Summary
Upsets, down-to-the-wire finishes, belting goals. Just another Saturday Sportswatch, I guess.
Some close encounters in the basketball earlier in the day, where over-time had to separate the WNBL clash between Bendigo and Townsville. A last-minute loss to Andrew Bogut’s Sydney Kings, as they almost surprised Melbourne United in a peach of a final quarter.
A big upset for the Hockeyroos, who were surprise 3-1 losers to Japan. Some good news coming through in the late fixture, with Netherland’s 2-1 win over China meaning Australia still qualify for tomorrow’s Champions Trophy final. The Dutch will take some stopping though after a 5-0 tournament record.
In the football, Newcastle Jets notched their second win of the season in the W-League to condemn Western Sydney to another loss. And in the A-League, a Bruno Fornaroli-less City succumbed to Brisbane Roar 2-0, while Wellington Phoenix threw away a 1-0 lead at home to slip to a costly 3-1 loss at home against Adelaide United.
A big grudge match overnight in rugby union as the Wallabies take on England. We’ll have that one live, so keep an eye out for our blog in a few hours time (2am AEDT); and of course the women’s World T20 final between the same nations (11am AEDT).
Full-time: Brisbane Roar 2-0 Melbourne City
90 + 4 min: So a first win of the season, at the fifth time of asking, for the Roar, as they shoot up the table and into the top six, for now.
A disjointed and at times frustrating showing from a Bruno-Fornaroli-less Melbourne City, while for Roar the goals keep flowing for Adam Taggart - something that might catch the eye of national team coach Graham Arnold ahead of the Asian Cup in January.
Updated
90 + 1 min: Brisbane now defending with 5-at-the-back, as the brothers Aloisi appear content to block the wide channels, in particular the threat from de Laet, you’d imagine.
And it’s an A-League debut for Dylan Wenzel-Halls from the Queensland NPL. He’s got about three minutes to show his wares.
88 min: De Laet with a well-whipped ball in, but there’s nobody to attack the delivery.
Caceres now lashes a long-range effort, he catches it well, but that’s no problem for Young, who gets behind it well.
85 min: Some intricate stuff from Bacchus, Atkinson and Caceres but there’s no penetration, and they just can’t find a way through this defensive wall of orange.
Nigro comes on for Mikkelsen. Perhaps his best game in orange, the Dane.
82 min: Brisbane more than content to let their opponents try and dictate play; whether or not City have the answers though continues to remain to be seen.
78 min: So a double substitute for City, and it is Vidosic, as expected, at the head, and it’s an A-League debut for the former Wanderer and Young Socceroo, Ramy Najjarine.
75 min: He’s lurking with intent for his hat-trick, Taggart, and once again he was not far away! Gee whiz; they’re finding some opportunities tonight aren’t they?
Terrific work from Galekovic, who flies off his line to claim Mikkelsen’s cross off the toes of the Roar striker.
70 min: And back to the A-League: and what a clearance! Delbridge with a header off the line, after O’Toole is left in acres of space at the far post. The youngster can’t believe it - it was a well-struck effort.
W-League full-time: Western Sydney Wanderers 0-1 Newcastle Jets
So Kingley’s strike proves the difference. It’s another tough night at the office for the Wanderers who now go 0-0-4, and are still yet to find the net.
The Jets for their part shoot to third on the table (at least provisionally). They’ll be delighted with this win - it’s an A-League/W-League one-two for Newcastle over their NSW rivals.
Goal! Brisbane Roar 2-0 Melbourne City
64 min: It’s a terrific first time ball from the Spaniard Lopez, who fires it into the path of Mikkelsen. The ball breaks for Lopez once again who feeds Taggart, who strikes a fierce curving effort - Bruno Fornaroli-esque, you could say - into the top right corner. Ooph. What a strike!
61 min: A few nice touches near and around the box from City, but again they can’t find the strong central presence to anchor the move. Don’t be surprised if we see Dario Vidosic enter the fray at some stage; they could use his aerial presence / ability to hold up play, back-to-goal.
58 min: O’Toole steps in to deny Brattan who almost finds a half-pocket. Hingert then looks to fire a sharp cross across the face, but Galekovic comes and claims well.
Brisbane go to the bench, and it’s the super-sub, Henrique who comes into the action.
55 min: Berenguer works hard down the left-hand side to win a freekick from Jack Hingert for handball.
He’s looking a little more lively tonight, the Frenchman, than perhaps over previous weeks. They really need him to shine this season - only really de Laet has impressed of the big-name new faces.
52 min: Bacchus now flashes a header just wide! It’s a set piece, and the defensive midfielder - who’s never scored an A-League goal - just scoops a headed effort just over Young’s crossbar.
They’re looking a touch brighter, City. Perhaps Roar are inviting them on a little more after the break?
49 min: And a niggle flashpoint - both Scott Jamieson and Eric Bautheac in the book after a coming together. The City captain accusing his opponent of using an elbow; will have to take a second look at all of that.
Second half: Brisbane Roar 1-0 Melbourne City
45 min: Meanwhile, we’re back underway in Brisbane, and it’s a very early chance to the youngster, Lachlan Wales.
He darts outside his defender and tries to catch Young at his near post; but it cannons back off the upright!
A lively start for the visitors.
Goal! Western Sydney Wanderers 0-1 Newcastle Jets (Kingsley)
Ay. And with about 30 to run, we do finally have a goal to break that deadlock, and it’s not good news for Wanderers fans, with what was in fairness a defensive error, and keenly pounced upon by the former Sydney Uni sharpshooter, Jenna Kingsley.
What can the Wanderers W-League side dig out from here?
Updated
And if you missed that Cortnee Vine reference, this is what I was talking about, from a week or so back.
She’s got a foot like a traction engine, the Young Matilda:
The last kick of the first half…Cortnee Vine is on fire! 🔥🔥🔥#WLeague #NEWvCBR pic.twitter.com/CDHB2baKbV
— Westfield W-League (@WLeague) November 17, 2018
Half-time: Western Sydney Wanderers 0-0 Newcastle Jets
And a half-time wrap from the W-League, where it’s been a tense opening half between two NSW rivals.
Cortnee Vine almost on the highlights reel again, with a cheeky lofted chip, but Matildas ‘keeper Jada Whyman more than equal to the test.
SO CLOSE
— Westfield W-League (@WLeague) November 24, 2018
Cortnee Vine tried an audacious chip, which Jada Whyman did brilliantly to tip over the crossbar.#WLeague #WSWvNEW #FemaleFootballRound
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/EgofQroUks
They’re the only side without a point after three rounds, Western Sydney. And with some hugely experienced former Matildas like Servet Uzunlar and Leena Khamis you can’t imagine they’d be happy with that. Big 45 to come, in this one.
City fans - your thoughts on that first half?
This is from a few weeks ago, but if you’ll excuse the bias I reckon there’s one or two fair questions raised here. How do you solve a problem like Melbourne City?
Half-time: Brisbane Roar 1-0 Melbourne City
45 + 2 min: So. The score a fair reflection on that opening stanza? City did have two very shots on target, but Young excellent between the sticks for Brisbane on both occasions. One set piece the difference, but they did have chances from open play, the Roar.
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44 min: Brattan looks to take on his man, but the Roar defence stands tall. Without Fornaroli centrally they lack that usual target, City. It’s a new approach they’ll need to take tonight, trying to work some short balls in tight areas.
41 min: Lachlan Wales ploughing a near lone furrow up front for City as he plies a few tricks. It’s a terrific battle to watch between him and the vastly experienced defender Avraam Papadopoulos.
Pace vs experience; he’s burned him once or twice, the talented young former Mariner.
37 min: So City enjoying the bulk of possession - over 60% so far - but with the way they set up under Warren Joyce, they’ve had a lot of success on the counter, but struggled in games where they’re expected to make the running.
Watch this space I guess.
Updated
33 min: Brattan is spoken to after bringing McKay down, lucky to escape a caution, in fairness. A lot resting on his shoulders tonight, with no Fornaroli, no Rostyn Griffiths and only spots on the bench for Dario Vidosic and Anthony Caceres.
30 min: Ooph, and he could have been in again, Taggart!
The vastly experienced Brisbane midfield three of McKay, Lopez and Kristensen are starting to lock down the centre of the park, and they’re releasing their front three at will. This time, the striker drags his shot wide, and scuffs it harmlessly.
29 min: Welly, well. If there is some unrest amid the ranks at Melbourne City (see: the absent Bruno Fornaroli) then how will they respond to this?
Still plenty of time to run in this one.
Goal! Brisbane Roar 1-0 Melbourne City (Taggart)
27 min: And like that, he’s made amends!
It’s a fourth goal of the season, and it’s a terrific set play. Brisbane work the corner, and it’s a fine run by the striker to peel off his marker and connect with the header at the near post; Galekovic no chance!
24 min: And now a huge letoff at the other end!
Kearyn Baccus is caught in possession and Brisbane have a 3-on-1, but Taggart doesn’t get the right weight on the final ball, and Bautheac’s final shot is partially blocked by the retreating defence.
21 min: So both sides settling into this one after those early injury stoppages, City shading possession, but apart from that de Laet strike, no clear efforts on goal.
And that said, it’s a fine ball in from Brattan, and a terrific shot from Berenguer! Excellent stop from Young, once again.
18 min: No real surprises for the selections from the home side, by the by. Bowles in for Pepper perhaps the only change of note?
TEAM NEWS | We return to @suncorpstadium to take on third-placed @MelbourneCity in tonight's @ALeague action #BRIvMCY #FemaleFootballRound #RoarAsOne pic.twitter.com/oDANUOVJ3x
— Brisbane Roar (@brisbaneroar) November 24, 2018
Running repairs completed on the shoulder of Taggart, and the former Fulham striker rejoins the action.
15 min: And it’s another injury delay, with Adam Taggart down with a suspected shoulder injury. If you were a coach named Aloisi or Aloisi you’d not be loving this start to the game; two key players under significant injury clouds already.
12 min: Save! It’s an opening shot of the game from Melbourne City, and it’s a fine effort from Jamie Young to deny the marquee fullback, Ritchie De Laet!
He’s scored two goals in his four games so far, the marquee defender. Who needs Fornaroli, huh?
8 min: He appears to be okay, the Frenchman, although he’s limping heavily.
And in case you missed the big news pre-game - some big rumbles coming out of Melbourne City, with Bruno Fornaroli not starting, not even selected.
Our team is in for tonight's clash against Brisbane! #BRIvMCY pic.twitter.com/cv56gX5jYw
— Melbourne City FC 🏙️ (@MelbourneCity) November 24, 2018
More to this than just a run of the mill injury, you’d imagine. Watch this space.
4 min: Ach. This could be a very nasty early blow for the Roar, as their star Frenchman Eric Bautheac limps heavily, after heavy contact from Harrison Delbridge, for which the City defender goes into the book.
Fingers crossed that’s not the end of the night for the former Ligue 1 man.
Kick off: Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City
1 min: But to our feature A-League game for the evening, where it’s Melbourne City getting us underway in Brisbane!
Champions Trophy: Australia 1-3 Japan
And it’s the same scoreline in the hockey and a real upset, you’d argue, as Australia has fallen to Japan in the final group game of the Champions Trophy.
The less fancied Asian side were out of the blocks swiftly, with Yuri Nagai and Yukari Mano scoring very early goals in the 3rd and 8th minute respectively, the latter an excellent full-field move to put the Hockeyroos well and truly onto the back foot.
Minami Shimizu grabbed a third early in the second half, but a penalty corner goal for Penny Squibb couldn’t spark Australia to launch the comeback.
They now await the results from Netherlands v China, to see if the Hockeyroos will book a finals spot, tomorrow night.
Tough honest interview with @Hockeyroos captain @Emilyjsmith26
— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) November 24, 2018
🇯🇵 3 - 1 🇦🇺
Wanglibao #HCT2018 China 🇨🇳 @HockeyAustralia pic.twitter.com/uhccD8SUQa
Full-time: Wellington Phoenix 1-3 Adelaide United
90 + 4 min: Goodwin with a late, late strike - but it’s another solid save from Kurto.
So three losses on the spin for the Nix as that early season gloss begins to rub away. A strong three points on the road for Marco Kurz’s Adelaide United, who jump to third on the table, albeit provisionally.
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90 +1 min: And it could have been ever uglier, as Halloran misses a gilt-edged chance to really rub salt in the wounds for the home fans.
Should have done better, the Reds winger and former 2. Bundesliga flyer.
4-1 would have been hard on Wellington, you’d have to say.
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88 min: Adelaide are content to sit back, and who can blame them. You can’t fault the Phoenix for effort, but the quality just doesn’t appear to be there.
84 min: Vince Lia looks to add the cherry on top against his old club.. but he doesn’t connect!
Substitute Max Burgess looks to spark his side, and fires in a decent cross but Nichols can’t get on the end of it!
It’s these little margins, but they just can’t make them stick, the Phoenix.
80 min: They’re huffing and puffing, the Phoenix, but it’s just not happening for the team from New Zealand. Williams the pick of the forwards perhaps as he lays off a ball for Mandi, but the scorer of the opening goal can’t fashion a clean strike.
77 min: Close! It’s the substitute Mitch Nichols, and he’s blasted over!
Groans around the Cake Tin. You’d have to say he’s over-egged that one (*boom boom*).
75 min: Nathan Burns with a sublime volley - but it strikes a Reds defender! You won’t see too many struck better than that, but it’s to no avail for a player who’s had less luck than a black cat that’s dropped salt after walking under a ladder.
So, it appears that third goal might have been awarded to the Dane, Ken Ilso, and not a second own goal to Doyle.
And in the fun fact corner:
Tom Doyle lucky not to be the first player since Byun Sung-Hwan in January 2012 to concede multiple own goals in a single @ALeague game. #WELvADL
— Shane Miles (@shane___miles) November 24, 2018
69 min: So, for a night that started so brightly, it’s getting quite ugly, quite quickly for the home side.
For a goal-shy side, you just can’t see where they’ll find a goal, the Phoenix, let alone two goals (or heaven forbid, three to snatch it).
No news on where the talented youngster Sarpreet Singh is tonight; you’d have to think he’s not been selected due to injury. How they could use his creativity tonight.
Goal! Wellington Phoenix 1-3 Adelaide United (Ilso/o.g. Doyle)
66 min: Some sustained pressure from the Phoenix, as they look to find a way back into this one.
And in keeping with their evening so far, they’ve copped another absolute sucker punch, the Nix.
I’ll need another replay to see which of our previous goalscorers for the Reds tonight has claimed another one. You’d hope for Doyle it’s not the left back with a second own goal.
62 min: Heavy contact as Elsey clatters Doyle very late; but he’s escaped the ire of the match officials, the Reds centre back. A groan from the home fans as that incident flashes up on the big screen.
Now it’s Rufer in the book for a foul on Goodwin. A bit of niggle in this one, it has to be said.
58 min: Starting to get a bit more frenetic, this one, as the Phoenix defence blocks a shot on goal, and then look to counter quickly through Mandi, who looks for Krishna and Burns.
We haven’t seen too much of the former Socceroo / Johnny Warren medalist. But’s he helped his side to a corner here.
54 min: It was one of the talking points pre-game, the selection of Marrone ahead of the promising Ryan Strain, but he’s made a huge impact, the Reds’ right back. He rewards his coach’s faith with a really important assist, and some crucial momentum at the start of the second stanza.
52 min: So this game really opening up. Rudan responds to that goal with the tactical tweak of sending Kopczynski further up field, and they switch to a 4-3-3, the home side.
Krishna with a good chance, almost a carbon copy of the Marrone-Ilso move, but he can’t find the same final product, the Fijian!
Goal! Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Adelaide United (Ilso)
47 min: Deary, deary - a horror few minutes either side of half-time for the hosts, but a fine move from the Reds.
Michael Marrone with an excellent whipped ball, and it’s the Dane, Ken Ilso, who gets on the end of it! A fine nestled header, Kurto no chance.
Updated
Second half!
45 min: So we’re back underway from Westpac Stadium in Wellington. Adelaide making the early running, as they did for large periods of that first period.
And a reminder, there’s a massive game of cricket coming up tomorrow morning - it’s the Women’s T20 World Cup final between two of our favourite old enemies.
Raf Nicholson’s in Antigua and she’s picked out four possible game winners for Australia or England:
We’ll be liveblogging that one (c. 11am AEDT) so keep your eyes peeled.
Half-time: Wellington Phoenix 1-1 Adelaide United
That’s all she wrote for that opening stanza. A curious cat-and-mouse that first half. It hasn’t in fairness hit great heights, but a fair bit of spirit shown from both sets of players.
A bit unfortunate for the Phoenix with the own goal in added time, but they’ve not looked overly exposed at the back. Who will stand up in this second 45?
Updated
Goal! Wellington Phoenix 1-1 Adelaide United (o.g. Doyle)
45 + 1 min: Ooph. How you like them apples. There’s nothing like a sucker punch just before half-time, and there’s few better sucker punches than an accidental own goal.
All White defender Doyle didn’t know too much about that, and he’s been deceived by a fine cross from the Socceroo, Ben Halloran.
Half-time talk torn up, as Mark Rudan chews some wasps on the sideline.
42 min: So, pretty direct stuff from both sides, with final third chances at a premium. It’s tailor (NO PUN INTENDED) made for the Phoenix, this.
Mark Rudan has spent months drilling the side to remain compact at the back - the longer this stays like this, the more opportunity the fliers like Krishna will find space on the counter attack.
37 min: Heavy fall for Mandi, who receives treatment after landing on his back following a contest with Lia. United now with an opportunity to whip in a corner - Kopczynski heads ahead well for the Phoenix.
34 min: Isaias starting to pull the strings in the middle of the park, as expected perhaps, but they’re still struggling to click in the front third the Reds - no surprises, given they’re still missing both No9 options Baba Diawara and George Blackwood.
30 min: Now it’s Phoenix with an attacking set piece - Mandi with the effort from about 20m out, Izzo saves but punches clear, and it’s hurried away.
Doyle with a long throw looking for Taylor, but the Adelaide custodian reads the play well and comes and claims.
25 min: A bit of niggle as Krishna brings down Isaias. Attacking opportunity for the Reds; is this Craig Goodwin territory?
He leaves it for the captain - and it ends up the top!
Isaias on target, Kurto saves, but Elsey blasts over with the follow up! The ‘keeper Kurto has stayed down after a nasty collision with the goalpost. Big let-off for the home side.
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20 min: Not the start Marco Kurz would have wanted. He urges his chargers to lift the tempo, and they look to build some possession do Adelaide, but the experienced Durante buys a freekick out of Ken Ilso.
And it’s a long-range effort - who else? Vinny Lia! He only scored four goals in his nearly 200 games for the Phoenix; but what odds one today!
Updated
Goal! Wellington Phoenix 1-0 Adelaide United (Mandi)
15 min: Welly, well! Something from the training ground as Rufer lofts the corner in to pick out Tom Doyle who nods back across goal, only for Izzo to punch, but it’s the Spaniard, Mandi, who gets the knee over it and drives an effort goalwards!
A morale-booster for the home side; they’ve been goal shy of late.
Mandi rifled home from the edge of the penalty box to give @WgtnPhoenixFC the early lead.
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) November 24, 2018
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL #ALeague #FemaleFootballRound #WELvADL pic.twitter.com/h1Pq1eEidF
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14 min: Rufer with a set piece delivery looking for the imposing frame of Steven Taylor, and they’ve won the first corner of the game. Jordan Elsey rises well to clear, but only at the expense of a second corner, what can the Phoenix make from this?
9 min: Rufer plays directly, but Izzo comes and sweeps well. Adelaide look to counter attack, but the movement fizzles out. A bit end-to-end as both sides look to settle into this match.
5 min: Roy Krishna looking lively in this, his 100th match for the Phoenix - can he mark it with a goal?
Ryan Lowry gives away an early freekick, but Filip Kurto comes and punches clear from the Adelaide set piece.
Kick off!
1 min: Phoenix get us underway; and after a bit of talk of changing to a back four this week, the home side drop the Polish holding mid Kopczynski in between the two centre backs. An interesting tactical tweak, from Mark Rudan - will it give his side a bit more going forward?
So, we begin to turn our attention to the A-League where in windy Wellington it’s the Phoenix about to lock horns with Marco Kurz’s impressive Adelaide United.
After a lacklustre loss away to Melbourne City last week, head coach Mark Rudan has rung the changes:
LINE UP | Here is your #Nix Starting XI and substitute players for tonight's Round 5 #FemaleFootballRound against @AdelaideUnited.
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) November 24, 2018
Who are you looking forward to seeing out on the pitch tonight? 🤔#StandUpWithYourNix #WELvADL pic.twitter.com/dodaoAOI0H
It’s a first start for Ryan Lowry in at right back with Louis Fenton dropping to the bench; former Socceroo Nathan Burns and Polish import Michal Kopczynski come in for their first starts, having only featured off the bench so far this season.
And here’s how Adelaide United line up:
Here is our line up to face Wellington Phoenix. Michael Jakobsen misses due to soreness, replaced by Taylor Regan. #AUFC #WELvADL #FemaleFootballRound pic.twitter.com/zmSoLSEXuo
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 24, 2018
Two former Nix players return to face their old side. Scott Galloway didn’t mince his words ahead of his return to Westpac Stadium - it’s fair to say he wasn’t too happy with his treatment under coach Darije Kalezic last season.
10-season Phoenix veteran Vinny Lia will start against many of his former teammates, while Michael Jakobsen is the headline out at the back.
WNBL: Bendigo Spirit 82-89 Townsville Fire
And an absolute corker in the WNBL as well, where veteran Opal Suzy Batkovic has fired her side to an overtime-win!
The @TownsvilleFire lock down the @BendigoSpirit in OT to come away with a crucial road win!
— WNBL (@WNBL) November 24, 2018
Suzy Batkovic was fouled on the final play of regulation, splitting a pair of free-throws to force the game to OT
Batkovic: 25 pts, 16 rebs, 4 blks
Tobin: 26 pts, 19 rebs, 4 blks#WNBL19 pic.twitter.com/u3H88aVwhH
Leading by three with less than a minute to play, the veteran and Fire captain stood up with a crucial layup, before teammate Mallott hit a key jumpshot to put Townsville ahead with 20 seconds on the clock. Bendigo then thought they’d won it before Batkovic’s free-throw locked the scores at 76-a-piece to force over time.
Cocks and Magden then getting it done with the free throws in OT, to make up crucial ground on the team above them in 4th on the ladder.
A good win too for Dandenong Rangers 70-60 over Adelaide Lightning. Rebecca Cole leading the way in that one with 20pts, with Nia Coffey also firing 20 for Adelaide.
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NBL: Melbourne United 84-82 Sydney Kings
Afternoon all, from wherever you’re following our Saturday Sportwatch coverage.
And we’ve hit the ground running today, with a belter of a close to today’s NBL action, where the Andrew Bogut-led Sydney Kings almost pulled off a stunning final-quarter comeback.
After trailing by nine heading into the final change, the Kings stormed home to at one stage lead by three, thanks to 2/2 from the stripe from Brian Bowen - to put the visitors ahead, with 1.41 to play.
But Mitch McCarron showed nerves of steel at the death, and the home side squeaked in with just seven seconds left, to the delight of their fans!
Money. Makin'. Mitch.@MitchMcCarron comes through with the game winning tip in, to give the defending champion @MelbUnitedHQ the clutch 84-82 win over the @SydneyKings.#NBL19 keeps on delivering 😱 pic.twitter.com/J5CwgDjLA9
— NBL (@NBL) November 24, 2018
How’s that slowmo of Bogut’s face right at the end; seven seconds to go. Gutted.
A fourth loss of the season for the Kings as United put some key points on their rivals, sitting second in pursuit of league leaders, the Wildcats.
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Preamble
It’s another sumptuous Saturday of sports action - we’ve got football (A-League, W-League), basketball (NBL, WNBL), international hockey (Australia v Japan), and as always, we’ll bring you all the live breaking news that’s going around.
Our feature game in the A-League tonight will be Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City, from 7.50pm (AEDT) - we’ll bring you a minute-by-minute from that one, as well as intermittent updates from around the various grounds.
But first, a look ahead to tomorrow’s Women’s T20 World Cup final between Australia and England (catch it live on our site from 11am AEDT), and the remarkable form of Alyssa Healy, from our man on the ground, Adam Collins:
