3 minute read
Snapshot of round eight of the A-League Women as Sydney extended their lead on the league ladder while Perth and Adelaide claimed crucial wins.
THEY SAID IT: "We came back strong second half, but it just wasn't enough." - Melbourne City captain Emma Checker said her team's poor first half was the difference in a 3-0 defeat to Sydney FC in the top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Rachel Lowe made sure Sydney FC didn't miss the goal threat of Matildas duo Remy Siemsen and Cortnee Vine with a double in the comprehensive win over City. Lowe was on the end of Ally Green balls in either half to make it four goals in four games for the 21-year-old.
TALKING POINT: Sydney's win means they're seven points clear after eight games and have already almost certainly sewn up the premiership even though there's still so many games to play. Whether anyone can stop Ante Juric's team from winning the championship is another question given the Sky Blues have won seven, drawn one, scored 26 and conceded just once in a dominant first-half of the campaign.
BEAT THAT: Deborah-Anne De la Harpe's wonderful winner for Perth Glory was a special one for a club facing an undefined period on the road following the WA government's decision to abandon a planned February 5 reopening of the state's borders. The 21-year-old smashed a free-kick on a tight angle on the left-hand side of the penalty area into the top corner of the net to secure a 1-0 win over Western Sydney.
STAT ATTACK: Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman has equalled the A-League Women's clean sheet record, recording a seventh-straight shutout in the 3-0 triumph over City at Netstrata Jubilee Oval. Whyman can break the record with another clean sheet against Brisbane on Thursday at Leichhardt Oval.
UNDER PRESSURE: Adelaide's gritty win in tough conditions against Wellington on Friday as well as Perth's success over the Wanderers means both teams hold an edge over their rivals in the race for fourth spot and finals. The Reds are now four clear of the Jets with the Glory a point behind them in fifth on 11 points. Newcastle, Brisbane and the Wanderers need to start winning to stay in the hunt.
UP NEXT: With Tuesday's Big Blue between Sydney and Melbourne Victory postponed, the action resumes on Friday with the Wanderers hosting Adelaide. Brisbane welcome Melbourne City to Moreton Daily Stadium on Saturday while the Glory take on last-placed Wellington. The action wraps up with Newcastle facing Canberra United on Sunday.
