Melbourne City secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix on Sunday, remaining in pole position in the Premiers Plate race with a well-earned three points on the road.
A first-half strike from Holly McNamara proved to be the difference, with City’s defence standing firm to ensure a third consecutive clean sheet across all competitions.
Team News
Michael Matricciani made two changes to his lineup as City took to the pitch for the third time in a week.
Alexia Apostolakis and Leticia McKenna both returned to the starting XI, replacing Shelby McMahon and Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, who shifted to the bench.
Starting XI: 24.Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 14. Laura HUGHES, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 9. Holly McNAMARA.
Substitutes: 23.Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC.
What happened?
City came out firing from the first whistle, pressing high up the pitch and looking to break down Wellington’s deep defensive setup.
Despite dominating possession, clear-cut chances were hard to come by in the opening stages. Leah Davidson had City’s first real opportunity in the 21st minute, but she was unable to hit the target after a Phoenix error at the back.
Persistence paid off in the 35th minute when Lourdes Bosch picked out McNamara in space, delivering a pinpoint cross that the City number 9 finished with class to hand her side a deserved lead.
McNamara almost doubled the advantage just a minute later, latching onto a defensive slip-up, but her effort went wide of the post.
At the other end, Wellington came close to an equaliser right on the stroke of half-time, forcing a desperate goal-line scramble following a 44th-minute corner. City’s defence, however, held firm to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
The second half began with a brief scare for City as McNamara took a boot to the face, causing a stoppage in play. Fortunately, she was able to continue after receiving treatment.
Shortly after, City had a golden opportunity to double our lead when Hughes was brought down in the box, winning a penalty. McNamara stepped up but was denied by the Phoenix goalkeeper, keeping the hosts in the contest.
As City ramped up the pressure, Mariana Speckmaier had a great chance just before the hour mark but sent her shot wide after doing well to break through on goal. Taylor Otto also went close in the 74th minute, hitting the side netting after meeting a McKenna set-piece.
While City continued to control the game, Wellington struggled to create many clear chances, with Rebekah Stott and Otto leading a composed defensive effort.
Davidson had one final chance deep in stoppage time, winning the ball high up the pitch and bursting through on goal, but her effort was well saved.
In the end, a professional performance saw City see out the game comfortably, securing an important 1-0 victory.
What’s next?
An international break now awaits as our City Women enjoy a weekend off before returning for the final two games of the regular season.
Next up, we host Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park on Friday, April 11, in the first leg of a doubleheader, before closing out the campaign away to Perth a week later.
