Champions League: The African Stars

With this season’s Champions League getting underway this week, Impetus’ Africa Correspondent Emmanuel Faith examines the African stars represented in the competition in 2023/24 (15/11/23).

Above:  L-R, Asisat Oshoala takes a selfie with Christy Ucheibe after their group-stage match last season with other members of the Nigerian national team in frame. Photo: X

It’s another exciting season for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and Europe is ready for the group stage action. Having witnessed one of the most exciting qualifying rounds in recent times with spectacular matchups and astonishing results, the world is ready to witness another stellar performance across Europe.

One of the players who hugged the spotlight during the qualifying rounds was Tabitha Chawinga of Paris St. Germain, and this article spotlights other African players you should watch out for.

Christy Ucheibe (Benfica/Nigeria): The sturdy Nigerian midfielder has been a mainstay for Benfica and recently made her 100th appearance for her club. Known for her versatility, Ucheibe is comfortable as a central midfielder, holding midfielder or defensive midfielder. The Portuguese champions are drawn with familiar teams like Rosengård and Barcelona, and if they would break their group stage jinx, then the midfielder has to be at her best.

Tabitha Chawinga (Paris St. Germain/Malawi): The Malawian stole the spotlight in the double-headed match against Manchester United but she isn’t a new name on the European stage. Chawinga who is currently on loan from the Chinese club Wuhan Jiangda, scored 23 goals from 23 appearances last season for Inter Milan in the Italian Serie A.

She also became the first African to be the highest-scoring player in the Italian league. The departure of Kadidiatou Diani to Olympique Lyonnais means we would see a lot more from the attacker, and if there is any African player you should be excited about, it’s Tabitha Chawinga.

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC/Nigeria): Coming off the back of an astonishing World Cup performance, there was no better way for Nnadozie to respond to FIFA’s ignoring her at the recent awards than knocking out Arsenal with her penalty heroics and making spectacular saves to keep Wolfsburg attackers at bay ensuring Paris FC was one of the clubs to watch out for in the group stages this season.

With Paris FC drawn along with Chelsea, Real Madrid, and BK Häcken you can fasten your seatbelt and get ready to watch some outstanding goal-keeping from the Nigerian shot-stopper.

Above: Chiamaka Nnadozie in red celebrates with her team-mates after saving Alessia Russo’s penalty against Arsenal in the qualifying round. Photo: Super Falcons.



Halimat Ayinde (Rosengård/Nigeria): There are holding midfielders who shield the defence with focus, protect the ball with all their might, and man-mark their opponents in a way that nullifies their attacking threats; this is where Ayinde fits in.

Spotlighted for her sterling performance against England in the recently concluded World Cup, she would be looking to shine her light in Europe when her club lock horns with the biggest and best European midfielders in Barcelona, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Benfica. Rosengård has struggled to make it out of the group stage in recent times and if they would have any chance to make it this time around, Ayinde must deliver her best performances.

Aisha Masaka (BK Häcken/Tanzania): The Tanzanian starlet joined BK Häcken last season and has been a regular part of the squad.  She scored 35 league goals in 20 matches in the 2020/2021 season of the Tanzanian Women’s League. While she has had a topsy-turvy start to the season, her five goals in 12 appearances and a brace scored last weekend is a sign that the 20-year-old attacker is ready for the big stage. Is there a bigger stage to shine than the UEFA Women’s Champions League?

Nicole Payne (Paris St. Germain/Nigeria): Nicole Oyeyemisi Payne joined PSG last season and has made two appearances since then. The right-back, who plays alongside her sister in the Nigerian national team, has some strong contenders for her position but has left a good impression anytime she is given the opportunity. With the Parisiens involved in three different competitions, we might see more of Payne in Europe this season.

Above: The Tanzania young star Aisha Masaka poses for her BK Häcken team photoshoot. Photo: Tanzanians Abroad.

Marjolen Nekesa (Slavia Prague/Kenya): Piercing through the opposition with zeal and zest, the Kenya attacker who plays as an attacking midfielder or striker is able to tear down any defence with her pace, dribbling skills, and shot power. Currently the joint top-scorer in her league, anyone who thinks Slavia Prague will be a pushover should revisit their thoughts, Nekesa is here, and she is ready to dazzle Europe with her bedazzling talent.

Asisat Oshoala: (Barcelona/Nigeria) – Is there a list of African players in Europe where Oshoala hasn’t featured? Indubitably the most successful African player right now, the Super Falcons striker will be looking forward to repeating last season’s heroics as her team begins their title defence this week. Ranked 20th in the world currently, it is another season for the current CAF footballer of the year to remind Europe of the quality she is able to conjure. Are you ready to watch the agba baller’s magic?

Above: Asisat Oshoala poses with one of the many trophies she has won with the Spanish giants. Photo: Barcelona.

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Book Review: ‘The Wonder Team and the Forgotten Footballers’ by Leah Williamson and Jordan Glover

by Clara Hickman (15/11/23)

“I was asked to referee the first women’s football match at Crouch End. I declined, but I went to see the match and came to the conclusion that the game was not suitable for them.”

Frederick Wall, FA secretary from 1895 to 1934 used this explanation as the reason why he banned women’s football on 5th December 1921 when briefly addressing it in his autobiography.

Just over a century later, Leah Williamson led England to victory in Euro 2022 in front of a crowd of over 87,000 supporters. In 2023 they were runners up of the World Cup led by Mille Bright.

These positive changes did not just happen automatically. Some amazing figures in history fought not only for their dream of playing football but for other women of the future to do so with less of the hardships.

The Wonder Team and the Forgotten Footballers is Leah Williamson’s debut children’s fiction novel, co-written with her cousin Jordan Glover. It is a time-twisting adventure story, also very thought-provoking as the reader is taken back to 1921 when women’s football had just been banned. Williamson and Glover ensure the forgotten footballers’ stories are not lost in history and bring some well-deserved recognition to them.

The novel starts in the modern day introducing Leah as the protagonist alongside her two best friends, George and Mimi. They are having a football training session at school before a game against their toughest rivals Westfield High. Leah is hoping to get chosen for the team but is having a crisis of confidence due to her poor performance in a previous match.

The antagonist, school bully William Riley wastes no time in belittling her. When asked to take penalties as shooting practice, Leah panics, and “all the reasons why she couldn’t take this penalty spiraled through her mind.” William notices her discomfort and does his best to humiliate her.

The novel is already extremely relatable. Most readers will feel a familiarity with a similar situation. We already begin to feel invested in the characters and are rooting for Leah to prove William wrong about herself.

Above: The Wonder Team and the Forgotten Footballers. Photo: Stanchion Books.

She continues to worry about William’s taunts but then something distracts her and her friends. After a  storm, they explore a fallen oak tree and discover a small silver box. Nestled inside is a pocket watch with a riddle written on its face.

Leah, George, and Mimi are determined to solve the riddle and end up being transported back to 1921. Williamson and Glover weave some magical realism into the story which proves to be a great tool in making us feel as though we are travelling back in time with the characters. The protagonists find themselves in the era when women’s football has been banned and the Crickle End champions are no longer allowed to play the final of the championship cup. The time travel element undoubtedly draws the younger audience in.

We are introduced to a character who did not always want to be a footballer. Instead, she just experimented with what she enjoyed doing in her childhood. The message is subtle but very reassuring to younger people who are likely to feel the pressure of having to decide what to do when they grow up. However, the book has some important messages for readers of all ages too.

Empathy is evoked as we wonder what life could have been like if we were born in 1921. It is impossible to truly experience it but the magical realism lets the narrative go back in time allowing us some insight into the realities that aspiring female footballers experienced. The crossover between the modern day and over a hundred years ago brings the forgotten footballers’ crucial backstories to life. The juxtaposition of these two times highlights the limited possibilities for the future that the forgotten footballers had compared to the very positive outlook that modern-day women’s footballers have.

The Crickle End Champions are a fictional football team but are inspired by the Dick, Kerr Ladies from Preston, who formed their team in 1917 during the First World War. They were the reason that women’s football rocketed in popularity, attracting record-breaking crowds before the ban was introduced four years later. Could the Crickle End Champions also be Williamson and Glover paying homage to one of the first-ever official women’s football teams formed in 1895, The British Ladies FC, who played their first public match at Crouch End in London?

Williamson and Glover manage a very accurate portrayal of 1921 without painting all men as being against women.

There were some very good men who were appalled at the ban of women’s football and were not afraid to show their outrage. Former football club secretary from Liverpool, Major Cecil Kent, was one male voice who supported women’s football. He voiced a lot of the publics thoughts through a statement he read out to the FA’s Consultative Committee according to a report in The Online Magazine for Sport and Leisure History. “The thing I hear from the man in the street is “why have the FA got the knife into girls’ football?” What have the girls done except raise large sums for charity and play the game?”

The Dick, Kerr Ladies played games for charity and raised an estimated £10 million in todays money for children, soldiers and hospitals which was reported by the History of Women’s Football Association. They also attracted over 50,000 supporters to a game at Goodison Park. All women’s football was doing was going from strength to strength.

Above: Arsenal and Lionesses star turned author, Leah Williamson (centre) . Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.

The Wonder Team and the Forgotten Footballers is about characters in difficult and unpredictable situations trying to find their way forward. These unimaginable situations were real for fifty years until the ban was lifted. The book has the vital encouragement of challenging unfair societal opinions should they arise. The message of not giving up and not changing who you are is prominent; nobody should have to give up what they love doing just because somebody else wants them to. 

When Leah and her friends are trying to help the Crickle End Champions find a way to play the final, Leah gets a brainwave that sparks determination. “The officials have banned you from playing in an official stadium, but they don’t own all the parks and fields in Crickle End, do they? Couldn’t you just relocate the match?”

The plot runs parallel to the Dick, Kerr Ladies and their resilience when they continued to play football in parks. They challenged societal norms by refusing to conform to the government’s idea of what was appropriate for them thus making the journey of the keen modern-day female footballer a lot easier.

When Leah and her friends eventually find their way back home, Leah has to focus on the game against Westfield High.

After witnessing firsthand what her predecessors went through, she refuses to be fazed when William tries again to knock her confidence.

The Wonder Team and the Forgotten Footballers show there will always be certain people in your life who will do their best to discourage you from getting to a place where you would be happy whether that be playing football professionally or playing it for fun. The book’s powerful message implies that if you allow someone to prevent you from doing that, it would be letting all the hard work done by the forgotten footballers be in vain. All their hard work for women these days to play or just enjoy the game is a pedestal they have left us to stand on and continue to build upon.

The second book in the time travelling series by Williamson and Glover The Wonder Team and The Pharaoh’s Fortune is expected to be released in April 2024.

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Norfolk Weekend Wrap

Darrell Allen provides a detailed review of all the weekend’s 11-a-side and seven-a-side across the county, and Lucy Chen reports in depth from The Nest (14/11/23).

Above: Norwich City celebrate their superb win over Hashtag United in the FA Cup. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.

Norwich City 1-0 Hashtag United

by Lucy Chen at The Nest

Norwich City gained an impressive victory over higher-tier Hashtag United in the FA Cup first round proper on Sunday.

Hashtag are old foes of the Canaries, having beaten them handily twice last season to win FAWNL Division One South East and secure promotion to tier three. Both sides are second-placed in their respective league having started their campaigns in top form.

Hashtag won a free kick on the edge of the box less than a minute after kickoff, though they could not capitalize and Norwich goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill claimed the ball without trouble. The visitors dominated proceedings both possession-wise and territorially from the get-go and Canaries manager Martin Herdman set up pragmatically, opting for a mid-to-low defensive block instead of the usual high-press in a back three – often a back five in practice – with Anna Larkins remaining in central defense and Lauren Tomlinson and Alice Parker as wing-backs.

City’s first chance came in the sixth minute when Tomlinson launched a throw-in into the box. The Canaries, however, lacked the numbers, and centre forward Tasha Snelling was crowded out by defenders.

The hosts went ahead early on when a trademark bullet throw from Tomlinson found Ellie Smith – typically the 10 who was shuffled out to the left wing in the 5-4-1. Smith cut inside, evading a number of blue shirts with her characteristic technical wizardry, and coolly fired the shot into the bottom right corner. Hashtag United had been the dominant side but it was Norwich City who took the lead less than ten minutes into the game thanks to a moment of brilliance from their number nine.

Above: Hashtag United (red shorts) look to break through at Norwich City. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.

The visitors almost leveled in the 25th minute, with a shot lobbed over the head of Quantrill, though Ceri Flye got there just in time to clear the ball over the crossbar. As Hashtag piled on the pressure, the Yellows relied on Snelling to drop, hold up the ball with her back to goal, and play in her teammates, with Quantrill invariably going long. Larkins would move out wide into her natural right back position to allow Parker to push up into the right wing position, which had the double advantage of providing Snelling another runner and allowing Smith to move into more dangerous areas.

Tomlinson would also advance when given the opportunity, though Larkins would strictly remain deeper like a third centre-back to ensure the hosts had numbers at the back at all times. However, chances proved few and far between for the Yellows, and the overarching theme of the first half was Quantrill’s imperviousness between the sticks, with the number 31 parrying shots and coming off her line time and time again to sweep up balls in behind.

The second half played out largely the same with Hashtag hammering the home defence for the equaliser. The Canaries found themselves pinned firmly on the edge of their own box and the two wingbacks had few chances to go forward with Hashtag attacking heavily down the flanks for crosses and cutbacks. The left flank in particular, was of the focus of their efforts with Parker put under immense pressure throughout the half.

A rare chance for Norwich City to expand their lead came in the 75th minute when Megan Todd picked up the ball in the middle of the pitch and made an audacious right down the right, winning a free kick in a dangerous position. Parker delivered a dangerous ball into the six-yard box but it failed to connect with Todd’s head by mere inches.

The visitors became increasingly frantic as the clock ticked on and tested Quantrill relentlessly. An especially dangerous chance came six minutes into stoppage time but Quantrill came through with the heroics yet again to deny Hashtag probably their best chance of the half. In the end, Norwich City held onto their precarious 1-0 lead until the final whistle to advance to the FA Cup’s second round. They will play fellow tier four side Boldmere St. Michaels on the 26th November at The Nest.

Teams: NORWICH CITY: Quantrill, Parker, Flye, Todd, Smith, Snelling, Larkins, Knights, Morran, Tomlinson, Strauss

Scorer: Smith 9′.

HASHTAG UNITED: Angel, Farrand, Gillard, Keogh, Garwood, Baker, Nicholls, West, Apindia, Rowland, Samways.

Norfolk Wrap

by Darrell Allen

FA Cup First Round

Elsewhere in the FA Cup, tier five Wroxham were beaten 2-1 in extra time at home to Peterborough United. After a goalless 90 minutes, Peterborough scored two goals early in the extra half-hour through Kier Perkins and Frankie Pim. Luci Middleton got one back for Wroxham but it was not enough.

Above: Wroxham (Blue and White) bravely battled against higher tier Peterborough United but lost 2-1 after extra time. Photo: Ruby Red Photography.

Tier six Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers were narrowly beaten 4-3 at home by tier five Needham Market. Tallulah Bell scored a brace for Dussindale and Hellesdon with Victoria Leyer getting the other goal. Leilah Gooding, Molly Hall, Sheryce Slater, and Paige Wakefield got the goals for Needham Market.

Tier five beat Tier six again as Thetford Town were knocked out by Enfield Town 4-2 at Mundford Road. Kamile Omeleviciute scored both of the Thetford goals. Beth Lloyd scored twice for Enfield with other goals coming from Leah Littlechild and Brionne Fowle to see them win through.

Eastern Region Premier Division

King’s Lynn Town were beaten 6-1 at home by Royston Town. Gabrielle Cobb had given King’s Lynn the lead but a brace each from Jordanne Sillitoe and Emma Slater plus goals from Poppy Smith and Charlotte South saw Royston Town claim a comfortable win.

Eastern Region League Cup Second Round

Mulbarton Wanderers were 3-0 winners over Billericay Town Development thanks to two goals from Rebekah Lake and the other from Samantha Walker.

It was not a good day for Fakenham Town who were beaten 3-1 at AFC Dunstable. Shelley Woods scored for the visitors but two goals from Poppy Surridge and one from Mollie Knox saw the hosts claim victory.

Above: Victoria Leyer (right) scored for Dussindale & Hellesdon in their 4-3 FA Cup defeat to Needham Market at The Nest on Sunday. Photo: Ben Cunningham.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup Second Round

Division One Aylsham were 3-1 winners over Division Two FC Viking Valkyries with two goals from Billie Myall and one from Jordan Arnoup. Cerys Nicholas scored for FC Viking Valkyries.

Division One Bungay Town were 7-2 winners over Division Two Bure Valley but were made to work for their victory. Bure Valley took a shock lead through Willow Nye before Ciera Flatt equalised for Bungay Town. Lola Barber-King gave Bungay Town the lead, but Romily Mclaggan scored for Bure Valley to force extra time. Lauren Goulder, Lauren Purling, Selina Rowland, Zoe Cossey, and Brooke Osborne all scored in extra time as Bungay Town powered home in the end.

Division One Caister scored sixteen without reply to beat Division Two Horsford. Bethany Turner scored a remarkable eight times, Ellie Hills scored four, Amy Roper scored three and Nicole Ali got the other.

In an all-Division One affair, the University of East Anglia (UEA) were 2-1 winners over Mulbarton Wanderers Development. Lucy Kean had given Mulbarton the lead but Katie Appleton equalised to force extra time before Evie Bloom won it for UEA.

Division One Long Stratton were 4-1 winners over Division Two Stalham Town thanks to a brace from Natasha Youngs and other goals from Elisha Bower and Elsie Downer. Emma Gillespie scored for Stalham Town.

Elsewhere Thorpe St. Andrew and North Walsham Town played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in an all Division One affair. Emma Clark and Abigail Langley scored for Thorpe St. Andrew with Jemma Bunting and Jessica Butler scoring for North Walsham Town. Thorpe St Andrew then won the game 5-4 on penalties.

Waveney were 1-0 winners over Shrublands thanks to a goal from Maria Palmer from the penalty spot.

The other all-Division One affair between Sprowston and King’s Lynn Soccer Club was postponed as King’s Lynn Soccer Club were unable to field a side meaning Sprowston were given a free pass into the next round.

Above: Lola Barber-King (blue) scored for Bungay Town in their 7-2 extra-time win over Bure Valley on Sunday. Photo: Shay Porter.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

In the day’s only Tier eight game, South Walsham Lingwood ended Beccles Town Development 100% winning start to the season with a thrilling 3-3 draw at Lingwood Village Hall. Leanne Smith scored twice for South Walsham Lingwood with Gemma Burwood getting their other goal. Erica Hansen, Alesha Tuttle, and Vicky Broomfield scored for Beccles Town Development.

Norfolk Women and Girls Sevens Cup Quarter Finals

Dussindale and Hellesdon were 3-1 winners over Hockering with goals from Helen Finn, Alice Walker, and Eniko Kadar. Rachael Paine scored for Hockering.

Mulbarton Wanderers beat FC Viking Valkyries 2-0 with Alice Ladbrooke scoring both their goals. Two goals from Meadhbh Flynn and one from Joanne Baxter saw Left Field emerge 3-0 winners over Horsford.

Taverham were 3-2 winners at Rockland United thanks to goals from Kiera Braithwaite, Amelia Nelson, and Chantel Davison with Daisy Eke and Rebecca Humphries scoring for the hosts.

Above: Action from the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup tie between the University of East Anglia (blue) and Mulbarton Wanderers Development (Red). A game UEA won after extra time. Photo: SG Photography.

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The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarises the seventh round of the 2023-2024 D1 Arkema season with his MATILDAS WATCH and a short exclusive interview with Montpellier’s Marie Levasseur (14/11/23).

Above: Lyon’s Ellie Carpenter, white shirt, tussles with Montpellier’s Marie Levasseur. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Olympique Lyonnais 5-0 Montpellier

Lyon continued their series of wins and are still unbeaten after a strange game that included three own-goals. In a match that kicked off at 9pm in cold weather (around 5c) in the first half and heavy rain in the second, it was not easy for either team to put on a good show.

Above: It was really raining hard in Lyon! Kadidiatou Diani, white shirt, Lyon. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

It was obvious that Lyon were already thinking towards Sparta Prague and their upcoming UWCL fixture. However, they did the job and added five goals to their total. Noteworthy, that the connection between Selma Bacha with a corner for Wendie Renard to score with a header once more. Scorers for Lyon: Mpomé (14’ Own Goal), Diani (17’), Boureille (60’ Own Goal), Lakrar (76’ Own Goal), Renard (90’+5).

MATILDAS WATCH – Ellie Carpenter (Olympique Lyonnais) Carpenter was a starter but played only 60 minutes to preserve her for the important first UWCL group game coming on Tuesday.

Above: Ellie Carpenter, White shirt (12), running to help Lyon attack. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus

At the end of the match, I spoke to Montpellier’s 26-year-old Canadian international Marie Levasseur. It was an impressive performance from the visitors’ star, despite the outcome, which she was frustrated with. “We really wanted to show that we could do better than what we did since the beginning of this season as a team but in front of Lyon it was too hard.”

Above: Marie Levasseur, Montpellier, Blue and Orange shirt (3) in action. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Reflecting on her best position on the pitch, Levasseur said: “I can play on the left or on the right side of the defence even if I prefer a little bit the right as I am right-footed, especially when we need to go in front to help our attack. In this game, it was not an issue as we were dominated.” She concluded by saying: “I think that we did good things during this game. We progressed and will learn for the future.” 

Fleury 2-1 Bordeaux

Both teams had opportunities to open the score in the first half but, even if Fleury dominated, it was Bordeaux that scored first with a counterattack finished off by Hawa Sangaré. Fleury continued to push hard and had several clear opportunities to get even by Léa Le Garrec who hit the post, and Marine Dafeur. At the beginning of the second half, Fleury equalised through Aïrine Fontaine. In second half, Fleury took charge, and after several opportunities, Le Garrec put the ball in the net to win the match with a superb free kick from 18 metres out. Scorers for Fleury: Fontaine (50’), Le Garrec (67’).
Scorer for Bordeaux: Sangaré (39’). 

Reims 0-0 Le Havre

This game started quickly with an opportunity for Reims with a shot cleared by Laetitia Philippe, Le Havre goalkeeper, in the second minute. However, the first half was dominated by Le Havre with almost 70% of possession but without any goal. Inès Benyahia almost scored at the end of the match, but her shot was deflected for a corner by Kinga Szemik, Reims’ goalkeeper. Red card for Nadjma Ali Nadjim, Le Havre (70’). 

Saint-Etienne 1-6 Paris FC

After 20 minutes, both teams were very efficient with only one shot on target each but both had scored their first goal on their first shot. Louna Ribadeira scored the first goal of Paris FC with a superb lob. Louise Fleury scored a hat-trick for Paris FC. Scorer for Saint-Etienne: Lamontagne (19’). Scorers for Paris FC: Ribadeira (14’), Matéo (35’), Fleury (44’, 67’, 70’), Dufour (84’). 

MATILDAS WATCH – Sarah Hunter (Paris FC) Hunter was in the squad but did not play. We can hope that she was preserved for the first UWCL group game on Wednesday and that we will see her soon on the pitch. 

Guingamp 4-3 Lille

A lot of goals on both sides in this game where the attacks were better than the defences. Scorers for Guingamp: Jézéquel (26’), Teintutier (30’, 56’), Donnary (68’). Scorers for Lille: Azzaro (17’ penalty), Paprzycki (20’), Rabanne (73’ penalty). 

Dijon 2-5 Paris Saint-Germain
Above: Clare Hunt (15) played a full part in Paris St. Germain’s victory. Photo: PSG Feminines.

It was raining in Dijon and the pitch, which had a lot of water on it, did not help the players. PSG dominated from the off and enjoyed 80% possession across the game. Dijon had a few counterattacks but never had clear opportunities to score. But, on the hour, Dijon’s counterattacks worked, and they scored twice in fie minutes. Those two goals gave them hope that they may do something great in this game. Unfortunately for Dijon, PSG scored again five minutes later on a corner – killing all of Dijon’s hopes. Aspects of note: two assists passes (12’, 25’) for Marie-Antoinette Katoto who played only the first half to preserve her for the UWCL game this week, and a hat-trick for Tabitha Chawinga. Scorers for Dijon: Rylov (59’), Chengshu (65’). Scorers for Paris SG: Geyoro (12’), Chawinga (25’, 47’, 71’), Vansgaard (73’). 

MATILDAS WATCH – Clare Hunt (Paris Saint-Germain) Matildas star Hunt was in the starting team. Hunt’s sturdy performance and sound game kept Dijon at bay when she was called on. Hunt even collected the captain’s armband on 80 minutes when Grace Geyoro was replaced. The Australian’s strength and experience brought a lot of security in defence.

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Durham defeat Sheffield United

By Aimee Reynolds 13/11/23

Sheffield United 0-1 Durham

Above: Tara Bourne reacts to defeat for Sheffield United. Photo: Sheffield United official media.

Todays match between eighth placed Durham and Sheffield United in ninth was always known to be a close game. However Durham took the lead early on through Eleanor Ryan-Doyle which was enough to secure the result.

After an evenly matched opening giving both United and Durham chances, in the 10th minute Eleanor Ryan-Doyle caught out United’s backline early on. This early setback didn’t reflect the rest of the performance whatsoever. The Blades fought to the very last minute of the first half with multiple attacking spells from both teams.

Referee Constantine Hatzidakis gave out four yellow cards throughout the first half – two for each side leaving supporters unhappy. But these cards defiantly didn’t affect either teams performances.

The Red And White Wizards attacking spells came in at multiple times throughout both halfs and we witnessed summer signings Ash Hodson, Jess Sigworth, Isobel Goodwin and Jodie Hutton showing their magic but no goal was secured. In the 30th minute we witnessed Goodwin get round the keeper but support was lacking to get the goal they deserved.

Going into the second half Sigsworth had a powerful strike but goalie Tatiana Saunders came to the rescue pulling of an incredible save, keeping The Citizens 1-0 up. Throughout the first half there was multiple questionable decisions from the referee leaving both sides and fans frustrated.

In the 71st minute Durham nearly got their second goal after United had a freekick. The travelling side broke away, giving Saoirse Noonan a chance on goal. The shot didn’t quite go to plan and this meant that United’s number one had a steady save to pull off.

However this gave the home side some boost after they started rushing about desperate to gain a point out of this. Sigsworth had another chance on goal but Saunders steady hands produced a wonder save to ensure Durham gained the three points.

Even with the eight minutes added time, The Blades couldn’t put any chances to bed which gave Durham the deserved win pushing them into seventh and United stay ninth.

Next Sunday Durham will play fifth in the league Birmingham City and The Blades will face newly promoted Watford away who currently place 11th hoping to pick up some points down south.

Teams: SHEFFIELD UNITED: Stenson, Newsham, Barker, Bourne, Sigsworth, Rayner, Goodwin, Hodson,Hutton, A. Brown, R. Brown Substitutes used Wilcock

DURHAM: Saunders, Briggs, Wilson, Robson, Lambert, Crosthwaite, Bradley, Pritchard, Ayre, Noonan, Ryan-Doyle Substitutes Used – May, Andrews

Scorer: Ryan-Doyle 12’

Attendance: 833.

Referee: Constantine Hatzidakis

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Crystal Palace v Lewes Photo Gallery

from Ben Gilby at Gander Green Lane (12/11/23)

Above: Elise Hughes cuts in towards goal this afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

Crystal Palace 3-2 Lewes

Barclays Women’s Championship

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Holly McNamara hatrick steals the show from Wanderers fight back

By Emma Burke 13/11/23

Melbourne City 4-3 Western Sydney Wanderers

Above: Holly McNamara (9) celebrates after scoring her second of the match. Photo: Melbourne City Instagram.

Melbourne City took home all three points in their 4-3 thrilling win at AAMI Park against Western Sydney Wanderers, with Holly McNamara scoring her first hattrick in the A-League Women’s final game for round four.

The only goal that McNamara didn’t score was the opening one, but she was the direct result of it. Rhianna Pollicina expertly put away her third goal of the season from the penalty spot after McNamara was taken down. 

City’s second goal came after the Wanderers made the mistake of leaving Kaitlyn Torpey with space outside of the box. Her shot was strong, but just off target as it bounced back off the bar. Pollicina looked for seconds, but her chance was bodily blocked. Third time was truly the charm, however, as McNamara found the ball at her feet, a moment of patience was all she needed and what she took before sending the ball off her right foot, past Wanderers’ keeper Sham Khamis.

WSW found their way back into the game when Cushla Rue released Sophie Harding just outside the top of the box. Harding’s turn and shot beat multiple defenders in blue, and left goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx diving to her right, but ultimately was unable to do anything to stop the ball reaching the back of the net.

The second half opened with a succession of City goals, both attributed to McNamara. The first of which saw her released by Hannah Wilkinson, McNamara was able to drive around Shan Khamis, who had come off her line to try to intervene, and then put a left-footed ball into the back of the net.

McNamara’s final goal of the game saw the completion of her perfect hattrick. A header, delivered by Pollicina off a corner that was easily redirected past the keeper.

As City stood over the Wanderers with a 4-1 lead, it looked as if the game was more than over. However, this is the A-League Women’s, a game is never over until the final whistle blows.

Minutes after City’s fourth goal, Western Sydney Wanderers found their second goal and turned on their comeback campaign. 

A corner kick delivered expertly by Alexia Apostolakis found the head of Holly Caspers, the shot on target, and was palmed away by Proulx, but only as far as Vicky Bruce, an American International, who put the ball soundly away for WSW’s second goal of the game, and her second of the season.

Wanderers’ third goal came through almost identically to their second, another corner delivery that resulted in a header that was initially saved but not held on to. Harding came through with the seconds this time around, making no mistake and bringing them within a goal of equalising.

It was a nervous final fifteen minutes of regular time, and it seemed like there was still a goal left to be scored.

It was a further nerve-wracking nine minutes of extra time for City, with the Wanderers coming close to finding the equaliser in the final minute of play. 

Proulx came off her line once again to parry away a cross, but in doing so, sent the ball to the feet of Bethany Gordon outside the box. Proulx couldn’t make her way back to her line, but luckily for City, substitute Naomi Chinnama was there in her place and headed the ball away from spoiling City’s afternoon.

Western Sydney picked up their third loss for the season, while City were able to take all three points and continue their unbeaten streak.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Proulx, Torpey, Stott, Otto (Acardo 88’), Grosso, Hughes (Chinnama 84’), McKenna, Galic (Ekic 75’), McNamara (Meyers 75’), Wilkinson

SCORERS: Pollicina 26’ (P), McNamara 32’, 58’, 64,

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-4-2): Khamis, Matos, Bruce, McComasky, Apostolakiss, Gordon, Chessari(Breier 79’), Harrison, Price, Harding (Ferris 87’), Rue

Scorers: Harding 43’, 74’, Bruce 69’

Referee: Isabella Libri

Attendance: 2010

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Perth’s Glorious start continues

Perth Glory 2-1 Adelaide United

Photos by Rob Lizzi at Macedonia Park for Impetus. Report by Ryan Miller-Woods.

Above: Perth Glory celebrate their win over Adelaide United that keeps them top of the A-League Women. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Perth Glory continued their perfect start to the A-League Women’s season after coming from behind with a 2-1 victory against Adelaide United at Macedonia Park thanks to goals from Grace Jale and Susan Phonsongkham.

Perth came close to opening the scoring in the fifth minute via a through ball from Hana Lowry to Grace Jale, but the Football Fern couldn’t quite capitalise on.

Early in the match, while Adelaide had more possession, the hosts looked more dangerous as they imposed the style of pressing and game management that have been so successful this season. Their floating through balls that continually found players such as Jale in attack were particularly successful.

Above: Perth Glory’s Claudia Mihocic (purple shirt) challenges for the ball with captain Tash Rigby (right) looking on. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus All Rights Reserved.

With eight minutes to go, they came close once more when Lowry’s effort produced an excellent save from Annalee Grove in the Adelaide goal.

Adelaide finished the opening period strongly though, and Morgan Aquino had to be on top form to keep the South Australians out. However, with two minutes of the half remaining, they hit the front.

From an Adelaide corner, the ball found Ella Tonkin where her cross found Dylan Holmes in the box who slotted her first goal of the season into the bottom left corner. Coincidentally, Holmes’ last goal was also against Perth at the same venue.

Whilst the Reds went in ahead at the break, the Glory are made of stern stuff this season, and it took just six minutes of the second period for the Western Australians to level.

Above: Hana Lowry (left) – had a hugely influential game for Perth Glory last night. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus All Rights Reserved.

Another piece of magic from Lowry found Phonsongkham to provide a cross to Jale at the near post to convert with a first-time shot that just squeezed past Grove. The former Wellington Phoenix and Canberra United player has now hit three goals in four games this season.

As the second half progressed, Adelaide edged the possession count, but could not make it pay. They would pay for that as the clock ticked on thanks to a piece of magic from another of Perth’s in-form attackers.

In the 86th minute, Phonsongkham made a beautiful run down the line and cut into the box where she beat both Jenna Holtz and Holmes before shooting past Grove to put the leaders in front.

A special moment came in the 88th minute as Tia Stonehill made her home debut for Perth, replacing Phonsongkham. Stonehill has a history as a major player in the Western Australian game, and, having overcome a major injury in 2022 when playing for Murdoch University Melville in the NPLW WA which left her having to learn to walk again. Pulling on an A-League Women shirt for the first time last week was a major moment. Doing it for a home game yesterday was the culmination of an inspirational story.

Perth Glory once again showed their determination, a strong team spirit, and the ability of their dangerous attack to win their fourth match of four this season. Conversely, Adelaide are still looking for their first win, and are one place off the bottom of the ladder.

Above: Millie Farrow (right of referee), Sofia Sakalis, and Grace Jale celebrate last night, with Hana Lowry (left) coming in to join. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus All Rights Reserved.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (3-5-2): Aquino, Cowart, Anton, Mihocic, Rigby, Sakalis, Cassidy, Lowry, Farrow, Phonsongkham, Jale. Substitutes: James, Stonehill, Quezada, Dalton, Johnston.

Scorers: Jale 51’, Phonsongkham 86’.

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-4-2): Grove, E. Hodgson, Waldus, Tonkin, Tolland, Morgan, Holmes, Sasaki, Blake, Jancevski, Lee. Substitutes: Wilson, Haffenden, I. Hodgson, Holtz, Taylor.

Scorers: Holmes 43’.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: TBC.

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Points shared between Roar and Mariners

Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Brisbane Roar

By Ryan Miller-Woods (12/11/23)

Above: Tameka Yallop (R) sends Brisbane Roar into attack. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

In a highly entertaining encounter that included 31 total chances, Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar shared the points come the final whistle with goals from Rola Badawiya and Ayesha Norrie in a match that could have gone either team’s way. 

It was Brisbane early on who created the chances in attack and as well as that put the pressure on Central Coast. In saying that, the Mariners had the majority of possession in the first ten minutes. 

In the 17th minute, Brisbane had a very good opportunity of scoring with a through ball by Mia Corbin that found Kijah Stephenson whose run into the box put her directly in front of the Mariners’ goalkeeper Courtney Newbon but wasn’t able to fully capitalise as the shot went away from the goal. 

From a Central Coast corner in the 26th minute, the ball found Badawiya in the centre of the box whose header went over Holly McQueen and into the back of the net for the opening goal of the match. The delivery by Annabel Martin to Badawiya was integral towards the final product. 

One minute later, a Leah Scarpelli through ball found Corbin in the box who chested the ball down which went into the path of Norrie who seized the opportunity as her first-time shot towards goal went into the bottom right corner as Brisbane equalised in quick succession. 

In the 29th minute, a penalty was called in favour of the Mariners, after Brisbane’s Jenna McCormick who had made contact with the ball also brought down Wurigumula in the box. It was Isabel Gomez who took the penalty and while it was a decent penalty, Brisbane’s goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz anticipated it as she went the right way and made a very good save. 

Gradually as the first half went on, the more Central Coast got themselves into the match with the chances made since having scored. Brisbane was still in control of the match in terms of created opportunities. Additionally, they also had the majority of possession where come the end of the half was 62.2%. 

Seven minutes into the second half, Central Coast had a very good chance to have retaken the lead as Alexia Karrys-Stahl who intercepted a clearance by McQueen provided a great pass into the box for Badawiya whose shot was tipped over the bar by Silkowitz.  

In the 75th minute, Central Coast once again had a very good opportunity to score a second as Wurigumula slotted a great pass to Peta Trimis who made a great run into the box that while it was comfortably saved by Silkowitz, the skill by Trimis in that sequence was really impressive to watch. 

The further the second half progressed, the more that Central Coast were the most likely to score from their passages of play piled on the pressure toward Brisbane. Players such as Trimis and Gomez both played significant roles in the attack for the Mariners. 

In the 89th minute, from a Central Coast free kick by Bianca Galic found Annalise Rasmussen in the box as her header was tipped onto the crossbar by Silkowitz. This save, in particular, summed up Silkowitz’s afternoon as she put on an outstanding display in between the sticks for Brisbane and was a real difference-maker for the Roar with her performance. 

Teams: Central Coast Mariners (4-4-2): Newbon, Martin, Irwin, King, Wardlow, Hayward, Galic, Gomez, Karrys-Stahl, Badawiya, Wurigumula. Substitutes: Carmichael, Rasmussen, Trimis, Lobo. 

Scorers: Badawiya 26’. 

Brisbane Roar (4-3-3): Silkowitz, Scarpelli, McCormick, McQueen, Blissett, Palmer, Norrie, Yallop, Freier, Stephenson, Corbin. Substitutes: Richards, Holgerson, Brodigan, Thompson, O’Donoghue. 

Scorers: Norrie 27’. 

Referee: Bec Mackie. 

Attendance: 3,281. 

Sensational Lowe leads Victory to win over Jets

Melbourne Victory 4-0 Newcastle Jets

By Ben Carey 12/11/23

Above: Rachel Lowe celebrates with her Melbourne Victory teammates after scoring her first goal for her new team. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory recorded a big 4-0 win over Newcastle Jets on Saturday afternoon at the Home of the Matildas. 

Victory, who have had a slow start to the season, had no such troubles against the Jets. Rachel Lowe scored just two minutes into the match, after a stellar cross from McKenzie Weinert was fumbled by the Jets keeper, Isobel Nino, and Lowe was given an easy follow up for her first goal of the campaign, and the first for Melbourne Victory.

10 minutes later, Nino fumbled a save again, which gave Lowe an open shot on goals, which she took. Claudia Cicco tracked back just in time and made a wonderful, sliding clearance off the goal line to deny Lowe a brace and keep her team in the match.

It was a relatively quiet start to the second half, but around the hour mark the floodgates well and truly opened up for Melbourne Victory. In the 65th minute, Alana Murphy floated a long-distance free kick into the box, which was headed out by a Jets player and fell right at the feet of Lowe, who struck it beautifully on the first touch and thumped it into the back of the net.

Not even 60 seconds later, a wonderfully weighted long ball from Murphy found the recently signed Junior Matilda, Ella O’Grady, who caught the Jets’ defenders out of position with a perfectly timed run and easily beat the keeper to make it 3-0 to Victory.

The Jets were able to stop the bleeding for about 20 minutes, but their day went from bad to worse at the end of regulation time. A cross into the box from a Victory player took a horribledeflection off the boot of a Jets defender and it floated over Nino’s head for an own goal.

It was a great team effort from Melbourne Victory to get the win. Kayla Morisson and Jamilla Rankin put in a good shift in defence. Beattie Goad, Weinert, and O’Grady were all dangerous in the front line. But it was the Victory midfield that really stole the show, with two goals from Lowe, and one official assist from Murphy (but direct involvement in two other goals as well).

It was a hard day at the office for Newcastle Jets, who fell behind early and fought hard to stay in the match but were ultimately overwhelmed by the quality of Victory’s attacks and also a sprinkle of bad luck. It’s important to note that the Jets were missing two key players in Cass Davis, their captain and most experienced player, and Melina Ayres, their most dangerous striker. Had they been on the field, it could have been a different story.

Melbourne Victory will face their biggest test of the season next Saturday when they take on the undefeated Perth Glory. The following day, Newcastle Jets will have an equally difficult challenge when they come up against the in-form Melbourne City, who have also yet to lose a match this season.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Williams, Nash, Morrison, Hansen, Rankin, Lowe, Murphy, Kellond-Knight, Weinert, Okino, Goad. Substitutes: Templeman, D’Appolonia, Briedis, O’Grady, Gielnik. 

Scorers: Lowe 2’, 65’, O’Grady 66’, Burrows (OG) 88’.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-2-3-1): Nino, Cicco, Prior, Huynh, Baumann, Burrows, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Allan, Gooch, Barbieri. Substitutes: Rochaix, Wilson, Simon, Hoban, Hammond.

Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley.

Attendance: TBD.