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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
For this week’s ‘WA On Wednesday’ feature, Hyundai NTC’s Violet Longmore talks to Ben Gilby abouther 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.”
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.
Layla
ADAMS
Goalkeeper
Gold Coast United / Football Queensland
Caoimhe
BRAY
Goalkeeper
Emerging Jets / Northern NSW Football
Danella
BUTRUS
Forward
FV Emerging / Football Victoria
Ruby
CUTHBERT
Defender
Brisbane Roar / Football West
Sienna
DALE
Forward
Manly FC / Football New South Wales
Sian
DEWEY
Midfielder
Adelaide United FC / Football South Australia
Indiana
DOS SANTOS
Midfielder
Sydney FC / Football New South Wales
Emma
DUNDAS
Midfielder
Newcastle Jets FC / Northern NSW Football
Mikayla
DUONG
Midfielder
FNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
Alice
FRANCOU
Forward
FV Emerging / Football Victoria
Tiana
FULLER
Forward
FNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
Ehva
GUTSZMIT
Midfielder
FV Emerging / Football Victoria
Isabela
HOYOS
Defender
FQ-QAS / Football Queensland
Alvina
KHOSHABA
Defender
FNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
Christina
KICEEC
Defender
FNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
Shelby
MCMAHON
Midfielder
Melbourne City FC / Football Queensland
Kiera
MEYERS
Midfielder
Melbourne City FC / Football Victoria
Chloe
PARKER
Defender
FQ-QAS / Football Queensland
Lily
PUNCH
Forward
FQ-QAS / Football Queensland
Jessica
SKINNER
Goalkeeper
Perth Glory FC / Football West
Amelia
TARTAGLIA
Defender
FV Emerging / Football Victoria
Annabelle
YATES
Defender
Melbourne Victory FC / Football Victoria
Talia
YOUNIS
Midfielder
Western Sydney Wanderers FC / Football New South Wales
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
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”.
The start of last month Chelsea had quadruple dreams that were crushed by Arsenal in the Conti Cup final. Then there was a treble dream but their successful run in the FA cup competition came to an end yesterday as Manchester United got their revenge for both the final last season and their trashing at Stamford Bridge by denying them a ticket to Wembley to face Tottenham Hotspur.
After the Lillywhite side of North London secured their own win in extra time, eyes turned to Leigh Sports Village to see who would join them.
Current leaders Chelsea showed signs of cracking under their tight schedule. That would be enough for any team but it also comes not less than a week after the international break, where nearly every single player in the starting XI played for country opposed to Manchester United who had a pretty much rested squad compared to their opponents.
Lucia García had a shock opening goal in a feisty match up between the two sides then Rachel Williams doubled the lead 22 minutes later. Again, the match was a prime example of how the international schedule is affecting club performances. Kadeisha Buchanan played in the SheBelieves final for Canada only four days ago and Jess Carter made the switch from centre back to left back for England to only go back today. Both of these players started the game and formed the centre back pairing.
It is not to make excuses for the visiting side but it is an important factor to remember when it comes to club performances. It is not the first time that we have seen this over the season. Teams like Leicester, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur kicked off their season campaigns with a bang opposed to the higher ranked sides in the table. A clear reason was because the teams had significantly less players at the World Cup so had more time to rest and recover.
Lauren James was able to pull one back in extra time for Chelsea in the first half. She had a frustrating game due to her retaliating to the Red’s fouls on her and a questionable incident with Millie Turner- which led to her seeing a yellow card.
Chelsea’s attack got better in the second half as Mayra Ramírez was able to cut through in the defence not long after the whistle blew in the restart but her efforts fell short. Whatever Emma Hayes’ half time pep talk was, it worked as they came out a different team and were attacking more. Ultimately it did not work for the reigning champions.
The visitors had two calls for a penalty. A handball from Katie Zelem and then Niamh Charles fouled in the box by Lucia García . The decision went against them.
The Blue’s play was scrappy at times so the Red’s were able to take advantage by taking a calmer approach to their play. They were sloppy and giving away more fouls than usual so the hosts were able to use that.
Manchester United struggled themselves at times to get into the game and were only able to clasp onto Chelsea’s mistakes opposed to making their own chances. Mary Earps found her groove again and was able to pull on some much needed saves for her side and ultimately were able to secure a back to back ticket to Wembley.
Tottenham Hotspur await the Reds but in a major twist in the tale, Spurs’ will have to do it without their shining star, Grace Clinton, because she is on loan from United. If that will be an advantage, time will tell.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)
Earps; Mannion, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell ; Naalsund, Zelem ; García, Toone, Galton ; Williams
Ben Gilby provides a full report from the game of the week along with all the details from the round’s other three matches along with photography from Rob Lizzi and Denyse McCulloch(15/4/24)
Above:Ella Lincoln (darker hair facing camera) celebrates after her corner ended up in the net to give Perth SC a 2-1 win over Balcatta Etna on Saturday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Game of the week
Perth SC 2-1 Balcatta Etna
by Ben Gilby
Perth SC gained a vital win in the early context of the season as they put in a tactically astute display to become the first side this season to defeat Balcatta Etna in the NPLA WA.
This was a big game for so many reasons. Balcatta’s starting line-up contained a host of players who wore the Azzurri of the home side last season, along with visitors’ head coach Pete Rakic also returning to Dorrien Gardens. Perth SC conversely had Kim McCartney, Baxter Thew, and Epril Nossent in their squad – a trio who were with Balcatta last year.
After Perth SC’s reversal at home to Perth RedStar last weekend, Danielle Brogan’s side could ill-afford another loss to a team likely to be top-four rivals this season in successive weeks. Thanks to a well-organised performance across the park, there was no need to worry.
The Azzurri set their stall out from the start, and it was impressive. Not only were they looking to maintain possession at all times, but when they didn’t have the ball, they imposed a very tight press on Balcatta which limited the visitors’ potential ball-playing skills and threaded balls. It also had the impact, particularly in the first 25 minutes, of making Balcatta force the pass which earned Perth turnover ball.
The home side had a minor opportunity with a long-range shot after 12 minutes, but they would soon hit the front, and in some style too.
Just five minutes later, Ella Lincoln turned her opponent beautifully and advanced up the centre channel, and found Jess Flannery outside her. The hard-working attacker took the ball on before dispatching a powerful shot into the net with some aplomb.
Perth remained on the front foot and, just after the 20-minute mark, Charli Wainwright was denied by the tackle of Rachel Jarvis just as she was about to pull the trigger.
On the rare occasions that Balcatta were getting forward, they were well marshalled by the home side. A case in point was Monique Prinsloo’s sortie up the left flank which was rendered fruitless as she was pushed closer and closer to the touchline by the Perth defence.
With 31 minutes played, the Azzurri came desperately close to doubling their advantage as Flannery sent a vicious free-kick from left of centre outside of the box crashing off of the right-hand post.
Above: Balcatta Etna’s Liana Cook (darker shirt) contests possession on Saturday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The remaining 10 minutes of the opening period saw the visitors at their best from an attacking perspective as Liana Cook sent a header goalwards from a corner that Bailey did well to get down and hold at her left-hand post.
Former Perth star Faye Phillips was also becoming ever-prominent for Balcatta. First, she floated in a free-kick that was headed clear into the path of Jamie-Lee Gale who hit a low long ranger shot which Bailey pushed away. Then, she forced Bailey into another save with an effort from outside the box.
It was the home side that made the first telling effort in the second period. If last week the story for Perth SC was not taking chances when they came, this week they put that right with a vital early goal.
Above: Ella Lincoln – another impressive performance. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Alyssa van Heurck lost possession to Lincoln on the edge of the box. The Perth attacker dispatched a goalward effort that Bailey got down well at the right-hand post to push away for a corner. Lincoln trotted over to take the set-piece, which on first viewing, looked to curled a sensational effort straight into the net, although it was subsequently tallied as an own goal by Liana Cook.
Shortly afterwards, it could have been game over without doubt as Flannery looked up, saw Bennett well off her line, and lifted an exquisite lob over her former teammate, but also just over the bar.
Perth SC were ruthless and relentless – they were giving Balcatta no space in which to play, with the tight defensive press combined with Azzuri shirts looking to plug the channels as well.
Above: Perth SC look to remain resolute at the back in the closing stages. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Just before the hour mark though, the visitors did get the ball in the net as Gale’s cross from the right to the back post ended up with Prinsloo sliding the ball home, only to see the offside flag raised.
They had better luck less than two minutes later as Abbey Meakins sent a powerful low free-kick into the right-hand corner of the net against her former Perth SC teammates. It was game on.
Both teams stepped up to the plate in a hugely enjoyable last 20 minutes. Meakins played in Gale on the edge of the box which brought Bailey into the action once more to save. Moments later there was a chance at the other end as Lincoln broke through and found Flannery outside her, but Bennett held firm in the Balcatta goal.
Flannery was expending a lot of energy once more. She is an absolute machine out there week-in-week-out. With five minutes remaining, she had another opportunity from a free-kick from the right of centre just outside the box, but Bennett saved. Also impressive was Charli Wainwright who turned her marker brilliantly to race through before being beaten by the acute angle she had left herself with.
Lucy Jerram has been in sensational form for Balcatta this season, but the tight press and organised defence of Perth SC meant that she cut a largely peripheral figure in this game – until that is the final moments when she had several chances to impact the outcome of this game.
Above: Charli Wainwright, who showed some excellent touch and skill once more on Saturday night. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The sighter came with two minutes of normal time remaining after she was found from a ball from the right, her shot went well over the top. A minute into stoppage time, Jerram raced in on Bailey who was trying to clear the ball and got the deflection, but it wouldn’t go goalwards. Then, moments later she got the opportunity to pull the trigger at last, but Bailey saved at the cost of a corner that was cleared.
This was an excellent victory for Perth SC, and with two big-name players with A-League Women and international experience tipped to be on their way to Dorrien Gardens, great things can happen at the club this year.
Whilst Balcatta have gone down to their first league defeat of the season, there is still plenty of time for their new-look team to gel – and with two A-League Women players thought to be coming their way in the near future too, exciting times remain at Grindleford Reserve.
Further images from Rob Lizzi at Perth SC v Balcatta Etna:
Round wrap:
Fremantle City 0-2 Hyundai NTC
Hyundai NTC continued their perfect start to the season by defeating a Fremantle City side that are still looking for their first win of the campaign after a tough opening three weeks of fixtures for the port city club.
The visitors took the lead with 21 minutes on the clock as, following an excellent controlled move of passing football, Maja Archibald was released to drive through the middle and lift a superb shot over Freo keeper Dayle Schroeder from the edge of the box.
GOAL! 20:55
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Hyundai NTC W in the Fremantle City W vs Hyundai NTC W match at Hilton Park.
The NTC left it until four minutes before the end to secure the points when Hannah Collins fired a penalty kick high into the right-hand roof of the net.
Murdoch University Melville 1-4 Subiaco
Above: Murdoch University Melville fire in a shot at home to Subiaco. Photo: Denyse McCulloch (Denyse RM Photography Facebook).
Subiaco gained their first win of the season with success at Besteam Stadium on Sunday against a Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) side who are still looking for their first victory for 2024.
Subi hit the front just before the quarter-hour mark as they took advantage of the home side finding it hard to clear their lines. Danielle Suckling played the ball forward towards Tayna Campos who went one on one with home keeper Manon Gebauer, with the ball coming back for Frankie Murray Hocking to sweep home from close range.
Two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half, the visitors increased their advantage in some style. Shelby Cochran, to the right of centre in midfield laid a low ball back for Danielle Suckling to let fly with a sensational shot from almost 40 yards.
GOAL! 47:03
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Subiaco AFC W in the MUM FC W vs Subiaco AFC W match at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University.
The home side got a foothold back in the game five minutes into the second half when Luana Ascenzo-Cabello’s corner on the right came into the back post and after a minor scramble, a penalty was awarded for an apparent handball. Up stepped Ascenzo-Cabello to dispatch the ball into the right-hand corner.
Subiaco secured the points with two late goals. First, Frankie Murray-Hocking’s free-kick on the right wing was met by the stooping head of Dakota Van-Vugt which looped the ball up over the MUM FC defence and in. Van-Vugt got her second from the toes of teammate Campos, directing the ball goalwards.
Above: Murdoch University Melville goalkeeper Manon Gebauer makes a save. Photo: Denyse McCulloch ( (Denyse RM Photography Facebook).
Perth RedStar 7-0 UWA-Nedlands
Perth RedStar went top of the NPLW WA ladder with a comprehensive win over league newcomers UWA-Nedlands at RedStar Arena on Sunday.
The home side went into the lead just after the half-hour mark when Reina Kagami played a short pass to Renee Leota who in turn found Lauren Continibali outside her on the right wing. The former Balcatta player ran up the line and played in a low ball for an unmarked Caitlin Doeglas who was centrally positioned on the edge of the box to lift a glorious first-time lofted shot into the net.
The hosts ultimately secured the points with a further two goals in two minutes before the break. Just six minutes after Doeglas’ goal, the hosts doubled their advantage. Some classy quick-footed passes on the right wing found Kagami just inside from the flank and over 25 yards from goal. The Japanese star looked up and lifted a sumptuous lob which, despite Morgan Springer’s best efforts to get a hand to, nestled into the back of the net.
GOAL! 36:32
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the Perth Redstar W vs UWA Nedlands FC W match at Redstar Arena.
Continibali and Doeglas combined with deadly effect once more for RedStar’s third. Some superb footwork along the right once more from the former led to a centimetre-perfect ball played in for Doeglas who escaped from the attentions of the visiting defence to head home.
RedStar went on to add a further four goals to establish themselves as the new league leaders. First, 11 minutes into the second period, Doeglas was found on the left flank and crossed in for Jayna Ridley towards the back of the box who couldn’t quite get an effort in on goal, but was able to direct the ball for Olivia Wood to volley over Springer.
With 66 minutes played, it was 5-0 when a long-range shot from Carroll bounced its way into the bottom right corner of the net. Two minutes later, the scoring was completed as Ridley was brought down on the edge of the right-hand side of the box. Up stepped Carroll to curl the resulting free-kick into the near side corner of the net.
There was a quarter of an hour remaining when Arai Manami laid off to Ridley who played the ball straight across to Kagami outside her. It was another brilliant finish from Kagami who hit a first-time sidefooted shot into the right-hand corner of the net.
Above: A smiling Marianna Tabain (white shirt) was back in action for Subiaco. Photo: Denyse McCulloch (Denyse RM Photography Facebook).
impetusfootball.org 