A-League Women tackle: Likes and dislikes from round 7

There was some great football on display in the huge City and Glory clash, but the field chosen to play the match put the players at risk. See all the likes and dislikes from round 7 here.

Another round of the A-League Women is in the books, with a stack of goals scored across the weekend.

Erin Smith breaks the action down with her likes and dislikes below.

DISLIKES

PLAYER SAFETY

The torrential rain and gusty winds made things tough for the Melbourne City and Perth Glory players, and the pitch set-up at BT Connor Reserve didn’t help.

The field seemed to hold up OK considering the heavy rain but the sidelines were far too close to the team benches and stands.

The field is normally used by an NPL club, so players are probably less likely to push the boundaries like A-League stars and the matches would be less physical.

Players were at risk when City hosted the Glory. Picture: Getty Images

Twice during the game, players could have been seriously injured.

The Glory’s Millie Farrow was sent flying into the dugout while trying to stop a ball from going out, while a teammate who slid and collided with an advertising board was down for a few moments but able to continue playing.

Both instances could have resulted in serious injuries.

MISSING STARS

Injuries seem to still be plaguing some big-name stars that fans are itching to see in action, such as Kyah Simon.

Simon, who was named in the Matildas squad for the Women’s World Cup but didn’t play due to injury, still hasn’t been named on a team sheet for Central Coast Mariners.

There hasn’t been any update from the club on the state of her fitness or when she is likely to play this season.

LIKES

IN FORM

It’s no coincidence that Western Sydney Wanderers are getting the right results since striker Sophie Harding has found her rhythm in front of goal.

The 24-year-old had a slow start to the season but has netted five times in the past three games – two of them against the struggling Mariners on Friday night.

Harding joined the Wanderers last year after making 25 appearances for the Jets over two seasons and scoring just two goals.

In her first year in the red and black, she scored just two goals in her 18 appearances.

Her tally of five for this season has Harding shaping up as a contender to be Golden Boot.

Leading the charge is Melbourne City’s Holly McNamara on six but her ACL injury means she won’t be adding to that tally.

Sophie Harding is on fire for the Wanderers. Picture: Getty Images

The 3-0 win over the Mariners was the first time the Wanderers had celebrated back-to-back wins since January.

Harding isn’t the only Wanderers player having a great season.

Goalkeeper Sham Khamis kept her side in the match on Friday night.

Khamis had a busy game but kept her second clean sheet of the season.

Fringe Matildas player Amy Harrison tried a new role for the Wanderers when she moved from the midfield to the back line.

The decision has bolstered the Sydney side’s defensive set-up.

FUTURE STAR

Sydney FC’s newest signing, 16-year-old Madeleine Caspers, was elevated to the starting 11 on the same day her signing was announced.

She had been playing for Football NSW Institute and also made her debut with the Junior Matildas in September.

Coach Ante Juric didn’t waste any time letting her settle in and instead named her in the run-on side to face Newcastle Jets.

Caspers had a solid first match and will be one to watch for the remainder of the season.

Juric has several key players who are injured and he has struggled to find a starting side with which he is happy.

Having Matildas star Cortnee Vine back fit after almost a month out with a hamstring injury will offer Juric some stability and experience.

MILLIE FARROW

The English import has well and truly found her feet in the A-League after scoring a hat-trick in Perth’s all-important win over Melbourne City.

Her impressive composure, accuracy and speed with the ball at her feet made her a standout in the top-of-the-table clash.

The goal rush is sure to be a big confidence boost for the striker, which means there will only be more goals to come.

Her goals helped the Glory be the first team to beat City this season and put Perth back on top of the ladder.

Originally published as A-League Women tackle: Likes and dislikes from round 7