Trailblazers! Matildas star nets hat-trick to lead City to unprecedented A-Leagues victory

In an electrifying encounter on Sunday afternoon, Melbourne City’s Holly McNamara netted a brilliant hat-trick, propelling her team to a 4-3 victory over Adelaide United. With this win, the league leaders established a new record for the longest unbeaten streak in the Ninja A-League.

City entered the match sporting an 18-game unbeaten streak and, with this narrow win against a Premiership rival, solidified that record to 19 matches without defeat this season. The victory widened their lead atop the table to five points over Melbourne Victory.

Adelaide kicked off the day sitting just four points behind City in third place. Despite a competitive effort at ctrl:cyber Pitch, the Reds failed to secure a crucial fourth goal, missing a significant opportunity to edge closer to the top.

McNamara scored her first two goals during the first half, before adding a third after the break. The Reds found the net through Ella Tonkin, Erin Healy, and Zoe Tolland, but an own goal from Lucia Leon ultimately favoured City, ending with a total of four goals to three in a thrilling seven-goal clash.

Longest Unbeaten Runs, Ninja A-League

1. 19 games (Melbourne City: 2024-25)
2. 18 games (Brisbane Roar: 2008-09, Canberra United: 2011-12, Melbourne City: 2015-16)

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City was quick off the mark, taking just 10 minutes to score at ctrl:cyber Pitch. Holly McNamara tapped in from close range after a free-kick taken by Tyla-Jay Vlajnic was saved by Adelaide keeper Claudia Jenkins, setting the tone for the match.

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Adelaide had several near-misses but was unable to level the score. Just before the half-hour mark, it was McNamara again who put City further ahead, capitalising on Lourdes Bosch’s impressive run down the right flank.

The second half kicked off with even more drama as Erin Healy scored a wonderful goal from the edge of the area, pulling Adelaide to within one goal at 3-2.

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Just 11 minutes later, McNamara responded with her third goal, giving City some breathing space at 4-2.

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Despite conceding that crucial fourth goal, Adelaide continued to attack, and in the 73rd minute, Zoe Tolland scored her first-ever goal in the Ninja A-League, bringing the score to 4-3.

However, the Reds couldn’t find the equaliser as City held on in this thrilling seven-goal match, making history with their 19th consecutive game without a loss in the Ninja A-League.

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