While football in Aotearoa New Zealand took a break over Christmas and New Year, around the world a number of Kiwis have continued to light up the field.

Australia

W-League

Across the ditch, all seven Kiwis have made their first appearances in the Westfield W-League, which kicked off on 29 December.

FFDP graduate Lily Alfeld made an immediate impression in her professional debut for Perth Glory this weekend, pulling off the W-League’s Save of the Week. Lily, along with Football Ferns Malia Steinmetz and Lizzie Anton, started in Glory’s season opener against Adelaide United on Saturday 9 January.

Over in Queensland Football Fern Liv Chance made her debut for Brisbane Roar in the club’s third game of the season, coming on as a second half substitute against Canberra United on Thursday 7 January, and immediately creating a chance for the Roar with her first involvement in the game.

Meanwhile, Paige Satchell’s Canberra United sit top of the W-League, having been undefeated in their first three matches and developing a knack for scoring late goals. Starting each of Canberra’s games, the pacey Fern has caught the eye of the Canberran faithful, with her exploits in round 2 seeing her voted by Canberra fans as player of the match against Melbourne City.

Playing against last season’s Premiership/Championship double winners seems to bring out the best in the Kiwi W-League contingent, as Football Fern centurion Annalie Longo opened the scoring in Sunday’s Melbourne Derby after being slipped in by Matildas’ veteran Lisa De Vanna. The 6-0 win for Victory represented Melbourne City’s heaviest W-League defeat.

(And if you think you’ve recently seen a similar goal from Flea recently, that’s because you have - in the ISPS Handa Women’s Premiership.)

Fellow Football Fern Claudia Bunge debuted for Victory in their opening game of the season against Brisbane Roar, and has played a key role in the only W-League defence yet to concede a goal this season. 

A-League

Over in the A-League, All White James McGarry turned provider for Wellington Phoenix’s goal against Macarthur FC with a tidy cut back from the by-line to an unmarked David Ball to finish.

UK

FA Women's Championship

Katie Rood opened her 2021 goal account for Lewes FC, converting a second half penalty after being fouled in the box to secure a point for the Sussex club against league leaders Durham FC.

FA Cup

Meanwhile, Chris Wood’s Burnley edged past MK Dons in their FA Cup third round clash, setting up a fourth round tie with fellow Premier League side Fulham.  

Article added: Tuesday 12 January 2021