City combative and clinical in Semi-Final win over Jets

Newcastle Jets 0-3 Melbourne City

By Kieran Yap

Above: a record crowd arrived at Maitland Sports Ground to watch Newcastle vs Melbourne City. Image: Newcastle Jets

A clinical Melbourne City have won the first leg of the semi final against The Newcastle Jets 3-0. Goals to Daniela Galic, Emina Ekic and Shelby McMahon gave City a commanding lead heading into next week’s match, while some dogged, resolute and organized defending ensured a clean sheet.

City coach Dario Vidosic named an attacking squad to travel to face The Jets. The bench featured only one recognized defender in Julia Grosso. Galic started as a roaming centre forward and was joined in attack by Ekic and Rhianna Pollicina.

Newcastle elevated Young Matilda Lara Gooch into the starting lineup. Sarina Bolden joined her and Laura Allan as part of a front three with MelindaJ Barbieri and Libby Copus-Brown close behind.

The match started with both sides looking to impose themselves on the contest. The Jets pressed high and immediately with the intent to pressure City into making errors deep in defence. The pace of Gooch and the tenacity of Bolden caused some nervy moments at times, but The City back four remained composed.

Five minutes into the match, the visitors had the lead. Bryleeh Henry won the ball on the right flank  and combined with Leticia Mckenna to tee up Pollicina. The playmaker’s effort crashed off the woodwork, but Galic was well positioned to tuck home the rebound and give her side the advantage.

It was an attacking first half by both sides, but clear cut chances were few. Bolden was forced deep to gather possession, and aside from some set pieces, was kept relatively quiet by Taylor Otto and Rebekah Sott.

Copus-Brown’s long-range ability and Gooch’s confident running were Newcastle’s best avenues to goal. Gooch twice tested Barbara in the City goal. first with a cut inside and left footed effort that forced a save, then an attempted chip on goal with her right boot that had the Brazilian backpedalling.

City entered the break 1-0 up, but not without work to do, and the mood was far from celebratory after Karly Roestbakken was withdrawn with what looked like a serious ankle injury. The 2019 World Cup defender had been crucial for City’s premiership winning run in the last few weeks and after an injury ridden two years, it was particularly hard to see.

City made adjustments in the second half. Stott shifted wider to man-mark the dangerous Gooch. The youngster has speed and confidence that earmark her as a potential national team star, and it was a mark of her impact that the City captain took on the task of stopping her.

This was done rather successfully. Stott stayed tight on the winger, rarely letting her turn in possession or pick up any speed running toward goal. With Bolden remaining well marshalled and Henry keeping Allan in check, it began to feel like City had gained control over the match despite some early momentum from the Jets.

Any hope that the record crowd might have had was dampened when Ekic doubled the lead in the 61st minute. Laura Hughes turned cleverly on the left and played a deadly ball across goal that the Bosnian international was able to tap home at the far post.

The assist was reward for an exceptional game from Hughes. Her dogged and skilful display in midfield may have been her best performance in a City shirt. Since arriving at the start of the season from Canberra United, Hughes has been a reliable presence in the centre of the park, but was truly outstanding in the semi-final first leg. She won every ball possible, relished the physicality that the Jets sought to bring and moved the ball with confidence either by dribbling it herself or with some well-chosen passes.

It was a match winning effort from the midfielder. Both tireless and classy and Newcastle had no answer for her influence.

With the match nearing an end, Newcastle had two choices. To try and keep the score at 2-0 and hope for a better away leg, or to try and pull a goal back. In front of a record home crowd they chose the latter.

Melina Ayres was brought on to replace Bolden, and City answered by subbing on Hannah Wilkinson. The club’s leading scorer was left in reserve with Vidosic preferring a more mobile, fast paced attack, but her experience was important in the late stages of this game.

Caitlin Karic made her first appearance after returning from injury and Shelby McMahon entered the fray. The Junior Matildas captain sealed the premiership for City weeks ago with an excellent solo goal against Perth Glory, and capped off an excellent win with another brilliant finish to make it 3-0 in the 77th minute.

A curling pass by Bryleeh Henry found McMahon in the penalty box. Curiously she was allowed to control and turn under little pressure and her finish was perfectly placed over Tiahna Robertson in the Newcastle goal.

The Jets continued to push for goal to claw back the deficit and Gooch came closest from a goalmouth scramble, but City threw bodies in front of the line to block the shot.

The win sees Melbourne City head home with a commanding lead for the second leg, but more importantly in confident form in front of goal. If there has been a consistent criticism of the league leaders it is that they were unable to finish enough chances despite dominating possession.

In this first final, they took their chances and created them in different ways, although it must be said that both Hughes and Henry were instrumental in the win. Both players successfully fought for possession in key areas and were damaging with the ball once they had it.

The loss of Roestbakken remains the only downside to this game, and Newcastle need to find something special to claw back from 3-0 down next weekend.

Lineups:

Newcastle Jets: Robertson, Wilson, Hoba, Prior, Baumann, Gooch, Copus-Brown, Davis, Allan, Barbieri, Bolden. Substitutes: Ayres, Huynh, Hammond, Dundas, Nino.

Melbourne City: Barbara, Henry, Otto, Stott, Roestbakken, Davidson, Hughes, L Mckenna, Pollicina, Ekic, Galic. Substitutes: Grosso, McMahon, Wilkinson, Karic.

Goals: Galic 5’ Ekic, 61’ McMahon 77’

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: 6836

Hawkesby sinks the Mariners

Central Coast Mariners 0-1 Sydney FC

by Ben Carey (21/4/24)

Above: Rising star Indian Dos Santos tussles for the ball in the midfield ahead of teammate Mackenzie Hawkesby. Photo: Sydney FC.

Sydney and Central Coast Mariners produced a semi-final first leg of the highest order at the beautiful Industree Group Stadium on the waterside in Gosford.

It was a rematch of one of the most chaotic matches of the regular season that was played in Sydney back in January. The Mariners were looking to replicate that result, whereas Sydney was out to exact revenge on the shocking defeat at home.

The match began at a very high tempo, both teams playing free-flowing, attacking football. Sydney definitely had the better of the chances in the opening 10 minutes, with both Cortnee Vine and Princess Ibini coming very close to scoring. After that, the Mariners began to wrestle control of the match back, creating the better of the chances for the next 10 or so minutes. Sydney keeper, Jada Whyman, was forced to snuff out a dangerous chance from Matilda Kyah Simon at the very last moment.

Just before the half hour mark, the pressure pendulum swung back the other way. Vine found herself in the attacking third with the ball at her feet. She used her lightning-quick pace and great footwork to breeze past two defenders and run at the Mariners keeper, Casey Dumont, the hero of last week’s penalty shootout against Melbourne Victory. Vine took a good shot on goals, but Dumont made a clutch, point-blank save to deny the Matildas star.

Vine’s chance provided a wake-up call for the Mariners, who tighten up their defence again and throw a lot of bodies further up the pitch in an effort to break down Sydney’s own defences. The building Central Coast pressure resulted in a good attack that saw Whyman out of position and Simon putting a decent header on target. But Sydney midfielder, Margaux Chauvet, had positioned herself perfectly and made an incredible clearance off the line whilst falling backwards! Just moments later, Whyman was forced to make another big save. The Mariners were definitely in the ascendency.

The first half finished 0-0. Central Coast with slightly more possession and way more chances and shots on goal, but Whyman and her defenders were good enough to repel their every attack and escape the first half unscathed. That said, Sydney was also unable to break the Mariners’ defences. No wonder these were the two best defences across the regular 22-game season.

American international striker Shea Connors, came on as an injury replacement for Ibini at the start of the second half and she made an immediate impact. About five minutes in, Tori Tumeth, Vine, and Connors all combined to create absolute havoc in the Mariners box. They took shots on goal. There were blocks, parries, goal line clearances. Everything. But the Sydney trio kept recycling the ball and throwing more attacks at Dumont and her defence. Through skill, luck, or some miracle the Mariners came out of the barrage fully intact.

Sydney had tasted blood in the water, however, and they came back for more just a few minutes later. A poor pass in the midfield by Simon gifted the ball to Indiana Dos Santos who ran up the field and played an exquisitely weighted pass around the Mariners defence to Mackenzie Hawkesby, who was able to sneak it past Dumont to give her team a crucial 1-0 lead in Gosford.

The Mariners did not hang their heads or fall off in any way after conceding the goal. If anything, they went up another gear. Around the 70th minute, there were a couple of big chances created by the linkup between Isabel Gomez, Simon, and Chinese international, Wurigumula. In the most promising of the chances, Wurigumula was agonisingly close to the equaliser, hitting the top corner of the crossbar. Simon tried to hook the rebound over her shoulder but pushed it high over the goals.

The Mariners kept attacking for the remainder of regular time, and Sydney fashioned a few attacks of their own. In the first minute of stoppage time, a wonderful pivot shot from Caley Tallon-Henniker forced an astounding save from Dumont who dived to the ball and palmed it away with the tip of her outstretched glove. Sydney were able to close out the match and take a slim advantage into their home leg of the semifinal, which will be played next Saturday. 

It was a truly amazing team performance from both teams. Everyone on the pitch contributed in a big way. For me this match was actually more entertaining than the Barcelona and Chelsea clash in the UEFA Women’s Champions League earlier this morning, and only just behind the epic Lyon comeback against PSG! Just goes to show the quality and entertainment value of our great league.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (3-4-1-2): Dumont, Martin, Karambasis, Irwin, Wardlow, Gomez, Hayward, Galic, Badawiya, Wurigumula, Simon. Substitutes: Langman, Evans, Nenadovic, Rasmussen, Trimis.

SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Lemon, Thompson, Mclean, Tumeth, Hawkesby, Hollman, Chauvet, Ibini, I. Dos Santos, Vine. Substitutes: Franco, Connors, Johnson, Ray, Tallon-Henniker.

Scorers: Hawkesby 54’.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: TBC.

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Sydney FC’s Jordan Thompson: “We want to show up. We want to play like Sydney FC.”

Above: Sydney FC huddle. Image: Sydney FC.

By Genevieve Henry (20/4/24).

After a two week hiatus following a rough pair of games, Sydney FC are back in action this weekend against the Central Coast Mariners in the first leg of the semi final in the A-League Women. American defender Jordan Thompson spoke to the media of her excitement going into her first finals series.

Although the absolute whooping by Melbourne Victory to cement their loss of the Premiership was not what anyone at Sydney would have wanted, that wounded mentality could give them an edge over their opponents. That, alongside Sydney’s incredible finals experience and record, make them tentative favourites over the newly returned Mariners. Thomson spoke of this history, saying, “Sydney comes from a very long history of being in finals and to be a part of that is super exciting and to still have a Grand Final to play for is even better. I’m excited about the home and away series, so we get a chance to play away and then to play in front of our fans.”

“Dropping the fourth Premiership was obviously a total blow and it was really hard and super upsetting. Knowing that we weren’t at our best on either of those days where we could have won it, that definitely is going to carry us into that finals series, knowing what that feels like and not wanting to feel it again.”

“Ante (Juric) does a really good job of giving us the space to be upset and to grieve, but then knowing that we are still in a position to play for the Grand Final, knowing that we still have something to play for. We’re not dwelling on it too much, but dwelling in a productive way, looking at film, having conversations amongst ourselves, having conversations with (Juric), and once we have all that figured out, putting it aside and focusing on the task at hand.”

While a break could sometimes mean a loss of momentum, Sydney needed the time to regroup. “The break was good for us, it gave us a chance to reset and really hone in on what we need to do going into these next couple of games in the finals series, to fix what we weren’t strong at in the Victory game and in the Canberra game. It makes everyone even more hungry to play and more hungry to get a result.” She continued, “the target going into any of these games is just to win. We want to show up. We want to play like Sydney FC. We want to play how we know we can play when we’re at our best.”

Above: Thompson speaking to the media. Image: Sydney FC.

When asked about their opponents, a side in blazing form, Thompson said, “Central Coast is super strong. They’re really, really good. What they’ve been able to do in the last month, the whole season for that matter, but especially in the last month or two, has been amazing. Their pressure is relentless, we’ve been trying to mimic that in training and trying to get our mentality right knowing that it’s going to be an all-out battle.”

Now that they are in the finals series, one thing Sydney will want to avoid is the penalty-saving prowess of Mariners shot-stopper Casey Dumont. Thomson spoke of Sydney’s aim to not even reach that stage, saying, “you always want to win in regulation time. Anything you can do to decrease the minutes on your legs and to avoid going to a penalty shootout, especially when you have a keeper like (Dumont) who makes massive saves and is also able to put them away on the other side. Doing everything we can to get the result in regulation is obviously the goal.”

When the two sides faced each other during the regular season, the result did not go Sydney’s way. With the 0-0 draw and the drama-packed 2-1 loss to the Mariners, Sydney will want some revenge. “No game in this league is an easy game, especially when you’re going up against an opponent who we tied them the first time and we lost to them in the 98th minute the last time. They are relentless for all 90 minutes, all 100 minutes, all 120; whatever we play them.” She said, but emphasised the fact that they weren’t dwelling on these results, only looking ahead.

Coming up against a strong Mariners frontline with the likes of Wurigumula and Kyah Simon, Thompson explained the importance of not getting hung up on that. “They have an amazing frontline, an amazing attack, and honestly, an amazing defence, so they’re just a well-rounded team. I try not to focus too much on one player, because I get in my head, so I just focus on what I need to do myself. We’re mostly just focusing on the bigger picture, but keeping in mind that those players are really good, so we have to be on our A-game and bring it all.”

Thompson, who was signed as an injury replacement for Nat Tobin at the beginning of the season has been an excellent acquisition for the Sky Blues. She has impressed greatly during her time in Australia, saying of her time, “I’ve absolutely loved playing in this league, have loved playing for Sydney, have loved being in Sydney and in Australia itself. Just seeing the quality of players in this league has been really fun. Every game and every practice I’m challenged to be my best, so I’m really looking forward to the finals series.” Thompson said, continuing, “I’ve never been in a professional cup final, so this is super exciting for me.”

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UWCL Semifinals: A Preview

by Emmanuel Faith (20/4/24).

Above: Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati tussle for the ball. Image: UWCL


Barcelona v Chelsea

Chelsea have a major task on their hands to make the Champions League Final. Barcelona lead so many of the statistics – the highest-scoring team, average possession (63%), passing accuracy (87%), and balls recovered (407).

Whilst Chelsea found it hard going toe to toe with Barca in the semi-finals last season, Emma Hayes’ Blues can point to some impressive stats of their own. They rank second behind Barcelona in terms of possession kept (58%) and passing accuracy (83.1%). They have also made 120 tackles – the highest of the four semi-finalists, and only Barca have kept more clean sheets across the tournament than Chelsea’s three.

Above: Aitana Bonmati, who has been pivotal to Barcelona’s attack this season. Photo: UWCL

Where this match will be won:

While the focus might be on the attacking talents, the midfield will be pivotal to the outcome of this clash.

Barcelona plays the ball in slow build-ups, while rapidly increasing the rhythm at an unpredictable pace.  When playing against a low block (which Chelsea are likely to set-up in), they overload the wings with their full-backs while letting their defensive midfielders (Walsh/Patri) sit deep to nullify any counterattack.

This system yields its results as both Bronze and Rolfo are high-scoring defenders and provide brilliant assists either in pin-point passes or precise crosses. This was how they scored their second goal in the quarter-final second leg against Brann, as well as successes during the emphatic victory against Rosengård earlier in the competition.

Against Barcelona, Chelsea will focus on disrupting the Catalans’ rhythm and hitting on the counter. Midfielders like Cuthbert and Nusken who are not afraid of challenging for every 50-50 tackle and contest for second balls will be vital. To win a tackle and hit on the counter will be a key element of the West London side’s plan.

Above: Chelsea wingers Guro Reiten and Johanna Rytting Kaynard celebrate a goal. Photo: UWCL.

Barcelona could well find their defence under pressure as Chelsea attackers like Lauren James, Guro Reiten, and Johanna Rytting Kaynard will relish going against and getting the better of Lucy Bronze and Fridolina Rolfo. Cuthbert in particular has a track record of besting Bronze consistently over 90 minutes.

Barcelona often gets exposed when they overload the opponent, and both Brann and Benfica were able to exploit this weakness when they met at different intervals. Jessica Silva’s goal and Marie Alidou’s brilliant assist are cases in point.

Olympique Lyonnais v Paris St. Germain
Above: Lyon celebrate. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Lyon have looked like an improved side since the return of Delphine Cascarino who has struck a brilliant partnership with compatriots Kadidiatou Diani and Eugenie Le Sommer.

Lindsey Horan has continuously improved her game, thanks to her relatively free role that allows her to dictate the pace of the game or occupy the opponent’s box depending on the situation, while Ellie Carpenter has stepped up her ability in aerial duels, ball playing abilities, and defensive awareness across the pitch.

Vicky Becho and Melchei Dumornay are bar-raisers every time they come off the bench, as Becho’s ambidextrous abilities make her unpredictable when dribbling and Dumornay’s physicality augments her tricky and shot fire-power to make her a perfect substitute for Hegerberg or Le Sommer.

They have had the highest number of attempts on goal this season (213) and it shows how ambitious they are attacking-wise. 

Above: PSG attackers Chawinga and Katoto celebrate a goal. Photo: UWCL.

For PSG, Tabitha Chawinga has been golden. The Malawian striker who leads the ranks of the highest goals and assists in D1 Arkema has been one of the most dangerous players in Europe this season. With a speed of 33.1 km/hr, she is the fastest player on the continent right now, and she is able to cause havoc to any defence with her dribbling skills. She has scored 12 goals in her last nine matches and will fancy adding to her tally over both legs. 

While PSG haven’t been outstanding in the UWCL this season, Chawinga’s partnership with Katoto is becoming more productive and might be crucial to the output of this match. 

Where the game will be won:

When two teams have brilliant full-backs like Sakina Karchaoui and Selma Bacha, brilliant wingers like Kadidiatou Diani and Tabitha Chawinga, you can predict one thing: there will be a lot of action on the flanks.

Both teams possess players that can change the game’s trajectory with a pin-point pass, a brilliant strike, or a rocket shot fired from anywhere on the field but both wingers and full-backs will have a lot of say in the outcome of the match.

Lyon plays with their wingers and full-backs, while optimising their midfield against opponents who defend in low blocks. Selma Bacha and Ellie Carpenter often double up to support the wingers up front, while Kadidiatou’s individual pace and brilliance is often crucial to breaking down the opponent’s defence.

PSG play balls through the midfield or over the top of the opponent, leveraging the pace of Tabitha Chawinga and Sandy Baltimore to create chances for their striker. 

Above: Kadidiatou Diani attempts to beat a Benfica’s defender. Photo: UWCL.

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Wanderers extend Matos’ deal

19/4/24

Above: Danika Matos (left) tangles with Princess Ibini in the early part of her career with the Wanderers. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers FC today confirmed the re-signing of defender Danika Matos for the next two A-League Women seasons.

Matos joined the Wanderers back in 2019 as a youngster and became a formidable part of the starting eleven a season later. A one-club player, the fast-paced defender has been a standout in the club’s defence and her new deal will see her at the club for seven seasons.

Head coach Robbie Hooker praised Matos’ ongoing commitment to the club. “We are very proud to have Danika at the club for another two seasons as she embodies our club values both on and off the field,” he said.

“Danika has all the attributes we look for in players and she is a fantastic leader to have in our changerooms.”

Matos said she had high hopes for the club over the next two seasons. “The team is closer than ever, it’s incredible. It (the club) is my home away from home, it’s a second family. We’re like a bunch of big sisters, aren’t we? There’s younger ones, and there’s the middle-aged kids, and then there’s older ones.

“We fight but you know, sisters always come back and we all love each other… I love them all, and I love playing with them, we drive each other to be better.

“I want to (be) making finals, I want to make a grand final, we want to win the Premiership, we want to do it all here, and I know all the girls do as well.

“With Robbie behind us – he believes in us as well as all the other coaching staff – so I think that coming back and majority of the girls coming back next season will be a lot easier. We know each other pretty well now, so we’ll get our groove a lot quicker than we did this season.”

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Canberra United guaranteed another season after 200k from ACT Government

Above: Canberra United celebrates a goal this past season. Now, they have many more to look forward to. Image: Canberra United.

By Ryan Miller-Woods (19/4/24).

The media heard from Capital Football CEO Samantha Farrow and Save Canberra United’s Sue Read on Thursday in regard to the future of Canberra United being secured thanks to a one-off payment of $200,000 of funding from the ACT Government on top of the annual subsidy that they provide of $250,000 for the club that will see United contest the 2024/25 A-League Women’s season. 

The announcement of Canberra’s future being secured at least until the end of next season is very welcome news for fans, the club, and most importantly the players and staff currently at United. Furthermore, given there was a lot of uncertainty as to whether Canberra would even still exist beyond this season, while there’s a fair bit to go in terms of United’s long-term future, it’s a promising start, nevertheless. 

Also, what the ‘Save Canberra United’ campaign has already shown with over $75,000 being donated is that the demand to keep the club around is most definitely apparent by a vast array of people. 

When asked about her reaction to seeing the support with the way that the ‘Save Canberra United’ group has come together and how it has all happened, Farrow said, “one thing that its cemented (is that) this is a really supportive community, a tight-knit community. There’s a lot of support for football out there and I’ve actually been blown away by the level of support to be fair. It’s been really quite humbling and I’m proud to be a part of an organisation that can pull that kind of community support.” 

Above: Capital Football CEO Samantha Farrow speaking on Canberra United’s future. Image: Capital Football.

With the budget that has been provided for next season, Farrow was asked how big the shortfall is for the club, to which she said, “the budget that we’ve put together is quite minimalistic. It absolutely has a full salary cap, the travel costs, and everything like that in there. There’s not a lot of room for additional services outside the bare minimum, so right now we’re still looking at a shortfall of a couple of hundred thousand and if we are successful in getting that covered and a bit more, then I’m looking forward to being able to provide some extra services to further professionalise this team, in every way. 

Club captain and all-time leading goalscorer for both United and in the A-League Women Michelle Heyman has been very vocal about the club’s future, and understandably wants to have her future secured as well as her fellow teammates, whether it’s remaining at Canberra or going elsewhere. 

When asked whether she’s confident in Heyman remaining at Canberra United for the 2024/25 season, Farrow said, “absolutely! That’s one of those next steps…securing who our players are and what our team looks like for Season 17. I really hope she’ll be a part of it. She’s been a big part of Canberra United for the last few years and I certainly would welcome her to continue.”  

It really can’t be understated how much Sue Read must be commended for the ‘Save Canberra United’ campaign and just how significant it has been since it was launched. What it has shown alongside there being a demand from the amount already donated to save the club, is the initiative to go to this extent to ensure the future of Canberra United. 

Above: Sue Read of ‘Save Canberra United’ is a massive reason Canberra gained so much community support. Image: Capital Football.

When asked if she was always confident that the club would have a team for next season, Read said, “I was, maybe, slightly delusional but I think confident because I know at least from ‘Save Canberra United’s’ perspective we just weren’t going to stop until either we got the $300,000 ourselves or a big part of what we’ve been doing is trying to lobby government, talk to government and really give reasons for why they need to invest more in Women’s sport across the board and Canberra United as a part of that. So we were pretty confident that it was somehow going to come together.” 

When asked Michelle Heyman and trying to make sure that she is with Canberra United for next season, Read said, “we had chats with her at the end of this season. Her heart like so many of the players is in Canberra, this is where she’s been. I think she wants to stay here, she wants to win, she wants to have a team and support around her that can be at the top of the table. So we as a community all need to make sure we’ve got enough money to secure one of the best, most dedicated, loyal people to the sport.” 

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Violet Longmore: Hitting the heights with the NTC

For this week’s ‘WA On Wednesday’ feature, Hyundai NTC’s Violet Longmore talks to Ben Gilby about her footballing journey from Margaret River to travelling three hours back and forth to the bright lights of Perth as part of the NTC set-up (17/4/24).

Above: Violet Longmore (left, gold shirt) holds off Perth SC’s Poppie Hooks last season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Violet Longmore.

Violet Longmore is one of Hyundai NTC’s latest batch of talented teenagers who are producing consistently impressive performances in the NPLW WA this season. Hailing from the beautiful wine-producing region of Margaret River, Longmore has come a long way – both in terms of travel and development – in recent years.

The defender describes herself as “quite calm and patient but also a player who loves to be on the ball, and I love to win one-v-ones, especially when up against very tough and fast wingers,” began by detailing her footballing journey.

“I first started playing football in Margaret River when I was five all the way up until was 13, and that’s when I decided to trial for the U14 NTC team, and to my surprise I was selected even despite being a country player.

“As a full-time player in the U14s and living in Margaret River, I was travelling to Perth three times a week (a three-hour there and three-hour back trip), having to miss lots of school, and doing my homework in the car, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make.

Above: Pointing the way – Violet Longmore in action for Hyundai NTC at their new home ground at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Violet Longmore.

“I did this for two years for the U15 NTC team also. When I was accepted into the U19s NTC NPL team in 2022, I decided it was the right time to move to Perth and make the full commitment. I have now been in the U19s (now U18s) team for three seasons. This will be my last year in NTC before I age out of the program.” 

The process of selection for the state NTC side is a tough one, but even more demanding when factoring in the additional pressures of being based outside of Perth – something that Longmore emphasised: “There were many trials which were quite daunting being a country player and having to match the Perth players skills and performance. 

“I’d say once I made the U14s team, the trials got harder and harder each year as you have to try and break into the next age group, especially with different coaches who don’t really know you as a player. 

“There were open trials where so many girls attended, after that, it became invite-only. Emails were sent out saying whether you were asked to come trial for another or not, receiving that acceptance to the next round was almost a dream for me as I never thought I could make it being a country player who lived three hours away. After the trials were complete it was basically a waiting game to see if you made it or not.

“My biggest challenge as a player so far would be making the move from country football to metro football. There was a massive jump in training environment and quality and also the opposition being much stronger.

“It was definitely a big jump for me personally and a lot of sacrifices were made. I moved to Perth and left my small hometown, my friends, and school. Having to move to a new school knowing no one and pretty much start over.

Above: Driving forward in possession in last season’s successful State Cup Final. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Violet Longmore.

“Then there was getting injured at the start of 2023 in the Night Series, and missing the first half of the season, after coming from a very good pre-season and then missing out and having to push myself back into the mindset of playing again and not being afraid.” 

Come back Longmore did, and she was part of last season’s successful team that won the State Cup and also made the season-ending Top Four Cup. The defender played alongside a number of players who subsequently went on to earn A-League Women contracts. Seeing friends go and achieve this recognition has inspired the young defender even more.

“Our 2023 squad was one to remember. We had a mix of older and younger girls, but it was the most bonded team I had been a part of. Playing with the likes of Georgia (Cassidy), Grace (Johnstone), Lilly (Bailey), Tanika (Lala), they really stepped up and pushed all of us younger girls to work hard and work for each other, they set a good example of what can happen in just year all being signed for Perth Glory. 

“I think for me, it’s made me realise I can be one of those players who gets a contract, really making me push myself this year, always training the best I can and putting in the extra work.” 

Like all NTC teams in the various state NPLW competitions, the Western Australian one is full of teenagers who go up against experienced, seasoned opponents each week – some of whom have considerable A-League Women experience. It’s a baptism of fire both physically and mentally, but one which Longmore knows stands her in good stead.

“It’s really tough. Being such a young team playing in the NPL competition up against many experienced players, it can be scary. I do get a bit nervous when I come up against the likes of Jamie Duncanson who is strong, fast, and a dangerous player.

“Dealing with it all comes down to your own confidence, knowing you’re here and in this team for a reason. Physically, we are a smaller team that lacks a bit of physicality, but I think once you step out onto the pitch you can match them and you put everything in to win the ball and play good football. 

Above: Violet Longmore (right) in action in the season’s opening round, away to UWA-Nedlands, a game in which she scored for Hyundai NTC. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Violet Longmore.

Whilst it’s early days in the season, Longmore’s NTC side has won all three league games so far and the defender sees some positive signs emerging as the team looks to bond together a new crop of players for 2024.

“The opening round against UWA-Nedlands (in which Longmore scored), we dominated the ball and played good football, though it would have been nice to finish with more goals which we deserved with the way we played. Throughout pre-season, Ben (Anderton, head coach) has been really reinforcing our principles and the way we like to play and it definitely showed in the UWA game. 

“This pre-season I’ve been working really hard both in the gym and on the training pitch, and for me scoring that goal was a real win, as its something we have been working on in training, and for it to work out was amazing. 

“At training, you try and take any piece of advice you can, especially with such a big squad where everyone is trying to learn. I’ve really taken all the information I can get from Ben, State, and especially Tommy who helps a lot with us defenders.” 

Whilst Longmore’s footballing career is still in its embryonic days, she has big dreams, but given her succession of impressive displays for the NTC side, there is absolutely no reason why she cannot achieve them.

“For the future, I’d love to sign an A-League contract at the end of this season, though there are many players in the NPL wanting the same. It would also be a dream to go to a national camp but you never really know as it depends on your performance individually and in a team, so I think for me, I just have to keep working hard and putting in the extra work to hopefully achieve these goals.”

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Dower announces Junior Matildas’ squad for Asian Cup

17/4/24

Above: Junior Matildas’ head coach Rae Dower. Photo: Football Australia.

Junior Matildas’ Head Coach, Rae Dower has finalised Australia’s 23-player squad to participate at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup which takes place in Indonesia next month. 

Hosted across two venues in Bali, the tournament will see the best of Asia’s next generation take to the pitch from 6th–19th May. 

The U-17 Women’s National Team begins their Group B campaign against China PR on Tuesday, 7 May 2024 at Bali United Training Center (6.00pm AEST). They will then take on defending champions Japan on Friday, 10 May 2024 at Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium (9.00pm AEST).

Australia will round out their group stage fixtures back at Bali United Training Center against Thailand on Monday, 13 May 2024 (6.00pm AEST). 

Junior Matildas Head Coach Rae Dower revealed that the selected squad was the culmination of 18 months of concerted scouting, camps and Talent Development Scheme matches across Australia with almost 100 footballers provided the opportunity to showcase their abilities. 

Above: Sydney FC’s Indiana Dos Santos – one of those called up by Rae Dower. Photo: The Australian.

“We’re excited about the composition of the final squad. We’ve got more depth than ever across this cohort and we’re really happy with the team representing the nation at this prestigious tournament,” she said. 

“It’s a squad that is adaptable and flexible, can play a variety of different systems with some strong, robust defenders and real ‘x-factor’ players; creative and dangerous in that middle and final third.”

Six different Member Federations are represented in the final squad with nine players currently signed with A-Leagues Women’s clubs.  Recent injuries to a number of players in A-League Women’s clubs have ruled them out of final team selection, opening the door for some first-time call-ups.

“We’ve got a great mix of players who have contributed to our Asian Cup qualification and have five debutants that have been working very hard in their respective Member Federation programs to gain selection,” Dower explained. 

“It’s hugely disappointing for the players who’ve succumbed to recent injuries.  That’s a part of football and will provide a learning opportunity in dealing with disappointment and building resilience. 

“Their misfortune is an opportunity for their teammates.  We’ve been working on building depth and that means we’ve got players who will step up and do their country proud in the absence of others.”

Above: Ruby Cuthbert, Brisbane Roar’s Western Australian who has been called-up. Photo: NT Times.

“I thank the respective Member Federations and club staff for their support and collaboration in the development of our next generation female footballers,” she concluded. 

To begin preparations and acclimatisation ahead of the tournament, the squad and staff will assemble in Cairns from Wednesday, 24 April ahead of travelling to Bali five days later.  Players still in action during the A-League Women’s Finals Series will join the squad at the conclusion of their respective club’s campaign. 

“We get the opportunity to come together in Cairns and to build further team cohesion. Now the Draw has been revealed, we can focus more specifically tactically on our confirmed opponents,” Dower said. 

“We’ve been diligent in analysing them and are confident that we can overcome any challenges that may arise throughout the tournament.”

The Junior Matildas are one of eight teams who have qualified for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup with the nations drawn into two groups of four. 

The top two from each group will advance to the knockout phase.  The top three nations from the competition qualify as the AFC’s representatives at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup which will take place in the Dominican Republic from 16th October – 3rd November 2024.

LaylaADAMSGoalkeeperGold Coast United / Football Queensland
CaoimheBRAYGoalkeeperEmerging Jets / Northern NSW Football
Danella BUTRUSForwardFV Emerging / Football Victoria
RubyCUTHBERTDefenderBrisbane Roar / Football West
SiennaDALEForwardManly FC / Football New South Wales
SianDEWEYMidfielderAdelaide United FC / Football South Australia
IndianaDOS SANTOSMidfielderSydney FC / Football New South Wales
Emma DUNDASMidfielderNewcastle Jets FC / Northern NSW Football
MikaylaDUONGMidfielderFNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
AliceFRANCOUForwardFV Emerging / Football Victoria
TianaFULLERForwardFNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
EhvaGUTSZMITMidfielderFV Emerging / Football Victoria
IsabelaHOYOSDefenderFQ-QAS / Football Queensland
AlvinaKHOSHABADefenderFNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
ChristinaKICEECDefenderFNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
ShelbyMCMAHONMidfielderMelbourne City FC / Football Queensland
KieraMEYERSMidfielderMelbourne City FC / Football Victoria
ChloePARKERDefenderFQ-QAS / Football Queensland
LilyPUNCHForwardFQ-QAS / Football Queensland
JessicaSKINNERGoalkeeperPerth Glory FC / Football West
AmeliaTARTAGLIADefenderFV Emerging / Football Victoria
AnnabelleYATESDefenderMelbourne Victory FC / Football Victoria
TaliaYOUNISMidfielderWestern Sydney Wanderers FC / Football New South Wales

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Norfolk Wrap

Ellie Smith (Yellow) scored for Norwich City in their 1-1 draw at Haywards Heath Town. Credit – Norwich City Women FC

FA Women’s National League Division One South East

Norwich City’s title hopes evaporated as they were held to an embarrassing 1-1 draw at already relegated Haywards Heath Town. Ellie Smith had given Norwich City the lead but a goal from Storm Bailey saw Haywards Heath Town take a point.

Eastern Region Premier Division

Wroxham were 3-2 winners over AFC Dunstable at Trafford Park. A goal from Hannah Fuller plus two own goals saw Wroxham take the points. Sian Morris and Ruby Powell scored for AFC Dunstable.

Kings Lynn Town were beaten 6-0 at home by St Albans City. Kelly Hanock, Becky Shephard, Hollie Thornton, Kiera Ward, Scarlett Robb and Summer Small all scored a goal each for the visitors.

Kings Lynn Town (Blue) were beaten 6-0 at home by St Albans City. Credit – Stuart Cobb

Eastern Region Division One North

Mulbarton Wanderers produced the result of the weekend in Norfolk coming from 2-0 down to beat the leaders of Tier Six at the start of the day Harpenden Town. Sophia Amanor and Belle Shannon had given Harpenden a 2-0 lead but a brace each from Alanta Griffith and Rebekah Lake saw Mulbarton Wanderers claim a fine victory.

Fakenham Town were beaten 2-1 at home by Stevenage Development. Chloe Gravett got the goal for Fakneham Town with Stephanie Fausse and Ella Mercer scoring for Stevenage.

Thetford Town’s trip to Wootton Blue Cross was abandoned due to a serious injury to Thetford Town goalkeeper Amber Browne.

Rebekah Lake scored twice for Mulbarton Wanderers in their 4-2 home win over Harpenden Town. Credit – Ben Cunningham

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Mulbarton Wanderers Development lead a gripping title race following a 3-0 home win over Kings Lynn Soccer Club. Megan Anderton scored a brace with Lucy Kean getting their other goal.

Second placed Sprowston were 1-0 winners at home to Caister thanks to a goal from Phoebe Green.

Bungay Town leapfrogged Caister into third place with a 4-0 away win at Thorpe St Andrew. Mia Rose scored a brace with Abigail Bell and Naomi Cooper getting the other two goals.

Fifth placed Aylsham have had a great few days, on Thursday night they were 3-1 winners at home to Long Stratton thanks to a brace from Christina Papadopoulou and a goal from Rachel Bussey. Lucy Eagle scored for Long Stratton.

Aylsham followed that up on Sunday with a 5-2 victory at home to University of East Anglia. Christina Papadopoulou scored a hat-trick and Florence Simpkin scored a brace. Costessey Sports were 4-1 winners at North Walsham Town thanks to a Hat-Trick from Chloe Gaff and a goal from Thea Hackney. Rio Dobbie scored for North Walsham Town

Aylsham (Orange) were 3-1 winners over Long Stratton on Thursday night. Credit – Shaun Button

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

With the top two Stalham Town and Bure Valley both not in action it was an opportunity for third place Shrublands and fourth place Mundford to close the gap in the title race.

Shrublands were 4-0 winners at home to Horsford Harriers thanks to a goal each from Rachel Adams, Amy Barker, Hannah Halfnight and Sophie Everson.

Mundford were 5-2 winners at home to FC Viking Valkyries, thanks to a goal each from Livvi Hodges, Ellen Kerbey, Sara-Jane Langford, Lauren Roberts and Niamh Underhill. Jessica Bennett and Maddie Smith scored for FC Viking Valkyries.

Waveney recorded an impressive 3-2 away win at Beccles Town Development thanks to goals from Chloe Dobson, Molly Grint and Demi Saunders. Saffron Jones-Yates and Vicky Bloomfield scored for Beccles Town Development.

Horsford Hurricanes were 3-1 winners at home to Freethorpe thanks to a brace from Sian Steward and a goal from Maisie Nichols. Kira Tucker scored for Freethorpe.

Martham were 4-1 winners at home to Great Yarmouth Town thanks to a brace from Bethany Shearing and a goal each from Briony Punchard and Lauren Monument. Lucie Morley scored for Great Yarmouth Town.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

Loddon United were 4-1 winners at home to Horsford thanks to a brace from Jenny Seaman and a goal each from Daizee Tink and Sarah Britcher. Kirstie Reader scored for Horsford.

Dussindale & Hellesdon were 1-0 winners at Mulbarton Wanderers thanks to a goal from Helen Finn.

Rockland United were 1-0 winners at home to Left Field.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

FC Viking Valkyries were 1-0 winners at Madra thanks to a goal from Jane Diver. 

Bulldogs FC were 2-1 winners at University of East Anglia thanks to goals from Melanie Sargeant and Sophie Widdowson.

Shrublands (Red) were 4-0 winners at home to Horsford Harriers in Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two on Sunday. Credit – Steve Wood

Meade and Russo braces bury Bristol

Arsenal 5-0 Bristol City

By Joe Rosedon 15/4/24

Above: Leah Williamson (left) and Katie Reid. Photo Arsenal Women

Arsenal thump relegation-threatened Bristol City 5-0 to consolidate their place in the top three in the Women’s Super League table.

Doubles from Lionesses Beth Mead and Alessia Russo alongside an own goal from Ella Powel sealed a comfortablewin for the Gunners.

Arsenal opened the scoring in the 7th minute. Catlin Foord won the ball back high up on the left flank. The Australian international drove into the box, her effort struck the post, and the rebounding ball found Mead to fire the home side into the lead. 

It was almost 2-0 soon after. A well-worked short corner found Victoria Pelova on the edge of the box, but her curled effort struck the crossbar. Stina Blackstenius also forced a good save from Bristol City keeper Fran Bentley and was inches away from turning in Mead’s cross at the far post. 

A second goal felt inevitable. Again, it was Mead who provided it and again Foord was involved in the build-up. The Matilda’s ball found Mead, but her initial effort was blocked on the line. The ball fell kindly back to Mead to double Arsenal’s lead. 

Two soon became three. Steph Catley’s, whose combination play with Foord down the left-hand side caused Bristol City problems all game, attempted cross deflected off Ella Powell looped over Bentley, and into the net.

Bristol City almost pulled a goal back in the opening stages of the second half. A long ball over the top eventually found Amalie Thestrup whose attempt was denied by a great Sabrina D’Angelo save at her near post. 

Any potential Bristol City resistance was quickly squashed. Russo picked up the ball on the edge of the box and hammered home a long-range effort into the top corner to make it four.

Russo then got her second goal of the game to make it five. A cutback from second-half substitute Kaite McCabe found Russo who finished with a sumptuous first-time effort and rounded off the scoring. 

Arsenal could have had more goals in the second half. Emily Fox had a long-range effort tipped over the bar while Mead and Blackstenius both went close.

This result for Arsenal increases the gap between them and Manchester United in fourth by nine points, all but securing Champions League football for next season. Bristol City are now seven points adrift from safety, with survival in the Women’s Super League looking less and less likely.

After the game, Russo said “We played some really nicefootball throughout the game. To score early and be clinical with our chances was really important”.

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall said “I’m very happy with the performance. I always think it is difficult when we come back from an international break to get the rhythm going.

We showed variety in the way we attack the ball and I think we deserved to score five goals”.

Starting XI’s

Arsenal:D’Angelo, Fox (Wienroither 80) Wubben-Moy, Williamson (Reid 86) Catley, Mead(McCabe 63) Little(C) Foord (Lacasse 63) Pelova, Russo, Blackstenius

Goals: Mead,7,33, Powell (OG) 34 Russo, 60,73

Subs not used: Zinsberger, Goldie, Lia, 

Bristol City: Bentley, Powell, (Bull 69) Rodgers, Aspin, Connolly(C),Napier, Syme(Furness 69) Stratigakis (Layzell69) Morgan, Thestrup, Evans(Ward 79)

Subs not used: Yanez, Clark, Struck, , Jones,  Slocomb. 

Referee: Lisa Benn

Attendance: 3,565