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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by Martin Townley, Impetus’ Cymru Correspondent (24/10/23).
Above: Swansea City celebrate a goal in their 2-1 win at The New Saints. Photo: F28 Online.
Adran Premier
Barry Town United 4-2 Cardiff Met
A first win for Barry despite going behind after just three minutes to Amy Long’s strike. Barry were level straight after the opener as Aimee Deacon fired home. The hosts then went into the lead in the 16th minute after good work from Tate Trivett on the left allowed her to put the ball across goal, where India Shanahan was able to fire home. Barry added a third before halftime through Holly Jenkins and could have had a fourth when Lucy Atwood’s free-kick hit the bar.
Cardiff Met’s task became harder in the 51st minute as Grace Batsford was given a second yellow card for a cynical foul. The ten did get a goal back when former Barry player Faith Mulenga scored. The hosts clearly wanted the win and Met struggled to make any inroads against the yellow wall of Barry players. Tate Trivett, who had been outstanding all game sealed the win in the 86th minute with a stunning solo goal.
The New Saints 1-2 Swansea City
Above: Katy Hosford on the charge for Swansea City at The New Saints. Photo: F28 Online.
A tight game between the Saints and the Swans saw a goalless first half. Just after an hour, Stacy John-Davies broke the deadlock firing in from close range after a fine ball from Nieve Jenkins.
With six minutes to play TNS were level thanks to Ella Hartley’s stunning top corner strike from outside the box.
The Saints were denied a point in added time. Alicia Powe sent a long ball into the box where Robyn Pinder brought the ball down off her chest and coolly slotted past the keeper to seal the win for Swansea.
Pontypridd United 1-5 Cardiff City
Above: Molly Kehoe runs to celebrate after scoring for Cardiff City at Pontypridd United. Photo: Cardiff City.
The Bluebirds went three points clear with a big over at USW Sports Park. Eliza Collie got City’s first after 16 minutes. Siobhan Walsh and Molly Kehoe both struck before the break giving the champions a 3-0 lead.
Seren Watkins added number four in the 52nd minute before Mikayla Cook added the fifth. Shannon Greenway got a goal for Ponty, but it was only a consolation.
After the game Pontypridd manager James Fishlock stepped down from his role at the club. In a statement, Fishlock said: “I feel I’ve just not been good enough for the players or the club this season.”
Aberystwyth Town 1-2 Wrexham
Above: Aberystwyth Town celebrate Amy Jenkins’ goal that put them in front against Wrexham. Photo: Steve Williams Photography.
Two unfortunate goals conceded ended Aberystwyth Town Women’s unbeaten start to the season at the hands of Wrexham at Park Avenue on Sunday.
In front of a sizeable crowd – as well as the TV cameras for the documentary Welcome to Wrexham, captain Amy Jenkins put the hosts ahead within the opening six minutes.
But defensive slip-ups cost the Seasiders, with Rosie Hughes and Rebecca Pritchard capitalising and leaving Wrexham in front at the break – a lead they maintained throughout the second half.
Manager Gavin Allen was disappointed but not disheartened. “We’ve got a young side, and they’ll learn,” he said afterwards. “What’s important now is how we respond. We’ve had a great start to the season, and we will now look to bounce straight back.”
Adran North
Above: Llandudno’s Stevie Donougher (right) celebrates a goal earlier in the season. Photo: Nick Mesney/FAW.
Just two matches went ahead in the North with Airbus UKBroughton picking up their first win of the season. Lucie White’s goal just after the hour mark enough for the win over NFA which moved Airbus into fourth spot.
Llandudno jumped ahead of Connah’s Quay Nomads in the table on goal difference after a 5-0 win away at CPDM Bangor. A strong first half saw Llandudno score four with Rebecca Jarvis-Evans, Ffion Owen, Stacy Tradewell, and Stevie Donougher getting the goals. Jasmin Dutton added a fifth in the second half.
Adran South
With leaders Briton Ferry’s game against Llanelli postponed due to a waterlogged pitch Cascade and Swansea University had the chance to regain some ground. Swansea University missed the chance to go top as they were held to a goalless draw at Caldicot Town.
Pontardawe got their first win as they beat Coed Duon 5-0 thanks to goals from Catryn Cook, Keira Harris, Sara Llewelyn, and two from Renee Day.
Cascade moved into second place after they beat Cwmbran Celtic. Molly Champman gave Cascade the lead, but Fiona Anthony levelled early in the second half. Chapman got the winner for Cascade in the 78th minute.
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Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarises the fifth round of the 2023-2024 D1 Arkema season and continues his Matildas Watch! (24/10/23).
Above: Clare Hunt (15) in action for Paris St. Germain at Lille at the weekend. Photo: L. Pastel/PSG.
Montpellier 1-1 Fleury
In an opening quarter where the ball went back and forth a lot, the first true opportunity was in the twelfth minute for Montpellier with a Sh’nia Gordan kept out at the corner by Chloé N’Gazi. N’Gazi would also keep out a Marion Torrent shot on 34 minutes, but not before Marie Levasseur showed her skills in preventing Fleury scoring on 28 minutes.
Levasseur’s good performance continued into the second half, especially with another great defensive tackle on the hour, and some dangerous runs in attack. Both keepers were kept very busy in a second half with many chances but, unfortunately for Montpellier, who deserved to win, there was a late penalty for Fleury for a foul by Charlotte Bilbaut on Batcheba Louis. Marine Dafeur converted it to equalise deep in injury time. Scorer for Montpellier: Robert (52’). Scorer for Fleury: Dafeur (90’+5 Penalty).
Lille 0-4 Paris Saint-Germain
Above: Marie-Antoinette Katoto (9) who opened the scoring for Paris St. Germain at Lille. Photo: L.Pestel/PSG.
With 70% of possession, Paris SG easily won this game. Marie-Antoinette Katoto opened the score in the twelfth minute in her first game back as a starter. Scorers for Paris St. Germain: Katoto (12’), Chawinga (25’), Baltimore (45’+1), Vangsgaard (90’+2).
MATILDAS WATCH – Clare Hunt (Paris Saint-Germain) Hunt played in PSG’s winning side, making several crucial interventions.
Saint-Etienne 1-2 Le Havre
Above: Nadjma Ali Nadjim (19), Le Havre, celebrating her goal with her family and friends. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
A predictable win for Le Havre who were a lot stronger in the second half even if the game was equal in the first. It was Saint-Etienne who opened the score at the end of the first quarter. In second half, the good coaching of Le Havre’s Romain Djoubri, smartly used his bench with the entrance of Inès Benyahia and Zoé Stiévenart and of Chancelle Effa Effa at the hour. They made the difference against a tiring Saint-Etienne side. It was worth noting the good performance of Nadjma Ali Nadjim with both a goal (69’) and an assist for Chancelle Effa Effa (76’). Scorers for Saint-Etienne: Browne (15’). Scorers for Le Havre: Ali Nadjim (69’), Effa Effa (76’).
Guingamp 1-0 Bordeaux
A very even match game in which Aïssata Traoré made a decisive pass to Leïla Peneau, who scored from 25 meters with a great shot, for the only goal of the match before receiving a red card. Scorers for Guingamp: Peneau (62’).
Dijon 0-6 Paris FC
Above: Daphne Corboz (8, white shirt), Paris FC, celebrating one of the 6 goals with her teammates. Photo: Paris FC website.
Dijon could do nothing to prevent Paris FC opening the scoring early – in the fifth minute,They had a few opportunities but lacked potency and on a mess in front of the goal, Daphne Corboz collected the ball and put it in the nets for Paris’s second on the half hour. Dijon almost scored at the end of first half but Chiamaka Nnadozie, Paris FC goalkeeper, made a great save, deviating a shot under the crossbar in the corner. Daphne Corboz (who played only for forty five minutes) and Gaëtane Thiney have both one goal and an assist for Paris FC. Scorers for Paris FC: Bourdieu (5’), Corboz (30’), Thiney (36’), Dufour (38’), Le Mouël (54’), Ribadeira (79’).
MATILDAS WATCH – Sarah Hunter (Paris FC) For the second time this week, Sarah Hunter was in the group for the game against Dijon. This time, entering at halftime, she played the whole second half as right sided midfielder. Hunter made a good performance for her first time on the pitch with her new teammates.
Reims 1-5 Olympique Lyonnais
Above: Alice Sombath (18) celebrating her goal for Olympique Lyonnais at Reims. Photo: Damien LG / Olympique Lyonnais
Sonia Bompastor, Lyon’s coach, let Ellie Carpenter (Australia) and Christiane Endler (Chile) depart the team earlier this week to join their national squads, thus missing the trip to Reims. Wendie Renard was on the bench as she was slightly injured last game. Reims squad started with a 5-4-1 which became two lines of five players while defending; “double bus” as we say in France. As expected, Lyon dominated the game from the start. Melchie Dumornay struck the post from twenty-five metres out in the fourteenth minute before Kinga Szemil saved from Lindsey Horan a few minutes later. Alice Sombath did finally open the scoring with a shot from distance in the twentieth minute – her first goal in D1 Arkema.
On a counterattack on 28 minutes, Reims equalised through Rofiat Imuran as she pushed in a ball cleared to her feet by Laura Benkarth. Just before halftime, Lyon took the lead back through Eugénie Le Sommer who scored with a header after a perfect cross by Selma Bacha. Three minutes later, Dumornay scored from another cross – this time from Kadidiatou Diani. Later, a great one-two between Lindsey Horan and Ada Hegerberg set up Horan to score with a cross-shot on 87 minutes. This was a very one-sided encounter with almost 70% of possession for Lyon during the whole game. Scorers for Reims: Imuran (28’). Scorers for Lyon: Sombath (20’), Le Sommer (43’), Dumornay (45’+1), Horan (87’), Majri (90’).
Above: Saint-Etienne and Le Havre join together to celebrate the refereeing weekend.Photo:Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
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Impetus’ charity partner John Moriarty Football have announced their plans for Indigenous Football Week 2023, which will celebrate the power of community to create opportunity.
Indigenous Football Week® 2023 will be held from 30th October to 5th November and will unite the football community to recognise the impacts of self-determined Indigenous football programs and ensure they have a sustained place in the game.
Indigenous Football Week (IFW), a John Morairty Football (JMF) initiative, in partnership with A-Leagues and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), will be celebrated across the Liberty A-League Women, the Isuzu UTE A-League Men and as well as in JMF communities and schools across NT, NSW, and Queensland.
As a displaced child of the Stolen Generations, JMF co-founder/co-chair and the first Aboriginal footballer selected for Australia, Yanyuwa man John Moriarty AM found acceptance in the football community. At a time when Australia had not yet enacted the 1967 Referendum to give Aboriginal people citizenship, Australia’s football community warmly welcomed John with his skills, speed, and character.
Above: Miley (foreground) Impetus‘ sponsored JMF scholar. Photo: John Moriarty Football.
At the heart of JMF is li-ngambala wiji, which in John Moriarty’s Yanyuwa language means community. JMF’s pathways from grassroots to elite football begin at the community level, by supporting talented young Indigenous footballers within their own communities to develop their football skills and do well at school.
“We draw on the cultural strengths of our local coaches and community advisory groups, made up of local elders, Traditional Owners and community members. JMF is all about self-determination to address the extreme social disadvantage and barriers to football opportunity that Indigenous players face in many remote and regional communities across Australia,” said Mr Moriarty.
Above: John Moriarty, pictured with Shadeene Evans, JMF’s first female scholar who represented age group Matildas and now plays A-League Women football. Photo: John Moriarty Football.
Prominent Indigenous footballer, former Socceroo, and current A-Leagues Men Perth Glory player, David Williams, will be the 2023 Indigenous Football Week® Patron.
“Being Patron for IFW23 is a huge honour. As one of the few professional Indigenous footballers in Australia, I believe it’s important to be a role model and help create pathways for young Indigenous players, particularly those from the bush. The work John Moriarty Football does is inspirational and I’m proud to be involved,” said Mr Williams.
For the third year, IFW will be run in partnership with A-Leagues. Each A-League match will include a Welcome to Country ceremony, a celebration of Indigenous culture, and the opportunity for fans to celebrate and donate to further the work of JMF.
Australian Professional Leagues Commissioner Nick Garcia commented, “Indigenous Football Week is an important part of the A-Leagues calendar as we celebrate the contribution of First Nations people to the game and reflect on how we can make our game ever more culturally safe and inclusive. We are proud to support the work of the Moriarty Foundation.”
Above: Youngsters enjoying JMF coaching. Photo: John Moriarty Football.
Kathryn Gill, Professional Footballers Australia Co-CEO, said, “JMF is an excellent example of how the most impactful organisations in addressing indigenous issues are indigenous-led. The PFA is delighted to again partner with JMF in support of Indigenous Football Week 2023.”
IFW and JMF are delivered by Moriarty Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that provides successful Indigenous program solutions through resilient local engagement. Its underpinning community-driven framework is based on improved wellbeing and strong protective relationships for the staff, children and families it works with.
JMF’s sister program is Indi Kindi, an early learning program for the under-fives and their families to improve the global readiness of Aboriginal children entering pre-school and school. Indi Footi is a key component of Indi Kindi that activates young brains through movement, and develops basic football and motor skills, balance and coordination in a fun, non-competitive environment.
by Myles Thornton at St. Paul’s Sports Ground for Impetus(23/10/23)
Above: Millwall’s Shay Bennettin action. Photo: Tom West Photography.
Tier fiveMillwall Lionesses brushed past Margate from two divisions beneath them to move into the First Round of the FA Cup.
Both teams came into this third qualifying round tie on the back of big wins in the previous round, with Millwall having beaten Regents Park Rangers 11-0 and Margate Ladies defeating Maidstone United 6-0.
Indeed, Millwall can’t stop scoring at present. They have now recorded an incredible 35 goals since Alex Russell and Adam Rowland took caretaker charge of the team.
With Impetus sponsored Poppy Payne captaining the side, the Lionesses’ first goal yesterday came after 11 minutes, Shannan Drewe delivered a cross from the corner, Liv McGregor rose up high and headed it into the back of the net. The second came only four minutes later, Drewe’s corner deflected off a Margate defender and landed in the back of the net.
Emma Whitter made it three just a minute later, Drewe once again with a cross, and Whitter headed it in. Talking of Drewe, two minutes after the third, she made it four with a fantastic finish, she’s on fire, already getting four goal contributions.
On 19 minutes, Ella Bailey made it five, McGregor cut the ball back to the edge of the area, Bailey tried her luck and it paid off. Grace Laverick made it six on 21 minutes, another pitch-perfect delivery from Drewe found the head of Laverick who got her first goal of the afternoon.
The Lionesses found themselves seven up after 30 minutes, Laverick played through Millwall’s McGregor who did the rest. Ten minutes later, Whitter made it eight from close range. That was it for the first half.
On 57 minutes, there was one negative for Millwall as Laverick suffered a nasty-looking leg injury Tamiyah Lorraine came on to replace her.
McGregor then made it nine with 23 minutes left with a calm finish it into the back of the net. Whitter then made it double digits on 75 minutes. A composed finish from the centre-forward who can’t stop scoring.
Drewe added another just two minutes later, Ellen Napper played it to her and she fired home. Substitute Lorraine then added to the tally with a shot deflected by a Margate defender, and into the back of the net. Napper finished off the scoring from close range.
The Lionesses next welcome Crawley AFC to St. Pauls Sports Ground in the London & SE Premier next Sunday at 1:30pm.
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Above: Joy for AFC Wimbledon at Worthing yesterday. Photo: Emily Topping.
AFC Wimbledon overcame a tough battle at fellow tier four FAWNL Division One South-East side Worthing to progress into the First Round proper of the FA Cup yesterday.
The first chance of the game fell to Worthing, as Becki Bath stood over the free kick, but it was gathered safely by Lauren Allen. The Sussex side tested Allen once more when shot was fired from distance that went flying towards Allen at some pace, but she pulled out an excellent stop to deny the home side the opener.
Half an hour gone, and Ashlee Hincks won a free-kick, around 30 yards from the goal. Her ball evaded the wall and caused all sorts of problems in the box. Worthing keeper Dolbear parried the ball, and it came off the crossbar. But the loose ball was then picked by Emily Donovan, who was there to head it home from close range.
Not long after the Dons got the opener, Worthing had a spell of possession. Bath charged up the field, and her effort flew past Lauren Allen and into the top right corner.
Half-time came at the right time for the Dons as it allowed a re-set, and they came out on the front foot. Ellie Dorey had an excellent chance to put the Dons ahead after Dolbear was caught out of position, last-ditch defending diminished her chance at goal.
Tierney Scott broke through for Worthing until Kelly Highman caught up with her, and put in an excellent tackle to deny the home side their second.
Dorey threatened once more. She retrieved the ball in midfield and pushed her way through a crowd of defenders. One-on-one with the Dolbear, she slotted the ball home beautifully into the bottom right-hand corner to give the Dons the lead once more.
Ellie Dorey was causing all sorts of problems now. She took down the ball wonderfully and played a fantastic first-time cross towards Ashlee Hincks who finished her chance in sensational style to give the visitors a crucial two-goal cushion.
Just as well they did, as with five minutes before the end, Worthing had a lifeline. Despite the Dons’ persistent calls for offside, the flag never came, and Gemma Worsfold slid in to score.
The home side pressured for an equaliser as the clock ticked towards full-time. Lauren Allen produced two stellar saves to protect the Dons’ lead.
It was a great battle between two of tier four’s best teams, but it was AFC Wimbledon who took the spot in the first round of the FA Cup.
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