Melbourne City stamp five-goal comeback to stay top

Week 16 of the Ninja A-League saw Sydney FC looking for their first win under interim boss James Slaveski. Last week, the Sky Blues parted ways with Ante Jurić after his eight-and-a-half years at the club. He leaves behind a legacy as the most successful coach in their history.

Meanwhile, cross city rivals Western Sydney Wanderers were aiming to make it four wins in a row as they entertained Adelaide United.

Here’s how the latest action in the Ninja A-League unfolded as the fight for the top spot continues, with all four top teams securing victories.

Wellington Phoenix 1-0 Perth Glory

Makala Woods’ solitary goal was enough to send Wellington Phoenix briefly top of the league.

The American had a great chance to give the home side an early lead, but was well denied by Teresa Morrisey in the Glory goal.

Wellington took the lead deep in first half added time. Woods and Lucía León combined to pressure the Perth backline into giving the ball away. Woods then pounced to drive it low past Morrisey.

Grace Jale smashed the crossbar as the Nix went looking for a second. In the end, one goal was enough for Bev Priestman’s side.

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Melbourne Victory 2-1 Newcastle Jets

Melbourne Victory moved into the top six thanks to this win over Newcastle Jets.

Courtney Newbon had to be alert early on to deny Alexis Collins with a plunging save down to her left. Josie Allan was next to test the Victory keeper, but her effort from the edge of the box was tipped over.

Victory grew into the contest with Sofia Sakalis hitting the bar early in the second half. They took the lead with 65 minutes played when Claudia Cicco sliced her clearance from Alana Jančevski’s corner past her own keeper.

Kelli Brown levelled from the spot for Newcastle with 15 minutes left, but Holly Furphy’s stunning strike with a little under ten minutes left sealed the victory for Melbourne.

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Sydney FC 1-2 Canberra United

Sydney FC’s woeful run of form continued as they were beaten by Canberra United.

Following their  3-1 defeat in midweek at home to Brisbane, the Sky Blues were looking to kickstart Slaveski’s tenure as boss.

It was the visitors who created all the early pressure and that was rewarded when Bethany Gordon slammed home at the far post with 13 minutes gone.

Madison Ayson took full advantage of some poor goalkeeping from Sally James to head home Mackenzie Hawkesby’s free-kick and bring the hosts level.

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An hour in, Sydney’s task was that bit more difficult when Kirsty Fenton was shown a straight red for pulling Michelle Heyman back with the Canberra legend in on goal.

Sydney looked to have weathered the storm, but with four minutes left, Mary Stanić-Floody struck the winner. Her initial shot from outside the box cannoned back off Willa Pearson, but her rebounded effort fizzed past Heather Hinz to condemn them to a seventh defeat of the season.

Melbourne City 5-2 Brisbane Roar

Melbourne City recovered from a nightmare start to sweep Brisbane aside and return to the top of the league.

A quickfire double from Kijah Stephenson had put Brisbane 2-0 up inside the opening 13 minutes. She opened the scoring with a brilliantly curled effort from the edge of the box after City goalkeeper Melena Mieres made a mess of a routine catch. 

Her second also came from the edge of the box. This time, the Roar pounced on some loose passing as City attempted to play out from the back.

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Not to be overawed, Melbourne City turned the game on its head with five unanswered goals. Rebekah Stott headed home ten minutes before the break as Roar failed to clear a corner. Holly McNamara levelled five minutes later with a composed finish after rounding Chloe Lincoln.

Shortly after the break, the turnaround was complete. Bryleeh Henry was found in acres of space by McNamara and she calmly dispatched the ball past Lincoln. Deven Jackson then gave the hosts daylight with 20 minutes left, before Aideen Keane capped off the afternoon with a delightful curling shot leaving Lincoln with no chance. 

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-1 Adelaide United

Adelaide United ended Western Sydney’s run of good form with a hard fought win at Wanderers Football Park. The visitors were on the front foot early with Poppie Hooks scrambling Fiona Worts’ goal-bound effort off the line.

Some incisive play from Western Sydney down the right hand side gave Milly Bennett a chance, but her attempt was comfortable work for Ilona Melegh.

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Adelaide’s winner came in fortuitous circumstances. Matilda McNamara let fly with a rasping shot that came back off the post and bounced in off the unfortunate Danika Matos.

Melegh was at full stretch to deny Allyssa Ng-Saad’s strike from 18 yards out as United held on to climb to fourth.

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