Sydney FC are still alive in the race to the finals after a 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Friday night’s Sydney Derby at Marconi Stadium. The Sky Blues’ incredible record in recent derbies rolled on thanks to the 2-0 win; Western Sydney last beat their crosstown rivals in December 2019, and in the 11 meetings since, they have failed to score a single goal in 10 defeats and one goalless draw.
Mackenzie Hawkesby opened the scoring from the penalty spot at Marconi Stadium before 17-year-old Indiana Dos Santos made history in the second half, becoming the youngest-ever Sydney Derby goalscorer in the Ninja A-League. The Sky Blues sat at the foot of the table after 17 rounds but four wins in five games have seen the reigning champions catapult into finals contention; Ante Juric’s side now sit just three points behind sixth-placed Brisbane Roar – but still need plenty of favourable results through the last three rounds of the season to make their move from ninth into the top six.
The first chance of the game fell to Sydney FC teenager Indiana Dos Santos, whose powerful shot from the edge of the box was comfortably saved by Sham Khamis in goal for the Wanderers. After a cagey first half-hour at Marconi Stadium, Dos Santos was at it again with another strike from range, but the powerful effort skewed just wide of the top-right corner.
But in a first half bereft of genuine chances, the game finally had its first goal just before half-time after a penalty was awarded to the Sky Blues. Maddie Caspers’ touch in the box led to a handball from Wanderers captain Amy Harrison, and Mackenzie Hawkesby stepped up to the spot to put the visitors on top at the break.
Wanderers head coach Geoff Abrahams brought Bronte Trew off his bench for the second half in search of an attacking impetus and just eight minutes into her substitute appearance, the 22-year-old was presented with her side’s best chance of the game. Her poked attempt toward the bottom-right corner was on target but Sydney keeper Jasmine Black produced a fine save to keep her clean sheet intact.
The Sky Blues made two changes of their own before the hour mark with Princess Ibini and Millie Farrow coming off the bench and the latter played a crucial role in helping the visitors double the advantage. Hawkesby forced a turnover high up the pitch as the Wanderers attempted to play out from the back and the loose ball fell invitingly to Farrow, who set up Dos Santos to make it 2-0 and become the youngest goalscorer in the history of Ninja A-League Sydney Derbies.
In other A-League Women action, Melbourne Victory triumphed in a thrilling 4-3 encounter against Newcastle Jets. The Victory were off to a flying start with Emily Gielnik scoring twice within the first 11 minutes. Gielnik's first goal came just seconds into the match, and she followed it up with a header from a corner to give her team a solid lead.
However, the Jets fought back with Lauren Allan scoring just before halftime, followed by Sophie Hoban’s bizarre goal that saw a clearance rebound off her into the net. As the match approached its climax, Sheridan Gallagher equalized for Newcastle in stoppage time, but Kayla Morrison snatched victory for Melbourne with a last-gasp winner in the 96th minute.
Meanwhile, Central Coast Mariners secured a vital 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix. Annalise Rasmussen opened the scoring with a penalty after being fouled, while Isobel Gomez added a second with a stunning volley from the edge of the box. The Mariners' defense held firm against a determined Phoenix side, allowing them to maintain their position in the finals race.
Sydney FC also recorded a second consecutive win, defeating Canberra United 1-0. The match was tightly contested, with Canberra's Tegan Bertolissio hitting the woodwork early on. Mackenzie Hawkesby provided the decisive moment, scoring the winner with 13 minutes left after a setup from Indi dos Santos.
In a close match, Perth Glory edged out Western Sydney Wanderers with a late goal from Isabella Foletta, who scored in injury time to secure a 1-0 victory. This win keeps Perth in contention for a finals spot, while the Wanderers face a tough battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Adelaide United continued their impressive form with a 3-1 victory over Brisbane Roar. The Roar initially took the lead through Mariel Hecher, but Adelaide responded with a strong performance. Fiona Worts, who scored twice, and Chelsey Dawber, who converted a penalty, showcased their attacking prowess, leaving Adelaide ten points clear of fourth-placed Western United.
The A-League Women continues to heat up as teams vie for playoff positions, with Sydney FC and Adelaide United making significant strides in their campaigns. With the season approaching its climax, every match counts, and fans can expect thrilling action as teams battle for glory.
