Above: Canberra United celebrates a goal this past season. Now, they have many more to look forward to. Image: Canberra United.
By Ryan Miller-Woods (19/4/24).
The media heard from Capital Football CEO Samantha Farrow and Save Canberra United’s Sue Read on Thursday in regard to the future of Canberra United being secured thanks to a one-off payment of $200,000 of funding from the ACT Government on top of the annual subsidy that they provide of $250,000 for the club that will see United contest the 2024/25 A-League Women’s season.
The announcement of Canberra’s future being secured at least until the end of next season is very welcome news for fans, the club, and most importantly the players and staff currently at United. Furthermore, given there was a lot of uncertainty as to whether Canberra would even still exist beyond this season, while there’s a fair bit to go in terms of United’s long-term future, it’s a promising start, nevertheless.
Also, what the ‘Save Canberra United’ campaign has already shown with over $75,000 being donated is that the demand to keep the club around is most definitely apparent by a vast array of people.
When asked about her reaction to seeing the support with the way that the ‘Save Canberra United’ group has come together and how it has all happened, Farrow said, “one thing that its cemented (is that) this is a really supportive community, a tight-knit community. There’s a lot of support for football out there and I’ve actually been blown away by the level of support to be fair. It’s been really quite humbling and I’m proud to be a part of an organisation that can pull that kind of community support.”
Above: Capital Football CEO Samantha Farrow speaking on Canberra United’s future. Image: Capital Football.
With the budget that has been provided for next season, Farrow was asked how big the shortfall is for the club, to which she said, “the budget that we’ve put together is quite minimalistic. It absolutely has a full salary cap, the travel costs, and everything like that in there. There’s not a lot of room for additional services outside the bare minimum, so right now we’re still looking at a shortfall of a couple of hundred thousand and if we are successful in getting that covered and a bit more, then I’m looking forward to being able to provide some extra services to further professionalise this team, in every way.
Club captain and all-time leading goalscorer for both United and in the A-League Women Michelle Heyman has been very vocal about the club’s future, and understandably wants to have her future secured as well as her fellow teammates, whether it’s remaining at Canberra or going elsewhere.
When asked whether she’s confident in Heyman remaining at Canberra United for the 2024/25 season, Farrow said, “absolutely! That’s one of those next steps…securing who our players are and what our team looks like for Season 17. I really hope she’ll be a part of it. She’s been a big part of Canberra United for the last few years and I certainly would welcome her to continue.”
It really can’t be understated how much Sue Read must be commended for the ‘Save Canberra United’ campaign and just how significant it has been since it was launched. What it has shown alongside there being a demand from the amount already donated to save the club, is the initiative to go to this extent to ensure the future of Canberra United.
Above: Sue Read of ‘Save Canberra United’ is a massive reason Canberra gained so much community support. Image: Capital Football.
When asked if she was always confident that the club would have a team for next season, Read said, “I was, maybe, slightly delusional but I think confident because I know at least from ‘Save Canberra United’s’ perspective we just weren’t going to stop until either we got the $300,000 ourselves or a big part of what we’ve been doing is trying to lobby government, talk to government and really give reasons for why they need to invest more in Women’s sport across the board and Canberra United as a part of that. So we were pretty confident that it was somehow going to come together.”
When asked Michelle Heyman and trying to make sure that she is with Canberra United for next season, Read said, “we had chats with her at the end of this season. Her heart like so many of the players is in Canberra, this is where she’s been. I think she wants to stay here, she wants to win, she wants to have a team and support around her that can be at the top of the table. So we as a community all need to make sure we’ve got enough money to secure one of the best, most dedicated, loyal people to the sport.”
For this week’s ‘WA On Wednesday’ feature, Hyundai NTC’s Violet Longmore talks to Ben Gilby abouther footballing journey from Margaret River to travelling three hours back and forth to the bright lights of Perth as part of the NTC set-up (17/4/24).
Above:Violet Longmore (left, gold shirt) holds off Perth SC’s Poppie Hooks last season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Violet Longmore.
Violet Longmore is one of Hyundai NTC’s latest batch of talented teenagers who are producing consistently impressive performances in the NPLW WA this season. Hailing from the beautiful wine-producing region of Margaret River, Longmore has come a long way – both in terms of travel and development – in recent years.
The defender describes herself as “quite calm and patient but also a player who loves to be on the ball, and I love to win one-v-ones, especially when up against very tough and fast wingers,” began by detailing her footballing journey.
“I first started playing football in Margaret River when I was five all the way up until was 13, and that’s when I decided to trial for the U14 NTC team, and to my surprise I was selected even despite being a country player.
“As a full-time player in the U14s and living in Margaret River, I was travelling to Perth three times a week (a three-hour there and three-hour back trip), having to miss lots of school, and doing my homework in the car, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make.
Above: Pointing the way – Violet Longmore in action for Hyundai NTC at their new home ground at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Violet Longmore.
“I did this for two years for the U15 NTC team also. When I was accepted into the U19s NTC NPL team in 2022, I decided it was the right time to move to Perth and make the full commitment. I have now been in the U19s (now U18s) team for three seasons. This will be my last year in NTC before I age out of the program.”
The process of selection for the state NTC side is a tough one, but even more demanding when factoring in the additional pressures of being based outside of Perth – something that Longmore emphasised: “There were many trials which were quite daunting being a country player and having to match the Perth players skills and performance.
“I’d say once I made the U14s team, the trials got harder and harder each year as you have to try and break into the next age group, especially with different coaches who don’t really know you as a player.
“There were open trials where so many girls attended, after that, it became invite-only. Emails were sent out saying whether you were asked to come trial for another or not, receiving that acceptance to the next round was almost a dream for me as I never thought I could make it being a country player who lived three hours away. After the trials were complete it was basically a waiting game to see if you made it or not.
“My biggest challenge as a player so far would be making the move from country football to metro football. There was a massive jump in training environment and quality and also the opposition being much stronger.
“It was definitely a big jump for me personally and a lot of sacrifices were made. I moved to Perth and left my small hometown, my friends, and school. Having to move to a new school knowing no one and pretty much start over.
Above: Driving forward in possession in last season’s successful State Cup Final. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Violet Longmore.
“Then there was getting injured at the start of 2023 in the Night Series, and missing the first half of the season, after coming from a very good pre-season and then missing out and having to push myself back into the mindset of playing again and not being afraid.”
Come back Longmore did, and she was part of last season’s successful team that won the State Cup and also made the season-ending Top Four Cup. The defender played alongside a number of players who subsequently went on to earn A-League Women contracts. Seeing friends go and achieve this recognition has inspired the young defender even more.
“Our 2023 squad was one to remember. We had a mix of older and younger girls, but it was the most bonded team I had been a part of. Playing with the likes of Georgia (Cassidy), Grace (Johnstone), Lilly (Bailey), Tanika (Lala), they really stepped up and pushed all of us younger girls to work hard and work for each other, they set a good example of what can happen in just year all being signed for Perth Glory.
“I think for me, it’s made me realise I can be one of those players who gets a contract, really making me push myself this year, always training the best I can and putting in the extra work.”
Like all NTC teams in the various state NPLW competitions, the Western Australian one is full of teenagers who go up against experienced, seasoned opponents each week – some of whom have considerable A-League Women experience. It’s a baptism of fire both physically and mentally, but one which Longmore knows stands her in good stead.
“It’s really tough. Being such a young team playing in the NPL competition up against many experienced players, it can be scary. I do get a bit nervous when I come up against the likes of Jamie Duncanson who is strong, fast, and a dangerous player.
“Dealing with it all comes down to your own confidence, knowing you’re here and in this team for a reason. Physically, we are a smaller team that lacks a bit of physicality, but I think once you step out onto the pitch you can match them and you put everything in to win the ball and play good football.
Above: Violet Longmore (right) in action in the season’s opening round, away to UWA-Nedlands, a game in which she scored for Hyundai NTC. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Violet Longmore.
Whilst it’s early days in the season, Longmore’s NTC side has won all three league games so far and the defender sees some positive signs emerging as the team looks to bond together a new crop of players for 2024.
“The opening round against UWA-Nedlands (in which Longmore scored), we dominated the ball and played good football, though it would have been nice to finish with more goals which we deserved with the way we played. Throughout pre-season, Ben (Anderton, head coach) has been really reinforcing our principles and the way we like to play and it definitely showed in the UWA game.
“This pre-season I’ve been working really hard both in the gym and on the training pitch, and for me scoring that goal was a real win, as its something we have been working on in training, and for it to work out was amazing.
“At training, you try and take any piece of advice you can, especially with such a big squad where everyone is trying to learn. I’ve really taken all the information I can get from Ben, State, and especially Tommy who helps a lot with us defenders.”
Whilst Longmore’s footballing career is still in its embryonic days, she has big dreams, but given her succession of impressive displays for the NTC side, there is absolutely no reason why she cannot achieve them.
“For the future, I’d love to sign an A-League contract at the end of this season, though there are many players in the NPL wanting the same. It would also be a dream to go to a national camp but you never really know as it depends on your performance individually and in a team, so I think for me, I just have to keep working hard and putting in the extra work to hopefully achieve these goals.”
Above: Junior Matildas’ head coach Rae Dower. Photo: Football Australia.
Junior Matildas’ Head Coach, Rae Dower has finalised Australia’s 23-player squad to participate at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup which takes place in Indonesia next month.
Hosted across two venues in Bali, the tournament will see the best of Asia’s next generation take to the pitch from 6th–19th May.
The U-17 Women’s National Team begins their Group B campaign against China PR on Tuesday, 7 May 2024 at Bali United Training Center (6.00pm AEST). They will then take on defending champions Japan on Friday, 10 May 2024 at Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium (9.00pm AEST).
Australia will round out their group stage fixtures back at Bali United Training Center against Thailand on Monday, 13 May 2024 (6.00pm AEST).
Junior Matildas Head Coach Rae Dower revealed that the selected squad was the culmination of 18 months of concerted scouting, camps and Talent Development Scheme matches across Australia with almost 100 footballers provided the opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Above: Sydney FC’s Indiana Dos Santos – one of those called up by Rae Dower. Photo: The Australian.
“We’re excited about the composition of the final squad. We’ve got more depth than ever across this cohort and we’re really happy with the team representing the nation at this prestigious tournament,” she said.
“It’s a squad that is adaptable and flexible, can play a variety of different systems with some strong, robust defenders and real ‘x-factor’ players; creative and dangerous in that middle and final third.”
Six different Member Federations are represented in the final squad with nine players currently signed with A-Leagues Women’s clubs. Recent injuries to a number of players in A-League Women’s clubs have ruled them out of final team selection, opening the door for some first-time call-ups.
“We’ve got a great mix of players who have contributed to our Asian Cup qualification and have five debutants that have been working very hard in their respective Member Federation programs to gain selection,” Dower explained.
“It’s hugely disappointing for the players who’ve succumbed to recent injuries. That’s a part of football and will provide a learning opportunity in dealing with disappointment and building resilience.
“Their misfortune is an opportunity for their teammates. We’ve been working on building depth and that means we’ve got players who will step up and do their country proud in the absence of others.”
Above: Ruby Cuthbert, Brisbane Roar’s Western Australian who has been called-up. Photo: NT Times.
“I thank the respective Member Federations and club staff for their support and collaboration in the development of our next generation female footballers,” she concluded.
To begin preparations and acclimatisation ahead of the tournament, the squad and staff will assemble in Cairns from Wednesday, 24 April ahead of travelling to Bali five days later. Players still in action during the A-League Women’s Finals Series will join the squad at the conclusion of their respective club’s campaign.
“We get the opportunity to come together in Cairns and to build further team cohesion. Now the Draw has been revealed, we can focus more specifically tactically on our confirmed opponents,” Dower said.
“We’ve been diligent in analysing them and are confident that we can overcome any challenges that may arise throughout the tournament.”
The Junior Matildas are one of eight teams who have qualified for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup with the nations drawn into two groups of four.
The top two from each group will advance to the knockout phase. The top three nations from the competition qualify as the AFC’s representatives at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup which will take place in the Dominican Republic from 16th October – 3rd November 2024.
Layla
ADAMS
Goalkeeper
Gold Coast United / Football Queensland
Caoimhe
BRAY
Goalkeeper
Emerging Jets / Northern NSW Football
Danella
BUTRUS
Forward
FV Emerging / Football Victoria
Ruby
CUTHBERT
Defender
Brisbane Roar / Football West
Sienna
DALE
Forward
Manly FC / Football New South Wales
Sian
DEWEY
Midfielder
Adelaide United FC / Football South Australia
Indiana
DOS SANTOS
Midfielder
Sydney FC / Football New South Wales
Emma
DUNDAS
Midfielder
Newcastle Jets FC / Northern NSW Football
Mikayla
DUONG
Midfielder
FNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
Alice
FRANCOU
Forward
FV Emerging / Football Victoria
Tiana
FULLER
Forward
FNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
Ehva
GUTSZMIT
Midfielder
FV Emerging / Football Victoria
Isabela
HOYOS
Defender
FQ-QAS / Football Queensland
Alvina
KHOSHABA
Defender
FNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
Christina
KICEEC
Defender
FNSW Institute / Football New South Wales
Shelby
MCMAHON
Midfielder
Melbourne City FC / Football Queensland
Kiera
MEYERS
Midfielder
Melbourne City FC / Football Victoria
Chloe
PARKER
Defender
FQ-QAS / Football Queensland
Lily
PUNCH
Forward
FQ-QAS / Football Queensland
Jessica
SKINNER
Goalkeeper
Perth Glory FC / Football West
Amelia
TARTAGLIA
Defender
FV Emerging / Football Victoria
Annabelle
YATES
Defender
Melbourne Victory FC / Football Victoria
Talia
YOUNIS
Midfielder
Western Sydney Wanderers FC / Football New South Wales
Ellie Smith (Yellow) scored for Norwich City in their 1-1 draw at Haywards Heath Town. Credit – Norwich City Women FC
FA Women’s National League Division One South East
Norwich City’s title hopes evaporated as they were held to an embarrassing 1-1 draw at already relegated Haywards Heath Town. Ellie Smith had given Norwich City the lead but a goal from Storm Bailey saw Haywards Heath Town take a point.
Eastern Region Premier Division
Wroxham were 3-2 winners over AFC Dunstable at Trafford Park. A goal from Hannah Fuller plus two own goals saw Wroxham take the points. Sian Morris and Ruby Powell scored for AFC Dunstable.
Kings Lynn Town were beaten 6-0 at home by St Albans City. Kelly Hanock, Becky Shephard, Hollie Thornton, Kiera Ward, Scarlett Robb and Summer Small all scored a goal each for the visitors.
Kings Lynn Town (Blue) were beaten 6-0 at home by St Albans City. Credit – Stuart Cobb
Eastern Region Division One North
Mulbarton Wanderers produced the result of the weekend in Norfolk coming from 2-0 down to beat the leaders of Tier Six at the start of the day Harpenden Town. Sophia Amanor and Belle Shannon had given Harpenden a 2-0 lead but a brace each from Alanta Griffith and Rebekah Lake saw Mulbarton Wanderers claim a fine victory.
Fakenham Town were beaten 2-1 at home by Stevenage Development. Chloe Gravett got the goal for Fakneham Town with Stephanie Fausse and Ella Mercer scoring for Stevenage.
Thetford Town’s trip to Wootton Blue Cross was abandoned due to a serious injury to Thetford Town goalkeeper Amber Browne.
Rebekah Lake scored twice for Mulbarton Wanderers in their 4-2 home win over Harpenden Town. Credit – Ben Cunningham
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Mulbarton Wanderers Development lead a gripping title race following a 3-0 home win over Kings Lynn Soccer Club. Megan Anderton scored a brace with Lucy Kean getting their other goal.
Second placed Sprowston were 1-0 winners at home to Caister thanks to a goal from Phoebe Green.
Bungay Town leapfrogged Caister into third place with a 4-0 away win at Thorpe St Andrew. Mia Rose scored a brace with Abigail Bell and Naomi Cooper getting the other two goals.
Fifth placed Aylsham have had a great few days, on Thursday night they were 3-1 winners at home to Long Stratton thanks to a brace from Christina Papadopoulou and a goal from Rachel Bussey. Lucy Eagle scored for Long Stratton.
Aylsham followed that up on Sunday with a 5-2 victory at home to University of East Anglia. Christina Papadopoulou scored a hat-trick and Florence Simpkin scored a brace. Costessey Sports were 4-1 winners at North Walsham Town thanks to a Hat-Trick from Chloe Gaff and a goal from Thea Hackney. Rio Dobbie scored for North Walsham Town
Aylsham (Orange) were 3-1 winners over Long Stratton on Thursday night. Credit – Shaun Button
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
With the top two Stalham Town and Bure Valley both not in action it was an opportunity for third place Shrublands and fourth place Mundford to close the gap in the title race.
Shrublands were 4-0 winners at home to Horsford Harriers thanks to a goal each from Rachel Adams, Amy Barker, Hannah Halfnight and Sophie Everson.
Mundford were 5-2 winners at home to FC Viking Valkyries, thanks to a goal each from Livvi Hodges, Ellen Kerbey, Sara-Jane Langford, Lauren Roberts and Niamh Underhill. Jessica Bennett and Maddie Smith scored for FC Viking Valkyries.
Waveney recorded an impressive 3-2 away win at Beccles Town Development thanks to goals from Chloe Dobson, Molly Grint and Demi Saunders. Saffron Jones-Yates and Vicky Bloomfield scored for Beccles Town Development.
Horsford Hurricanes were 3-1 winners at home to Freethorpe thanks to a brace from Sian Steward and a goal from Maisie Nichols. Kira Tucker scored for Freethorpe.
Martham were 4-1 winners at home to Great Yarmouth Town thanks to a brace from Bethany Shearing and a goal each from Briony Punchard and Lauren Monument. Lucie Morley scored for Great Yarmouth Town.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One
Loddon United were 4-1 winners at home to Horsford thanks to a brace from Jenny Seaman and a goal each from Daizee Tink and Sarah Britcher. Kirstie Reader scored for Horsford.
Dussindale & Hellesdon were 1-0 winners at Mulbarton Wanderers thanks to a goal from Helen Finn.
Rockland United were 1-0 winners at home to Left Field.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two
FC Viking Valkyries were 1-0 winners at Madra thanks to a goal from Jane Diver.
Bulldogs FC were 2-1 winners at University of East Anglia thanks to goals from Melanie Sargeant and Sophie Widdowson.
Shrublands (Red) were 4-0 winners at home to Horsford Harriers in Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two on Sunday. Credit – Steve Wood
Above: Leah Williamson (left) and Katie Reid. Photo Arsenal Women
Arsenal thump relegation-threatened Bristol City 5-0 to consolidate their place in the top three in the Women’s Super League table.
Doubles from Lionesses Beth Mead and Alessia Russo alongside an own goal from Ella Powel sealed a comfortablewin for the Gunners.
Arsenal opened the scoring in the 7th minute. Catlin Foord won the ball back high up on the left flank. The Australian international drove into the box, her effort struck the post, and the rebounding ball found Mead to fire the home side into the lead.
It was almost 2-0 soon after. A well-worked short corner found Victoria Pelova on the edge of the box, but her curled effort struck the crossbar. Stina Blackstenius also forced a good save from Bristol City keeper Fran Bentley and was inches away from turning in Mead’s cross at the far post.
A second goal felt inevitable. Again, it was Mead who provided it and again Foord was involved in the build-up. The Matilda’s ball found Mead, but her initial effort was blocked on the line. The ball fell kindly back to Mead to double Arsenal’s lead.
Two soon became three. Steph Catley’s, whose combination play with Foord down the left-hand side caused Bristol City problems all game, attempted cross deflected off Ella Powell looped over Bentley, and into the net.
Bristol City almost pulled a goal back in the opening stages of the second half. A long ball over the top eventually found Amalie Thestrup whose attempt was denied by a great Sabrina D’Angelo save at her near post.
Any potential Bristol City resistance was quickly squashed. Russo picked up the ball on the edge of the box and hammered home a long-range effort into the top corner to make it four.
Russo then got her second goal of the game to make it five. A cutback from second-half substitute Kaite McCabe found Russo who finished with a sumptuous first-time effort and rounded off the scoring.
Arsenal could have had more goals in the second half. Emily Fox had a long-range effort tipped over the bar while Mead and Blackstenius both went close.
This result for Arsenal increases the gap between them and Manchester United in fourth by nine points, all but securing Champions League football for next season. Bristol City are now seven points adrift from safety, with survival in the Women’s Super League looking less and less likely.
After the game, Russo said “We played some really nicefootball throughout the game. To score early and be clinical with our chances was really important”.
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall said “I’m very happy with the performance. I always think it is difficult when we come back from an international break to get the rhythm going.
We showed variety in the way we attack the ball and I think we deserved to score five goals”.
The start of last month Chelsea had quadruple dreams that were crushed by Arsenal in the Conti Cup final. Then there was a treble dream but their successful run in the FA cup competition came to an end yesterday as Manchester United got their revenge for both the final last season and their trashing at Stamford Bridge by denying them a ticket to Wembley to face Tottenham Hotspur.
After the Lillywhite side of North London secured their own win in extra time, eyes turned to Leigh Sports Village to see who would join them.
Current leaders Chelsea showed signs of cracking under their tight schedule. That would be enough for any team but it also comes not less than a week after the international break, where nearly every single player in the starting XI played for country opposed to Manchester United who had a pretty much rested squad compared to their opponents.
Lucia García had a shock opening goal in a feisty match up between the two sides then Rachel Williams doubled the lead 22 minutes later. Again, the match was a prime example of how the international schedule is affecting club performances. Kadeisha Buchanan played in the SheBelieves final for Canada only four days ago and Jess Carter made the switch from centre back to left back for England to only go back today. Both of these players started the game and formed the centre back pairing.
It is not to make excuses for the visiting side but it is an important factor to remember when it comes to club performances. It is not the first time that we have seen this over the season. Teams like Leicester, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur kicked off their season campaigns with a bang opposed to the higher ranked sides in the table. A clear reason was because the teams had significantly less players at the World Cup so had more time to rest and recover.
Lauren James was able to pull one back in extra time for Chelsea in the first half. She had a frustrating game due to her retaliating to the Red’s fouls on her and a questionable incident with Millie Turner- which led to her seeing a yellow card.
Chelsea’s attack got better in the second half as Mayra Ramírez was able to cut through in the defence not long after the whistle blew in the restart but her efforts fell short. Whatever Emma Hayes’ half time pep talk was, it worked as they came out a different team and were attacking more. Ultimately it did not work for the reigning champions.
The visitors had two calls for a penalty. A handball from Katie Zelem and then Niamh Charles fouled in the box by Lucia García . The decision went against them.
The Blue’s play was scrappy at times so the Red’s were able to take advantage by taking a calmer approach to their play. They were sloppy and giving away more fouls than usual so the hosts were able to use that.
Manchester United struggled themselves at times to get into the game and were only able to clasp onto Chelsea’s mistakes opposed to making their own chances. Mary Earps found her groove again and was able to pull on some much needed saves for her side and ultimately were able to secure a back to back ticket to Wembley.
Tottenham Hotspur await the Reds but in a major twist in the tale, Spurs’ will have to do it without their shining star, Grace Clinton, because she is on loan from United. If that will be an advantage, time will tell.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)
Earps; Mannion, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell ; Naalsund, Zelem ; García, Toone, Galton ; Williams
Ben Gilby provides a full report from the game of the week along with all the details from the round’s other three matches along with photography from Rob Lizzi and Denyse McCulloch(15/4/24)
Above:Ella Lincoln (darker hair facing camera) celebrates after her corner ended up in the net to give Perth SC a 2-1 win over Balcatta Etna on Saturday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Game of the week
Perth SC 2-1 Balcatta Etna
by Ben Gilby
Perth SC gained a vital win in the early context of the season as they put in a tactically astute display to become the first side this season to defeat Balcatta Etna in the NPLA WA.
This was a big game for so many reasons. Balcatta’s starting line-up contained a host of players who wore the Azzurri of the home side last season, along with visitors’ head coach Pete Rakic also returning to Dorrien Gardens. Perth SC conversely had Kim McCartney, Baxter Thew, and Epril Nossent in their squad – a trio who were with Balcatta last year.
After Perth SC’s reversal at home to Perth RedStar last weekend, Danielle Brogan’s side could ill-afford another loss to a team likely to be top-four rivals this season in successive weeks. Thanks to a well-organised performance across the park, there was no need to worry.
The Azzurri set their stall out from the start, and it was impressive. Not only were they looking to maintain possession at all times, but when they didn’t have the ball, they imposed a very tight press on Balcatta which limited the visitors’ potential ball-playing skills and threaded balls. It also had the impact, particularly in the first 25 minutes, of making Balcatta force the pass which earned Perth turnover ball.
The home side had a minor opportunity with a long-range shot after 12 minutes, but they would soon hit the front, and in some style too.
Just five minutes later, Ella Lincoln turned her opponent beautifully and advanced up the centre channel, and found Jess Flannery outside her. The hard-working attacker took the ball on before dispatching a powerful shot into the net with some aplomb.
Perth remained on the front foot and, just after the 20-minute mark, Charli Wainwright was denied by the tackle of Rachel Jarvis just as she was about to pull the trigger.
On the rare occasions that Balcatta were getting forward, they were well marshalled by the home side. A case in point was Monique Prinsloo’s sortie up the left flank which was rendered fruitless as she was pushed closer and closer to the touchline by the Perth defence.
With 31 minutes played, the Azzurri came desperately close to doubling their advantage as Flannery sent a vicious free-kick from left of centre outside of the box crashing off of the right-hand post.
Above: Balcatta Etna’s Liana Cook (darker shirt) contests possession on Saturday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The remaining 10 minutes of the opening period saw the visitors at their best from an attacking perspective as Liana Cook sent a header goalwards from a corner that Bailey did well to get down and hold at her left-hand post.
Former Perth star Faye Phillips was also becoming ever-prominent for Balcatta. First, she floated in a free-kick that was headed clear into the path of Jamie-Lee Gale who hit a low long ranger shot which Bailey pushed away. Then, she forced Bailey into another save with an effort from outside the box.
It was the home side that made the first telling effort in the second period. If last week the story for Perth SC was not taking chances when they came, this week they put that right with a vital early goal.
Above: Ella Lincoln – another impressive performance. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Alyssa van Heurck lost possession to Lincoln on the edge of the box. The Perth attacker dispatched a goalward effort that Bailey got down well at the right-hand post to push away for a corner. Lincoln trotted over to take the set-piece, which on first viewing, looked to curled a sensational effort straight into the net, although it was subsequently tallied as an own goal by Liana Cook.
Shortly afterwards, it could have been game over without doubt as Flannery looked up, saw Bennett well off her line, and lifted an exquisite lob over her former teammate, but also just over the bar.
Perth SC were ruthless and relentless – they were giving Balcatta no space in which to play, with the tight defensive press combined with Azzuri shirts looking to plug the channels as well.
Above: Perth SC look to remain resolute at the back in the closing stages. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Just before the hour mark though, the visitors did get the ball in the net as Gale’s cross from the right to the back post ended up with Prinsloo sliding the ball home, only to see the offside flag raised.
They had better luck less than two minutes later as Abbey Meakins sent a powerful low free-kick into the right-hand corner of the net against her former Perth SC teammates. It was game on.
Both teams stepped up to the plate in a hugely enjoyable last 20 minutes. Meakins played in Gale on the edge of the box which brought Bailey into the action once more to save. Moments later there was a chance at the other end as Lincoln broke through and found Flannery outside her, but Bennett held firm in the Balcatta goal.
Flannery was expending a lot of energy once more. She is an absolute machine out there week-in-week-out. With five minutes remaining, she had another opportunity from a free-kick from the right of centre just outside the box, but Bennett saved. Also impressive was Charli Wainwright who turned her marker brilliantly to race through before being beaten by the acute angle she had left herself with.
Lucy Jerram has been in sensational form for Balcatta this season, but the tight press and organised defence of Perth SC meant that she cut a largely peripheral figure in this game – until that is the final moments when she had several chances to impact the outcome of this game.
Above: Charli Wainwright, who showed some excellent touch and skill once more on Saturday night. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The sighter came with two minutes of normal time remaining after she was found from a ball from the right, her shot went well over the top. A minute into stoppage time, Jerram raced in on Bailey who was trying to clear the ball and got the deflection, but it wouldn’t go goalwards. Then, moments later she got the opportunity to pull the trigger at last, but Bailey saved at the cost of a corner that was cleared.
This was an excellent victory for Perth SC, and with two big-name players with A-League Women and international experience tipped to be on their way to Dorrien Gardens, great things can happen at the club this year.
Whilst Balcatta have gone down to their first league defeat of the season, there is still plenty of time for their new-look team to gel – and with two A-League Women players thought to be coming their way in the near future too, exciting times remain at Grindleford Reserve.
Further images from Rob Lizzi at Perth SC v Balcatta Etna:
Round wrap:
Fremantle City 0-2 Hyundai NTC
Hyundai NTC continued their perfect start to the season by defeating a Fremantle City side that are still looking for their first win of the campaign after a tough opening three weeks of fixtures for the port city club.
The visitors took the lead with 21 minutes on the clock as, following an excellent controlled move of passing football, Maja Archibald was released to drive through the middle and lift a superb shot over Freo keeper Dayle Schroeder from the edge of the box.
GOAL! 20:55
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Hyundai NTC W in the Fremantle City W vs Hyundai NTC W match at Hilton Park.
The NTC left it until four minutes before the end to secure the points when Hannah Collins fired a penalty kick high into the right-hand roof of the net.
Murdoch University Melville 1-4 Subiaco
Above: Murdoch University Melville fire in a shot at home to Subiaco. Photo: Denyse McCulloch (Denyse RM Photography Facebook).
Subiaco gained their first win of the season with success at Besteam Stadium on Sunday against a Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) side who are still looking for their first victory for 2024.
Subi hit the front just before the quarter-hour mark as they took advantage of the home side finding it hard to clear their lines. Danielle Suckling played the ball forward towards Tayna Campos who went one on one with home keeper Manon Gebauer, with the ball coming back for Frankie Murray Hocking to sweep home from close range.
Two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half, the visitors increased their advantage in some style. Shelby Cochran, to the right of centre in midfield laid a low ball back for Danielle Suckling to let fly with a sensational shot from almost 40 yards.
GOAL! 47:03
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Subiaco AFC W in the MUM FC W vs Subiaco AFC W match at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University.
The home side got a foothold back in the game five minutes into the second half when Luana Ascenzo-Cabello’s corner on the right came into the back post and after a minor scramble, a penalty was awarded for an apparent handball. Up stepped Ascenzo-Cabello to dispatch the ball into the right-hand corner.
Subiaco secured the points with two late goals. First, Frankie Murray-Hocking’s free-kick on the right wing was met by the stooping head of Dakota Van-Vugt which looped the ball up over the MUM FC defence and in. Van-Vugt got her second from the toes of teammate Campos, directing the ball goalwards.
Above: Murdoch University Melville goalkeeper Manon Gebauer makes a save. Photo: Denyse McCulloch ( (Denyse RM Photography Facebook).
Perth RedStar 7-0 UWA-Nedlands
Perth RedStar went top of the NPLW WA ladder with a comprehensive win over league newcomers UWA-Nedlands at RedStar Arena on Sunday.
The home side went into the lead just after the half-hour mark when Reina Kagami played a short pass to Renee Leota who in turn found Lauren Continibali outside her on the right wing. The former Balcatta player ran up the line and played in a low ball for an unmarked Caitlin Doeglas who was centrally positioned on the edge of the box to lift a glorious first-time lofted shot into the net.
The hosts ultimately secured the points with a further two goals in two minutes before the break. Just six minutes after Doeglas’ goal, the hosts doubled their advantage. Some classy quick-footed passes on the right wing found Kagami just inside from the flank and over 25 yards from goal. The Japanese star looked up and lifted a sumptuous lob which, despite Morgan Springer’s best efforts to get a hand to, nestled into the back of the net.
GOAL! 36:32
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the Perth Redstar W vs UWA Nedlands FC W match at Redstar Arena.
Continibali and Doeglas combined with deadly effect once more for RedStar’s third. Some superb footwork along the right once more from the former led to a centimetre-perfect ball played in for Doeglas who escaped from the attentions of the visiting defence to head home.
RedStar went on to add a further four goals to establish themselves as the new league leaders. First, 11 minutes into the second period, Doeglas was found on the left flank and crossed in for Jayna Ridley towards the back of the box who couldn’t quite get an effort in on goal, but was able to direct the ball for Olivia Wood to volley over Springer.
With 66 minutes played, it was 5-0 when a long-range shot from Carroll bounced its way into the bottom right corner of the net. Two minutes later, the scoring was completed as Ridley was brought down on the edge of the right-hand side of the box. Up stepped Carroll to curl the resulting free-kick into the near side corner of the net.
There was a quarter of an hour remaining when Arai Manami laid off to Ridley who played the ball straight across to Kagami outside her. It was another brilliant finish from Kagami who hit a first-time sidefooted shot into the right-hand corner of the net.
Above: A smiling Marianna Tabain (white shirt) was back in action for Subiaco. Photo: Denyse McCulloch (Denyse RM Photography Facebook).
Above: The Central Coast Mariners celebrate the penalty shootout win over Melbourne Victory. Photo: Central Coast Mariners
Melbourne Victory 0 (2)- 0 (4) Central Coast Mariners
The second elimination final pitted the Melbourne Victory against the might of the Central Coast Mariners. In very warm conditions both teams went in to the game with one focus – to win and go and through to the semifinals. Finals football is often fast and a feast for the eyes. This match would absolutely provide both of those elements.
As could be expected of these two teams, consistency if keeping the formation shape played a big part of the opening minutes of play. The Mariners were able to apply pressure early on with Wurigumula getting a tidy shot on goal however the trusty hands of the Victory keeper, Courtney Newbon, easily collected the ball.
The Victory flipped the tables on the Mariners with a lengthy run of quality possession. A lovely weighted through ball from Rankin to Chidiac opened up the first opportunity to score. Chidiac chased down the ball then delivered a beautiful cross to the penalty spot but her team mates didn’t get the memo so the ball was cleared by Mariners defender, Paige Hayward. This would be the first and certainly not the last nervous moment for Mariners coach, Emily Husband.
Just moments later in the 11th minute, the Mariners progressed the ball up the pitch with ease. Bryson found herself wide open on the right edge and had oodles of time to cross the ball dead centre in front of the Victory goal. Kyah Simon was able to get her head to the ball but she wasn’t able to direct the ball in quite the right direction and the Victory narrowly avoided going down a goal.
Beattie Goad was the inspiration behind the Victory’s breakout run in the 16th minute with a lovely pass down the left wing connecting with Rankin then Privitelli who unleashed a superb shot that the Mariners keeper, Dumont, palmed up over the crossbar for a corner. The Victory demonstrated why they are such a great team with this run of play.
It was off the back of a fast break by the Victory in the 21st minute that the Mariners demonstrated why they are so good. Five defenders raced back at full speed to shut down a counter attack off the back of Chidiac racing away with the ball. Eventually the okay was shut down as Isabel Gomez closed down the attack with a beautiful all of the ball tackle.
Mariners supporters next ‘heart in your mouth’ moment happened in the 28th minute as a poor free kick was picked up by Victory’s Kellond-Knight unmarked 10 meters in the Mariners half. Lowe and Chidiac both attempted shots on goal but neither were able to convert. The Victory appealed for hand ball as a Mariners defender who was prone on the ground raised her hands to stop the ball from hitting her in the face. The referee decided that the ball had not touched her hands but the ball had in fact connected with her face.
It was off a foul by Isabel Gomez in the 44th minute that presented the Victory with an opportunity to go ahead before half time. A well taken free kick by Alana Murphy saw the ball sail into the Mariners goal area and Victory defender Kayla Morrison being the recipient of the kick but her header was unable to find the target.
The first half finished 0-0.
Emily Husbands half time speech to the Mariners team almost reaped rewards immediately after play restarted in the second half as Martin put Wurigumula in space with ball who then set up Kyah Simon right in front of goal with a beautiful floating pass but a wayward toe poke sent the ball harmlessly over the bar. What was the very best opportunity to score went unconverted. Shortly after Martin again connected with Simon but once again the goal attempt wasn’t on target so another chance was squandered.
The pressure being applied to the Victory kept being applied and once again almost resulted in a score in the 50th minute. The Mariners high press play forced a turnover of possession with Badiwaya delivering a lovely attempt on goal that was spilled by the Victory goalkeeper, Newbon. Wurigumala, who was unmarked right in front of goal, couldn’t believe her luck and should have pocketed an easy goal but an entirely wayward shot ended in disappointment for the Mariners.
The Victory team absorbed 20 minutes of pressure from the Mariners before they were able to make their first foray on attack. A chipped long ball in the 64th minute fell just in behind the Mariners defenders and was collected by attacker Privitelli who laid a short pass back to Chidiac. The resulting strike went well wide of the Mariners goal and another brilliant opportunity was missed.
The experience of the Victory players came to the fore as Alex Chidiac was able to win a free kick right on the edge of the Mariners goal area in the 67th minute. Mariners defender, Irwin, cut down Chidiacs high speed attack and was very lucky to not concede a penalty, Irwin was rightly issued a yellow card. The free kick taken by Alana Murphy was easily dealt with by the goal keeper.
After a long period of play with the Victory dominating possession and momentum, the Mariners were able to reassert themselves in the 74th minute courtesy of an error with newly subbed teenage sensation Peta Trimis shooting from just outside the box. It would require a much higher quality shot to beat the quality of goal keeper Newbon.
With the 90 minute mark bearing down on the match, the Mariners went all in. Repeated shots on goal, pressure in and around the Victory box and a could have been/should have been opportunity to score in the 89th minute just couldn’t be converted. It was the extremely hard work of the Victory defenders that kept them in the match as Mariners attacker Simon had a great chance to score but, yet again, it wasn’t to be.
In an interesting play in the 93rd minute, Beadie Goad delivered a wonderful cross into the Mariners goal area but no Victory players were on hand to score. This play encapsulated the effort being made by Victory and the inability to close out the match. Would this moment come back to haunt them?
As the full time whistle blew the scores were locked up at 0-0 and an additional 30 minutes of play would give each team the opportunity to make a statement through scoring and secure a semifinal berth. Both teams had good chances to score in regular time but it wasn’t to be.
In the same way as the second half started, the Mariners started extra time with an intent to score early and close out the match. Immediately after restarting play, Galic took a swing at the ball but a lack of timing saw the ball roll away out of danger.
Not to be outdone Privitelli for the Victory floated a beautifully weighted pass into the oncoming player but Lowes header wasn’t able to be directed in the right direction. The momentum of Lowe’s body meant she didn’t have enough control of the ball. Shortly after in the 96th minute, Goad took a speculative shot on goal that hit a Mariners defender with the ball finding Privitelli who again just couldn’t get the ball on target. The momentum of the match was now entirely with the Victory. Wave after wave of attacks were dealt with by Dumont and no goals were scored.
And still after 105 minutes of play the score remained 0-0. Each team had plenty of chances to score but neither team had done so. The first team to score in this match would likely walk away the winners.
The Victory were determined to win and in the 108th minute a shot from Rachel Lowe that was should have been the match winner was cleared off the Mariners goal line by Isabel Gomez in a feat of absolute magic. How the ball didn’t go in was an absolute miracle.
An incredible goalline clearance from Isabel Gomez in extra-time! 🤯
The Mariners weren’t going to let the Victory take the win without a fight. The Mariners cut through the Victory midfield with ease with Wurigimala having two clear chances to score the winning goal in the 100th minute but the goalkeeping prowess of Newbon closed down the threat.
Not to be outdone, the fresh sub, Okino received a beautiful attacking pass from Goad in the 111th minute allowing her to set a path for the Mariners goal. Mariners defender Wardlow was able to close down the play denying the goal.
In yet another could/should have been goal scoring chance, the Victory were unable to convert in the 117th minute after the Mariners coughed up possession inside their own half. Okino again found herself with an opportunity to score but was denied and Chidiac was also unable to get a goal as she attempted to collect the loose ball and shoot.
How on earth the Mariners didn’t score the winning goal in the 119th minute is beyond belief. A well weighted floater from Martin to Wurigumula flashed across the face of goal and rolled harmlessly into the dead ball area.
This one is going the distance!
Last ditch defending from both teams in extra time means we're off to penalties 👀
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) April 14, 2024
At the end of 120 minutes neither team had been able to score and so the match was to be decided by penalties.
Victory’s goal keeper, Newbon, was unable to stop any of the Mariners attempts with all four going into the net. Whereas Casey Dumont demonstrated why she is one of the absolute best gain the league with a commanding performance in goal. With two penalties scored against her and two saved goals the Victory’s season was brought to an end.
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) April 14, 2024
Following some well deserved post match celebrations, the Central Coast Mariners now begin their preparations to lineup against a high quality Sydney FC in a new two leg home and away series to secure a spot in the final.
Above: Celebration time for Newcastle Jets in their superb Elimination Final win at Western United. Photo: A-League Women.
In what was a highly entertaining Elimination Final with 40 shots in total between both sides, Newcastle Jets have made it to the Semi-Finals with a 4-2 win over Western United. Newcastle will now play a two-legged encounter against Premiers Melbourne City for a spot in the A-League Women’s Grand Final.
Early on, United looked the most likely to have opened the scoring with a chance from outside the box by Aimee Medwin in the 10th minute. However, it was the Jets who scored first a minute later via Lauren Allan’s excellent pass that found Sarina Bolden who showed great control and skill to slot past Alyssa Dall’Oste and into the bottom right corner for her 13th goal of the season.
The Jets’ lead would only last 10 minutes as Tyla-Jay Vlajnic’s corner found Alana Cerne in the box whose first-time shot put the ball just past Tiahna Robertson and into the bottom left corner for her first goal in the A-League Women.
Eighteen minutes later, United thought they’d taken the lead as Catherine Zimmerman dispossessed Josie Wilson and went one-on-one with Robertson and, despite being on a tight angle was able to put the ball across which forced an own goal out of Wilson. However, the officials ruled that Zimmerman had fouled Wilson in getting to the ball in the first place.
Afterwards, the Jets really piled on the pressure in attack and in the 45th minute, were awarded a penalty due to a handball by Western’s Jaclyn Sawicki. Bolden converted into the top right corner to ensure that Newcastle went into the break ahead.
Eleven minutes into the second half, as Western’s Medwin shaped up for a shot, the lights went out at Tarneit at a really untimely moment for her. After a slight delay in proceedings in which the lights came back on, the match resumed with a dropball from outside the box for United.
Ten minutes later, United were awarded a penalty when Zimmerman was brought down in the box by Libby Copus-Brown. Zimmerman converted into the bottom right corner as Western equalised for the second time in the match.
As the second half drew to a close, both sides looked to find that elusive winner in normal time but to no avail, though Melina Ayres came agonisingly close to winning it for Newcastle in the fifth minute of stoppage time via a Lara Gooch cross into the box but couldn’t quite convert the opportunity.
With four minutes remaining in the opening period of extra-time, Ayres had better luck. Barbieri floated in a beautiful cross into her path in the box and the former Melbourne Victory player’s first-time shot nestled into the back of the net as Newcastle regained the lead once again. There aren’t many better ways to celebrate your birthday than scoring a crucial goal for your team.
With six minutes remaining of the extra half-hour, the Jets sealed the result once and for all as Sophie Hoban scored her first A-League Women goal from Ayres’ cross.What an occasion and moment to get your first goal in the league. Despite Western United’s best efforts, Newcastle held onto their two-goal lead come the final whistle.
Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Dall’Oste, Vlajnic, Maher, Cerne, Papadopoulos, Robers, Sawicki, M. Taranto, Medwin, Zimmerman, Johnson. Substitutes: Larsen, Sardo, Prakash, Hieda, De Domizio.
Above: Kyah Simon celebrating with her team. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woods reports on Central Coast Mariners’ media conference ahead of their preliminary final clash against Melbourne Victory. Head coach Emily Husband and Matilda Kyah Simon share their thoughts (14/4/24).
Kyah Simon, while she didn’t feature until Round 14 due to setbacks in her ACL recovery, has made up for lost time. Her experience and presence on the pitch have without a doubt been a significant benefit for the team since returning and will play a very important role should she feature on Sunday.
When asked how proud she and the team are to have made the finals, Simon said, “I think when you would have looked at the start of the season, how we’d go this year, I don’t think really anyone expected us to be in the finals. So, really proud of the girls for how we’ve fought this season, how we’ve played (having) left everything out on the pitch, week in, week out and reaping the benefits by being in finals football.”
Sunday’s match won’t be the easiest, especially against Melbourne Victory who appear to be peaking at the right time going finals. In their previous two encounters this season, Central Coast have failed to emerge victorious, with a defeat and a draw respectively.
When asked how she sums up Melbourne Victory as an opponent, Simon said, “Victory are a great team on paper. They’ve obviously had some mixed results throughout this season but they’ve got quality in their team, they’ve got a lot of experience and they’re a well-balanced team all throughout. So, expecting a tough challenge against them like it has been the two times we’ve played each other, but at the same time not focusing too much on their strengths and their qualities but more so on how we can exploit their weaknesses.”
Someone who can be very pleased with how their first season as an A-League Women’s head coach has gone is Emily Husband, who has instilled a playing style that’s really brought out the best from the players, especially the likes of Ash Irwin, Jazmin Wardlow, Bianca Galic, Wurigumula, Rola Badawiya, Peta Trimis, and Isabel Gomez.
Above: Emily Husband addresses the media. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
Furthermore, Husband has absolutely looked at home as the head coach for the Mariners and should she remain in the role for next season, the sky’s the limit for what the club can achieve in the league.
When asked what she expects from Melbourne Victory going into Sunday’s match, Husband said, “we’ve played them twice already this year. I thought they were both good games marginally decided by a couple of goals (and) a few moments. I know that we can go toe-to-toe with them, it’s just about who takes the moments on the day. They had a really good Round 22 against Sydney FC and showed the league what they’re truly capable of, but we’re not here to make up the numbers, we want to make sure we compete in this game and spoil the party.”
Ahead of their final in Melbourne, one thing in the Mariners’ favour is that they have the best away record in the league with seven wins and just four losses. When asked what it has been about the away games that have seen positive results for Central Coast, Husband said, “I think it’s just that camaraderie around the team, going into the game having spent that extra time together just bonds you a bit more on away trips and you go through periods of the day really similar, the girls prepare well and we’ve always changed the schedule according to what it is the groups needs. Playing away from home has suited us this season and we want to take advantage of that.”
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