WSL Conferences

Five Impetus 71 writers covered six different WSL conferences ahead of the head-to-head weekend!

Arsenal

By Beth McCowen

Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall at this morning’s media conference.

Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal will come up against Liverpool on Sunday in the WSL. The Gunners’ first game of the season ended in a home defeat against Matt Beard’s side. This weekend’s fixture will mark Eidevall’s 100th game as Arsenal’s head coach.

Currently seven points behind Arsenal in the league table, Liverpool will be eager to make the most of their home advantage against the North London club. The media heard from Eidevall ahead of this highly anticipated clash. 

It has been a positive week thus far for Eidevall’s side. Arsenal’s Continental Cup win over Reading earlier this week saw the Gunners net six goals, with captain Kim Little coming back from injury, and vice captain Leah Williamson securing an impressive assist in what was her first appearance since suffering a ruptured ACL in April last year.

Speaking on Williamson’s return to the field, Eidevall said it was “great” to see her back. “It didn’t come as a surprise,” he insisted, considering the extent to which the England international has been training as of late. The manager also acknowledged that “It is tricky coming on as a central defender sometimes (…) it was a nice game to come into because we saw a lot of the ball.”

Talking about dynamics off the pitch and how things could change going forward, “The team has been very strong together and the players who have been out injured have played a really big role in that.”

Williamson’s long pass to Beth Mead was described by the boss as “almost as good as the finish.” The manager also praised “Her ability to pass the ball between lines and break down defensive organisation.” Williamson was a key player for the Gunners prior to her injury, and the head coach is confident that this will remain the case as we move through the second half of the season.

Regarding Sunday’s line up, Eidevall asserted that “It’s very unlikely that you will get an answer from me regarding my starting 11” and “We have a really good squad to select from.” Forward Lina Hurtig, however, has been plagued by injuries since signing for the Gunners. Regarding her current back injury, the boss confirmed “I don’t have any clear prognosis on Lina at the moment, which of course is frustrating, but we have to wait and see.”

Above: Jonas Eidevall speaks to the press ahead of his team’s match against Liverpool. Image: Arsenal.

Touching on Arsenal’s unwavering support from fans, Eidevall proudly stated “It’s one of the things that really makes us unique.”Looking towards the landmark fixture this weekend, the head coach also highlighted one of his most poignant moments with the club as being the Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg in May 2023. Despite the match ending in a loss, the Gunners fought to the bitter end in front of a packed-out Emirates, even at the height of an unprecedented injury crisis.

Discussing preparations before facing Liverpool, Eidevall described them as “a very capable team.” He emphasised that Beard’s side can be “aggressive and pressing”, confirming that this game will be “a challenge, but we are up for it.” The manager also spoke openly about the nature of the league as a whole, explaining how “This WSL is the strongest and most competitive it has ever been, and Liverpool is a part of that.”

Eidevall did not shy away from the threat a team like Liverpool can pose. Rounding off this press conference with a surprise, the manager hinted that the transfer window for Arsenal is “still potentially open.”

Aston Villa

By Emily Brown

The topic that was at the forefront of everybody’s mind this morning was the administrative error that led to Aston Villa fielding an ineligible player in the Continental Cup earlier this week.

Despite Villa winning 7-0 in their fixture against Sunderland, the impressive performance was quickly forgotten as the news broke that former Arsenal right-back and new Villa signing, Noelle Maritz, played in the side’s most recent game despite being cup-tied.

On the matter in question, Villa manager Carla Ward explained: “…first and foremost as a club I think we understand that there’s been a horrible mistake quite honestly and there’s been some internal conversations and investigations on how it’s happened…”

Above: Aston Villa boss Carla Ward addresses the media. Image: Aston Villa.

Going forward the issue has been handed over to the FA to decide the fate of Villa’s success and continuation in the competition. It is currently unknown as to when the outcome of this investigation will be revealed. For now, Ward believes that the club has to take “collective responsibility” for “a horrible moment” and ensure that the club get the “right processes in place” so that this doesn’t happen again. 

In terms of what missing out on the Conti-Cup means for the side, Ward appeared concerned. Unfortunately, Ward has spoken earlier on in the season regarding how the competitions running alongside the WSL have been great opportunities for Villa despite their struggle within the league. Now that this might have come to an end Ward said: 

“… of course there’s a worry …we targeted this (Conti-Cup) to try and get to the semi-final, if not the final… we believe we’ve got enough quality to get to a final, we went to the semi last year, we want to get to a final. But look, it’s in the hands of the FA now, we’re not sure what will be, what I can say though is hopefully they’ll come to the right outcome of course and whatever that looks like, we’ll have to accept.” 

However, despite the current state of affairs, there comes good news for every Villa fan with the soon-to-be return of trusty defender Dan Turner. The news came back that the centre-back is “back on the grass and will probably return a little bit sooner than expected.” Potentially we could see Turner return as early as next weekend with the possibility of her featuring in the squad against Bristol City. 

Moving on to the game ahead, this weekend Villa will travel up to Leigh Sports Village ready to face Marc Skinner’s Manchester United. United are currently fourth in the league with Villa three places behind them, six points between them and the Reds. In their last meeting, they kicked off the WSL’s 2023/24 season at Villa Park where, despite Villa putting up a good performance, the win swayed to United. 

On the game this weekend Ward exclaimed: “I’d say it’s a really big game you know, we’re going into it in good form if I’m being honest… we’ve won four out of the last six WSL games, that’s good form. I think we need to take note of that… 

“… we know Leigh Sports Village is a tricky place… the fans are unbelievable and it’s going to be tough… but we’ve got a lot of quality in our side and so have they, so I’d imagine it would be a good game of football.” 

With Manchester United going through a potential bump in the road after losing to Chelsea last week in the WSL and Manchester City in the Conti-Cup when asked about whether now is the right time to play Skinner’s side, the Villa boss said:  

“There’s never a good time to play a team that are up and down because you can never know what to expect… what we do know is that Manchester United are a top side, they’ve got top quality players in their ranks, and they can win football matches… they can hurt anybody on their day … What I would say is if we’re going to focus on ourselves, we’re in good form, we’re finding our feet again so you know it’s a good time for us to play anybody…” 

Ward recognises that for a win on the weekend, Villa need to “have a look at where (they) can hurt them” and be “more clinical.” If the claret and blue side “can get it right in front of goal” Ward believes Villa can “cause an upset come Sunday.” However, with Villa having a reputation of losing matches late on they will have to remain stable against United, right up until the final whistle. 

Brighton and Hove Albion

By Ava Marianne Elliot

After her Brighton team gave Chelsea a tough time away at Kingsmeadow in October, manager Melissa Phillips, alongside captain Vicky Losada, previewed this Saturday’s reverse fixture against the Blues to discuss their intentions to walk away with a win over the current league- leaders.

Above: Brighton head coach Melissa Phillips in strategy mode. Image: Sky Sports.

With a huge challenge to face against Emma Hayes’ Chelsea, Phillips appointed the majority of her focus to showing the upmost belief in her team heading into the battle after their win in the League Cup on Wednesday evening. The entire squad has come away from the mid-week fixture with no injuries, meaning they have a fully fit team to their advantage.

The January period for the Seagulls has been a busy month, with the efforts turned to reflecting on the first half of the season’s errors. Phillips’ outlined how she believed her side coped well with the pressure of facing the four top- table teams in quick succession, and bringing the same intensity and mentality consistently across the remainder of the season is crucial moving onwards. As an addition, the January transfer window still very much remains open, and there were implications that the team aren’t quite finished with their recruitment just yet.

Last time out against the Blues, Brighton lost the fixture 4-2. Reflecting back, the Seagulls manager credited Chelsea’s efficiency in capitalising on their mistakes, which have been pinpointed and improved ahead of tomorrow’s game. Still, she further noted that their opponents have such a depth of players that they have the ability to change the game in small ways, especially through individual player’s brilliance, but she believes her side are adaptable enough to handle any obstacles thrown their way.

When the questions turned to team captain, Vicky Losada, she reinforced that the team have had a clear focus on challenging themselves to fill previous gaps and work on heavily improving their areas of weakness. Due to the rapid movement across the WSL season, she believes that the Brighton squad haven’t quite had the time to bind together entirely as a unit yet, but each week the connections are growing stronger.

Losada further outlined that her individual performances are still something that she is building up on each week, especially learning to be comfortable out of possession and knowing how to push herself out of her comfort zone in order to adjust to the league’s physicality.

With half of the WSL season already past, Brighton has a huge opportunity to walk away with three potentially pivotal points to their outcome this campaign this Saturday. Phillips’ side are prepared for the challenge, and ready to face the rest of this season’s competition with a fresh energy and confidence.

Chelsea

By Claudia Loy

After Chelsea’s midweek win in the Champions League in which they nudged past Real Madrid on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge, they look towards the weekend to continue their winning streak in the WSL.

Chelsea will take on Melissa Phillips’ Brighton and Hove Albion tomorrow away at Bescot Stadium. Despite a tough end to 2023, Brighton are a side who are looking to continue their winning start to 2024 in all competitions.

Having played midweek, the Chelsea team has only had one day’s preparation. On the tight turnaround, Hayes said “We are used to doing it. It doesn’t make it easier, but we are used to having one day preps for games at this stage of the season. The squad is ready.’ Hayes also added that despite time pressures, ‘the whole squad will be utilised in the next two games, and I think we’ve found a little bit of a rhythm.”

Above: Emma Hayes, who just made a huge move in the transfer window, is prepared for the next match. Image: Sky Sports.

Team news was that Millie Bright is still out, and this game will come too early for her. However, the big story of the day was the news that Chelsea have signed Columbian forward Mayra Ramírez from Levante for a potential world record fee for a female footballer. Hayes confirmed that Ramírez has trained with the team, but when asked about her availability, Hayes confirmed That she was not yet certain if she would be available for this match due to international clearance, although she has trained with the team.


Ramírez was impressive at the world cup. In terms of her qualities, Hayes described her as “powerful”, praising her physicality and presence in the box, speed with the ball, and ability to score goals.

Brighton are a team who have demonstrated a open style of play. When Hayes was asked what to expect from them in this match, she said “We expect them to play in a back five. They are very aggressive going forward. They like to get their wing backs nice and high.”

Brighton striker Elisabeth Terland has impressed this season with her goal tally, and on her abilities and her counter attacking threat, Hayes commented “she is excellent. She takes her chances and is a prolific goal scorer, no question.”

This is expected to be an exciting game, given that Brighton are a team that has shipped two goals in each of their six home games this season in the WSL. and Hayes added “They commit numbers forward and the way they link with Terland means that they have a good attacking theat. So we have been showing that to the team.”

Manchester United

By Beth McCowen

Above: Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner at this morning’s media conference.

Manchester United are set to face Carla Ward’s Aston Villa this Sunday in the WSL. Marc Skinner’s side are hungry for all three points at Leigh Sports Village, and the manager spoke to the media ahead of the clash. The Red Devils currently sit fourth in the league table.

In terms of team news, Skinner suggested that the only question mark ahead of Sunday’s game is over Jayde Riviere, who will be assessed today having missed out on being in the squad against Chelsea.

Early in the conference, the media asked Skinner about the situation surrounding Aston Villa’s breach of rules in the Continental Cup. An administrative error meant Carla Ward’s side fielded new signing, ineligible defender Noelle Maritz. They will face a tribunal as a result.

Regarding this, the Red Devils head coach said, “I don’t think we have a say in it even though it directly affects us.” Highlighting the injustice of the current predicament, the United boss emphasised that “we’ve done everything to qualify from the most difficult group.” Skinner appeared understandably disappointed that as a club, Manchester United haven’t had a say in the matter, and confirmed that he is “hoping it’s taken to that serious extent.”

The last couple of weeks have seen Skinner under pressure from fans. Speaking on the stresses of this, the manager stood firm that “There is no problem with pressure.” Elaborating further, the boss seemed determined to make the most of the current situation, affirming that “You can face into it.”

Above: Marc Skinner in his press conference discussing the Conti Cup complications. Image: Manchester United.

Despite a 2-1 loss in the Continental Cup, Skinner appeared positive about his team’s performance on the night. Explaining that United are still working to build on-field relationships, he specified “If you watch the way my team performed the other night against Manchester City, we made 7 changes, and they changed zero.”

United have recently found it difficult to make the most of chances in front of goal. In relation to this, the head coach pondered what the problem could be: “I don’t think it’s confidence (…) it’s mainly an eagerness to try and get those goals.” Skinner remained pleased with the number of chances that were created against their Manchester rivals, and declared that the focus is on “mindset” ahead of their meeting with Aston Villa.

Skinner praised the recent contributions of forward Nikita Parris, who has been “excellent (…) holding the ball up and taking the ball under pressure.” Asked about her primary role as either a central or wide attacker, the manager acknowledged that “Nikita scores from a central channel, but most players do.”

Considering this, the manager also addressed the style of play his side are striving for, saying “It’s not about standing in high and wide positions like some teams do” and “Continuous adaptation stops it being so predictable for the opponent to play against.”

Touching on the Red Devils’ upcoming back-to-back home fixtures, the boss maintained that “We’re not going to solely try to get results at the detriment of our performance.” Looking ahead to Sunday, he noted that “It’s about playing Aston Villa with our intensity.” Skinner remains aware that “Our backline is having to play continuous minutes” but said “We want to prioritise our performance and we believe that gets us results.”

As the winter transfer window nears its close, United’s head coach spoke about “always hoping to be busy” and said his side are “continuously improving” but may “need that added quality.”

Tottenham Hotspur

By Ruby Joanne

After last night’s 3-0 win against Southampton, Spurs are feeling optimistic
for Sunday’s game against Manchester City. The team has been on a winning
streak in their last couple of games, ever since their triumph in the North
London Derby over Arsenal.

Above: Spurs head coach Robert Vilahamn in his press conference. Image: Tottenham Hotspur.

When reflecting on what the team can take from the Arsenal match,
Vilahamn said that the team realised that “we can do it. If we defend well, it
we attack well, if we do everything right.” In reference to the upcoming
fixture on Sunday, “I don’t think that anyone expects us to win this game,
but everyone knows that we can win it.”

Vilahamn mentioned that he’s not afraid about the goals that the team
concede, because it means that the team have dared to play and that’s what
he wants to see from them

The teams aim for the second half of the season is to “dictate more of the
games, score even more goals and get even better in the press and make
sure we defend better.” Vilahamn added that “I don’t really care to look at a
position right now”. “Of course we want to win but the main thing is how we
can improve our way of playing against the top teams because next year we
want to be a top team and actually go for the champions league spot.”

When talking about the new signings that have come in during this transfer
window, Vilahamn said that “new players have come in with very good
energy” but of course “they need to get to know each other” as the team are
still in a new phase of having a “new group”. He believes that the team are
“even more ready for Man City this time and hopefully can get a better
result”.

“They are players we have scouted for a long time” Villahamn said. “If you
look at the bench we had yesterday, it’s an amazing bench. If you look at the
starting eleven yesterday, it’s a good starting eleven.”

“When you believe in something very much and you know it’s going to work,
but no one else knows, it’s nice to see and show that it actually works…it
makes me proud to see the players enjoy it so much.”

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Interview with Nikki Doucet: NewCo Takes over The Women’s Super League and Championship

Above: NewCo CEO Nikki Doucet smiling, due to take over as being in charge of the English women’s professional leagues. Photo: The FA

By Caitlin Kelly

Despite the FA being in charge for 14 years, NewCo is set to take over to run the women’s professional football leagues in England, consisting of the Women’s Super League and Championship. But who are they and what does this takeover mean?

Growing up in Canada and previously working in investment banking and being a former Nike director, Nikki Doucet is the CEO of NewCo, who is due to take over in taking charge of the professional women’s football leagues from the 2024/25 season.

“NewCo will be a new independent company that will run the women’s professional game in England- the WSL and Championship- and the clubs will be the shareholder of this new company”, the CEO stated, “a revenue-generating… standalone entity with a professional, dedicated management team” is what the company consists of.

Doucet believes “We are ready for this growth opportunity. The market is ready. The audience is there. Everyone is screaming for this.” With this happening, the chance for women’s football to continue growing is inevitable and will be highly beneficial to the game.

All the fans know, as does Nikki that “the experience of going to a women’s football game is fun, it’s kind, it’s welcoming but it’s hugely passionate” and that will only continue happening as the game resumes to expand. “This is competitive sport and that is why all we love it so much… these are the most incredible role models on the planet and it’s something everybody wants to be a part of.” she adds.

CEO Doucet credits the FA for their investment and work put into women’s football by acknowledging “they have belief in the women’s game and the FA has funded the proof of concept for women’s football in this country. And now we’re at the stage that [NewCo] is set up to be a standalone entity to capitalize on the growth opportunity in front of us”, after previously stating that, “the reason why we’re here, the reason why [she’s] here, and the reason why the concept of NewCo exists is because of [this investment].”

Above: NewCo CEO Nikki Doucet in her interview discussing the takeover of the WSL and Championship. Photo: The FA

The vision for NewCo is to transform women’s football and what Doucet hopes this means is questions in ten years’ time should be sounding like “How can I get off the waiting list for WSL tickets?” with stadiums at full capacity and “all the top players wanting to come over here.” But on top of this she answers questions about elite female athlete health and how it has transformed high street physiotherapy are asked too and to “look at a female team and the first thought that goes through your head is ‘wow they’re a high performing team’ without any hesitation from that perspective.”

To round off, Nikki is “as equally excited as the fans” because “the athletes are amazing” and she loves to watch them as footballers”. As a footballer herself, she wishes this was available for her growing up. The most exciting thing about the takeover for her is “the generations behind [her] are going to grow up in a different world than [she] grew up in.”

This decision to implement NewCo is essential for the development of the women’s football world, especially at a time when revenues, attendances and coverage is skyrocketing compared to previously. Their power includes the ability to initiate rule changes, make changes to the structure of the league, invest in new technology as well as agree new broadcast deals- all in hopes of continuing the incredible growth of the game.

The future of women’s football sure does seem bright in the hands of Nikki Doucet and NewCo.

Impetus71 French Football Wrap

Jean-Pierre Thiesset résume la 5ème journée de phase de groupe des matches des 3 équipes françaises en UEFA Ligue des Championnes Féminine pour Impetus : BK Häcken – Paris FC, Paris Saint-Germain – Ajax Amsterdam, St Pölten – Olympique Lyonnais.

Ci-dessus : Paris SG versus Ajax Amsterdam, 24 janvier 2024. Clare Hunt, Paris SG, 15 et TinyHoekstra, Ajax Amsterdam, se disputant le ballon. Photo : Gracieusement offerte par Pauline Figuet.

BK Häcken 0-0 Paris FC

Hisingen Arena, Göteborg, Suède – 24 janvier 2024

Un premier quart d’heure où les deux équipes essaient d’imposer leur jeu sans y arriver car il y a trop d’imprécision dans les dernières passes et le ballon ne fait qu’aller rapidement d’un camp à l’autre.

Häcken obtient un pénalty à la 21ème minute pour une main de Teninsoun Sissoko ; il est tiré parRosa Kafaji mais est repoussé en corner par Chiamaka Nnadozie, gardienne du Paris FC.

Plus on avance dans la mi-temps, plus Häckenprend confiance et domine légèrement du point de vue de la possession de balle même si c’est le Paris FC qui se créé l’occasion la plus dangereuse à la 33ème minute sur un tir de Daphné Corboz. Häcken répond une minute après sur un contre qui voit Monica Jusu Bah mettre le ballon sur le poteau gauche alors que Chiamaka Nnadozie était battue.


Ci-dessus : Margaux Le Mouel, Paris FC, 15 maillot blanc et bleu et Anna Anvegard, Häcken, 28. Photo : Paris FC site web.

La deuxième mi-temps reprend sur le même rythme que la première avec le ballon qui va rapidement d’un camp à l’autre mais toujours avec des imprécisions dans les dernières passes.

Häcken a eu une belle occasion à la 55ème minute sur un tir de Monica Jusu Bah qui obligea Chiamaka Nnadozie à exécuter un plongeon sur sa droite pour détourner le ballon en corner.

Paris FC pousse très fort en fin de match sans toutefois réussir à marquer et c’est même Häcken qui a la plus belle occasion à la 90ème+3 et le Paris FC ne doit le fait de n’avoir pas encaisser de but à deux sauvetages de ChiamakaNNadozie.

Le match se termine donc par un nul 0 à 0 qui n’arrange aucune des deux équipes et surtout pasle Paris FC qui va devoir maintenant gagner à domicile contre Chelsea pour espérer se qualifier.

Häcken : 4-2-3-1 : Falk – Wijk, Luik, Rybrink, Kosola – Curmark, Fossdalsa – Jusu Bah(Massaka 82’ Grant 90’+1), Kafaji, Anvegard –Larisey (Schröder 81’ Bergam-Lundin 83’). 

Entraîneur : Lind.

Paris FC : 4-3-3 : Nnadozie – Soyer, Hocine,Sissoko, Bogaert –Thiney, Le Mouel(N’Dongala 87’), Corboz D. (Korosec 59’) – Dufour (Fleury 59’), Ribadeira (Bourdieu 59’), Matéo (Bussy 70’). 

Entraîneure : Soubeyrand.

Cartons jaunes : Häcken : Luik (37’), Rybrink(58’), Larisey (74’). Paris FC : Matéo (19’).

Arbitre : Iuliana Demetrescu, Roumanie.

Affluence : 3 064.

Paris Saint-Germain 3–1 Ajax Amsterdam

Parc des Princes, Paris, France – 24 janvier2024

C’est le Paris SG qui ouvre rapidement le score à la 6ème minute de jeu avec une magnifique reprise acrobatique du pied droit de Marie-Antoinette Katoto sur un centre de Sandy Baltimore du côté droit.

A la 25ème minute de jeu, Paris SG fait le break par Marie-Antoinette Katoto d’un tir du gauche sur un contre rondement mené.


Ci-dessus : Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Paris SG, maillot blanc. Photo : Gracieusement offerte parPauline Figuet.

Romée Leuchter, Ajax, relance le match en dépossédant Clare Hunt du ballon à 40 mètres des buts et ensuite en la prenant de vitesse pour aller marquer à la 31ème minute.

Tabitha Chawinga déborde sur le côté gauche et centre ; le ballon est renvoyé par la gardienne de l’Ajax sur Grace Geyoro qui le pousse dans le but à la 39ème minute pour marquer le 3ème but.

Tabitha Chawinga s’est retrouvée plusieurs fois devant la gardienne de l’Ajax sans jamais pouvoir conclure ce qui aurait assuré une victoire plus large au Paris SG.

Avec cette victoire le Paris SG prend la tête de son groupe C mais devra faire au moins un nul à Munich contre le Bayern pour être certain de se qualifier.

Paris SG : 3-5-2 : Kiedrzynek – De Almeida, Samoura, Hunt (Albert 68’) – Karchaoui, Geyoro, Groenen (Martens 76’), Baltimore(Fazer 86’), Le Guilly (Traoré 86’) – Chawinga, Katoto (Bachmann 75’). 

Entraîneur : J. Prêcheur. Buteuses : Katoto (6’, 25’), Geyoro (39’).

Ajax : 4-3-3 : Van Eijk – Weerden, De Sanders, Spitse, Kardinaal – Yohannes, Van Gool (Van De Velt 72’), Noordam – Tiny Hoekstra, Leuchter(Tolhoek 46’), Grant (Keukelaar 80’).

Entraîneure : Bakker. Buteuse : Leuchter (31’).

Cartons jaunes : Paris SG : Groenen (9’), Karchaoui (61’). Ajax : Noordman (12’), Van De Velt (81’), Yohannes (82’).

Arbitre : Rebecca Welch, Angleterre.

Affluence : 6 888.

St Pölten 0-7 Olympique Lyonnais

NÖ Arena, St Pölten, Autriche – 25 janvier 2024

Les Lyonnaises monopolisent le ballon dès le début du match et se crééent plusieurs occasions.Les deux arrières, Selma Bacha à gauche, et Ellie Carpenter à droite, montent beaucoup pour centrer.

Enfin, à la 21ème minute, Lyon concrétise logiquement sa domination ; sur un corner tiré de la droite par Selma Bacha, Damaris Egurroladévie la balle de la tête pour Ada Hegerberg qui marque au deuxième poteau.

Une minute plus tard sur un cafouillage à la limite de la surface de réparation, Sara Däbritzrécupère la balle et marque un deuxième but pour Lyon d’une superbe frappe.

Sur un coup franc de la gauche de Selma Bacha, Vanessa Gilles tire sur la barre transversale à la 27ème minute.

A la demi-heure de jeu, les joueuses de St Pöltensont complétement asphyxiées par les Lyonnaises qui continuent à monopoliser le ballon et à se créer de nombreuses occasions.

Ada Hegerberg met son deuxième but sur un déboulé sur la droite et un centre de Vicki Bechodévié par Sara Däbritz à la 35ème minute.

Ci-dessus : Ada Hegerberg, Lyon, au centre chaussures rouges, célébrant l’un de ses buts. Photo : Lyubomir Domozetski, OL.

Avec près de 80% de possession et plus de 20 tirs contre 0 pour St Pölten, Lyon n’a laissé que des miettes à St Pölten en 1ère mi-temps.

La 2ème mi-temps reprend comme a fini la 1ère et comme en 1ère mi-temps Lyon se créé beaucoup d’occasions et on n’entend que les fans de Lyon, les OL ANG’ELLES, qui ont fait le long déplacement en Autriche à une dizaine de personnes et qui n’arrêtent pas de chanter et d’encourager les joueuses de Lyon depuis le début du match.

A la 55ème minute, comme on en a l’habitude, Selma Bacha fait parler son précieux pied gauche et délivre un corner parfait pour la tête de Vanessa Gilles qui marque le 4ème but Lyonnais.

Dzenifer Marozsan y va de son but à la 79èmeminute d’une superbe reprise de l’extérieure de la surface de réparation.

Et à la 83ème minute, c’est au tour de Kadidiatou Diani de marquer en reprenant de la tête au deuxième poteau un superbe centre d’Amel Majri ; A noter que le ballon avait été remonté du camp de Lyon par Daniëlle Van De Donk au début de l’action.

Encore une magnifique action qui se termine par un tir en pleine lucarne gauche de la Lyonnaise Sara Däbritz à la 87ème minute.

Dans ce match qui ressemblait à une attaque – défense, avec plus de 45 frappes, dont 20 cadrées, des Lyonnaises contre 0 pour St Pölten, on a vu de superbes actions de jeu et des tirs qui auraient pu, et même du, aggraver le score si les Lyonnaises avaient été un peu plus efficaces dans la surface de réparation et sans la bonne prestation de Carina Schlüter, la gardienne de St Pölten.

Avec cette victoire Lyon assure sa place de leader de son groupe.

Saint Pölten : 4-5-1 : Schlüter – Touon(Schumacher 86’), Klein, Balog, Biroova, Tabotta – Zver (Brunnthaler 71’), Mikolajova(Johanning 64’), Wenger (Hillebrand 70’), Lemesova (Mattner-Trembleau 46’) – Mädl.

Entraîneure : Brancao-Ribeiro.

Lyon : 4-3-3 : Endler – Bacha (Van De Donk63‘), MBock (Sombath 56’), Gilles, Carpenter – Däbritz, Egurrola (Morroni 46’), Marozsan – Majri, Hegerberg (Le Sommer 46’), Becho(Diani 71’). 

Entraîneure : Bompastor. Buteuses : Hegerberg(21’, 35’), Däbritz (22’, 87’), Gilles (55’), Marozsan (79’), Diani (83’).

Carton jaune : St Pölten : Touon (35’).

Arbitre : Silvia Gasperotti, Italie.

Affluence : 1 098.

Lowe’s leveller cancels Caspers goal

Melbourne Victory 1-1 Sydney FC

By Emma Burke 26/1/24

Above: Emma Checker (right) clears from Indiana Dos Santos. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

The only difference to be found at the Big Blue derby was the shades of the colour worn by Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC as the two sides each left AAMI park with a point apiece after a 1-1 draw.


Sydney FC broke the deadlock early through 16-year-old star Maddie Caspers. She ghosted through Victory’s defensive line to take a left-footed shot that was fired into the bottom left corner. 

Victory’s response came in the form of a penalty call with American International Mackenzie winning the call when she was collected in the box by Sydney FC keeper Jada Whyman.

Rachel Lowe took to the spot and converted with ease, her shot sent low and in the opposite direction to the one Whyman dove in. 

Sydney enjoyed a strong attacking spell in the second half, but were denied by some incredible saves from Victory keeper Courtney Newbon.


Newbon made a one-handed save to prevent Sydney from taking the lead after Mackenzie Hawkesbury took a long shot on goal from outside the box. 

The corner that resulted in it then had Newbon making a close range save on a header from Abbey Lemon. 

The final chance of the game fell to Sydney when in the final minute of extra time, Zara Kruger sent in a header that rebounded off the goalpost. 


Sydney FC and Melbourne both remain in their previous positions on the table, 2nd and 6th respectively, and will look to find a win in Round 15 when Sydney FC host Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory travel to face Brisbane Roar.

Melbourne Victory (4-2-3-1):  Newbon, Checker, Hansen, Morrison, Rankin, Murphy, Kellond-Knight, D’Appolonia, Chidiac, Weinert, Lowe Substitutes: Candy, Zois, Curtis, Gielnik, Okino

Scorers: Lowe 21’ (Pen)

Sydney FC (4-3-3):  Whyman, Fenton, Thompson, McLean, Tumeth, Hawkesby, Hollman, Caspers, I. Dos Santos, Ibini, Vine Substitutes: Franco, J. Dos Santos, Ray, Kruger, Lemon

Scorers: Caspers 7’ 

Referee: Isabella Blaess

Attendance: TBC

Pride Park Record Dominant 8-0 Win On The Road

Sandiacre Town 0-8 Pride Park

By Doug Outt

Above: Beth Jones scored four to make it 38 for the season so far in 13 games. Photo: Shaun Hardwick 

Pride Park made the short trip to Regional League side Sandiacre Town for the 2nd Round of the Derbyshire FA Women’s County Plate on Sunday and after a dominant display are through to the quarter-finals.

Jodie Hill came in for her second third game of the season, Rachel Weaver returned at left back, and we were pleased to welcome Sophie Ayton back for her first tentative steps back after an ankle injury.

Sandiacre had the first chance of the game in the opening minute, firing wide before Pride clicked into gear and took the lead with their first attack after 3 minutes. A free kick for a trip on Steph Eadon was whipped in by Tash Allderidge to be met at the back post by Molly Boultbee for her first goal for Pride Park [0-1].

There was a great chance for Pride to double the lead four minutes layer, as Ellie-Mae Coleman latched onto Jodie Hill’s long kick and threaded a pass through to Beth Jones – who fired just inches wide of the post. The respite for Sandiacre was temporary, however, as Pride extended their lead on 10 minutes. Tash Allderidge put a cross into the box from the second phase of a corner and this time it was Aimee Healy-Raynor popping up at the back post to score [0-2]. 

Two minutes later Beth Jones did exceptionally well to shake off a defender but her shot was just the wrong side of the post. At the other end Jodie was called into real action for the first time after 13 minutes, coming up big to block and divert the ball away from danger. 

Jess Page played an inch perfect ball into Beth Jones, who rounded the keeper and to fire into the open net after 21 minutes to make it 0-3. 

It was 0-4 just before the half-hour, as Ellie-Mae Coleman ran down a long ball, blocked the keeper’s attempted clearance, and cooly passed into the empty net. 

As half-time approached, there was a shot on target for Sandiacre from outside the box, but it rolled through into Jodie Hill’s hands. Pride had dominated the first half and clinical finishing gave them a deserved half-time lead.

HALF-TIME: Sandiacre Town 0-4 Pride Park

The second half started where the first half had left off. The first real sight of goal came for The Pride after 54 minutes when Steph Eadon’s low shot from outside the area was well claimed by the Sandiacre keeper. However, a minute later an Annie Laight free kick through the middle was latched onto by Beth Jones and her shot beat the onrushing keeper [0-5].

Sandiacre’s ‚keeper made a couple of great saves, the first on 68 minutes, diving to her right to stop a rocket from Ellie-Mae Coleman, then two minutes later denying Coleman again, time from close range! 

Aimee Healy-Raynor went close with a header from a corner which was deflected onto the post. There was almost an outstanding goal for Ellie-Mae Coleman when her flick from the outside of her boot went through the defender’s legs but went agonisingly wide. 

There was a sixth for Pride when Tash Allderidge hit a rocket of a free kick into the top corner after 77 minutes.

There was a final flourish with two goals in the final minute for Beth Jones. She completed her hat-trick on 89 minutes, dancing around the defender before opening up her body and slotting home into the far corner [0-7] and completing the scoring with her fourth of the afternoon right on the final whistle as she fired home from close range [0-8].

It was a dominant performance from start to finish, and from front to back to complete a Cup upset by The Pride against higher league opposition. The draw for the quarter-finals was held earlier today and has given Pride an away tie against Sleetmoor United on Sunday 18th February.

It’s back to League business next week and, as a result of Buxton’s County Plategame being postponed yesterday, our League fixture that was due to be played next week will be rescheduled later in the season and instead, we will welcome unbeaten reigning Champions Wirksworth Colts to Moorways as 2nd play 3rd (kick off 1.30pm).

Canberra United v Wellington Phoenix Preview

Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woods reports on both Canberra United and Wellington Phoenix’s media conferences ahead of round fourteen where they will face each other in an exciting clash (1/25/24).

Canberra United

The media heard from Canberra United’s Sasha Grove and Head Coach Njegosh Popovich ahead of Sunday’s match against Wellington Phoenix. 

Canberra will be determined to get a result after their close and heartbreaking 3-2 defeat last round against Melbourne Victory, of which they were unlucky to have not got a result come the final whistle based on how they played. 

When asked about the result and whether the close defeats have gotten easier to deal with this season, Grove said, “look, it’s never easy with those kinds of results but it doesn’t mean we are dealing with them any differently. We don’t like it, and it’s not a standard we’re willing to accept.” 

Above: Young Canberra United midfielder Sasha Grove reflects on the past round as well as looking ahead to the match with Wellington. Image: Canberra United.

Canberra will be wanting their revenge after the 5-0 defeat they received at the hands of the Phoenix last season in New Zealand. From an attacking point of view, this is quite possible. After 13 rounds of the season, Canberra have scored the second-most goals with 25, only behind league leaders Melbourne City with 31.  

Furthermore, despite being eleventh on the A-League Women’s ladder, Canberra does have both Vesna Milivojevic and Michelle Heyman who are currently tied for first in the A-League Women’s Golden Boot with nine goals respectively. 

However, Canberra’s overall record against Wellington isn’t the best. While they have come out on top once with a 3-0 win at McKellar Park in Round Five last season, they have lost the other two matches with just three goals scored and a concerning eight goals conceded. 

When asked about the trip to New Zealand and whether that helps with what to expect for this weekend knowing that they’ve done it before, Grove said, “absolutely! The Nix (Wellington Phoenix) have put on a performance this season and they want to get points just as much as we do, so we’ve got to bring it. The last time we went, we weren’t successful, so we’re looking to get our hands and feet dirty this week and really make sure we win.” 

Outside observers could say that Canberra have had a bad season so far, based on their position in the ladder, but given the number of goals they’ve scored, the quality players that are within the squad, and the closeness points-wise amongst the teams, a great run of results for United could easily see them up into the top six, especially if other results elsewhere go their way. It’s still all to play for this season for Canberra. 

Above: Canberra head coach Njegosh Popovich speaks with the media. Image: Canberra United.

When asked whether the congested ladder has helped the team stay focused knowing what a couple of good performances could mean for their finals aspirations, Popovich said, “we’re only a couple of games away from being in that top six and I think the girls recognise that without any doubt.” 

While Wellington hasn’t won in over a month and currently sit in ninth position, they’re only two points outside of the finals. Their performances this season in New Zealand have been highly impressive and as such will pose a big challenge to Canberra. 

When asked where Wellington is dangerous as a side, Popovich said, “they’re a very fit team from what we’ve identified. They are a very transitional side; they work hard for each other. For us it’s just about being ourselves, finishing the chances we create and preventing the chances that they create.” 

Wellington Phoenix

The media heard from the Wellington Phoenix’s Kate Taylor and Helena Errington ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Canberra United on Sunday. 

Wellington goes into the match against Canberra off the back of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Melbourne City, the Phoenix’s fourth consecutive defeat. Despite the close results, it has been a tough month for the Phoenix that sees them ninth on the A-League Women’s ladder. Despite only being two points outside of the Top 6, they’ll want to get back to winning ways sooner rather than later for their finals prospects, which are still very much possible this season. 

Something in favour of the Phoenix that would give the club some confidence ahead of Sunday’s match is that it will be held in New Zealand, where they have been strong results-wise. Furthermore, from the 16 points they’ve achieved so far this season, 81.25% of those points have come at home in New Zealand. 

Above: Kate Taylor reflects on the past few results. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

When asked to reflect on the challenging month Wellington has had, Taylor said, “It’s really difficult and for us, I think we try and take the positives out of it while also learning from our mistakes, which can sometimes be hard. You’ve got to keep people accountable, but it’s all part of it and I think we’re doing a good job at the moment trying to work through our challenges off the field and on the field.”  

Despite the defeat in the last match against City, there were some positives that came out of the second half even though the Phoenix conceded twice. On another day, Wellington may have got a result from the chances they created and how they played during certain periods in the second half. 

When asked whether the team has taken any optimism from how they played against a team such as Melbourne City, Taylor said, “Definitely! I think in some ways we play quite similarly, so for us playing a team like (Melbourne) City with such class players it’s like a good thing that we could see that we could match them. For us, we were still pushing that whole time which is the exciting part and I think we’ll continue to (do that) as well.” 

Above: Helena Errington, the Phoenix’s latest debutant, speaking to the press about her first appearance. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

In the match against City last round, a player who made her A-League Women’s debut was New Zealand youth international Helena Errington, who came on in the 77th minute for Mackenzie Barry. This meant Errington became the 42nd player to have represented the Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Women. 

When asked about how special the moment was to have made her A-League Women’s debut, Errington said, “Pretty special. It’s always been a dream of mine to play for the Phoenix. Little me would have never thought it was possible, so I’m super happy.” 

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Keane and Logarzo masterclass sinks City

Melbourne City 1–3 Western United 

By Ben Carey 25/1/24

Above: Khali Johnson celebrates with her Western United teammates after scoring the winning goal. Photo: Western United.

Western United have proven once again to be Melbourne City’s kryptonite, securing a commanding 3-1 win over the hosts on Thursday evening. Western took two wins from two last season, and their first match this season ended in a 2-2 draw. This most recent win sees Western leapfrog Perth Glory and Sydney FC to claim second spot on the table, ironically just behind City.

It was a rainy evening in Melbourne and the wet weather had a noticeable effect on the pitch at AAMI Park, resulting in a few more slips than usual and causing the ball to hold up more on the surface.

Western United came out of the gates dominating possession and looking to create chances in Melbourne City’s defensive half. City though, who are known for their possession-based style of play, soon wrestled control back and started creating chances of their own.

Around the 20-minute mark, there was a very nervy five minutes or so for City. There were a few sloppy passes that resulted in turning over possession cheaply in dangerous areas, and then an attempt from City goalkeeper, Lysianne Proulx, to play out from the back clipped the heels of a Western United attacker, narrowly avoiding deflecting back into City’s goals. A few minutes later, a shot from last season’s Golden Boot Winner, Hannah Keane, hit the post. Melbourne City appeared to be on thin ice.

Soon after, after a great steal in the midfield, Western United surged forward. A great ball from Japanese international, Keiwa Hieda, set up Matildas icon, Chloe Logarzo, to take a shot at the City goals. She made good contact with the ball, but Proulx was able to parry it away, but it bobbled up right into the path of Keane, who headed it home, breaking a five-match goal drought.

In typical Melbourne City fashion, they upped their intensity and put pressure on Western’s goals once more. Just three minutes after they conceded, City narrowly missed an equaliser after Brylee Henry took a shot on goals that deflected off Grace Maher and hit the crossbar. The resulting corner, however, was more fruitful for the home side. The corner was whipped in by Rhianna Pollicina, which then found three consecutive Melbourne City heads. The first was Taylor Otto, who flicked itjust beyond the far post where Kaitlyn Torpey redirected it back in front of goals for New Zealand’s World Cup hero, Hannah Wilkinson to finish. Melbourne City really used their heads to nab the equaliser.

Melbourne City came out strong in the second half, mounting a number of attack on Western United’s goals. The best attempt came at the 50-minute mark and was the result of some fantastic build up play from City. Torpey made a spirited run down the left flank and hit a beautifully weighted pass to Wilkinson in front of goal, who finished the goal perfectly. Much to the dismay of City fans, the goal was disallowed for offside against Wilkinson.

Western could not be silenced for long though. Three minutes after Wilkinson’s disallowed goal, a magnificent ball from Julia Sardo cut across a staggered Melbourne City defensive line and found the feet of Logarzo who tapped it past the keeper and found Keane, who scored again to give Western the lead back. 

City picked up their intensity once more, mounting waves after waves of attack on the Western goals, desperate to equalise again. There were a number of good chances, but the final product just wasn’t there.

Just before the 80th minute, a great ball from Keane found the run of the tireless and ever-present Logarzo, who left her shot a little too late but still forced a diving save from Proulx. Unfortunately for City, they were unable to clear the ball before freshly substituted Khali Johnson took a fabulous shot from a tight angle and snuck it past the keeper. This would prove to be the nail in the coffin for Melbourne City.

Melbourne City will be disappointed with the loss, which prevented them from going 10 points clear at the top of the table. It’s probably worth noting that City were missing two keyplayers in Emina Ekić and Julia Grosso, who both usually carry a huge workload up front and in the midfield respectively. City’s standout player was Torpey, who bagged an assist and created a number of other huge chances. Besides her, City worked well as a team but they just weren’t clinical enough, and the lack of Ekić and Grosso really showed.

Western United on the other hand played great attacking football and were a lot more clinical. Western put in a high-quality team performance. Maher was solid in the backline. The entire midfield put in a very good shift. But the stars of the show were Logarzo and Keane. They have proven to be an absolute nightmare for Melbourne City. Including this match, Logarzo and Keane now have nine goal involvements between them against City (Keane with four goals and two assists; Logarzo with two goals and one assist). No doubt their faces will be haunting the dreams of the City defenders for some time to come.

Western United will host the Central Coast Mariners next Saturday, while Melbourne City will take on Canberra United away from home the day after on Sunday.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (5–3-2): Proulx, Torpey, Chinnama, Stott, Otto, Roestbakken, Galic, Hughes, Pollicina, Henry, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Barbieri, T. McKenna, Varley, Davidson, Karic.

Scorers: Wilkinson 32’.

WESTERN UNITED (4–3-3): Beall, Maher, Dakic, Cerne, Sardo, A. Taranto, Sawicki, Logarzo, Hieda, Keane, M. Taranto.Substitutes: Dall’Oste, Papadopoulos, Robers, Prakash, Johnson.

Scorers: Keane 28’, 53’, Johnson 79’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau

Attendance: TBD.

Melbourne City ready for tough test against Western United

By Genevieve Henry (24/01/24).

Above: Dario Vidosic speaking to the press about his team’s approach to their clash with Western United. Image: Melbourne City.

Dario Vidosic’s Melbourne City will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the A-League Women’s table against Western United this Friday. 

Reflecting on the testy 2-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix which saw one of City’s most in-form stars receive a red, Vidosic shared the difficulty of the game which required a tactical shift at half-time to secure the win, saying “we got the reward in the end.” On Emina Ekic’s dismissal from the match and how it will affect tactics for the upcoming match, Vidosic shared, “it’s hard to replace her, but we’ve got good squad depth. It was disappointing to lose her, I thought it was a very harsh second yellow card.” Although this loss of star power will certainly dim the match, Vidosic articulated this being the exact reason squad depth is important. “We’ve got great squad depth and we’re confident in everyone, so whoever we put forward tomorrow, I’m sure they’ll have a great game and fill the void of Emina.”

“There could be a couple things that are thrown our way,” Vidosic said of their upcoming opponents. Although City sit 9 points in front of Western United, it will certainly be a tough trial for them, as they have yet to beat them since Western’s creation. “Even though we’ve not got the result against them in the past three encounters, we’ve played very, very well in those three encounters and probably could’ve won all three.” He continued on saying, “And probably should’ve won all three.” Vidosic plans to have his team play more of the same, as they have been very successful thus far. Being clinical in both boxes will be the focus for City as they face this strong side. Vidosic praised Western United, expressing his admiration for many aspects of their play, but especially their defence, emphasing the need to put away chances when they are created.

As the side will return to AAMI Park for a double header with the men, Vidosic touched on their mantra, saying that “anywhere, anyone, anytime” was one of City’s ingredients to success. “We don’t care what day, how long of a turnaround we’ve got, if we’re tired. Once we step across the line, the girls understand that there are no excuses.” 

As the longer season plays on, City will hope to not fall complacent, Vidosic saying, ”regardless what the gap is, the mentality is the same.” This match against Western could assure that they continue to pull in front of the pack, or it could signal a shift in the direction of the season. 

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Norfolk Weekend Wrap

Above: Kings Lynn Town (Blue) were beaten 9-0 at home by Real Bedford on Sunday. Credit – Stuart Cobb.

by Darrell Allen (23/01/24)

Eastern Region Premier Division

Kings Lynn Town were beaten 9-0 at home by Real Bedford. The visitors had a Hat-Trick from Neve Mayes plus braces from Gemma Croucher and Izzy Cooks with a goal each from Jasmine Ajayi and Amber Smith the other two in the 9-0 victory.

Eastern Region Division One North

Dussindale & Hellesdon lost top spot to Harpenden Town after a 2-1 loss at Harpenden. Victoria Leyer was on the scoresheet for Dussindale & Hellesdon within Chloe Dinsey and Sophia Amanor scoring for Harpenden.

Mulbarton Wanderers were 3-2 winners over Fakneham Town in a Norfolk Derby. Rebekah Lake scored a brace with Samantha Walker scoring the other goal for Mulbarton Belles. Chloe Gravett and Nicole Costin scored for Fakneham Town.

Above: Action from the match between Mulbarton Wanderers (Blue/Black) and Fakenham Town on Sunday. Credit – Ben Cunningham

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Caister went back to the top of the table with a hard-fought 2-1 win at University of East Anglia. Caister were dominant through the first 45 minutes and showed excellent game management in the second half to ensure they took the points and take Matthew Smith’s side back to the summit of Tier Seven. Bethany Turner scored both goals for the Lifeboat Women. Ella Burnley got the UEA goal.

Bungay Town also produced a 2-1 away win to keep their own unbeaten start to the season going. Goals from Lauren Goulder and Mia Rose saw them take the points at Aylsham. Jordan Arnoup scored for the hosts.

Sprowston continue to be a title contender with a 5-1 win at home to Kings Lynn Soccer Club. Rosie Milligan scored a brace with Bailey Duffield, Mollie O’Callaghan scored one each and the other was an Own goal. Taeya Mayes scored for Kings Lynn Soccer Club.

Costessey Sports were 6-0 winners at Thorpe St Andrew, Freya Tyack scored a Hat-Trick with Summer Copland, Abbigail Tate and Martyna Chwaszczewska scoring the other goals.

Long Stratton were 5-1 winners at North Walsham Town thanks to goals each from Elisha Bower, Elsie Downer, Caitlin Skipper, Grace Wall and Summer Whiting. Lucy Taylor scored for North Walsham Town.

Above: Lauren Goulder (pictured) scored for Bungay Town in their 2-1 win at Aylsham. Credit – Steve Wood

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Bure Valley continue to lead the way after a 3-1 win over South Walsham Lingwood. Emma Macmillan, Jasmin Snelling and Megan Swain scored for Bure Valley with Laura Atkinson scoring for South Walsham Lingwood from just inside their own half.

Beccles Town were 4-0 winners over Mundford in a big game between two title contenders at College Meadow. The teams played last weekend with Mundford winning 2-0 but roles were very much reversed this time around with Beccles running out 4-0 winners thanks to goals from Millie Reeve, Saffron Jones-Yates, Vicky Bloomfield and an Own Goal.

Stalham also continued their pursuit for the title with a 1-0 win at FC Viking Valkyries thanks to a goal from Emma Gillespie.

Shrublands sit best of the rest behind the four title contenders after a 2-1 win at Freethorpe. Amy Durdin and Chloe Bailey scored the goals with Viktorija Miglane scoring for Freethorpe.

Elsewhere, there was a thrilling game between Great Yarmouth Town and Red Rose. An early own goal instigated by some forceful play by Chelsea Godden gave Red Rose an early lead before Great Yarmouth equalised to make the score 1-1 at Half Time. Great Yarmouth then took the lead in the second half but Red Rose dominated the remainder of the fixture and two goals from Claire Weekes saw them claim a deserved victory in a pulsating Step 8 encounter. The Great Yarmouth goals on the day were scored by Courteney Beare and Lucie Morley.

Horsford Harries were 2-0 winners at home to Waveney thanks to a goal each from Ruby Dowe and Isla Toop. It was also a 2-0 win for Horsford Hurricanes as they won 2-0 at Martham thanks to a goal from Gabrielle Harris and another from Deanne Betsford.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

Dussindale & Hellesdon were 2-0 winners over Horsford thanks to goals from Helen Finn and Amy Young.

Rockland United were 7-0 winners over Loddon United thanks to a Hat-Trick from Rebecca Humphreys and a brace each from Daisy Eke and Leanne Warnes.

Taverham were 1-0 winners over Left Field, Kiera Braithwaite scoring the only goal of the game.

Mulbarton Wanderers were 8-0 winners over Waveney thanks to four goals from Alice Ladbrooke, a brace for Joanne Hooper and other goals from Cara Anderson and Julia Robathan.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

Madra were 2-0 winners at University of East Anglia thanks to goals from Emma Bumphrey and Jessica Bradley.

FC Viking Valkyries were 4-1 winners at Aylsham. Kayleigh Ellwood and Laura-Jane Tooke both grabbed a brace with Emma Wayte scoring for Aylsham.

Above: Action from the match between Bure Valley (Red/Blue) and South Walsham Lingwood. Credit – Shay Porter

Daniela Galic: the rising star born into football

By Kieran Yap 24/1/24

Above: Daniela Galic and Caitlin Karic celebrate a goal for Melbourne City Photo: Melbourne City

Melbourne City attacker Daniela Galic spoke to Impetus71 about growing up in football, Young Matildas hopes and the quality at City.

Round 11 bore witness to one of the best individual displays the A-League Women has seen this season. In just one half of football Melbourne City’s Daniela Galic had scored three times, and set up one to give her side a 4-0 lead. But the numbers, remarkable as they are do not do her justice. Instead of a sideline reporter, media outlets should have sent a poet.

For her first goal, she cut past Ella Tokin to curl the ball home with force, her second was a tap in after a determined run from deep, and her third was a side footed finish after getting one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Between her brace and her hatrick she found time to deliver a perfect left footed cross for Kaitlyn Toprey to finish.

That day was one of her most complete games, but for those who have watched Galic since she joined the A-League Women last season, it felt inevitable. She made an impact in a new-look Melbourne City team last season, scoring twice from a central midfield role including a terrific volley, but it was her ability to perform consistently that stood out to most observers.

Daniela Galic is fast, balanced, has a deadly change of direction, impressive vision and the ability to use either foot to equal effect.

She has football instincts beyond her years, and can create opportunities out of seemingly nothing. A recent goal for The Young Matildas in China saw her intercept the opposition pass, slalom between two defenders and slot past the goalkeeper in a move that was simultaneously lighting quick but also completely unhurried.

If it sometimes feels like Galic was born to play the game, that is not far from the truth.
She has been in football as long as she can remember. Both of her parents played for the Lidcomb Waratahs in Sydney, and Galic would spend weekends watching her father and mother play before joining the club herself were she stayed until the age of seven.

“Growing up I was a big fan of Messi,” Galic told Impetus Football about how her eye catching style developed,

“But also my mum and dad played so I was watching my dad on a Saturday and my mum on a Sunday. Spending most of my weekends in the park, I probably learned most of my tricks from there.

“Playing soccer in the park with my family, that’s probably where I learned creativity and skills.”

She appears to combine the talents of both parents, at least positionally. Now 17 years old, Galic roams the midfield for the Young Matildas while for Melbourne City she is often found in the attacking third.

“They’re pretty equal,” she says of her parents abilities.

“My dad was a striker, my mum was a midfielder, they had very different games.”

“I used to go to the A-league when I was younger. I was a Western Sydney supporter, so I used to watch them (too), but a lot of my memories are just from watching my parents.”

Although it is her goals that make headlines, Galic first came to wide attention in the centre of the pitch. When The Young Matildas played Costa Rica in the 2022 Under 20 World Cup, Galic used her array of skills and tricks to torment the home side in front of over 30,000 fans and win player of the match.

At just 16, she was one of the youngest players in the tournament, but looked ready for the occasion despite the fact that Australia’s inclusion was a surprise in itself.

“I remember when Leah (Blayney) first told us all, I had no clue if I was going to go or not. I was at school when she told us all, it was pretty exciting, obviously I had that goal to be there.

“Finding out I was going I was very happy. It was a proud moment for me and my family.

“Just being there in Costa Rica was just a great experience. It was so professional, what you see on TV, what you see in World Cups… to be there amongst it was really special.”

Despite being subjected to a parochial crowd of Costa Ricans, and conceding a first half goal, the Young Matildas rallied to win 3-1 with a varied but relentless attacking display.

“They were pretty loud,” she says of the crowd.  

“But they were speaking Spanish so we didn’t really know what they were saying, which helped.

“I really enjoyed it. It was the first time playing in that sort of crowd and I haven’t played in anything like that since so it was definitely unforgettable.

“We didn’t let it phase us, we still won.

“I think the whole experience at the World Cup, showed that there was more than just Australian football (to learn.)  There was more than what we see and play and how differently we have to play against some teams. Obviously it was a lot faster, and I think that has helped me (back here.)”

Young players often take some time to adjust to the speed of the professional game. But following her World Cup adventure, Galic looked immediately at home in the A-League Women. She made 17 appearances for Melbourne City in her debut season and the club finished third on the table.

Her coach has helped with that. Like Galic, City manager Dario Vidosic was an attacking midfielder in his playing days, and she says that has been influential in improving her game.

“I think he definitively has helped, spending time with me, watching clips back, what he says in training, not just to me but the whole team. We know what experience he has.”

City currently sit on top of the table, seven points clear of second place and are started to score more freely. Emina Ekic’s arrival has added more firepower to an already enviable attack, and the multiple threats have allowed everybody to flourish in recent weeks.

“We have a real quality team this year. We all work well together and there’s not really one main person, we all bring our own qualities to make a really good squad.”

Galic describes a confidence among the attack, they are not perturbed by missing chances as long as they are attempting them they have confidence that it will be reflected on the scoreboard, “If they don’t go in we keep taking them, if they do it’s a goal,” she says as a matter of fact.

Galic’s form and versatility has naturally resulted in talk of a senior Matildas call up, but the City playmaker is only focussed on the present. There is little doubt that she has the talent but she is in no rush.

“I don’t read into it,” she says of the external hype.

“If I did make it into the squad I’ll be very happy, but I don’t pay it much notice anyway. It (Matildas talk) doesn’t really bother me.”

She has one of the brightest futures in Australian football, but Galic has more immediate concerns, Melbourne City are looking to win some silverware this year, and The Young Matildas have an Asian Cup fast approaching in March.

“We’ve been preparing since last year,” she says of Australia’s Under 20 team.

“We have a really good quad …I’m just excited to experience my first Asian cup and hopefully we can go far into the tournament and win it.”

A strong performance in Uzbekistan could see Galic at her second Under 20 World Cup, a feat that is both remarkable and unsurprising.

But that is further down the line. The immediate future is Melbourne City’s game against Western United, a team that City have not yet beaten, but with Daniela Galic currently on fire, that could be about to change.

Melbourne City play Western United on Thursday at 5pm AEST.

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