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Matildas see off Chinese Taipei to top group

Australia 3-0 Chinese Taipei

Report by Kelechi Osunwa, exclusive photo gallery from Kris Goman at HBF Park, Perth (1/11/23).

Above: Sam Kerr celebrates her goal against Chinese Taipei today. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Australia wrapped up top spot in their group for round two of the 2024 AFC Women’s Olympic qualifying stage and secured a spot in the playoffs after a professional 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei at HBF Park.

The Matildas were made to work for the win over the Mulans with all goals occurring deep into the second half after a spirited first-half display.

A long-range strike by Mary Fowler proved to be the catalyst and laid the platform for Sam Kerr to double the lead before substitute Tameka Yallop put the icing on the cake to make it 3-0.

While the Matildas were guaranteed to finish top of their group, barring an extraordinary 15-goal loss against the Chinese Taipei, there was added motivation for the team to secure the much-coveted number-one seed in the playoffs.

**Above:** Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Cheng Ssu-yu, who had an impressive game. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Their intent was evident from the first whistle with Chinese Taipei encamped at the edge of their box and Katrina Gorry striking the first shot in anger in the first five minutes. Mulans’ custodian Cheng Ssu-yu was kept busy in the opening stages saving the effort from Goory and then pushing away a Caitlin Foord effort from distance.

The Matildas increased the pressure and looked to exploit space on the wing with Fowler, Steph Catley, and Foord combining well on the left side. The trio often found themselves in great positions but Chen Ying-Hui and Wu Kia-Ching placed their body on the line to block several shots and crosses.

Australia’s best chance of the opening moments came from an in-swinging Catley corner that found the head of Alanna Kennedy. The defender did well to evade her marker and rose brilliantly to meet the ball but headed wide.

It was corners galore for the Matildas, and Fowler had guilt-edged opportunities from two of them. The first was when she reacted quickest to a half clearance from Ssu Yu’s punch, only to see her half volley cannoned off the cross and away to safety. The second came after a well-worked set-piece routine saw Catley lay the ball on a plate for Fowler only for the winger to snatch at the chance and blaze over.

Foord and Fowler combined to give the Matildas their best chance in open play. The two shifted the ball from the left and to find Gorry. But the midfield sent a tame effort straight to the grateful arms of Ssu-yu.

Australia kept knocking, and Taipei stood firm. While they lacked an outlet to relieve pressure, the Mulans’ defensive shape and scrambling cover kept them in the contest. The best example came from two point-blank blocks to deny Fowler.

**Above:** Kyra Cooney-Cross breaks through today against Chinese Taipei. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

After an incisive run into the box by Kyra Cooney-Cross, the ball broke to Fowler on the edge of the six-yard box. But the duo of Chiung-Ying and Ying-Hui reacted terrifically to block the initial shot and the follow-up.

Sam Kerr who, earlier had been named runner-up in the Ballon d’Or Féminin and crowed best player in Asia, remained subdued for much of the first half, headed over the bar from a good position to ensure that the two sides remained goalless at the break.

Kerr had the first chance of the second half with substitute Grant breaking the Chinese Taipei offside trap but Kerr seemed to get caught in two minds between controlling the ball and shooting first time. The striker’s indecision led to her doing neither and Ssu-Yu smothering the opportunity.

Ssu-Yu seemed to grow in confidence and became more commanding as she stopped a number of long-range efforts before rushing and reacting quickly to stop Kerr from latching onto a dangerous cross and frustrate Foord who looked to recreate her effort from the weekend when she skipped past one defender and shot from a tight angle only to be equalled by the Mulans’ custodian.

As Chinese Taipei remained resolute and disciplined it looked like it would take something spectacular to break the deadlock and it came from Fowler.

The forward controlled a cross-field pass before gliding infield and unleashing a right foot effort high into the far post and sending the home faithful into a frenzy.

**Above:** Mary Fowler (11) celebrates her goal that put The Matildas ahead today. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus.*

Kerr was able to double the Matildas’ lead with her last touch of the ball before being substituted. The tireless Foord beat her marker down the line and let in a low driven cross that Zhuo Li-Ping could only inadvertently deflect into the path of Kerr to tap home before walking off the pitch to a standing ovation from the home faithful.

Gorry nearly made it 3-0 after stealing the ball from a high press. The midfielder strode into the box and powered an effort that forced an outstanding full-stretch save from Ssu-yu to frustrate the midfielder once more.

Australia did eventually make it three when substitute Yallop got on the end of Amy Sayer’s pass to tap home. The goal owed much to the industrious effort of Foord who did well to hold off her marker and force a shot-come-pass across the Chinese Taipei goalmouth for Sayers to lay off to Yallop.

It finished 3-0 and while the Matildas will claim the win, points, and qualification, the Mulans’ head coach Chan Hiu Ming will be buoyed by the spirited nature of his team’s performance as they defended valiantly and attempted to play out the back whenever presented with the opportunity. He will be most pleased that Ssu-yu ensured the score remained respectable with some timely claims from crosses late in the game.

Job done for the Matildas as the result ensures that they finish as the highest ranked first place team and they will now go on to face Uzbekistan over two legs, first away on 24th February before the home leg four days later.

What is evident from the three fixtures here in Perth is that the Matildas have gone some way in improving their performances against deep-lying defences and will go into the next stage with added hopes of being their in Paris for the 2024 Olympics.

Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from HBF Park for Impetus

Still to come from HBF Park – further photo galleries from Rob Lizzi and Cat Bryant for Impetus.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-4-2): Arnold, Wheeler, Hunt, Kennedy, Catley, Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Fowler, Kerr, Foord. Substitutes: Williams, Nevin, Polkinghorne, Chidiac, Micah, Yallop, Sayer, Grant

Scorers: Fowler 62’, Kerr 68’, Yallop 76’.

CHINESE TAIPEI (5-4-1 ) Ying, Li-Ping, Hsiang-Huei, Yi-Yun, Yu-Hsuan, Ching, Chia-Ying, Yu-Chieh, Chi, Ssu-Yu, Ying-Hui. Substitutes: Yu-Ting, Wen-Chieh, Yi-Wen, Shin-Yu, Jin-Wen, Hsiu-Chin, Li-Chin, Fang-Yi, Hsin-Hui, Pi-Han, Chi-Lan.

Referee: Oh Hyeon Jeong

Attendance: 19,084.

Four points out of six for France against Norway in two Nations League encounters

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes France’s pair of UEFA Women’s Nations League matches Norway. First, away in Oslo, then at home in Reims (1/11/23).

Above: The France team that started their UEFA Nations League game in Oslo against Norway. Photo: Tim GUIGON / FFF.

Norway 1-2 France

Ullevaal Stadium, Oslo, Norway – 27th October

The first serious opportunity was for Norway in the fourth minute, but it was France who opened the scoring when a cross from Julie Dufour was diverted into her own net by Maren Mjelde twenty minutes later.

France suffocated Norway in midfield with a big press and dominated the first half with more than 60% of possession. The game was more equal at the beginning of the second half, and Norway got even by scoring on the hour by Marit Bratberg Lund who pushed the ball in after a mess in front of the goal.

The fact that Sakina Karchaoui tried too often to control the ball for too long instead of releasing it sooner did not help France to be dangerous in the first quarter of the second half. Thankfully for France, the Selma Bacha – Wendie Renard duo struck again; Bacha with the corner kick and Renard putting the ball home with a header to put France ahead on 69 minutes.

After their second goal, France took the game on and had several great opportunities to score. In the last 10 minutes, Norway players pushed more to try to get even, and they had several opportunities, but without being able to score.

**Above:** France’s Julie Dufour (15) in action in Oslo – she took the player of the match award on her first start for her country. **Photo:** Tim GUIGON / FFF.

Especially noteworthy was the very good performance of Julie Dufour, 22 years old, for her first selection as starter in the French team; she was involved in a lot of the most dangerous actions and delivered a decisive pass. Dufour was also elected best player of the match. A special mention for Wendie Renard who was captain for the 80^th time and she scored her 37^th goal for her 153^rd selection in France team.

Teams: NORWAY (4-4-2): Mikalsen, Lund, Harviken, Mjelde, Thorisdottir, Bjelde, Engen, Boe Risa, Maanum, Löfwenius, Haug. Substitutes: Saevik, Terland, Tandberg, Naalsund, Bizet Ildhusoy.

Scorers: Lund (60’).

FRANCE (4-3-3:) Picaud, Karchaoui, Renard, Mbock, De Almeida, Bacha, Henry, Geyoro, Dufour, Le Sommer, Diani. Substitutes: Becho, Toletti, Majri, Baltimore.

Scorers: Mjelde (23’ Own Goal), Renard (69’).

Referee: Rebecca Welch (ENG).

Attendance: 9,062.

France 0-0 Norway

Auguste Delaune Stadium, Reims, France – 31st October

France came close to opening the scoring on 25 minutes but Aurora Mikalsen, Norway’s goalkeeper, importantly saved Sandy Baltimore’s shot from distance. France had more than 60% of possession and five corners, but not with a lot of true opportunities.

France players put more speed in their play at the beginning of second half and had two opportunities in the first five minutes, which prompted another great save from Mikalsen in the 67^th minute, and, again France continued to push but Sandy Baltimore’s shot hit the post on 70 minutes.

There were a lot of inaccuracies in the French passing which prevented them from being more dangerous in front of the goal. There was another shot by Amandine Henry that hit the right-hand post in the 85th minute, and then the crossbar was found by Eugénie Le Sommer one minute later, but still no goal came for France. They had 22 shots with only five on target.

Teams: FRANCE (4-3-3): Picaud, Karchaoui, Renard, Mbock, De Almeida, Geyoro, Henry, Toletti, Dufour, Le Sommer, Baltimore. Substitutes: Diani, Lakrar, Becho, Bourdieu.

NORWAY (4-3-3): Mikalsen, Lund, Harviken, Mjelde, Bjelde, Saevik, Engen, Boe Risa, Löfwenius, Haug, Terland. Substitutes: Maanum, Hansen, Naalsund.

Referee: Kateryna Monzul (UKR).

Attendance: 13,000.

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Norfolk Weekend Wrap

Darrell Allen rounds up all the weekend’s games for Norfolk’s teams in 11-aside and seven-aside action, with Lucy Chen providing a detailed report of Norwich City’s FAWNL Cup trip to London Bees (31/10/23).

Above: Norwich City come together after their defeat at higher league London Bees on Sunday. Photo: Norwich City Women.

London Bees 2-0 Norwich City

by Lucy Chen at The Hive

Norwich City traveled to the capital on Sunday to take on London Bees in the first round of the FAWNL Cup.

Though one division below the hosts, the Canaries came into the game in top form, unbeaten across all competitions so far in the season. Manager Martin Herdman made a number of changes, with Ellie Smith among those returning to the lineup. Midfielder Millie Daviss came in at right back with Anna Larkins remaining in central defense and Hope Strauss in midfield. Kathryn Stanley and Olivia Cook were on the wings with Shannon Shaw up front.

Norwich City started off with their usual high-press approach but the hosts dealt with it well and managed to play out and create a number of chances.

In the 14^th minute, Smith picked up the ball and tried to drive forward but ran into traffic and lose possession. Two minutes later, the number 9 tried to look for Cook ahead of her but was crowded out by defenders once more. Smith is the Canaries’ creative hub and arguably most important player, and as she struggled to get into the game, so did City. Smith typically plays as a free 10, but she was deployed deeper in a box-to-box role next to Strauss, with Todd at 10.

The visitors used an asymmetrical buildup with Daviss often staying deeper as the third center-back while left-back Lauren Tomlinson given the freedom to push on. In 32^nd minute, for example, Tomlinson made a brilliant run down the left and fired in a cross that was cleared, and the Canaries mostly attacked down that flank with Strauss providing cover.

Daviss’ more conservative positioning meant that the Canaries were reliant on Smith getting on the ball deeper on the right and progressing play using her individual quality. But Smith is a technical player and lacks the engine to carry the ball over long distances while under pressure, and the deeper role prevented her from getting on the ball higher where she’s at her best.

Norwich sought to overload the left then switch to Cook on the right. Cook is a striker by trade and was asked to run in behind and get on the end of balls in from the left, but the number 23 had a frustrating half. The 38^th minute saw one of the many instances when she tried to get on the end of a switch but was beaten to it by defenders.

Bees’ centre-backs were composed on and off the ball and their ability to read the game and recover quickly meant that though the Bees’ defensive line was tested by the Canaries many times, it was never beaten. Two minutes later, Bees broke forward and Kayla Potter fired her shot off the crossbar into the net.

**Above:** Norwich City’s Shannon Shaw (left) in action against London Bees on Sunday. **Photo:** Norwich City Women.

City switched to a 3-4-1-2 for the second half with a back three of Strauss, Flye, and Larkins while the wings backs were giving full attacking license. Knights took up Smith’s earlier role of collecting the ball deep and progressing play and the Canaries’ midfield flowed better instantly.

Further changes just before the hour mark gave Norwich two natural wing backs while Morran anchoring the midfield allowed Smith to play as the 10 with Todd joining Lawrence in the front two. Momentum shifted and the Canaries pushed for the equalizer with more possession higher up the pitch and more chances being created.

In the 74^th minute, a promising ball in was slightly overhit. Six minutes later, Jess Harper – who’d come on for Tomlinson – received a switch on the left but her cross was cleared.

In the end, the hosts were the ones who found the back of the net again, with a screamer from well outside the box going into the top right corner in the 84^th minute. The Canaries looked to respond and Todd hit the crossbar less than a minute later. A well-struck free kick Harper came close in the 89^th minute but in the end, Norwich City simply could not score.

With a 2-0 defeat, the Canaries are out of the League Cup in their first defeat of the season. They will play Impetus partner club Ashford Town (Middx) at The Nest next on the 5^th November.

Teams: LONDON BEES: Webber, Charles, Tonkin, Jarvis, Baigent, Nassar (Tilbury 86), Potter (Nee-Chambers 86), Cullum, Bensted (Fonseca 86), O’Leary (Munnelly 77), Rose-Dyer (Huntrods 65).

Scorers: Potter 41′, Bensted 85′

NORWICH CITY: Quantrill, Daviss (Knights 58), Larkins, Flye, Tomlinson (Harper 73), Strauss, Smith, Stanley (Lawrence 45), Cook (Parker 45), Todd, Shaw (Morran 58).

Norfolk Wrap

Eastern Region Premier Division

**Above:** Lara Densley being presented her Player of the Match award by Wroxham Chairman James Blower after their 1-0 win over Haringey Borough. **Photo:** Wroxham FC.

An 86th-minute winner from Lara Densley saw Wroxham secure a 1-0 win over Haringey Borough. King’s Lynn Town were defeated 1-0 at St. Albans City as Becky Shephard scored for the hosts.

Eastern Region Division One North

Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers’ fine season continued as they defeated Histon 3-0 thanks to goals from Tallulah Bell, Rosie George, and Abby Hutchin. Fakenham Town picked up a point at Stevenage Development with a 1-1 draw. Shelley Woods scored for Fakenham with Ella Mercer scoring for Stevenage Development.

FA Cup Third Qualifying Round

Goals from Katie Fray and Kamile Omeleviciute saw Thetford Town beat Lawford 2-1 to reach the First Round Proper whilst Cate Jackson scored for Lawford. Thetford will now host Enfield Town in the next round on 12th November.

**Above:** Action from the match between St Albans City (yellow) and King’s Lynn Town. **Photo:** Stuart Cobb.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Mulbarton Wanderers Development lead the division after a comfortable 3-0 win over the University of East Anglia which saw Charlotte Groves score a brace and Megan Anderton get their other goal.

Caister remain unbeaten following a 3-1 win at Costessey Sports. Hazel Saddington, Bethany Turner, and Paige Samwell scored for Caister with Lauren Monument finding the net for Costessey Sports.

King’s Lynn Soccer Club and Bungay Town shared the points in a 2-2 draw, Ellie Panks and Leeanne Smith scoring for Lynn with Lauren Goulder and Ruby Roos Bungay Town’s scorers.

North Walsham Town were 4-2 winners over Thorpe St. Andrew thanks to two goals from Lucy Taylor and other goals from Kiera Brown and Violet Rayner. Thorpe St. Andrew had Sarah Rooke and an own goal to thank for their goals.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Beccles Town Development were 5-3 winners over Bure Valley thanks to a brace from Saffron Jones-Yates and other goals from Mia Wilson, Lola Brewster, and Millie Reeve. Emma Macmillan found the net twice for Beccles with Maisie Redhead getting their other goal.

Cerys Nicholas scored four as FC Viking Valkyries beat Great Yarmouth Town 8-1. Their other four goals came thanks to a brace from Charlotte Kenny and one each from Tillie Thrower and Ellie Jarmy. Lucie Morley scored for Great Yarmouth Town.

Horsford Harriers beat Martham 3-0 courtesy of two from Amelia Buck and one from Ella Kreuz. A hat-trick apiece from Bethany Freestone and Maisie Nichols saw Horsford Hurricanes take a 6-1 win at South Walsham Lingwood with Gemma Burwood scoring for the hosts.

**Above:** Costessey Sports put in another promising performance against Caister but were beaten 3-1. **Photo:** Ben Cunningham.

Rachel Adams scored twice and Samantha Burgess got the other as Shrublands were 3-1 winners at home to Red Rose. Chelsea Godden scored for the visitors. Emma Gillespie and Amber Mayhew were the goalscorers in Shrublands’ 2-0 win over Mundford. To complete a busy day of Tier Eight action, Lily-Ann Marples and Kiera Squires both scored as Freethorpe won 2-0 at Waveney.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division One

Dussindale and Hellesdon were 8-0 winners over Waveney thanks to six goals from Helen Finn with Alice Walker and Corrina Brock getting their other goals. Elizabeth Moulton scored twice as Horsford beat Taverham 2-1. Hannah Parker scored for Taverham.

Left Field were 3-1 winners over Rockland through goals from Joanne Baxter, Ruth Howes and Meadbh Flynn. Mulbarton Development beat Loddon United 11-0. Joanne Hooper and Alice Ladbrooke scored a hat trick each with Julia Robathan and Molly Ryan adding two each, whilst the other goal came from Eloise Peek.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division Two

The University of East Anglia were 5-0 winners at Yarmouth FC. Cawston and Hockering shared the points in a 2-2 draw.

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Australia v Philippines Photo Gallery Two

Impetus had Kris Goman pitch side at Optus Stadium to capture this excellent set of images from Australia’s Olympic qualifier with the Philippines (31/10/23).

Above: Ellie Carpenter (centre) shows her delight after Sam Kerr scores for The Matildas. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

To view Rob Lizzi‘s photo gallery from the game for Impetus click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/10/30/australia-v-philippines-photo-gallery/

To read Kelechi Osunwa‘s match report from Optus Stadium for Impetus click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/10/29/home-town-hero-kerr-bags-hat-trick-as-red-hot-matildas-destroy-philippines/

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!

Young Lionesses overcome Portugal challenge

England U23 2-0 Portugal U23

Impetus had Aimee Reynolds in the press box and Lucy Atherton pitch side on photography duty to provide the best possible coverage from the Manchester City Academy Stadium last night (31/10/23).

Above: England’s Ruby Mace looks to challenge her Portuguese opponent Ana Teles (20). Photo: Lucy Atherton for Impetus.

Jess Naz’s goal early in the second half set England on the way to an important win over Portugal last night in Manchester.

During the first half, Emma Coates’ Young Lionesses dominated possession with a few early chances. One of these was in the tenth minute, when Aston Villa’s summer signing Ebony Salmon went close after defender Poppy Pattinson neatly slotted it through the middle.

While England were the more attacking side, Portugal did have a few chances, meaning Southampton’s Kayla Rendall needed to stay alert to keep the ball out of the back of the net, commanding her area comfortably. In the final few minutes of the half Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones had a brilliant chance but sadly the final shot wasn’t executed to plan.

**Above:** Katie Robinson warming up for the Young Lionesses last night. She would leave the field before half-time due to injury. **Photo:** Lucy Atherton for *Impetus*.

In the last minute of the half, Katie Robinson got subbed off due for 23-year-old Jessica Naz after going down a few minutes prior and sustaining an injury. Having left the pitch for treatment she was then unable to continue which left Coates’ side vulnerable for a while. The break saw both teams going in goalless.

Seconds after play resumed in the second half Tottenham Hotspur’s young forward Naz scored after a lovely ball round from Sheffield United’s Tara Bourne went past Portugal’s strong backline, making it 1-0 to the home team. Naz made a difference throughout the half giving the Lionesses that extra push they lacked in the first half. Then 41 minutes into the second half, Charlton Athletic’s Kiera Skeels scored a superb header after mixed play in the box during the 76th minute.

In the final 20 minutes of the second half, the Young Lionesses created multiple chances giving Carolina Viloa much to do protecting the net. Beartriz Teixeira’s side proceeded to get more frustrated as it went on as the play began to get even more scrappy with the added four minutes.

After the game, 20-year-old Beever-Jones spoke to the media about her chances which saw her hitting the crossbar and post multiple times stating: “It just wasn’t my day today but I’m proud of the others on the scoresheet.” She was also questioned alongside Coates about Lioness head coach Sarina Wiegman saying: ”We play every game thinking she’s watching us so we are always aiming to perform the best we can.”

Lucy Atherton’s photo gallery from the Academy Stadium for Impetus:

Teams: ENGLAND: Rendall, Morris, Pattinson, Mace, Skeels, Bourne, Robinson, Bo Kearns, Beever-Jones, Blinkilde Brown, Salmon. Substitutes used: Naz (for Robinson 45+1), Gregory (for Salmon 62’), Pike (for Pattinson), Kendall (For Blinkilde-Brown).

Scorers: Naz 46′, Skeels 76′.

PORTUGAL: Vilao, Rodriguez, Moreira, Almeida, Alagoa, Barboz, Quieiros, Areia Santos, J. Silva, I. Silva, Teles. Substitutes used: D.Santos (for Barboz 76), Teles (for M.Silva 88)

Referee: Pheobe Cross.

Attendance: 1,449.

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!

Pete Rakic on Perth SC’s season and what the future holds

Impetus‘ Ben Gilby speaks exclusively to Pete Rakic who led a Perth SC side riddled by injuries to the best NPLW WA season in their history, and his exciting plans for 2024 (31/10/23).

Above: Pete Rakic, who led Perth SC to the most successful campaign in the club’s history. Photo: Rob Lizzi.

Pete Rakic is a highly respected head coach in the Western Australia women’s football scene. His Perth SC side suffered a horrific run of injuries during the 2023 season, with players having to step into unfamiliar positions and a plethora of youngsters given a chance, he guided his team to the most successful campaign in their NPLW WA history.

Runners-up in the league and a place in the Top Four Cup Final despite a host of regular players being on the sidelines followed a hugely impressive start to the season when full strength which saw the team lift their first-ever silverware in coming from behind to defeat Perth RedStar on penalties in the pre-season Night Series Cup Final.

Asked about his overarching emotions on the season just finished at the Dorrien Gardens club, Rakic said: “It was a tiring one. I think as a team we collectively feel exhausted by it and I feel like that’s the best way of putting it. While I feel frustrated about the circumstances we had to endure, I’m also proud of the achievement with second place in both the league and the Top Four Cup.”

**Above:** Pete Rakic with the Night Series Cup won after a superb comeback against Perth RedStar. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi.

Looking back on that Cup Final success, Rakic reflected that it showed what a full-strength Azzurri side could have achieved: “We had multiple players fighting for spots in the starting 11 so having that competition each week raised the standards immensely, and there was evidence of that in the second half performance (in the Top Four Cup Final when Perth SC came from behind), it wasn’t just the desire to win, individuals had the desire to prove a point.”

He went on to say: “Some of the new faces in the team took a little longer to get comfortable but I could see progress each week, and we saw the potential in the squad after the first few rounds which stretched an unbeaten run of games to 11 including the Night Series. For me, this demonstrated how ready we were to put up a title challenge.

Perth SC’s NPLW WA campaign began with a succession of home games due to their Dorrien Gardens stadium being used as a World Cup training base, and FIFA requiring sole possession of it before and during the tournament. Whilst Rakic does not believe their front-loaded home schedule adversely impacted their season too much, he does point to more instances of the team playing on pitches where the size and condition are variable as it “always seems to dictate the flow of the game and our intentions with the ball.”

Then the injuries struck with just about every senior, regular player missing game time during the campaign. It was the stuff of nightmares for any head coach, and ultimately something that Rakic puts down to sheer bad luck.

“A lot of the injuries that were suffered this year were totally innocuous, I think it would be very different if it were repetitive soft tissue damage, then we’d have to start analysing player loads more, but this wasn’t the case. Take Abbey Meakins for example, a ball was kicked into her wrist during a training session which ended her season – it’s just something we couldn’t even avoid at that point and she became the fourthplayer to undergo surgery, soon to be five when Jaime Duncanson starts her long recovery from an ACL rupture on the last day of the regular season.”

**Above:** In charge on the touchline – Pete Rakic. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi.

Added to the injury crisis were the usual instances of player unavailability due to a combination of demands outside of football and selection for representative football. The challenges were never-ending for Rakic and naturally ended up impacting results.

“The consistency with our results circles back around to player availability and the injuries. This obviously comes back on me as a coach as well, when it came to matchday selection, I felt as though my hands were tied for a lot of it. Losing players so often meant so many reshuffles, not only with players in the first team but also our under 21’s, so not having any fresh legs coming off the bench to make an impact was a big turning point in our season.”

In hugely difficult situations, Rakic’s Perth players stepped up to the plate. Young Ella Lincoln took the captain’s armband and flourished, and countless players were forced into playing in unfamiliar positions. These are all aspects that last season’s Perth SC head coach looks back on with pride.

“The mentality to keep grinding out results and determination to win was something I couldn’t fault, it quickly became a ‘nothing to lose’ type attitude. As you mentioned, some of the players who were needed in multiple positions had to make sacrifices for the team, and it didn’t go unnoticed. It was pleasing for me to see the recognition they received from their teammates for these performances, and it will directly reflect on our season award winners.”

Finishing second in the NPLW WA in the face of a strong challenge from talent-stacked Fremantle City and Hyundai NTC sides was a fine achievement, and Rakic was full of praise for the efforts of both teams.

**Above:** Making a point – Pete Rakic. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi.

“They appeared to have their own struggles like we did, so consistency in their results was also another factor in the race for the Top Four. NTC having the (National) NTC Challenge mid-season is always going to be tough, it’s such a big spike in player loads and then returning back home to chase wins in rescheduled fixtures is another thing that’s difficult to manage, but overall their finish in the top four, State Cup win and the abundance of A-League Women contracts that were earned by their players goes to show a very successful season for (head coach) Ben Anderton and his young group.

“Fremantle on the other hand have always been such a powerhouse of a team and they have so much potential to be fighting for silverware. They’ve proven to be a very physical team which makes it quite hard to play against, and with a number of very influential individuals that drive their quality in big matches, it’s always something to be wary of. I think we’ll see them forever being a nuisance in the race for the Top Four, and if they continue to attract players like Abbey Green, maybe one day we’ll see them pushing for that title.”

With Perth SC continuing to achieve the wins that they needed to secure second spot, their Top Four Cup campaign, already going to be a tough one due to the injuries suddenly became even tougher due to having players called up to the State Schoolgirls squad who were playing during the same period as the season-ending NPLW Finals. Rakic admits that their Top Four campaign effectively ended up being played by a group of players who had simply run out of juice.

“It probably showed our season in a nutshell. We had our moments, and this is where any game can turn on its head, but to beat Perth RedStar (NPLW WA league champions and eventual Top Four Cup winners) you have to be on top of your game for the full 90. With such an experienced side, they capitalise so well on mistakes and they punish you for it, this was, unfortunately, our fate on the day. But it’s a huge congrats to them for winning the double in back-to-back seasons, because without RedStar, who else would we be chasing?

“I’m always happy to reach a final, but the girls deserve a better chance. I hope one day the format is changed and we aren’t seeing a finalist play three games in six days. They’ve fought for 21 games already just to be there, so they’re owed better conditions to finish their season off, not just for the possibility of winning silverware, but also for the display of quality women’s football.”

With the season over, and post-campaign reflections made, Rakic and Perth SC have parted company. Yet such is the esteem that the coach is held in, he has very quickly been given a new role as head coach of Balcatta Etna in the NPLW WA.

**Above:** Grindleford Reserve, home of Balcatta Etna, Pete Rakic’s new club. **Photo:** Ben Gilby.

Reflecting on what attracted him to the position at Grindleford Reserve, Rakic told me: “It’s the prospect of coaching a club that has such a burning desire to achieve great things together, it’s always been quite clear with how they’ve presented themselves on the pitch.

“The backroom staff behind the program have also made their ambitions and intentions quite clear which have aligned with visions of my own. I’m thoroughly looking forward to another firm challenge and working with the football operations staff to help drive this team in an upwards direction.”

Balcatta have long been a club with real potential in the NPLW WA but have never quite yet managed to put together the consistent challenge for a top-four place that their team on paper could have done. Their new head coach believes that with an examination of the team’s playing style and boosting an already solid squad, that potential could finally be reached.

“While I do agree that previous squads have had huge potential and some really exciting individuals, I feel as though there’s always much more to consider, with the football that’s being played on the park being a big factor.

“Every coach has their view on how they want the game to be played, so I hope to bring a style of football to the club that asserts more control on the pitch, and in turn, I’m confident this will create a team that performs more consistently. With a strong focus on building on what’s already established, I also hope to create a very competitive environment with competition for spots in all areas of the squad, I’ve always believed that is imperative for success.”

**Above:** Peter Rakic (right) is welcomed by Balcatta Etna as their new NPLW WA head coach for the 2024 season. **Photo:** Balcatta Etna FC.

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“I can’t speak any higher of what JMF does for our First Nations people” – Allira Toby on the work of John Moriarty Football

To mark Impetus’ charity partners John Moriarty Football’s Indigenous Football Week, Kieran Yap spoke to former A-League Women striker Allira Toby about her work with the organisation (31/10/23).

Above: Allira Toby (middle) with Shay Evans and Jada Whyman at the Moriarty Cup Charity Football Tournament. Photo: John Moriarty Football.

She’s an A-League premiership winner, one of Australia’s best forwards, and has played in Europe, but Allira Toby’s contributions to the sport do not end on the field.

The former Canberra United, Brisbane Roar, Adelaide United and Sydney FC striker is also an Indigenous Football Australia Council Member which oversees John Moriarty Football (JMF.) She spoke to Impetus about her work at the JMF for Indigenous Football Week.

Toby is a Kanolu/Gangulu woman who has been working with JMF for many years now. During Covid lockdowns, she helped deliver online workshops for young players alongside Gema Simon and Jada Whyman. She also participated in an online discussion with John Moriarty, Shadeene Evans, and Whyman about gender equality in football. Her legacy off the pitch is matching her talents on it, and JMF allows her to help Australia’s young First Nation footballers forge a pathway into the sport and through life.

“My role at JMF is essentially to provide support for all of our scholarship holders in Sydney and to provide support to the JMF team wherever they need me,” Toby told Impetus. Being there for whatever they need and whatever we need to do for them. “I’ve gained about three kids in the past few months. On a day-to-day basis, it’s checking in when we need and speaking to host families. At the moment it’s been a lot of planning for school holidays and going home.”

During the football season, Toby works closely with the elite players to ensure a smooth transition from their often remote communities to the realities of Sydney life.

“At the minute a lot of my time is organizing their life and what’s happening next, that’s pretty much what a lot of the day-to-day stuff is. I think for First Nations people, being on Country and community, being with your people is so important.

“I think for them it’s just a struggle being away from family. Two of our scholars are 14 so for them it’s just a big life adjustment in general. Some of them do come from rural or smaller communities.

“The biggest challenge is making them feel like they are comfortable here and providing support because they do miss their families and being back home.”

Toby is an ideal person to help guide the members of the scholarship program. She was discovered almost by chance playing in a high school game in Ipswich, Queensland, and was eventually signed to Adelaide United by the age of 19.

“I always wanted to play football. My dad used to play and I literally grew up around football. There was the A-league at that time. I knew that The Matildas were there, I knew there was a league in Australia.

“Back when I first started to where it is now, its wild how much it has grown and improved. it’s nice to know, looking back to when I started my career to now there is actually the proper chance to make a living out of football in Australia.”

Football is a sport that is played in almost every corner of the world and in all parts of Australia, but at the top domestic level, there are still few Indigenous footballers.

“First Nations peoples definitely are underrepresented at all levels within football.” agrees Toby.

“It’s always hard to pinpoint one issue, but in a way, I do believe it is just the lack of opportunity within Australia. Wanting to play football in Australia is wildly expensive, and half the time First Nations people really can’t afford to be paying a couple of grand out of pocket to play a season of football.

“It’s a mix of everything so I think it comes back to how expensive football is to play at grassroots level and just the lack of opportunity and funding given to First Nations people.

“It is hard in a sense because the exposure and funding here is nowhere near the funding that other sports have in Australia. It just makes it harder all round when there’s a number of things that can be and should be improved for football here in Australia.

“I can’t speak any higher of what JMF does for our First Nations people. We work in 19 different rural and remote communities within Australia. We provide that support. We give them football clinics and provide a hot meal and all of that … I don’t think there is another foundation that does what JMF does.”

The grassroots and elite work done by John Moriarty Football helps ensure that young players do not fall through the cracks, and provides opportunity where it is most needed.

At the very top level, The Matildas are having an impact. At the Tokyo Olympics, Australia’s most beloved sporting team carried the First Nations flag onto the pitch and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup allowed the whole world to experience the Welcome to Country.

“I think there’s a massive impact,” say Toby of the public stance of the national team.

“I think it goes to show that the game has come a long way here in Australia. It also goes to show that people like The Matildas, they do have that respect, and they want to have the awareness for First Nations culture. I think it has a great impact because it does go to show that our little kids and the children are wanting to grow up and make a life out of sport or just in general.”

Allira Toby and John Moriarty Football are doing the work every day, but the rest of Australia’s football community can help too. It is in the national and sporting interest to give everyone a chance to succeed.

At the elite level, there could be untold numbers of undiscovered footballing jewels. On a social level, football can build community and give young players a sense of commitment and fun. Currently, more than 2200 children in 20 schools and 18 remote communities receive JMF coaching. The program has a documented track record of improving school behaviour and attendance. Beyond that, it offers the chance for kids as young as two, to fall in love with the world game.

Toby says that there are numerous ways for the larger football community to help. “Having the investment in First Nations football and having the awareness of culture, respecting it and becoming aware of all foundations like JMF.

“Giving them funding in order to do what we want to do which is provide a better life for remote communities and provide opportunities for kids that can break into football and take it to the next level.”

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!

Millwall breeze past Crawley

Millwall Lionesses 4-0 Crawley AFC

by Myles Thornton at St. Paul’s Sports Ground.

Above: Millwall winger Shannan Drewe, who opened the scoring for the Lionesses yesterday. Photo: Tom West Photography.

Millwall Lionesses continued their excellent recent form by defeating Crawley AFC comfortably in the tier five London and South East Regional Premier.

The home side came into this game on the back of a 13-0 win over Margate in the FA Cup last weekend and sat seventh in the league on 10 points. Conversely, Crawley were bottom of the league after losing all seven games they’ve played.

There were some good chances early on in the game, the first one came two minutes in. Liv McGregor put the ball in and found Emma Whitter in front of goal, but the defender cleared her effort.

Crawley then had a chance on five minutes, Ella Bale brought down on the edge of the area, it fell to Ellie Pace who took the shot on but it just went over the bar.

Millwall finally got a goal though and the deadlock was finally broken after 38 minutes. McGregor put a ball in and found the waiting Shannan Drewe at the back post who headed in the opener.

Ten minutes into the second half, Drewe put a good ball in, there was a scramble in the box before Chloe Burr got the ball over the line despite claims from the Crawley defence that it didn’t go in but the assistant referee was sure it did.

Millwall nearly made it 3-0 on 60 minutes, Drewe’s really good effort was saved by Graves, Crawley’s goalkeeper. They came close once more with just under 15 minutes remaining as Whitter drove down the right hand side, passed it to Drewe whose effort was saved.

With just over 10 minutes left, Jones made it three. Drewe once again doing well on the left wing, playing the ball in for Jones to tap it in.

Millwall got another one minute afterwards. Emel Huseyin played in Whitter whose shot was saved by Graves but she couldn’t hold onto it and Ellen Napper was there to tap in a fourth.

The Lionesses move up to fifth in the table, and are next in action on Wednesday away to Enfield Town at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium.

Teams: MILWALL LIONESSES: Wiggins, Poole, Huseyin, Bailey, Chapman, Payne, McGregor, Seely, Whitter, Drewe, Burr. Substitutes: Jones, Napper, Bennett, Joyce, Connell.

Scorers: Drewe (38’), Burr (51’), Jones (79’), Napper (82’).

CRAWLEY AFC: Graves, B. Humphrey, Lazenby, Higham, Williams, McCarthy, Pace, MacDonnell, Bale, Chapman, Page. Substitutes: Martin, Phillips, O. Humphrey, Morris.

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Dons down Worthing to go clear at the top

AFC Wimbledon 5-0 Worthing

by Isabelle Rogerson – AFC Wimbledon (30/10/23).

Above: AFC Wimbledon’s hat trick hero Ellie Dorey (22) celebrates with her team mates yesterday after a goal against Worthing. Photo: Emily Topping.

The Dons put in a stellar second-half performance, as they put five goals past promotion rivals Worthing to increase their lead at the top of the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East with a game in hand.

The first chance of the game fell to the Dons inside the first five minutes. Ashlee Hincks stood over the free kick, and sent it into the box, but it was beyond Ashleigh Goddard at the far post.

A lack of concentration at the back of the Dons defence gifted the away side a golden chance to take the lead, but they couldn’t find the right finish.

There was some brilliant play down the left-hand side by Hincks as she stormed towards the box. The number nine put in a fantastic ball that fell at the feet of two Dons players, but some strong last-ditch defending from the visitors prevented the ball from hitting the back of the net.

Faye Baker had a busy first half in goal, as she pulled out some excellent stops to deny the away side the opening goal. It was an even first 30 minutes.

Hannah Billingham was the closest to opening the scoring for the Dons, as her effort rattled off the crossbar, just on the stroke of half-time, but it remained goalless at the break.

Sensational strike from Ellie Dorey!✨⚽️#AFCW #AFCWWomen #FAWNL pic.twitter.com/kL4l9Tv5iN
— AFC Wimbledon Women (@afcw_women) October 29, 2023

The second half started as the first half ended, evenly matched. That was until Ellie Dorey stepped up with a sensational strike from 30 yards out to give the Dons the lead.

The Dons started to ramp up the pressure in the second half. The team won a free kick outside the area, as they searched for a second goal. Hincks stepped up to take the set piece, and Dorey was there to head the ball home past the keeper! It was two for Dorey, and two for the Dons.

Once Wimbledon started scoring, they just couldn’t stop, and neither could Dorey. Hincks got another assist as she slid the ball into the box and Dorey was in the right place at the right time to complete her hat-trick.

Not long after being introduced, substitutes Hannah Mackenzie and Sandra Soares Martins combined beautifully to make the score 4-0 to the Dons. Mackenzie sent a lovely, chipped ball through to Soares, who made no mistake in front of goal.

Just before the final whistle, after a fine pass from Molly Childerhouse, Soares Martins got herself on the scoresheet again.

Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Brooks, Mann, Highman, Hincks, Childerhouse, Donovan, Billingham, Dorey, Goddard. Substitutes: Mackenzie, Gibson, Soares Martins, Porter, Allen,

Scorers: Dorey 48′, 62′, 74′. Soares Martins 87′, 90+4′.

WORTHING: Dolbear, Young, Blakely, Palmer, Scott, Rowe, Winchester, Andersson, Humphrey, Worsfold, Linscer. Substitutes: Bell, Glass-Oliver, Morris, Bridge, Dolding.

Attendance: 1,084.

Scottish Weekend Wrap

from Tom Freeman (30/10/23).

Above: Lauren Sloan scoring for Ayr United (white and black) against Dryburgh Athletic yesterday. Photo: Russel Hutcheson / Sportpix.

SWF Championship

Ayr United, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and East Fife all came from behind to maintain their recent form in the SWF Championship, while leaders Rossvale won convincingly at home to stay top.

Early goals from Kiah Irvine and Derrian Gollan put Dryburgh Athletic in the driving seat in Cumnock before Ayr United’s Lauren Sloan scored either side of halftime to level things up. Kimberly Dick slotted home a penalty for Ayr on 55 minutes to take the points and stay second in the Championship table, behind a Rossvale side who won 4-0 at home against Edinburgh City with Impetus sponsored Lauren Coleman on the scoresheet.

Third-placed Inverness Caledonian Thistle found themselves behind in only seven minutes at Westdyke in Aberdeen as Lyndsey Brown scored for the home side, but the Highlanders shrugged off the challenge and poor weather to run out 5-3 winners with a brace for Betty Ross and goals from Julia Scott, Kayleigh Mackenzie, and Iona Macarthur.

Goals from Niomi Lind and Georgia Park looked to spark a Westdyke recovery around the 70-minute mark, but Inverness recovered to take control back.

East Fife also found themselves behind early on as Hutchison Vale scored their first goals of the campaign, but spearheaded by former Hutchie captain Angyl Learmonth, the Fifers ran out 5-2 winners.

An audacious chip from Jaya Gill doubles Rossvale’s lead in the #SWFChampionship pic.twitter.com/MrP2jUaaNN
— SWF Championship (@SWFChampionship) October 29, 2023

In the Renfrewshire derby, Renfrew Ladies moved up to fourth with a dominant 5-0 away win over Morton through Claire Rae, Sinead Macleod, Erin Gould, and Emma Paterson.

SWF League One

A postponement to BSC’s match against league leaders Edinburgh Caledonia due to a waterlogged pitch allowed Forfar Farmington to reclaim the top spot with a 5-1 victory over Giffnock Soccer Centre at home, while Falkirk strengthened their grip on third with a 5-0 victory over Airdrie Ladies.

Bonnyrigg Rose and Stenhousemuir also moved up the table, beating Dundee West 6-2 and Queen of the South 2-0 respectively.

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