Perth Glory have bolstered their finals credentials with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against the reigning champion Central Coast Mariners at Polytec Stadium on Sunday, 18 January 2026. The result keeps Alex Epakis's side firmly in the top-six mix in a tightly contested A-League Women season.
Glory ride their luck before stunning strike
The match began with the third-placed Mariners asserting their dominance. Star striker Annalise Rasmussen, the league's top scorer, was a constant threat, forcing a sharp save from Glory goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey in the 10th minute. The home side continued to press, raining crosses into the Perth penalty area, but found Morrissey in inspired form.
Against the run of play, Perth took the lead with their first shot on target in the 34th minute. A deflected cross from Bronte Trew fell perfectly for Susan Phonsongkham, who expertly guided a cushioned volley into the top corner, giving the visitors a surprise advantage at the break.
"It's one of our better performances considering the scoreline away from home. We're pretty pleased in that," goalscorer Phonsongkham told Paramount+ after the match. "We had plenty of opportunities in the second half. It's just unfortunate that we can't be that clinical in the box."
Trimis's moment of magic sparks Mariners fightback
The Mariners emerged from halftime determined to rectify their profligacy. Their pressure told on the hour mark, albeit in spectacular fashion. After Morrissey pushed a tame Peta Trimis strike wide, the Mariners attacker stepped up to take the resulting corner.
In a breathtaking moment of individual skill, Trimis curled the ball directly into the net with the outside of her foot, scoring a remarkable 'Olimpico' goal to level the scores. The strike ignited the contest and finally rewarded Central Coast's persistent attacking endeavour.
Glory respond with renewed vigour
Rather than deflating, Trimis's equaliser seemed to galvanise Perth. They began to control the midfield through the influential pairing of Isobel Dalton and Tijan McKenna. The energetic running of Sarah O'Donoghue and Bronte Trew caused significant problems for the Mariners' defence in the final third.
O'Donoghue almost restored Glory's lead immediately, cutting inside and firing just wide, before setting up Emma Tovar who side-footed over. At the other end, defender Onyinyechi Zogg was crucial in thwarting several late Mariners attacks, while a Rasmussen finish was correctly ruled out for offside.
Both sides had golden chances to win it in a frantic finale. Rasmussen smashed over from close range, and Glory substitute Rola Badawiya skied an attempt after a clever O'Donoghue backheel, ensuring the points were shared.
What the result means for the finals race
The single point is significant for Perth's playoff ambitions. They remain just two points behind second-placed Canberra United and three adrift of leaders Melbourne City, although City hold two games in hand. The draw demonstrates Glory's resilience and ability to compete with the league's elite, especially away from home.
For the Mariners, it was a case of two points dropped after dictating large periods of the game. Their inability to convert first-half chances, before relying on a moment of brilliance from Trimis, will be a point of reflection for coach Emily Husband as they chase back-to-back championships.
The match showcased the growing depth and competitiveness of the A-League Women, with both teams contributing to an end-to-end spectacle that keeps the race for the finals intensely alive.
