Leitzig heroics help Leicester see off Everton

Leicester City 1-0 Everton

by Tom Coopey at The King Power Stadium for Impetus (9/10/23).

Above: Celebratory scenes after Leitzig saved a penalty to help Leicester grab the win Photo: Barclays WSL.

A well-fought win from Leicester City over Everton saw them grab the three points and retain their position at the top of the WSL.

It was another brilliant performance from Willie Kirk’s team which ensured they have recorded two consecutive wins to start the season off. Everton’s disappointing start continued, being sat just one place off the bottom on goal difference. 

Kirk made two changes to his winning side who beat Bristol City, with Jutta Rantala rewarded with her ‘super-sub’ appearance as well as Josie Green earning a start. Julie Thibaud and Aimee Palmer made way for the pair. The Toffees were looking to hit back after their defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion, with Justine Vanhaevermaet, Heather Payne, and Emma Bissell all coming into the starting 11. 

It was a lively start at the King Power Stadium, with both teams hungry to find that all-important goal. An early opportunity arose for Martina Piemonte, finding room on the edge of the box. A vicious strike by the Italian was pushed away well by Leicester goalkeeper Janina Leitzig for a corner. Down the other end, Lena Peterman had a brilliant chance. She caught Emily Ramsey off guard, but couldn’t compose herself to find the back of the net. 

Missy Goodwin had consecutive glorious chances, one linking up with Shannon O’Brien and the other pouncing on an error at the back. After 15 minutes, Leicester were beginning to find their rhythm and were knocking on the door. 

Everton were starting to settle into the game more, weathering the storm of the Leicester pressure. The Foxes were still looking to find the opener, but Everton’s organised defence said otherwise. The ball was in the back of the Leicester net, after Emma Bissell’s tidy finish, but the flag was up. 

The visitors grew into the game towards the end of the first period. Both teams were just lacking that cutting-edge in the final third. There was late drama at the end of the half, with a penalty awarded in stoppage time to the Toffees after Aileen Whelan committed a foul in the box. Justine Vanhaevermaet stepped up, looking for her first goal in an Everton shirt, but a sensational double stop by Leitzig kept the score level. The German summer signing made a brilliant dive to her right to deny the first attempt, before reacting quickly to the second effort. 

It was a close encounter for the first 45 minutes, with Leitzig the hero of the hour. After a stressful start for the visitors, they began to settle into the game. Neither side were able to break the deadlock, however, with the score goalless at the break.

Above: Janina Leitzig denying Justine Vanhevermaet from the spot. Photo: Barclays WSL.

An early opportunity opened up for Josie Green, with her effort from outside the box whistling just wide. A fast start from Everton saw Piemonte slip Bissell through, with the Bristol City loanee denied by Leitzig from close range. 

Piemonte had a wonderful chance to open the scoring and should have done. Hanna Bennison’s dinked ball to the back post found the 29-year-old, with her chested touch teeing her up for the volley, which dribbled just wide. 

Willie Kirk made his first move of the afternoon, as Hannah Cain came in for Shannon O’Brien with half an hour remaining. Chances were happening at both ends of the pitch, but being clinical was a problem for the sides. 

The deadlock was finally broken, as Lena Petermann found her second of the season to put the Foxes ahead. An astonishing weighted ball from Sam Tierney cut the Everton defence open, with Lena Petermann running in behind before a calm finish made it 1-0.

Above: Lena Petermann celebrates with her teammates after getting the winning goal Photo: Barclays WSL.

A double change from Kirk saw summer signings, Deanne Rose and Julie Thibaud come on to replace goalscorer, Petermann, and Australian international Courtney Nevin. Meanwhile, the Toffees also made a double change to try and improve their fortunes. Galii and Piemonte made way for Karoline Olesen and Nicoline Sorensen. 

Josie Green finished her match with 77 minutes played, with CJ Bott introduced. Leicester were holding their own, attempting to seek out their second three points of the season. Everton thought they’d found the equalising goal, with a deflected cross eventually bundled into the back of the net, only to be denied by the flag. 

Brian Sorensen had a last throw off the dice, making a triple substitution, in bid of finding a late leveller. With 8 minutes added on, Everton had their tails up to find a goal, whilst added time would feel like an age for the Foxes. 

Rantala nearly wrapped the win up for the home side, with her ambitious effort sailing just over the bar. There were cheers and relief around the King Power as the full-time whilst blew, seeing Leicester edge Everton to a big win. 

Teams: LEICESTER CITY: Leitzig, Nevin, Tierney, Howardm Rantala, Petermann, Whelan, Cayman, Green, Goodwin, O’Brien. Substitutes used: Cain (for O’Brien 63’), Rose (for Petermann 70’), Thibaud (for Nevin 70’), Bott (for Green 78’)

Scorers: Petermann 69’.

EVERTON: Ramsey, Veje, Bjorn, Vanhaevermaet, Bennison, Bissell, Hope, Piemonte, Payne, Finnigan, Galli. Substitutes used: Sorensen (for Piemonte 74’), Olseon (for Galli 74’), Campbell (for Vanhaevermaet 88’), Duggan (for Bissell 88’), Wheeler (for Hope 88’).

Referee: Stacey Fullicks.

Attendance: TBC.

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Manchester United v Arsenal Photo Gallery

Matthew Appleby was at the Leigh Sports Village for Impetus on Friday night to capture this excellent selection of images from Manchester United’s game with Arsenal (8/10/23).

Above: Celebration time for Manchester United on Friday night. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.

Click here to read Impetus’ Ruby Perry‘s report from the LSV press box on the match: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/10/07/late-show-from-lacasse-seals-a-point-for-arsenal/

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

Late show from Lacasse seals a point for Arsenal

Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal

by Ruby Perry at the Leigh Sports Village for Impetus

Above: Arsenal celebrate Cloe Lacasse’s late equaliser. Photo: Barclays WSL.

Arsenal salvaged a point at Manchester United in second-half stoppage last night thanks to a sensational Cloe Lacasse strike.

With a crowd of 8,312 inside the Leigh Sports Village, including a vocal contingent from North London, it was the visitors who hit the front as Stina Blackstenius put the ball in the back of the net with fourteen minutes played.

However, United recovered their composure and would level thanks to a piece of goalkeeping that Sabrina D’Angelo would prefer to forget. Gabby George found Leah Galton who advanced towards D’Angelo who completely missed her attempt at clearing, allowing Galton to roll the ball into an empty net.

Above: Leah Galton puts Manchester United ahead. Photo: Manchester United Women.

Summer signing George’s influence was key as she continually showed great passing vision – supplying Galton in particular into huge space. However, the final chance of the half fell to Arsenal as Alessia Russo made it to the edge of the box but could only lift the ball over the top of the goal with Mary Earps advancing.

Into the second half the Gunners became more powerful after making a triple substitution. Steph Catley was developing an ability to race through into the box and Russo also became more prominent. In one move she showed great control and got a shot away under huge pressure in the box which Earps brilliantly got a foot to to keep the scores level.

Above: Arsenal’s Alessia Russo who came close several times against her former club. Photo: Arsenal Women.

The former United attacker came even closer later on as she let fly with a stunning effort that beat Earps but came cannoning back off the post.

However, with nine minutes, against the run of play, United hit the front thanks to Melvine Malard who capitalised on less that ideal defensive organisation once more from the visitors.

Then at the death came Lacasse’s stunning long range effort to seal what was a valuable point for Jonas Eidevall’s side.

To follow – Impetus’ Matthew Appleby’s exclusive photo gallery from the match.

Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps, George, Le Tissier, Blundell, Toone, Zelem, Galton, Ladd, Garcia, Turner, Geyse. Substitutes used: Miyazawa, Malard.

Scorers: Galton 27′, Malard 81′.

ARSENAL (3-4-3): D’Angelo, Beattie, Catley, Walti, Maritz, Pelova, Russo, Blackstenius, Codina, Little, Ilestedt. Substitutes used: Wubben-Moy, Lacasse, Foord, Maanum, McCabe.

Scorers: Blackstenius 14′, Lacasse 90+3.

Attendance: 8,312.

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Adelaide unveil trio of signings

6/10/23

Above: New Adelaide United signing Mariah Lee (right) seen in action during her time at Celtic. Photo: A-Leagues.

Nine days out from their season opener at home to Canberra United, Adelaide United today announced three further new signings.

First unveiled were Americans, Jenna Holtz and Mariah Lee. The Washington natives grew up playing together at Washington Premier F.C. and then battled against each other at two of the top universities in the American college system, Holtz for Santa Clara University and Lee for Stanford University.

Holtz arrives from Cacereño Femenino in Spain’s Segunda Federación, where she helped her team qualify for the play-offs, falling just shy of promotion.

She has previous proven leadership qualities, captaining the Seattle Sounders to their first Regional Championship and WPSL National Championship in 2018 after an undefeated season, and had a stint with Valadares Gaia F.C. Futebol Feminino in Portugal. The 27-year-old is an adaptable defender, able to play in any position across the backline and also in central midfield.

Above: Jenna Holtz pictured during her spell with Cacereno Femenino. Photo: Periodico Extremadura.

Lee is a strong forward who joins the squad with a plethora of international experience, recently spending the pre-season with OL Reign of the NWSL and prior to that played for Sporting Huelva of Spain’s Primera Division.

Notably, Lee scored six goals in 11 appearances for Celtic FC in 2021, including one of Celtic’s most important goals as a professional club.

Her winning strike against Rangers catapulted the Ghirls past their rivals in the hunt for Champions League football, endearing herself to the devoted Celtic faithful. Known to be a positive dressing room influence, the 27-year-old provides the Reds with yet another option in front of goal this season.

Head Coach, Adrian Stenta is delighted with the duo. “We welcome Jenna and Mariah to Australia and know they will fit in seamlessly here, as so many of our College affiliated players do,” he said.

“They have played throughout the world in different conditions and in front of passionate crowds, so we expect them to thrive in our fantastic environment here in Adelaide and across the A-Leagues. It takes a squad to win a Championship which remains our goal, and we believe Jenna and Mariah boost our depth immensely.”

Above: Annabel Haffenden, pictured during her time at Brisbane Roar. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Then came the news the club had added former Brisbane Roar defender Annabel Haffendon to their squad after two seasons in Queensland.

Her 13 solid appearances earned her a contract with Swedish side, Vaxjo DFF, for which she featured five times, and she was also selected in the Young Matildas squad that faced New Zealand in Auckland last June.

With a total of 17 A-League games played, the 21-year-old can’t wait to get started with the Reds. “I’m really excited to be joining Adelaide and with the signings that have been made, it feels like a really solid squad has been built,” Haffenden said.

“I’m looking forward to continuing learning under a new coach in Adrian (Stenta) and taking my game to the next level here in Adelaide. After being injured for a time last season, I’m in a good place now and am keen to begin this new chapter with the Reds. Hopefully, we can achieve something special as a group.”

Head Coach, Adrian Stenta said: “Annie helps complete our squad brilliantly and she has the qualities to really solidify our defence. Her experience abroad and with the youth national set-up will bring a great deal to the group, as well as a calmness that we need when we’re under pressure.

“With a few new faces in the squad along with the best local South Australian talent, we’re very much looking forward to the start of what can be a memorable season for us.”

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Eidevall: “We need to improve our performance and show the real version of ourselves”

Impetus’ Morganne King was at Arsenal’s media conference with head coach Jonas Eidevall ahead of tomorrow night’s big trip to Manchester United (5/10/23).

Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall, who this week signed a new contract. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.

Arsenal are gearing up for the second game of their WSL campaign against Manchester United on Friday, buoyed by the news that head coach Jonas Eidevall signed a new three-year contract from the club yesterday.

Eidevall signed a new three-year deal with the club on Wednesday after joining Arsenal from Damallsvenskan side FC Rosengård in 2021. When congratulated on this he replied, “It is nice because the commitment is from both parties and it’s all in and it’s very ambitious and it’s about growing the club as much as possible and accelerating the growth of women’s football”.

Arsenal are consistently reaching record attendances; the most recently being a crowd of 54,000 at The Emirates on Sunday for their match against Liverpool. Ultimately the result was disappointing, however, the team are keen to prove themselves after their defeat.

When asked about the loss Eidevall commented; “It was a really wasted opportunity with having 55,000 people in the stand to not put on a better display and a better performance and not being able to energise them better. And my hope and my wish is that each one of them, that they return for Aston Villa game, so we can show them something completely different because they deserve that as well.”

Tomorrow’s clash up north against Manchester United will bring a new set of challenges for the Gunners. The Red Devils have brought in a selection of summer signings like Arsenal, who bagged English striker Alessia Russo in the recent transfer window, now set to face her previous club for whom she scored the game-winner the last time the clubs met. Eidevall spoke highly of her, “She’s a technical player, but she can also control the duels and be really physical and protect the ball. And it’s very, very seldom that you see players that can have all the aspects of it.” 

“You learn all the time you learn in football. Of course, what I didn’t like about last week was that I didn’t think we played with the right energy, too. And that can never happen, and that hasn’t happened to us in a long time.

Above: Arsenal’s new signing Alessia Russo will head back to her previous club Manchester United tomorrow night. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.

“One thing this team has been excellent for is playing with the right amount of energy. Football is like that. Sometimes you do forget the basics or you don’t get them right on the day. But life is about how you respond in those moments and if you are defined by how you react to those situations. That’s what this week has been about and this is what Friday is about as well.” 

A recent topic of discussion in women’s football is whether VAR should be implemented more often on the women’s stage. Jonas Eidevall is adamant that if it is to be brought in then it needs to be done correctly and consistently.

“We see in the men’s game, even when it’s operated on a high level for it, still mistakes happen. So then we can understand that a more low budget system will generate even more mistakes. So the quality of the implementation of these things is really important. So let’s take the time and make sure that you have systems levels on all the competitions.”

After much speculation on her fitness, it was revealed that Beth Mead is not available for tomorrow’s fixture. This comes after she sustained an ACL injury in a game against Manchester United in November 2022.

Noelle Maritz was absent from training last week but she’s been described as “fit” for the upcoming match.

Asked for his overwhelming ambition from tomorrow night’s match, the Gunners boss concluded: “There is only one thing on my mind, and that’s to improve our performance, to show the real version of ourselves and to do everything in our power to try and win the football.”

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Late coaching switch at Wanderers & Adelaide add Morgan

4/10/23

News broke earlier today that Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Kat Smith had departed the club, just ten days before the new A-League Women season.

Robbie Hooker has stepped up with immediate effect to replace Smith until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Following a prolific playing career both internationally and domestically, Hooker began his coaching career in the United States with New York Power in the WUSA (Women’s United Soccer Association).

Hooker returned to Australia in 2008 when he was named the inaugural coach of Canberra United, guiding the side to a historic Grand Final appearance. After a successful stint at Canberra, Hooker was appointed roles in both the Socceroos and Matildas set-ups for several years and more recently played an integral role in Football Australia’s coaching education programs.

Hooker made an appearance in front of Western Sydney Wanderers supporters today – Impetus‘ Kris Goman was there to capture this video footage of what the new Wanderers coach had to say:


Adelaide United

Former Perth Glory and North West Sydney Spirit midfielder, Sarah Morgan has made the move to Adelaide United.

Morgan joins directly from Spirit where she has starred in the NPLW NSW this season, currently their second top-scorer with eight goals from midfield. The 22-year-old has featured in the NSW NPL Team of the Week seven times to date in 2023, more than any other player.

Morgan is also a Young Matildas representative, earning selection in 2018 following her debut season in the Liberty A-League with Canberra United. She featured 11 times for Perth Glory in the 2020/21 season, and twice for Western Sydney Wanderers in 2021/22.

Touted for talent beyond her years from a young age, Morgan is motivated to return to the A-League with aplomb after a year away from the level.

“It’s been nice in a way to have a year away from the A-League and now I’m refreshed and ready to come back and give it my all,” she said.

“Adelaide United presents a new challenge for me and a great opportunity to keep improving, and hopefully we can achieve something special as a group. You hear a lot of good things about Adelaide, and there’s a core group of girls here that I can’t wait to join on the park.”

Head Coach, Adrian Stenta believes Morgan can bring quality and composure to the squad.

“We welcome Sarah to the Club who possesses a range of ability both in defence and attack, and she has proven talent in the A-League system,” he said.

“She has dominated in the New South Wales NPL which is a high standard, and we’re fully confident she can bring this to the next level once again. I think the coaching staff are going to have a few selection headaches this season, which is what we want and hopefully all the makings of a successful campaign.”

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Welsh Weekend Wrap

by Martin Townley, Impetus Cymru Correspondent (4/10/23).

Above: Aberystwyth Town celebrate during their 2-0 win over Pontypridd United. Photo: Sam Eden/FAW

The Hollywood story goes on as Wrexham top the Adran Premier.  Cardiff City get back to winning ways, Cardiff Met beat Swansea and Aberystwyth see off Pontypridd. There were big wins in the Adran Trophy as Connah’s Quay Nomads put eight past Rhyl.  While in the southern section Briton Ferry put ten goals past Cwmbran Celtic.

Adran Premier

Cardiff Met 3-1 Swansea City

Met took the lead in the 23rd minute though Ingrid Aarland who scored her fourth of the season.  Aarland played Ellie Preece in, but her shot was saved by Claire Skinner.  Aarland was quick on to the rebound firing in from the edge of the box.

Preece added the second for Met just after half time with a low shot from just outside the box. 

With nine minutes left, Swansea got back in the game.  Chloe Chivers showed determination to get a ball across the box for Katy Hosford to finish from close range to give the Swans hope. 

It was to be Met’s day however as late into added time Erin Murry added a third to confirm the win for the Archers. 

Cardiff City 3-1 The New Saints
Above: Cardiff City’s Eliza Collie celebrates her goal that put her side 1-0 up against TNS. Photo: Cardiff City Women.

Champions Cardiff City won 3-1 over The New Saints (TNS) at Cardiff International Sports Stadium.  Eliza Collie gave the Bluebirds the early lead as she got onto Rhianne Oakley’s through ball and fired past Mackenzie Haydn-Jones. 

Molly Kehoe put the Bluebirds two up with a stunning strike from the right-hand edge of the box. The Saints pulled one back after the break as Chantelle Teare headed in from Caitlin Campman’s corner. 

TNS couldn’t find a second and it was City who added a goal late on.  Oakley again set up Collie to score in added time. 

Aberystwyth Town 2-0 Pontypridd United

Aberystwyth Town’s sensational start to the season continued with another tremendous home performance against Pontypridd United.

Goals from Niamh Duggan and Lleucu Mathias wrapped up a 2-0 win as Gavin Allen’s side stayed unbeaten in their first three matches – with no goals conceded.

“Today showed that we are truly a proper team, and our hard work is paying off,” said Duggan afterwards. “I was really pleased to score and hope it’s the first of many this season.”

“Between 1 to 15, the girls were absolutely fantastic,” said head coach Allen. “Any one of them could have been the player of the match.”

Barry Town United 1-5 Wrexham

Wrexham top the table after a 5-1 win at Jenner Park over Barry.  Rosie Hughes got all five for Wrexham including a first-half hat trick as the Dragons ran wild. 

Tonicha Dickens whipped in a cross for Hughes to head in for her first.  Rebecca Pritchard sent the ball into the box for Hughes to get her second after 15 minutes.  Pritchard and Hughes combined again for the Wrexham’s third in the 19th minute.

Hughes added a fourth in the 53rd minute and a fifth after 67 minutes.  Lucy Attwood did a late consolation for Barry in the 88th minute. 

Table From: Genero Adran Leagues.

Adran Trophy

Four goals from Elana Harley helped Connah’s Quay Nomads to an 8-0 win over Rhyl as the Nomads top their group.  Airbus UK Broughton drew 1-1 with Bangor while Llandudno won 5-0 away to Y Felinheli.  Llandudno top group two in the north.  

Alison Witts got a hat trick in Briton Ferry’s 10-0 win over Cwmbran Celtic.  Lowri Baker and Jess Denscombe also got two each as Ferry top the group on six points.  Caldicot Town and Llanelli drew 1-1 with Pontardawe winning 5-2 over Coed Duon.  Pontardawe’s win sent them top of their group.

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The Pride continue red hot start to season

Ashbourne 0-13 Pride Park

by ‘Doug Outt (4/10/23)

Above: Pride Park’s Ellie-Mae Coleman who scored two goals and provided three assists in her side’s 13-0 win. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Game six in 21 days for Pride Park was a trip to Ashbourne in the tier seven Derbyshire Ladies League Division One. The hosts were promoted as champions from Division Two at the end of last season. Although they came into the game still to record their first win, their results to date – including narrow defeats to Draycott and Belper – suggested they were starting to find their feet in the top tier.

After conceding early in their last game on Wednesday, Pride were looking for a better start to the game on a saturated pitch with rain continuing to fall – but it could not really have started any better. Straight from the kick-off, the ball was worked down the flank through some intricate passing before Beth Jones was played in and raced clear of the defence to slot home with 39 seconds played. 

A second goal after six minutes, this time a dipping shot from just outside the area by Steph Eadon, consolidated the lead. There were chances to add to the score for Jones, Eadon, Loren Kitching, and Ellie Coleman before Jones made it three just before the half-hour, steering Aimee Healey-Raynor’s cross wide of the keeper. 

Ten minutes before half-time, a clever throw by Izzy Wilsoncroft put Jones in down the flank and she cut the ball back for Maja Znamirowska to make it 4-0 at half-time.

Above: Pride Park’s Steph Eadon who scored a goal and then went between the sticks and kept a clean sheet after regular goalkeeper Jade Howell was injured. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Whilst Pride were undoubtedly in control at this stage, it wasn’t by any means one-sided up to this point, with Ashbourne forcing a couple of smart interventions from Jade Howell in the Pride goal. Unfortunately, just before half time she collided with Izzy Wilsoncroft and was unable to continue, Eadon taking over goalkeeping duties for the final five minutes of the first half and into the second half. 

If there were any concerns Pride might be put out of their stride by the enforced goalkeeping change, they were dispelled by two goals in two minutes shortly after the restart, and a further burst of three goals in four minutes around the hour. 

Ashbourne’s goalkeeper made several good saves including one exceptional save in time added on, getting down really well to turn a shot by Eadon round the post.

There were several well-constructed goals, which were spread around with five for Jones, two apiece for Tash Allderidge, Znamirowska, Coleman (who also provided three assists), and one each for Eadon and Sophie Ayton, contributing to a league-best scoreline for the team.

Above: Five goal Beth Jones. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Picking individual goals out is difficult but the goal that brought the loudest cheer was undoubtedly that scored by centre-back Sophie Ayton, who set off on a purposeful run as the ball was played wide to Wilsoncroft, continuing as play built up and was found by Healey-Raynor’s through ball to finish with a first time dipping shot into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area – her first goal for two years and only her third ever League goal in 99 league appearances. 

In difficult conditions, Pride played some really fluid, attractive football, and were able to rotate extensively, including Jones taking over from Eadon in goal for the last quarter of an hour. 

It was unfortunate for Ashbourne that they came up against an in-form Pride for which everything just clicked on the day but, despite everything the hosts continued to play, showed considerable spirit, and finished the game still carving out opportunities. 

There is a little break from League action for the next two weeks, starting with the DGLL Challenge Cup First Round against Stanton Ilkeston at Moorways on Sunday 8th October (KO 1.30pm). 

Above: The Pride Park squad that defeated Ashbourne on Sunday. Photo: Pride Park FC.

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Norfolk Weekend Wrap

by Darrell Allen (3/10/23)

Above: Freya Symonds (left) scored Norwich City’s opener in their 2-1 cup victory at AFC Bournemouth. Photo: AFC Bournemouth.

FA Women’s National League Cup First Round

Norwich City produced a stunning 2-1 extra-time win at AFC Bournemouth to progress in the FA Women’s National League Cup.  Freya Symonds had given them the lead, but Bournemouth equalised through Lucy Cooper before Rachel Lawrence won the tie in extra time to make it a long, but happy, journey home for the Canaries.

Women’s FA Cup Second Qualifying Round

Tier six Fakenham Town caused an upset on the road by knocking out tier five King’s Lynn Town. Chloe Gravett followed up her hat-trick against Thetford Town last week by scoring four in this tie at The Walks with Rochelle Woods getting the other goal for Fakenham. Oksana Imanalijeva and Alicia Juby scored for King’s Lynn.

Above: Fakenham Town (pictured) caused an upset by knocking higher division King’s Lynn Town out of the Women’s FA Cup with a 5-2 win at The Walks. Photo: Fakenham Town FC.

In the other tier five against tier six clash, Wroxham made no such mistakes with a comfortable 7-1 win at Newmarket. Lara Densley and Rebecca Russell scored a brace each with Chelsea Clarke, Hannah Fuller, and Jennifer Drummie adding one each for Wroxham. Newmarket’s goal was an own goal.

Tier six duo Mulbarton Wanderers and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers played out a humdinger of a six-goal thriller at Mulberry Park which saw the tie decided by penalties. Dussindale & Hellesdon raced into a two-goal lead with early goals from Calista Tink and Tallulah Bell, a lead that they held until halftime. A quick start to the second half saw Mulbarton score three goals in five minutes thanks to two from Rebekah Lake and one from Samantha Walker before a late equaliser from Victoria Leyer levelled the scores and took the game to penalties. Dussindale & Hellesdon won the shootout 6-5 to round off an extraordinary afternoon at Mulberry Park.

Above: Rebekah Lake (right) scored twice for Mulbarton Wanderers in their 3-3 draw for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers on Sunday, a game which they ended up losing 6-5 on penalties. Photo: Ben Cunningham.

The remaining tier six Norfolk side Thetford Town were 4-1 winners over tier seven Aylsham at Mundford Road thanks to goals from Melissa Boulton, Alice Collins, Katie Fray, and Kate Morris, with Billie Myall scoring for Aylsham.

Elsewhere, Bungay Town from tier seven were beaten 4-0 at home by tier six Lawford who had Nancy Butler to thank for scoring a brace with Charlotte Bryant and Jessica Gill adding the other two.

Sprowston withdrew from their scheduled tie at Brantham Athletic giving their opponents a bye into the next round.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Mundford continue to lead the way but they were made to work hard to retain their 100% start with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Red Rose thanks to a goal in injury time of each half. Livvi Hodges and Sharn Thompson scored for Mundford, whilst Katy Turner scored for Red Rose.

Bure Valley also made it four wins from four with a 6-0 victory over Freethorpe. Willow Nye scored a hat-trick with Emma Macmillan, Megan Swain, and Romilly McLaggen also getting on the scoresheet.

Stalham Town ran out 10-0 winners over Martham. Charlotte Fisher bagged herself a hat-trick, Amber Mayhew added two, and the remaining five goals were scored by Emily Gilmurray, Maisie Roll, Teegan Watts, Laureena Reid, and Claire Wilkins.

Finally, Waveney beat FC Viking Valkyries 3-0 at home with goals from Chloe Dobson (two) and Evie Roberts.

Above: Hannah Fuller (right) was a scorer in Wroxham’s 7-1 win at Newmarket Town in the FA Cup on Sunday. Photo: Sean Doyle.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

Horsford were 8-1 winners at Loddon United. In a match of one-way traffic, the visitors’ Kelly Mills scored four, Robyn Nash hit the net twice with Emily Crabtree and Caitlyn Arnup adding one each. Jenny Seaman scored for Loddon United.

Mulbarton Wanderers were 7-1 winners over Dussindale & Hellesdon with a hat-trick apiece from Joanne Hooper and Alice Ladbrooke. Katie Ransome-Farmer scored their other goal with Helen Finn scoring for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

Aylsham and Hockering played out a 1-1 draw.  Hannah Burton scored for Aylsham with Maisie Hendry scoring for Hockering.

FC Viking Valkyries were 6-0 winners at Bulldogs thanks to a hat-trick from Bethany Howman, a brace from Laura-Jane Tooke, and the other from Ruby-Maya Campbell.

Above: Gabi Varanariciute (centre) receiving her player of the match award for Mundford FC after their 2-1 victory over Red Rose from the club’s joint managers Rob Johnston (left) and Dan Ellis (right). Photo: Mundford FC.

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The View From France

Impetus’ Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the second round of the 2023-2024 D1 Arkema season with a focus on all the Australian internationals involved (3/10/23).

Above: Eugénie Le Sommer celebrates after scoring the winning goal for Lyon. Photo: Lyubomir Domozetski, Olympique Lyonnais.

Paris FC 3-1 Fleury

A quirk of the fixture list meant that Paris FC were the home side but the game took place at Fleury’s ground as Paris’ was not yet ready for football. Two minutes after the first goal, scored by Paris FC’s Mathilde Bourdieu, Julie Dufour almost added a second. Then, after a ball poorly dealt with by the Fleury defence, Gaëtane Thiney pushed the ball in the net on nineteen minutes to make it 2-0. Fleury reduced the gap in the 26th minute after Léa Le Garrec’s from the left-hand side which was guided in by Tianna Harris at the far post with her right foot.

Above: The two scorers for Paris FC Clara Matéo, number 10, and Gaëtane Thiney, on the righthand side of Matéo. Photo: Paris FC website.

Almost 70% of possession in the first half was for Paris, but Fleury reacted strongly at the end of the half and had a few opportunities of their own. Paris FC should have been awarded a penalty on 66 minutes when Julie Dufour looked to be fouled by Charlotte Fernandes with her knee in the penalty area, but strangely the referee judged that there was nothing wrong. After dominating the game since the start of second half, Paris FC scored added their third goal via Clara Matéo on 75 minutes following a pass from Julie Dufour. Scorers for Paris FC: Bourdieu (14’), Thiney (19’), Matéo (75). Scorers for Fleury: Harris (26’). 

MATILDAS WATCH – Sarah Hunter (Paris FC) was not included in the line-up for this game.

Guingamp 0-0 Reims

The first half was edged by Reims, especially, at the beginning but, overall, the action was not very exciting, and there were few clear opportunities for either team. It seems that the departure of Melchie Dumornay from Reims to Lyon has left a gaping hole in Reims’ attack. There were a few more threatening moments in the second half with two shots hitting the woodwork and a couple of strong saves, but still a goal could not be scored. 

Dijon 3-3 Lille
Above: Dijon’s two goal hero Wu Chengshu. Photo: Dijon website.

In an even game, the promoted team, Lille, earned a draw away from home. Wu Chengshu, of Dijon, played the last twenty minutes and scored twice. Scorers for Dijon: Abdu (31’), Chengshu (86’, 90’+2). Scorers for Lille: Boilesen (64’), Boucly (75’), Rabanne (90’+6 penalty).

Saint-Etienne 1-1 Montpellier

Montpellier had the edge in terms of possession and will be pleased with a draw away from home. Scorers for Saint-Etienne: Otu (14’). Scorers for Montpellier: Mpomé (69’). 

Bordeaux 1-1 Le Havre

Despite an overwhelming advantage in terms of possession – more than 70% and five corners in the opening half an hour, Le Havre fell behind to a Bordeaux penalty on ten minutes. Bordeaux were indebted to a great performance from goalkeeper, Justine Lerond, who prevented Le Havre from scoring twice with two great saves in the first thirty minutes.

Above: Justine Lerond, Bordeaux’s goalkeeper who made several fine saves. Photo: Bordeaux website.

Once again, the adage “dominating is not winning” is confirmed. At least, at the 59th minute, Le Havre scored after a cross from Nadjma Ali Nadjim was met at the far post by Laurie Cance who put the ball in the net. This action was initiated by Inès Benyahia, midfielder, who is a new recruit of Le Havre on loan from Lyon to gain game time and entered at half time.In the second half, Lerond saved twice from Cance to ensure the points were shared. Scorers for Bordeaux:  Lardez (10’ penalty). Scorers for Le Havre: Ali Nadjim (59’). 

Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Olympique Lyonnais

Marie-Antoinette Katoto was back in the Paris Saint-Germain matchday squad as a substitute after more than 14 months out; she was injured in July 2022 and eventually entered the game on 76 minutes. Gérard Prêcheur had quit his position of head coach of PSG this week and has been replaced by his son Jocelyn Prêcheur who was his assistant coach.

Both teams started with a lot of speed and pressure with the ball that went from one side to the other with opportunities for both teams in front of almost 16,000 spectators in the Parc des Princes stadium. The first, and only, goal of this game was for Lyon after 20 minutes from Eugénie Le Sommer. A free kick from Selma Bacha was met by Damaris Egurrola who sent the ball back to Le Sommer with a header. The second half started as the first one with a lot of great quality, speed, and pressure from both teams with the home side edging it with several opportunities to score. Both teams had cause to thank their goalkeepers who were both called into action multiple times – Lyon’s Christiane Endler made four superb saves to deny PSG an equaliser.

Above: Christiane Endler, Lyon goalkeeper, voted player of the game. Photo: Lyubomir Domozetski, Olympique Lyonnais.

Particularly noteworthy was the great performance of Tabitha Chawinga, the 27 year old PSG forward who was dangerous on several opportunities. She brought more power and percussion to the team, and everyone is now waiting to see her partner with Katoto in the centre of PSG attack. We saw a very high-level game with a lot of drama between the obviously two best teams of D1 Arkema. Scorers for Lyon: Le Sommer (20’). 

MATILDAS WATCH – Ellie Carpenter (Olympique Lyonnais) Carpenter was a starter on the right-hand side in the defence of Lyon as usual and put in another great performance with several crosses that could have been converted into goals and worked hard as part of the team to keep the opposition from scoring.

MATILDAS WATCH – Clare Hunt (Paris St. Germain) Hunt was still not in the squad for this game.

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