Above: Wellington Phoenix celebrate against Western Sydney Wanderers earlier today. Photo: stuff.co.nz
In Mackenzie Barry’s 50th appearance for the Wellington Phoenix, Wellington ended their season on a high with a 2-0 win against Western Sydney Wanderers at Porirua Park. For the Wanderers, they’ll have to rely on their cross-town rivals Sydney FC to emerge victorious against Melbourne Victory tomorrow for them to make the Finals.
In the sixth minute, Wellington had a golden opportunity to have opened the scoring via a mistimed pass by Western Sydney’s Alexia Apostolakis which Isabel Cox pounced on and advanced to be one-on-one with Sham Khamis but was unable to put the ball around the keeper.
Within the first ten minutes, the Phoenix were the ones making the opportunities and controlling the flow of the match. While Western Sydney did some things well defensively early on, there were moments where it felt like they were inviting Wellington to capitalise on one of their mistakes.
In the 17th minute, Wellington opened the scoring thanks to a beautiful first-time floated cross by Manaia Elliott to find Emma Main in the box beat Khamis with a diving header. Main’s fourth goal of the season was a deserved lead for the hosts. Surely she now has to be in contention for a call-up to the Football Ferns.
An unfortunate coming together occurred ten minutes later between Kate Taylor and Ella Buchanan saw a delay in proceedings as a result. While Buchanan was able to continue in the match relatively unscathed the same couldn’t be said for Taylor as she was substituted off the pitch in the 33rd minute which potentially could impact her spot in New Zealand’s matches against Thailand next month.
Western Sydney had their best chance of the first half just before the break via Apostolakis who crossed the ball into the box which was then knocked down by Buchanan into the path of Danika Matos whose first-time shot towards goal just went over the bar.
Early on in the second half, the Wanderers started to create more chances in attack but their failure to take any of them came back to haunt Robbie Hooker’s side.
Ten minutes into the second half, Hope Breslin provided a floated through ball for Main who was able to run onto it and outrun Wanderers defender Vicky Bruce. While Bruce tried to get into the way of Main’s eventual shot in the box, it wasn’t enough, and despite Khamis’ attempts, the ball went into the back of the net for Main and Wellington’s second goal of the match.
Western Sydney, despite being two goals down still showed that intent within the final third to get something from the match itself as in the 71st minute, Cushla Rue came close to halving the deficit thanks to a great pass by Talia Younis, but Rue’s shot went wide of the mark.
A very special moment occurred in the 80th minute off the back of a recent call-up to the Football Ferns in place of club teammate Brianna Edwards, goalkeeper Aimee Danieli made her A-League Women’s debut as she replaced Rylee Foster between the sticks. Danieli’s debut also meant that Wellington had used every possible player available to them in their squad this season.
This victory brings to an end Wellington Phoenix’s most successful season since joining the competition in 2021/22. Nine wins from 22 matches compared to only five wins in their 32 games prior to this campaign. Fans in New Zealand will be hoping for an even better return next time.
Impetus’ Ava-Marianne Elliot, Ben Gilby, and Ryan Miller-Woods report on three different clubs’ pressers ahead of the final round (30/3/24).
Perth Glory
By Ben Gilby
Defender Jessika Cowart believes that Perth Glory owe their fans a performance as they look to end their run of 10 matches without a win and deny Melbourne City a potential Premier’s Plate in the process.
The Western Australian side started 2024 well established in the top two of the ladder, but no victories this calendar year at all sees the Glory enter the final week of the season in the bottom three. The Philippines World Cup player believes the team need to finally put that run to an end to give the club’s supporters some positives at the end of an extremely frustrating season.
“We have everything to play for to prove to ourselves and the fans and the community that we can still play good football. I think it’s been a really positive message – just keep our head in the game mentally and physically.
Above: Perth Glory’s Jessika Cowart speaking ahead of this weekend’s game with Melbourne City at Macedonia Park. Image: Perth Glory.
“Every time we play in front of them (our fans) we owe them a performance, and it’s our last game of the season, last home game, it’s important for us to give them something to take away from the season.”
Despite a long run of poor results, the 24-year-old hails the team ethic established within the Perth squad. “I’m proud of the way we play every week – just how headstrong and resilient we are,” she enthused.
Cowart has been a regular starter for the club and it’s been a season of challenges – being in a new country, a new club and team mates, and a league programme that is busier than anything she has ever experienced.
Looking back on her 2023/24 in the A-League Women season, the defender admitted: “It’s definitely been eye opening. I love Australia and I love the league.”
“I definitely found it very, very more competitive – way than I could have asked for. This is the longest amount of games I’ve played in one season, and I’ve found some good and some bad in it. I’ve had to navigate those challenges that come with 22 games, but, overall it’s been such a positive experience and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to play in this league.”
Such was the amount of strapping used on Cowart in last weekend’s game at Brisbane Roar, she felt it imperative to reassure fans that there are no injury concerns. With a huge grin on her face the Philippines international laughed: “You know what, at the end of the season I think every player is held together by tape anyway!
“As much strapping I can get I will – anything to hold me together! It’s funny to look back at the games and I think ‘Jeez! That was a lot of tape!”
After Sydney FC’s defeat at Canberra United in midweek, Perth’s final day opponents Melbourne City know that if they defeat the Glory then they can still wrestle the Premier’s Plate from the Harbour City club. However, Cowart believes the need for the Western Australian side to put things right in front of their fans is more important that what their Victorian visitors are aiming for.
“I think they (Melbourne City) are really in form right now, they are playing some really good matches and they have some huge firepower on that team. We’ll watch them, we’ll see what they can do. They obviously have a lot to play for, but we have just as much, if not more to prove.”
Sydney FC
By Ava-Marianne Elliot
Above: Ante Juric speaking to the media. Image: Sydney FC.
Ahead of the final game of the regular season, Sydney FC Head Coach Ante Juric addressed the media following a shock 1-0 loss against Canberra United on Wednesday. With the final game of the regular season just around the corner, attention turns to Sydney as they fight to retain their number one spot, which they currently hold onto by a singular point.
The discussion opened with Juric commentating on how the loss felt, particularly when a win could’ve secured the Premiership for Sydney for a record-breaking fourth consecutive year. “It hurts that we lost more than anything. Yeah, the Premiership was nice and it was something, but I don’t like to lose, and we haven’t lost for about ten weeks, so that hurts firstly.”
Ahead of Sunday, the eyes and focus of the team now turn to the home fixture against Victory. Juric noted that the squad are a resilient group, and that the loss was “a downer, but we’re strong mentally and I know we’ll bounce back.”
With an accolade for the club at stake and tension running high in what’s set to be a competitive battle between two sides, Juric further outlined that “we’re focused more on the game, and then obviously from that game we get a Premiership potentially, but we’ll just focus on the game and putting a hundred percent in.”
“We’ve had a history, especially in the last couple of years, but from day one in the A-Leagues with Victory so I’m sure the fans will enjoy it. The two clubs, it’s big, it’s both things on the line, different things, but both on the line and we’re desperately waiting for that game.”
“You never want to lose, but sometimes a loss is good.” Although the loss against Canberra was tough to face, Juric shed light on the positives of it coming at the right time to spur additional motivation heading into a must-win game. Come Sunday, Sydney will be well and truly fuelled up to face Victory and defend their first-place position with the aim to walk away with the Premiership in hand.
Above: Defender Charlotte Mclean speaking to the press. Image: Sydney FC.
Alongside Juric, defender Charlotte Mclean also spoke to the media ahead of a competitive fixture this Sunday. When asked about the loss to Canberra, she said “I think reflecting upon the game, we probably could’ve maintained better possession, especially in that first half.” Further, she added, “it’s that kind of fine line between maybe maintaining a little bit more possession, but still being that aggressive, attacking Sydney FC.”
Mentality will undoubtedly play a huge role in Sydney walking away with a win on Sunday, and after a tough mid-week fixture, Mclean additionally addressed that she hopes the team “have two really good days of training and recover well and come in on Sunday fiery.”
Reflecting on a relatively turbulent season for the club after injuries and departures, Mclean also noted that “if we do win this Premiership, touch wood, it will definitely be the sweetest or the most hard earned one, we’ve had such a hard year.”
Alongside her praise for her teammates, particularly the young players of the squad who have adapted to the mindset and values of the club so well, Mclean had praise for head coach Juric. “Our defensive record, I think that tells more about a coach than an attacking record. I think defence is all about structure and organisation, and he’s the person that sets that up, and he’s the one that drives that within us. I think that’s such a big reflection on him as a coach.”
Looking ahead to the final series, all six teams will undoubtedly storm into the competition fighting and the tough nature of the challenge is something she looks forwards too, “most teams are going to get that two weeks off, so everyone’s going to be ready and raging.”
To conclude the discussion, the subject fell to what was to come next for the league now a full home and away season is in place, and where the next developments need to lie, “we’re always aiming for full professional. At the moment, we’re part time, and obviously I guess the aim would be to get to that full-time professionalism because hopefully then we’ll have access to those full-time physios, and things like that where our bodies will be able to handle the schedule a bit better.”
Wellington Phoenix
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Paul Temple speaking to the press. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
The media heard from Wellington Phoenix Head Coach Paul Temple and Mackenzie Barry ahead of the team’s final match of the season against Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.
While the Phoenix are out of contention for the Finals, they can still influence who makes the top six in their match against the Wanderers and end their season on a high. If Wellington wins, then Western Sydney (currently sixth on the ladder) will have to wait on the result in the match between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory for their fate to be decided.
When asked on how he’ll be approaching the final match of Wellington’s season, Temple said, “definitely still want to win. I think it’s that we finish in style (and) give the fans something to cheer about and end our season on a good note. I think that’s important for momentum and for the future. There’s loads of positives you can get out of it, so we’ll be attacking the game the same as we have all season. Everyone’s very determined to finish strongly.”
Overall, there are a lot of positives that can be taken out of this campaign for Wellington, in terms of more goals scored, wins throughout a season, and more points than the previous two seasons combined. As well as those, they have been playing with a style that has brought out the best from the players within the squad, keeping a great home record, and showing that they can take it to any club in the league.
In saying that, Wellington would feel disappointed in some capacity that they aren’t making the finals given how they performed as a whole. Subsequently, there were periods in the season that they would feel that they could have, and probably should have, got more from. Nevertheless, there’s a lot of promise for Wellington going into next season and are more than capable of making the finals.
When asked how he’d assess the season as a whole, Temple said, “I think we fell short of the targets on the table for sure. We all believed and felt that we should be in the (top) six. I don’t feel any differently about that. We’ve only got ourselves to kind of blame. There’s a long period in the season where we had a number of narrow defeats and I think the key learning for this group to go forward, we’ve got to be able to turn those tight games where we’re behind by one into draws or into wins. We haven’t done that enough to kind of build points in that period. But, there’s lots of positives for us in terms of way more points, way more wins and scoring way more goals so we’ve made a lot of progress in those other areas.”
Above: Mackenzie Barry addressing her 50th game. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
On Saturday, it’ll be a special match for Mackenzie Barry as if should she feature against Western Sydney, she’ll be the first player for Wellington Phoenix to have made 50 appearances in the A-League Women. She has been a massively integral player not only in the squad and within the backline but throughout her time with the club.
When asked on how she reflects on her time with the club, Barry said, “super excited! I’m proud of myself, it’s been a long journey (and) it’s been a long three years. The first couple of years were pretty tricky, finding our feet, but I have developed so much as a player, so I’m so thankful for every game that I’ve ever played. Bring on the 50th.”
Barry has always been an important player for the Phoenix but this season, in particular, with the injuries that have occurred in the squad, especially with defenders, her role within the team has expanded in a wider sense and has been essential for the club this season.
When asked on how she’d assess the club’s season, Barry said, “we’re a bit disappointed we haven’t reached the top six but overall more wins, a lot more goals scored. So I think we can be pretty happy with it. Not every game went our way, bit inconsistent still but definitely a building block and we’re moving in the right direction.”
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Above: Canberra United in the recent win over Sydney FC. Photo: Canberra United
Canberra United’s future remains unknown. Being one of the most successful clubs in the history of the A-League Women and having a passionate and committed fan base may not be enough to save it. Former Matilda and Julie Dolan medal winner Ash Sykes talks to Impetus Football about what the club means to people, and why losing it is unthinkable to many.
Sykes was one of Canberra United’s most accomplished players. The club legend played 105 times for the club over two stints, scored 40 goals including goal of the year in 2014. She won two Championships and two Premierships with the club that she joined when the W-League was first formed. Like many of their players, she joined and was nurtured as a hopeful youngster, and became a local hero.
“I was super proud to play for Canberra United,” said Sykes.
“They gave me a chance when I was 16 to get a run at elite football when the W-League first started.
“They mean basically everything to my career and that’s why I spent so many years playing for them and why I still am a passionate fan now of the club.
“The club means a lot to the region. The supporters themselves have been super vocal and passionate since day one.
“That’s also why you want to play for a club like Canberra.
“When the club first started…we had great investment compared to some of the other clubs in the league, we had great players domestically and internationally coming to play for us.
“Other things like searching out women’s kits suppliers, and being one of the first clubs to be able to do that. It goes to show the dedication of the people at the club had for it as well.
“All of those things plus the (on field) success mean that I want to see this club continue and have always been a massive supporter of trying to get whoever wants to play for them to come along. To lose that for the region would be devastating.”
Sykes enjoyed a distinguished career and Canberra United. In her third season the club finished top of the table, undefeated and won the Grand Final where she opened the scoring. That season remains a fond memory for herself and many fans.
“I think the third season when we went undefeated, that’s probably a massive highlight. It was a culmination of a few years of work behind the scenes.
“Jitka (Klimkova) as coach put the final pieces of the puzzle together. Looking back and remembering the Grand Final with a packed Mckellar Park with standing room only, fans going wild it couldn’t have been a more perfect day for the club and it culminated a few years of building into that premiership window.
Canberra United is a rarity in football. A top tier women’s club without ties to a men’s team. It is one of the reasons it is beloved by neutrals in Australia, but is currently one of the causes of the current distress. The governing body in Australia is eager to expand the men’s competition into Canberra.
There has been a conspicuous lack of information throughout the last 12 months. There have been indications that a deal was close, but none eventuated. Iconic captain Michelle Heyman sounded at alarm in the Canberra Times, and the APL wants the issue resolved by the end of the season.
The result is that fans, current players and former wearers of the jersey feel left in the dark.
“All we wants is an assurance that there is still a commitment to the club and doing what needs to happen to make sure it stays alive,” says Sykes
“It’s meant a lot to our lives and I’m sure it’s going to mean a lot to other players lives in the future.”
Work continues behind the scenes, to ensure that season 2024/25 takes place for Canberra United. While official updates remain scarce, hope remains that something can be done and Capital Football is allowed continue to operate the club as normal until a final deal can be reached should they wish to do so.
Until that is announced, fans will remain nervous, but a short term solution would be welcome news.
In the storied history of Australian football, the club is special. Women’s football in Australia is a close-knit community. The good of the game usually ends up trumping club rivalries, and although Canberra United has been the destroyer of many fans dreams, it occupies an important place in the minds of many fans.
They have produced home grown talents like Sasha Grove, Emma Illijoski, Grace Maher and Nikki Flannery, alongside capped internationals like Kirstie Mewis and Maria Rojas and Vesna Milivojevic.
Along with Sykes and Heyman, Canberra United has been a regular source of Matildas down the years with the likes of Hayley Raso, Ellie Carpenter and Lydia Williams all playing for the club in their early years.
The opportunities that it has provided for young players is just one of the reasons it is such an important part of the football ecosystem, but that impact is most felt locally.
“It means that the Canberra region no longer has an elite pathway,” says Sykes of the worst case scenario.
“That’s part of the reason why everyone has been pushing for an ALM team as well. So that all the boys in that region have an elite pathway to progress through.
“We can’t lose the women’s side of that, especially since it’s been there and established already for 16 years.
“The Canberra United academy has already folded at the end of last year which is a real shame. Off the back of a World Cup, you’d hope to see progress not backwards steps and a place like Canberra prides itself on being progressive in terms of politics and everything else.
“I’m amazed that a club in the nation’s capital has gotten itself into a situation where we’re even talking about this.
“I hope that its not the case and it is going to continue, so these types of hypotheticals we don’t need to go into.
“One of the junior clubs had an over 300% increase in registration’s for this upcoming winter season, just because of the Matildas run at the World Cup and how big that was.
“I think it goes to show how important it is to have these things broadcast and for people to see.
“This local Canberra United team provides that as well. A link between the Matildas, Canberra and the local juniors and I think we need to make sure it stays for everyone.”
“Canberra as a region had probably outperformed its population in terms of developing players for the national teams. You really don’t want to see that fall away.”
From the Matildas that played there, to the kids that dream of stepping onto the pitch, to those who sit in the stands or watch from afar, Canberra United is home. It has a glorious past, and hope remains for a promising future.
Above:Newcastle Jets celebrate at Coopers Stadium today. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
With the chance of being able to play finals football depending on a big win and other match results going their way, the Newcastle Jets could only play their match against Adelaide United in one way, full throttle. While Adelaide United continued to languish at the bottom of the A-League table they are a team capable of beating any other team when luck is on their side. Playing in front of their home crowd at Coopers Stadium in Adelaide, the pressure was applied right from the kickoff.
The Jets employed a full press style of play as they attempted to contain Adelaide in their half. The first five minutes of the match were totally frenetic with the Jets pressuring the defence as they looked for their lethal strike weapon, Sarina Bolden, who has had an incredible season since being added to the playing squad. It was Bolden who was delivered a beautiful pass by Lauren Allan who got away the first shot on target in the seventh minute. A lovely strike was unable to beat Adelaide’s goal keeper, Grove, who deflected the ball away into her defensive player with the ball eventually being cleared for a throw.
The match settled into a more sustainable rhythm following the first goal scoring opportunity. Both teams battling hard to get entry into attacking position. Newcastle wonder kid, Lara Gooch, setup the second scoring opportunity with a lovely weighted pass into the front of goal. Melindaj Barbieri headed the ball towards the open net and what looked like a certain goal fell just wide of the upright and went out for a corner. If this style of play would continue, the Adelaide coaching teams nerves would be absolutely shot after 90 minutes.
Isabel Hodgson, Adelaide striker, swung the momentum back towards her side in the 16th minute, when she unleashed a heatseeker shot on goal that was brilliantly saved by Grove. The fully outstretched keeper for her fingertips to the ball. Had Grove not been quite so well placed then a goal was certain. The resulting corner kick provided Adelaide another opportunity to score as the ball pin-balled around in the goal area, eventually going out for a goal kick.
Giving up is not in the Adelaide playbook and Chelsie Dawber demonstrated this in the 22nd minute after receiving the ball in space as Holmes dissected the Jets midfield defensive line. A shot from the top of the box was again deflected away by Robertson for a corner. Adelaide were incredibly unlucky not to score.
A lapse of concentration by the Adelaide players paved the way for captain Cass Davis to open the scoring in the 26thminute. A long range speculator shot off the left boot flew wide of Grove, finding the back of the net.
You can’t ask for a better way to celebrate your 150th A-Leagues game than this 🚀😳@NewcastleJetsFC captain Cass Davis goes BANG in her milestone match!
End to end football ensued with both teams having excellent opportunities to score but neither team able to capitalise. Newcastle’s Lara Gooch plagued Adelaide’s defenders on the right hand side repeatedly with a very near miss happening in the 34th minute with the goalkeepers foot being the barrier. Immediately following this, at the other end of the pitch, Dawber had an opportunity to score as she beat the Jets defenders but couldn’t beat the keeper. Non stop action!
One of the emerging superstars for the Newcastle Jets showed again, in the 41st minute, why she is a Young Matilda. Following repeated runs in behind the Adelaide defenders, Lara Gooch had luck on her side as a pass into the goal area ricocheted off a defender and into the goal.
Lapses of concentration by the Adelaide defenders cost them a third goal before half time. A poor kick by the keeper was intercepted by Lauren Allan who went on to score an easy goal in the 46th minute. Allan was rewarded for her strong efforts throughout the match.
The halftime break wasn’t long enough for Adelaide as they coughed up another goal in the opening plays of the second half. Beautiful passing by Sarina Bolden unleashed Gooch who spun her way through the defenders and scored her second goal in the 46th minute.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 this is from 19-year-old Young Matildas gun Lara Gooch! 🎯😮💨
The Jets youngster secures her brace and how about the set up from Sarina Bolden 🙌
Even though they were trailing by four goals, Adelaide showed they were still in the fight in the 49th minute as they got their own shot on goal away as Chelsie Dawber had a crack. Young keeper Robertson once again kept the ball from going inmaintaining a clean sheet. Soon after in the 52nd minute, the Adelaide midfield found cohesion and strung together a fabulous cross field play through short passes that ended up with Mariah Lee hitting the crossbar!
Unfortunately for Adelaide, Newcastle weren’t satisfied with only four goals. They were ready to push more more. Emma Dundas received the ball at the top of the Adelaide box, spun, weaved and shot the ball into the back of the net. There was nothing Grove could do as the Jets went up 5-0 in the 57thminute. Again, defensive lapses by the Adelaide defenders cost them badly.
16-year-old Emma Dundas scores her first-ever A-Leagues goal and it is one to savour 🥰⚽️ 🙌
Super sub striker Melina Ayres was brought into the match after 58 minutes of play and in the 61st minute she scored yet another goal for the Jets. A beautiful long pass over the top of the Adelaide defence reached Ayres, who had cut through with a well times run to stay in side. A tight angle wasn’t enough to stop Ayres from scoring with the score line moving to 6-0 to the Jets.
If there was a mercy rule and teams could surrender, Adelaide would have played it in the 69th minute as yet another defensive blunder gifted the Jets the ball. Melina Ayres confidently picked the pocket of the defender and launched another shot that flew past the outstretched arms of the goal keeper without being touched.
It’s SEVEN 🤯 A 𝐛𝐨𝐦𝐛 from Melina Ayres has Newcastle on track for their biggest win in Liberty A-League history 🚀
Two goals off the bench for the second week running – she’s on fire!
As the match entered the final stages, the Adelaide players would have been able to justify feeling hard done by. A tackle on their attacking player inside the Jets goal area was waved away as being fair by the referee. What might have been their chance to reclaim some pride was extinguished. Another opportunity soon presented itself as Adelaide were awarded a free kick deep in the Jets area. A well delivered kick found the head of an attacking player but the ball splayed wide.
As if seven goals weren’t enough, Newcastle were able to strike again in the 94th minute following patient build up and short passing involving Dundas, Bolden, Ayres, Hammondand Huynh. An unselfish Bolden set up her team to score as she laid off the ball in the goal area and Huynh’s shot ricocheted off the post and into the goal.
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) March 29, 2024
Thankfully the Adelaide team were able to ignore the score line and kept pushing for the entirety of the match. Mariah Lee in particular was not going to give up and kept fighting until the very end. The very end came soon enough as Newcastle crushed Adelaide 8-0 in a thoroughly dominant performance.
Players to watch.
Dylan Holmes. The anchor of the Adelaide midfield is strong in all areas of her play. She is a players player as she always gives her absolute all when playing. Holmes has incredible vision that she uses to spot openings and put her players into space. Holmes is the centre piece of the Adelaide structure will hopefully have a better season in the year ahead.
Tiahna Robertson. Being given an opportunity to be the starting goalkeeper for a few weeks at the end of the season, Robertson looked like a well weathered keeper even though she is very young. Stepping up into the big time didn’t phase her as she made a bunch of fantastic saves. The young second choice keeper let everyone know she’s the real deal.
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) March 29, 2024
Adelaide United are a good team with talented players. Their finishing last this season is not a fair reflection of the amount of dedication and heart the team play with. The 2023/24 season was one of ‘what if’s’ for Adelaide. What if they had taken their opportunities? What if they had been able to pick up more wins? If some high quality signings of off contract players are made in the off-season to bolster their back four, Adelaide could improve remarkably next season. Adelaide has the foundations and structure, they just need to find a winning formula.
Adelaide United (4-3-3): Grove, Holtz, Tonkin, Waldus, E Hodgson, Holmes, Blake, Sasaki, Dawber, I Hodgson, Jancevski.
Subs: Wilson (64’), Morgan (51’), Lee (51’), Dewey (72’), Panagaris (64’).
Above: Leah Williamson holds the Euros trophy. Photo: BBC
Sarina Wiegman announced her squad for the Lionesses’ first two UEFA Euro 2025 qualifiers against Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.
Captain Leah Williamson will link up with her England teammates for the first time since April 2023 following a spell out on the sidelines after an anterior cruciate ligament injury ruled her out of last year’s Women’s World Cup.
The Arsenal defender was originally selected for the February friendlies, but was forced to withdraw due to a minor hamstring injury.
Wiegman’s only other switch comes in the form of Maya Le Tissier, who is replaced by her Manchester United teammate Millie Turner – the latter came in during the February camp to step in due to the absence of Williamson.
The Lionesses will again be without Millie Bright who is recovering from a knee injury.
In the Middle of the Park
Above: Jess Park and Lauren Hemp celebrate. Photo: Manchester City
Jess Park, who scored two impressive goals in Saturday’s Manchester Derby, keeps her place in the senior squad and has a chance to claim a spot in the midfield this International window.
Wiegman watched on at the Etihad Stadium as the 22-year-old impeccably stepped into midfield in Jill Roord’s absence by bagging a late first half brace before strength, intelligence and a superb through ball to the feet of Kahdija Shaw helped City to a third immediately after the interval.
Park also assisted Lauren Hemp’s opener in Manchester City’s 4-1 victory away to Brighton and Hove Albion. In February, the City midfielder set up Shaw for an early match winner away to Women’s Super League title race rivals Chelsea in near identical fashion to her assist in the derby.
The Lionesses boss was complimentary of the midfielder in her press conference, Wiegman said:
“She’s doing well, she’s enjoying her game. I think she plays with a lot of joy and with a lot of freedom.
“She has had a lot of patience over the last year… she went to Everton [on loan] and came back then needed a little more patience.
“But she was ready to start when, unfortunately, Roord got injured and I think she’s doing a good job.”
Sarina Wiegman on Jess Park’s recent form.
The Squad in Full
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating.
The omnipresent Earps once again heads the goalkeepers alongside Manchester City’s Keating and Chelsea’s Hampton, who has kept three clean sheets from four since the previous International break.
In defence there are few surprises as another ever-present in Bronze keeps her place in the squad as Barcelona’s Champions League defence rolls on. Chelsea duo Carter and Charles and Man City’s versatile pair Greenwood and Morgan are again called up. Finally, fresh from her first goal of the season for Arsenal there is space for Wubben-Moy.
Midfielders: Grace Clinton, Fran Kirby, Jess Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh.
An unchanged midfield selection sees Clinton, who netted a goal on her senior debut against Austria, again selected. The aforementioned Park sees her recent run of form rewarded with another call up, alongside Kirby, Stanway, Toone and Walsh.
With plenty of competition at the top end of the pitch Wiegman definitely would have had some tough decisions to make. She has again, like in midfield, gone unchanged from February – no doubt to the disappointment of the likes of Nikita Parris and Beth England.
“If you look at the squad and you look at the competition up front, it is so tight and so competitive that I have to make choices.”
Wiegman on England’s firing forwards.
It was goals galore for the Lionesses in February, as Hemp, Daly, Mead and Russo all found themselves on the scoresheets. James will hope that she can take her impressive club form into the upcoming Euros qualifiers, with the 22-year-old netting in three of her last five fixtures for Chelsea in all competitions. Kelly will again provide an option out wide.
Wiegman’s side will face Sweden at Wembley Stadium on Friday 5th April before taking on Ireland in Dublin on Tuesday 9th April.
Above: Steph Houghton MBE Photo: Manchester City on Instagram
By Freya Hiscott (30/03/24)
Steph Houghton MBE recently revealed that she will be retiring from football and Manchester City at the end of the 2023-24 WSL season. Houghton is one of the most famous names in women’s football and has earned accolades for her impact on and off the pitch, lifting the women’s game into the spotlight. It has been a career that coincided with the rise of of the women’s game globally.
Houghton has had an extremely successful career spanning across 20 years, playing for four different clubs, Sunderland, Leeds United, Arsenal and her current club Manchester City as well as representing England at international level.
The former England captain achieved 121 caps for the lionesses across 14 years with the senior team. In the 2012 London Olympics, playing at left-back, Houghton scored three of team GB’s five goals at the tournament, including the winners in both of their 1-0 wins against New Zealand and Brazil.
Houghton captained the lionesses to a bronze medal at the 2015 World Cup in Canada, in addition to the Semi-Finals of the European Championship in 2017 in the Netherlands and the 2019 World Cup in France. Houghton’s international record certainly paved the way for England’s triumph in the 2022 European Championship.
Houghton is widely regarded as one of the world’s best centre-backs and one of the most successful players in the game. The 35-year-old became the first player to reach 150 FA Women’s Super League appearances, as well as 100 wins in the competition.
But beyond all of that, her career has transcended the evolution of the women’s game and is synonymous with the explosive development of women’s football. Houghton performed in the first ever WSL game back in April 2011, where she won 1-0 with Arsenal against current title holders Chelsea.
Since then, Houghton has lifted 16 domestic trophies including eight with current club, Manchester City. Houghton signed for City back in 2014 and over a decade later, will be hanging her boots up at the same club. She helped City win the Continental Cup the same year she joined and and lifted the WSL trophy two years later in 2016. The Manchester City captain is valued for her commitment and leadership and is deemed an inspiration to many football players across the world.
Above: Steph Houghton MBE captaining Manchester City to one of four Continental Cup trophies Photo: Manchester City on Instagram
From a fan’s perspective, I believe that Houghton has been the driver of the women’s game since the beginning of her career and her legacy and influence will remain a part of women’s football history forever. As a life-long Manchester City supporter Houghton has always been the player that comes to mind when I think of the club, and she truly has been the glue, consistently helping City stay in form.
Houghton has been pivotal in the rapid rise of the club and has paved the way for the team’s success. Her impact at City has been felt both on and off the pitch, developing a winning culture whilst helping the development of young talents such as Georgia Stanway, Jess Park and Esme Morgan.
As she announced her retirement Houghton said “I hope I leave the game in a better place than when I started, and that I have contributed in some small way to giving the girls of tomorrow a better future in football”. Houghton will be remembered for her on field achievements as well as her broader influence on the development of the women’s game, which I’m sure the Manchester City team will take with them as they enter the new season without Houghton’s captaincy.
With the gripping end of season battle between Chelsea and City so delicately poised, two icons of the English game, Emma Hayes and Steph Houghton, will fight for the right to end their WSL career by helping lift the coveted League title.
Above: Peta Trimis for Central Coast Mariners. Photo: A-Leagues
Two late goals to each side have seen Central Coast Mariners and Western United FC split the points after their one all draw in Gosford for the first game of the final round.
It was Central Coast who opened the scoring, gifted their goal scored by their academy graduate Annalise Rasmussen who had been subbed on only 10 minutes prior to scoring.
Western United defender Stacey Papadopoulos made a mistake when making a back-pass to her keeper, that she knew almost immediately was going to brutal the moment it left her foot, seen as she put her hands on her head in despair while Rasmussen ran onto the errant ball and calmly slotted the ball into the net, while Papadopoulos sank to her knees.
Despite this gift, the Mariners were unable to make much use of it as they conceded a goal only 11 minutes later.
Another substitute, this time in the form of Western United’s Kiara de Domizio, timed her run perfectly to stay onside for Jaclyn Sawicki’s through ball, took her chance on goal, unperturbed by her defender.
The shot from de Domizio arced up and over the leap of Mariners’ keeper Sarah Langman, and found the back of the net at the far side.
De Domizio’s goal was her first of her A-League’s tenure, and celebrated by her family in the stands who rushed to the barrier with homemade signs and club flags to show their appreciation.
By splitting the points, both teams remain in their prior ladder positions, Western United in third, and Central Coast Mariners in fourth respectively, although Western Sydney could theoretically leapfrog both with a win against Wellington.
This still locks both clubs into finals football, making this Westerns second finals appearance in as many years, and technically, back-to-back finals appearances for Central Coast considering they made a feature in their second and final season in 2009, when the A-League Women was known as the W-League.
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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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
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.
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