Gielnek scores hat-trick, Sky Blues win local derby

ROUND THREE OF THE A-LEAGUE WOMEN COMPETITION AT A GLANCE:

THEY SAID IT: "Well, everybody has their way of relieving frustration." - Instead of letting his temper bubble over, Western Sydney coach Robbie Hooker opted to do three one-armed push-ups as his side struggled to break the deadlock against local rivals Sydney FC. They lost 1-0.

WOMAN OF THE WEEK: Melbourne Victory's Emily Gielnik showed exactly why she deserved a Matildas recall after she stunned Western United with a goal in the opening 12 seconds. The striker did not stop there, going on to complete a first-half half-trick to set up a 4-1 win.

TALKING POINT: Newcastle have been forced to move grounds for the second time in three rounds due to poor field conditions at their No.2 Sportsground home. Made to play their opening round match at Cessnock Sportsground, the Jets again hit the road to play in Maitland - a half hour drive from their inner-city venue.

STAT ATTACK: Sydney FC avoided their worst start in the women's competition and held onto local bragging rights with a 1-0 derby win over Western Sydney - their first victory of the season. Grabbing the three points courtesy of a late goal by 18-year-old forward Caley Tallon-Henniker, the Sky Blues have remained undefeated in their past 10 derbies. Meanwhile, the Wanderers have come away with a win in only two of 23 meetings. Their last victory came in 2019.

BEAT THAT: Noting Perth Glory goalkeeper Miranda Templeman had roamed out of the goalmouth, 20-year-old Brisbane midfielder Tamar Levin launched a stunning 35m strike that soared into the back of the net to give her side a 2-0 lead at the break. It was Levin's first in the ALM and one to savour, as the Roar won 3-0.

UNDER PRESSURE: When will Wellington Phoenix get their first win? Paul Temple's side are dead last after three-straight losses to open the season. Adding to their woes is a potential injury to captain Annalie Longo. The midfielder was forced out late in their defeat to Newcastle after suffering what appeared to be a facial injury.

UP NEXT: Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix kick off Unite Round on Friday before Western Sydney play Brisbane Roar at Leichhardt Oval. On Saturday, Central Coast will look for their second win when they take on Melbourne Victory before Newcastle face-off against Western United. Canberra United hosts Perth Glory on Sunday, with Sydney FC and Melbourne City closing out the weekend.