What a week for Arsenal: comebacks, milestones, and goals

By Rachel Gore 2/2/2024

Above: Vivienne Miedema celebrates her first goal for Arsenal since returning from injury. Photo: Arsenal FC.

Last week, 22 to 28 January, attention was on Arsenal as they reached milestones, had players return from injury, and scored a total of seven goals. 

Arsenal’s FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup match against reading was a night to remember for Arsenal. The match saw them go through to the quarter finals of this tournament with a 5-0 victory, and also included the return of two of the club’s most valued players.

Williamson’s much anticipated return to the pitch came on Wednesday 24 January. 

Nine months after her ACL injury, Williamson came off the bench at 61 minutes to substitute for Jen Beattie. McCabe handed Williamson the captain’s armband and the defender seamlessly fitted back into the team. 

Less than 20 minutes after she ran onto the pitch, she assisted Beth Mead’s goal. Mead hit the ball she had received from Williamson into the net from the edge of the box, for many fans this moment was the highlight of the match – Mead and Williamson both suffered ACL injuries last season and now they are back playing quality football with the Arsenal squad.

This Conti Cup game not only saw the return of Williamson, but also the return of Kim Little. 

Arsenal’s captain came on as a substitute for McCabe at 71 minutes, following time off due to a foot injury. Once more Arsenal’s captain changed and Williamson placed the armband on Little.

For Little this match was extremely significant as it marked her 300th appearance for Arsenal. She is only the 6th player to have reached this milestone.

Little signed her first contract with Arsenal in 2008 and scored her first goal for the club at the Emirates Stadium against Chelsea that year – at this game Williamson was a mascot.

Later in the week, on Sunday 28 January, Jonas Eidevall reached his own milestone; he managed his 100th game for Arsenal.

Since signing for the club in 2021, he has led the squad to finish second in the WSL in 2022 and to victory in last season’s Conti Cup. 

Sunday’s game resulted in a 2-0 victory over Liverpool for Eidevall’s side and the points the club gained have led Arsenal to sit in third position in the WSL table. 

The first of the goals in this game was scored by Vivianne Miedema. Her first goal back since her ACL injury was scored in a friendly match played behind closed doors, making this her first competitive goal in 413 days. 

Assisted by one of Arsenal’s new signings Emily Fox, Miedema fired the ball into the net. It was a gorgeous goal and served as a reminder as to why Miedema is such a respected player. 

After 11 months out after her ACL injury, which occurred in October fans had been waiting to celebrate a goal from the club legend. 

In an interview with Sky Sports Miedema said, “something over Christmas shifted my mindset and after winter I’ve been feeling more like myself again.”

Another Arsenal player who suffered an ACL injury last season was Laura Wienroither.

Wienroither was Arsenal’s fourth player to be forced to take months out due to this major injury and fans are still awaiting her return.

However, on 26 January she was photographed in team training, she posted pictures on her Instagram with the caption, “getting closer”.

Wienroither’s impending return is exciting and her involvement in team training is another monumental moment for Arsenal that occurred last week. 

Arsenal’s comeback is well and truly underway; last seasonnumerous players at the club suffered with injuries but the majority of them have now returned.

The week beginning 22 January was clearly a memorable one for the club and has given fans hope for Arsenal’s upcoming games.

Momentum has kept building following on from last week as the beginning of this week saw Sarah Bouhaddi, the French goalkeeper, sign for the club as a free agent. 

The remainder of the 23/24 season is set to be a big one for Arsenal as the squad will be hoping to keep gaining points in the WSL, carry on progressing in the FA Cup, and retain their Conti Cup title.

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Barclays Women’s Super League: A Half Time Review.

Above: Beth Mead returns after a long absence. Photo: Ian Middlebrook

By Emmanuel Faith.

If the WSL season was a 90-minute match, the half-time whistle would have been blown in the last minute of the seven-goal thriller between West Ham United and Tottenham. What a way to end the first half!

The 2023/2024 season has been an exhilarating journey. From 5-star performances like Lauren James scoring three goals and an assist to last-minute winners and equalizers like Melvine Malard and, Katie McCabe and unexpected blows like Sam Kerr’s ACL, our correspondent, I wanted to bring you my personal highlights of the season and predicts what you should expect in the second half.

It isn’t exactly surprising that Chelsea currently leads the log. They are also leading the pack in other fascinating stats like; the most goals scored (35), the highest Goal Difference (21), the highest attempts, the highest shots on target and of course, the highest points (28).

The blue side of Manchester has been unsurprisingly steady as they follow Chelsea closely with twenty-five points while holding the record of the least conceded number of goals (8), a record Chelsea often boasts of.

At the bottom of the log is the newly promoted side, Bristol City with five points, and surprisingly, West Ham United who are also on five points but rank higher on goal difference. With the new signings West Ham made over the January Transfer window, they would be looking to change the course of their path in the second half of the season. 

Memorable Moments

The first big-4 match of the season was between Arsenal and Manchester United. Arsenal who had experienced a shocking home loss to Liverpool in their opening match were looking to pick up their first points while Manchester United who finished second last season were hoping to continue on that stride.

The game opened up in the first few minutes, as the Swedish striker, Stina Blackstenius took the lead for Arsenal in the 13th minute. Marc Skinner’s team mounted a lot of pressure and it finally paid off with Leah Galton’s equalizer in the 27th minute. 

The first half ended in a draw, and the second half was quite balanced until the Olympic Lyon loanee and French striker, Melvine Malard opened her WSL account with a striker’s finish. It looked like Arsenal was heading to a consecutive defeat until the Canadian attacker, Cloe Lacasse scored one of the best goals you’d witness this season to ensure the spoils was shared.

On the same weekend, there was another “big four” match which was more pulsating at the blue side of Manchester as cards flew left and right in a game marked with a lot of controversy. From Alex Greenwood getting a second yellow for wasting time to take a free-kick to Guro Reiten snatching a last-minute equalizer, these are matches you probably want to rewatch if you love epics like me.

We could also talk about Manchester City scoring seven goals without reply against Tottenham or Chelsea pummeling Aston Villa 6- 0. This season has been more than the matches and goals.

There are other moments worth celebrating. Like seeing Beth Mead who returned after being out for ten months and made an assist almost immediately and Vivianne Miedema returning to the pitch after eleven months. There were also some major blows, we would rather not remember.

Major Blows

The first major blow of the season was losing Gabriel George to ACL, her second in four seasons. The Manchester United defender suffered the injury during the match against her former club, Leicester City in October after a really brilliant start to the season. 

ACL knocked again when Chelsea announced that the young Dutch defender Aniek Nouwen had suffered an ACL rupture during her U-21 call-up in November. The heartbreaking was yet to come. 

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, while the world was calm, and every Chelsea fan anticipated a piece of positive news like a contract renewal, ACL brought its fiery dagger to puncture the fan’s hearts as Chelsea announced that their star striker, Samantha Kerr had suffered an ACL tear during a warm-up in Morocco, keeping her out for the rest of the season. The WSL community was sombre as it looked like Sam Kerr was finally getting her groove after missing the World Cup and some part of her season due to calf injuries.

Seasons Surprises 

In a season filled with departures, returns and galore of goals, the most surprising news was probably the departure of Emma Hayes. The Chelsea head coach who had been with the team for twelve years announced her departure after her team recorded their biggest win of the season so far against Aston Villa. 

Emma joined the reigning double winners in 2012 and during her tenure with the club won six FA WSL titles, five Women’s FA Cups, two FA Women’s League Cups, one FA Women’s Spring Series trophy and one FA Women’s Community Shield.No one would have predicted this to happen at the beginning of the season, but everyone wants change sometimes, right?

Another shocking surprise of the season was Aston Villa who didn’t pick up their first win until the sixth match of the season. For a club that had been tipped to upset the “big four”, it was a woeful start to the season. They currently sit in the seventh position with twelfth points, seven above the relegation zone and they would hope they are closer to the top four than the bottom two in the second half of the season. 

At this point, it is worthy to spotlight two amazing finishers who have hugged the spotlight in some way. With nine goals in eleven appearances for a mid-table team, the 22-year-old Norwegian striker, Elisabeth Terland, has made a statement for herself this season. She is also in the top five of any attacking stats from xG to xG overperformance and goal per 90 according to Stattorinoreports on Twitter. 

The second finisher is a familiar name; Lauren James. Known for her ability to glide through defenders seamlessly while scoring occasional wonder goals, the English whiz has added clinical finishing to her game and currently occupies the second spot in the race for the WSL Golden Boot thanks to her consecutive hat-tricks. With Chelsea’s major striker Sam Kerrout for the rest of the season, there is no limit to what James can achieve this season. 

Above: Lauren James celebrates after scoring against her former side. Photo: @ChelseaFCW

An honourable mention is another Chelsea wonder, Aggie BeeverJones who has taken the WSL by storm. From scoring in five consecutive appearances to leading the ranks of xGs and goals per 90 minutes, we can’t wait to see what the second half of the season has in store for the young English attacker. 

Signings of the Season

To be very honest, while this is too early to decide, SjoekeNusken, Martha Thomas and Melvine Malard have made great accounts of themselves. Aside from the fact that Nusken has scored a surprising hat-trick, becoming the fifth Chelsea player to do so, she has also played almost everywhere for Emma Hayes’ team. Thomas was the first WSL player to reach 5 goals thanks to her brilliant start to the season and Malard has been a great addition to Manchester United’s attack either as a starter or a substitute. 

A worthy mention is probably Grace Clinton who has been a great addition to Tottenham Hotspur despite being on loan from Manchester United.


Second half of the Season

The second half of the season will be enthralling. Arsenal will be looking to pounce on Chelsea and Manchester City now that they have a fully fit squad although everyone will be curious about how Jonas Eidevall will manage the rotation of her star players. Manchester City doesn’t look like they are relenting soon, with their attackers firing from all cylinders and Khadija Shaw finding her goal-scoring boots. 

While Chelsea’s star, Sam Kerr has been injured, they have a lot of attackers who can provide the goals from different angles in different ways and if there is something the league leaders know how to do, it is to win.

More drama will happen in the mid-table and much more in the relegation zone as West Ham will hope that their major signings (Katrina Gorry and Kristie Mewis) can save them from the relegation battle. 

Wonder goals will be scored, records will be broken, and we can’t wait to witness the second half of the season, and the last lap with the legendary coach, Emma Hayes.

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It Is Now Time To Restructure The Conti-Cup to Welcome The FA Women’s National League

Above: Arsenal celebrate their 3-1 victory over Chelsea in the 2022/23 Final. Photo: Jon D Barker

As the referee blew for full time at the Eppleton Colliery Football Ground, I imagine that Carla Ward’s team left the pitch suitably proud of their performance and result. They overpowered Barclays Women’s Championship (WC) side Sunderland in the Conti Cup by seven goals to nil, with six different goalscorers.

It wasn’t long after the final whistle when speculation began suggesting that Aston Villa had fielded an ineligible player – Noelle Maritz.

Signed by Villa earlier this month, Maritz had previously made three appearances in the competition for her parent club Arsenal. This is quite a staggering error as it wasn’t like Maritz made just the one late substitute appearance, she’d made three starts against Bristol City, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.

Given that Reading were expelled from the competition in 2014 when Bonnie Horwood started a match after previously appearing for Watford earlier in the competition, even the most optimistic of Villa fans will have feared the same result.

While I don’t have access to the competition’s rules for 2014 it does currently state that any breaches will be referred to an independent tribunal which may “order that the Cup match or Cup matches be awarded to the opposition club, or make any such other order that the independent tribunal may decide.

The preceding FA Investigation this week confirmed in a short statement that, “An independent tribunal has deducted three points from Aston Villa for fielding an ineligible player during their FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup group stage fixture against Sunderland on Wednesday 24 January 2024.

“The FA alleged that the player was ineligible for this game, as she had previously featured in the competition for her former club, which constitutes a breach of Cup Rule 8.19.

“Aston Villa admitted this charge and acknowledged the breach had occurred. The independent tribunal ordered that the points deducted from Aston Villa be awarded to their opponents Sunderland, while the 7-0 scoreline is to be expunged from the record.

“As a result, Sunderland will finish as Group A Winners, with Aston Villa progressing to the quarter finals as one of the two best-placed runners-up alongside Tottenham Hotspur.”

While all the headlines have been about Manchester United’s subsequent elimination as a result, I think the real story should focus on a review of the suitability of the Conti Cup as a competition.

I believe that the competition should be reformed at the earliest opportunity to make it more significant.

I would like to do away with the regionalised group stage. We see a Manchester derby pretty much every season as the two clubs are paired in the same group. Given that both teams ordinarily qualify for the knock out stages irrespective of the outcome, the stakes should be raised and the best way to do that would be to make the competition a straight knock out from day one.

If the money grabbers wanted to make more money then you could put the semi-finals over two legs, something that occurs in the men’s equivalent competition, the Carabao Cup but in a busy calendar I don’t believe that two legs would be needed.

I would also like to see the Conti Cup mirror the Carabao Cup by increasing the number of participants to include the top four divisions. So this would see the introduction of the FA Women’s National League (WNL).

Doing this is not straightforward due to the number of clubs involved but with the assistance of Chris Gadsby, the host of the wonderful Women’s Football Chat, he came up with a proposed format that could work and would incorporate WNL teams.

Round One would consist of all fourth tier teams along with sixteen third tier teams that that finished fifth through to tenth in the previous season – those relegated would be from within the fourth tier group.

Round Two would feature the thirty-two winners from the previous round and they would be joined by twenty-four WSL and WC teams, along with the outstanding tier teams. From here the competition continues to be a straight knock-out competition with seven rounds in total.

With next season’s increase in Adobe Women’s FA Cup prize money targeted at clubs from within the latter stages threatening to widen the gap between those at semi-professional and amateur level the prospect of drawing a big club early in the campaign would be appealing to clubs at WNL level.

While I do recognise that there are complaints about the amount of matches being played and I am very much looking at this from a fan’s point of view but I struggle to find any drawbacks with this plan as it benefits everyone. There will be new opponents for those at WSL and WC levels and exciting matches which will draw fans to clubs at WNL level.

I understand that there could be an argument against this on the grounds of midweek matches being difficult for some teams to accommodate but I think it is important that the FA and the league support clubs to make this happen because it is important for the long-term health of the pyramid.

With NewCo coming in to take over the management of the WSL and WC next season I do not expect any changes to the domestic women’s football calendar but let’s all keep our fingers crossed.

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Sophie Harding: taking centre stage in the Wanderers attack

By Kieran Yap 31/1/24

Above: Sophie Harding celebrates another goal for the Wanderers. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers

Wanderers striker talks to Impetus71 about her season so far, adjusting to a new position and Matildas ambitions.

Sophie Harding is a striker in form. The Western Sydney Wanderers are entrenched in the finals race, fans are daring to dream and their number nine is one of the main reasons they can feel confident against any opponent. Harding has scored eight goals so far this season, and emerged as one of the best strikers in the league. Although The Wanderers attack has multiple threats, she is the focal point and the spearhead of Robbie Hooker’s lineup.

While this looks like her breakout season, a look back shows a steady upward trajectory. From playing on the wing at the Newcastle Jets to moving alongside Sarina Bolden last season as part of a dual threat, to finally emerging as a solo centre forward. Harding has evolved her game, added strings to her bow and become one of the A-League Women’s most tactically versatile strikers.

“I always considered myself a winger,” Harding told Impetus71

“Just because of my speed and I like taking people on.

“I was always more of the assist person than a goal scorer, But at The Wanderers we were lacking someone to score goals and I kind of took on that role when we moved to a two up top and I really like it.

“I get to be in front of goal more rather than out wide and tracking back. I get to play an aggressive style of play where I can win the ball and attack the goal rather be back in my own half.

“You have to be able to run in behind, you have to be able to come and get the ball at your feet, that’s an aspect of my game that I’m working on.

“I’m pretty confident once I’m in behind defenders and confident taking on players but just working on holding the ball up for my teammates with my back to goal.”

That ability to play with her back to goal was on full display in the close win over The Central Coast Mariners. With the defence sitting deep and paying close attention to Harding, her role was to bring the midfielders into play and open up space for her fellow forwards. Central striker is a role that she is still learning while excelling in, but by the end of the 2022/23 campaign she feeling at home in the position.

“I don’t know if there was a moment, but it was definitely towards the back end of last season I started understanding the role. I really enjoy the formation. It allows me to get wide and be central.”

Against Brisbane Roar in Round 14, Harding’s ability to torment both fullbacks was clear. She created chances with crosses from the right and cruised past the Brisbane defence on the left. Only the woodwork denied her a spectacular assist after teeing up Maliah Morris.

The way that the Wanderers play this season has been successful, but it requires the likes of Harding and Holly Caspers (three goals in three games) to be clinical when chances arrive and to work hard until they do.

“We know that we aren’t always going to have the most possession,” says Harding

“There are some real quality teams in this league. We play to our strengths we have very fast physical players. We all work for each other, so we have sort of triggers that we see on the field. Once one of us goes we all go.

“Once we win the ball back, we’re in dangerous areas and that’s how we’re performing best.”

The Western Sydney attacking press was on full display in the 1-0 win against Melbourne City. Harding, Caspers and Maliah Morris set up in a defensive zone, almost daring the league’s top team to try and pass through them.

When the opening came, they pounced and Caspers scored the only goal of the game. Against other teams, it is Harding’s pace that can do the damage. She sealed the result away to Perth Glory with a fantastic solo goal.

Harding raced into space on the left, cut into the penalty box and then took one last touch around the oncoming defender to score the crucial goal. It was a moment that combined pace and composure to produce a moment of match winning skill.

That confidence is found throughout the team. Despite a turbulent start to the season off the pitch, The Wanderers have thrived on it, and the results have been well deserved.

“We played against the top three teams the last three weeks and none of them scored against us,” says Harding.

“That’s brought us a lot of confidence.

“We know what we’re capable of and we definitely have a sense of unity and hunger to win. I think that comes from all our staff, all our coaches and as a collective we’re all on the same page which is good, but we’re just taking each game as it comes and ticking them off.”

Harding has improved The Wanderers, but the move home from Newcastle has been mutually beneficial, and not just because her potential as a striker has been unlocked.

“I finished my second year at Newcastle and was thinking about a few different paths. I had a few different opportunities and sort of last minute this one came up.

At the time my family were going through a rough time, and I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to stay at home and get to be around my friends and family while playing football.

“With The Jets sometimes I couldn’t switch off from football, because I’d go home to my housemate who I played with. Now I’ve got such a healthy relationship with the game and training. I get the opportunity to spend my downtime with my friends and family.”

Harding’s eye catching performances have inevitably led to talk of a Matildas call up. She has the attributes to trouble most defenses and Australia is lacking in options for pure strikers. Although she is firmly focused on helping the Wanderers to a first finals appearance since 2020, international football is something she aspires to.

“It’s definitely something that would be incredible.

“It’s been a goal of mine since I was a kid. I think that a lot of the girls in this league would have that aspiration.

“It’s not something I want to think about too much, just talking each step as it comes.

“I think I have a lot to work on in other areas on the field. Of course, it’s a goal of mine but that the moment I’m focused on getting my team into finals, getting some silverware and keep scoring goals. Hopefully the rest will fall into place if I focus on those things.”

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A-League Women Weekly Awards

Members of the Impetus team of contributors covering the competition unveil their choices of player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of all the votes and just before Finals, reveal which player and coach have received the most votes across the season to be named the Impetus A-League Women Player and Coach of the Season 29/1/24

Player of the week

Ben Carey

Hannah Keane. Her two goals and one assist were absolutely instrumental in Western United’s big winn over league leaders, Melbourne City. The Keane of last season seems to well and truly be back!

Kieran Yap

Tameka Yallop. The high profile recruit to the roar has had an injury interrupted start to the season, but has steadily found her form.

Yallop was back to her very best against Western Sydney’s lauded defence. With one breathtaking assists and an opportunistic goal of her own. It was vintage Yallop.

Coach of the week

Ben Carey

Adrian Stenta. He ended his team’s four match losing streak in an emphatic fashion, with a huge win over second placed Perth Glory. 

Kieran Yap

Paul Temple. The Phoenix were already without Michaela Foster and Mackenzie Barry, but then had Rylee Foster sent off and had to withdraw Macey Fraser.

Wellington were two goals up but we’re up against the odds against one of the league’s best attacks. They reorganised, did not panic and ground out an impressive win.

Moment of the week

Ben Carey

Brianna Edward’s penalty save against Rojas after just having been subbed on was insane. Nothing can beat that this week.

Kieran Yap

Brianna Edwards. The save, the performance for the rest of the half and the post match interview. Magnificent.

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Norfolk Weekend Wrap

By Darrell Allen (29/01/2024)

Above: Natasha Snelling (pictured) scored a Hat-Trick for Norwich City in their 5-1 over Actonians at The Nest on Sunday. Credit: Norwich City Women FC

FA Women’s National League Division One South East 

Norwich City produced a fantastic performance to defeat Actonians 5-1 at The Nest. A game watched by an impressive 364 saw Natasha Snelling score a Hat-trick with Ellie Smith and Hope Strauss scoring the other goals for Norwich City. Ikraam Mohamed scored for Actonians. 

Eastern Region League Cup Quarter Finals 

Tier Five Wroxham defeated Tier Six Mulbarton Wanderers in a Norfolk Derby at Mulberry Park. The game was decided by a single goal from Yachtswomen Tigi Robson which saw Wroxham progress to the Semi Finals where they will host Stevenage on 3rd March at Trafford Park. 

Above: Wroxham celebrate the only goal of the game in their 1-0 win over Mulbarton Wanderers in the Eastern Region League Cup Semi-Final on Sunday. Credit: Darren Gilham

Eastern Region Plate Cup Second Round 

Tier Six Fakenham Town were 3-2 winners over Tier Five Kings Lynn Town at Clipbush Park. Chloe Gravett scored a brace with Holly Davies getting the other Fakenham Town goal. Katie Ward and Holly Williams scored for Kings Lynn Town.

It was a miserable day for Thetford Town as they lost the battle of two Tier Six clubs 3-0 at home to Biggleswade United Reds. Nicola Henman scored a brace with Thea Black getting the other goal on the day for Biggleswade United.

Above: Fakenham Town celebrate their late winner by Chloe Gravett as they defeated Kings Lynn Town in the Eastern Region Plate Cup on Sunday. Credit: Fakenham Town FC

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Leaders Caisters game at home to Aylsham was postponed just two hours before kick-off as Aylsham were unable to raise a side.

That meant Mulbarton Wanderers Development had the chance to go back top and they did it with a narrow 1-0 win at North Walsham Town thanks to a goal from Alice Smith. 

With Bungay Town not in action, Sprowston seized the opportunity to jump up to third with a 4-3 win at Long Stratton. Lois Wright scored a brace with Rosie Milligan and Mollie O’Callaghan scoring the other two goals for Sprowston. Lucy Eagle scored a brace for Long Stratton and Elisha Bower got their other goal. 

Costessey Sports and University of East Anglia shared the points in an entertaining 1-1 draw. Freya Tyack had given Costessey Sports the lead but Natasha Harvey equalised for UEA with a fantastic header.

In the days final Tier Seven game Kings Lynn Soccer Club beat Thorpe St Andrew 2-0 thanks to goals from Elizabet Puckova and Jordan Turner.

Above: Action from the match between Costessey Sports (Red) and University of East Anglia (Blue) where the points were shared in a 1-1 draw. Credit: Darrell Allen

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two 

The top four at the beginning of the day Bure Valley, Stalham Town, Mundford and Beccles Town Development all had their games postponed as Horsford Harriers, Freethorpe, Martham and Red Rose were all unable to field sides against the Championship contenders.

In the three remaining games that did take place in Tier Eight, Shrublands moved up to 4th above Beccles Town Development with a 7-0 win at home to Great Yarmouth Town, Rachel Adams and Hannah Halfnight scored braces each with Chloe Bailey, Amy Durdin and Ruby Timms scoring the other three goals.

FC Viking Valkyries sit 6th after a 6-0 win at South Walsham Lingwood with a Hat-Trick from Charlotte Kenny, a  brace from Leah Walthew with the other scored by Carla Blundell.

Waveney were 5-1 winners at home to Horsford Hurricanes thanks to a brace from Chloe Dobson. Molly Grint, Maria Palmer and Lillie Tibble scored the other goals for Waveney. The Horsford Hurricanes goal was scored by Ellie Bushell.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One 

Left Field had Brogan O’Grady to thank for the only goal of the game as they beat Dussindale and Hellesdon 1-0.

Taverham were 4-0 winners at Loddon United thanks to a goal each from Kiera Braithwaite, Lauren Charles, Hannah Parker and Amelia Nelson. 

The matches between Mulbarton Wanderers and Rockland as well as the game between Horsford and Waveney were both postponed.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two 

FC Viking Valkyries were 14-0 winners over Bulldogs thanks to Kiara Thrower scoring four, Kayleigh Ellwood and Lisa Ferdani getting a hat-trick each and the other four were scored by Jane Diver, Cate Moore, Tilly Thrower and Sarah Morris.

Hockering were 1-0 winners at home to Aylsham thanks to a goal from Laura Rushby. 

The game between University of East Anglia and Yarmouth FC was postponed. 

Above: Kings Lynn Town (Pictured) were beaten 3-2 at Fakenham Town on Sunday but their upbeat and positive attitude to their season continues to win them respect across Norfolk and beyond. Credit: Stuart Cobb

Millwall Lionesses win again! 

Ashford Ladies 1-2 Millwall Lionesses

By Myles Thornton 29/1/24

Above: Above: Poppy Payne (orange) winning a battle with the Ashford attacker (green). Photo: Ashford United Ladies FC

Millwall Lionesses won their 6th league game of the season on Sunday afternoon as they defeated 8th place Ashford United. 

Co-managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland made 5 changes to the side that defeated QPR in the Capital Cup, Wiktoria Gmiterek, Mellissa Jones, Clementine Young, Shannan Drewe, and Chloe Burr dropped out and were replaced by Chrissie Wiggins, Ella Bailey, Jordan Butler, Emma Whitter and new signing Madison Grandys.  

The Lionesses were dominant from the start, and only 4 minutes in, Emma Whitter fired the ball into the box and debutant Madison Grandys was inches away from opening the scoring, but her header hit off the crossbar.  

Sophie Chapman was the next Lionesses player to hit the crossbar, but the ball was then cleared off the line. Ashford United then went straight up the other end, and Ella Roper’s effort went astray.  

The Lionesses’ constant pressure finally paid off though, as after 35 minutes, academy graduate Ellen Napper found the ball at her feet and took on a shot from long range which went flying into the back of the net. 

Then, just before the break, vice-captain Grace Seely doubled Millwall’s lead. Emma Whitter once again with a sublime ball into the area and Seely’s head caught the ball and she powered it into the goal. 

Ciara Watling came on to make her second Millwall debut alongside academy graduate Melissa Jones, as they replaced Ella Bailey and Ellen Napper. 

Ashford got one back with 30 minutes left to play, Abbey Davies whipped the ball into the area from a freekick, and Jade Steadman got on the end of it to head home. 

Maizi Garwood, who has 4 goals in her last 4 games, found the back of the net on 67 minutes but the linesman’s flag went up and the goal was ruled out for offside. 

That header wouldn’t be enough though as Millwall Lionesses triumphed through the rest of the game. 

After the game, co-manager Adam Rowland spoke to Maritime Radio’s Jeff Burnige and he said that he was “very pleased” with his side in the first half. However he then went on to say that the second half was “completely different” and said “it was like looking at a different side.” 

Next up for The Lionesses is a trip down the road to Dartford in the quarter final’s of the LSE Regional Women’s League Cup on February 4th.

Ashford United now have 2 weeks off, before they come up against Ebbsfleet United away in the league on Sunday February 11th.

Teams:

Millwall: Wiggins, Huseyin, Payne, Bailey, Butler (C), Chapman, Grandys, Seely, Whitter, Garwood, Napper. Subs: Bennett, Joyce, Paci, Watling, Jones.

Scorers: Ellen Napper 35’ Grace Seely 45’

Ashford: Not announced

Attendance: TBC

Australia’s Gorry and Grant enter the WSL

By Rachel Gore 26/1/24

Above: Charli Grant at her new home. Photo: Tottenham Hotspur

The January transfer window has brought numerous players to the WSL. Two of these players whose moves have attracted attention are Australian national team stars, Katrina Gorry and Charlotte (Charli) Grant, who had both previously been playing together in Sweden.

Over the summer the Australian women’s national team, nicknamed the Matildas, showed the world what they are capable of. The squad reached the semi-final of the Fifa women’s world cup that was held on their home turf.

Gorry and Grant, alongside Kyra Cooney-Cross, are often seen together on Australian national team camps. Therefore, it is only fitting that the pair have moved over to the WSL at the same time. They join Cooney-Cross who has been playing for Arsenal this season, having signed for the gunners in September 2023.

Katrina Gorry

Only a couple of months prior to their history making tournament last summer, a documentary aired on Disney Plus which gave an insight into the Australian team.

The episode which focused on Katrina Gorry and her journey back into the national squad, following the birth of her daughter Harper, was perhaps the most memorable.

In 2021 Gorry, nicknamed Mini by fans and teammates, gave birth to Harper and only a year later she returned to play for the Matildas, winning Player of the Match in her first game back.

At the beginning of January, Gorry completed her deal with West Ham, becoming their third signing of the 23/24 January transfer window.

The midfielder has over 100 caps for Australia and has joined West Ham following her departure from Swedish Damallsvenskan side Vittsjo GIK in November of 2023.

Prior to playing in Sweden, Gorry has played for clubs in Australia, the United States, Japan, Canada, and Norway. Her signing with West Ham marks the beginning of her first WSL stint. 

Speaking on her signing, Gorry said, “The Women’s Super League is the league everyone is speaking about at the moment.”

Playing in the WSL gives Gorry the chance to test her skills against some of the best players in the world, and there is no doubt that she will rise to the challenge.

She is a talented midfielder who made the starting eleven for her first game with West Ham on 14 January.

Not only is this move going to benefit Gorry, but it is certainly going to benefit the club which is currently fighting to prevent relegation. 

Rehanne Skinner, West Ham women’s first team manager, will be hoping that the addition of Gorry will lead her squad to win matches and earn points.

Aswell as this, Skinner’s squad is likely to notice an increase in fans and attention.

Gorry, and her daughter Harper, have won over the hearts of Matildas’ fans and West Ham included Harper throughout Gorry’s signing announcement.

Harper was seen sporting a West Ham kit in photos and has even been given a profile on Fantasy Football’s WSL app.

Seemingly, Gorry has immediately become a big part of the West Ham family.

Read Impetus71’s interview with Katrina Gorry here.

Charli Grant

Grant signed her contract with Tottenham Hotspur on 3 January and came on as a late substitute in the club’s second match of 2024, helping to maintain the team’s lead and securetheir 4-3 victory over West Ham.

So far, we have only seen Grant play a couple of minutes for Spurs, but her previous performances have led to excitement amongst fans. 

Like Gorry, Grant featured in the Australian World Cup squad over the summer. 

Grant, however, is younger than Gorry and is consequently less experienced. She is only 22 years old and made her debut for the Matildas in September 2021, scoring her first international goal just seven months later against England.Now, she has 21 caps for Australia. 

Grant’s professional career began in Australia when she signed for her hometown club, Adelaide United, making her debut at the age of 17. 

Then three years later, in 2021, the defender moved to Sweden to join Rosengard where she featured in 23 games. Following this, she joined Vittsjo GIK on loan in 2022. This move became permanent in August 2023.

Grant has signed with Spurs until 2026, meaning that if she stays for the duration of her contract, she will play at least three full seasons with the club.

As a young defender, experience in the WSL will be beneficial for Grant as she will face the challenge of playingagainst some of the most talented forwards. She will also have the opportunity to play in front of huge crowds in large stadiums.

Spurs currently sits in sixth position in the WSL table and the team will be hoping that the introduction of Grant can help them to end the season in the top five. 

Read Impetus71’s interview with Charli Grant here.

The Aussie takeover in the WSL

Gorry and Grant are two of fourteen Matildas currently playing in the English league – Arsenal is home to three of these players with Manchester City and West Ham both having two Matildas in their squads.

There are numerous reasons why these Matildas would want to play in the WSL; its dedicated fans and quality ballersmake it a league that is bringing stars from across the globe to England.

Gorry and Grant, two of the WSL’s most recent additions, are embarking on the opportunity of a lifetime.

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Wellington win despite Rylee’s red card

Wellington Phoenix 2-0 Canberra United

By Kieran Yap 28/1/24

Above: Wellington players mob Brianna Edwards after her penalty save. Photo Wellington Phoenix

A Marianna Speckmaier double and some heroics from Brianna Edwards gave Wellington Phoenix a 2-0 win against Canberra United and reversed a run of four straight losses.

The Nix were playing at home for the first time in over a month, but any hope that provided their fans was tempered by the absences of Michaela Foster and Mackenzie Barry. Canberra United arrived in Porirua looking to make amends after a last-minute defeat to Melbourne Victory in the previous round.

Zoe McMeeken was deployed at left back by Pheonix coach Paul Temple but spent the opening stages operating more as an out and out winger. Her direct running  brought the crowd the life early and created the home side’s first opportunity of the game. At the other end, Michelle Heyman was causing problems, and up against Tiana Jaber league’s greatest goal scorer was looking dangerous early.

In response to McMeekan’s attacks, Canberra United swapped their own fullbacks. Tegan Bertolissio and Sasha Grove switched flanks in an effort to unlock the latter’s attacking potential, and for much of the first half it was an even affair even if Wellington did provide the better highlights. Speckmaier’s nutmeg of Cannon Clough delighted the home crowd and her shot from the tight angle tested Chloe Lincoln who needed two grabs to snuff out the danger.

The opening goal arrived in the shadows of half time. Isabel Cox dissected the Canberra defence with a through ball to Speckmaier. The Venezuelan striker burst through and clipped her shot over Lincoln in a moment of poise and composure.

Speckmaier doubled the lead in the 52nd minute from a corner kick and The Pheonix appeared to be in cruise control, but a contentious red card to Rylee Foster barely 10 minutes later changed the momentum of the game. Most players an fans were confused at best when the Wellington goalkeeper was dismissed for an elbow into the stomach of Sofia Christopherson. That contact was made is undeniable, but whether it was forceful enough or intentional at all will be strongly debated.

When the confusion settled, Macey Fraser was withdrawn and Brianna Edwards entered the game. The substitute goalkeeper’s first task was to face a penalty from Maria Rojas. The save was celebrated like a goal as she dove to her right and pushed the ball away with two hands.

With The Phoenix players flooding back to preserve the score, Canberra had the opportunity to attack, although not the space. Long shots were blocked while Heyman and Rojas were both crowded out by the numbers of Wellington players behind the ball.

The comeback looked like a tall task for the visitors while the home side were spurred out by vocal support. Every clearance tackle and foul earned was greeted with rousing encouragement as the Nix edged toward a drought breaking win.

When the whistle went, it was a triumphant moment for Wellington. They had broken a four game losing streak and done It with a mix of panache and grit. In some ways this might be their most mature performance. They had to manage the game against one of the leagues most dangerous attacks, and do so with only 10 players on the pitch.

Next week, they are on the road again to face Newcastle in a winnable game, but they will hope that Mackenzie Barry returns to try and stop the likes of Sarina Bolden. Canberra United will host Melbourne City in what can only be described as a tough challenge.

Teams:

Wellington Phoenix 4-3-3: Foster (GK), Davidson, Jaber, Lake, McMeeken, Longo, Taylor, Fraser, Cox, Speckmaier, Breslin. Substitutes:  Edwards, Brazendale, Elliot, McMillan, Whinham.

Scorerer: Speckmaier 43’ 52’

Canberra United 4-2-3-1: Lincoln (GK), Grove, Clarke, Clough, Bertolissio, Jacksnon, Milivojevic, Murray, Whittall, Stanic-Floody, Heyman Substitutes: Rojas, Nathan, Chrisopherson, Piazza, Majstorovic.

Referee: Holly Godsell

Attendance: TBC

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Mariners win the F3 Derby in entertaining tussle

Newcastle Jets 0-2 Central Coast Mariners

By Ryan Miller-Woods 28/1/24

Above: The Central Coast Mariners hold aloft the F3 Derby trophy. Photo: Central Coast Mariners

In a highly entertaining F3 Derby that saw a combined 29 shots between the two sides, Central Coast Mariners have moved up to fifth on the A-League Women’s ladder after a well-deserved 2-0 win against Newcastle Jets.

Newcastle came close to scoring within the first minute thanks to a great run by Sarina Bolden. Her cross found Melina Ayres on the edge of the box, but the first-time shot just went wide.

Three minutes later, Rola Badawiya laid off an integral through ball for Wurigumula who seized the opportunity in front of goal. Her first-time shot put it past Isobel Nino and into the back of the net for the opening goal of the match.

Badawiya and Wurigumula have been really important signings for the Mariners in terms of their attack prowess this season and this goal personified that with the roles both players had in the end product.

Melindaj Barbieri almost equalised in the 11th minute for Newcastle from a free kick. Her delivery kept Sarah Langman honest who was forced to clear the ball away with a very good save that then went out for a corner. It would have been a great goal for Barbieri and the Jets had it been scored.

Seven minutes later, Central Coast came close to doubling their lead with Bianca Galic as her shot ricocheted off the post. Unlucky for both the Mariners and Galic that it didn’t go in.

Overall the first half an hour of the match was exactly what’s expected in an F3 Derby with end-to-end action, chances aplenty and excitement all round as neither team let up with how they both played.

In the first minute of stoppage time for the first half, Natasha Prior’s free kick for Newcastle went through the Central Coast defence and found Ayres in the box whose shot towards goal was denied via a great save by Langman.

Four minutes into the second half, Central Coast was once again unlucky not have doubled their lead. Peta Trimis made a great run into the box and slotted the ball across for Paige Hayward who’s first-time shot put the ball over the bar. Hayward probably would have wanted that opportunity back if it was possible.

In the 60th minute, Newcastle had another chance to equalise as Lauren Allan provided a cross for Ayres on the edge of the box. The first-time shot at goal went over the bar. In hindsight, Ayres probably could have taken more time to set up the shot at goal better for herself.

Twelve minutes later, Central Coast got their second goal of the match as Tiarna Karambasis provided an important through ball that found Hayward. She timed her moment and run as she controlled the ball and slotted it past Nino for her first goal of the season.

In the 83rd minute, Kyah Simon , made her long-awaited return to competitive football as she was substituted on for Trimis. It was her first competitive match since her ACL injury and first time she has been seen in the A-League since the 2020 Grand Final.

Ten minutes later, the Mariners had a great opportunity to have scored a third of the match as Annalise Rasmussen provided a great ball for Simon who then laid the ball off for Shadeene Evans, but the shot came off the crossbar.

Teams: Newcastle Jets (3-5-2): Nino, Cicco, Prior, Baumann, Gooch, Barberi, Davis, Copus-Brown, L. Allan, Bolden, Ayres. Substitutes: Rochaix, Wilson, Hoban, Hammond, Dundas..

Central Coast Mariners (3-4-1-2): Langman, Wardlow, Gomez, Irwin, Martin, Galic, Hayward, Bryson, Wurigumula, Badawiya, Trimis. Substitutes: Carmichael, Rasmussen, Simon, Karambasis, Evans.

Scorers: Wurigumula 4’, Hayward 72’.

Referee: Bec Mackie.

Attendance: TBC.

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