Take a look at the highlights from the Round 21 encounter between Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne City.
Melbourne City is edging closer to clinching a second consecutive Premiership title after their 1-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix at Porirua Park, marking an impressive 21 matches unbeaten in the Ninja A-League.
City gradually found their rhythm in the match and broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, with striker Holly McNamara netting her 12th goal of the season thanks to a well-executed volley from inside the box.
McNamara had a chance to extend both her and City’s lead with a penalty in the 55th minute, but Phoenix goalkeeper Carolina Vilao came up with a crucial save.
Despite creating multiple opportunities to secure a more comfortable margin against a lacklustre Phoenix outfit, the 1-0 scoreline was sufficient to claim the three points.
This victory ensures that Michael Matricciani’s side has registered three wins in just over a week, having advanced to the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Champions League and defeated Brisbane Roar midweek.
With this latest win, City now holds a five-point advantage at the top of the Ninja A-League, knowing that a victory against Newcastle Jets in their next home game could effectively secure a second consecutive Premiership.
On the other hand, Wellington’s aspirations for finals football are looking increasingly bleak after suffering their fifth defeat in six matches, placing them four points adrift of the top six with only two games remaining in the season.
The home team carved out the first chance within just five minutes, but English forward Fergusson directed her header wide of the near post after connecting with Main’s inviting delivery into the box.
City’s slow start eventually gave way to a stronger presence in the match; Leah Davidson missing a fantastic opportunity on the edge of the area after Wellington lost possession in their own half in the 21st minute.
However, the visitors finally made their mark in the 35th minute through the boots of golden girl McNamara.
McNamara displayed her skill by dancing into the Phoenix box, where Lourdes Bosch delivered a precise cross that found her feet. The Matildas forward calmly guided her side-footed volley into the far corner, putting City ahead 1-0.
Less than a minute later, McNamara might have felt she should have reached 13 goals for the season but instead pulled her shot wide after a defensive error from Phoenix left her with an open path to goal.
The home side came agonisingly close to equalising just before half-time but failed to convert after City goalkeeper Malena Mieres caused a chaotic goalmouth scramble by mishandling a simple corner delivery.
Looking to continue her first-half performance, McNamara continued to trouble the Phoenix defence after the break, even taking a boot to the face from Wellington’s Lara Wall while challenging for the ball.
After receiving treatment, McNamara was called upon to take a penalty in the 55th minute, awarded after defender Mackenzie Barry committed a foul on City’s Laura Hughes inside the box. McNamara stepped up for the spot-kick but was thwarted by a brilliant save from Vilao.
Despite the missed penalty, City maintained the upper hand in seeking a second goal and could have secured it in the 59th minute.
Having outmuscled Wall, former Phoenix striker Mariana Speckmaier linked up well with her teammates before finding herself one-on-one with Vilao, but unfortunately, she was unable to finish.
Wellington’s Grace Jale, somewhat quiet throughout the match, finally took a shot from 25 metres out in the 83rd minute, only to see her effort fly over the crossbar.
In stoppage time, Leah Davidson came close to doubling the lead, but her powerful shot was expertly tipped over the bar by Vilao, who remained resolute in goal for the Phoenix.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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