UNSW FC Make History With Maiden Sapphire Cup Triumph
UNSW FC have created history, lifting the 2026 Sapphire Cup for the first time in the club’s history following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manly United FC.
In an entertaining contest filled with attacking intent, strong defensive performances and plenty of intensity, Chloe Smith’s first-half strike proved the difference as UNSW FC secured a memorable piece of silverware.
The opening half was an end-to-end battle, with both sides creating dangerous opportunities as they searched for the breakthrough.
The first chance of the match arrived in the fourth minute when Manly United goalkeeper Jodie Drever was forced into action, making a save from an excellent strike by Abbey Lemon.
Manly responded five minutes later when Emma Bates delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area, finding Sienna Dale, whose header was safely collected by UNSW FC goalkeeper Erin Nayler.
The opportunities continued to flow, with Manly United threatening through Dale, who fired just over the crossbar in the 15th minute, while Sarah Whelan created problems with a series of dangerous runs in the 23rd and 26th minutes.
However, it was UNSW FC who found the breakthrough before the break.
In the 37th minute, Chloe Smith found space inside the penalty area before lifting her effort over Drever and into the top corner to give UNSW FC a 1-0 lead heading into half-time.
The second half continued in the same fashion, with both teams pushing forward in another entertaining end-to-end contest.
UNSW FC had the first major opportunity after the restart, with Leia Puxty seeing her strike pushed away for a corner by Drever.
Both sides created opportunities from set pieces throughout the second half, but neither could find the crucial touch needed to extend or level the score.
As the match progressed, the intensity and physicality increased, with UNSW FC’s Moreno shown a yellow card in the 80th minute before Manly United’s Ruby Jackson received a yellow card five minutes later for dissent.
Manly continued to press for an equaliser, with Sienna Dale remaining a constant threat to the UNSW defence.
Their best chance came in the 87th minute when Dale delivered a dangerous low cross across the face of goal, but neither Manly striker was able to connect.
At the other end, Poppy Channing produced a standout defensive performance, helping repel Manly’s repeated attacking waves as UNSW fought to protect their narrow advantage.
With two minutes of stoppage time remaining, Drever came forward from goal to take a long throw-in as Manly searched for a late equaliser.
However, UNSW FC held firm, and when the final whistle sounded in the 94th minute, the celebrations began as the Students secured a historic 1-0 victory and lifted their first-ever Sapphire Cup.
During the trophy presentation, Poppy Channing was named Player of the Match before both teams received their medals and UNSW lifted the trophy.
Following the match, Channing reflected on the challenge posed by Manly United and praised their opponents for their performance.
“It was a really tough battle, Manly was such a good opponent,” Channing said.
“They’re really quick, so they definitely tested us.”
Channing also highlighted the unity within the UNSW FC squad as a key factor behind the victory.
“The girls came together, we needed that towards the end of the season.”
Looking ahead to the remainder of the campaign, Channing believes the Sapphire Cup triumph can provide momentum heading into the final stages of the season.
“Having this revival will be really good for the end of the season.”
“Hopefully we keep this momentum and hopefully go to the finals with this kind of attitude.”
Match Stats
MANLY UNITED FC: 0
UNSW FC: 1 (’37 Smith)
Wednesday 15th July
Valentine Sports Park Field 2
Referee: Nina Cortese
Assistant referees: Hannah Pola, Ella McGarity
Fourth Official: Charlotte Flynn
MANLY UNITED FC: 1. Jodie Drever, 2. Phoebe Gilbane, 3. Grace Arnold, 4. Emma Bates, 6. Ruby Jackson, 7. Chloe O’Brien, 9. Emily Minett, 11. Lucy Richards (12. Brinley Gentle 74’), 20. Ellie Kerr (5. Nicole Stuart 58’), 26. Sarah Whelan (28. Mackenzie Jeffs 84’), 38. Sienna Dale.
Substitutes not used: 15. Ava Roberts, 19. Halle Smit, 21. India Horsley, 40. Georgia Richie.
Yellow Cards: Jackon 85’
Red Cards: Nil
UNSW FC: 1. Erin Nayler, 5. Leia Puxty, 6. Aya Yamahata, 7. Poppy Channing, 8.Demi Koulizakis, 9. Lexie Moreno (24. Milan Hammond 89’), 10. Chloe Smith, 15. Abbey Lemon, 16. Skye Casacchia, 17. Angelique Hristodoulou, 32. Bianca Galic.
Substitutes not used: 13. Sonali Singh, 14. Leah Burton, 21. Jennifer Kokoris, 28. Tara Palmer, 29. Daniela Naccari, 99. Dimitra Vais.
Yellow Cards: Moreno 80’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3 – Poppy Channing (UNSW FC)
2 – Sienna Dale (Manly United FC)
1 – Chloe Smith (UNSW FC)
-By Monica Clarke
