A stunning free-kick from new signing Momo Hayashi fired defending Champions Melbourne City to a 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix at Hnry Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
There were debuts a plenty on both sides in New Zealand as experienced Football Ferns defender Abby Erceg and Tameka Yallop started for the Nix whilst Matildas ace Cortnee Vine was among plenty of fresh faces in the City side.
Wellington were the more dominant side in the opening half and had several good chances to score but were thwarted by either City keeper Malena Mieres, who saved well from Indiah Page-Riley, or the woodwork, which prevented striker Makala Woods from scoring a sublime right-footed effort.
TRANSFER CENTRE: Ninja A-League 2026/27 Transfer Centre: Your club’s moves
Woods did find the back of the net in the second-half though as she pounced on a poor clearance from City defender Taylor Ray to lash the ball beyond Mieres and into the back of the net in the 51st minute.
Wellington’s lead lasted until the 73rd minute when substitute Emma Main caught Ray on the knee as she attempted to win the ball inside the box, with new City striker Melina Ayres squeezing the ball beyond Victoria Esson from the spot.
City then flipped the game on it’s head with just three minutes left to play as Hayashi lined up a free-kick and duly fired it into the top corner from a wide angle, giving Esson no chance and giving City all three points.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE NINJA A-LEAGUE
The Nix banged on the door late on in a bid to find the leveller but it wasn’t to be, as City ran out winners in the Grand Final rematch.
