Above: Norwich City won the Norfolk Women’s Cup on Monday Night with a 6-0 win over Wroxham at Carrow Road. Credit – Ben Cunningham
Norfolk Women’s Cup Final
Tier Four Norwich City produced an expected cruise to glory defeating Tier Five Wroxham 6-0 at Carrow Road on Monday Night. A crowd of 922, which was a significant drop on the 2023 attendance of 2,690 at the same venue saw Natasha Snelling score a brace and Katie Knights, Hope Strauss and Ellie Smith score and the final goal was an own goal. It was a special night for Norwich City captain Anna Larkins who lifted the trophy in her final game for the club.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup Final
In a battle of two Tier Seven clubs, University of East Anglia defeated Bungay Town 2-0 to win the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup, The game held at Youngs Park the home of Aylsham saw Ellie Burnley strike twice early in the first half and that was enough to see the University of East Anglia take a comfortable victory.
University of East Anglia celebrate winning the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup. Credit – Darren Gilham
Norfolk Women and Girls Plate Final
The plate final saw two Tier Eight clubs battle it out as FC Viking Valkyries and Bure Valley also at Youngs Park. It was 1-1 after 90 minutes but FC Viking Valkyries scored twice in extra time to win the Plate. Willow Nye scored for Bure Valley but it was not enough as Charlotte Kenny, Maddie Smith and Jessica Bennett scored for FC Viking Valkyries to secure victory on the day. It completed an impressive achievement for Ben Binder’s side as they knocked out Tier Seven clubs North Walsham Town and Mulbarton Wanderers Development on route to the final.
FC Viking Valkyries celebrate winning the Norfolk Women and Girls Plate Cup on Sunday. Credit – Darren Gilham
Norfolk Women and Girls 7’s Cup Final
Completing a busy day of finals Mulbarton Wanderers secured the 7’s cup with a 1-0 victory over Left Field thanks to a goal from Joanne Hooper.
Eastern Region Division One North
To League action, and Dussindale & Hellesdon have one hand on the tier six trophy after a 6-1 victory at Wootton Blue Cross. Four goals from Victoria Leyer and two from Georgina Belton saw Dussindale & Hellesdon take victory. Daisy Moore scored for Wootton Blue Cross. They now will now be champions unless they lose their final game at Mulbarton Wanderers by five goals or more.
Mulbarton Wanderers were Norfolk Women and Girls 7’s Cup winners with a 1-0 victory over Left Field on Sunday. Credit – Darren Gilham
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Sprowston went top of Tier Seven with a 10-0 victory at North Walsham Town, A Hat-trick from Bailey Duffield, a brace Mollie O’Callaghan, plus goals from Phoebe Green, Holly Whayman, Anais Winney, Lois Wright and an Own goal saw them take a comfortable lead. They will now fancy themselves to win the title with a home game against Bungay Town to come on Wednesday 22nd.
A goal from Alice Wharam saw Costessey Sports win their 1-0 at Aylsham and complete a double over Aylsham for the season.
Kings Lynn Soccer Club were 2-0 winners at Long Stratton thanks to goals from Jordan Turner and Nikola Maslak.
Action from the Plate Cup final between FC viking Valkyries (Red) and Bure Valley, FC Viking Valkyries running out 3-1 winners after Extra Time. Credit – Shay Porter.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
On Wednesday Night, Bure Valley went top of Tier Eight with a 5-3 win over Great Yarmouth Town. Emma Macmillan scored a Hat-Trick with Maisie Redgrave and Eva Heald scoring the other goals. A Lucie Morley brace and an own goal were the scorers for Great Yarmouth Town.
There were two games played on Sunday as Mundford were 10-1 winners at Freethorpe. Niamh Underhill scored four, Bethany Seymour scored three, Ellen Kerbey scored two and the other was an own goal. Kate Roome scored for Mundford.
In the days other Tier Eigh match Waveney and Martham played out a 2-2 draw. Olivia Harvey and Demi Saunders scored for Waveney with Bethany Shearing scoring a brace for Martham.
Bure Valley were runners up in the Plate Competition but they will be hoping to end the season with the Tier Eight title after their 5-3 win over Great Yarmouth Town on Wednesday Night which put them top. Credit – Shay Porter
Mel Andreatta has named Australia’s Under 23 squad to compete in the four nations tournament in Sweden this year. Perth Goalkeeper Morgan Aquino has earned her first call up while 11 players from the U20 squad to qualify for the World Cup will also be joining the likes of Leah Davidson, Laura Hughes, Polly Doran and Anna Margraf.
Since it’s inception in 2022, the U23 program has been a vital part of the development pathway in Australian football. Charli Grant, Sarah Hunter and Amy Sayer are three who have been guided into senior international football by this step.
“This is a squad of players that have put their hand up for this fantastic opportunity to play high quality nations through their performances in the recent A-League Women and European football seasons,” explained Andreatta through Football Australia.
“That 10 of the 12 A-League clubs are represented speaks to the evenness of the competition this season and is recognition of the developmental work that is being undertaken week in and week out.”
“Excitingly, with this roster there are a significant number of players that are in-form and showing high potential to be a future CommBank Matilda. Now it is about taking this opportunity to challenge and test themselves against some of the best in Europe, which has been at the global forefront of women’s football development in recent years.”
The squad represents an exciting future in Australian football. It contains a blend of the Junior Matildas who lifted the AFF trophy in 2022, the Young Matildas of the U20 World Cup in Costa Rica that same year and the current U20 side that finished third at the Asian Cup and scored in every game.
Recent history tells us that if there is to be a late Olympic bolter it will come from this tournament. Kaitlyn Torpey’s ascent as a senior international came off the back of impressive U23’s form, and this tournament presents an immediate and long-term opportunity for Australia’s in-form youngsters.
Although every Australian based A-league club is represented, Andreatta has not restricted the team to these shores. Polly Doran returns to the green and gold after winning promotion with Crystal Palace into the FAWSL, and Anna Margraf will make the short trip over from Spain where she plays with Sporting De Huelva FC.
The tournament may impact the All-Stars squad to face Arsenal. Western United’s Alana Cerne has been selected in both teams, and the timing of this expedition surely meant that many other in-form stars like Aquino and Young Player of the Year Daniela Galic were unavailable for that friendly.
Impressively for a development team, every player selected is a regular senior player at club level. Club form seems to have informed the decision making as much as future protentional underlining the quality coming through in the domestic league and for the national team.
The combination of three of Australia’s most recent and promising youth teams means that this team will give us the clearest picture yet of what the next generation of Matildas might look like. If Peta Trimis can replicate her scoring run from the Asian Cup it will cap off a remarkable 12 months that saw her go from scholarship player at Central Coast Mariners to growing international prospect.
This squad is exciting, deep and tactically flexible. Players like Bryleeh Henry and Sasha Grove can be deployed almost anywhere on the pitch, and few teams will enjoy facing a midfield that could contain Laura Hughes, Shay Hollman, Leah Davidson or Isabel Gomez.
The defence is experienced at youth and senior level with Jessika Nash continuing her rise up the ranks, while Ella Tonkin and Naomi Chinnama are both earmarked as senior Matildas at some point.
A successful run in the Four Nations tournament will be huge, but Andreatta emphasised the long term view of the coaching staff. Performances and development matters most, and this experience will be as valuable to the players individually as it will be to the senior Matildas selectors in the near future.
“With Sharn Freier and Kaitlyn Torpey making their debuts in the last two FIFA international windows, recently we have seen the U-23 program demonstrating its purpose in developing players and giving them the skills physically mentally, technically and tactically to step into the senior team environment,” Andreatta said.
“To bring the group together as we prepare for three strong matches will be brilliant experience for the players and will expose them to what is required to push on in their careers.
“We hope through the hard work of the staff and the players themselves, we can give more players the opportunity to perform at a high level and to earn future senior national team recognition down the track.”
Players and staff of the U-23 Women’s National Team squad will commence their camp in Sweden on Thursday, 23 May 2024.
Screenshot
FOUR NATIONS TOURNAMENT – AUSTRALIA U-23 WNT MATCH SCHEDULE
Sweden U-23 WNT v Australia U-23 WNT
Date: Wednesday, 29 May 2024 / Thurs, 30 May 2024 (AUS) Time: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am (AEST)
Venue: Visma Arena, Växjö, Sweden
Australia U-23 WNT v Germany U-23 WNT
Date: Saturday, 1 June 2024 / Sun, 2 June 2024 (AUS) Time: 6.00pm (local) / 2.00am (AEST)
Above: Cortnee Vine and Mackenzie Hawkesby (right) celebrate their recent Championship. Image: Sydney FC.
By Genevieve Henry (15/5/24).
Sydney announced on Tuesday that Mackenzie Hawkesby had renewed her contract for one more season. The Grand Final player of the match turned the Sky Blues’ season around when she returned midseason from a disappointing stint overseas at Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 24-year old midfielder said, “I absolutely love playing for Sydney FC, I am Sky Blue and bleed Sky Blue.”
Although her move to England wasn’t right for her, it only inspired Hawkesby to come back to Australia stronger. Her skills make her one the best players in the A-League and it’s clear that Sydney is where she thrives. “I knew I would enjoy coming back here whatever happened this season and I had a fire burning inside of me; so I’m delighted to be returning next year as well.”
As one of the best Australian players, Hawkesby has been called up for the senior national team camp, but has not yet made an appearance for her country. However, she has starred at the under-23 level.
In her five years at the club so far, Hawkesby has helped the club to win three Premierships and three Championships, but she’s hungry for even more. “It’s a great club with a great group of girls, excellent training facilities and a fantastic culture so I can’t wait to defend our title.”
Hawkesby’s importance on the field goes far beyond her skills and understanding of the game. The leadership and comradery she brings to the field is evidenced by a change in spirits since her return. Having been with the Sky Blues since 2019, she has relationships with many of the senior players as well as being an invaluable mentor for Sydney’s many developing talents.
Head coach Ante Juric was full of praise for Hawkesby. “Mackenzie changed the course of our season this year and thankfully she is coming back next year,” he said.
While Juric’s side have a competitive and competent midfield, Hawkesby elevates the team to new levels.“She’s a born winner and a leader and she will be a hugely important part of our squad next season.”
As always, the Sky Blues are full of ambition for next season. They’ve made a real statement of intent with the resigning of not only Hawkesby, but captain Nat Tobin, Abbey Lemon, and Margaux Chauvet. Her resigning will give fans much confidence for another successful season. “Having her on board will give us an excellent chance of retaining our Championship.”
Above:The Junior Matildas celebrate Lily Punch’s goal that put then ahead against Thailand in the U17 Asian Cup in Bali. Photo supplied to Impetus by: AFC via Football Australia.
Australia ended their U17 Asian Cup campaign bottom of Group B after suffering a third successive loss – despite taking the lead in their final encounter in Bali against Thailand.
After going down to perennial Asian U17 heavyweights China and Japan in their first two group games, the Junior Matildas were confident about ending their tournament with a victory against the similarly winless Thai outfit.
Above: Sian Dewey in possession for Australia against Thailand. Photo supplied to Impetus by: AFC via Football Australia.
Indeed, they made a good start with Tahlia Younis, one of the real shining lights of this event for Rae Dower’s side found in the box by Keira Meyers, but she couldn’t quite connect.
Benyapa Singsai in the Thai goal also had to be alert to deny Tiana Fuller, but she was finally beaten just after the half-hour mark at the third attempt. Alvina Koshaba’s cross found Younis whose header came back off the bar and fell for Indiana Dos Santos to hit a shot that hit the post before Lily Punch finally turned the ball home.
Above: Alvina Koshaba (20) looking to beat her marker. It was Koshaba’s cross that led to Australia’s goal just after the half-hour mark. Photo supplied to Impetus by: AFC via Football Australia.
Australia were racking up the shots on goal, but only had a one-goal lead to show for it – always a dangerous statistic. Unfortunately, they suffered the hard way as Thailand levelled seven minutes later Kurisara Limpawanich gained possession and waltzed her way through from just inside the Australian half and ended up with a one-on-one with Caoimhe Bray and slotted home.
The game turned with 23 minutes to go as Rinyaphat Moondong fired home a superb free-kick from 20 yards. Faced with the prospect of ending their campaign in Indonesia without a win, the Junior Matildas pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Above: Junior Matildas’ captain Indiana Dos Santos looks to find away through against Thailand. Photo supplied to Impetus by: AFC via Football Australia.
They were unable to find a way through, and in stoppage time were hit by a sucker punch as Moondong laid off to Chutikan Kitikhun to hit Thailand’s third.
This loss ensured that Thailand would finish above Australia in third place in Group B. Japan’s 4-0 win over China in the battle of the unbeaten sides who had already qualified for the semi-finals ensured they would finish top. Japan now face Group A runners-up South Korea in the last four whilst China take on Group A winners North Korea with both games taking place on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s Final and third/fourth place play-offs.
Above: Mikayla Duong drives forward for Australia against Thailand. Photo supplied to Impetus by: AFC via Football Australia.
Bulleen Lions won their fifth consecutive game with a dominant display at the Veneto Club against Bentleigh Greens. The Round Eight clash saw the newly promoted side travel to the home of the premiers, and Cailtin Friend’s team was in the mood to entertain with a 7-0 win that pushes them to second on the table with a game in hand.
Bulleen set up to press and dominate early and the scores were level for 15 minutes until Isabel Dehakiz stormed forward from defence to unleash a thunderous goal from long range. It was a spectacular effort that set the tone for a near perfect afternoon for the central defender.
Bulleen added a second in the 37th minute. Alana Burn’s long ball forward found the in-form Maja Markovski. Her first attempt at goal was closed down by the defender, but although she was denied the volley, Markovski’s composure remained and she was able to calmly slot the ball home from close range.
It was 3-0 before half time. Star signing Alana Cortellino was well positioned to tap home from Betti Micheal’s cutback after a quick counterattacking move from Bulleen. Ominously for Bentleigh they had scored from three different methods of attack, while the pairing of Burn and Dehakiz were giving no space away at the back.
Any hopes of a comeback were quickly squashed just two minutes after half time. Markovski’s strike from a short corner may have been deflected on its way into the back of the net, but the effort from one target. The goal was credited to Lourdes Gonzales in the end and was 4-0 with plenty of scoring to come.
With the result seemingly secure, Caitlin Friend rested Michael and brought Katrina Nikpour into the game. The former Heidelberg United attacker and Melbourne Victory train on player had an almost instant impact with a through ball for Lourdes Gonzales to round the goalkeeper and score.
Bulleen’s sixth was a spectacular effort. If not for Dehakiz’s opener it would have no competition for goal of the match. A Bentleigh Green’s corner drifted across the box and Alana Cortellino sensed an opportunity. With a explosive burst of pace she raced from to the wing and tore past two Bentleigh defenders. there was still about 30 metres left to run, but she raced along the touchline and into the penalty box before squaring for the easiest of finishes by Gonzales to complete her hatrick.
Cortellino showed why she is one of the most entertaining players in the competition, but the goal was impressive beyond what it looked like in isolation. This was a 67th minute run that took in the entire length of the pitch. Cortellino had pressed in attack for much of the first half when Bentleigh had possession, and had been paid close physical attention by the defence when she had the ball. It took only seconds for Bulleen to go from deep in defence to a tap in goal through the tremendous individual effort.
An opposition corner is just another chance to score if you’re as fast as Alana Cortellino
The seventh and final goal of the game felt unfortunate, and Bentleigh looked tired by this point. Markovski’s clever turn at the edge of the box invited a challenge and earned a penalty which she dispatched herself with a confident finish to bring up her brace.
Bulleen were ruthless and efficient with the ball, but their control of the game without it is what will have the rest of the league on alert. The can go from defence to attack almost instantly and without warning and through a variety of avenues. It is a defence-first team that sets themselves up to create a lot of chances and have game changing talent on the bench.
Next up is an very different proposition. They face top placed Preston Lions who have added to their strong start to the season by recently signing capped Matildas Emma Checker and Jamilla Rankin. It will be an intriguing contest.
Ben Gilby provides a full report from the weekend’s game of the round along with all the details from the other three matches(13/5/24)
Above:Perth RedStar’s Emily Dunn, captured last season. The club legend recorded her 300th appearance on Sunday against Balcatta Etna. Photo:Robbie Anderson.
Game of the week
Perth RedStar 4-2 Balcatta Etna
Perth RedStar gained another important victory over a potential title rival as they saw off Balcatta Etna at RedStar Arena on Sunday.
This was an encounter that had something for everyone – some sensational goals and tactical brilliance as some of the competition’s best players went head-to-head – but there was a familiar outcome with the home side always managing to win the games that matter.
The afternoon started with a celebration of Emily Dunn, who was recording her 300th appearance for Northern Redbacks/Perth RedStar. A staggering achievement for a superb player who has helped the club to no less than 16 pieces of silverware in the process.
With Balcatta having gone down to defeat to another top-four rival, Perth SC in recent weeks, this clash took on additional importance in the battle at the ladder’s summit. Carlos Vega Mena’s side went into this encounter as the only team to win all their NPLW WA fixtures this season and, indeed, RedStar hit the front with only six minutes played.
Caitlin Doeglas played in a corner from the right into the near post. Balcatta keeper Rebecca Bennett, under pressure from four players right in front of her, wasn’t able to get a clear punch on the ball, allowing it to fall for Olivia Wood parallel to the penalty spot. She sidefooted a short pass to Reina Kagami, a yard or so behind her to shoot into the left-hand side of the net.
GOAL! 06:18
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the Perth Redstar W vs Balcatta Etna FC W match at Redstar Arena.
Balcatta looked to respond initially, with Liana Cook’s curling free-kick from 30 yards palmed over the top by Gabby Dal Busco.
Yet the opening 25 minutes belonged to the hosts. Reina Kagami and Momoko Sakairi were linking up brilliantly with turns and short passing. From one such combination play, the duo found Sarah Carroll who played a high ball forward for Doeglas to lift in turn to Bronwyn Studman. Studman played a perfectly weighted low pass to dissect the visitors’ defence to find Renee Leota who fired a shot against the cross bar with Bennett beaten.
RedStar were employing their rapid press to disrupt Balcatta’s passing game. The champions also showed a real knowledge of the likely channels that the visitors would be looking to play through as those areas were taken away from Balcatta and several red shirts clustered around any Etna one whenever Pete Rakic’s side were on the ball.
Yet, Balcatta did find a way back into the game. Lucy Jerram was fouled on the left flank, parallel to the penalty spot. Jamie-Lee Gale’s free-kick came in high, and as it did so, Abbey Meakins was shoved in the back by Studman giving the referee no option but to point to the spot. Up stepped Meakins to dispatch her third spot kick of the season into the right-hand corner of the net.
GOAL! 23:55
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the Perth Redstar W vs Balcatta Etna FC W match at Redstar Arena.
Balcatta now had more possession and finding space, particularly aided by the forceful runs of Gale along the right who was lively, full of skill, and looking to provide balls into the box, however, shots on goal were at a premium for the visitors and key attacker Jerram was largely kept under wraps by the home side’s Andreia Teixeira and Carroll who were superb.
As the game neared the half-time whistle, RedStar stepped it up once more. Wood drove down the right and powered in a cross-shot into Bennett’s arms.
Then came a real moment of magic from Momo Sakairi who is looking the signing of the season. Her early appearances have been sprinkled with beautiful footwork, insightful passing, and clever runs. Two minutes before the break she showed she also has an eye for goal. And how.
Liana Cook’s attempted pass to Monique Godding when playing out from the back was snaffled up by Sakairi who played a one-two with Leota outside the box before the Japanese star sent a sensational arrow of a shot from the right of the area across Bennett and into the left-hand side of the net. It was a worthy goal to send her side in ahead at the break.
GOAL! 43:14
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the Perth Redstar W vs Balcatta Etna FC W match at Redstar Arena.
Any hope that Balcatta had of starting the second half on the front foot to hit back fell by the wayside within four minutes of the re-start as Doeglas gathered possession along the left, beat Alyssa van Heurck, and supplied a ball into the box that was too high for Wood, but fell perfectly for the unmarked Leota near the penalty spot to curl home and extend her side’s lead to 3-1.
It could have got a whole lot worse for the visitors shortly afterwards as Leota, who was having yet another influential afternoon, fed Wood who poked a pass through to Kagami to send a low shot that came back off the far post with Doeglas racing in attempting to follow up unable to connect.
It was relentless from RedStar. They were working so hard to impose a rapid press to close down anything Balcatta might have had to offer. The visitors had no time on the ball or space to work in.
Into the final 20 minutes, the visitors managed to slow things down, gain more time to play the ball, and the chances begin to come as a result.
Godding combined with Meakins to feed Gale who rounded Teixeira, but saw her shot blocked by the outrushing Dal Busco. Within three minutes though, the visitors grabbed a lifeline.
Jerram got free along the left and crossed in, Dal Busco couldn’t make the ball stick to her gloves at the near post, and Godding was in space to fire home.
Balcatta were in the ascendency now and Dal Busco had to be alert to deny her former team twice in a matter of minutes. First, as Meakins sped into the box, and then as Gale’s superb angled low pass divided the RedStar defence for substitute Monique Prinsloo – yet again Dal Busco came out to deny the attacker.
The visitors were made to pay in the harshest way possible for failing to take these opportunities – a punishment that RedStar have a habit of meting out. Directly from Dal Busco’s save from Prinsloo, her long goal-kick allowed Doeglas to advance. The former Perth Glory attacker’s shot was blocked by Bennett, but Doeglas regained possession and laid the ball back for substitute Jayna Ridley, who hit a sumptuous first-time shot from the edge of the box to seal victory for the champions.
GOAL! 86:26
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the Perth Redstar W vs Balcatta Etna FC W match at Redstar Arena.
Once more Carlos Vega Mena’s side showed their ruthless ability to play their best football when it absolutely matters in matches – particularly against those likely to be around them in the table. Tactically, they got it right. Balcatta have now only defeated RedStar/Northern Redbacks once in 12 NPLW WA encounters. Pete Rakic will be doing everything possible to ensure that a second win happens at Grindleford Reserve later in the season as his side strive to dethrone the red machine.
UWA-Nedlands recorded their first ever NPLW WA victory and moved up two places on the ladder as a consequence of their superb achievement at Hilton Park on Sunday afternoon.
Lawrence Lewis’ side had suffered defeat last time out to fellow winless side Murdoch University Melville, but they showed their determination to avoid similar fate this time round against another team around them in the ladder.
It’s been a tough start to the campaign for Freo. The perennial top four side had just one win in the league going into the competition, but were able to point to the arrival of Perth Glory A-League Women player Abbey Green, who was sensational for the port city side last season, along with her Glory teammate Tanika Lala.
However, that counted for nothing as the visitors hit the front with 29 minutes played as Michaela Thawley’s corner eventually came out to Alexandra Lyons on the edge of the box to turn a low shot goalwards that squirmed into the net at Indiana Antunes’ near post.
It would get better for UWA-Nedlands on the hour mark. There looked to be no danger at all when Tiana Boots’ clearance for Freo fell to Lyons around 30 yards from goal. However, the visitors’ player looked up and saw Antunes was off her line, sending a high shot goalwards – but the home shot-stopper looked to have it covered, only for the ball to creep past her and into the net.
GOAL! 59:53
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for UWA Nedlands FC W in the Fremantle City W vs UWA Nedlands FC W match at Hilton Park.
Just before the 70-minute mark, the home side got back into the game when former NTC star Lala found Anna Powell who turned a sublime first touch into the net.
UWA-Nedlands kept battling away, and within five minutes restored their two goal advantage. Amy Hartley won possession from a goal kick and drove along the right, beating both Erin Siah and Boots before sending in a cross for Erin Armstrong to bundle home from close range at the back post.
GOAL! 76:19
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for UWA Nedlands FC W in the Fremantle City W vs UWA Nedlands FC W match at Hilton Park.
Fremantle got a late consolation from the penalty spot as Annabelle Leek’s powerful shot went into the left-hand corner.
Whilst this win lifts UWA-Nedlands to sixth, Freo are now just one off the bottom and travel to cellar-dwellers Murdoch University Melville next weekend in a must-win game to get their season on track.
Murdoch University Melville 1-4 Perth SC
Perth SC continued their pursuit of Perth RedStar at the top of the NPLW WA with success at Besteam Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The home side went into the game on the back of two successive wins – over Perth AFC in the State Cup, and last weekend’s vital victory over UWA-Nedlands in the clash of the league’s bottom two. The Azzurri were buoyed by a ruthless demolition job of the NTC in their previous outing.
Indeed, it was the visitors who hit the front with 26 minutes played. Epril Nossent drove up the right wing to deliver a high cross that was met by the head Anika Stajcic.
GOAL! 25:26
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth SC W in the MUM FC W vs Perth SC W match at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University.
It was 2-0 just under 10 minutes later when Impetus’ NPLW WA player of the month for April, Ella Lincoln hit the net from close range.
Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) kept working, and to their credit halved the deficit five minutes into the second half. After good work from Jessie Ellis, Brooke Burden’s ball through found Taylor Reid who drove between two defenders gained possession back when an attempted clearance ricocheted off of her and turned to send the ball into the net.
GOAL! 49:56
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for MUM FC W in the MUM FC W vs Perth SC W match at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University.
However, any hopes of a comeback were snuffed out by Perth SC within four minutes. Lincoln’s classy pass through to Jess Flannery from the middle of the park was perfectly weighted. The pair are building a superb connection this season, and Flannery timed her run brilliantly to profit, holding off Ellis and sending a shot into the left hand corner of the net.
The Azzurri sealed their win on the hour mark with another fantastic goal. Georgia Cassidy released a pinpoint pass to Flannery outside her on the left flank who in turn played a fantastically judged pass between two defenders for Lincoln to run onto in the central channel. The initial shot was blocked by the head of MUM FC keeper Manon Gebauer but fell perfectly for Daisy McAllister to hit a first-time side-footed finish into the left-hand corner of the net.
GOAL! 59:21
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth SC W in the MUM FC W vs Perth SC W match at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University.
Subiaco moved within two points of the top four after gaining an excellent win over the NTC at Rosalie Park in the weekend’s final game.
The NTC’s third straight loss, a run which coupled with Greg Farrell’s side’s continual improvement, sees Subi now firmly in the Top Four Cup race this season.
The home side gained the upper hand with two goals in the space of just 62 seconds before the half-hour mark. Their opener came when Stella Zampogna, a key signing over the close season, was found by Tayna Campos to dispatch a low shot into the net.
Subiaco’s second goal was an absolute peach. A misplaced crossfield ball from the NTC when trying to play out from the back went straight to Frankie Murray-Hocking, who was positioned to the right of centre and chested the ball down before feeding Marianna Tabain inside her. The former A-League Women star laid off to Campos who looked up and played a superbly judged first-time lob over NTC keeper Megan Phillips and into the net.
GOAL! 28:37
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Subiaco AFC W in the Subiaco AFC W vs Hyundai NTC W match at Rosalie Park.
Subi’s lead held until 10 minutes before time when, after an impressive passing move, the ever-dangerous Mia Britton gathered possession on the right, held off Subi’s Savannah Olsthoorn to supplied a typically on point cross for Theodora Mouthiys to come in at the back post and turn home.
However, less than a minute later, the home side restored their two-goal margin, with another excellent piece of skill. Shelby Cochran’s throw-on on the right flank near the edge of the box found Murray-Hocking whose stunning first touch pulled the ball in front of her and then slammed a fantastic shot into the far corner of the net.
GOAL! 80:43
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Subiaco AFC W in the Subiaco AFC W vs Hyundai NTC W match at Rosalie Park.
Subiaco’s continual improvement over the past three seasons is gathering pace – with the way the ladder is opening up after the opening six weeks of the campaign, they have every chance of celebrating a first spot in the Top Four Cup come the end of August.
Table From: Squadi
Round Seven Fixtures – Saturday: Perth RedStar v Hyundai NTC (Geraldton), Perth SC v Subiaco. Sunday: UWA-Nedlands v Balcatta Etna, Murdoch University Melville v Fremantle City.
Image Above: Manchester United celebrating their trophy. (Image from Manchester United Women on X)
by Hannah Chadwick (12/5/2024)
Manchester United produced a dominant display to defeat Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium this afternoon to seal their first major trophy.
The first shot of the game went Spurs’ way as Swedish winger Matilda Vinberg danced around the red shirts, but sent her shot over the bar.
United hit back through Jayde Riviere and Ella Toone who attempted to slide a pass into Leah Galton whose run was ended after colliding with onrushing Tottenham keeper Becky Spencer.
As the half rumbled on, it was Marc Skinner’s side who took charge with the combination of Rachel Williams and Lucia García linking up with Toone down the left-hand side – something which would prove to be fruitful throughout.
Spurs responded with Vinberg cruising along the left and supplied Martha Thomas who headed wide. They came close shortly after once more when Ashleigh Neville crossed in but Vinberg could only head wide.
The frantic exchange of play continued as Katie Zelem fired in a corner which Garcia headed over. Toone was next on the front foot for United, volleying over the top.
The Red Devils were gradually finding the ascendancy, and another dangerous corner from Zelem found Toone once more, but Eveliina Summanen denied the Lioness.
United were rewarded for the greater effectiveness of their offensive play in the final minute of added time in the first half. A lack of communication in the Spurs defensive line allowed Toone to get through on goal, making no mistake with a sensational rocket shot that curled into the roof of the net past the despairing dive Spencer.
There was no immediate need for the North London side to panic – every time they have gone behind in an FA Cup game this season, they have gone on to win the match.
However, within 10 minutes of the re-start, Spurs’ job got doubly tough as Williams doubled United’s lead
Beth England tried to get her side back into the game, but saw her eventual shot go over the top. In the end, this would prove to be the ultimate deciding point in the game, as within minutes the Red Devils went 3-0 up. It was a moment that Spencer will never forget for all the wrong reasons as, in attempting to play out from the back, her clearance lacked power and went straight to Lucia García who capitalised on the error with a deserved goal.
Another opportunity came and went for Spurs after Nilden worked the ball into the 18-yard box for England, but the header hit the bar and the follow up hit the side netting.
The final goal came after another lack of control from the North Londoners allowed Lucia García to net her second.
Kit Graham was busy for Tottenham in the closing stages and is buzzing all over the pitch, picking up the ball in space and sending a shot at goal which is blocked by Millie Turner with England’s follow up also blocked.
Photo: Spurs Women on X (Spurs women in their post game huddle)
That was the last opportunity for Spurs and the final whistle sealed a historic victory for Manchester United. Their strength, organisation and sheer desire ensured that all memories of last year’s loss to Chelsea in the final is firmly in the past.
Above: The Women’s FA Cup. Photo: Football Assocation.
All FA Cup Finals are landmark occasions. But this year’s one is particularly special. There’s a first-time finalist in Tottenham Hotspur, and we are guaranteed a brand new name on the trophy that will be lifted at a sold-out Wembley Stadium.
Impetus’ Hannah Chadwick and Rachel Gore analyse Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United’s key tactical options, strengths, and potential areas to target ahead of Sunday’s big showdown.
Tottenham Hotspur
by Hannah Chadwick
Reaching the FA Cup Final was the culmination of many years of work and gradually improving fortunes for the girls in Lilywhite. Having overcome some tough battles against Manchester City who they despatched in the Quarter-Final and Leicester City in the Semi-Final. Both games went to extra time and even penalties in the case of the Quarter-Final before Spurs managed to secure the victory and book their place in the final at Wembley.
This season has been one of continual achievements for Robert Vilahamn’s side who has transferred successes at Damallsvenskan side BK Häcken to Tottenham. As well as reaching Wembley, the Swede has guided his team to their first-ever North London derby success against Arsenal.
Spurs got to Wembley with their unique and unpredictable playing style. Most recently Vilahamn has chosen to experiment with playing Jessica Naz, who has real pace and has been so powerful when running in behind the defence to receive long balls over the top, in the number nine position, moving Beth England to the left wing with Swedish international Matilda Vinberg on the right wing, which has the consequence of allowing England to come in as a second striker.
Above: Tottenham Hotspur’s Olga Ahtinen and Eveliina Summanen celebrate after their Semi-Final success over Leicester City. Photo: Spurs Women.
However, Vilahamn’s options in this third of the field can become yet more varied with the potential of Martha Thomas and England playing as two strikers alongside each other, or Naz playing as a sole striker with Vinberg with Thomas and England sitting behind her which we saw in the most recent fixture between Manchester United and Spurs.
There is a third potential option for the Spurs boss who also has Rosella Ayane available. The Moroccan international offers the ability to read the play and make opportunities.
In the midfield, we could see Finish duo Evelinna Summanen and Olga Ahtinen play alongside Kit Graham or Shaung Wang or a pairing of Summanen and Drew Spence. These are the most recent pairings that Vilahamn has been using, remembering that Grace Clinton is on loan from Manchester United and so unable to play against her parent club – a real blow for Spurs as her ability to pick up the ball in space and her one on one ability is such a key part of the North London side’s game.
On the defensive side of things Vilahamn tends to stick to the same backline with Ashleigh Neville at right back, Amy James-Turner and Luana Buhler as the two centre back and Amanda Nilden at left back, with the left and right back pushing high up the pitch to press the opposition. On the day of the final, we could also see Molly Bartrip replace either of the two centre-backs as a substitute as she steps up her comeback from injury.
As she continually grows into the WSL, Charli Grant has the potential to start at right back over Neville as she did in Spurs’ game with Brighton and Hove Albion a fortnight ago. Grant has the enviable ability to also shine in the left back spot – a string to her bow that few players have. The South Australian can provide the ultimate flexibility for her team, meaning the defensive shape can mix and match when required.
The key to the outcome of this game is likely to hinge on what team has the most success in making runs behind or through the defence. As both of these teams hold a high press, a ball over the top could mean you are one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Allied with this is the need for pacey players to make intelligent runs into channels and those with the highest calibre of close-quarter patient passing skills. These will be the keys to unlocking the door behind which lies the FA Cup.
Above: Manchester United celebrate their semi-final success over Chelsea. Photo: Manchester United.
Manchester United
by Rachel Gore
In order to reach the FA Cup final, Manchester United had to beat Chelsea in the semi-finals. This 2-1 win was a statement-making result for United – but the challenge now is to take advantage of this golden opportunity to go one step further than last year at Wembley.
It needs to be remembered that Manchester United’s professional women’s team was only launched in 2018 and now, just six years later, the team are heading to Wembley for the second successive year with a chance of taking home silverware.
The wall that opponents Spurs will need to smash down will be Mary Earps – FIFA Best Goalkeeper for two years in a row. Earps is known best for providing stand out saves in high pressure moments at some of the most impressive venues; she’s provided for the Reds, and for the Lionesses, and will no doubt showcase her skill at Wembley during the final.
Earps is not the only United player who can be relied upon for a big game moment. Ella Toone searches for goals in big games, and nearly always makes her mark. The United attacker can boast the remarkable statistic of being the only England player, male or female, to have scored at a quarter-final, semi-final, and final at a major international tournament.
The Reds also have Lucía García, who scored in the FA Cup semi-final, in their squad, as well as Nikita Parris, who is United’s top goal scorer of the season with an impressive 13 goals in 16 games.
García poses a strong defensive threat, against Chelsea she cleared the ball out of the box at important moments, but was also ready to attack, scoring one of the goals that won the match. Tottenham will need to be constantly focusing on García as she will aim to prevent them scoring, but also try to score herself.
Parris is a fast player who pulls out unexpected moves. Defensively, Spurs will focus on the striker. She is always looking to receive balls from Katie Zelem and this partnership will need to be closely monitored by Spurs. Zelem is a strong-minded player who keeps a level head and leads her team with a calming presence on the pitch. She has over 150 appearances for United and uses this experience to direct her teammates and ensure that they make the most out of each minute.
Above: Katie Zelem (left) in action for Manchester United when they met Cup Final opponents Tottenham Hotspur recently in the WSL. Photo: Manchester United.
With Millie Turner, Maya Le Tissier, and Aoife Mannion in defence, Spurs will have to be at their absolute best to create anything to bother Earps. Le Tissier has become a comfortable and consistent member of the England national side. The young defender will take confidence from United’s most recent clash against their Wembley opponents. Here, Le Tissier showcased her skill; putting her body on the line in aggressive tackles and ultimately scoring the goal which secured the team’s draw.
Mannion has also stepped up internationally this season. The defender has become an integral part of the Republic of Ireland national side. Her experience playing Gaelic football has led her to be a strong aggressive player who knows how to make quick, physical decisions under pressure. Spurs will have to match her physical presence in order to have a chance of competing with United’s Irish star.
Whilst United have strength across the pitch, they will need to be wary of Spurs’ midfield. The strong attacks from the likes of Matilda Vinberg will create real danger if her pace and ball skills are not neutered at source.
Beth England will also be a key player that United will need to target. The Spurs captain will aim to drive the ball forward, bringing teammates into the fray as well as looking to score yet more big game goals. It is United’s midfield who have the work to do in order to contain the Lioness.
Zelem will need to combat England with strong tackles. There is also a vital role for both Leah Galton and Ella Toone here. Previously Galton has successfully made runs down the left-hand side of the pitch against Spurs which have allowed her to make pinpoint passes into the box that have led to goals. This duo need to maximise their possession with their proven ability to rocket strong balls into the box, or, in Toone’s case, smash powerful long-range efforts into the net.
If they can do this then a first major trophy will be on its way to the red side of Manchester.
In the final part of a series looking at how Spurs might line up in Sunday’s FA Cup Final, this blog looks at Robert Vilahamn’s options in attack. Previous parts looked at nailed-on starters and central defensive options.
Despite having a deeper bench this season, there are just five players who are likely to fill Spurs’ four attacking positions: right and left wing, #10 and striker. Those are captain, Bethany England, Martha Thomas (facing her former team), Jessica Naz, Celin Bizet Ildhusøy, and Matilda Vinberg. The question is, which four of those five will start, and in which positions?
Martha Thomas is Spurs’ top scorer and has scored big goals this season. Image: @Spurswomen
Three of Spurs possible starters have played in at least three different positions this season: Bethany England spent her first season at Spurs as a striker. But since she returned from injury in December England has also had stints at 10 and (in Spurs’ most recent meeting with Manchester United) at right wing. Martha Thomas started the season as the sole striker, but with England’s return and Jess Naz’s increasing minutes has also sometimes taken up a deeper role, either at 10 (as she did in the North London Derby) or on the right wing (as she did in the FA Cup semi-final). Conversely, in the early season Jess Naz was primarily used as a substitute, coming in on either the right or left wing, but she has increasingly been used as a striker, including in the final period of the semi-final.
The positions of the other two attacking options are more straightforward. Celin Bizet has almost always started at right wing, although there have been periods during games when she has swapped and had minutes on the left. Similarly, Matilda Vinberg is typically a left winger, but has also had brief spells on the right. Their style of play is however quite different to one another. Vinberg is direct and a relatively traditional pacey winger. Whereas, as the season has gone on, and with Vilahamn giving her permission to roam, Bizet has been playing across the attacking third.
Matilda Vinberg charging up the wing. Image: Spurswomen
The other player who we have regularly seen in Spurs’ attack this season (more recently at number 10; previously on the left) is Grace Clinton. Clinton is, however, unable to play in the final because Spurs’ opponents are the loanee’s parent club, Manchester United.
Performance this season
In terms of goal contributions, all of Bethany England, Martha Thomas and Jess Naz have scored in both the WSL and FA Cup this season. As shown in the table below, Thomas has the most goals, and the most goals per 90 minutes. England has the best record (so far) in the FA Cup and is on a streak of 4 goals in 4 games. Naz has more assists.
All three have scored against teams lying above Spurs in the table (top 5); all have scored in games in big stadiums; and all scored in either the quarter- or semi-final of the FA Cup. In other words, all three have shown they can be ‘big game players’.
Table showing the goal contributions of Spurs’ main attacking options
Goals
WSL Goals/90
WSL Goals + Assists/90
Goals vs Top 5
Martha Thomas
10 (7 WSL + 2 Conti + 1 FA Cup)
0.49
0.63
Chelsea x1
Bethany England
7 (4 WSL + 3 FA Cup)
0.43
0.43
Man Utd x1 Man City x1
Jessica Naz
6 (2 WSL, 3 Conti + 1 FA Cup
0.19
0.47
Arsenal x2 Man Utd x1
Celin Bizet
4 (4 WSL)
0.27
0.34
Liverpool x2
Matilda Vinberg
1 (1 WSL)
0.29
0.57
n/a
If we turn to the two wingers, they also have good goal records. But while Bizet has been a regular starter, ever-present, all season, right up until her recent injury, Vinberg joined the club in January and only broke into the team in the last few games. She has, however, seized her opportunity and her dangerous runs and assist won her player of the match in Spurs’ last match-up with United, a game that Bizet sat out injured.
Making Vilahamn’s Decision
The good news is that there are no bad options in selecting from these players. But as Vilahamn makes his decision there are a few things he will be weighing up:
1. Exploiting Naz’s speed: The manager’s earliest attempts to fit all three of England, Thomas and Naz into the team at the same time involved England and Thomas playing in the centre with Naz out wide. But more recently he has used Naz up front. This has been to exploit her ability to run onto balls, something that worked in the Semi-Final and which he tried away to Manchester United in the WSL. Should he choose to do this again, it means, however, that one of England or Thomas will start as a hybrid 10/striker. The question is then whether to use the other on the wing or stick with the more conventional wingers in Bizet and Vinberg.
Jess Naz has grown stronger as the season has progressed. Image: Callum Knowles
2. Fitness: Some of the decision may be about fitness. Both Bizet and Thomas were out injured for a couple of games, only returning as substitutes last Saturday. We do not yet know if they are both fit enough and sufficiently sharp to play 90 minutes.
3. Partnerships: Another thing that may impact Vilahamn’s decision making is his focus on on-pitch partnerships. For instance, we can see that down the left Vinberg and fellow-Swede and left back, Amanda Nildén, have a good relationship. While Vilahamn has spoken about Ash Neville (at right back) building a good partnership with Celin Bizet. That said, Neville also has years of familiarity with Naz and when they play on the same side the two often overlap in attack.
Bizet has developed a good partnership down the right wing with Neville. Image: @spurswomen
4. Maximising Beth England’s finishing: Last season England showed that she was an extremely clinical finisher with 12 goals in 12 games. Recovering from injury, she started this season slowly but is coming into form again. Can Spurs afford to play her anywhere other than as close to goal as possible?
5. Pressing: The team has produced turnovers in dangerous and created goals as a result of well-timed pressing. In early season Martha Thomas excelled in chance creation from pressing and even in substitute appearances Thomas has displayed a remarkable work-rate and created chances from very little. Naz has also produced goals, and won a penalty, through pressing the keeper. In short, Spurs’ most effective pressing high up the pitch has come when either Naz or Thomas head the attack.
6. Defensive contribution: In the second half against Manchester United at Leigh, Spurs were on the back-foot and spent most of the time defending, with England and Naz, especially showing their ability to track back and put in challenges. In the Semi-Final we saw Thomas taking up a position as stand-in right-back. Should a similar situation arise, would Vinberg, who is newer to the league, be at a slight disadvantage?
7. Captaincy: England is not just an elite striker; she is also club captain and her on-field energy and motivational talks have been difference-making. Surely it is inconceivable that she does not start.
8. Sustaining the attack: This is a game in which attacking substitutes are going to matter – either because the team desperately needs a goal or as a defensive weapon to keep up pressure and prevent United attacks from forming. We have seen both Bethany England and Martha Thomas come off the bench and score in the FA Cup already. Similarly, earlier in the season Jess Naz changed the pace of WSL games when she came on.
Thomas and England. Image: @Spurswomen
Vilahamn’s decisions about the attack will depend on which of these (or other unkown) factors he weights as most important. Given that both Naz and England have started all of Spurs recent games, it seems highly probable that both get the nod. As the only natural left-footer it would also seem likely for Vinberg to be given another chance to bully United’s back line. If that is the case, the biggest question may be which of Thomas or Bizet, both of whom have had excellent seasons, start. Surely, whichever Vilahamn goes for we will see the other as an early substitute.
The more difficult part to predict is positions. Jessica Naz at the point of the attack with England just behind her and Vinberg and Bizet/Thomas on the wings would be a good bet. That said, given Vilahamn’s ability to solve problems in unexpected ways (Kit Graham to defensive midfield; Angharad James to right back) it would not be surprising if the manager arrives at a setup we have not even considered.
Likely Substitutes
Beyond these five potential starters there are players who have featured in Spurs’ attack, but rarely, if ever, started this season. That includes the creative Wang Shuang who has played minutes at 10 and at left wing. Her willingness to cut inside, and to take up a variety of positions fits well with Vilahamn’s desire for a lack of positional fixity, but she has yet to have more than a cameo role.
Shuang came on as a substitute in the Quarter-Final against Mancheter City. Image: @Spurswomen
Rosella Ayane has been at Spurs for five years and scored Spurs’ last-gasp winner against Sheffield United but she has had relatively few minutes and is clearly not high in Vilahamn’s pecking order. She typically comes on at right wing but has played on the left or even as striker. Both she and Ellie Brazil bring pace, a slightly chaotic energy and intermitent moments of quality and frustration. Brazil was out most of last year with an ACL injury soon after joining the club, and has made very few substitute appearances, typically on the right wing.
Other players have been used in the attack but are currently more often played elsewhere. That includes Ramona Petzelberger who, in true utility player form, has played at 10 as well as in defensive midfield and right-back. While both Kit Graham and Drew Spence have had minutes at 10 this season but are now primarily used further back. Charli Grant has been brought on as a late attacking substitute, but is more usually a full-back. And, of course, Amy James-Turner has in two games moved up the pitch to play as an injury time striker.
It would be highly unlikely if any players other than England, Thomas, Naz, Bizet and Vinberg start but we may well see at least one or two of the above making substitute appearances or players like Spence or Graham being moved forward.
If you have thoughts about who you think should head the attack reply in the comments.
And if you missed the first two parts of this series you can catch up:
Now, however, is the time to start getting properly excited. Spurs are playing at Wembley. It’s nearly upon us. And we are going to see the starting lineup for ourselves very soon. Not something we could have imagined at the start of this season.
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