Impetus Round Table: WSL Predictions

Five of our writers, Genevieve Henry, Kieran Yap, Emmanuel Faith, Aimee Logan, and Ben Gilby discuss what this season will look like in the Women’s Super League (27/9/23).

Above: Chelsea’s Australian superstar Sam Kerr – out for more trophies for both club and on a personal level this season. Photo: Women’s Super League.

Who do you think will be champions this season?

Genevieve Henry: Chelsea. Emma Hayes’ side have a recent history of success that’s hard to argue with. Chelsea have had a strong transfer window, bringing in Catarina Macario, Ashley Lawrence, and many other notable talents.

Kieran Yap: I agree with Evie. I can’t shake the feeling that Arsenal bundling out of the Champions League might give them a slight advantage, but Emma Hayes has been building a team specifically to compete on multiple fronts. I think Chelsea will win again, but it feels a bit like a two horse race right now.

Ben Gilby: I’m going Arsenal. Their Achilles heel for so long has been a lack of strength in depth to match Chelsea. Jonas Eidevall has been working away on that over the last year or so, and with Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Vivianne Miedema to return this looks a real strong side who will be thrilling to watch.

Emmanuel Faith: I know you were expecting Chelsea, I was too but on paper, Arsenal might nick the trophy this time around. After winning WSL four consecutive times, Chelsea might experience a slight fatigue while facing determined rigorous oppositions that might make the fifth time a major challenge.

Let’s not forget that, while Chelsea relishes the recent domestic dominance, Emma’s eyes is still on the golden prize- an European silverware, and if she has to make a call during busy schedules, she would rather keep her stars for the UWCL than have them play WSL.

Arsenal on the other hand is out of the UWCL and will have their full focus on a domestic clean sweep having gotten their hands on a trophy last season despite their injury woes. Their stars are coming back, their current stars aren’t relenting, and if there is any time to challenge for the trophy, it is now.

Aimee Logan: With no extra Champions League fixtures, and the return of star players from injury, I think Arsenal could be real title winners this season. The likes of Chelsea and Manchester United will have additional fixtures to focus on around the WSL games and Arsenal will have more time to prepare for these.

Arsenal are also riding on massive fan interaction as they are aiming to sell out the Emirates multiple times in the season. Having fans backing your performance is significant to success.

Who do you think will round out the top three?

Kieran: Aston Villa and Arsenal. I think Villa are still building and are probably unlikely to win the title, but there’s something special happening there, and I’m still not sure what to make of either Manchester club.

Emmanuel: On paper, ceteris paribus, there is no world where Chelsea finishes outside the top-two position. Emma Hayes is a serial winner- she has done her recruitments early, handpicking stars across the continent to fit into her perfect sketch. If Chelsea by chance misses out on the trophy, you can be sure that it will be a slight nick, and they won’t relinquish the second position to any competitor no matter the intensity.

The red side of Manchester had an amazing run last season, pushing Chelsea to the very end. Mary Earps heroics, Ona Batlle’s attacking contributions from the defence, and having goal-scorers across the pitch including Russo and Galton who scored 10 goals a-piece ensured they gave the blue army a run for their experience however they might not have it easy this time around.

While they made some notable signings including the FIFA WWC Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa, Arsenal and Chelsea will be quite formidable for them to overtake, especially if they somehow leapfrog PSG in their upcoming double-head UWCL qualifications round.

Aimee: Chelsea have been a dominant side in the WSL for a while now, but I’ve put them in second place just because of the loss of their captain Magdalena Erickson, along with star player Pernille Harder, leaves a big whole in their squad. Despite this, they have many young talented players in their team who look to progress Chelsea for the future. 

Aston Villa might be a shock for some but their performances at the end of last season and the incredible signings that Carla Ward has made over summer means her side is looking very strong coming into the new season. I think they are going to be a big threat in the WSL, significantly to sides like Manchester United who lost many of their players this window, and Manchester City who missed out on Champions League spots this previous season.

Ben: Chelsea and, if they can keep everyone fit and firing, potentially Aston Villa. Carla Ward has continued her addition of talent and I’m really excited to see what they can do. If the injuries strike, the depth is not there which could open the door for Manchester City.

Genevieve: Arsenal and Aston Villa. Another side with good summer signings, Jonas Eidevall’s side will surely be a tough side to beat. They could achieve more if they weren’t plagued with injuries.

Building on last year’s success, this side has got the chemistry and the players to really challenge top teams. Both Manchester teams have lost too many players to succeed this year, whereas Villa are only growing in confidence.

Which teams are you looking out for, who are the underdogs?

Emmanuel: Manchester City had a silent transfer window; however, they cannot be written off the top three slots. They have been consistent over the last two seasons, despite faltering in UWCL qualifiers and losing their European spot to Arsenal on goal difference last season. They have the squad to compete, they are not playing European football and might surprise the top three teams if given the chance to.

Genevieve: Brighton and Hove Albion. Melissa Phillips has brought in some incredible players, especially in the trio from Sydney FC (Mackenzie Hawkesby, Charlize Rule, and Madison Haley), and will expect to push other top competitors. 

Ben: I agree with Evie. If all their Sydney signings can find their WSL feet there could be a real challenge laid down by Brighton and Hove Albion this season.

Kieran: I’m looking forward to seeing what Leicester City can do with a more settled squad, the addition of Janice Cayman, and having come through the experience of a relegation battle.

Aimee: Leicester City struggled to get going last season and didn’t manage to get high up the table. They just escaped relegation last year after they had some good performances at the end of the season, but they need to be playing football like that throughout this season to not be at risk of relegation. 

I think Manchester City could be hungry this season to fight more for the higher spots in the table. I feel like they are less of an ‘underdog’ because its evident that the side has strong international names in the squad, but missing out on the top three should have made them more eager to push this year.

They have also just signed Jill Roord, who is back in the WSL, and this signing has been heavily focused on rather than the development of players already at the club. It fair to say they have a talented side; it will just be interesting where they place in the top 5.

Who will be facing relegation this season?

Genevieve: The newly promoted Bristol City has not made strides similar to even the most struggling WSL sides and they can expect to fall behind. With a relatively inexperienced team, it would be hard to make a dent in the league.

Emmanuel: This is hard to predict but Bristol City and Leicester City will have to fight hard to stay in the WSL.

Ben: Bristol City. I think Leicester will have a more consistent season. Spurs, West Ham and possibly Liverpool will be around the bottom four, but on paper those three have more to challenge opponents than Bristol City. It will come down to the mini league of results between those four teams.

Kieran: Bristol City. I genuinely hope not, but it is a hard league to survive in, especially without a bigger men’s club backing you these days.

Onto more fun topics.  Who will win the Golden Boot?

Aimee: It goes without saying that Rachel Daly is a clinical goal scorer. 22 goals in 22 games last season earned her the Golden Boot and if she gets the same game time and plays the same impressive football she did last season, there’s no reason she won’t get that accolade again.

Genevieve: Bunny Shaw. The Jamaican powerhouse came so close for Manchester City last season, only losing out to Rachel Daly at the very end of the season. After a historical World Cup campaign with her country, Shaw will come into the season inspired.

Kieran: It’s hard to bet against Sam Kerr, but I think Alessia Russo has the potential for a big season at Arsenal. She is in good form for her country and although she was one of the bigger profile transfers of the season, she will have lots of help in that attack with Caitlin Foord, Stina Blackstenius, and probably Meidema and Mead. Her biggest challenger will be Rachel Daly.

Ben: How can I possibly go against Sam Kerr. Western Australian loyalty demands she gets my vote!

Emmanuel: Rachel Daly won the Golden Boot last season, deservedly so but Kerr’s drought was caused by a lot of factors including the continual rotation of the attackers around her and injuries to different players at diverse stages of the season. With Kirby back to fitness, James exploring new strides and Reiten picking up from where she left last season, it will be hard to stop Kerr from her galore of goals.

At the other end, which Goalkeepers will be the standouts?

Genevieve: Mackenzie Arnold. Although she may not record the most clean sheets, the superb West Ham United stopper will certainly keep her side in it. After a stunning home World Cup, Arnold has confidence on her side for the first time in a long time.

Kieran: The Matildas fan in me is split between Macca and Teagan Micah at Liverpool. Arnold has the better record in this league, so I’m going to agree with Evie again.

Ben: Can’t wait to see how Teagan Micah goes at Liverpool. Chelsea’s pair of Musovic and Berger are a class apart. Then throw in the best two keepers from the World Cup in Mackenzie Arnold and Mary Earps and you have so much to look forward to.

Emmanuel: Mary Earps. There is no need for explanation, is there? I could have easily slotted in Ann Katrin-Berger or Zecira Musovic but the fact that they will both be heavily rotated leaves that slot to the FIFA World Cup golden glove winner who is well poised to have another record-breaking season in the WSL.

Aimee: For club and country, Earps is the top level of goalkeeper in the women’s game. She was vital to Manchester United’s success last season and is still in top form. Even though there is an ongoing debate on what club she is going to end up at, it’s clear she’s going to still have incredible performances throughout the season.

Who are your players to watch?

Kieran: I am really looking forward to seeing what Ebony Salmon can do back in this league. I thought she was excellent at Bristol City before moving to the NWSL, and was really hoping an A-League Women’s team could entice her to come out to Australia. She can be a difference-maker in any game in the same way Kerr is for Chelsea.

Aimee: She is a part of manager Carla Ward’s process to get to the top end of the league. Salmon has had senior caps for the Lionesses and scored several impressive goals whilst playing for Houston Dash. Last season, Carla Ward also signed Rachel Daly from Houston Dash and if Salmon has the impact that Daly had, Villa are going to have another impressive season.

Kieran: Mackenzie Hawkesby leaves Australia as one of the best midfielders in the domestic league. She can play almost any role in midfield or attack and is as good a tackler as she is a finisher. Her style of player is almost an old-school English midfield player. She’ll be popular at Brighton.

Mary Fowler was one of the best players at the World Cup and has had limited game time so far at Manchester City. I’m eager to see what she can do in her second season.

Ben: It’s all about Kyra Cooney-Cross. As a site, we’ve been heroing her for our entire four-year history and now at the age of 21, she has her big move to Arsenal. Breaking into the team and staying there will be the first challenge, but there’s nothing she cannot do.

Emmanuel: Melvin Malard arrives in the WSL having a lot to prove. Talent isn’t her problem, output is. Having been overlooked by the new French coach, Herve Renard, Malard will be looking to put up a display so impressive that every stakeholder will look forward to having her back on their team.

Always overlooked, always omitted, Erin Cuthbert is one of the best and most versatile midfielders in the WSL right now.  She can play in a double-four, sit as a holding midfielder, and even play upfront as an attacking midfielder when required. Despite the newest additions to the team, Cuthbert versatility and work-rate stands her out and she’d always be in Emma Hayes’ good book when it comes to playing time.

Dear journalists, get your quill ready, it’s about to be another Cuthbert show

Moroccan star Roselle Ayane has struggled so far at Tottenham having just three goals in 17 appearances last season. Coming back from an impressive World Cup, Bethany England’s absence means she can play in her preferred front two alongside the Finnish striker, Eveliina  Summanen. This might finally be the season Ayane steps on the gas and begin to hit her mark.

Genevieve: Kyra Cooney-Cross has stirred up excitement for Arsenal fans and she’s sure to deliver some excellent performances this season.

The midfield magician Catarina Macario is coming off of a long injury hiatus and will want to prove herself at Chelsea and get back into contention for the US Women’s National Team. 

Brighton and Hove Albion have picked up an experienced, versatile player in the Portuguese star Tatiana Pinto and she will surely propel them to great heights.

Aimee: Kyra Cooney-Cross signed for Arsenal right at the end of the transfer window and it’s fair to say, Arsenal fans are excited about this transfer after her impressive performances in the summer. The young talent is making her debut in the WSL this season and it’s exciting to see how she performs with the rest of the talented Arsenal squad.

Another player who has signed for Aston Villa is the Dutch number one keeper. Daphne van Domselaar had countless impressive performances in major tournaments for the last couple of years for the Netherlands, and her performance against the Lionesses denied them of victory. Following Hannah Hampton’s departure from the club, she seems a fit replacement.

What are your overall expectations for the WSL season?

Genevieve: This season is going to be bursting with competition like never before. Traditionally lower table teams are investing and stacking up on talent. Many teams will be pushing for a spot in the top three. This should be a fun season.

Kieran: Even though I think the title will be down to two teams, the league is becoming more competitive each year. Every team has somebody worth getting up early to watch, so I’m just excited for things to kick off.

Ben: Potentially the most competitive battle between a top four or five to date – albeit with Arsenal and Chelsea eventually clear of Villa and the Manchester pair. If Bristol City can pick up points at home then it could be interesting at the bottom too.

Emmanuel: The competition is getting stiffer and more exciting by the way- the last two leagues have been won with the slimmest of margins. While every match is important, the matches to watch out for will be the double-headers within the top-4 teams. While a lot of attention is not being paid to Manchester City, a front-three of Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, and Khadija Shaw can cause havoc to any defense at the moment if given the right balls. Katie McCabe is scoring Olimpicos, Frida Maanum is scoring screamers, Beth is almost back and Viv has left the screen to touch the grass.

Will Arsenal be able to stop Chelsea winning streak or will the Blues extend their dominance? Only time will tell.

Aimee: I think this season is going to be one of the most competitive seasons yet with many sides developing their squads and signing new talents over the summer. It also looks to be the biggest WSL season ever with many teams looking to sell out big stadiums and get loads of fans to their matches. I think that the top and bottom of the table will be full of competition and ultimately the relegation and the title battle could go right to the last day.

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Harder hits hat-trick as Denmark take down Cymru

Impetus’ Martin Townley and Morganna King teamed up at the Cardiff City Stadium last night to bring you the best coverage of Cymru’s UEFA Nations League game with Denmark. Martin reports from the press box, with Morganna providing coverage of the post-match media conference (27/9/23).]

Above: Cymru’s Jess Fishlock celebrates her goal last night. Photo: FAW.

Cymru 1-5 Denmark

by Martin Townley at the Cardiff City Stadium for Impetus

Denmark top Group Three of the UEFA Nations League A after a Pernille Harder hat-trick helped them to a 5-1 win over Cymru last night.

It’s a second win in the Nations League for Denmark after their 2-0 win over Germany.  For Cymru it’s a second defeat and the biggest loss since Gemma Grainger became manager in 2021. 

Denmark made a fast start at Cardiff City Stadium taking a 2-0 lead with 12 minutes.  Pernille Harder converted a penalty after six minutes then added her second after 11 minutes.  The visitors controlled the half and Cymru struggled to trouble Lene Christensen.     

Cymru started better in the second and Jess Fishlock pulled a goal back in the 50th minute.  However, it would take Denmark just nine minutes to restore their two-goal thanks to Frederikke Thogersen.   The Danes added a fourth in 87th minute from Sanne Troelsgaard as the Welsh defence became further stretched as they chased the game.  Then in added time, Harder added a fifth to complete her hat trick.

The match got off to a bad start for Cymru as they found themselves behind just six minutes in.  Rhiannon Roberts kicked a Danish player as she attempted to clear a Sofie Svava corner with a penalty awarded as a result.  Denmark captain Pernille Harder dispatched the penalty to the bottom right corner sending Cymru keeper Olivia Clark the wrong way.

Harder then put the Danes two up with a simple tap in from the six-yard box.  Good work from Josefine Hasbo to send the ball to Frederikke Thogersen who sent a low ball in across the goal for Harder to score.

Denmark continued to pressure Cymru as they looked for a third goal.  Katherine Kuhl making a driving forward run to the edge of the Welsh box.  She hit a shot but put it over the bar.

Harder should have had a hat trick in the 38th minute when she seemingly had the goal wide open.  An exquisite back heel from Amalie Vangsgaard to send the ball over Hayley Ladd allowed the Danes to send the ball into the box. Roberts was unable to clear, and the ball fell to Harder who steered the ball wide of the post. 

Above: Cymru congratulate Jess Fishlock after she pulled the score back to 2-1 last night. Photo: FAW.

Gemma Grainger’s team wasn’t giving up this game and did try to mount attacks of their own. Fishlock with a flick out to Rachel Rowe, who then played the ball into the box for Fishlock.  Despite her attempt to slide to the ball, Fishlock was unable to reach it and Lene Christensen was able to collect.

Just before halftime the best chance for Cymru fell to Ceri Holland.  The Welsh team manging to push Denmark back into their own box the ball came to Holland just right of the goal.  She hit a snapshot but could only find the side netting.

Cymru made a bright start to the second half and showed more attacking intent.  Gemma Grainger made a change at halftime bringing Kayleigh Green in for Rachel Rowe. 

They were rewarded in the 50th minute as Fishlock pulled a goal back.  Good link-up play from Kayleigh Green and Carrie Jones found Fishlock free on the edge of the back.  The OL Reign star firing into the top corner. 

Just as Cymru thought they were back in the game, Denmark scored a third.  Sofie Svava with an inch-perfect cross to find Thogersen arriving at the back post for an easy tap-in.

Ceri Holland had a chance for Cymru shortly after from the edge of the box, but she hit her effort straight at Christensen. Cymru kept trying to find a way back into the game and Ffion Morgan put a fine cross into the box looking for Kayleigh Green.  Green was unable to reach the ball. 

Denmark showed their quality again as they got a fourth goal in the 86th minute.  Nicoline Sorensen’s effort was saved by Clark by Sanne Troelsgaard quickest to the ball to head in the rebound. 

Into added time Harder finished off her hat trick.  Signe Bruun saw her shot hit the bar and the ball fell to Harder who had an easy finish from close range.

Grainger: Short-term pain will lead to long-term gain as Cymru face off against Europe’s best

Above: Cymru head coach Gemma Grainger believes that UEFA Nations League games against Europe’s best will stand her team in good stead. Photo: FAW.

by Morganna King at the Cardiff City Stadium for Impetus.

“Goals change games,” Cymru women’s manager Gemma Grainger stated after she and captain Sophie Ingle spoke to the media after they went down to a 5-1 defeat to Denmark in the second game of their Women’s Nations League campaign.

“There’s always pressure at international football, at any football, you know you want to get points on the board. It’s tough losing your first two games but I think we’ll learn more from it going into the next two and hopefully, we minimise the mistakes from tonight going into the next camp.” Ingle disclosed. This comes after losing 1-0 to Iceland in Reykjavik for the first match of their Women’s Nations League campaign and losing again 5-1 against Denmark in their second match.

Denmark captain and Bayern Munich forward Pernille Harder scored a hattrick in Cymru’s 5-1 defeat. Ingle, who knows the attacker well from being a Chelsea team-mate of her until the end of last season reflected about Harder: “She’s a very clever player she plays off your back shoulder. You think you’ve got her one minute and then she moves and she just glides past you”.

Grainger was adamant that the match against Denmark, who are currently ranked 12th in the world, is a learning curve to perform better at international level.

“We’ve got to find lessons from these games. We need to learn quickly from them so that when we play them in October and we play Germany in October, we set up in a way that helps us to be competitive”.

There’s no doubt that Cymru will improve ahead of their upcoming matches while they attempt to qualify for Euro 2025 in Switzerland. One of Cymru’s weaknesses was their ability to make the most of their chances on goal.

“When we qualify for European Championships we’re going to play against these teams and these teams are clinical, they will take the majority of their chances and that’s something we need to take note of” Grainger stated. “The reality is, the level that we want to play at, our players need to feel that level consistently and that’s what this Nations League is going to give us”.

Next up Cymru are challenged with two away games in the month of October to continue their Women’s Nations League campaign; one against Germany and another against Denmark. 

Teams: CYMRU (4-1-4-1): Clark, Woodham, Evans, Ingle, Roberts, Holland, James, Fishlock (Green 74′), Rowe (Green 46′), Ladd, Jones (Morgan 74′).

Scorer: Fishlock 50′.

DENMARK (4-4-2): Christensen, Ballisager, Boye Sorensen, Hasbo, Vangsgaard (Bruun 66′), Harder (Gejl 90+1′), Veje (Sevecke 90+1′), Moller Kuhl, Pedersen (Troelsgaard 66′), Thogersen, Svava (Sorensen 83′).

Scorers: Harder 6′ (pen), 11′, 90+1′. Thogersen 60′, Troelsgaard 87′.

Attendance: 8,607.

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France make successful start to UEFA Nations League campaign

Impetus’ Jean-Pierre Thiesset reviews France’s matches against Portugal and Austria that kicked off their UEFA Nations League campaign (27/9/23)

Above: France’s Selma Bacha scores from 25 metres out against Portugal. Photo: Tim Guigon, FFF.

France 2-0 Portugal

France opened their inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign with a home game against Portugal in Valenciennes on 22nd September.

As expected, Hervé Renard, France’s head coach, continued to look for his best team and made some changes compared to his last World Cup lineup. Oriane Jean-François and Sandy Toletti were starters, but the big surprise was Constance Picaud of Paris Saint-Germain, who replaced Pauline Peyraud-Magnin as goalkeeper. Amandine Henry and Griedge Mbock were back in the squad and respectively played thirty minutes and five minutes.

Portugal applied pressure during the whole game, preventing the home side from settling, especially during the first thirty minutes. The visitors demonstrated that their strengths showed in the World Cup, almost eliminating the USA, are still there and that they are continuing to progress.

Patricia Morais, Portugal goalkeeper, made great saves from Jean-François (9’), Toletti (39’), Sakina Karchaoui (63’), and Grace Geyoro (72’) and this kept France from adding to their goal tally. The moment of the match was the superb shot from Selma Bacha on eighty-nine minutes as she scored from twenty-five meters out.

Teams: FRANCE (4-3-3): Picaud, Karchaoui, Renard, De Almeida, Perisset, Geyoro, Jean-François, Toletti, Bacha, Le Sommer, Diani. Substitutes: Henry, Matéo, Le Garrec, Mbock, Becho.

Scorers: Geyoro (27’), Bacha (89’).

PORTUGAL (4-3-1-2): Sousa, Amado, Costa, Diana Gomes, Borges, Norton, Dolores Silva, Tatiana Pinto, Nazareth, Encarmação, Diana Silva. Substitutes: Alves, Dias, Jacinto, Fatima Pinto, Capeta.

Attendance: 18,377.

Austria 0-1 France

France travelled to Vienna three days later and Hervé Renard, France’s head coach, made a few more changes with Amandine Henry and Clara Matéo, subs in the previous game coming in as starters.

Renard kept Constance Picaud as goalkeeper confirming that she is now the number one ahead of Peyraud-Magnin. The French boss has said that he has more confidence in Picaud’s footplay.

France scored quickly with a header from Wendie Renard following Selma Bacha’s free-kick from thirty meters in the fifth minute. Manuela Zinsberger, Austria ‘keeper’s error was key in this goal.

The visitors dominated early but had a worry on thirty-one minutes when Renard picked up a calf injury but, thankfully, she came back on after treatment. After a good first half, France had more difficulties imposing their game in the second as Austria’s players were able to exert more pressure.

Picaud saved with a header after Eugénie Le Sommer put her own goalkeeper under pressure. Despite having more possession in the second period, Austria were unable to trouble France apart from some set-piece play.

Teams: AUSTRIA (4-1-4-1): Zinsberger, Aschauer, Degen, Schiechtl, Naschenweng, Georgieva, Feiersinger, Puntigam, Zadrazil, Dunst, Pinther. Substitutes: Campbell, Purtscheller, Kirchberger, Höbinger, Schasching.

FRANCE (4-3-3): Picaud, Karchaoui, Renard, De Almeida, Perisset, Jean-François, Henry, Matéo, Bacha, Le Sommer, Diani. Substitutes: Mbock, Le Garrec, Becho, Toletti, Asseyi.

Scorers: Renard (5’).

Attendance: approx 10,000.

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England’s Lionesses suffer Nations League defeat against the Netherlands

By Aimee Logan (23/9/23)

Above: The Lionesses thank their travelling fans: PHOTO: Lionesses twitter.

After the close 2-1 win over Scotland, the Lionesses were looking to dominate the away fixture in Utrecht against arguably the toughest opposition in their group, the Netherlands.

The Netherlands faced Belgium in their opening fixture but fell short and suffered a 2-1 defeat. The Lionesses were eager to be victorious as they know they will have to face them again, on 1st December, in front of a packed home crowd in Wembley stadium. However, the English girls fell at the final hurdle when a 90th minute goal secured Netherlands a 2-1 win. 

There was a slow start for both sides, but the Netherlands began dominating. A couple of long-distance strikes didn’t put Mary Earps in any trouble though. A chance from the Lionesses came from Lauren Hemp’s cross to Alessia Russo but the pass was cut out by a Dutch defender. The first testing chance for the Netherlands came in the 29th minute when Mary Earps was forced to make a save and then the Netherlands seemed dominant.

The first goal of the game came in the 34th minute when a mistake from the England defensive line led to the ball falling nicely at Danielle Van de Donk who back passed to the waiting Lieke Martens to strike one past Mary Earps. The goal was arguably inevitable as the Dutch consistently were hungry to score. However, on a further look is sure that Van de Donk did receive the ball in an offside position, so if VAR was in play for the fixture, the goal would have been disallowed. Even in a post-match interview, England manger Sarina Weigman says herself how the goal was ‘so obvious offside’.

This alone, but many in many other women’s footballmatches, highlights the importance of VAR being in practice in senior level football. The alternate England home game at Wembley stadium is very likely to have VAR in play and the variety between games with and without the technology shouldn’t be changed throughout tournaments, and definitely not between different fixtures in the group stage. The men’s national teams consistently play with VAR, and it should be changed to assist the Women’s game in making the right decision for offside and fouls. 

At half time the score sat at 1-0 to the Dutch home side.

One substitution at half-time saw Rachel Daly come off and Chloe Kelly come on for England. For me personally, I was shocked by this decision as despite Daly being on a yellow card, she hit the post once in the first half and was one of the best performing players on the pitch. I think that in my eyes, there was a larger list of players who should have come off over Rachel Daly as her versatility was needed. 

England found energy and dominated the opening of the second half. New Aston Villa signing, goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar made some incredible saves off her line to keep Netherlands one above the visitors. Lauren Hemp was consistently at the heart of the shots on target, but she never succeeded in pushing one past Domselaar. I’m excited to see how she’s going to perform at Aston Villa this season as if she consistently plays how she did in this game, Villa are likely to have a strong goalkeeper at the back this season.

In the 64th minute a glimpse of hope for England as an impressive shot from Alessia Russo find the back of the net pushes the score line to 1-1. As it stood at a draw, both sides would take away one point from the fixture. 

There was a surprised absence on Lionesses wonderkid Lauren James in the starting line-up, but she came on for goal scorer, Alessia Russo, in the 81st minute. I think this wasn’t enough time for James to settle into the game and leave the mark that she wanted to. There was little opportunity for her to get on the ball and the shot she took, from distance, was off target and didn’t challenge the keeper.

For the final 10 minutes the balance of play between the two sides was almost equal, with opportunity for both England and the Netherlands to take away the full three points from the match. However, an out of character mistake from Alex Greenwood let the ball drop perfectly at Lieke Martens feet and she slid the ball through the defensive line towards Jansen who scored to secure Netherlands the three points they really needed. 

England leave Utrecht with a defeat and after the first leg of the Nations league group stage, they sit 3rd in the group with Netherlands in 2nd. Both sides have equal points and equal goal difference so there is still all to play for in the next leg in October.

The players now return to their clubs as many prepare for the start of the WSL on Sunday 1st October.

Teams: 

ENGLAND (3-4-3): Earps, Carter, Bright, Greenwood, Bronze, Stanway, Zelem, Daly, Hemp, Russo, Toone

Substitutes used: Kelly, James

Scorer: Russo ‘64

Netherlands (3-4-1-2): van Domselaar, Dijkstra, Spitse, Janssen, Pelova, Groenen, van de Donk, Brugts, Roord, Beerensteyn, Martens

Substitutes used: Kaptein, Egurrola, Wilms, Jansen

Scorers: Martens ‘34, Jansen ‘90

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Norfolk Weekend Wrap

by Darrell Allen (26/9/23)

Above: Katie Knights was a scorer in Norwich City’s 5-1 win at Actonians on Sunday. Photo: Norwich City Women FC.

FA Women’s National League Division One South-East

Norwich City produced a fantastic away performance by thrashing Actonians 5-1 at Rectory Park. Megan Todd continued her fine form with a brace and the other goals were scored by Katie Knights, Lauren Tomlinson, and Olivia Cook. Jasmine Williamson scored the only goal for Actonians.

Eastern Region Premier Division

Wroxham came from behind to seal a 2-1 victory over Bowers and Pitsea at Trafford Park. After a goalless first half, Bowers & Pitsea took the lead through Ellie Barrett but goals from Luci Middleton, and a late winner from Hannah Fuller saw the Yachtswomen take all three points meaning back-to-back wins for Adam Race’s team who sit in third place in the tier five table. The game between AFC Dunstable and King’s Lynn Town was postponed as King’s Lynn were unable to raise a side.

Above: Great celebrations as Hannah Fuller is jumped on by her teammates after her late winner for Wroxham against Bowers and Pitsea. Photo: Darren Gilham.

Eastern Region Division One North

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers continue their unbeaten start to the season following an extraordinary 5-5 draw with Stevenage at The Nest. A Victoria Leyer hat-trick was the highlight for the hosts with Rosie George and Chelsea Brister also getting on the scoresheet. Stephanie Fausse scored twice for Stevenage Development with Remi Martin, Ellie Stammers, and Ella Mercer adding one each.

Mulbarton Belles suffered their first defeat of the season away at Biggleswade United. Rebekah Lake’s goals gave the Belles a 2-0 halftime lead but the home side turned it around in the second half with two from Nicola Henman and one each from Kayleigh Gray and Tayla Murray to run out 4-2 winners.

There was joy for Fakenham Town as they won their Norfolk derby against Thetford Town at Clipbush Park. Chloe Gravett scored a hat-trick with Kirstie Rusted scoring Fakenham’s other goal. Thetford goals came from Katie Fray and Alice Collins.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Caister and Bungay Town shared the spoils in an eight-goal thriller at Allendale Road. Rebecca Waters scored all four goals for Caister, with Mia Rose, Zoe Cossey, and a Lauren Goulder double seeing the points shared.

Costessey Sports maintained their 100% home record with a comfortable 3-0 win over Aylsham Town thanks to goals from Alyssia Baldock, Hannah Campbell, and Tallie Chilleystone.

King’s Lynn Soccer Club came from behind to record an impressive 2-1 victory over the University Of East Anglia (UEA). Ella Burnley had given UEA the lead at the interval but second-half goals from Jordan Turner and Kelsey Ramm saw King’s Lynn claim the win.

Above: King’s Lynn Soccer Club (red) were 2-1 winners against the University of East Anglia on Sunday. Photo: Darrell Allen.

Long Stratton won 4-1 at home to Thorpe St. Andrew with goals from Megan Vincent (two) and one each from Grace Wall and Madeline Hopkins. Elizabeth Nichols scored for the visitors.

On an emotional day for Mulbarton Belles Development, they ran out 4-1 winners over Sprowston. Amy Coaker, who broke her leg in last week’s abandoned match at Walsham, was there on the sidelines as Emma Farmer scored twice, and Lucy Kean and Alice Smith added a goal apiece – Bailey Duffield got the goal for Sprowston.

Above: Mulbarton Development were 4-1 winners over Sprowston on Sunday and were watched by the injured Amy Coaker. Photo: SG Photography.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Beccles Town Development were 2-1 winners over Stalham Town thanks to goals from Evie Bailey and Saffron Jones-Yates with Emma Gillespie scoring for Stalham Town. Two goals from Emma Macmillan were all that Bure Valley needed to win 2-0 at FC Viking Valkyries. The victory maintains the club’s 100% start to life in adult football.

Freethorpe beat Horsford Harriers 2-1 with goals from Hannah Davidson and Robin Steele with Isla Toop scoring for Horsford. Horsford Hurricanes were 2-0 winners over Red Rose through goals from Sian Steward and Evie Tolson.

It was a thirteen-goal thriller as South Walsham Lingwood beat Great Yarmouth 7-6. Leanne Smith and Nicky Hazzell scored twice each for the winners with Piper Hebditch, Tori Wiseman, and Tobi Baker adding the others. Lucie Morley scored a brace for Great Yarmouth with other goals coming from Lacey Andrews, Courteney Beare, Ellie Reeder, and Grace Walker.

Shrublands were 4-0 away winners at Martham. Two goals from Rachel Adams and one each from Hannah Halfnight and Neneh Jeffery made the difference. Mundford maintained their 100% start to the season and stayed top of tier eight with a 7-2 victory over Waveney. Mundford’s goals came from a hat-trick each from Livvi Hodges and Ellen Kerbey with Niamh Underhill scoring the other.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

Dussindale and Hellesdon were 3-1 winners over Loddon United thanks to goals from Helen Finn, Eniko Kadar, and an own goal. Gemma Loades scored for Loddon United.

Left Field won 5-1 at Horsford as Joanne Baxter, Rosa Davies-Jones, Meadhbh Flynn, Brogan O’Grady, and Tamsin Leah all found the net. Kelly Mills scored for Horsford. Taverham beat Mulbarton 3-2 winners with Bryony Brierley scoring twice and Kiera Braithwaite once. Alice Ladbrooke and Molly Ryan scored for Mulbarton.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

Cawston were 6-1 winners over Bulldogs thanks to a hat-trick from Tia Eke and a brace from Courtney Benseley with Kaitlyn Lofty getting the other. Bobbie Lockwood scored for Bulldogs. Hockering and Yarmouth FC shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Summer Davies and Karina Townsend scored for Hockering, with Abbie Pogmore and Daniele Akuckaite on target for Yarmouth.

University of East Anglia overcame Madra 3-1 away with Alicia Renwick, Narissa Velji, and Pippa Verge hitting the target, whistly Gemma Williams responded for Madra. FC Viking Valkyries made no mistake with a comfortable 5-0 win over Aylsham thanks to a hat-trick from Beth Howman and a brace from Laura-Jane Tooke.

Above: South Walsham Lingwood won an amazing game at Great Yarmouth 7-6 on Sunday. Photo: South Walsham Lingwood FC.

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Comprehensive win ends superb week for Pride Park

Pride Park 8-1 Bakewell Town

by ‘Doug Outt’ (26/9/23)

Above: Pride Park’s Steph Eadon (blue shirt), who capped a commanding performance in midfield with two goals. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

There was a one-minute silence observed by all prior to the kick-off out of respect for and to commemorate player Maddy Cusack who passed away aged 27 last week. Maddy was a player in the DGLL before becoming a member of the League’s refereeing team at the central venue, prior to embarking on her professional career at Aston Villa and then Sheffield United.

This was the first time these teams had met so, for both, it was something of an unknown quantity. For Pride Park, this was a fourth game in 14 days. Three goals for Pride in a ten-minute spell starting on six minutes got them off to the ideal start with the home team dominating from the off.

Above: Pride Park mark a minute’s silence in memory of Maddy Cusack. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Steph Eadon started the scoring, after early pressure in which a corner had already hit the top of the crossbar, a shot was blocked and another saved. Picking the ball up in midfield she drove past three defenders and hit a shot into the corner from the edge of the area. Four minutes later she had her second, finishing off good build-up play with a shot to the same corner.

The third in a rampant spell for Pride came from a superbly flighted and weighted through ball by Katy Sharpe, making her first start, to find the run of Beth Jones who slotted past the keeper.

There was a good chance for Bakewell to pull one back but it was hit wide – but this was a rare foray by the visitors as Pride threatened to extend their lead – Jones, Eadon, Aimee Healy-Raynor, and Jones (again) all going close, before Healy-Raynor made it four, getting her first goal for Pride with a close range header from an Eadon cross.

Eadon was commanding midfield and pulling all the strings for Pride, and after another driving run took a shot from distance on the half-hour. The better option might have been to play the ball in for Jones, in space in the centre, but having already had joy from distance and sensing a hat-trick can perhaps be forgiven for going for goal!

Above: Beth Jones, slotting past the Bakewell Town goalkeeper for one of her three goals on Sunday. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Having been under the cosh for most of the half, Bakewell had a brilliant chance as former Pride player Lottie Bryan put in a burst of speed down the line before cutting in and hitting a goalbound effort, which Jade Howell did well to palm over at the expense of a corner.

There was a great chance for Maja to open her account for the season a couple of minutes before half-time when Annie Laight threaded an inch-perfect pass through, but she fired wide with just the keeper to beat. Just as it looked like there would be no further score before the break, Tash Allderidge picked up a layoff in midfield from Znamirowska and hit an unstoppable shot from distance into the top bin.

Pride had been dominant from start to finish in the half, taking a thoroughly deserved five-goal lead. The challenge in the second half would be to maintain the tempo and concentration and to match the standard set in the first half.

However, Bakewell had other ideas, making a good start to the half and pulled a goal back ten minutes in as a cross into the area wasn’t dealt with defensively, and was prodded home from close range.

Above: Aimee Healy-Raynor – on the score sheet for the first time after joining Pride in the summer. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

As if stung by conceding, Pride immediately restored their advantage. Sharpe set Znamirowska away down the wing with a nice through ball. Znamirowska cut the ball back for Jones in the area and she turned inside the defender before blasting it home from eight yards.

Three minutes later Izzy Wilsoncroft played in a very inviting cross from the right and Znamirowska got a touch onto the unfortunate defender who could only deflect the ball into her own net.

A little of the momentum and tempo dropped off slightly, as did the number of opportunities, as rolling substitutes were used to provide brief rests to players in the middle of a testing schedule so early in the season. Pride were still dominating possession, however, although Bakewell did fashion a good opportunity that Sophie Ayton and Howell combined to get the ball away.

Eadon connected well with a corner but put her header over before Jones completed her hat-trick with a composed finish from Eliot Sayavong’s through ball. Bakewell had two good opportunities in the final ten minutes, firing over from the first after Pride failed to clear, and getting on the end of a cross inside the six-yard box but shooting straight at Howell.

As the final minutes played out, Ellie Coleman played a great ball through for Jones, but she took it too close to the keeper who was able to smother the ball, another great strike from distance by Eadon was just wide, and Healy-Raynor improvised with an opportunistic strike from distance, after intercepting a goal kick, but was unfortunate to see her strike dip onto the roof of the net with the keeper stranded.

There was time for one last chance for Pride, as Eadon slipped the ball across to Healy-Raynor in space but the keeper pulled off an excellent save.

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

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Young Lionesses v Belgium Photo Gallery

Impetus’ Andy Wicks was at Shrewsbury Town FC last night to capture the best of the action from England U23’s game with Belgium (26/9/23)

Above: Celebration time for Aggie Beever-Jones (left) and Missy Bo Kearns as the Young Lionesses went 1-0 up last night. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.

England U23 3-0 Belgium U23

England gained their victory in front of a record crowd for a women’s U23 international at Shrewsbury on Monday night.

Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones put the hosts ahead after 24 minutes when an attempted clearance from Belgium’s goalkeeper rebounded off of her and into the net.

Kiera Skeels doubled the Young Lionesses’ lead with 20 minutes remaining after heading in the influential Missy-Bo Kearns’ corner. The scoring was completed after 82 minutes when Ruby Mace’s ball was volleyed home by Ella Morris.

Andy Wicks’ images for Impetus from The Croud Meadow

ENGLAND: Thomas, Morris, Pattinson, Mace, Ross, Skeels (Charlton Athletic), Naz Kearns, Beever-Jones, Blindkilde Brown, Clinton. Substitutes used: Ale (for Naz 62′), Filis (for Clinton 73′), Grant (for Kearns 83′), Harries (for Blindkilde Brown 83′).

Scorers: Beever-Jones 24′, Skeels 72′, Morris 82′.

Attendance: 2,500.

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Scottish Weekend Wrap

It’s Impetus’ weekly review of all the action in tiers three and below in Scotland (25/9/23).

Above: Buckie celebrate in their Highlands and Islands League Cup Final against Caithness. Photo: Donald Cameron/Sportpix.

Buckie Ladies have secured the Highlands and Islands League Cup with a 3-1 victory over Caithness in the final at Nairn County’s Station Park.

Caithness had gone ahead after Lorna Young put it into her own net, but Buckie surged back with goals from Rheo Laurenson, Lori Lappin, and Emily McAuslan to retain the cup.

The win was accompanied by early presentation of the ScottishPower Highlands and Islands League title trophy after Brora Rangers withdrew from the league and left Buckie’s lead at the top of the table unassailable.

Earlier in the day, Inverness Caledonian Thistle lifted the girls’ under 14s Highlands League cup after a thrilling final which saw both they and Ross County score in extra-time to send the final to penalties. In dramatic scenes, a save from Thistle keeper Josie O’Brien at Ross County’s eighth spot-kick ensured her side lifted the cup.

Championship and League One Cup
Above: Action from Rossvale (red and yellow) against Edinburgh Caledonia. Photo: Kelly Nielson.

Championship and League One Cup holders Edinburgh City progressed to the last eight with a 3-1 victory over Bonnyrigg Rose. First-half goals from Holly Aitchison and Niamh Naysmith were supplemented in the second half by an unlucky own goal from Rose. Bonnyrigg grabbed a late consolation from Eilidh Weir but exit the cup.

Also in the second round of SWF’s most senior cup competition, Ayr United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle recorded comfortable 6-0 wins against Hutchison Vale and Falkirk respectively, while 2021 winners Dryburgh Athletic are also through after beating East Fife 2-1 at Bayview. Westdyke beat Morton 6-2 at home to progress.

Rossvale saw off Edinburgh Caledonia 4-1 at Petershill, while Stenhousemuir became the only League One side to make the next round with a narrow 2-1 victory over Queen of the South. 

Above: Impetus sponsored Lauren Coleman (left) who scored for her side in the win over Edinburgh Caledonia. Photo: Kelly Nielson.

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Dons storm to the points in 11 goal thriller

Cambridge United 3-8 AFC Wimbledon

by Sophia Axelsson – AFC Wimbledon (25/9/23)

Above: Ashlee Hincks (9) jumps for joy at The Abbey Stadium yesterday after scoring for AFC Wimbledon with Impetus sponsored Emma Plewa (7) rushing in to join the party. Photo: Emily Topping.

Ashlee Hincks struck four goals to take her tally to 84 for AFC Wimbledon, as the Dons swept aside Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium.

Wimbledon certainly had their scoring boots on as they marched to an 8-3 away win with Player of the Match Hincks leading the charge.

Manager Kevin Foster made one change to the line-up from last weekend’s win over Chesham United, with Molly Childerhouse coming in for Nicola Gibson. 

The Dons started the game strongly with lots of energy, immediately finding space behind Cambridge’s defensive line. It would only take nine minutes for Wimbledon to take the lead, Hincks netting after getting on the end of a long ball from Billie Brooks.

However, the lead didn’t last long. A Cambridge United corner caused confusion in the box, and Stojko-Down managed to find the back of the net.

In response, Wimbledon made the most of their own corner at the other end when Hincks was given a second chance to send over a telling cross, and captain Hannah Billingham met the delivery with a fine half-volley that looped over the keeper.

Above: AFC Wimbledon and Cambridge United contest possession yesterday. Photo: Ben Phillips.

With just over half an hour on the clock, Impetus sponsored Emma Plewa sent through a long ball from close to the halfway line a cross that Ashleigh Goddard headed home for her third goal of the season.

Number four followed for the Dons after Emily Donovan had been brought down in the box. Following a delay after a Cambridge player had to be taken off on a stretcher, Hincks made no mistake with the penalty to make it 4-1, before Stojko-Down reduced the arrears. 

A goal by Emily Donovan made it 5-2 at the break, and the Dons went into the second half after making one change with Nicola Gibson coming on for Rosie Russell at right-back.

Hincks helped herself to another two early in the second half, one of those after impressively rounding the keeper, and with the victory effectively assured a raft of changes followed.

Ellie Dorey, Sandra Soares Martins, Steph Mann, and Amy Taylor came on for Childerhouse, Plewa, Fran Ali, and Donovan respectively.

The Dons kept pushing to the very end, and just as we hit the 90-minute mark, Soares Martins found Dorey in the box, and she easily slotted in Wimbledon’s eighth of the game.

Cambridge had the last say when Fox found herself with plenty of space in the box to unleash a shot that beat Baker, but that failed to take the shine off a dominant Dons display.

Teams: CAMBRIDGE UNITED: Webb, Seymour, Rouse, Stojko-Down, Fox, Edgar, Morley, Steele, Cheal-Ferris, Wood, Simmons. Substitutes: Otten, Kosky, Marden, Collins, Day.

Scorers: Stojko-Down 15′, 45+5′. Fox 90+1.

AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Brooks, Highman, Plewa, Ali, Hincks, Childerhouse, Donovan, Billingham, Goddard. Substitutes: Mann, Taylor, Gibson, Soares Martins, Dorey.

Scorers: Hincks 9′, 45, 48′, 51′. Billingham 24′, Goddard 32′, Donovan 45+8′, Dorey 90′.

Attendance: 450.

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Photography Showcase

Impetus had photographers at four matches from tier four to tier six yesterday, and they’ve selected their favourite images to share (25/9/23).

Above: Eyes on the prize! Barnsley (red) and Middlesbrough tussle yesterday in the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One North. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.

Cambridge United 3-8 AFC Wimbledon

from Ben Phillips at The Abbey Stadium

FA Women’s National League Division One South-East (Tier Four)

Barnsley 0-0 Middlesbrough

from Matthew Appleby at Houghton Main Sports & Social Club

FA Women’s National League Division One North (Tier Four)

Woodley United 2-0 Eastleigh

from Andy Wicks at Bulmershe Pavilion

Southern Region Premier (Tier Five)

Brentford 3-2 Denham United

from Grace Jones at Bedfont Sports Club

London & South East Division One North (Tier Six)

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