Subiaco AFC Women’s defence of the Western Australia Women’s Cup came to an end in a thrilling 3-2 defeat to Perth SC Women on 9 May 2026. The match, played at Subiaco’s home ground, saw the visitors edge a tense encounter that swung back and forth before Perth SC sealed victory with a late winner.

Match Overview

Perth SC arrived as underdogs but showed no fear from the first whistle. Subiaco, the tournament holders and league champions, were expected to dominate possession but found themselves chasing the game after a fast start from the visitors. The match produced five goals, three yellow cards, and end-to-end action that kept the crowd of around 300 on their feet.

Key Moments

• 8’ – Perth take the lead: A long ball over the top caught Subiaco’s defence flat, and Jess Harper volleyed home confidently.
• 22’ – Subiaco equalise: Winger Megan Thorpe cut inside and fired a low shot that squirmed under the Perth goalkeeper.
• 41’ – Perth strike again: A set-piece header from Sarah Mitchell restored the visitors’ advantage before half-time.
• 67’ – Subiaco battle back: A penalty converted by Lily Evans made it 2-2 after a handball in the box.
• 84’ – Winner for Perth: Substitute Chloe Barton latched onto a through-ball and chipped the onrushing keeper to send Perth into the semi-finals.

Tactical Story

Subiaco dominated possession with nearly 65 per cent of the ball, but Perth SC’s disciplined 4-5-1 shape frustrated their build-up play. The visitors’ counter-attacks were swift and direct, exploiting the space left by Subiaco’s full-backs pushing forward. Perth’s ability to win aerial duels at both ends of the pitch proved decisive, particularly on set pieces.

Standout Players

• Jess Harper (Perth): Scored a brilliant opener and constantly stretched the Subiaco defence with her pace.
• Chloe Barton (Perth): The impact substitute changed the game with her direct running and cool finish.
• Megan Thorpe (Subiaco): Subiaco’s most creative outlet, scoring one and creating several chances.

Season & Competition Context

The victory sends Perth SC into the Western Australia Women’s Cup semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the quarter-final between Fremantle City Women and Floreat Athena Women. Subiaco AFC, the two-time defending champions, now turn their focus back to the Women’s NPL WA league, where they currently sit second behind Perth RedStar Women.

For Perth SC, this win marks their first cup triumph over Subiaco in over three years and signals their growing competitiveness in WA women’s football. The team will hope to carry this momentum into their next league fixture against Balcatta Etna Women.