Round 10 brought together last season’s undefeated champions against this season’s cellar dwellers. On paper perhaps not the most balanced of opponents, but such is the variability of the W-League that you never really know what you’re going to get. In this case it was a 1-1 draw with Jess Fishlock curling a beautiful free kick to start the scoring in the 26th minute followed by a superb header from Racheal Quigley to equalise in the 70th.

Melbourne City - Where have they gone?

In weeks gone by there has been increased visibility on City’s results. In particular that they haven’t won a game since round 5 and are inching their way down the ladder at an alarming rate.

Coach, Joe Montemurro has been on record stating that they’re playing good football, but one must wonder and start to question why good isn’t enough. The starting XI for this clash also indicates some doubt, with Erika Tymrak, Teigen Allen and Melina Ayres all losing their starting spots.

City continue to excel at possession oriented football but their precision passing is letting them down and they’re contesting more balls because of it.

They also look a little uninspiring in the final third, with few players looking to take a shot on goal and subsequently relying too heavily on those who do. Jess Fishlock continues to threaten and score whilst Jacinta Galabadaarachchi is proving to be an exciting presence. With time, the youngster would do well to temper her forays with faster decision making and distribution.

It’s not all gloom and doom though. Larissa Crummer’s return in the 58th minute should bring smiles to City’s devotees as well as to Matildas fans and coaches. The striker’s recovery from injury provides a tantalising opportunity up front.

The star performer really has to be custodian Lydia Williams whose amazing reflexes kept City in the game when it was threatening to crawl away from them.

Adelaide United are better than you think!

Sitting at the bottom of the ladder with just four points in their pocket belies the team that Adelaide are. Those four points are an amalgamation of four draws, in effect, four very close games which could have gone either way.

They had strong players across the field with Sofia Huerta, Danielle Colaprico and Katie Naughton all playing particularly influential games and Quigley showcasing just why she’s a force to be reckoned with around goals.

Huerta specifically was a huge threat charging along the right flank, crossing the ball into the box on numerous occasions and it seemed just a matter of time before they were able to capitalise on the intent.

Next Up

Both teams hit the road against huge opponents with Melbourne City taking on W-League giants Sydney FC in the televised match of the round and Adelaide United head to McKellar Park against Canberra United on Saturday.

Melbourne City 1 (Jess Fishlock 26’)

Adelaide United 1 (Racheal Quigley 70’)

Monday 2 January 2017

CB Smith Reserve, Melbourne

Kick-off: 7.15pm

Referee: Kelly Jones

Melbourne City: Lydia Williams (gk), Laura Alleway, Aivi Luik, Steph Catley (c), Jess Fishlock, Rebekah Stott, Amy Jackson, Beverly Yanez, Marianna Tabain  (Erika Tymrak 76’), Jacinta Galabadaarachchi (Teigen Allen 92’), Tyla Jay Vlajnic (Larissa Crummer 58’)

Substitutes – Emily Shields (gk)

Cautions – Aivi Luik 42’

Adelaide United: Eliza Campbell (gk), Monica, Stella Rigon (c), Racheal Quigley, Sofia Huerta (Emily Hodgson 78’), Adriana Jones, Grace Abbey, Georgia Campagnale, Danielle Colaprico, Katie Naughton, Alexandra Chidiac

Substitutes – Sarah Willacy (gk), Georgia Iannella, Isabella Scalzi

Cautions – none