Match Report: Newcastle Jets 3-0 Brisbane Roar

Hat-trick Hero Bolden leads the Jets past the Roar

By Callum Logie (17/02/24).

Above: Newcastle Jets’ Sarina Bolden celebrates a goal against the Brisbane Roar. Photo: Liberty A-Leagues

In a season that has not gone to plan for either side, two teams with high hopes of finishing near the top of the table clashed at Maitland Sports Ground on Saturday evening. 

The Brisbane Roar came off a valiant fought 3-2 defeat against Western United and are looking to put on some stronger performances defensively to complement the talent of their attackers. The Newcastle Jets also came into the match after a 2-1 loss against Western Sydney and were determined to get back the form that saw them defeat the Phoenix in the round prior.

Brisbane’s starting XI had three changes from their previous fixture. Captain Ayesha Norrie returned to the side, starting as one of the three centre-backs while Rebecca Kirkup got the start on the wing with Deborah-Anne De La Harpe picking up an injury late in the week. Ashlee Brodigan joined the attack with Mariel Hecher moving to the bench.

The Newcastle Jets also made a couple of changes from their previous fixture, with Sophie Hoban moving forward to get the start in place of Mindy Barbieri. Zoe Karapidis moved up into the midfield to allow for Claudia Cicco to return at the back for the Jets. 

Newcastle Jets started strong, getting an early chance to the feet of Sarina Bolden who struck wide from inside the box within the first 10 minutes. The sides did look well matched in the early possession encounters, with the home side looking to use their pace when breaking forward. 

A coordinated set piece in the 13th minute marked a decent chance for the Brisbane Roar as Brodigan got on the end of a corner routine but Isobel Nino proved equal to the effort. The Jets were looking to press high against the Roar but this did lead to some exposure at the back which granted the Roar some decent territory despite the pressure. 

Alex Smith encouraged his team to play a possession based style of football which equated to an impressive 89% passing accuracy stat after 20 minutes for the Roar. This resulted in several entries into the final third but the defence of the jets were able to hold strong and reduce the amount of chances created.

The middle portion of the first half was full of possession contests, predominantly in the Roar’s half as the Jets looked to apply as much pressure as possible. The best chance came in the 35th minute when the Roar did manage to work their way forward and a Mia Corbin cross dangerously looped past Nino who misread the delivery. The ball was cleared intelligently however off the far post to keep the fixture scoreless. 

In the 39th minute, the Jets won a corner as dividends for pressing and working the ball forward well. Libby Copus-Brown sent in a dangerous delivery to the edge of the six yard box which found the head of the prolific Bolden who converted into the far corner to give the Jets a lead before half-time.

Newcastle started the second half positively, with the same pace and pressing intensity they brought into the first half. After having managed to bridge the possession gap towards the end of the first half, Newcastle were looking to double their advantage against a dangerous Brisbane side. 

The first quality chance of the second half did fall in favour of the Roar however as Tameka Yallop won the ball in the attacking third and took a low driven shot from outside the box which was saved by Nino to her left. A point of emphasis for Brisbane in the second half was getting Yallop more involved as she had a very quiet first half. 

The game really opened up in the second half as the dangerous winger Lauren Allen worked her way forward down the right side. She set up a ground pass to the edge of the box which was struck well by Bolden but directed wide by the defence.

The Roar were looking much more purposeful when they got on the ball, playing a lot more forward passes and focusing more on creating chances rather than merely keeping possession. This led to a Norrie free kick in the 53rd minute which grazed the crossbar on the way over from long distance. 

Isobel Nino showed great command of her box, not allowing substitute Hecher or Corbin to create anything threatening as she confidently collected and allowed the attackers to press before calmly distributing. 

A significant chance did fall the way of the roar at the 35th minute when an inspired run from Sharn Freier led to a Kirkup strike which was deflected to Corbin who was unable to equalise thanks to a terrific recovery from Nino. 

After Brisbane kept piling on the pressure through the second half, a quick break forward instigated by Lorena Baumann at 76 minutes released Bolden into a one-on-one situation with Silkowitz and the Philippines international converted clinically to double their advantage.

Just a minute later, Bolden sealed her hat-trick in a similar but albeit more difficult breakaway. Substitute Lara Gooch played the ball forward to Bolden who took on a determined Norrie. While getting a slight step thanks to her pace, Bolden struck across goal to convert her hat-trick thanks to a friendly bounce of the post to finish up what was a perfect day for the Newcastle forward. 

From there, the Jets did not lift their foot off the gas pedal as Bolden had another chance in the 83rd minute. She got onto the end of a good cross but headed the ball over the bar to keep her tally at three for the game. 

This game was much closer than the score suggests, with it being in the balance right up until Bolden took it away from the Roar in the second half. A world class quality player can do that to a team and Bolden managed to show her class here in what’s been a terrific season for the forward. 

In a summary of Brisbane’s game and to an extent their season, Corbin hit the crossbar in the 94th minute of the game to mark the final chance for the unfortunate visitors. 

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-4-3): Nino, Baumann, Prior, Cicco, Karipidis, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Davis, Hoban, Bolden, L.Allan Substitutes: Dunbar, Barbieri, Gooch, J. Allan, Wilson

Scorers: Bolden 39′, 77′ 78′.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-3): Silkowitz, McQueen, McCormick, Norrie, Freier, Woods, Yallop, Kirkup, Brodigan, Corbin, Stephenson. Substitutes: Richards, Levin, Palmer, Davies, Hecher

Referee: Beth Rattray

Attendance: TBC

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A-League Women Media Conferences

Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woods reports on three different clubs’ media conferences ahead of Round 17 in the A-League Women (16/2/24).

Canberra United

By Ryan Miller-Woods

Above: Canberra’s Njegosh Popovich speaking to the media ahead of the tough clash with Sydney. Image: Canberra United.

The media heard from Canberra United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich and defender Emma Ilijoski ahead of Saturday’s match against Sydney FC. 

Canberra were just five minutes away from getting their fourth win of the season against Perth Glory last round. If they had prevailed, they could have gone into this round with the prospect of being just three points off finals (with a game in hand). However, they were denied of that by a truly outstanding goal from Perth’s Isobel Dalton from outside the box. 

Canberra will go into the match against Sydney knowing that they can take them on their day. The last time they faced each other, it ended in a 1-1 draw on January 3rd. 

With getting a point away from home against Perth Popovich was asked if he was happy to have come away from it with something come the final whistle, to which he said, “without a doubt! It is the hardest trip on the calendar (to Perth) but the way that the girls performed and the resilience they showed was great.” 

Club captain and all-time leading goalscorer in the A-League Women Michelle Heyman is having an obviously great season, leading the Golden Boot with 12 goals and second in the assists with five. The way she played last round, immediately after receiving her first call-up for Australia in six years proved exactly why she got that call-up in the first place, with a great game that included a brace, her third since she surpassed 100 goals in the league against Adelaide United in Round 11. 

With that said confidence that returning to the national team would have brought Heyman early last match, Popovich was asked about that, “it’s an interesting one, I think all of her hard work is paying off. She’s been working hard all year, and the big difference is that she’s hitting the back of the net now more consistently, but she leads by example.”  

When asked what he is expecting from Sydney FC this weekend, Popovich said, “I think much of the same, they’re deadly up top and we’ve got a gameplan going in and hopefully if we can execute, we will get the result.” Furthering on those plans, Popovich said, “I don’t think we individually target any player ever when we play against an opposition. As I’ve said before, and I’ll say it again, I think that they need to be conscious and worried about Michelle Heyman and what she’s going to do. Maybe Vesna Milivojevic and the run of form we’ve got with Nicki Flannery and Deven (Jackson) as well.” Showing massive confidence in his team, he boldly stated, “I think it’s more about them worrying about us than us worrying about them.” 

Above: The recently-returned Emma Ilijoski sharing her injury journey. Image: Canberra United.

Last round against Perth also saw the return of Emma Ilijoski who had been out for over a month due to injury. Unfortunately, the return of Ilijoski was not under the best circumstances, as teammate Cannon Clough had to be substituted prematurely during the second half due to sustaining a seemingly uncomfortable injury. 

When asked how it felt to be back playing, Ilijoski said, “it felt really good to be back on the field, obviously to be back with the team and get some minutes as well was important for me. It was a really good challenge. (The injury was) my kind-of first big setback in the A-League, so it was nice to work through it, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to support me on that journey.” On the injury itself, she shared, “I did some ligaments in my ankle but feeling good and firing and being back getting into training so that’s been really good.” 

Despite Canberra being at the bottom of the ladder after 15 games played, not only have they still played some great football, but finals are still a possibility in this chaotic and extended season if certain results go their way. They have the quality, talent, and attacking prowess that could beat any club in the league.  

When asked are finals still in her view, Ilijoski said, “without a doubt! We’re in this competition for a reason and I think it’s one game at a time for us. We’re focusing on three points each week, and the teams that we’re going to be coming up against have to kind of watch out in a way because every week we are really focused and it doesn’t matter who we’re versing, we have our gameplan and we’re focusing on ourselves. So we’re pushing for it.” 

Central Coast Mariners

By Ryan Miller-Woods

Above: Emily Husband speaking to the press. Image: Central Coast Mariners.

The media heard from Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband and Peta Trimis ahead of their upcoming match against Perth Glory on Saturday. 

Central Coast came away with a draw against Melbourne Victory last round, a disappointing result considering the chances they had. If the Mariners want to win on Sunday, they need to be more clinical in front of goal.  

They have the players to do that with Rola Badawiya and Wurigumula who have a combined 10 goals for the season, as well as players like Peta Trimis, Bianca Galic, and Isabel Gomez (who unfortunately is unavailable for the match due to suspension) providing that integral pass. If they do that and win this weekend, they’ll move up into finals position, displacing Perth in the process and potentially moving as high as fourth on the A-League Women’s ladder. 

When asked how she and the team are feeling ahead of the game against Perth, Husband said, “we’ve had a really good week this week. Obviously gutted not to come off the back of a more positive result but a draw at home against a really strong Victory side, we’ve got to be happy with.” 

When asked how the team felt after the match against Victory, Husband said, “it was good! Obviously, again to go in front a little bit earlier, it was something we spoke about from the week before having conceded early in the game against Western (United). That was an area of focus for us, we wanted to make sure we got off on a better front foot. (We) had some really good patches of football and defended well for good parts of the game as well. (But) sometimes you can’t stop quality strikes like (Emily) Gielnik had.” 

The last time Perth and the Mariners met, Perth prevailed as 2-1 winners in a match that was eerily similar to last week against Victory, with 22 shots with only half of those on target, and just one converted. Husband commented on that result that “the math doesn’t add.”  

As aforementioned, one vital player won’t be making the trip to Perth. Isabel Gomez has a one-game suspension for receiving five yellow cards during the season. Gomez has shone very brightly in the midfield, played some quality football well beyond her years. From an outside perspective, this loss looks as though it would negatively affect the Mariners, but Husband shared her confidence in her squad depth. 

When asked who the replacement for Gomez will be, Husband said, “we’ve got a good squad, a really competitive squad. There’s players coming in and out of it all the time, so we’re always prepared for these situations where certain players are unavailable. I’ll always back my team and I know we’ll still come out strong regardless. Every player plays a vital part to our season.” 

Above: The young and talented Peta Trimis chatting with the media. Image: Central Coast Mariners.

Another pivotal player for the Mariners this season is Peta Trimis, having had a great debut A-League Women’s season with Central Coast which has seen her play every match bar one and score three times this campaign, including last round against Victory. As recognition of her talent and efforts, Trimis was deservedly called up into the most recent Young Matildas squad for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan. 

On her thoughts from the match against Victory, Trimis said, “that was a really tough game, but a really good feeling getting on the scoresheet.” 

When asked what she’s expecting from Perth this weekend, Trimis said, “it’s going to be a tough game against Perth and a real decider leading towards finals but we’re going to give our all and hopefully come away with the win.”  

Wellington Phoenix

By Ryan Miller-Woods

Above: Manaia Elliot sharing her experience with the Phoenix so far. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

The media heard from the Wellington Phoenix’s Manaia Elliott and Zoe McMeeken ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Western United on Sunday. 

Wellington didn’t play last weekend due to a rescheduling of their home match against Adelaide United, which will now be contested on March 20th. Western, on the other hand, pulled off a come-from-behind 3-2 win last round against Brisbane Roar which currently puts them just a point behind the league leaders Melbourne City. 

Having spoken to the media on Wednesday, there was the announcement of Elliott onto a full-time contract from the scholarship contract she’d signed before the start of the season. Elliott has so far, played in 12 of the Phoenix’s 15 matches at this point of the campaign and has played a very important role throughout the season for Wellington.  

When asked about her thoughts on how she has found her first season in the A-League Women, she said, “it’s been so great, so far. (I’ve) been lucky to have opportunities to get minutes, not what I had expected from the start of the season but (I) put in a lot of work and that’s been good to get some minutes in the A-League .” 

Having started the season on a three-year deal that included two years as a scholarship player, the fact that she’s now on a full-time contract proves her worth within the Wellington squad and what she brings to the first team.  

When asked what she had hoped for going into this season as a scholarship player, Elliot said, “the good thing with coming in on (a) scholarship (contract) is that you don’t have too many expectations but as soon as you surpass what you think you could have done that’s just (an) extra benefit. I was always pushing to get some minutes this season and to start in the first game (of the season) was a bit of a shock but just took that in my stride and am happy with how I’m going so far.” 

The match against Western this round will be an important one for the Phoenix as it potentially could be the difference between making the finals or not. What is in the favour of Wellington is that the last time the two sides met in Round Four, the Phoenix prevailed with a 3-1 victory which included ‘that free kick’ by Macey Fraser. 

When asked what the team thinks they can achieve against Western United, Elliot said, “no doubt, Western United are a good team. We obviously have a lot of players away with the (New Zealand) Ferns but we have depth in our squad and the whole squad is going to be ready for the weekend to show. We might be the underdogs but we’re ready to take them on.” 

Above: Zoe McMeeken talks to the press about her improvement. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

A player who has not only had a breakout season for the Phoenix but is currently playing some of her best football is none other than Zoe McMeeken, in her third season with the club. Her role on the pitch has proved integral towards Wellington’s season with a never-say-die attitude, pace on the field and most importantly versatility when needed.  

Essentially, McMeeken has now taken over the role that ex-Wellington and current Central Coast Mariners player Isabel Gomez had in the club’s first season in the A-League Women. 

When asked how she has found this season to be with the Phoenix, McMeeken said, “I’m getting more game time so there’s not much to complain about. I think the team has been building, getting better each season. So, definitely enjoying this season a lot.” 

What has been one of the biggest benefits for McMeeken is that she has creative freedom on the pitch wherever she plays. This, allows her to be what she may want for a period of time during a match and be what she needs to be when called upon. One can really see the difference with McMeeken from last season to this season. 

On being asked whether she feels has improved defensively in the last couple of seasons, McMeeken said, “yeah! Personally, that’s definitely been my weak point, so it’s been something that I’ve been focusing on a lot but there’s still so much to improve on.” 

This weekend’s match against Western United will see Wellington without four of their players: Brianna Edwards, Kate Taylor, Mackenzie Barry and Michaela Foster. The depth of the squad will be tested but will allow the opportunity for a fringe player to stake their claim for more first-team football. 

When asked about the importance of the younger players to step up this weekend, McMeeken said, “I guess it’s more of an underdog mentality, kind of how we went into (the game) against Melbourne Victory with some Ferns being out. We really gave it to them. Hopefully, it is kind of a similar thing going into this game.” 

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Match Report: Melbourne Victory 4-0 Western Sydney Wanderers

By Emma Burke 16/2/24

Above: Emily Gielnik celebrates her second goal of the evening. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

It was all Victory all the time for Melbourne at the Home of the Matildas tonight as they steamrolled the Western Sydney Wanderers, defeating the visitors 4-0.

The scoring opened early for Victory through American import Mckenzie Weinert, who scored the first of her two goals of the evening. Key pressure from Alex Chidiac on Wanderers’ goalkeeper Kaylie Collins led to Weinert finding an opening to pick the keeper’s pocket and come away with the ball that she then sent into the goal with ease.

Victory had a chance to further their lead early in the second half through an expertly taken free kick from Elise Kellond-Knight, whose direct ball rattled the crossbar before coming to ground, unfortunately on the wrong side of the line.


It wasn’t long after that Melbourne did find their second of the night. A corner kick helmed by Kellond-Knight was sent in with pinpoint accuracy to find striker Emily Gielnik who made no mistake in heading the ball through traffic in the box and into the net.

Weinert scored her second of the night after a ball into the box went bouncing around and she ended up with the final touch on it before it crossed the line.

While Victory was playing some of the best football they have all season, Western Sydney could not find a way around them, any movement they made towards goal was either snuffed out by well timed defensive movements or wasted in an attempt to go long.

The long shot from Gielnik, however, launched from near the half-way line was no wasted effort. It sailed over the outstretched reach of Collins, who had come well off her line.

Gielnik’s second goal of the game makes her only the fifth player in the history of the Women’s A-League to score 50 goals, and what a goal it was.

Melbourne Victory (4-3-3): Newbon, Rankin, Hansen, D’Appolonia, Gielnik, Chidiac, Weinert, Checker, Morrison, Kellond-Knight, Lowe Substitutes: Nash, Murphy, Okino, Privitelli, Candy (gk)

Scorers: Weinert 21’, 63’, Gielnik 60’, 70’

Western Sydney Wanderers (3-4-1-2): Collins, Bruce, Ferris, Harrison, Price, Harding, Caceres, Matos, Rue, Apostolakis, Caspers Substitutes: Keir, Chessari, Buchanan, Morris, Khamis (gk)


Referee: Molly Godsell

The View from France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset résume la 15ème journée de D1 Arkema. 16/2/24

Ci-dessus : Ellie Carpenter, Olympique Lyonnais. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus71.

Reims 0-3 Montpellier

Domination des joueuses de Montpellier dans les 10 premières minutes qui se créé des occasions et 2 corners sans toutefois concrétiser. Bon débordement sur la droite et bon centre de Marie Levasseur à la 11ème minute mais qui passe devant les buts de Reims sans être repris par une de ses coéquipières.

Montpellier ouvre enfin le score à la 19èmeminute de jeu sur un magnifique coup franc tiré par Faustine Robert de 20 mètres qui met le ballon à ras de terre au ras du poteau droit.

Montpellier a failli aggraver le score à la 36èmeminute avec un tir sur le montant droit puis un autre sur le gauche dans la même action.

Belle occasion pour Reims à la fin de la première mi-temps sur un contre mais dégagée par Maria Petiteau, gardienne de Montpellier.

Le match est un peu plus équilibré en deuxième mi-temps avec Reims qui se créé enfin quelques occasions. Toutefois c’est Montpellier qui marque et fait le break à l’heure de jeu.

Ci-dessus : Marie Levasseur, Montpellier, lors du match contre Lyon en janvier 2024. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus 71.

A la fin du match sur une passe décisive de Marie Levasseur, qui fait encore un match très sérieux, Léa Khelifi marque le troisième but pour Montpellier.

Très bonne opération pour Montpellier qui reprend la 4ème place au classement qualificative pour les playoff.

Buteuses : Montpellier : Robert (19’), Ngeuleu (61’), Khelifi (90’+2).

Bordeaux 2–6 Paris FC

Il aura fallu attendre la 12ème minute de jeu dans un match dominé par le Paris FC en termes de possession de balle mais équilibré en termes d’occasions et de tirs, pour voir une sérieuse occasion pour le Paris FC par Julie Dufour.

A la 16ème minute de jeu, c’est toutefois Bordeaux qui ouvre le score par Hillary Diaz sur un cafouillage devant le but du Paris FC à la suite d’un coup franc.

Ci-dessus : Clara Matéo, Paris FC maillot bleu, lors du match de janvier 2024 contre Lyon. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus 71.

Le Paris FC égalise à la 27ème minute de jeu sur un tir de Daphné Corboz de 18 mètres sur lequel Justine Lerond, gardienne de Bordeaux, commet une erreur. 2 minutes plus tard, c’est Abigail Kim qui permet à Bordeaux de reprendre l’avantage.

Avec l’entrée de Mathilde Bourdieu et de Clara Matéo à la mi-temps, le match prend une tout autre tournure et le Paris FC prend un avantage de deux buts en 7 minutes grâce à 2 buts et 1 passe décisive de Clara Matéo.

Clara Matéo marquera un troisième but à la 72èmeminute.

Buteuses : Bordeaux : Diaz (16’), Kim (29’). Paris FC : Corboz (27’), Dufour (48’, 68’), Matéo (49’, 52’, 72’).

Lille 3–3 Le Havre

Un match un peu fou dans lequel aucune des deux équipes ne voulait perdre et qui se termina logiquement par un nul.

Ci-dessus : Cardia, Le Havre, lors du match d’octobre 2023 à Saint-Etienne. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus 71

Buteuses : Lille : Ribeyra (25’), Rabanne (48’), Pian (58’). Le Havre : Enguehard (4’), Cardia (45’), Benyahia (86’ sur penalty).

Guingamp 3–1 Fleury

Un match dominé d’un point de vue possession de balle par Fleury mais dans lequel Guingamp su être plus efficace. Sur plus de 20 tirs, Fleury ne fut capable d’en convertir qu’un seul à la fin du match.

Un mauvais résultat pour Fleury qui espérait remonter à la 4ème place du classement et qui au contraire recule à la 6ème place avec cette défaite.

Buteuses : Guingamp : Cambot (45’), Starova (48’ sur penalty), Peniguel (73’). Fleury : Fontaine (88’).

Saint-Etienne 2-0 Dijon

Un match équilibré dans lequel Saint-Etienne a su faire la différence en deuxième mi-temps et se donne un peu d’air par rapport au bas de tableau.

Buteuses : Saint-Etienne : Carage (59’), Caputo (87’).

Olympique Lyonnais 1–1 Paris Saint-Germain

Un match entre les deux équipes prétendantes à la première place du championnat de D1 Arkema avant les play-offs dans lequel les défenses ont pris le pas sur les attaques et qui se solde par un nul.

Ci-dessus : Clare Hunt, Paris SG (15) et Daniëlle Van De Donk, Lyon maillot blanc. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus 71.

C’était un match très engagé avec de nombreuses fautes pas toujours signalées par l’arbitre.

Selma Bacha, Lyon arrière gauche, a encore réalisé un grand match tant comme défenseure que pour aider l’attaque de Lyon.

Ci-dessus : Selma Bacha, Lyon maillot blanc, qui passe entre 2 joueuses du Paris SG. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impatus 71.

Il y avait 21 734 spectateurs, à très large majorité pour Lyon, et qui ont aidés les Lyonnaises à égaliser en fin de match sur un tir de Delphine Cascarino dévié dans son propre but par Elisa De Almeida. Delphine a été nommée joueuse du match alors qu’elle n’est rentrée qu’à la 68ème minute de jeu.

Buteuses : Lyon : De Almeida (90’ Contre son Camp). Paris SG : Chawinga (66’).

The Uzbekistan dossier

Ahead of next week’s first leg of the Olympic Games Final Qualifying Round tie between Australia and Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Ben Gilby takes a look at what The Matildas can expect (15/2/24).

Above: Umida Zoirova (15) celebrates a goal for Uzbekistan with Aziza Norboyeva (18). Photo: AFC.

Next Saturday, Australia venture to Tashkent to take on Uzbekistan with a place in the Paris Olympic Games the reward for the winner of the two-legged tie. For the Central Asian hosts of the first match, it’s the biggest opportunity in the history of their national women’s side.

Whilst Uzbekistan are yet to qualify for any major international tournament outside of the Asian confederation, they can point to two successive Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Cup Final victories, five qualifications for the Asian Women’s Cup, and an impressive run of results in the Olympic Games qualification competition so far.

How they’ve got this far

Round One

Whilst Australia received a bye through to the second round of the qualification competition for Paris 2024, Uzbekistan began their task almost 14 months ago in Tashkent. The fourth highest-ranked team in this stage of the tournament, Uzbekistan made short work of their opponents scoring 19 goals in the three games, with none conceded in their successes over Bhutan (9-0), Timor-Leste (3-0), and Jordan (7-0). Diyora Khabibullaeva hit seven goals in the process.

Above: Uzbekistan line up ahead of their 9-0 win over Bhutan in the first group stage of qualifying. Photo: UFA.

Round Two

For the second stage in a row, Tashkent hosted all of the matches in the group stage involving Uzbekistan. They went into the round-robin ranked as the third highest of the four nations competing alongside Japan, Vietnam, and India.

Ranked 50th in the world, Uzbekistan started their second stage group games against World Cup qualifiers Vietnam. Knowing that this opening game could be the key encounter in pushing for a place in the next round, Head Coach Midori Honda selected an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation. Despite Vietnam conjuring the best opportunities of the opening period, it was the hosts who scored the only goal of the game as Umida Zoirova played a one-touch pass to Nozimaxon Ergasheva who won a corner. As the set piece came across, Zoirova played a glorious touch for Khabibullaeva to sweep home what would be the only goal of the game.

Second up for Uzbekistan was a tough assignment against World Cup quarter-finalists Japan, the world’s 11th-ranked side at the time. In a hint as to what Australia could expect line-up and formation-wise, Honda switched to a defensive 5-3-2 setup with Maftuna Shoyimova and Modina Khikmatova adding extra ballast and Nilufar Kudratova replacing hot shot Khabibullaeva up front. The outcome was a 2-0 victory for Japan with Moeka Minami and Remina Chiba scoring within five minutes of each other during the opening quarter of an hour.

The last group game paired Uzbekistan with India, the lowest-ranked nation in their group. A strong victory would ensure the Central Asian nation would progress into the final round of qualifying and Honda responded with the emphasis on attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

India offered little resistance and went behind with just two minutes on the clock. Lyudmila Karachik’s corner was turned across the box by the returning Khabibullaeva for all-time record scorer Kudratova to direct into the net. Six minutes into the second half, Khabibullaeva found Zoirova in the box, who threaded a pass through the eye of a needle for captain Karachik to sidefoot home. Seven minutes from the end, a sumptuous team goal sealed Uzbekistan’s passage to the final qualifying round as three rapid-fire one-touch passes around the centre circle saw the ball played out to the right wing before play returned to the central area outside the area, where a further three one-touch passes ended with Karachik to fire home the winner.

The Head Coach

Above: Uzbekistan’s head coach, Midori Honda. Photo: The Japan News.

Midori Honda is a tactically astute head coach who has been in charge of Uzbekistan for two years. A defender throughout her playing career, Honda won a total of 43 caps for Japan having made her international debut at the age of 16 against Chinese Taipei in the Asian Cup with her final appearance coming ten years later at the 1991 World Cup. In her 19 games in charge, Uzbekistan has won nine times and finished fourth in the Asian Games.

Playing style

Uzbekistan are a team able to mix their formation depending on whether in possession or not and with talented midfield and attack weapons, Australia will have to be on the front foot to clinch their spot in the Paris Olympics.

Given time and space, Midori Honda’s side are very comfortable on the ball. Uzbekistan thrive when they are able to play a rapid-fire passing game in the centre of midfield and link up with their wide players. They have midfielders and attackers who are comfortable in possession, full of pace, and have the confidence to beat their defender and look for an incisive pass.

The battle of the midfield will be the key area of this tie – particularly in the first leg as Uzbekistan have a bank of attack-minded threats (see Key players, below) who have excellent footwork and can thread passes between defenders to unlock a backline.

Above: The 34,000 seater Milliy Stadium, venue for the first leg of Australia’s Olympic qualifier with Uzbekistan. Photo: Wikipedia.

This ability was highlighted perfectly with Uzbekistan’s breathtaking third goal in their win over India in the second group stage of qualifying. Three one-touch passes in the centre circle area of the field before the ball was fed out wide were then followed by a further three rapid-fire one-touch passes on the edge of the box leading to Karachik firing home from long range.

Honda’s side are happy to let the opposition have possession in their own half, but when that switches into the front third, the side revert to lines of five and two in front of their last three outfield players. In this situation, Uzbekistan have a tendancy to leave a lot of space between their two centre backs, Nafisa Nabiqulova and Kamila Zaripova, which the Matildas will need to ruthlessly exploit. A combination of perfectly threaded balls between the pair, or balls over the top, can pay dividends.

It is this part of the game that has the potential to bring Australia success. Uzbekistan have conceded 25 goals in their last 10 games – a run that has seen them lose 6-0 and 7-0 to China, plus 8-0 to North Korea since the end of September 2023.

In goal, Maftuna Jonimqulova is an excellent shot-stopper but can find a high ball into the box from crosses, set-pieces challenging on occasion.

Key players

Dilrabo Asadova

The 27-year-old is a tidy defender who is unharried and looks composed on the ball. Asadova started the games against Vietnam and India in which Uzbekistan kept clean sheets to earn their status as the best-placed runner-up in the second round group stage. Asadova is a key link player with Lyudmila Karachik in front of her.

Lyudmila Karachik
Above: Uzbekistan captain Lyudmila Karachik. Photo: All Football.

This 29-year-old attacking midfielder, who has captained her national side has pace and guile in abundance with excellent footwork out wide to turn and beat defenders. Karachik is a bag of tricks who can drop deep to start moves and looks to initiate one-touch rapid passing in the midfield. A player who loves to beat a defender and accelerate away, Karachik has good close control and a strong awareness of those around her.

Diyora Khabibullaeva
Above: Uzbekistan’s hot-shot striker Diyora Khabibullaeva (right). Photo: UFA.

This 24-year-old striker is sharp and clinical, boasting a superb international record of 27 goals in 25 games, including nine in this Olympic qualification series alone. Khibibullaeva is just three goals away from equalling the Uzbekistan national record of 30 held by Nilufar Kudratova. A creative dynamo who combines an ability to combine both close-range finishing in a poacher’s style with jinking play around the box, Khibibullaeva will be someone that the Matildas defence will have to keep a close eye on.

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Blayney reveals U20 Asian Cup squad

by Ryan Miller-Woods at Watermans Cove, Sydney (14/2/24).

Above: Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney (centre) with squad members (left to right) Claudia Cicco, Zara Kruger, Lara Gooch, and Shay Hollman today in Sydney. Photo: Tiff Williams, supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.

Ahead of next month’s AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, Young Matildas’ Head Coach Leah Blayney announced her talented 23-player squad that will be headed to Uzbekistan next month.

Blayney knows that if her side can finish in the top two spots in their group which also contains hosts Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei, they will automatically qualify for the 2024 U-20 World Cup in Colombia in August and September.

If they qualify, it will be the first time they’ll have entered the tournament directly since 2006 – a tournament that Blayney was in as a player.

In what was a real highlight from the squad announcement, 22 of the 23 players are currently plying their trade in the A-League Women with only Milly Boughton, on loan at third-tier English side Ipswich Town from WSL club Tottenham Hotspur being the exception.

Above: Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney at today’s media event in Sydney. Photo: Tiff Williams, supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.

In terms of the squad itself and what was the biggest challenge with picking the final 23 players for the upcoming AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, Blayney said: “I think the fact that we have so many talented players across the country right now all competing for 23 spots.

“I definitely had some tough decisions that myself and our technical team did have to make that went down to the wire for some players and essentially we feel we’ve landed on a group that brings a lot of different qualities to bring our playing style to life, getting a lot of high match minutes in their A-League clubs as well as players who are in form.”

When asked what she’s looking for in this camp ahead of next month’s U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, the Young Matildas head coach said: “I’m very much invested in what we look like with and without the ball and then obviously, how we’re going to look to counter-act some of the strengths we know our opponents have in those matches.”

The influx of talent coming through the Australian footballing system, especially in more recent times within the NPLW and the A-League Women with youngsters playing with skill well beyond their years, emphasises what an exciting time in Australian football this is.

With the expanded Future Matildas program and how that has helped develop the Young Matildas, Blayney said: “It’s been excellent, in terms of reaching more players across the country and being able to deliver some of our national team content into them while they are in their NPL clubs and that environment outside of the A-League (Women), just additional touchpoints, additional opportunities for staff to work with a number of players from all over the country.”

Young Matildas Squad for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup:

NamePositionClub
Alexia ApostolakisDefenderWestern Sydney Wanderers
Tegan BertolissioDefenderCanberra United
Milly BoughtonForwardIpswich Town (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
Madeleine CaspersMidfielderSydney FC
Georgia CassidyMidfielderPerth Glory
Claudia CiccoDefenderNewcastle Jets
Indiana dos SantosMidfielderSydney FC
Jynaya dos SantosForwardSydney FC
Gemma FerrisDefenderWestern Sydney Wanderers FC
Tahlia FrancoGoalkeeperSydney
Daniela GalicMidfielderMelbourne City
Lara GoochForwardNewcastle Jets
Sasha GroveDefenderCanberra United
Shay HollmanMidfielderSydney
Kahli JohnsonForwardWestern United
Zara KrugerMidfielderSydney
Chloe LincolnGoalkeeperCanberra United
Tijan McKennaDefenderMelbourne City
Alana MurphyMidfielderMelbourne Victory
Jessika NashDefenderMelbourne Victory
Naomi Thomas-ChinnamaDefenderMelbourne City
Peta TrimisForwardCentral Coast Mariners
Grace WilsonGoalkeeperAdelaide United

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A-League Women Awards: Round 16

Members of the Impetus team of contributors covering the competition unveil their choices of player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of all the votes and just before Finals, reveal which player and coach have received the most votes across the season to be named the Impetus A-League Women Player and Coach of the Season 14/2/24.

Player of the week

Kieran Yap

Melissa Barbieri. At 43 her legend is still being written and was the standout player when City held on for a 0-0 draw with Sydney FC. 

There was no way past the former Matildas skipper and current Melbourne City assistant coach even though Sydney tried everything including a penalty kick. 

Ben Carey

Michelle Heyman’s two goals and Sharn Freier’s two assists were certainly up there as top performances this round, but for me its impossible to go past Melissa Barbieri as the very best of the round. Her performance against Sydney FC was out of this world. Seven saves and a penalty save to single handedly keep Melbourne City in the game. At 43 years old, she’s proving that age is just a number.

Coach of the week

Kieran Yap

Robbie Hooker. It wasn’t the Wanderers best performance of this season, but it was essential that they win to maintain their finals push. They were able to avoid a slump in form with a first win in three games. 

Ben Carey

Kat Smith. Her team, Western United, were down 2-1 against a spirited Brisbane Roar at halftime. Smith was able to inspire her players and employ different tactics to not only reclaim a point, but to snatch all three at the death.

Moment of the week

Kieran Yap

Chloe Largazo’s late winner from the penalty spot was the perfect way to celebrate her return to the national team. It also signalled that Western United are approaching peak form as the season nears its final stages. 

Ben Carey

Barbieri’s penalty save against Princess Ibini in the 57th minute. The penalty was placed in the bottom left corner of the goals. Barbieri read it perfectly and pulled out a spectacular diving save to deny Sydney the go-ahead goal.

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Norfolk Weekend Wrap

By Darrell Allen 13/2/24

Martham (Pictured) recorded their first ever victory as a women’s team beating Freethorpe 4-1 on Sunday in Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two. Credit – Martham FC

Fa Women’s National League Division One South East

Norwich City’s trip to Haywards Heath was postponed due to a Waterlogged pitch. 

Eastern Region Premier Division

Wroxham changed their game vs Barking from their usual home at Trafford Park to the 3G facility at The Nest to ensure the match was played and it was worth their while as a goal from Albany Hodgson saw Wroxham take a 1-0 win. It was a much needed win for Adam Race’s team who had lost all three of their league games in 2024 before Sunday’s victory. 

The game between Kings Lynn Town and Bowers & Pitsea at The Walks was postponed due to a Waterlogged pitch. 

Eastern Region Division One North

It was a total wash out in Tier Six as Dussindale’s and Hellesdon’s trip to Biggleswade United, Mulbarton Wanderers visit to Histon plus Fakenham’s home game with Stevenage and Thetford’s visit from Harpenden were all postponed due to Waterlogged pitches. 

Ella Burnley (Pictured) scored the winner for University of East Anglia in Extra time vs Sprowston to send them to the League Cup Final. Credit – Ben Cunningham

Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup Semi Finals

University of East Anglia and Sprowston played out a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes thanks to a Natasha Harvey free kick for UEA and a Breana Rudd goal for Sprowston. The tie was decided late in extra time when Ella Burnley found the net to send UEA into the League Cup Final for the second consecutive season.

Bungay Town also progressed to the final by way of a walkover, their semi final at Aylsham was cancelled due to Aylsham being unable to raise a side. 

Celebrations in the University of East Anglia dressing room after their 2-1 extra time victory over Sprowston to reach the Norfolk Women and Girls Leageu Cup Final. Credit – UEA WFC

Norfolk Women and Girls Plate Cup Quarter Finals

Favourites for the plate cup Tier Seven Mulbarton Wanderers made hard work of overcoming Tier Eight Horsford Harriers thanks to goals from Megan Anderton and Mary-Anne Hoy in a narrow 2-1 victory. 

Elsewhere Bure Valley also progressed to the Semi Finals and will be Mulbarton’s biggest threat to the trophy but they progressed without playing after South Walsham Lingwood were unable to raise a side. 

The tie between Beccles Town Development and Great Yarmouth was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and will now take place this coming Sunday 18th February. 

The day’s final tie between North Walsham Town and Mundford was also postponed as Mundford have been disqualified from the Plate competition after fielding an ineligible player in their win in the last round vs FC Viking Valkyries. 

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Caister and Thorpe St Andrew faced off in the days only Tier Seven fixture. The game originally scheduled to played at Sir George Morse Park the home of Thorpe St Andrew but this was waterlogged so the game was reversed to Caister’s home The Allendale on Sunday after some quick early morning efficiency from both clubs, Norfolk County FA and the League. 

The game saw Caister take a 6-0 victory thanks to a Hat-Trick from Hazel Saddington, a brace from Rebecca Waters and a single goal from Iola Vanharen. The victory saw Matthew Smith’s side return to the top of the table on goal difference and still with a game in hand. 

Freya Hills was Player of the Match for Caister in their 6-0 victory vs Thorpe St Andrew on Sunday, Long time club sponsor and supporter Dave Roots pictured here presenting Freys her Player of the Match award after the game. Credit – Caister FC

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

With Bure Valley not in action, Stalham Town returned to the top of Tier Eight with a 3-0 victory at Waveney thanks to a Hat-Trick from Abigail Gower. 

In the day’s only other Tier Eigh game, Martham created Norfolk’s football story of the weekend, with a 4-1 victory over Freethorpe. Bethany Shearing scored a brace, with Lucy Ingham and Hayley Bradford getting their other goals. Michaela Stordy scored for Freethorpe. It was an historic day for Martham as this was their first win and points of the season and their first ever victory as a Women’s team. 

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

Dussindale & Hellesdon were 4-0 winners at Loddon United thanks to a brace from Laurs Jenkins and goals from Helen Finn and Katy Pointer. 

Rockland United were 4-0 winners at Waveney thanks to a brace from Rebecca Humphreys and goals from Hannah Godbold and Leanne Warnes. 

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

It was a wash out in 7’s Division Two as Aylsham vs University of East Anglia, Hockering vs Madra and Yarmouth FC vs Bulldogs were all postponed due to waterlogged pitches. 

11’s Friendly

With both sides not having a competitive fixture CostesseySports from Tier Seven played Bure Valley from Tier Eight in a friendly with Costessey Sports running out 2-1 winners. Abbie Tate and Hannah Campbell scored for Costessey Sports with Willow Nye scoring for Bure Valley. 

Celebrations for Bure Valley after Willow Nye scored for them in their 2-1 friendly defeat at Costessey Sports on Sunday. Credit – Shay Porter. 

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Pedro Martínez Losa Names Scotland Squad Ahead of Pinatar Cup

With the Pinatar Cup just days away Pedro Martínez Losa has named his Scotland side who will take part in the competition hoping to secure Scotland’s second trophy in 4 years.

Scotland have done well in recent years when playing in the Pinatar Cup finishing Winners in 2020 and third place in 2023 but this time around the competition is a little more challenging as Scotland faces the Philippines who finished 4th in last season’s tournament in a Semi-Final clash on 24th February and if Scotland was to overcome that task they would have to play either Slovenia or Finland in the Final.

Jane Ross returns to the squad after a 17-month absence due to a knee injury. The striker already has 146 caps to her name and has made a blistering return to the game, scoring 11 goals in 8 games for Rangers. Chelsea Cornet, Leah Eddie and Hayley Lauder also return to the twenty three player Squad.

Jane Ross playing for Scotland before Injury

Amy Gallacher, Abi Harrison, Kirsty Maclean, Emma Mukandi and Rachel McLauchlan have all been dropped from the thirty player provisional squad.

With Scotland going into this tournament as the highest-ranked nation and the favourites a lot of pressure will be on this Scotland side however with the vast experience of players like Martha Thomas, Jane Ross and Erin Cuthbert the task should be fairly simple.