Ceri Flye (Left) scored for Norwich City in their 4-1 home win over AFC Sudbury. Credit – Norwich City Women FC
FA Women’s National League Division One South East
Norwich City rounded off their home fixtures for the season with a 4-1 win over AFC Sudbury. Natasha Snelling scored a brace with Ceri Flye and Lauren Hailes scoring the other two goals. Aliyat Lambe scored for AFC Sudbury.
Eastern Region Premier Division
Wroxham were 2-1 winners at home to Stevenage thanks to a brace from Lara Densley. Hannah Nebbitt got the goal for Stevenage.
Eastern Region Division One North
Dussindale & Hellesdon continue to lead the way in Tier Six following a 4-0 win at Stevenage Development. Alisha Juby scored a brace with Siesha Humphries and Isabelle Moore scoring the other goals.
Mulbarton Wanderers continued their fine form with a 2-0 win over Biggleswade United, the goals were scored by Rebekah Lake and Molly Ryan.
Fakenham Town were beaten 5-1 at home by Haprenden Town. Shelley Woods scored for Fakenham Town but a Sophia Amanor Hat-Trick and a Rebecca McShane brace saw Harpenden Town take all three points.
Rebekah Lake (Right) scored for Mulbarton Wanderers in their 2-0 win over Biggleswade United. Credit – Ben Cunningham
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Sprowston took over the lead of Tier Seven with a 5-0 win over University of East Anglia. Bailey Duffield and Holly Whayman both scored a brace each with Rose Milligan scoring the other goal.
It has been a good few days for Bungay Town, who now sit second after two victories, on Wednesday night Bungay Town were 6-0 home winners vs University of East Anglia thanks to a Zoe Cossey Hat-Trick and goals from Brooke Osborne, Mia Rose and Selina Rowland.
They followed that up on Sunday with a hard fought 2-1 win at Mulbarton Wanderers Development. Laura Thacker and Ciera Flatt scored for Bungay Town with Lucy Kean getting the goal for Mulbarton Wanderers.
Caister got back to winning ways after their defeat at Sprowston last week by winning 9-1 at Thorpe St Andrew. Lauren Goulder scored four goals, Rebecca Waters and Hazel Saddington scored a brace each with Bethany Turner getting their other goal.
Rebecca Waters (Red) scored a brace for Caister in their 9-1 win at Thorpe St Andrew. Credit – SG Photography
Costessey Sports recorded an impressive 2-0 win at Kings Lynn Soccer Club thanks to goals from Harriet Pike and Natasha Youngs.
Long Stratton were 4-2 winners at home to North Walsham Town thanks to a brace each from Elisha Bower and Caitlin Skipper. Kiera Brown and Rio Dobbie scored for North Walsham Town.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Stalham Town continue to lead the way following a 9-1 victory at Horsford Harriers. Abigail Gower scored five with Kerri Eke and Charlotte Fisher getting a brace each.
Bure Valley remain hot on Stalham’s tail with an impressive 3-0 win against in form Shrublands. A goal each from Emily Addison, Danielle Barnes and Emma Macmillan saw the hosts claim the points.
Action from the match between Bure Valley (Red) and Shrublands. Credit – Steve Wood
Beccles Town Development were 9-0 winners at home to Martham. Alesha Tuttle scored a hat-trick, there was a brace each from Libby Elder and Saffron Jones-Yates and a goal each from Stevie Potter and Vicky Bloomfield.
Mundford were 10-0 winners at home to Freethorpe. Niamh Underhill and Bethany Seymour both scored a hat-trick with Sophia Price, Lauren Roberts, Tiffany Seymour and Atlanta Stevenson scoring the other four goals.
FC Viking Valkyries were 8-0 winners at home to Red Rose thanks to 7 goals from Jessica Bennett and a goal from Paige Hill.
A Lucie Morley Hat-Trick saw Great Yarmouth Town record a 3-0 home win against Horsford Hurricanes.
Emma Macmillan (Left) scored for Bure Valley in their 3-0 win over Shrublands. Credit – Shay Porter
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One
Mulbarton Wanderers secured their title with a 2-0 home win over Rockland thanks to goals from Alice Ladbrooke and Joanne Hooper.
Taverham were 1-0 winners at home to Dussindale & Hellesdon thanks to a goal from Hannah Parker.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two
Fc Viking Valkyries were 2-1 winners at home to Hockering.
University of East Anglia were 3-1 winners at Aylsham.
It was a very happy day for Costessey Sports as they were 2-0 winners at Kings Lynn Soccer Club in Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One. Credit – Karl Wharam
Above: Karen and Sara Holmgaard teamed up and gave Everton the advantage on the South Coast.Photo: WSL.
Fireworks welcomed Brighton and Everton to the pitch. The teams went into the fixture knowing that safety in the Women’s Super League was all but mathematically confirmed.
The game started pretty cagey in the opening 10-15 minutes with a lot of balls being played out from the back and not a lot of chances challenged either keeper. Sophie Baggaley was challenged first by the Everton attack, no threat was posed to the Brighton keeper, she jumped to collect. A few minutes later Benninson’s pass to Sara Holmgaard had Baggeley make the stop with her fingertips to keep Brighton out of danger.
Everton’s high press was working well throughout the first half, the only thing that was missed was the finishing product. They forced Brighton into many defensive errors throughout the first half, making more work for the back line.
Last 10 minutes of the half and Brighton looked more comfortable in the game. Attacking more and winning corners which also lacked the final product. Long balls from the defensive midfield wouldn’t find Terland up front and were easily cleared by the Everton defence.
Maisie Symonds was a force in the midfield winning balls and turning them over to create chances throughout the first half. She won the ball in the defensive half, and found Katie Robinson who took it on and danced round the Everton defence, but hit the side netting as she attempted to cross it in.
0-0 at half time was a reasonable score line, both teams challenging the opposition goalkeeper but lacked any realquality in the final third.
Second half kicked off and the first chance goes Brighton’s way Vanhaevermaet’s misplaced header fell straight into the feet of Veatriki Sarri, but she was caught out by the offside flag in the build-up.
First booking went to Everton’s Stenevik for a slicing tackle which wiped out Katie Robinson. The ball from the free kick progressed into the final third where Terland’s volley went just wide of the post. Brighton looked the most threatening of the sides in the opening 10 minutes of the second half but still lacked the quality in the box.
Substitute Karen Holmgaard send the visitors in front in on the hour mark. Sara Holmgaard finds her sister in a one-two sending the ball into Karen who headed it home. Their lead was short lived after Maisie Symonds free kick rattled the crossbar, finding the feet of Tatiana Pinto who forced the ball into the roof of the net three minutes later.
Everton restored their lead as Aurora Galli took the ball from Vanhaevermaet’s play and was one-on-one with Sophie Baggaley. Baggaley brough Galli down which looked like a penalty. Referee Kirsty Dowle played advantage as Bergsvandstruck the loose ball into her own net in the 72nd minute.
Brighton clawed for the equaliser in stoppage time winning corner after corner trying to scramble the ball into the net to impress the nearly 5,000 fans inside the stadium.
Full time score: Brighton 1-2 Everton. The Toffee’s took all three points back to Merseyside.
Everton manager Brian Sorensen said, “[the win] was extremely important to us.” He continued, “I think we started fine the first half, we controlled… [in the second half] they started throwing everything… way too open, too transitionaland for you guys and the fans probably fun to watch… I’d enjoy to be in more control of the game.” He spoke of injuries which has troubled the team in recent weeks, “we play the same style regardless of who is on the team sheet. Karen and Sara were good today”
“With the season we’ve had we could easily have bottled thatand not show character. Really important that we scored that goal against the run of play” Sorensen had signed his new deal the day before the game and believes he has laid the foundation for success for the rest of his tenure as Everton manager.
Brighton interim coach Mikey Harris said, “it wasn’t the fairy tale result we wanted at the AMEX, what I do think it was an entertaining game.” He spoke of his frustration of a potential penalty which he believes his side should’ve been given, “it would’ve been a good opportunity for us to get something out of the game.” His overall comments being “I felt like it was a fairly even game… a bit too open in the second half”
It would be fair to say if it was asked to a good percentage of women’s football fans in this country, they would not have predicted a Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FA cup final at the start of the season but last weekend, both teams booked their tickets to Wembley in style.
Questions started. Would Manchester United be able to overcome what has been a difficult season for them? Or would the ever improving Tottenham Hotspur be able to get over the line? But the final twist of all that is part of Tottenham’s success this season had come because of Grace Clinton – who just so happens to be on loan from the red side of Manchester so unable to play any matches between the two.
This weekend provided the perfect opportunity for both teams as they played each in the Women’s Super League and it is fair to say it was an exciting match up.
Manchester United took an early lead from a free kick with Lyon loanee Melvine Malard finding the back of the net with an assist from Gemma Evans. The red’s player of the match had to be Leah Galton though. They have definitely been missing her. Her vision, her creativity and running down the wing is next to none. She created many chances for the team but there was no end product. The attack became more sluggish as the game went on and players were becoming more frustrated. Geyse, Rachel Williams and Lucía García came on during the game and attempted to help the Reds find their equaliser but struggled which sometimes was because Amy James-Turner was there at the right time.
One of the Tottenham questions was soon answered with both captain Bethany England and last weekend’s heroine Martha Thomas both starting in the midfield with rising star Jess Naz up front. It is fair to say it worked – until an early substitute had to be made when Thomas was forced to come off.
Depending on what angle, it appeared that Drew Spence had found the back of the net for the equaliser but in fact, it was England who had the last touch on the ball. Spence was still credited for the assist. A few moments later, Naz gave them the lead after a link up with Matilda Vinberg which did leave many fans wondering what was Mary Earps doing to not stop that goal going in?
As the game continued, tensions rose as a total of five yellow cards were given.
Substitute García found her shirt being pulled not once but twice. By Vinberg then Amanda Nildén. The Reds were given many free kicks but nothing came from them. They struggled to create any chances to find themselves on the scoresheet again.
Both Earps and Becky Spencer were forced to pull off saves as the game was 2-1 for the majority of the time. It was looking like Tottenham would take all three points and deny United their chance to get back into the top four.
Then, the Reds had the opportunity with two corners and Earps going up each time to try and level the score. First time denied. Second time, Maya Le Tissier found the back of the net in the dying moments of the game to make it level.
The reserve fixture this season was 0-5 to United and Tottenham have never won a game against them. A draw and a point will be disappointing but a start for the travelling team. As for the hosts, not so much. The result will force them to keep pushing and trying to get back up the table. Because they are fourth again but only on goal difference, which is proving to be the deciding factor in the season.
Tottenham can play without Grace Clinton, which will be a relief for them but they will need to try and explore different options if they are to win the FA cup. As for United, they need more rotation in attack. They have some of the best attackers in the league but sometimes it does not always work. Nikita Parris had been on an incredible run for them up until last month. Something they nearly always do is pull out of the bag when it comes down to it. The United from last season is very different to this season but the same can be said for Tottenham.
Many might not have predicted this match up for Wembley but after the game ending in a draw. Tottenham forced to try new things, both teams coming from behind, a wray of different aspects, the FA cup final promises to be one of the best there has been. Not only will a new team win for the first time but after this WSL game, it is actually hard to say who will lift the trophy. It is truly anyone’s game. For neutrals, it promises to be cinematic. Both teams saw each other vulnerable at times but also some of their strong points so they can go away and work on that.
If this was the warm up, what will the final be like? The battle is truly on. Not only for the final but for the middle of the table. United now sit in the top four on 32 points and on the same amount as Liverpool but goal difference is proving to be the ultimate ally this season. Tottenham sit on 26 points and are 6th. Six points from the top four spot is something that they could have dreamed of this time last year as they faced relegation. The gap is closing and the Women’s Super League is heating with competition.
Ben Gilby and Ava-Marianne Elliott provide a full report each along with all the details from the round’s other two matches in a weekend with goals galore! (22/4/24).
Above:Epril Nossent (centre, sky blue shirt) and Jess Flannery (left, sky blue shirt) were key figures in Perth SC’s win at UWA-Nedlands yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Game of the week:
Balcatta Etna 4-2 Hyundai NTC
by Ben Gilby
Balcatta Etna got back to winning ways at the first attempt with a vital win over previously unbeaten Hyundai NTC in an exciting game of attacking football in front of a big crowd at Grindleford Reserve on Friday Night.
The packed grandstand and area outside the club rooms and barbeque included a large number of youngsters who were all eager to get a glimpse of NPLW WA football.
Visiting head coach Ben Anderton was without at least five potential starters for his unbeaten side for this showdown, with attacker Klaudia Houlis a key absentee along with Jess Skinner, Hannah Collinson, Ella Marwick, and Emily Garnett.
Despite this, it was the visitors who made the fast start with Violet Longmore finding Mia Britton out on the right flank. Britton would be a hugely influential figure for the NTC throughout with her ability to beat players along the channel and supply targeted balls into the box. On this occasion, Monique D’Opera initially dealt with the danger, only for the ball to come to Angelique Clayton whose effort was charged down.
Shortly afterwards, Britton was involved again as she supplied the equally outrageous young talent of Jess Johnson, but the attacker, who lit up last season with Murdoch University Melville at the age of just 13 saw her long-range effort held by Bennett.
Balcatta could point to Jamie-Lee Gale’s effort which came crashing back off the bar ahead of them building their way into the game from the 10-minute mark onwards.
The catalyst initially was the vision and ball-playing ability of Faye Phillips who began to link the play with real craft. This in turn brought in the midfield skills of Abbey Meakins and the danger of Lucy Jerram on the right – Balcatta were starting to fire.
D’Opera’s free-kick on the edge of the box, to the right of centre caught the NTC napping as she played it low to Gale outside her on the flank to play it into the box. Whilst the danger was initially cleared, Gale was supplied once more to pull a cross in for Monique Godding to find Jerram on the edge of the box. Whilst Jerram put the ball over the top, it would prove to be the sighter she needed.
Meakins was now pulling the strings in midfield. With the former Perth SC star influential, along with Phillips, Gale, and Jerram, Balcatta were imposing their fast passing style allied with vision to make the runs in possession, with an extreme rapid press on the NTC when without the ball – and the reward followed.
GOAL! 16:09
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Hyundai NTC W match at Grindleford Reserve.
Jukic found Gale who then returned a pass for Jerram to let fly with her trademark rocket of a left foot to fire home for Balcatta to hit the front with 17 minutes played.
At this point, the NTC’s trademark routine of playing out from the back at all costs was playing into Balcatta’s hands. Pete Rakic’s side were employing the rapid press which was squeezing their teenage visitors into their own half, and for much of the time, their own final third.
With 25 minutes on the clock, Balcatta doubled their advantage as Jerram advanced along the left and played the ball for Godding who perfectly threaded a diagonal pass for Meakins to direct into the net from close range for her fourth goal from four games this season.
The home side were now displaying their best football of the season. They were visibly confident in imposing their game plan.
The NTC’s key to their spell of attacks in the early stages of the game was getting Britton into the action along their right. Her team’s gradual reintroduction into the game from an attacking sense in the final 15 minutes or so of the half was largely due to her being supplied with possession once more.
Just after the half-hour mark, Louise Tana was fouled on the right-hand side edge of the box. The resulting free-kick was played in for Chloe Gaspar to fire in a shot before Longmore’s follow-up was dealt with. Five minutes later, Tana had a real chance after she was able to advance into the box after a misplaced clearance from Balcatta’s Liana Cook. However, when it came to the final shot, there wasn’t quite enough power to beat the diving Rebecca Bennett.
The final chance of the half went the way of the hosts as Jerram supplied Meakins, who in turn fed Godding but her shot was well saved by Megan Phillips in the NTC goal.
Balcatta came out firing at the start of the second term with Gale involved with two great chances. First, she played in Meakins who gained no reward, and then Gale herself had a shot that Phillips saved.
The home side kept plugging away, and after Meakins sent a 25-yard free-kick just wide of the right-hand upright. Rachel Jarvis played an excellent one-two with Jerram which carved their way through the NTC defence resulting in Jarvis seeing a shot saved by Phillips.
The key for NTC’s attack continued to be Britton, and she was rewarded for her efforts. With 67 minutes played, Megan Phillips released for substitute Theodora Mouithys to advance up the left and find Clayton who flicked the ball exquisitely over her marker and through for Johnson. Johnson fed Clayton once more before Britton was played in along the right. She drove up her flank and then sent a glorious curling shot high into the net beating Bennett.
GOAL! 66:42
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Hyundai NTC W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Hyundai NTC W match at Grindleford Reserve.
This superb strike set off a hugely enjoyable final 20 minutes that produced a further three goals.
Balcatta pressed forward and regained their two-goal advantage as Meakins played substitute Monique Prinsloo in along the centre to run into the box and let fly with a powerful shot that Megan Phillips did well to push away, but it fell for Faye Phillips who couldn’t miss from close range.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, the home side had a chance to finish the game once and for all as Alyssa van Heurck lifted a pass through for Prinsloo who had acres of space to run into, but Phillips made the save.
The NTC knew that they had a way to unlock the Balcatta defence with Britton, and again it proved to be the case. With six minutes remaining, she turned in the centre channel and laid off for Mouthiys to advance and use her upper body strength to hold off D’Opera and slot home. There was just a single goal in it once more.
GOAL! 94:57
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Hyundai NTC W match at Grindleford Reserve.
The clock ticked into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes and just before the final whistle went, Gale’s run along the right concluded with her supplying a low ball into the box for an unmarked Prinsloo to comfortably direct the ball into the net first time from inside the six-yard box to finally seal the three points for Balcatta.
This was an excellent game of attacking football combined with some astute tactical play – something you come to expect when teams coached by Pete Rakic and Ben Anderton face off.
It was a vital win for the home side in defeating a top-four rival – but Mia Britton showed that players with pace and guile can trouble the Balcatta backline. Her creativity, pace, and vision caused real problems, and the NTC can take real confidence from what they were able to manufacture at times offensively despite being without a number of players.
Teams: BALCATTA ETNA: Bennett, van Heurck, Cook, M. D’Opera, Jarvis, Meakins, Godding, F. Phillips, Jerram, Gale, Jukic. Substitutes: Bricklebank, Comito, Hocking, Bulgaru, Prinsloo, Davis.
Scorers: Jerram 17′, Meakins 25′, F. Phillips 75′, Prinsloo 90+5′.
HYUNDAI NTC: M. Phillips, C. Gaspar, Hope, Johnson, Longmore, Clayton, Collins, Johnson, Tana, Archibald, Britton. Substitutes: Borg, Healy, O’Halloran, Mouithys, E. Gaspar, Brooks.
Scorer: Britton 67′, Mouthiys 84′.
Referee: Adrian Liechti.
In-depth review:
Subiaco 2-7 Fremantle City
by Ava-Marianne Elliott
Above: Fremantle City’s Olivia Trueman, who scored two goals yesterday at Subiaco. Photo: Denyse McCulloch.
In a game with no shortage of action, Fremantle City put on a convincing show away to Subiaco.
It was a high-stakes game for Fremantle who went into the game at Rosalie Park without a point to their name. Ever-improving Subiaco wouldn’t be an easy task for Faye Chambers’ team, and it became even more evident when the hosts opened the scoring.
Just six minutes into her first start of the season so far, Marianna Tabain proved exactly why she’s such a key figure, wasting no time in putting her side one goal ahead of the visitors. Tabain found the back of Dayle Schroeder’s net after an excellent run between Fremantle’s defence, cutting between the bodies in the final third and finding the space to score.
Although having the advantage, Subi had work to do to keep the game rolling in their favour as Freo upped the intensity, searching for an early equaliser. The visitors’ relentless effort quickly paid off, when Clara Hoarau, in her first start of the campaign after Perth Glory’s A-League Women campaign came to an end, pressured the home sides defence into error.
Misfortune struck for the hosts again in quick succession, as just ten minutes later they conceded their second goal of the half despite their original early lead. The Fremantle forwards worked to pressure the Subiaco backline yet again pushed them into error and left them to concede with Janice Kiama getting herself on the scoresheet.
The fourth goal of the half came after a sublime sequence of build-up play from Freo a minute before the break. The excellent Olivia Trueman was on target to ensure the visitors had a clear margin at the break.
Above: Janice Kiama (left) – who hit a brace for Fremantle City at Rosalie Park yesterday. Photo: Fremantle CIty FC.
The first ten minutes saw both sides come out with intensity. Although Subi had some dominant spells, Freo were arguably still the stronger side. The visitors’ first big chance of the half came nine minutes in after being awarded a corner, Kiama successfully sent the ball into the back of Subiaco’s net for the second time in the match.
However, just four minutes later, Subi hit back as Cass Harvey found her way through the Freo defensive line, finding yards of space to take a shot at goal. The stunning strike into the right-hand side of the goal officially brought the hosts back within two.
However, with 19 minutes left, the game-breaking goal was scored. Subiaco looked to have initially defended a Freo corner successfully, however Trueman was yet to have her say as she made space to hit a shot that put her side three clear. Moments later, Hoarau became the third Fremantle player to secure a brace, as in the 72nd minute she sent a shot into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal with ease.
Just 12 minutes after being substituted onto the field, Anna Powell successfully secured seventh and final goal for Freo a minute into stoppage time despite Subiaco’s best efforts to deny her.
The final whistle was confirmed Fremantle’s first win of the season. For Greg Farrell’s side, despite defeat, it was another credit-worthy performance in a competitive fixture.
Obtaining three points leaves Fremantle in the sixth-place spot in the ladder, with Subiaco still ahead of them by a single point after round four of the NPLW WA.
Above: Perth SC’s Ella Lincoln, who scored at hat-trick on Sunday in her side’s win at UWA-Nedlands. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Perth SC established themselves in second place on the ladder with a comprehensive victory at the UWA Sports Park in Sunday’s early match.
The Azzurri hit the front with 13 minutes played as Ella Lincoln turned her marker on the edge of the box and laid off behind her for Daisy McAllister to fire home a glorious finish into the top right-hand corner.
Just three minutes later, Perth SC doubled their lead when following a dropped ball that resulted when two footballs were on the pitch at once, Lincoln was played in on the right by a perfectly weighted pass to draw home goalkeeper Morgan Springer and roll the ball across the American and into the net.
Shortly before the half-hour mark, the visitors increased their lead once more. Jess Flannery was found in acres of space just in from the left flank and cut in on goal. Springer slid out to deny the Perth speedster, but could only direct the ball to Lincoln to dispatch home.
It became 4-0 eight minutes before the break as the home defence gave the ball away to Epril Nossent on the right flank over 20 yards from goal who took a touch and looped a spectacular shot over the top of Springer.
GOAL! 36:40
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth SC W in the UWA Nedlands FC W vs Perth SC W match at UWA Sports Park.
There was still time for the visitors to grab another before the break. Excellent partnership play along the left between Flannery and Lincoln won their side a corner which Kimberly McCartney floated over for Nossent to head in at the near post as she ran across to get free of her marker.
It took Perth SC only five minutes of the second half to extend their lead further when Sam Mathers’ low free kick from the left of centre went across the dive of Springer and into the far corner of the net.
The visitors completed their tally in the 57th minute. Flannery, on the left, supplied Lincoln with a perfectly weighted pass. The attacker turned one marker in the box but was brought down by the second. Lincoln picked herself up and rolled the penalty cooly down the middle.
UWA-Nedlands had the final say less than 60 seconds later. Isabelle Dadswell advanced along the left and played a beautifully weighted ball forward towards Emily Dinsdale. Perth failed to clear, and Dinsdale took advantage to lift a shot into the net from the edge of the box.
GOAL! 58:36
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for UWA Nedlands FC W in the UWA Nedlands FC W vs Perth SC W match at UWA Sports Park.
Whilst newcomers UWA-Nedlands have done it tough on the scoreboard over the last two weeks when facing heavyweights Perth RedStar and Perth SC back to back, those are not the opponents who will decide the team’s ability to avoid relegation. Lawrence Lyons’ side have a break next week with a bye in the first round of the State Cup and can prepare for a really important game upon the return to NPLW WA action on 5th May when Murdoch University Melville, with a point all season, come to UWA Sports Park.
Murdoch University Melville 0-7 Perth RedStar
It was another tough afternoon for bottom side Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) as an unbeaten Perth RedStar side ran out comfortable winners at Besteam Stadium.
RedStar fielded three of their cohort of Japanese players, all of whom were hugely influential with Reina Kagami scoring a hat-trick and supplying an assist. Monoko Sakairi recorded a goal and an assist, and Arai Manami provided an assist as well.
The visitors went ahead with just four minutes on the clock. Close season arrival Manami was found at the edge of the box and laid off for compatriot Kagami outside her to fire home a half-volley.
It was 2-0 just two minutes later as Caitlin Doeglas’ free-kick just outside the box on the left caused chaos after it came flying into the box and back off the inside of the right-hand post and bounced down. The hosts failed to clear, allowing Sakairi to pounce for her first NPLW WA goal from parallel to the penalty spot.
GOAL! 06:24
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the MUM FC W vs Perth Redstar W match at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University.
The visitors increased their lead with 21 minutes played. A poor clearance from MUM FC keeper Manon Gebauer went straight to Sakairi on the edge of the box to play a one-to with Renee Leota before lifting a beautifully weighted pass over the top for Kagami to direct home as Gebauer went down awkwardly on the surface.
RedStar erased any lingering doubt as to the outcome of the match with two further goals in the final four minutes of the half. The first of which was a team move of the highest order involving Katie Ritchie, Sarah Carroll, Manami, Sakairi, and Andreia Teixeira playing a total of 10 passes between them which cut a swathe not just around, but through the Murdoch University Melville midfield and defence. It concluded with Manami’s low ball across from the right that totally dissected the MUM FC defence for Kagami to turn home from close range. This was Perth RedStar at their sumptuous best.
GOAL! 41:57
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the MUM FC W vs Perth Redstar W match at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University.
Then, right on the 45-minute mark, Doeglas’ corner from the right was only cleared as far as Carroll on the edge of the box. The former Perth Glory star took a touch and slammed a half-volley into the bottom right-hand corner of the net as Perth RedStar went in at the break 5-0 ahead.
It took 12 minutes of the second period for the visitors to further extend their advantage as RedStar delivered a move of ruthless effectiveness that cut right through the middle of Murdoch University Melville. Sakairi gained possession inside her own half and fed Kagami centrally ahead of her who beat a player and supplied Jayna Ridley who took a touch and rolled the ball into the net from just inside the box.
Into the final 10 minutes, it became 7-0 when Doeglas motored up the left flank, beating two defenders and laying the ball across low for Ridley to sweep home her second.
This was a tough day at the office for Murdoch University Melville, but in adversity they kept battling and trying hard to maintain their shape. They will face a challenging State Cup match next weekend at home to the ambitious lower division side Perth AFC before a vital showdown at UWA-Nedlands when the NPLW WA returns in a fortnight.
Table From: Squadi
Next week the NPLW WA takes a break as the State Cup gets underway.
STATE CUP ROUND ONE FIXTURES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
Hamersley United v Perth RedStar, Mandurah City v Hyundai NTC, Murdoch University Melville v Perth AFC, Balcatta Etna v Sorrento.
Byes: Fremantle City, Perth SC, Subiaco, UWA-Nedlands,
Article and gallery by Jean-Pierre Thiesset (21/4/24).
Above: Michele Kang, OL Women owner,visiting the fans before the game. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
Without Ada Hegerberg and Eugénie Le Sommer, Lyon was playing without its 2 best scorers in front of its attack. However, Olympique Lyonnais dominated largely the first half but did not score due to a lack of efficiency in front of Paris Saint-Germain goal, putting the ball outside of the nets on most of their shots, and due to a huge performance of Constance Picaud, PSG goalkeeper. Lyon’s ineffiency came back to haunt them right before half-time as Marie-Antoinette Katoto fired PSG in front.
Above: Marie-Antoinette Katoto, PSG (9), was not only scoring but also helping her teammates in defense, here battling with Melchie Dumornay. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
The second half started as the first was concluded, with a goal from Marie-Antoinette Katoto at the 48th minute. From here, Lyon seemed doomed with a two-goal deficit with PSG still pushing hard and nearly scoring a third.
Above: Wendie Renard, Lyon white shirt, battling in the center of Paris SG defense. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
But, all was not lost for Lyon as their players kept fighting, showing incredible spirit and tenacity. They took the game back into their own hands, controlling possession and had several opportunities after the 60 minute mark, but still failed to capitalise on their chances.
Above: Kadidiatou Diani, Lyon white shirt, and Jade Le Guilly, PSG (28). Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
However, in the 75th minute, two pivotal changes were made that had a big impact on the game: PSG replaced Jade Le Guilly who was having a great performance preventing Lyon players from scoring and Lyon put Amel Majri on her attack in place of Delphine Cascarino. The experienced Lyon winger made a real change in energy for the hosts.
Above: Dumornay fights for the ball while sandwiched in between two PSG players. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
5 minutes later, Lyon finally breached Picaud’s defence and scored, with Kadidiatou Diani finishing off a nice ball form Ellie Carpenter. From this moment, Lyon had an extraordinary period of play, scoring three times in 6 minutes. An outstanding shot from Melchie Dumornay on the 85th minute stunned fans and levelled up the match before Amel Majri completed Lyon’s comeback with a neat shot in the 86th minute.
Above: Amel Majri celebrating her goal with Selma Bacha. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
Melchie Dumornay, Lyon, who had an outstanding performance with 1 goal and 1 assist within 2 minutes, was elected player of the match.
While the fans had been subdued when PSG took and doubled their lead, the stadium exploded as the comeback was on. Chanting and singing took over the stadium and there is no doubt it propelled Lyon to one of the best comebacks in women’s football. Looking ahead to the second leg, Lyon not only have a one goal lead, but a real mental advantage over their rivals.
Above: a record crowd arrived at Maitland Sports Ground to watch Newcastle vs Melbourne City. Image: Newcastle Jets
A clinical Melbourne City have won the first leg of the semi final against The Newcastle Jets 3-0. Goals to Daniela Galic, Emina Ekic and Shelby McMahon gave City a commanding lead heading into next week’s match, while some dogged, resolute and organized defending ensured a clean sheet.
City coach Dario Vidosic named an attacking squad to travel to face The Jets. The bench featured only one recognized defender in Julia Grosso. Galic started as a roaming centre forward and was joined in attack by Ekic and Rhianna Pollicina.
Newcastle elevated Young Matilda Lara Gooch into the starting lineup. Sarina Bolden joined her and Laura Allan as part of a front three with MelindaJ Barbieri and Libby Copus-Brown close behind.
The match started with both sides looking to impose themselves on the contest. The Jets pressed high and immediately with the intent to pressure City into making errors deep in defence. The pace of Gooch and the tenacity of Bolden caused some nervy moments at times, but The City back four remained composed.
Five minutes into the match, the visitors had the lead. Bryleeh Henry won the ball on the right flank and combined with Leticia Mckenna to tee up Pollicina. The playmaker’s effort crashed off the woodwork, but Galic was well positioned to tuck home the rebound and give her side the advantage.
It was an attacking first half by both sides, but clear cut chances were few. Bolden was forced deep to gather possession, and aside from some set pieces, was kept relatively quiet by Taylor Otto and Rebekah Sott.
Copus-Brown’s long-range ability and Gooch’s confident running were Newcastle’s best avenues to goal. Gooch twice tested Barbara in the City goal. first with a cut inside and left footed effort that forced a save, then an attempted chip on goal with her right boot that had the Brazilian backpedalling.
City entered the break 1-0 up, but not without work to do, and the mood was far from celebratory after Karly Roestbakken was withdrawn with what looked like a serious ankle injury. The 2019 World Cup defender had been crucial for City’s premiership winning run in the last few weeks and after an injury ridden two years, it was particularly hard to see.
City made adjustments in the second half. Stott shifted wider to man-mark the dangerous Gooch. The youngster has speed and confidence that earmark her as a potential national team star, and it was a mark of her impact that the City captain took on the task of stopping her.
This was done rather successfully. Stott stayed tight on the winger, rarely letting her turn in possession or pick up any speed running toward goal. With Bolden remaining well marshalled and Henry keeping Allan in check, it began to feel like City had gained control over the match despite some early momentum from the Jets.
Any hope that the record crowd might have had was dampened when Ekic doubled the lead in the 61st minute. Laura Hughes turned cleverly on the left and played a deadly ball across goal that the Bosnian international was able to tap home at the far post.
The assist was reward for an exceptional game from Hughes. Her dogged and skilful display in midfield may have been her best performance in a City shirt. Since arriving at the start of the season from Canberra United, Hughes has been a reliable presence in the centre of the park, but was truly outstanding in the semi-final first leg. She won every ball possible, relished the physicality that the Jets sought to bring and moved the ball with confidence either by dribbling it herself or with some well-chosen passes.
It was a match winning effort from the midfielder. Both tireless and classy and Newcastle had no answer for her influence.
With the match nearing an end, Newcastle had two choices. To try and keep the score at 2-0 and hope for a better away leg, or to try and pull a goal back. In front of a record home crowd they chose the latter.
Melina Ayres was brought on to replace Bolden, and City answered by subbing on Hannah Wilkinson. The club’s leading scorer was left in reserve with Vidosic preferring a more mobile, fast paced attack, but her experience was important in the late stages of this game.
Caitlin Karic made her first appearance after returning from injury and Shelby McMahon entered the fray. The Junior Matildas captain sealed the premiership for City weeks ago with an excellent solo goal against Perth Glory, and capped off an excellent win with another brilliant finish to make it 3-0 in the 77th minute.
A curling pass by Bryleeh Henry found McMahon in the penalty box. Curiously she was allowed to control and turn under little pressure and her finish was perfectly placed over Tiahna Robertson in the Newcastle goal.
The Jets continued to push for goal to claw back the deficit and Gooch came closest from a goalmouth scramble, but City threw bodies in front of the line to block the shot.
The win sees Melbourne City head home with a commanding lead for the second leg, but more importantly in confident form in front of goal. If there has been a consistent criticism of the league leaders it is that they were unable to finish enough chances despite dominating possession.
In this first final, they took their chances and created them in different ways, although it must be said that both Hughes and Henry were instrumental in the win. Both players successfully fought for possession in key areas and were damaging with the ball once they had it.
The loss of Roestbakken remains the only downside to this game, and Newcastle need to find something special to claw back from 3-0 down next weekend.
Above: Rising star Indian Dos Santos tussles for the ball in the midfield ahead of teammate Mackenzie Hawkesby. Photo: Sydney FC.
Sydney and Central Coast Mariners produced a semi-final first leg of the highest order at the beautiful Industree Group Stadium on the waterside in Gosford.
It was a rematch of one of the most chaotic matches of the regular season that was played in Sydney back in January. The Mariners were looking to replicate that result, whereas Sydney was out to exact revenge on the shocking defeat at home.
The match began at a very high tempo, both teams playing free-flowing, attacking football. Sydney definitely had the better of the chances in the opening 10 minutes, with both Cortnee Vine and Princess Ibini coming very close to scoring. After that, the Mariners began to wrestle control of the match back, creating the better of the chances for the next 10 or so minutes. Sydney keeper, Jada Whyman, was forced to snuff out a dangerous chance from Matilda Kyah Simon at the very last moment.
Just before the half hour mark, the pressure pendulum swung back the other way. Vine found herself in the attacking third with the ball at her feet. She used her lightning-quick pace and great footwork to breeze past two defenders and run at the Mariners keeper, Casey Dumont, the hero of last week’s penalty shootout against Melbourne Victory. Vine took a good shot on goals, but Dumont made a clutch, point-blank save to deny the Matildas star.
Vine’s chance provided a wake-up call for the Mariners, who tighten up their defence again and throw a lot of bodies further up the pitch in an effort to break down Sydney’s own defences. The building Central Coast pressure resulted in a good attack that saw Whyman out of position and Simon putting a decent header on target. But Sydney midfielder, Margaux Chauvet, had positioned herself perfectly and made an incredible clearance off the line whilst falling backwards! Just moments later, Whyman was forced to make another big save. The Mariners were definitely in the ascendency.
The first half finished 0-0. Central Coast with slightly more possession and way more chances and shots on goal, but Whyman and her defenders were good enough to repel their every attack and escape the first half unscathed. That said, Sydney was also unable to break the Mariners’ defences. No wonder these were the two best defences across the regular 22-game season.
American international striker Shea Connors, came on as an injury replacement for Ibini at the start of the second half and she made an immediate impact. About five minutes in, Tori Tumeth, Vine, and Connors all combined to create absolute havoc in the Mariners box. They took shots on goal. There were blocks, parries, goal line clearances. Everything. But the Sydney trio kept recycling the ball and throwing more attacks at Dumont and her defence. Through skill, luck, or some miracle the Mariners came out of the barrage fully intact.
Sydney had tasted blood in the water, however, and they came back for more just a few minutes later. A poor pass in the midfield by Simon gifted the ball to Indiana Dos Santos who ran up the field and played an exquisitely weighted pass around the Mariners defence to Mackenzie Hawkesby, who was able to sneak it past Dumont to give her team a crucial 1-0 lead in Gosford.
Sydney FC lead in the Semi-Final and 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁 from 16-year-old Indiana dos Santos 😮💨🪄
A delightful pass for Mackenzie Hawkesby and after 20 shots – the deadlock is finally broken 🔓
The Mariners did not hang their heads or fall off in any way after conceding the goal. If anything, they went up another gear. Around the 70th minute, there were a couple of big chances created by the linkup between Isabel Gomez, Simon, and Chinese international, Wurigumula. In the most promising of the chances, Wurigumula was agonisingly close to the equaliser, hitting the top corner of the crossbar. Simon tried to hook the rebound over her shoulder but pushed it high over the goals.
The Mariners kept attacking for the remainder of regular time, and Sydney fashioned a few attacks of their own. In the first minute of stoppage time, a wonderful pivot shot from Caley Tallon-Henniker forced an astounding save from Dumont who dived to the ball and palmed it away with the tip of her outstretched glove. Sydney were able to close out the match and take a slim advantage into their home leg of the semifinal, which will be played next Saturday.
It was a truly amazing team performance from both teams. Everyone on the pitch contributed in a big way. For me this match was actually more entertaining than the Barcelona and Chelsea clash in the UEFA Women’s Champions League earlier this morning, and only just behind the epic Lyon comeback against PSG! Just goes to show the quality and entertainment value of our great league.
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.”
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