In the first of two exclusive photo galleries to come on the site from the Olympic qualifier, Cat Bryant was pitchside at HBF Park for Impetus to capture these images from tonight’s game(26/10/23).
Above: The Matildas enter the pitch in Perth tonight as they take on Iran in an Olympic qualifier. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
An additional photo gallery from Kris Goman at the match for Impetus will appear later.
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Impetus had reporter Rebecca Hall and photographer Madeleine Blount at St. George’s Park today to cover the Lionesses’ media conference ahead of tomorrow’s UEFA Nations League game with Belgium at the King Power Stadium and capture today’s training (26/10/23).
Above: England head coach Sarina Wiegman at today’s media conference. Photo: Madeleine Blount for Impetus.
England boss Sarina Wiegman and Lionesses shot-stopper Mary Earps spoke to the press at today’s media conference from St. George’s Park ahead of their Nations League clash against Belgium tomorrow.
Wiegman began by discussing which players of the 25 were available. “Unfortunately, Lauren James is not fit,” after suffering a concussion she will be unavailable on Friday or Tuesday to face Belgium. Lotte Wubben-Moy suffered a minor ankle injury over the weekend during WSL action. The Arsenal player joined up with the England squad but had to initially miss full team training, however ahead of the Nations League match she returns to full training but needs to be further assessed before a call can be made on her availability.
This week a number of WSL teams and the wider England set-up have faced questions on the accessibility of the game and how the England team mirrors the society it represents. England boss, Wiegman, said she was “happy with all the things we’re doing but that doesn’t change overnight. When you start doing things really intense, it’s not going to change over a month or two months.”
Wiegman drew particular attention to the ‘Discover My Talent’ programme, which allows players from any level and background to be referred to the talent pathway, training centres, and work being done within the FA. “There is more access to football for everyone, and hopefully in the future, this will change and what we see in society… will play football and top (level) football.”
Above: Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps speaking to the media today. Photo: Madeleine Blount for Impetus.
Mary Earps also shared her thoughts on the hot topic of fan and player interactions within the women’s game. “It is something we as players are experiencing in a very different way with the profile of the game-changing. We love to interact with the fans but it’s becoming at times really difficult to keep everybody happy and interact with as many people as possible.
“We’re so grateful that thousands and thousands of people want to come and meet us and talk to us, but the reality is that if that’s the expectation then we’re always going to fall short. I think the emphasis on it needs to switch now. We love that we can be so connected because of how the game has grown. But equally, I think we are subjected to a lot of comments. We love it but it’s becoming difficult to maintain.” Recently, Earps posted a message on Instagram explaining the difficulty of saying hello to every fan who is waiting after games.
Earps had kind words to share on Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating who received her first senior England call-up this week. “She’s a good person and fitted into the goalkeeper union and team really well and easily. She’s got a big bubbly personality and I’m looking forward to working with her more.” Keating joins Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton, and Mary Earps in this international break’s line-up of keepers.
The press conference also coincided with Wiegman’s birthday and Earps joked that “you would not believe the party we have in store matchday minus one.”
The England boss spoke on the expectations surrounding the side saying, “We always want to win and we know the expectations are high, but we have our own expectations too. We lost our last game, and we were not happy with that and we want to bounce back. We want to improve our game and get a good result, they are the expectations.”
The Lionesses have struggled to keep clean sheets since the World Cup but Earps insisted that “a clean sheet doesn’t define a performance. There’s lots of factors that play into a performance but ultimately we know that we can be better and were always looking to improve. We know that we haven’t hit the levels we’d like to and that’s what we’re focused on doing.”
Above: Lucy Bronze in training today. Photo: Madeleine Blount for Impetus.
Despite a string of losses, England have a strong record against Belgium, winning their last two games. The Lionesses won 3-0 in a friendly in June 2022 and 6-1 during the Arnold Clark Cup in February 2023. Despite this, the game is expected to be more competitive given the teams are fighting for the Nation’s League and as a result Olympic qualification. “I think they are in a very different situation, playing in a different shape, they play with different players, they have been in transition. They’re very well organised and competitive,” said Wiegman.
England are looking to the future with Khiara Keating and Grace Clinton receiving their first senior call-ups, at 19 and 20 respectively, they are very much considered the new kids on the block but from training it is clear they have meshed well with the team, and are not just here to make up the numbers but to fight for minutes, which was a sentiment echoed by Wiegman who shared that “They have done really well so far.”
Earps is proudly from Nottingham and spent some of her early years in Leicester at the Centre of Excellence. The star spoke about the joy of playing, hyping up the crowd saying “Midlands massive! I have no doubt they will come out in big numbers. It’s always special to play close to home, I’ve not had the opportunity to do that yet, hopefully, that is on the cards soon!” she hinted to the organisers at the FA jokily. “Leicester was the team I feel I did a lot of developing in my younger years so it’s really special to go back in an England shirt, and my gran can come, so I’m excited.
“It’s incredibly rewarding. For me, this is the greater purpose in why I do what I do. I love playing football, I love diving around in the mud, I love representing my country but to be able to give back to young kids coming through and to be able to change how things are done and influence that. It was unbelievable and very pinch me.” Many of those attending the event were given goalkeepers shirts and Earps also revealed “More shirts will be coming before the end of the year and I’m really excited about that,” for those that were unable to purchase in the first drop by Nike.
Manchester City goalkeeper Sandy MacIver has been called up for Scotland, despite previously being a Lioness. Wiegman confirmed the player had reached out and had a discussion about the situation. The England boss offered her congratulations to the shotstopper.
England now continue their final preparations for Friday’s game against Belgium, in what will be a tougher game than their meetings in the past. The game at the King Power Stadium in Leicester is a sell-out.
Madeleine Blount’s exclusive photo gallery for Impetus from St. George’s Park today:
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by Kelechi Osunwa at HBF Park in Perth for Impetus (26/10/23).
Above:Ellie Carpenter (centre) shows her delight after putting Australia ahead against Iran today with Emily van Egmond (left) and Charli Grant (right). Photo: Football Australia.
Australia kicked off their 2024 AFC Women’s Olympic qualifying campaign in style, securing a comfortable yet at times frustrating 2-0 victory over the Islamic Republic of Iran at HBF Park. The match marked a long-awaited return to Perth for the Matildas, and local hero Sam Kerr, following their last appearance in 2018.
As expected coach Tony Gustavsson used the fixture as an opportunity to provide critical minutes to fringe World Cup players like Charlotte Grant, Courtney Neven, Teagan Micah, Amy Sayers, and Alex Chidiac with the local favourite Kerr content with a position on the bench. Indeed, a number of those fringe players put forward terrific displays with Grant playing a key role in the opening goal.
Courtnee Vine’s deep cross found Grant, and the tireless fullback kept her composure to find her fullback counter-part Ellie Carpenter who exorcised some of her World Cup demons with a powerful finish past an outstretched Zahra Khajavi, much to the delight of the 18,798 in attendance.
The goal seemed to settle both teams as an intricate pattern of play developed. Iran would sit deep in a bank of five defenders and four midfielders, inviting Australia to play down the wing with Carpenter and Grant overlapping past Vine and Temeka Yallop, while disrupting play through Fatemeh Adeli and Melika Mohammadi in the heart of the defence and trying their best to find the silky Zahra Ghanbari on the very rare moments of possession.
The Matildas continued to grow into the game and so did the influence of Chidiac, Clare Wheeler, and Emily van Egmond in the Australian midfield as they treaded passes to all too willing runners in Carpenter, Vine, and Sayer.
Iran remained resolute and defiant in their role of spoiler for Matildas’ home coming with key blocks, and interceptions aplenty. The most notable from Fatemeh Amineh and Melika Mohammadi. Amineh reacted brilliantly to deny a powerful goal-bound effort from van Egmond, and Mohammadi making a last ditch clearance to deny a tireless Vine.
Moments before halftime the Matildas should have made it 2-0. Chidiac was offered too much space and found Carpenter in terrific position, but the full-back failed to convert with the Matildas settling for a 1-0 lead into the break.
They started the second half with real intensity and added physicality in attempts to overcome the Shirzanan’s disruptive style. The more direct approach led to searching cross-field balls from Van-Egmond and mazy bursts from midfield by Wheeler who’s deft control and fleet feet delighted the home crowd who resorted first to boos over the visitors’ disruptive tactics and then to cheers each time Iran’s medical staff rushed to attend to injured players.
But the biggest cheers for the crowd were of course reserved for Kerr as she jogged up and down the sidelines during her warm-up. At times it felt as if coach Gustavsson was teasing the home fans as players were sent to keep warm before he finally readied a trio of substitutes in Steph Catley, Mary Fowler, and Kerr. The substitutions seemed to jolt Iran into life with the visitors having their best chance and only chance of the night seconds later.
Negin Zandi, who had been an isolated figure for much of the match, found some joy with the ball breaking her way from a throw-in and the skilful forward broke at pace, however, her touch took her wide and her shot failed to trouble Micah in goal.
From there, it become the Kerr show.
A well-worked corner presented the East Fremantle-born star with a guilt-edge chance with the striker blazing over the bar in a goalmouth full of bodies. The home crowd were primed to take the proverbial roof off the stadium and while disappointed with that effort, they wouldn’t have to wait for long to see a goal from their local heroine.
Above: Home town hero Sam Kerr after her goal. Photo: Football Australia.
Indeed was fitting that the goal came from a terrific attacking move with the three substitutes combining. Fowler found an overlapping Catley and the fullback kept her composure to find Kerr for the simplest of finishes which sent the home crowd into raptures.
Kerr almost made it 3-0 moments later after the striker latched onto a long ball but was thwarted by Khajavi who reacted quickly to move off her line.
With the match all but done the Matildas pressed for the third with Alana Kennedy coming close from a guilt-edged head and Kerr spurning two efforts to add to her goal tally. The first was when the Chelsea striker dinked over the bar and the second when a header was blocked on the line by a teammate.
The match would end 2-0 and both sides largely content with the result. For Australia, it’s a home win, a clean sheet and no injuries. For Iran, it’s a terrific showing for the 63 ranked team in the world who stay alive in the group and will look to get a result against Chinese Taipei.
Above: The Matildas team that started against Iran in Perth today. Photo: Football Australia.
To follow – Impetus’ exclusive match photo gallery from our pitchside photographers Cat Bryant and Kris Goman.
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Report by Freya Ward, exclusive photos by Morganna King, both at St. George’s Park for Impetus (25/10/23).
Above: England’s Millie Bright looking relaxed in training. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
The Lionesses have regrouped ahead of their doubleheader against Belgium in the UEFA Women’s Nations League in hopes of securing Team GB Olympic qualification, but it does not seem as easy as fans and players alike had originally hoped.
England’s first two fixtures were against Scotland and the Netherlands home and away respectively, where England came out with just three points after winning 2-1 in a very scrappy game against Scotland, having two goals ruled out for offside with the use of VAR; but then losing 2-1 to the Dutch in a game which did not have the help of VAR to rule out Lieke Martens goal that appeared to be offside.
Above: Georgia Stanway in training. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
The importance of the Belgium games is definitely something that the players are aware of, Niamh Charles speaking to the media at St. George’s Park said: “Massively important, any game you play for your country is important and although we didn’t get the result we wanted last camp we have had some amazing learnings from that and hopefully we can implement them this camp against Belgium”.
The team took part in their first full training session back yesterday where 24 out of the 25 players were out on the grass – the one absentee being Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy after sustaining an ankle “knock” at the weekend, which led her to be doing her own separate session in the gym, hoping she can be fit for Friday’s game.
This session saw the likes of Fran Kirby being back in the international fold for the first time since she sustained a knee injury in February which evidently caused her to have to withdraw herself from the World Cup in Australia; Kirby was in full training with the rest of the players who had played for their domestic clubs on Sunday, in a slightly less full on session but she looked in form and I think she is going to be key to England’s plans in Paris 2024 qualification.
Above: Khiara Keating – enjoying her first taste of senior Lionesses training. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
Two more exciting arrivals were those of Grace Clinton and Khiara Keating, both of whom were participating in their first-ever senior training sessions having progressed their way through the age groups and having earned their first call-ups due to their form for their domestic clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City respectively.
Both players took part in a press conference where they were asked about their initial feelings about their first senior call-ups at just 19 and 20, they both spoke about their feelings of “pride”; something extremely understandable for two youngsters to be included in such a talented group full of European champions, World Cup runners up, and Champions league winners.
Keating was seen getting stuck into the goalkeepers union, winning warm-up games with fellow teammate Hannah Hampton. I think her future is very bright as England potential number one in the near future., having already claimed that position for Manchester City ahead of fellow England international Ellie Roebuck.
More of Morganna King’s exclusive photography for Impetus from St. George’s Park
Don’t miss Impetus‘ coverage of the Lionesses game with Belgium in Leicester on Friday – Tom Coopey will be in the press box and Andy Wicks pitch side on photography duties to bring you the best possible coverage.
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!
Above: Charlton Athletic celebrate a goal in their South London derby against Crystal Palace. Photo: Barclays Championship.
Lewes 0-2 Sunderland
Sunderland’s undefeated start to the season was extended with a tough 2-0 victory at Lewes. The first-half goals from Jenna Dear and Liz Ejupi proved to be the difference, as the Lasses shot three points ahead at the top of the table. With just one victory in eight games thus far (last weekend against Watford), Lewes remain bottom of the standings.
Reading 1-3 Sheffield United
Above: An aerial challenge for the ball between Reading and Sheffield United. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.
Sheffield United defeated Reading 3-1 in a fiercely contested game to record their third victory in four games. Charlotte Newsham, Isobel Goodwin, and Ashley Hodson all scored as the Blades bounced back from their 4-0 home loss to Birmingham City the previous week. In injury time, Tia Primmer scored for the Royals, but it was nothing more than a consolation.
Birmingham City 5-2 Watford
Five different players scored for the Blues at St. Andrews as newly promoted Watford’s challenging start to the season continued. Ellie Mason, Charlie Devlin, Libby Smith, Ivana Fuso, and Lily Agg all scored goals for the home side, with Lucia Leon and Carly Johns replying for Watford. The outcome keeps struggling Watford and Lewes tied on points at the bottom of the Championship table and maintains City’s position in the middle.
Charlton Athletic 3-2 Crystal Palace
On an exciting day of Barclays Women’s Championship action, super sub-Melissa Johnson led Charlton Athletic to a derby day victory over Crystal Palace in front of just under 1,000 fans at The Valley.
With 15 minutes remaining, the seasoned striker came off the bench to score the game’s winning goal and help the hosts move up to third place in the table, ahead of their south London rivals. In a wild first half, both teams swapped blows with the in-form Angela Addison and Kayleigh Green scoring for the Addicks.
However, Palace were level by halftime thanks to a header from Elise Hughes and a strike from Araya Dennis.
It was left for former Aston Villa player Johnson to secure the win and ensure Karen Hills’s high-flying team won their fourth Championship game in a row.
Durham 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
Above: Saoirse Noonan (20) celebrates with her Durham team mates after a goal against Blackburn Rovers. Photo: Durham WFC.
With a lovely double from Saoirse Noonan, Durham defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-1. Before Tyler Toland cut the margin in half just before halftime, Noonan scored twice in five first-half minutes to put the Wildcats ahead.
Despite having many opportunities in a commanding second half, the hosts were unable to close out the match, but they held tight to guarantee that the crucial three points stayed in the northeast.
London City Lionesses 1-0 Southampton
With the aid of Lois Joel’s long-range goal, the London City Lionesses shocked Southampton by winning 1-0. The captain regained possession from 35 yards out, lobbing Saints’ keeper Kayla Rendell to score a dramatic first-half winner.
The visitors from second position fought hard to level the score in the second half but were unable to register a point in the capital, suffering their third loss of the year. The Lionesses’ triumph proved significant since it put an end to their string of four straight losses and moved them four points clear of the drop zone.
Coming Up …
The Barclays Women’s Championship has the week off due to the international window, but the action returns between 3rd and 5th November with the following matchups: Lewes at home against Charlton Athletic, Durham host table-topping Sunderland, Birmingham City visit Reading, and London City Lionesses travel to Blackburn Rovers; meanwhile high-flying Southampton are at home against Sheffield United, and Crystal Palace make the short trip to play in another local derby at Watford.
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!
Impetus’ Ben Gilby reports on the press conference featuring Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson and Iran head coach Maryam Azmoonahead of the two nations’ meeting at HBF Park in Perth tomorrow as the second round of Asian qualifying for the Olympics gets underway – plus photos from training today (25/10/23).
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson at the media conference in Perth today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Joseph Mayers/Football Australia.
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson revealed some of the outcomes of his World Cup analysis ahead of three Olympic qualifiers which he described as a “big challenge.”
Speaking to the media at Perth’s HBF Park today, the Australia boss highlighted both the positives and development points from his team’s World Cup journey that saw the Matildas finish fourth.
“In terms of our pressing game, we were one of the most efficient teams in the World Cup, and that was a key reason for why we went as far as we did. In terms of the regain – losing the ball and winning it back – we were not as good as the other top teams, and we need to improve that.
“We were one of the best teams in the World Cup at breaking the lines – but, in terms of breaking through, we were not. Hopefully, we will see some improvements in that during this tournament.”
With this stage of the Olympic qualifying featuring three games in such a short period of time, Gustavsson emphasised the importance of rotation over the coming week and highlighted two players in particular that he is excited to give opportunities to.
“I’m really excited for some new players coming into the camp. Amy Sayer missed out on the World Cup by that much (held thumb and finger closely together) – that sparked something in her. She has been fantastic with Kristianstads in Sweden and you can see that in training. With Charlize Rule, you can see the rewards of investment in our U23 team. She has been one of the standouts in that space.”
As is always the case with the Matildas, the opportunity to have full training sessions ahead of the first match in an international window is limited, and this time round the challenge has been added to by temperatures of 34c in Perth.
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson with IR Iran counterpart Maryam Azmoon at HBF Park, Perth today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Joseph Mayers/Football Australia.
“This is a big challenge, this tournament. We have not been together for nine weeks, and today was the first time I’ve had the whole squad together. We’ve had one training session going into the tournament with jet lag, and that’s probably the same with the other teams. That means there will be some rusty performances. With three games in short succession, we will have to rotate in the roster. With the heat, we’ve had to have lighter training. It will also impact the matches, slowing things down and how we use set plays.”
At the conclusion of the World Cup, there were discussions about Gustavsson’s future, with strong rumoured interest from the USWNT in securing his services. The Swede reiterated his deep love for his current role, and what he wants to see happen next from the authorities in Australia to motivate him to extend his contract with the Matildas.
“This (job) is my full focus. I love working with this team. I have one year left on my contract. We know we are never better than our last game. The USA is one of the biggest jobs in the world in terms of finance. But working with this team is one of the biggest jobs in the world. Look at what we’ve done. What we did at the World Cup was not the end of something, it was the start of something. I was clear then, and I am also clear now – I want to see investment. For me to be motivated to stay, we can’t be complacent.”
One of the headlines in the Matildas’ long-awaited return to Perth is the equally long-awaited presence of local hero Sam Kerr. With the record goalscorer playing a limited role in Chelsea’s opening WSL matches, Gustavsson was realistic about how often the East Fremantle-born star will be used in the three games
“I will work closely with my SSSM team, they work very closely with Chelsea as well. We all want Sam to be in form. We can expect to see some rotation with her. It’s then down to me to consider where the most impact will be – starting her, bringing her on.”
After the successes of lower-ranked nations in the World Cup, and Australia’s own travails at the Asian Cup, Gustavsson recognised that his team face unique challenges over the coming days – he also identified the specific areas that he expects all three opponents to cause his side some potential headaches.
“They are very well organised, they are very well structured, but I am very impressed with their technical ability. If you give them time and space, all three teams (Iran, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines) are very good on the ball. If we’re not aggressive, all these three teams can hurt us with the ball.
“Also, they will not give us much space, and we need space to be successful. That will be a challenge for us, to unlock teams and create the space that we need to get behind.”
Above: Iran head coach Maryam Azmoon at today’s press conference in Perth Photo supplied to Impetus by: Jospeh Mayers/Football Australia.
IR Iran head coach Maryam Azmoon spoke of her delight that her team made it through to the second round of qualifying and the wider implications of their progress.
“Football keeps all our nations together and shows the unity of nations, despite our religion and politics. Football is a social event, not just a sporting event.
“I want you to know that Iranian football is underdeveloped and we are aiming for a good performance. Iranian families who watch these games – we want to give them hope that we can do our best and develop women’s football in Iran to be among the top-level Asian teams. For us to be here as an Iran team – it is a very good opportunity for women football players in Iran.
“Football is not predictable, but we know we will have to play very hard and strong teams. It’s very hard for us, but we are here to update our knowledge. Our players have never played in full-capacity stadiums, so they will be so excited to see that. Everything is new for us. We are playing the top teams in Asia.”
Photography from Matildas training at HBF Park today from Rachel Bach/Football Australia
Impetus will be providing detailed coverage from all the Matildas’ matches in Perth with a team of photographers plus reporters in the press box and covering the media conferences.
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Above: 103 young goalkeepers were invited to St. George’s Park to meet and question their heroes. Photo: Barrington Coombs – The FA.
Ahead of the next fixtures in their UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign, the England senior women’s team hosted the country’s next generation of female goalkeepers at St George’s Park.
103 budding goalkeepers aged between 10 and 16 made the trip to St George’s Park for a day that was all about celebrating the future of the goalkeeper position and its importance.
Above: England’s four senior goalkeepers (left to right) Ellie Roebuck, Khiara Keating, Hannah Hampton, and Mary Earps answer the young goalkeeper’s questions. Photo: Barrington Coombs – The FA.
As well as watching the squad train, the girls were given a taste of what it’s like to be a Lioness as they took part in their own training sessions on the same pitches used by the England teams. The aspiring goalkeepers also had the chance to speak with their idols, as they were joined by the four senior Lioness goalkeepers – Mary Earps, Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton and Khiara Keating – for a meet and greet and Q&A session.
The girls invited to St George’s Park all attend Future Lioness Goalkeeping Centres, which were established by The FA to improve the goalkeeping talent pathway and to ensure the next generation of no.1s have everything they need to feel supported on their journey in the game.
There are 11 Future Goalkeeping Centres across the country, 10 of which operate out of the Women’s High-Performance Football Centres at leading universities, with an additional centre delivered by West Riding County FA.
Above: The girls take part in training at St. George’s Park. Photo: Barrington Coombs – The FA.
The Future Lioness Goalkeeping Centres offer a specialised support programme to female goalkeepers with talent and potential, to help with their development on the path to potentially playing for England one day. Girls who are part of the centres can still register and play competitively for their club team; the centres simply provide an additional unique experience once a week that connects them to the England talent pathway.
The Future Lioness Goalkeeping Centres also provide coach development opportunities for aspiring coaches with the aim of developing a goalkeeping coach workforce for all levels of the women’s game.
Speaking about the day, Lionesses’ goalkeeper Mary Earps said: “Goalkeeping isn’t always a position that’s focused on so to have the opportunity to bring everyone together – us the current Lioness goalkeepers with the next generation – is incredibly special. I hope the girls made some memories that they’ll take with them for life. It’s hugely important the next generation has role models and can see other women and goalkeepers living out their dreams. It shows them that the pathway is there and that they too can go on to be professional and achieve their dreams.”
Ellie Roebuck added: “We’re really privileged to be able to inspire the next generation. It’s something we as a team take really seriously. As a young player, I’d have loved to play at one of these centres and be able to be a part of a day like today. I was fortunate enough to have goalkeeping coaches throughout my career, but I know that wasn’t the case for the generation before me. It’s brilliant that this next generation have these facilities in place and they will be able to go on to perform to even higher levels.”
Above: England’s Mary Earps poses for a photo with one of the young goalkeepers. Photo: Barrington Coombs – The FA.
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Above: Pride Park’s Junior Reporter winners pictured with the first team squad. Photo: Pride Park FC.
At the end of last season, Impetus partner club Pride Park, ran a competition to find their best Junior Reporters among their younger players. To enter, participants were asked to submit no more than five questions they would like to ask one of our first team players – with the winners picked out by our expert football panel, including Impetus editor Ben Gilby, Jen O’Neill the Editor of She Kicks Magazine and Faye Hackwell, freelance journalist and blog writer for Her Game Too.
The winning interviews with first team players Summer Evans, Tash Allderidge, and Beth Jones were those submitted by Katie-Louise Smith (U9 Pumas), Edie Hill (U11), and Polly Hill (U12 Phoenix) respectively.
In the last of our Junior Reporters’ interviews, the judges picked “the best of the rest” – with questions submitted by Zoe Topps of our U11 Lionesses, Megan Walters of U12 Phoenix, Betsy Pilkington of U13 Bobcats and Lucy Topps of U13 Bobcats.
Their favourite questions from the entries were put to six of our senior team – Polish striker and all-time leading goalscorer (with 108 goals) Maja Znamirowska, defender from north of the border, Sophie Ayton, Eliot Sayavong – central midfielder/defender from the United States, goalkeeper Jade Howell, together with full back Rachel Weaver, centre back Annie Laight, and the club’s longest-serving player without a break – since 2005 – Hannah Kwiatek
All our winners were invited to the Ladies’ Derbyshire County FA Women’s County Cup match at Moorways on Sunday, where they were pictured (see photo) with the Ladies team.
Question from Zoe Topps (u11 Lionesses): What do you do before the match starts and you come out onto the pitch? Maja: I usually drive the two hours from Liverpool listening to music. Mostly AC-DC! Just right before the match I try to make everybody laugh so telling stupid jokes is definitely my routine. There’s one thing I don’t do before the match but only the girls know it – so let’s keep it as a secret.
Sophie: I make sure I’ve warmed up and focused on my own game. I know if I give 100% then I can be proud of how I perform and ultimately help the team win! Eliot: a final stretch of my legs and ensure my hair is out of my face fully Annie: Before the match starts and I come onto the pitch I usually have a drink because I know I’ll be needing to keep hydrated throughout the first half until halftime! And there’s a chance for any last conversations with teammates and managers about the game. Rachel: I always need to go to the loo before a match! But apart from that, it’s just making sure we warm up well Hannah: I don’t really have any fixed rituals I do before a game. I like to listen to music in the car on the way to the match but right before coming out onto the pitch, I’m mostly just talking to my teammates and making sure my boots, socks, and shin pads are comfortable, then I’ll also go through some exercises to help strengthen my ankle Jade: I think a substantial part of being a goalkeeper comes down to your mentality so I try to get in the zone before a match and manifest confidence so that when I come on the pitch I’m confident and hopefully can perform better. I also blast out some drum and bass on my journey there which always helps get in the zone.
Question from Megan Walters (u12 Phoenix): Do you have a routine of what food you eat and what you do in preparation for a match? Maja: I have no specific routine. I just don’t eat three hours before the game and after the game I always have a proper steak! Sophie: I always eat before the game so I’m fully fuelled! Normally scrambled egg on toast Eliot: I always eat a banana before a game! Have to keep my calves happy! Annie: I normally try to eat scrambled eggs on toast before I play, or sometimes pancakes. I usually see how I feel on the day and decide between the two! I like to listen to some music on the way in the car to motivate myself. Rachel: I usually have scrambled eggs on toast and a cuppa at about 11am. Kicking off at 1:30pm always makes it awkward with when to eat! Hannah: On a match day I tend to eat a bowl of porridge when I get up and then I’ll have a banana either right before I leave or when I get to where we’re playing. I’ve found it to be a really good combo to make sure I’ve got energy without feeling too full Jade: I usually eat my Weetabix and a banana for slow release energy and sometimes a berocca for some extra vitamins and energy.
Question from Elizabeth Pilkington (u13 Bobcats): Which of your current teammates are you closest to on and off the pitch and why are they special to you? Maja: All the girls I treat the same way. They’re all close to me and, like I say all the time, it’s the best team I’ve played for so far. You feel appreciated here and supported all the time. Sophie: Playing in defence I always think it’s important to have a good relationship with the other defenders, particularly a centre back pairing. You need to know you’ve got each-others’ backs when you make mistakes and celebrate when you get clean sheets! Eliot: I get along with all my teammates really but, if I had to choose I’d say Tash (Allderidge). When I joined the team and started in centre midfield she and I had to be connected and work together. And off the pitch it helps a lot that our partners get along as well! Annie: I would probably say I’m quite close to Summer (Evans) the most out of the girls. When we first started playing we played up front together and we formed a friendship that has lasted ever since, she’s a special friend to have as I know she will always be there for me when I need her, on and off the pitch! Rachel: I wouldn’t say there’s one person in particular, I get on with everyone really well. I think we’re a close-knit team who get along well. The morale is always high on and off the pitch! Hannah: I’ve known our captain, Tash, since we were about nine years old. We met through Pride Park and ended up going to the same secondary school so it feels like we’ve been friends for as long as I can remember. There’s a few of us that have been together since we were a junior team and it’s really special to have all those shared memories and to still be playing football together Jade: As a goalkeeper, I tend to be quite isolated from the rest of the team due to the nature of the position. This means generally I’m not very close to anyone on the pitch. Growing up me and Bleu used to play against each other at a junior level and then played five aside every Saturday with a group of school friends so I’d say I’m probably closest with her.
Question from Lucy Topps (u13 Bobcats): Do you have any superstitions? Maja: Oh, yes. That’s the secret I was talking about before. Should I say it? Never shave your legs the day before the game! I said it! Done! Sophie: Maja would tell us not to shave our legs the day before a game Eliot: If I or a teammate say anything that could jinx the outcome of the game, I will make people knock on wood – or my head – immediately! Annie: I’m very superstitious, I always have to put my left boot on before my right one otherwise I think it’s bad luck! It’s strange because I’m not even left footed, I think it’s just become a routine and maybe once I did it with my right foot and we probably lost, so never again since then! Rachel: Going to the loo before the match!! Hannah: I’m not very superstitious but I think one of my teammates is. After we’ve done the main warm up, she has a fairly long routine of static stretches she likes to do to make sure she’s ready Jade: I don’t have any superstitions really but sweets for halftime are a must!
Artwork: Graphics by PW.
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Halifax FC Women head coach Rob Mitchell speaks to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about an exciting development at the tier three FA Women’s National League Northern Premier club (24/10/23).
Above: Halifax FC Women 2023/24. Photo: Halifax FC Women.
Halifax FC Women are a club who have consistently achieved. Under their previous name of Brighouse Town, they made cup finals and gained promotion up the pyramid to their present status as a stand-alone female-only club in tier three.
Their steady and sustainable progress has won them many admirers down the seasons – and their latest admirer has the potential to help the club to develop its infrastructure on and off the pitch and give opportunities to the young females of Yorkshire to pursue their footballing dreams.
Above: Halifax FC Women head coach Rob Mitchell. Photo: Halifax FC Women.
Halifax were recently approached by Hokulani International, a private investment fund. The club’s head coach Rob Mitchell takes up the story.
“Hokulani are heavily involved in the growth of women’s football across Europe. As part of their long-term strategic values which include investment in the women’s game, and to build a sustainable structure for the future, Mr Daniel Loitz, who is the principle investor, made initial contact off the back of our announcement of the rebrand to Halifax FC Women as an independent women’s and girls club, the project excited him and he felt we could bring value to the Hokulani project. We had several meetings to confirm that our visions align and we felt now is the time to put our plans into action.”
Whilst the investment in the club is welcome, Mitchell is at pains to stress that it won’t change the club’s history as one who like to develop growth at a sustainable pace.
“The big thing for me is to point out that we will have a sensible and structured approach, growing the brand organically to become sustainable, we won’t be just throwing money at it without a plan, we have a vision for growth which would see us consolidate our place in tier three in the short term whilst putting a structure in place behind the scenes to allow us to operate more professionally.
Above: Halifax FC Women are growing both on and off the pitch. Photo: Halifax FC Women.
“Longer term we will become more of a development hub for the best young talents around the UK and Europe whilst we try to compete for a place in the Championship. Offering an education programme for example will upskill players off the pitch which is something we feel adds value.”
Halifax will benefit from its partnership with Hokulani as the club will become part of a group of satellite clubs based around Europe in Finland, Romania, and Ukraine. This is an opportunity that excites Mitchell.
“A couple of the clubs regularly qualify for the Women’s Champions League and another is very much youth-driven. We would fit in the middle of this with an additional club being added in 2025 which would be fully professional and at the top of this structure.
“The relationship would allow players to move around the clubs depending on ability, development phase or to meet the needs of the clubs and each individual player. It would give coaches an opportunity to network and develop their skills together in a new environment, something I’m personally really excited to be involved in.”
Above: Halifax on the attack against Stoke City this season. Photo: Halifax FC Women.
In terms of where Mitchell sees the club’s development as a result of this partnership in the longer term, he said: “The Championship would be our ideal destination but it is going to take time, the level of the clubs in this league is high so it won’t happen over night.
“We’ve shown over the years that we can compete, develop and grow as a club, consistently improving year on year so this has given us confidence that we can reach our goals in the next few years. With regards to a facility, the best teams have access to state-of-the-art training facilities, so we want to give our players the same opportunities, a home ground in Halifax would be our ultimate goal so we can truly represent the people of our Town and give them a club they can be proud of.
“We want to develop our youth section and see players move through the age groups into the first team and beyond, so a facility for women’s and girls football specifically would help us to achieve that goal. All these discussions are in the early stages, but we are excited that they’re taking place, we won’t be running before we can walk so to speak.
“When we became Halifax FC Women rather than Brighouse Town, we had a bit of a reset and only have one junior team currently, they’re an excellent group of players who we have high hopes for, but we do need to grow this side of things too now, we will add additional teams each season in our own time and at our own pace to makes sure we get it right, and to ensure we can give everyone the same opportunities across the club for growth and development. I must emphasise, this is a long-term project and we want to get it right so that takes time.”
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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 FA Cup trip to London Seaward (24/10/23).
Above: Norwich City celebrate Shannon Shaw’s opening goal in their 3-1 win at London Seaward in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round. Photo: Norwich City Women.
London Seaward 1-3 Norwich City
by Lucy Chenat Oakside Stadium
Norwich City traveled to the capital again on Sunday to take on London Seaward in the FA Cup’s final qualifying round. Both sides play in FAWNL Division One South East, and though the visitors are well above the hosts in the standings, Seaward are one of the only two teams to take a point off the Canaries so far this season, having secured a 2-2 draw against the Yellows at the start of September.
The game began with a series of open-ended exchanges as both teams looked to get the ball forward quickly and play on the break. The hosts had the first say when a through ball led to a chance just two minutes in. Norwich City left-back Lauren Tomlinson found herself the only yellow shirt between a Seaward forward and her goalkeeper but managed to clear the ball.
The Canaries looked to respond immediately and Megan Todd released Freya Symonds down the right. Symonds broke forward and fired off a shot that was saved by Seaward goalkeeper Tia Ginn. The rebound landed at Rachel Lawrence’s feet only for Ginn to deny the visitors once more.
The game never truly settled and remained an open-ended affair throughout the half. The absence of Ellie Smith – the Canaries’ player of the 22/23 season – was sorely felt and Todd – normally a wide forward – took her position at the tip of the midfield ahead of Eloise Morran and Katie Knights. Todd, however, is not a creative 10 like Smith, and manager Martin Herdman opted to make up for the missing creativity by doubling down on the high press to force turnovers in dangerous areas.
After several chances, Norwich finally hit the front with 16 minutes played. A bullet throw from Tomlinson found Shannon Shaw inside the box. Shaw’s effort hit the post and the rebound landed back at her feet. She struck the ball again and promptly buried it in the back of the net.
Above: Shannon Shaw (22) scores the opening goal for Norwich City. Photo: Norwich City Women.
The hosts looked to respond after the restart and a ball in from the right forced a clearance off the line by Alice Parker just two minutes later. The ensuing corner led to a good delivery and a header that went just over the crossbar. The game continued in an end-to-end fashion with Morran releasing Tomlinson down the left flank once more. The cross from Tomlinson was cleared and the chaos that ensued inside the box ended with a flying shot from Knights being saved by Ginn.
While Norwich City continued pressing aggressively, they proved less incisive when playing out from the back. As Seaward maintained a compact shape to protect the center of the pitch, the Canaries sought to utilize the wide areas and release their wingers into space. And this was where they missed their number 9 sorely. While Smith is a modern 10 who would move from flank to flank to create wide overloads, Todd mostly played on the left and whenever the ball went to the right Morran – the holding midfielder – was the one who shuffled across to provide support. As a consequence, the right prong of Norwich’s attack lacked punch and the Canaries primarily attacked down the left via Lawrence and Tomlinson.
In the 28th minute, Tomlinson received the ball deep and played the long diagonal switch, finding Symonds high on the right. Symonds, however, lacked support from her teammates and was promptly crowded out by defenders. In an almost fortuitous turn of events, Todd found the ball at her feet and floated in a cross from an impossibly tight angle that somehow ended up in the back of the net.
Above: Megan Todd (7) celebrates her goal. Photo: Norwich City Women.
The visitors almost expanded their lead again in the 31st minute when a switch found Lawrence on the left. The number 24 drove into the box and an intervention from a defender led to calls for a handball, though they went unheeded. Three minutes later, Seaward were on the break with Réa Thomas-Arayo picking up the ball and driving into the heart of the Norwich defence for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, though Sarah Quantrill managed to parry the shot away.
The overarching theme of the first half was City’s front-footed press – whether the Canaries would successfully force a turnover high and have a shot on goal or whether Seaward would find one of their forwards in behind the visitors’ lines to test Quantrill. For much of the first half, the Canaries came on top in that contest and dominated territorially. Their dominance, however, was the result of what they did without the ball rather than what they did with it. As such, the game state was inherently chaotic and the Canaries relied on their relentless running off-the-ball to pin the hosts back.
An aggressive press, however, is very physically demanding. Moreover, it requires bravery and belief from the players. And as the hosts pushed for a goal before halftime, a subtle change set in. The Norwich City players increasingly dropped off and looked to hold onto their lead, which only served to urge Seaward on. The halftime whistle came with the scoreline remaining 2-0, but the shift in momentum was apparent for all to see.
The hosts came out of the second half flying and the visitors were firmly on the backfoot from that point on. Seven minutes after the restart, Seaward broke down the right and tested the Canaries’ defence and shortly after saw an effort just go over the top.
Norwich’s intensity had dropped off precipitously and the game turned on its head with the hosts now piling on the pressure, forcing the Canaries into turnovers. The Yellows struggled to hold onto the ball and the lack of movement from teammates led to the players often receiving under pressure and without short passing options. The visitors were forced to pump the ball long all too often and the wingers struggled to get into good positions to receive the ball and act as attacking outlets.
When the hosts found the back of the net in the 63rd minute, it was long overdue. Thomas-Arayo coolly slotted the penalty home and Seaward upped the pressure even more to push for the equalizer. They came tantalizingly close nine minutes later when Shamoy Campbell was one-on-one with Quantrill and promptly rounded her. Her touch, however, let her down, and Campbell could only direct the ball into the side netting. That proved to be the closest Seaward would come to equalizing.
Symonds had had a quiet game up until that point, but she intercepted a loose pass from a Seaward center back and burst through the half-space into the box. One-on-one with the goalkeeper, Symonds drilled the ball into the bottom left corner to restore Norwich City’s two-goal cushion. Seaward had created plenty of chances but lacked the quality in front of goal and Symonds punished their profligacy with a moment of brilliance.
Seaward continued to push forward in search of their second goal, but Norwich City dug deep to deny them with Quantrill impervious between the sticks. The visitors’ struggles going forward continued and Knights proved a lone bright spark. A classic English box-to-box midfielder who always brings incredible energy and tenacity on the pitch, the Canaries’ number 16 was relentless in her off-the-ball application long after her teammates’ had dropped off.
With Todd and Morran sitting deeper to provide cover, Knights jumped on the Seaward players in a bid to force turnovers high much like Norwich City had done as a whole earlier in the game. Her lung-busting runs from deep caught the hosts off guard and she was able to win the ball back high a number of times. Her best chance to get on the score sheet came in the 87th minute when she nicked the ball off a blue shirt just inside the home team’s half and sprinted into the box for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, her effort went over, and after five minutes of stoppage time the final whistle was blown.
With a 3-1 victory Norwich City have secured a place in the FA Cup first round proper. They will play old foes Hashtag United who are now in the league above at the Nest on 12th November.
Teams:LONDON SEAWARD: Ginn, Lee, Carabott, Burrows, Lanza, Smith, Cannon, Wales Bonner, Thomas-Arayo, Butler-Williams, Bracelli.
Above: Victoria Leyer (right) scored in Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 2-1 victory over Islington Borough on Sunday. Photo: Ben Cunningham
Elsewhere in the FA Cup ties involving Norfolk clubs, Hannah Fuller scored a hat-trick as Wroxham won 5-1 at Leyton Orient with their two other goals coming from Lauren Bullard and Lauren Kett. Liliana Almeida scored for Leyton Orient.
Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers also progressed to the next round, winning 2-1 over Islington Borough. Shanice Sutton and Victoria Leyer were the scorers with Freya Glen scoring for Islington Borough.
Shelley Woods gave Fakenham Town the lead at home to Hertford Town but goals from Ellie Young and Kaylie Clark saw the Norfolk side knocked out and Hertford progress with a 2-1 win.
The tie between Thetford Town and Lawford was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Mundford Road.
Above: Shelley Woods (10) scored for Fakenham Town in their 2-1 defeat to Hertford Town which saw them exit the Women’s FA Cup. Photo: Fakenham Town FC.
Eastern Region Premier Division
The match between King’s Lynn Town and AFC Dunstable was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at The Walks.
Eastern Region Division One North
Newmarket Town and Mulbarton played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, Newmarket had Holly Dryland and Bethany Woodfield to thank for their goals with Poppy Loveland replying with two for Mulbarton.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Bungay Town continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 4-0 win over Costessey Sports. Two goals in each half saw the home side take victory with Zoe Cossey and Lauren Purling scoring in the first half, Ciera Flatt getting a third from the penalty spot and Porsha Renwick making it four late in the game.
Sprowston went top of the table with a 5-0 victory over North Walsham Town. A brace from Rosie Milligan alongside goals from Mollie O’Callaghan, Holly Whayman, and Bailey Duffield saw the hosts claim a convincing victory.
Mulbarton Wanderers Development maintained the division’s only 100% record, but they were made to work hard for their 3-2 win at Thorpe St. Andrew. Lucy Kean scored a brace with Charlotte Groves getting Mulbarton’s other goal. Thorpe St Andrew’s scorers were Hannah Artis and Natasha Frankland.
The University of East Anglia (UEA) shared the points and six goals at Colney Lane. Pernille Nerland, Mia Everitt, and Cassandra Piejko scored for UEA with Elisha Bower, Caitlin Skipper, and Natatsha Youngs on target for Long Stratton. Maisie Johnson the UEA goalkeeper also saved a Long Stratton penalty and was one of the stars of a thrilling contest.
The match between Aylsham and King’s Lynn Soccer Club was postponed.
Above: Mulbarton Wanderers continued their 100% start to the season in Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One with a 3-2 win at Thorpe St. Andrew. Photo: SG Photography
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Beccles Town were 8-0 winners over Horsford Harriers. Vicky Bloomfield scored a hat-trick, Libby Elder two, and the remaining three goals were scored by Megan Sergeant, Alesha Tuttle, and Mia Wilson.
Cerys Nicholas scored a brace in FC Viking Valkyries’ 4-1 win at Freethorpe with Paige Hill and Charlotte Kenny getting their other goals. Olivia Sutton scored for Freethorpe.
Bure Valley overwhelmed hosts Great Yarmouth 11-1. Emma Macmillan, Willow Nye, Maisie Redgrave, and Romilly Mclaggen all scored a pair each, with the other three goals coming from Eva Heald, Megan Swain, and Kate Tuffly. Lucie Morley scored for Great Yarmouth Town.
Kerri Eke scored a hat-trick in Stalham Town’s 6-1 win at Horsford Hurricanes, with Emma Gillespie adding two and Amber Mayhew one. Horsford’s goal came from Amelia Yallop-Nouira.
South Walsham Lingwood were 6-2 winners at Martham, Nicola Hazell and Leanne Smith both scored a brace with Samantha Wood and Tobi-Laurie Baker getting their other goals. Samantha Hill and Ella Saunders scored for Martham.
Mundford were 2-1 winners over Shrublands thanks to goals from Livvi Hodges and Ellen Kerbey. Rachel Adams scored for Shrublands.
Goals from Connie Gooch, Claire Weekes, and Hannah Cook saw Red Rose win 3-1 at Waveney. Chloe Dobson scored for Waveney.
Above: Beccles Town (white) were 8-0 winners over Horsford in Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two. Photo– Shay Porter.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division One
Loddon United were 3-2 winners over Waveney. Two goals from Gemma Loades and one from Sarah Britcher made the difference whilst Maria Palmer and Hollie Langdale scored for Waveney.
Joanne Hooper scored the winner as Mulbarton Wanderers beat Left Field 1-0 in the day’s other sevens Division One match.
The match between Rockland United and Horsford was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division Two
Hockering won 1-0 at Bulldogs thanks to a goal from Summer Davies. Aylsham were 2-1 winners at Madra thanks to goals from Samantha Robbins and Emma Wayte with Mel Chamberlin scoring for Madra. The match between FC Viking Valkyries and Cawston was postponed.
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