Author Archives: bgilby2014

Fran Kirby: Overcoming Huge Challenges To Make Euro 2022 Final

Last night, Fran Kirby produced a sensational performance in England’s 4-0 win over Sweden in the Semi-Finals of Euro 2022. It was just reward for a player who has overcome mental health challenges, injuries, and several bouts of debilitating illness to line up at Wembley on Sunday in one of the biggest games on theContinue reading “Fran Kirby: Overcoming Huge Challenges To Make Euro 2022 Final”

The Swedish Scene

We welcome back DandalBs with his transfer news from the Swedish leagues. The Elitettan is back from a month’s break (the top tier Damallsvenskan doesn’t resume until mid-August) meaning Ben Gilby rounds up the best of the action from Sweden’s second tier (26/7/22). Above: Swedish superstar Hedvig Lindahl has returned to the Damallsvenskan and joined Djurgården. Photo: Aftonbladet.  NEWS ROUND-UP –Continue reading “The Swedish Scene”

Young Gun Taylor Commits To The Nix

It’s fair to say that Wellington Phoenix are having an absolute sensational run of player announcements for 2022/23. It continued overnight with the news that Kate Taylor, vice captain last season at the age of 18, has signed on for another year. We hear from both Kate and Nix boss Gemma Lewis (26/7/22). Above: InContinue reading “Young Gun Taylor Commits To The Nix”

Naomi Chinnama On Finding Her Feet At International Level

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Naomi Chinnama from inside the Young Matildas U20 World Cup training camp during a media event yesterday (26/7/22). Above: A relaxed Naomi Chinnama speaking to the media yesterday. Photo: Football Australia. After earning her first call-up to the Young Matildas earlier this year, Naomi Chinnama has gradually found her feetContinue reading “Naomi Chinnama On Finding Her Feet At International Level”

Five Things We Learned From France v Netherlands

by Nathan Edwards (25/7/22). Above: France show their delight at making the Euro 2022 Semi-Finals. Photo: Euro 2022. It took until extra time for this end-to-end heavyweight clash between France and the Netherlands to reach its conclusion when Ève Périsset converted her penalty in the 102nd minute to put an end to the Dutch’s titleContinue reading “Five Things We Learned From France v Netherlands”

Phoenix Sign Experienced Football Fern Hassett

Wellington Phoenix’s impressive recruitment for the 2022/23 A-League Women continues with the arrival of 31-year-old 132 cap Football Fern Betsy Hassett. Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Hassett and the Nix’s head coach Gemma Lewis (25/7/22). Above: Betsy Hassett (12) in action for New Zealand against Australia in April. Photo: Ian Hitchcock. New Zealand’s fourth most-cappedContinue reading “Phoenix Sign Experienced Football Fern Hassett”

France Bury The Hoodoo At Last

France 1-0 Netherlands by Jean-Pierre Thiesset (24/7/22) Above: Ève Périsset dispatches the winning goal from the penalty spot. Photo: Equipe de France Feminine. France finally ended their run of defeats at the quarter-final stage of major tournaments by seeing off the Netherlands after extra-time in Rotherham. France were dominant from the opening whistle. They monopolisedContinue reading “France Bury The Hoodoo At Last”

Belgian Heartbreak But Swedes Are Better Than This

Impetus‘ Jean-Pierre Thiesset and Ben Gilby reflect on last night’s Quarter-Final tie at Leigh. Jean-Pierre rounds up the match action, whilst Ben sounds a warning to England fans stating that the Swedes are a far better team than the one we saw last night (23/7/22). Above: Linda Sembrant hits Sweden’s last gasp winner. Photo: SvenskContinue reading “Belgian Heartbreak But Swedes Are Better Than This”

Austria Out But Leave Germany Rattled

by Johnathan Stack (22/7/22) Above: Lina Magull celebrates scoring Germany’s opening goal against Austria at Brentford last night. Photo: Euro 2022. Germany kept their hopes of a ninth European title alive, but they had to do it the hard way in West London. A 2-0 win secured a spot in the semi-finals of UEFA Women’sContinue reading “Austria Out But Leave Germany Rattled”