Central Coast Mariners Media Conference

Above: Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband speaking to the media. Image: Central Coast Mariners.

By Ryan Miller-Woods (27/3/2024).

The media heard from Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband and Peta Trimis ahead of their upcoming match against Western United on Thursday. 

Central Coast go into Thursday’s match off the back of a 3-0 defeat against Melbourne City last round and will be hoping to not only bounce back from the match against City, but to get one over Western United before heading into finals. The last time they faced each other in Round 15 which United prevailed 2-1 on that occasion. 

When asked about her thoughts from the match against City, Husband said, “there (were) moments where I think we did well in terms of our press, forcing them into areas and winning the ball back. We just didn’t take our chances and when the momentum was our way, we didn’t really capitalise on that. There were good things to take out of that, but it also gives us a wake-up call that we needed going into finals.” 

Should the Mariners win, they will finish third on the ladder, which would be a great achievement for the club in their first season back in the competition. As well as that, it would put them ahead of Western United. A victory won’t be that simple, but Central Coast know that they have the players within their squad that can get the job done when everything gels and clicks for them on the pitch.  

When asked what she’s expecting from Western United this round, Husband said, “the last time we faced Western United we lost 2-1 to them, so we’re hungry to come back and make sure we capitalise on a good result this time being our last home game in the league. We know that Western United are always robust and tough to beat. They’ve unfortunately had a few injuries but for us, it’s just about going in and making sure we do make the most of our moments and we continue to do things well that we know we can do.” 

Above: Young Matildas and Mariners star Peta Trimis speaks to the media. Image: Central Coast Mariners.

While the result last round wasn’t necessarily what the Mariners would have wanted, a massive positive going into their remaining matches of the season was the return of Peta Trimis from international duty with the Young Matildas at the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, where she had an amazing tournament with three goals and an assist as Australia finished third and qualified for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup later this year in Colombia.  

Additionally, her performances at the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup saw her get a nomination for the ‘Future Star of the Tournament’. 

When asked about some of the things she learnt from the international experience at the tournament with the Young Matildas that she’d be able to take back to the A-League Women, Trimis said, “playing against teams like Japan and South Korea just shows how technical they are but quick as well on and off the ball. So, the momentum of the game was just another level and I think the speed of the game coming (back) into (the) A-League (Women).” 

When asked about what she sees of Western United as a team and as an opponent, Trimis said, “they’re a very strong team that don’t give up, so it’s going to be a hard game, but I think we can beat them.” 

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Canberra United defeat Sydney FC and set up epic final round of ALW

Canberra United 1-0 Sydney FC

Emma Burke 27/3/24

Above: Canberra United celebrate their win over Sydney FC. Photo: Canberra United

Cheered on by a crowded McKellar Park featuring many home-made signs referring to Canberra United’s unstable future, Canberra have kept the entire league alive by defeating a travelling Sydney FC 1-0 in a thrilling replay of their Round 17 fixture that was ended due to lightning. 

The win secured by none other than Michelle Heyman, who scored 10 minutes after being substituted on for the second half, also saw her break another record in the league. 

Heyman now has the highest number of goal involvements in a single season with 22 contributions, 16 of which have been goals and a further six assists. This record was previously held by none other than Sam Kerr, and at this point, Heyman is running out of records to break.

Sydney FC had multiple opportunities to open the scoring, and then to tie the game up, but between errant shots and an incredible seven denials by Canberra’s keeper Chloe Lincoln, they just could not manage to find the back of the net.

This marks Lincoln’s second clean sheet in as many games and comes off the back of her impressive run with the Young Matildas where she started every game of their third place run at the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan and kept three clean sheets out of their five games.

Canberra’s win means that Sydney have been unable to secure the premiers’ plate, and will have to wait until this weekend’s final round to secure what would be their fourth plate in four years.

Sydney will have to beat Melbourne Victory in the Big Blue, as anything less than that, combined with a win for Melbourne City will leave City the League’s premiers. 

Canberra United (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, McKenzie, Clark, Murray, Grove, Nathan, Jackson, Whithall, Milivojevic, Clough, Bertolissio Substitutes: Majstorovic, Ilijoski, Christopherson, Flannery, Heyman 

Scorers: Heyman 56’

Sydney FC (4-1-4-1): Whyman, Lemon, McLean, Thompson, Tumeth, Chauvet, Ray, Hawkesby, Ibini, Vine, Tallon-Henniker Substitutes: Black, Connors, Hollman, Dos Santos, Caspers


Referee: Georgia Ghirardello

Norfolk Wrap

Ellie Smith scored for Norwich City in their 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers. Credit – Norwich City Women FC

Fa Women’s National League Division One South East

Norwich City were held to a 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers, the game played at Carrow Road with an attendance of 5,941 saw Rachel Lawrence and Ellie Smith score for the Canaries but a Grace Stanley brace saw Queens Park Rangers take a share of the spoils.

Eastern Region Premier Division

Wroxham were beaten 2-0 at home by Luton Town. Leyah Maddix scored for Luton with the other goal being an own goal.

Kings Lynn Town were relegated to step 6 following a 6-1 defeat at Bowers & Pitsea. There were 5 goals for Millie Isherwood and another from Whitney Locke for Bowers & Pitsea. Gabrielle Cobb scored the goal for Kings Lynn Town.

Gabrielle Cobb (Blue) scored for Kings Lynn Town in their 6-1 defeat at Bowers & Pitsea. Credit – Stuart Cobb.

Eastern Region Division One North

Dussindale & Hellesdon continued their title chase with a 2-0 win at Biggleswade United, Isabelle Moore scored a brace.

Thetford Town suffered their third defeat on the spin after a 5-2 loss at Harpenden Town. Megan Haynes and Kamile Omeleviciute scored for Thetford but four goals from Sophia Amanor and another from Natalie Cloy saw Harpenden take a convincing victory.

Mulbarton Wanderers were 2-1 winners over Newmarket Town thanks to goals from Rachel Jermy and Rebekah Lake. Lidiya Mykhaylechko scored for Newmarket Town.

Fakenham Town were beaten 2-0 away to Histon thanks to goals from Eloise Page and Carla Penny for the home side.

Action from the match between Mulbarton Wanderers (Blue) and Newmarket Town. Credit – Ben Cunningham

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Caister continued their cruise towards the title with an emphatic 7-1 win over Long Stratton, Rebecca Waters scored a Hat-Trick with Lauren Goulder getting a brace. The other two goals were scored by Ellie Blaxell and Scarlett Snell. Caitlin Skipper scored for Long Stratton.

Bungay Town and Mulbarton Wanderers shared the points in a 1-1 draw, Lucy Kean gave Mulbarton the lead but Brooke Osborne scored the equaliser from the spot for Bungay.

Sprowston were 4-2 winners at University of East Anglia thanks to a brace from Rosie Milligan and a goal each from Mollie O’Callaghan and Holly Whayman. Natasha Harvey and Neha Mann scored for UEA.

Costessey Sports were 4-1 winners at home to Kings Lynn Soccer Club. Keela Olive scored a brace with their other goals coming from Summer Copland and Thea Hackney. Ellie Panks scored for Kings Lynn Soccer Club.

Aylsham were 5-0 winners at home to North Walsham Town thanks to five goals from Christina Papadopoulou.

Lauren Goulder (centre) scored two goals for Caister in their 7-1 win over Long Stratton. Credit – Steve Wood

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Stalham Town continue to lead the way with a 9-0 home win over Red Rose, Emma Gillespie scored six with Claire Wilkins, Charlotte Fisher and Teegan Watts scoring the other three goals.

Five goals and Five different goalscorers for Bure Valley as they defeated Martham 5-0 at home. Emma Macmillan, Willow Nye, Maisie Redgrave, Jasmin Snelling and Megan Swain were all on the scoresheet.

FC Viking Valkyries were 3-0 winners at home to Beccles Town thanks to a Hat-Trick from Jessica Bennett.

Great Yarmouth Town were 9-1 winners at Freethorpe thanks to four goals from Lacey Andrews, a brace each from Mollie Rimmell and Grace Walker and a goal from Nicole Ali. Eleanor Clarke scored for Freethorpe.

A goal from Chloe Dobson saw Waveney record an impressive 1-0 win at home to in form Shrublands.

Horsford Harriers won the Horsford Derby as they defeated Horsford Hurricanes 5-1.

Action from the match between Aylsham (Orange) and North Walsham Town. Credit – Nadia Jolly.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

Dussindale & Hellesdon were 5-1 winners over Waveney thanks to a brace from Helen Finn, a goal each from Eniko Kadar and Alice Walker plus an own goal. Maria Palmer scored for Waveney.

Taverham were 9-0 winners at Horsford thanks to four goals from Bryony Brierley, a Hat-Trick from Hannah Parker, a goal from Laura Nunn and an own goal.

Left Field were 5-2 winners at home to Rockland United thanks to a Hat-Trick from Sophie Grosse and a brace from Meadhbh Flynn. Rebecca Humphreys and Leanne Warnes scored for Rockland United.

Mulbarton Wanderers were 8-0 winners over Loddon United thanks to six goals from Alice Ladbrooke and a goal each from Lauren Bumstead and Katie Ransome-Farmer.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

Aylsham were 2-1 winners over Bulldogs

Madra also claimed three points with a 4-1 win over Hockering.

Emma Macmillan scored for Bure Valley in their 5-0 home win over Martham. Credit – Shay Porter.

The NWSL Recap: Round 2

by Hannah Chadwick (26/03/2024)

After the excitement of the first round, this round was a lot quieter. With 15 goals scored in seven matches and two ending in a draw. We also saw some unexpected results.

We started the weekend with Orlando Pride vs Angle City. Which finished a 1-1 draw with Marta scoring an 88th minute equaliser for Orlando Pride after Claire Emsile scored a penalty for Angle City. Both teams created many opportunities but they could not find the target due to excellent work from Anderson and Moorhouse as they held their respective teams in the game. Angel City was awarded a penalty after Meggie Doughtery Howard drew a penalty. Which Emsile converted and angle city where ahead. Orlando Pride was given a corner in the 88th minute and Angelia stepped up to take the corner and Marta volleys it home which gives Pride the equaliser they have been looking for. We also saw the debut of Madison Cury who was a draft pick for Angle City.

The second game of the weekend featured Utah Royals vs North Carolina Courage. This game finished 2-1 to Utah Royals. Goals came from Kate Del Fava and Ally Sentnor for the royals and Ashley Sanchez for the Courage. Kate Del headed home for Courage after Paige Monaghan delivered a corner. Draft pick Ally Sentnor scored a screamer from 30 yards out. The Courage were then awarded a penalty and Malia Berkley stepped up to take it but hit the post, Ashley Sanchez moved in to take the shot but was brought down by Merrick. Another penalty was then awarded to Courage and Berkley stepped up once again but the shot was saved by Haught. Courage had opportunities in the second half to  bring themselves back into the game but the formation and communication from the royals allowed them to deal with the threat. An amazing piece of play from Ashley Sanchez where she pounced on a poor clearance and opened her scoring account with Courage.

The third game of the weekend was Chicago Red Stars vs Seattle Reign FC. This game finished 2-1 with Julia Bianchi, Maximiliane Rall scoring for the red stars and Ji So-yun making history by being the first Korean player to score in the league when she scored the only goal for Reign. Both the scorers for the Red Stars opened their scoring accounts for the season. Taylor Malham and Jenna Bike were outstanding players for the red stars and were constantly providing opportunities. Ji So-yun scored an incredible goal from outside the 18 yard box which was initiated from a cross which came in by Sofia Heurta but the Red Stars defence cleared it away but Ji So-Yun made no mistake and the ball found its way in the back of the net. And making history in the process.

The fourth game of the weekend was Washington Spirit vs Bay FC. This game finished 2-1 to Spirit. With Croix Bethune  scoring the first and Hal Hershfelt scoring in additional time to steal the win for spirit. Both of the spirit goals came from players that are on their debuts and just scored their first goal for the club. We also saw the return of Anna Heilferty who has not played since 2022 after a season ending knee injury which was suffered in preseason for the 2023 season. The goal for Bay came from former spirit player Dorian Bailey who was traded to Bay FC in return for expansion draft protection. Bailey also scored her first goal for Bay while Jen Beattie made her debut. Emily Menges also wore the armband for the first time as a player for Bay FC.

Photo: Racing Louisville Website

The fifth game of the weekend was a goalless draw between Houston Dash and Racing Louisville. Although both teams did have their fair share of chances with Dash having 12 shots on target to Louisville’s 19. Dash also had three debutants on the pitch with Nagasato, West and Swedish international Rubensson. Keeper Campbell made a total of nine saves which kept Louisville at bay and kept her side in the game. Louisville scored through Turner although this was disallowed due to the offside positioning of Turner. Although Louisville’s best chance did come two minutes later when Turner went one on one with the Dash goalkeeper Campbell but her shot was just wide of goal. 

In the sixth game of the weekend San Diego Wave took on Kansas City Current. With the final score being 2-1 to KC Current .Sofia Jakobsson was on target  scoring for wave in the 17th minute this is her first goal this season.While Rodriguez and LaBonta were on target for KC Current, both have now opened their scoring accounts for this season. LaBonta scored the game winning penalty after Zaneratto was fouled in the box. This now makes LaBonta KC Currents all time leading penalty scorer having converted six out of seven. San Diego failed to respond and KC Current took the win.

In the seventh and final game of the round Portland Thorns took on Gotham FC. A strike from Gotham’s Esther Gonzalez. Both teams had their chances but goalkeepers Hogan and Miller kept their respective sides in the game with some outstanding saves. Although Sophia Smith did score for Portland Thorns the goal was ruled out due to Smith being in an offside position. Janine Beckie also had a chance on goal but excellent defending by Kelly O’Hara kept it out of goal. Portland battled for the equaliser but were unable to find the back of the net. 

The results from this round mean that the only teams to not have lost a game yet are Chicago Red Stars and KC Current. While the current champion San Diego Wave and Portland Thorns are yet to pick up a point.

COMING UP-

Friday 29th March-

Orlando Pride vs Chicago Red Stars 

Saturday 30th March-

San Diego Wave vs Seattle Reign FC 

KC Current vs Angle City FC 

North Carolina Courage vs Gotham FC 

Portland Thorns vs Racing Louisville 

Sunday 31st March-

Bay FC vs Houston Dash 

Washington Spirit vs Utah Royals 

NPLW Vic Wrap: Round 2

By Kieran Petrik-Bruce 26/3/24

Above: Maja Markovski in attack against Heidelberg United. Photo: Maja Markovski Instagram

The second round of the NPLW saw five Saturday matches, with the Preston Lions  FC v South Melbourne FC re scheduled to Wednesday 8 May due to ground availability.Round two saw goals from freekicks, the penalty spot,delightful chips, and top bins.

FV Emerging 1-1 Brunswick Juventus

In the first of the 3pm kickoffs, FV Emerging hosted Brunswick Juventus. After a great comeback win to kick off the season, Juventus were looking to take it right to Emerging from the first whistle. 

Nicole Cooper, came off the bench in last game to score and assist, started for Brunswick this week and found the back of the net early to give the visitors the early lead. 

Late in stoppage time of the first half, Clancy Westaway nicked the ball from the last defender, and calmly slotted it past the keeper to level the scores at the break.

While both sides had chances in the second half, the best chances came after Danella Butrus was shown a second yellow in the 74thminute. The last 10 minutes of the game including stoppage time, was almost all Emerging, as Carina Rossi tried everything to carve out a chance for the hosts. However Sienna Gidari and the Juventus defence held strong and the finally score was 1-1.

Calder United 4-2 Essendon Royals

Calder United faced the other promoted team, Essendon. On the end of a 4-2 lost last round despite some brilliant goals from Akane Shimizu, it was the hosts who handed the Royals a 4-2 defeat. From a Calder corner, the Royals made a fast break, with a long sweeping one two play from Olivia Ristevski in the 44th saw her chip the keeper  who was off her line, from well outside the box. 

Keen to find a foothold in the game, it was Shimizu who found the net less than two minutes after the restart. The build up play from Calder starting to break the Essendon backline and Larissa Walsh netted in the 57th. With all the momentum, a corner kick for Calder was turned into the net by Royals defender Kendrah Smith just six minutes later. Katherine Goff scored a great goal to bring the score back to 3-2 after an errant header fell to the forward, who strongly went past the last defender and finished with style into the net. Yet the passing play from Calder was too slick for the Royals and Jennifer Lum finished off a great move to restore the two goal cushion and seal the game.

Bulleen Lion 3-1 Heidelberg United


Bulleen Lions hosted Heidelberg off the back of a shock opening round defeat to Essendon and fans and players alike would have been nervous at the start of the game.

On nine minutes, a ball played just inside the box to Asuka Miyata, who went past one challenge then found herself in space, struck a left foot curling ball sweetly into the top corner. An absolute gem of a goal. 

Holding onto that lead was going to be the key for Heidelberg , and they were doing well until just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, with Katrina Nikpour intercepting a poor pass, before some delightful one touch play finished with Nikpour converting a tap in.

The second half was much more in Bulleen’s control, and a first goal for the club for Isabel Dehakiz in the 52 minute gave the Lions the lead before she cooly converted from the spot in the 85thminute to seal a 3-1 victory for the hosts.

Bentleigh Greens 1-0 Box Hill United

Box Hill travelled to Kingston Heath to face Bentleigh Greens, with both trams searching for their first win of the season. In the first half it was all Box Hill, with a number of chances falling to Chi Ting and Maryam Anvari. Despite the attacking display, the halftime score was goalless, and Box Hill came out with even more fire in the second half. 

Yet despite the play being mostly for Pythagoras, it was a free kick from Greens Olivia Bomford that broke the deadlock. Struck with enough power to travel from well outside the box, and enough direction and curl to nestle in the top corner past Natasha Stathopoulos. The goal would prove the only goal of the match and Bentleigh would record their first win under the new name.

Boroondara-Carey 1-0 Alamein United

The final match for the round saw Boroondara-Carey host Alamein.

Both teams looking for win number one in season 2024, it was the Eagles with the first big moment of the game. 

A corner into a dangerous area in the 4th minute saw Gabrielle Hollar swooping in under the defence converting a low header very well after nudging her defender and protecting the space.

First seven minutes all Boroondara however, as if woken up by the goal some nice play from Alamein resulted in a corner which was initially cleared, before some lovely passing around the box. The move breaking down but Alamein showing a spark.

With both teams stringing a few passes in the middle without breaking through that backline it was a great long ball by Anna Liacopoulos playing out wide, followed by a ball into the box which Hollar struck wide of the goal 

Hollar showing fantastic hold up play, coming from the front into the mid and being a target for Eagles to hit. Playing the ball out wide then getting back into dangerous positions on the edge of the box. This was how Boroondara were finding joy, as another long ball by Liacopoulos was well headed on by Hollar, down to Anais Josefski who controlled it well, dribbling into the box and lashing a shot into the side netting 

Not content with just the play up front, when Alamein did get forward, and won a corner, it was Hollar with the defence header, the ball being initially cleared then crossed back in but only to find the head of Hollar again. 

Starting to grow into the game and winning a foul on the edge of the box, Sidney Allen struck the free on target, with Mia Mossman tipping onto the bar and back into play in a dangerous area before Liacopoulos with a resolute clearance on the goal line. 

Again another freekick, in a slighty better position and Allen again on target this time Mossman with a strong save pushing it over the crossbar in the 39th minute. 

A bit of déjà vu as another corner for Alamein headed clear by Hollar for another corner, the resulting corner again headed clear by Hollar. The next corner, was swung in short and lowat an un-headerable height and Mossman claimed it comfortably. 

Corner in and headed cleared for a corner by Hollar. The follow up corner again headed clear by 

Into the second half and it was a case of much the same as the first. Alamein winning a corner and Hollar involved in clearing it. All the play for the Eagles going through Hollar, while all the best moments for Alamein were coming via Allen. 

The game was very open and fast paced, at times frantic with the only lull in play the brief few seconds before the respective keepers launched an attack. 

Some changes for both sides seemed to work in favour of the Eagles who looked the more likely in scoring, Alamein were struggling to get the ball out of their own half, but were staying resolute in defence. 

Needing a spark, it was a lovely run from Kristen Molloy through from defence, with some neat 1-2 play before a ball out to the edge of the box was cut out by Boroondara, but served as a warning that Alamein would create something yet, 

Some fierce challenges flying in at either end as the intensity rose a level. Alamein with a few good minutes, and some clever play down the left saw Rebecca Saber receive the ball in the box, fighting off 2 defenders before turning and shooting her shot wide of the goal.

Another substitution and a corner in the 82’ for Alamein. Allen whipping the ball in before seeing the ball cleared back out to her. Driving into the box some quick footwork drawing the lunging challenge from Turner who rushed in and got it wrong, giving away the penalty. Sidney Allen stepped up to take the important kick, and hit the left post before the ball bounced back out and after a scrap eventually ended up in Mossman’s arms.

A cruel twist as Allen has been the pivotal player for Alamein all game. 

The play still with Alamein, but a counter sae Anais Joesfskibehind the defence and going one on one with Tayla Murphy. Murphy was quick off her line and did not go to ground, the shot from Joesfski well blocked and the rebound was fired well wide of everything. 

Searching for the late equaliser, a corner from Allen found a head in the box as the ball looped onto the bar before coming back into play, coming out to the left hand side and the follow up was struck well by Molloy but always rising. A massive chance missed and it would be the final chance as Hollar up front was closing down every ball and eventually winning a foul, and taking time off the clock running towards the corner flag. An enthralling match ending 1-0 to Boroondara-Carey

Canberra off the bottom with crucial win over Wellington

Canberra United 1-0 Wellington Phoenix

by Ryan Miller-Woods (24/3/24)

Above: Canberra United (green) tussle for possession against Wellington Phoenix today. Photo: Canberra United.

Canberra United moved them off the bottom of the ladder and kept their first clean sheet of the season as they defeated Wellington Phoenix at McKellar Park today.

It was a fairly even opening with Wellington having the first opportunity from a free kick in the 12th minute as Michaela Foster floated the ball into the box which was just a little too far ahead of Emma Main to have made contact with it.

Ten minutes later, Canberra came close to scoring themselves as Michelle Heyman on the edge of the box found Vesna Milivojevic whose first-time shot towards goal took a deflection on the way through and just went wide for a corner.

Shortly afterwards, the visitors once again almost found the back of the net via a great pass by Macey Fraser which the ball went into the path of Main as she then floated a cross into the box for Mariana Speckmaier in the centre who headed wide.

It would be Canberra who had arguably the best chance of the half as Heyman headed the ball into the path of Christopherson who misdirected a pass to Nix’s Hailey Davidson only for Ruby Nathan to regain possession outside the box to curl a shot just wide.

The visitors had the first opportunity of the second period ten minutes in as Fraser provided a short pass to Speckmaier who then laid the ball off for Main to bypass the Canberra defence but her shot was blocked by United’s returning Young Matildas goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln.

Just after the hour mark, Main was involved again for Wellington after receiving possession from Alyssa Whinham. Main put in a great cross into the box for Isabel Cox but a combination of not getting enough contact on the ball with her attempt, and great goalkeeping by Lincoln denied the visitors.

With 12 minutes remaining, Milivojevic played a long ball from her own half into the path of Flannery down the left flank to float a cross into the box for Heyman who rose above Nix’s Mikayla Foster in the centre of the box to firmly head the ball past the reach of Rylee Foster for her 15th goal of the season to seal all three points for Canberra United.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-1-4-1): Lincoln, Bertolissio, Ilijoski, Clough, Grove, Clark, Christopherson, Milivojevic, Nathan, Flannery, Heyman. Substitutes: Majstorovic, McKenzie, Murray, Jackson, Whittall.

Scorer: Heyman 78’.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX(3-2-4-1): R. Foster, M. Foster, Barry, Jaber, Brazendale Davidson, Breslin, Main, Fraser, Cox, Speckmaier. Substitutes: Danieli, McMeeken, Whinham, Robertson, Ingham.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 1,341.

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Sydney sweep to victory and have one hand on another Premiers’ Plate

Sydney FC 3-0 Adelaide United

by Jonathon Hagger (24/3/24)

Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby celebrates her goal that put Sydney FC 2-0 up. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Two early goals set Sydney FC on the way to victory over Adelaide United today, with Ante Juric’s side now needing three points from their last two games to clinch a fourth straight Premiers Plate.

The early momentum on the match sat with the Sky Blues who progressed the ball with ease through the defensive line of Adelaide. Young prodigy Tallon-Henniker made short work of her defender in only the fifth minute off a crisp through ball from Hawkesby. The ensuing corner didn’t result in a goal but it did signal that Sydney were fully engaged.

Sydney midfielder Chauvet demonstrated her class repeatedly with very slick passing through to her forwards. One such pass that was collected by Lemon, was expertly played through to Tallon-Henniker who put away an easy tap in to put the Sky Blues up 1-0 after eight minutes.

Emily Hodgson wasn’t prepared to let Sydney have it all their way, and with a deft cut-in run from the left-hand sideline in the 15th minute, opened up space for Dawber to have a shot on goal that narrowly went over the top of the crossbar.

The high press being employed by Sydney FC resulted in a second goal in the 23rd minute as the wonder boot, Mackenzie Hawkesby, received a dinky little pass from Cortnee Vine dead straight in front of goal. Adelaide’s lack of attention to clearing the ball resulted in a costly turnover. With a powerful shot coming from Hawkesby’ right boot, Grove the Adelaide goalkeeper, was well and truly beaten by the flight of the ball as it sailed above her fully outstretched arm and into the net.

Eventually, Adelaide were able to build pressure through possession. An on-target shot on goal from 20 metres out by Morgan was easily dealt with by Whyman in the Sydney goal, who had plenty of time to see it coming.

The second half started in much the same way as the first half finished. Both teams being happy to maintain possession and slowly exert pressure. Neither really looked threatening for long periods of play as the midfields cancelled each other out.

In a repeat of the events leading to the second goal of the match, Adelaide’s indifference to shifting the ball upfield almost cost them a goal in the 47th minute. Cortnee Vine’s pressure on Grove caused an error with a cheeky attempt on goal just spraying wide.

Shortly afterwards, Dawber decided to take the responsibility of scoring on herself and set off up field with a quality run. Beating her defender on the right side, the Adelaide star was able to both progress the ball and get into a scoring position. However, Whyman was able to collect the ball.

Adelaide had another opportunity to reduce the deficit when Isobel Hodgson was extremely unlucky. A beautifully weighted kick across the face of goal only needed a slight touch from an attacking player and it would have been a sure goal. Sadly for Adelaide, the ball sailed right past Hodgson’s body. What could have been the turning point of the match for Adelaide came to zero.

Not one to be outshined, Vine made a clean breakthrough run off a precise long ball from McLean in the 68th minute. What normally would have been an easy goal for Vine when going one on one against the keeper, was defused by Grove. 99 times out of 100 Vine would score that goal but the football gods smiled on the Adelaide goalkeeper in this instance.

Luck remained with Grove again soon after as she dealt with another shot by Vine. Shooting from a tight angle on the left-hand side. Vine’s right footed shot was tapped over the bar by the fully outstretched Adelaide keeper..

Vine was in a goal-scoring mood, and in the 77th minute, again off poor concentration by Adelaide, she bamboozled the goalkeeper by weaving around Grove and scored her 10th goal of the A-League season.

It was smiles all round for the victorious Sydney FC side who made their win look easy. The Sky Blues will clinch a fourth successive Premiers Plate if they defeat Canberra United in their game in hand on Wednesday

Sydney played with incredible discipline in terms of their structure. Every player knows where they are required to be and has trust in Ante Juric’s system. Every position on the pitch has a quality player filling it which is not a luxury many teams have. The key to Sydney’s success is their ability to make time for themselves. Players are put into space, given time to consider their options, and they don’t panic.

Margaux Chauvet put in a tremendous performance. Her vision and high-accuracy passing make her a superb attacking threat. While many opposition teams are keeping an eye on Vine and Hawkesby, Chauvet is the key that unlocks their potential.

While Adelaide control possession of the ball in the matches they play, their decision-making when in the opposition half is an issue. Time after time, the Reds demonstrated their lack of having a go-to player in the centre of the park. The midfield and wings are well able to build pressure and get into scoring positions but the absence of a quality finisher concludes in an inability to score. It’s been a season of ‘what if’ match outcomes for the South Australians. The squad is talented but the mysterious thing called chemistry just isn’t there for them right now.

For United, Chelsie Dawber is re-establishing herself in the team after a long injury lay off. Her passing accuracy is great, her speed is very good and she makes high-quality contributions in defence. While Adelaide haven’t had the greatest of seasons, they have plenty of potential in the foundations for the next season.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, McLean, Tumeth, Lemon, Thompson, Chauvet, Hawkesby, Ray, Vine, Ibini, Tallon-Henniker. Substitutes: Black, Hollman (81’), Caspers (63’), Connors (63’), Dos Santos (80’).

Scorers: Tallon-Henniker (8’), Hawkesby (24’), Vine (78’).

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-1-4-1): Grove, E Hodgson, Tonkin, Holtz, Waldus, Morgan, Blake, Dawber, Sasaki, Holmes, I Hodgson. Substitutes: Mullan (71’), Condon (61’), Tolland (83’), Jenkins, Jancevski (71’).

Referee: Kelly Jones.

Attendance: TBC.

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Huge roar for Brisbane at home against Glory

Brisbane Roar 2-0 Perth Glory 

By Ben Carey at Perry Park (24/3/24).

Above: Brisbane Roar celebrate after Kijah Stephenson scores the opening goal. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane Roar thrashed Perth Glory on Sunday, giving the locals something to celebrate on a very wet and dreary afternoon in the “Sunshine State”. There was a surprisingly good turnout, almost filling the stands, as has become common place this season, but very few people around the field, whereas its usually packed on sunny days now. Brisbane and Perth both started the season very strongly, but almost mirrored each other in their fall from the upper echelons of the table in the second half of the season.Both teams were now out of contention for finals, but there wasstill table position and pride to play for!

It was a frantic opening half an hour with big chances up both ends of the pitch. Roar had the better of the chances though. Their ball control and passing were excellent, and their high press put a lot of pressure on the Glory defence. The relentless Roar attack started to expose chinks in the Glory armour. Around the 20-minute mark, Brisbane forward, Mia Corbin, caught out Glory goalkeeper, Morgan Aquino, and got a shot off on goals, but it didn’t have enough pace and faded just wide of the goals before a defender cleared it. But the warning signs were definitely there for the Glory.

Just after 30 minutes had passed, Brisbane finally broke through, capitalising on a mistake from Perth. As the result of the constant Roar pressure, a Glory midfielder made a horrible pass back to Aquino but did not see the run of the very pacey Kijah Stephenson, who got to the ball ahead of the onrushing Aquino and chipped it nonchalantly over her head, Sam Kerr style, to give Brisbane the go-ahead goal. Stephenson is making a very good case to be a mainstay in the Roar starting lineup, if they are lucky enough to keep her for another season.

Much to the joy of the local fans, the first half heroics did not finish there. Exactly 10 minutes later, a phenomenal ball from Jenna McCormick, who was about four meters behind halfway, floated all the way up the field and found the Sharn Freier on the left flank. Freier, who has been exceptional this season, used her pace to beat her defenders into the box and pull off an incredible finish, threading the needle through the minute space between Aquino and the goalpost, to give Brisbane the insurance goal. Freier is sticking her hand up to be one of Brisbane’s top candidates for the A-League Women’s All-Stars team for the upcoming fixture in May against Arsenal Women.

Brisbane continued their relentless pressure in the second half and on several occasions were an inch away from bagging a third goal. Perth mounted an attempt at a late comeback, bringing on some fresh legs and throwing everything at Brisbane for the last half hour. But Brisbane matched their energy level, held great positioning, and were very disciplined in defence. The Roar closed the game out and gave the Roar keeper Keeley Richards her first clean sheet for her new club.

It was another glimpse of the true potential of Alex Smith’s Brisbane Roar. If only they’d played like this a little more throughout the season, I think they would have easily made the finals series. But there seems to be a lot of positive signs for next season. As for the Glory, it’s back to the drawing board again, as their nightmarish season goes from bad to worse. They are now on a winless streak of 11 matches, which is only two shy of their worst ever run of 13 winless matches between February 2020 and March 2021. Perhaps a change of head coach and tactics is in order before the next season.

Brisbane Roar will host Canberra United next Saturday in their last match of the season. Meanwhile, Perth Glory will play host to an in-form Melbourne City on the Sunday.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-3): Richards, Scarpelli, McCormick, De La Harpe, McQueen, Freier, Norrie, Stephenson, Yallop, Woods, Corbin. Substitutes: Shuttleworth, Davies, Palmer, Hecher, Kirkup.

Scorers: Stephenson 33’, Freier 43’.

PERTH GLORY (3-4-3): Aquino, Anton, Dalton, Cowart, Cassidy, Cain, Rigby, Foletta, Lowry, Jale, Phonsongkham.Substitutes: James, Farrow, Hoarau, Lawrence, Quezada.

Referee: Caitlin Williams

Attendance: TBC.

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Grace Clinton: a Rising Star in profile   

  Above: Grace Clinton, a key figure in the WSL at just 20-years old. Photo: Lionesses.

By Ava-Marianne Elliott (6/3/24).

After her recent phenomenal performance during her debut for the Lionesses, eyes are on twenty-year-old Grace Clinton, who this season particularly has established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the field. Although a senior England debut has been the newest achievement to add to her list of triumphs, her career has seen her rapidly progress through the ranks, jumping from strength to strength.  

Currently thriving on loan in North London with mid-table team Tottenham Hotspur, the creative midfielder has spent the season proving just how integral the role she plays is to the side and has evidently grown in confidence with each passing fixture. It has resulted in her talents beginning to be recognised on a greater scale, whilst Clinton continues to shine in the spotlight within both the WSL and on the international stage. Within this article, Impetus 71’s Ava- Marianne Elliott reviews Clinton’s career to date, looking at the already monumental contributions she’s given the game, and the areas where she most thrives.  

Early Days
Above: Grace Clinton after signing a contract with Everton. Photo: BBC.

Liverpool-born, Clinton’s early career days trace back to the years she spent breaking through the ranks of Everton’s Academy, where she spent a lot of time sat on the fence of being integrated into the first team. In the preseason ahead of the club’s 2020-2021 campaign, the talented young midfielder was offered the opportunity to train with the first team at the age of just 16-years old. Although she was a player brimming with such unique potential and credited as a hugely creative asset to her team, there were areas of her game that needed refining.  

Then manager, Willie Kirk, described Clinton as “a great kid, first of all, but she was a little bit lazy out of possession,” in an interview with BBC Sport in October.  

Hard work paid off, as she made her competitive debut for the Toffees on the third of October 2020 in an away win at Aston Villa. Further, in April 2021 she put pen to paper and signed her first professional contract with the club, but she struggled to gain any consistent game time, which is why a move to Manchester United seemed like a relatively unexpected switch for her to make.

Championship Spell
Above: Clinton playing on loan to Bristol City. Photo: The FA. 

As one door closed for Clinton after moving on from Everton, another opened in Manchester as she took the next step in her career, signing with United in July 2022 on a three-year contract. Manager Marc Skinner kept her training with the club for the first half of the 2022-2023 season in order for her to gain valuable insight and experience training alongside members of United’s team, before she departed for a loan spell in the Championship during the January window.  

Clinton’s time at Bristol City was really the first time that she gave onlookers a glance at the amount of talent she held and how much of an asset she could be to a team. In her first appearance for City, she had an instant impact for her team and bagged a late equaliser that helped push the team to secure a narrow 3-2 in the fixture.  

During her four-month stint in the Championship, Clinton played an integral role in helping The Robins gain promotion to the WSL for the 2023-2024 season. She additionally contributed a total of six goals and one assist across 12 league appearances. As the season came to a close, it became exceedingly clear that Clinton was more than ready to take the next step in her career.  

Tottenham Hotspur
                           Above: Grace Clinton in Spurs’ first fixture of the year. Photo: Spurs.

Considering the United team were relatively stacked in terms of midfielders and attacking power at the start of the season, the most beneficial option for Clinton looked like a second loan spell. The decision has worked out well in favour of Robert Vilahamn’s Tottenham Hotspur, as the midfielder has played a crucial role in the mid-table team’s tactical set-up, where she has started to flourish with her recent consistent appearances (1157 minutes across 14 WSL fixtures).  

Predominantly playing on the left-wing for Spurs, but also occasionally shifting into the ten role where she most thrives, Clinton is pure dynamite on the field. The midfielder, although not yet the complete product, has the potential to become an all- rounder with her strategic vision, eye for a pass (particularly diagonals), work rate, and defensive actions.  

In her starts for Spurs, Clinton has primarily started wide within the most frequently used 4-4-2 formation. This positioning allows her to expertly find those pockets of space on the pitch, commonly in more central areas, and her intelligent movement off the ball means her teammates are never left short on passing options. She also has excellent vision for a pass, especially on the diagonal to generate more space in attacking areas by dragging defenders out of position.  

“She’s a number ten, absolutely. In the future, she’s going to start as a number ten in the national team, I’m quite sure of that,” noted boss Vilahamn at the start of Spurs 2023-2024 campaign.  

Above: Clinton picks up the ball in yards of space after a goal kick from Barbora Votíková. Both Katie McCabe and Beth Mead are hot on her tail, but she anticipates the threat of the Arsenal players and manoeuvres through the middle of close attention. 

Above: With Victoria Pelova having eyes on Clinton, who gives the impression she’s going to try and find a path through Arsenal’s midfield, she effectively creates the chance for Martha Thomas to make a run into space before making the pass to her.

Across the season in its so far entirety, Clinton’s statistics reflect the actions that we are seeing from her on the pitch. Currently, she sits second in the league for most successful take-ons per 90 in the WSL (3.83). Her defensive actions after match week 16 are averaging 76.6% success for tackles (36 won), 8.39 recoveries per 90 (114 total), and winning 52.6% of her duels (131 won).  

England Debut of Dreams
Above: Grace Clinton during her England debut. Photo: BBC. 

With the success she’s seen since the start of this season for Spurs in the WSL, Clinton earned her first call up to the senior England camp in October of 2023 after catching Sarina Wiegman’s attention. The talented midfielder had already represented her country, being a regular in the youth teams from the under 17’s all the way up to the under 23’s squad.  

Her first opportunity to see the pitch for her national team at Senior level came in the Lionesses’ recent friendly fixture against Austria, where England secured a triumphant 7-2 win. Her quality shone through when she took to the pitch, and the huge milestone of her debut was made significantly sweeter when she found herself on the scoresheet just 19 minutes into the fixture.  

Despite Clinton’s season to date mostly consisting of her operating down that left-hand side, she started in a more unfamiliar central role for England. She went on to start against Italy in the Lionesses second friendly out in Spain, where she continued to demonstrate her well-rounded, versatility, and tactical adaptability. With such a strong start to her international career already in the tank, alongside a very impressive run with Spurs on loan this season, it’s likely it won’t be long before we see Clinton playing more minutes under Wiegman.  

“She plays like a natural. She wants to have the ball. She picks up the things we talk about very quickly and that’s what you see on the pitch too.” Wiegman praised Clinton post- match.  

With such a positive start to her young career, it’s interesting to consider the options for one of the WSL’s biggest up-and-coming youngsters. The debate between whether she would be more suited to staying with Spurs or returning to Manchester United appears to be an ongoing discussion, but it’s evident that Clinton is ready to face whatever challenge is thrown her way.  

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