder stymieing any likelihood of reprising a team record 6-200 set in their opener win on Saturday.
Sixers’ captain Ellyse Perry failed with the bat when she was run out for 12, but the champion allrounder shone with the ball taking 2-15, including the key wickets of Rachael Haynes (17) and Harmanpreet Kaur (29).
- With thanks to AAP
W-League 51:15 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Wonderful run by Dobson, who weaves her way in between a couple of defenders. Her thumping strike is just deflected by Kopmeyer. Should have been a corner, but she won’t argue, and takes the goal kick.
W-League 48:30 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Second half is finally back on, and City begin by peppering the goals. Stott with the long-range attempt forces Kopmeyer out, and she clears with a fist, but pocket rocket Fishlock forces her way forward again. She’s a little over-eager, and gives up the goal kick. Still, I think it’s a matter of time before they (or likely she!) score/s again.
Matildas Asian Cup draw
In case you haven’t seen the draw yet, the Matildas have a tough group for the Asian Cup - including reigning champions Japan. Still, I expect them to come through victorious. Nothing stands in the way of the Matildas in current form!
W-League half-time Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Lots of discussion as to why Ellie Carpenter hasn’t necessarily found herself on the receiving end of some of her midfielders’ possession. Is she mistiming her runs? Are they overcooking the pass? Is she too defensive? I’d say she’s playing like a defensive-minded striker, possibly to her own (and her team’s detriment). You don’t usually say that about an unselfish player, but she looks like she could afford to throw caution a bit more to the wind and push up higher. Easier said than done from your loungeroom chair, of course.
For mine, Thorsnes has been the best attacking player for Canberra, sometimes lacking some of the same class around her.
Whistle is blown for half-time after a nervy Williams clearance.
P.s. how good is this goal celebration?
Updated
W-League 40:00 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Small advantage to City in possession - 52 to 48%. Canberra have the better of duels at 58%. A couple of offsides to City, and the only stat they’re really dominating – five corners to one (and 11 crosses to two). Passing accuracy fairly steady at 68% each. Still have the feeling that City should be in front, and would be, if not for that uncharacteristic error by Williams.
Stott, meanwhile, has a long-range shot, but it’s wide to the left.
Here’s a couple of stars if ever I’ve seen them (below).
Updated
W-League 36:00 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Rebekah Stott is OK to come back on after she was sandwiched between a couple of United defenders on the run - colliding with Sayer’s shoulder. Seems as if she has passed her concussion test, to limp back on, not without some pain.
Ooh, Hatch makes a dash for it, leaving several defenders in her wake, but she can’t find the net, Kopmeyer with a safe pair of hands. Serious case of opportunity missed.
W-League 34:00 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Some seriously impressive play by Jess Fishlock today - the image below is the sliding tackle she completed before running on to score her first goal via a one, two with Simon.
Just checking out your below the line comments - thanks Bluebirdsfly for the support, glad you’re enjoying our W-League coverage! I agree that I can’t see any reason why all W-League matches can’t be covered - surely between SBS’s multiple channels and Fox we could sort it out?
Meanwhile, magila_cutty – “Wtf has a sci fi kiddie flick got to do with football” Yes indeed. Have you seen the promotional video that accompanies this round? Don’t blame me.
Updated
W-League 28:00 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Great mini-battle ensuing between Hatch and Carpenter. Really enjoying watching this one. Also a shout out to Alanna Kennedy, who, before she was involved in that Heyman goal, was showing plenty with some magic footwork – particularly in a mini duel with Michelle Heyman deep in City’s forward third, that was incidentally won by the Canberra striker.
Not endorsing the tweet necessarily, but here’s some vision of the Heyman steal.
What is it about Lydia Williams and howlers this #WLeague season? This is her third and they somehow keep getting worse. #MCYvCBR pic.twitter.com/uRR7j2n9Yu
— Mikala Paula (@mikalapaula) December 10, 2017
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GOAL! W-League Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
W-League 23:30 Melbourne City 1-1 Canberra United
Just as I was about to take a breath, Kennedy plays the ball back to Lydia Williams, and she plays it softly, intending to pass it back to Kennedy, but Michelle Heyman pounces to intercept and tap the ball back into the net. Ouch, that hurts for the keeper.
Updated
GOAL! W-League Melbourne City 1-0 Canberra United
W-League 20:30 Melbourne City 1-0 Canberra United
What a blast by Jess Fishlock, she intercepts the pass intended to Pressley with a sliding tackle, takes the one, two from Simon and powers a very long strike to Kopmeyer’s left. Smart play, Kopmeyer was ever so slightly off her line, and wouldn’t have expected such a deep defensive turnover.
Updated
W-League 15:30 Melbourne City 0-0 Canberra United
Errant pass from Kopmeyer allows Hatch to have another run at it - she finds herself free in the box but can only hit a United defender as she attempts another strike on goal. The Simon corner floats over Kennedy’s head, and misses everyone.
W-League 14:00 Melbourne City 0-0 Canberra United
Hatch possibly with the best chance of the game so far, fires it just outside the box after a deft touch from Munoz, but she can’t find the bottom of the net - it’s just wide. Hatch looks a dangerous signing for City (at least as far as their rivals are concerned).
W-League 12:00 Melbourne City 0-0 Canberra United
Lovely defending from Ellie Carpenter, who repels the City charge and finds Kopmeyer on the last line to reset. Thorsnes meanwhile makes a fine run down the left wing, but her teammates are forced to retreat behind the halfway mark. In good news for City fans, Fishlock looks to be moving smoothly.
Thorsnes is looking dangerous, and finds the one, two with Heyman, before she mistimes it, is forced to lunge at the ball and fires it wide.
Updated
W-League 06:00 Melbourne City 0-0 Canberra United
Fishlock is down and looks to have taken a knock to the knee, or maybe she’s been trodden on? Looks very sore, the assistant coach.
Anyone remember her brilliant goal against United in extra time in finals last season?
Here’s a compilation of the 25 top W-League goals from last season.
Updated
W-League 4:50 Melbourne City 0-0 Canberra United
First corner of the game to Melbourne City after some impressive footwork by Luik. Simon takes it, it’s low and flat but comfortably cleared by Pressley.
Luik Skywalker#wleague #StarWarsRound
— Jody (@J_Robzz) December 10, 2017
There are storm troopers marching onto the ground
I’m serious, they’re making their way out with our W-League stars, with Kopmeyer smiling wryly and shaking her head in disdain...
And now they’ve formed a guard of honour for the two teams.
Courtesy of last night:
@DisneyStudiosAU @wswanderersfc Thanks for having us! @501stLegion #StarwarsRound #Aleague pic.twitter.com/hNOSWEc3J2
— Aston Hall (@The_Atraxas) December 9, 2017
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Marriage equality
Speaking of Heyman, did anyone else spot this photo on her Twitter? Brilliant #lovewins
Thank you @MagdaSzubanski for the snap 💚 #lovewins #canberraunited pic.twitter.com/MmaFYQwvCn
— Michelle Heyman (@Mheyman23) December 9, 2017
Starting XIs
Here's our starting XI for today's match against Canberra at @AAMIPark! #MCYvCBR pic.twitter.com/BzHo1N1k08
— Melbourne City Women (@MelbCityWFC) December 10, 2017
STARTING XI |
— Canberra United (@CanberraUnited) December 10, 2017
Here's how we lineup for the blockbuster @WLeague clash V @MelbCityWFC.
📺 SBS & Fox Sports - Kickoff 4:30pm
SUBS: 10. Maher, 18. King, 19. Colvill, 36. Boric#MCYvCBR #CUinGreen pic.twitter.com/5E75PrP3Om
Predictions, anyone? I reckon City might be too strong with no Sykes, but Michelle Heyman had her game face on just then for the cameras. Says United are out for revenge after the finals loss last year.
WBBL: Adelaide Strikers defeat Hobart Hurricanes by 83 runs
New Adelaide Strikers captain Suzie Bates has become the latest WBBL centurion, as she paved the way for a crushing 83-run win over the Hobart Hurricanes on Sunday.
The Strikers made it two wins in as many days against the Hurricanes with their 6-176 too many for the visitors who were bowled out for 93 off 18.5 overs at Gliderol Stadium in Adelaide.
New Zealand opener Bates was the undoubted star for the Strikers hitting 102 off just 65 balls. Bates’s ton was the competition’s second in as many days following Ashleigh Gardner’s competition-high 114 on Saturday for the Sydney Sixers. Just two centuries were scored in the first two seasons of the WBBL.
Sophie Devine played a valuable supporting role to Bates with 43 off 29 balls, sharing a whirlwind stand of 117 for the third wicket.
The Hurricanes lost by 45 runs on Saturday and an even heavier defeat looked likely from the very start of their innings after they slipped to 4-29. The Hurricanes’ slim hopes were extinguished in part to some impressive bowling from leg-spinner Amanda Wellington who took 3-9 off four overs as the middle-order failed to fire.
- With thanks to AAP
WBBL live - Sydney derby
The Sixers are 1/74 off 9 overs, with the Thunder having set a total of 142 (six wickets lost, off 20 overs). The Sixers will need another 69 runs off 66 balls – and I’m backing them in to do it. They’ve got woman of the moment, Ash Gardner at the crease, while Perry is gone after being run out by Blackwell. Alyssa Healy has been smashing them all over the park, with 48 not out off 25 balls (and counting).
Women’s Big Bash League
Plenty of cricket action happening this weekend after the women’s big bash league kicked off with a bang. It was a wonderful first day’s action, with records falling everywhere and Ellyse Perry accidentally sending a boy to hospital (sounds like he’s fine!) Ash Gardner’s innings was something to behold, and it’s fantastic to hear Mel Jones behind the mic again. Read up on it all here:
Welcome
Hi everyone and welcome to this Star Wars round edition of W-League and A-League action. Don’t worry, we think it’s absurd too. Oh - and David Squires sketched a comic about it, of course.
What exactly does Star Wars round entail, you ask? Well, fans are being invited to dress up as their favourite Star Wars hero (there’ll be a Star Wars fancy-dress competition) and there’s apparently going to be 4000 Chewbacca masks given away to the crowd. Oh, and don’t forget the special Padawan training for kids in City Square before both of City’s matches (W-League v Canberra and A-League v Central Coast). eSports star Marcus Gomes will also be on hand to challenge patrons to a match of Fifa18 (OK, that does sound pretty cool, at least for me who challenges each and every one of you to a game of Fifa...)
Right, so for those of us who aren’t dressed in Star Wars attire – what do we have to look forward to today? First, I’ll give you some light updates on the W-League clash between Melbourne City and Canberra United. City will be looking for a win after they wasted some opportunities against Adelaide United last week, which ended up in a 1-1 draw – the single goal coming from American Ashley Hatch, for her first City score. Look for Kyah Simon to again dominate, as she heads up the competition in chances created (20) – of which she generated an incredible seven last week.
Canberra are ahead of United on the table, third ahead of fifth, but only two points separate these two clubs. Canberra went down 1-0 at home against an impressive Brisbane Roar outfit last week, but aren’t without their own firepower in Matildas Ellie Carpenter and Michelle Heyman.
Some key stats, with thanks to Melbourne City FC:
- Melbourne City FC have won three of their four clashes against Canberra United, netting eight goals and conceding five.
- The last time they met, City won 10 in extra-time to secure a spot in the Grand Final.
- Melbourne City FC have five of the top six players in the competition for passing in the opposition half.
Later on, I’ll be back for a minute-by-minute account of the A-League clash between Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners.
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime have a read of how last night’s Sydney derby played out.
