Melbourne City wrapped up a challenging road trip in style, securing a 2–0 win over Perth Glory at Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday.
A brace from in-form forward Holly McNamara, taking her tally to 11 Ninja A-League goals in as many games, proved the difference in a commanding team performance that saw City return to the winner’s list after a mid-week draw in Brisbane.
TEAM NEWS
Head Coach Michael Matricciani was forced to make one change to City’s mid-week starting XI with Brisbane Roar, as Chinaza Uchendu was ruled out under concussion protocols. New Zealand international, Deven Jackson, was named in the starting team, replacing the Nigerian attacker.
With a chance to make her Ninja A-League debut, youngster Keira Sarris was added to the bench.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Dan TURNER, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 11. Deven JACKSON, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 21. Aideen KEANE, 9. Holly MCNAMARA.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON, 10. Izabella RAKO, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 19. Keira SARRIS
WHAT HAPPENED?
City began brightly in Perth’s warm evening conditions, with Rebekah Stott heading on target from a Dan Turner corner in the third minute, an early warning for the hosts. The visitors controlled possession confidently from the outset, with Deven Jackson impressing in her return to the starting line-up.
Malena Mieres was called into action for the first time in the ninth minute, calmly collecting a free kick from Susan Phonsongkham. Down the other end, City probed through the right channel, with Stott and Alexia Apostolakis combining well to create space for Bryleeh Henry.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute for the visitors. Dan Turner picked out McNamara with a lofted through ball over the top, and City’s star forward made no mistake, lifting a composed chip over Teresa Morrissey to give the visitors a deserved 1–0 lead.
City continued to create chances as they pressed for a second. Stott went close from a McKenna set piece in the 32nd minute, before Jackson saw a long-range strike deflected wide. Minutes later, another strike from Jackson, this time from 30 yards, skimmed just over the bar after a smart layoff from Stott.
The second half began with more attacking intent. Apostolakis delivered a teasing cross in the 47th minute, but Aideen Keane’s glancing header drifted wide.
A tactical shift followed in the 62nd minute, with Shelby McMahon replacing Apostolakis and Roestbakken moving into right back.
The second goal finally arrived in the 72nd. Deven Jackson did superbly centrally before releasing Henry down the right, who surged into space and squared to McNamara. With trademark composure, she slotted home her second of the night to double the advantage and all but seal the points.
Perth responded quickly, with central defender Zogg rattling the crossbar from distance, but City’s backline absorbed the pressure with poise.
The final minutes saw a special moment for Kaya Jugovic, who came on to make her A-League debut, replacing Henry and adding fresh energy to the front line as City closed out the match.
It was a well-earned win to cap off a taxing week on the road, with City’s depth and character on full display.
WHAT’S NEXT?
It’s three consecutive away trips for City, as the team prepares for a clash with Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Friday 30 January.
You can tune into the 4:50pm kick-off (AEDT) live and free via 10 streaming, or watch on Paramount+.
City then return home where they face another short period between games, hosting Western Sydney Wanderers at ctrl:cyber Pitch on Wednesday 4 February, kick-off 5:30pm, get your tickets here.
