Impetus had photographers at eight games this weekend from tier one down to tier seven in England and Australia. Each of our team select their four favourite images from the games they attended to share with you (23/10/23).
Above: Maya Le Tissier heads clear for Manchester United against Everton at Walton Hall Park yesterday. Photo: Harvey Todd for Impetus.
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton and Hove Albion
from Ben Gilby at Kingsmeadow
Barclays Women’s Super League (Tier One)
Everton 0-5 Manchester United
from Harvey Todd at Walton Hall Park
Barclays Women’s Super League (Tier One)
Western Sydney Wanderers 0-3 Wellington Phoenix
from Kris Goman at CommBank Stadium
Liberty A-League Women (Tier One)
Reading 1-3 Sheffield United
from Andy Wicks at the SCL Stadium
Barclays Championship (Tier Two)
Middlesbrough 0-0 Hull City
(Hull City win 4-2 on penalties)
from Matthew Appleby at Map Group UK Stadium.
FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round
Woodley United 1-1 Aylesford
(Woodley United win 3-1 on penalties)
from Andy Wicks at Scours Lane
FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round
Hastings United 0-0 Bognor Regis Town
from Jon Smalldon at Pilot Field
London & South-East Division One South(Tier Six)
Goring United 3-5 Procision Oxford
from Rob Mellor at Sheepcot Rec
Thames Valley Counties Division One (Tier Seven)
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Perth RedStar head coach Carlos Vega Mena has just guided his side to a second successive NPLW WA league title and Top Four Cup triumph. Under his leadership, the club have only lost a handful of matches as they pursue their quest for excellence. Impetus’ Ben Gilby spoke to Carlos about another successful campaign(23/10/23).
Above: Perth RedStar celebrate their Top Four Cup Final success over Perth SC last month. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
It has been another excellent season for Perth RedStar. After defeat in the Night Series Cup Final and in their opening NPLW WA match, the defending champions rode up through the gears to win more silverware whilst playing a consistent brand of excellent football.
Whilst outsiders may think there was a hint of deja vu about the NPLW WA in 2023 with the same clubs in the top four and the same champions and Top Four Cup winners, the campaign developed into a thrilling set of twists and turns, which ended with RedStar’s outstanding ability to punish their rivals for not taking opportunities once more.
Head coach Carlos Vega Mena knew that after sweeping up all four pieces of silverware in 2022, his team had a major target on their back this year.
“It was always going to be hard to match our success from the 2022 season. There was a lot of doubt within the NPLW community as to whether we could pull it off again, but the squad are always up for a challenge and like to face them head-on, which is exactly what they did this season. What we managed to achieve in 2023 reflects the dedication and commitment from the coaching staff and the squad as a whole.
Above: Perth RedStar head coach Carlos Vega Mena. Photo: Fotoenzo.
“We were thrown a few curve balls with the loss of players for a variety of reasons but were able to work through this as a group. There’s no doubt about it, we had to work hard to secure both the League and Top Four titles. I have to give credit to the squad for being committed to working together and to the new players, and the younger players, for being able to quickly adjust to the playing style and philosophy.
“For the past three years, we have had the same staff structure in place. Michelle and Vernon have been working hard with the squad whilst Mick, Soa, and Dylan have provided the strength and conditioning training. Having Shawn come on board as my Assistant Coach this season was an absolute bonus. She is an invaluable addition to the coaching team. This consistency and commitment from all involved has contributed to our success and I am incredibly proud of the coaching staff and the squad.
“The biggest challenge was maintaining the momentum from 2022 and making the players believe they could do it all over again. It can be hard for players to stay focussed after such a successful season. Having to rebuild after players have left the squad and having to introduce new faces raises its own challenges. Along with ensuring the team continues to play our style of football when you have players missing due to injuries or availability issues, the challenge is to keep the same competitive level on the pitch.
“I am proud of the squad as a whole, but in particular the bench players and the younger players. When you can pull a player off the bench or up from U21s and maintain the same competitiveness, you know that the club is doing something right. The younger players never hesitate to step up when needed and it’s this team spirit that makes me proud.
“The squad’s commitment and dedication to each other, the playing style, and my philosophy are invaluable. Their passion and resilience are an inspiration to the younger players at the club and they are excellent ambassadors of the women’s game.”
Vega Mena touched on the loss of key players going into the new campaign, which led to a reconstruction of the RedStar side ahead of the 2023 season. He outlined how they set about knitting the new squad together.
“We knew going into 2023 that we would need to rebuild after losing Shawn Billam, Larry (Larissa Walsh), Shivani (Battaglia), Grace (Monteiro), Ruby (Cohen), Tessa (De Leo), and Maya (Diederichsen), along with Carla (Bennett) to injury just before the 2023 season started. We were able to recruit some talented players into the NPLW squad and are fortunate to have some emerging talents coming through the ranks that we can draw on. Losing new goalkeeper Zara Board just as the season was starting (to NPLW football in Victoria) was also a blow and we had to pull Maya out of retirement once more.
Above: Larissa Walsh, one of several important players that Perth RedStar lost before the start of the 2023 campaign. Photo: Perth RedStar.
“The emphasis whilst rebuilding the team was training hard and implementing the playing style. Having the right people around you is important, they make the difference. The squad understand that the key to success is teamwork.
New arrivals Reina (Kagami) and Chiori (Ikeda) are a perfect fit with the squad. They are not only good players, but good people. Their football does most of their talking for them, however, we do need to break out the translator app on occasion!
The new league season opened with defeat to a highly talented NTC side in a repeat of last year’s Top Four Cup Final. They were one of a developing number of teams to challenge you this season, albeit none were able to do it on a consistent basis. Vega Mena points to how the development on the league made his team’s job harder this season, and therefore the achievements even more outstanding.
“There was a lot of movement within the clubs and teams this season which saw a spread of talented players across the league. We always enjoy playing teams that play good football, and there seemed to be more focus on playing styles this season. It’s always pleasing to see the younger players get time on the pitch and there were plenty of opportunities for them this season. The competition for a Top Four spot remained tight for the most part which indicates that most of the teams were able to successfully challenge each other on the pitch. This bodes well for women’s football in WA.
RedStar are an exceptionally well-organised side that will always make opponents pay for not taking chances, and that is not something that comes about by coincidence, as Vega Mena outlined to me by detailing his key principles at the club.
“I believe it is important to have players that have the ability to listen, take on board your playing style, and bring it to the pitch on game day. It is a combination of what type of players you have, what message you give them, the style of training, and having players capable of performing it on the pitch.
Above: Carlos Vega Mena pitchside. Photo: Fotoenzo.
“We play an attacking style of football with a high press and always work hard at training. We are committed to this style of football and like to keep intensity both at training and on the pitch. We are fortunate in that we have many talented players who can read the play and know how to work together. Sometimes this appears seamless on the pitch and is a testament to the players’ ability to be aware of each other and their surroundings.
“We also have several players who can score and the team is not reliant on any one player in particular. I always encourage the players to take their chances whenever the opportunity arises. This can work in our favour on the pitch.”
Reina Kagami had an outstanding first season on the pitch whilst having to adapt to a totally different way of life off it having moved to Perth from Japan along with team mate Chiori Ikeda. When I interviewed her two-thirds of the way through the season, she felt she was still playing nowhere near her potential despite putting in consistent high quality performances and scoring regularly from midfield. The RedStar head coach outlined row they rose to the challenges of the NPLW WA.
“Reina and Chiori are very technical players who bring that extra bit of quality to the pitch. They both had to adjust to a more physical game, which I think they have done in remarkable style. They are intelligent players who play a simple, technical style of football. They adapted quickly to our philosophy and showed that they can score, as well as create and assist.
“Chiori is an impressive player. She was troubled by a few niggling injuries this season and missed a few games as a result. Reina really came into her own by the end of the season. She came to us in a more defensive role, however, she is a versatile player who has shown remarkable attacking ability.
“Reina will continue to adjust to Australian football and I have no doubt she will strive to reach her full potential next season. She has already received interest from the A-League over east. Unfortunately, her personal circumstances meant that she could not pursue that pathway at this stage. I look forward to seeing her in action again next season.”
Above: Reina Kagami (left) and Chiori Ikeda – two key members of Perth RedStar’s side this season. Photo: Robbie Anderson.
Perth RedStar won the Top Four Cup this year after two wins over Perth SC that I described as “ruthless”. Whilst Perth’s injury and availability issues were well documented, what may not have been thought about quite so much was the challenge it threw at RedStar – preparing to face a team that would be fielding players out of position and some who have limited experience on that sort of stage which makes preparations less straightforward than when taking on a team full of “known players”.
“Perth SC have some very talented and versatile players. They always manage to put a strong team on the pitch with players that have pace and can be unpredictable. These types of games are where we have to take our chances when they appear and need to stay strong in the back.
“The focus at training is always on working hard, keeping intensity, and playing football to the best of our ability. I don’t believe in basing our sessions on who our opponent is that week, that way we are prepared to face any team that is put on the pitch on game day.
“Perth have always been a challenge for us. It’s tough when you have to play a team seven times in one season and have the ability to beat them each time, or at least draw. In the Top Four Cup, we went out determined to win, and you saw that determination on the pitch.
“It was a privilege and an honour to participate in the inaugural Top Four Cup at the new State Football Centre. The facilities were top notch and the staff worked tirelessly to ensure a good experience for all the participants.
It took us a little while to settle into the game. The first half was tough, which is exactly what we expected. We came out strong in the second and were able to control and dominate possession. We created several opportunities and players didn’t hesitate to take their chances, the goals were quality. The teamwork on the pitch was key in sealing the win. It was a great second half from the team and there’s no denying we earned the title on the day.”
Above: Olivia Wood in action for Perth RedStar in their Top Four Cup Final win over Perth SC last month. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
After another season of success, the target on Perth RedStar’s back will be even bigger next season with rival clubs even more determined to take away more of the club’s silverware. Vega Mena knows this and is ready to combat it with his squad.
“We have had the target on our backs for three years and I’m sure next year will be the same, especially after two successful back-to-back seasons. We are expecting clubs to build teams with beating us in the back of their minds. Everyone wants to be the team that beats the current champions, and they will be looking for that reward. We can definitely feel the target on our backs but this will not be our priority going into 2023.
“What the squad has achieved to date is a massive accomplishment for the club, however, our main focus is always player development and we remain committed to playing quality football. This is essential if we are to maintain the standards we have set as a club. Younger players are the future of football and it is imperative for clubs to have these pathways and opportunities for the players coming up through the ranks.
“Next season will see more movement of coaches and players within the NPLW which will pose new challenges and we could see some new look teams emerge. I look forward to seeing what the teams look like. In 2023, we will be looking to continue to challenge other teams whilst playing our brand of football, one game at a time.”
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Back for the third season, Impetus’ team covering the A-League Women nominate their choices for player, coach, and event of the week. The votes for player and coach are tallied up and then come the end of the campaign we’ll reveal our Player and Coach of the Season once more (23/10/23).
Player of the week:
Above: Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz got two votes this week as Player of the Week. Photo: Iowa State University Athletics.
BEN GILBY:Jordan Silkowitz – a sensational goalkeeping display to ensure Sydney FC’s dangerous attack couldn’t find a way back into the game for their side at Ballymore Stadium.
KIERAN YAP:Taren King for a solid defensive display and a goal to deliver Central Coast Mariners their first win since rejoining the league. Adelaide’s attack was on fire in Round One and came into this game confident, but they were well handled by The Mariners, and King was pivotal.
BEN CAREY:Jordan Silkowitz. She made six saves and kept her first-ever clean sheet against one of the strongest teams in league. Her side, Brisbane Roar, could have easily dropped points in the second half but she wouldn’t allow it. A phenomenal performance.
Coach of the Week:
Above: Wellington Phoenix head coach Paul Temple. Photo: RNZ News.
BEN GILBY:Alex Epakis. Yes, the Glory are top of the table with two wins from two and no goals conceded, but for me, the most impressive thing is the renewed sense of game management that he has instilled into the Western Australian side. Perth have managed the latter stages of both those wins over Western United and Newcastle Jets in a hugely professional manner. Whilst they are not necessarily firing at full force yet, they are seeing out games in a manner that is significantly above what they have achieved in previous seasons.
KIERAN YAP: Paul Temple. Was this Wellington’s most complete performance? Western Sydney is a work in progress, but The Nix played with clarity of purpose. There will be tougher tests, but you can’t fault a 3-0 win. They scored the most goals of the round and were one of only two teams to keep a clean sheet.
BEN CAREY: Garrath McPherson. Leading his side, Brisbane Roar, to victory over the five-time premiers and four-time champions, Sydney FC, was an incredible achievement.
Event of the week:
Above: Chelsea Blissett (centre) and Brisbane Roar celebrate their goal against Sydney FC. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
BEN GILBY: Brisbane Roar securing victory over Sydney FC. Garrath McPherson’s new look side have started the season with a bang and the travails of the last two seasons, which saw a habit of conceding numerous late goals to lose games that seemed unlosable, seem to be in the distant past.
KIERAN YAP: Chelsea Blissett’s goal. A brilliant curling finish from a player brought in to stop goals. Brisbane’s won this game as a defensive unit, but Blissett’s moment secured the three points.
BEN CAREY: Central Coast Mariners scoring their first win in the A-League Women since 2009 was a momentous occasion for the club that only just rejoined the league.
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Above: Morocco’s International Women’s Team. Photo: 7e News.
Earlier this month, former head coach for Spain’s World Cup winning squad, Jorge Vilda, was appointed as the new manager of Morocco’s women’s national team.
Following their win against England in the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup final, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) came under fire after their then-president, Luis Rubiales, grabbed and kissed player Jenni Hermoso without her consent. In the midst of an investigation into the incident, Vilda was sacked.
This was, however, not the first time the attention of the world was brought to the inappropriate behaviour of powerful menwithin the world of football, or the ill-treatment of Spain’s senior players specifically.
Barcelona’s Mapï León and Patricia Guijarro, for example, were among the players who, prior to the tournament, had already boycotted the national team due to concerns regarding conduct towards players. Questions were, and rightly so, being asked about Vilda’s ethics before the World Cup had even begun. The actions of Rubiales only served to confirm that there was a deep-rooted issue which players need to be better protected from.
Morocco made history this year by being the first Arab-country to quality for the World Cup, under coach Reynald Pedros.
It is somewhat disheartening and concerning, then, to see a team and a nation which has made such an important step in their women’s game, choose to employ a manager who has a clearly worrying track-record of complaints when it comes to the running of a team and control over its players. There is also the alarming factor of his role in defending the inexcusable actions of Rubiales, as well as the fact that he is currently under investigation in Spain in relation to this.
Many women around the world, whether they are involved in sport or not, are unfortunately all-too familiar with the experience of Hermoso. A man has abused his position of authority in a way which is detrimental to a woman, who has essentially then had to justify why it was not acceptable and explain how it affected her in order to be taken seriously.
The situation should, and arguably could, have been prevented from occurring in the first place. Spanish players should never have been forced into a situation where it was necessary to boycott their own national team. Jenni Hermoso never should have been assaulted in front of the whole world.
Despite all of this, one of the men at the centre of all the controversy, has kept his place on the international stage. Whilst one team has asked for change, and many others have supported them in doing so, another is now taking a step in the wrong direction. Upon seeing the damage which has been done to the Spanish team, perhaps not in terms of football performance, but certainly in terms of wellbeing and morale, it is astounding that the RFEF have seemingly encouraged the move, and that Morocco have accepted it, whilst global football organisations have, largely, looked on and said nothing.
One must consider whether the Moroccan team has been at all consulted regarding this matter. Is their safety being considered, or is Vilda simply allowed to walk into another job in women’s football, despite the damage done to the last team he managed, and his alleged misconduct?
Some might argue that because Vilda has not been convicted of any criminal charges, he should not lose out on a job opportunity. However, there is an obvious and disturbing pattern which he undoubtedly played a part in, and it is imperative that the concerns of female players are taken seriously, both for the sake of their own welfare, and the safeguarding of a positive, misogyny-free environment throughout women’s football.
The way to foster this is not to provide a part of the problem with a new opportunity, with very little consequences for their actions being proportionately faced by him and those like Rubiales, who were at the forefront of a scandal which overshadowed what should have been a joyous, monumental moment for the Spanish team.
Why has the risk of allowing something similar to happen to the Moroccan team been taken? This does not set a good example at any level, and, maybe most pressingly, it shows a blatant disregard for the experiences of women who have been disrespected and made to feel uncomfortable.
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Report by Elsie Nash, exclusive photography from Ben Gilby at Kingsmeadow(22/10/23).
Above: Chelsea’s Aggie Beevor-Jones reacts after scoring her team’s fourth goal. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Chelsea overcame a stuttering first half which saw them fail to click and fall a goal behind, to hit back to comfortably defeat a stubborn Brighton and Hove Albion side at a packed Kingsmeadow this afternoon.
The champions struggled to find their rhythm in the opening 45 minutes, but, as expected they did dominate the possession and the half chances when they came. The first main chance game when Sophie Ingle escaped from the clutches of her former Blues teammate Maria Thorisdottir to find Sam Kerr. The Australian star motored up the pitch and hit a shot on the angle that was well saved by Sophie Baggaley in the Brighton goal.
Above: Sam Kerr pulls a ball back across goal today. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
The Seagulls made Chelsea pay for their inability to break through in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time when Katie Robinson’s cross was turned in from close range by German international Pauline Bremer.
Above: Katie Robinson (22) who set up Brighton’s opener. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Chelsea are always a better team with Fran Kirby in it, and after she was fed by Millie Bright and got free to have a shot that came off of the side of the bar. Kerr also had another opportunity when Eve Perisset’s free-kick came her way.
Above: Fran Kirby in possession at Kingsmeadow today. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
The home side levelled four minutes into injury time when Sjoeke Nusken headed home Jess Carter’s cross.
The decisive moment came seven minutes into the second half. Ann-Katrin Berger’s goal kick ended up with Kerr who supplied a pass back to Nusken to sweep home her second.
Above: Chelsea celebrate Sjoeke Nusken’s second goal. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
With just over a quarter of an hour remaining, Chelsea extended their lead with Kerr the supplied once more as she fed Nusken who hit a shot that was diverted into her own net by Guro Bergsvand.
Above: Guro Bergsvand, who put into her own net for Chelsea’s third goal. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Brighton rang the changes with former Sydney FC duo Charlize Rule and Madison Haley coming on. Haley worked hard to make space and fed Robinson to get a shot in on goal.
Above: Former Sydney FC star Charlize Rule made an impressive cameo at Kingsmeadow this afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Chelsea found a fourth eight minutes from the end as Nusken played in substitute Aggie Beevor-Jones to score.
Above: Sophie Baggaley makes a superb save from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Still the scoring was not finished as Haley was involved in a move that led to Maisie Symonds supplying the pass for Elizabeth Terland to score a late consolation for the Sussex seasiders.
Above: Madison Haley was in the thick of the action after coming on as a substitute. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Ben Gilby’s photo gallery for Impetus from Kingsmeadow:
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Above: Wellington Phoenix celebrate at Western Sydney Wanderers today. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington Phoenix overcame warm conditions in Parramatta to rout Western Sydney Wanderers with their possession based style of play contributing to this dominant performance.
Both sides began as two teams hungry for some early season points. The game opened with neither team dominant. A shift of momentum happened around the 10th minute when the Phoenix began to execute triangular passing, hitting higher percentage passes while systematically moving the ball up the pitch. They ended the match with 62.5% possession.
The turning point was a 68th-minute set piece that led to the acrobatic goal off the head American born Venezuelan international Mariana Specimaier. It gave the Phoenix their first goal of the season and proved to be the game-winner.
The attacking continued with an additional goal in the 83rd minute from the edge of the box by technical phenom Macey Fraser assisted by Manaia Elliot. Fraser then returned the favor and assisted Elliot with a goal in the 87th minute.
Since coming into the match last week, there is no denying that the Nix have a gem on their side with the offensive prowess of American-born Venezuelan import Speckmaier. She won the battle of the Clemson Tigers with Western Sydney Wanderers Maliah Morris also making a huge impact offensively. Morris will be a person to watch going forward.
Coach Paul Temple had this to say about Speckmaier post-match: “I think she’s a really smart footballer. And she found some space at the back where she wasn’t marked and we’d targeted far post deliveries this afternoon and felt that was where we could get some joy so it was nice to see the delivery land exactly where we needed it and she found some space.”
Wanderers, relying on transitional play with Morris leading the way, saw some promising moments in the second half. However, it was Mackenzie Barry tracking back with two goal-saving defensive plays that kept the Phoenix in the match. Rylee Foster also came up with several saves. The match was a full team effort by the Phoenix and one that they will use as a foundation for the future.
An injury to Wanderer Melissa Caceras led to the insertion of 14-year-old Talia Younis. Younis came to the league 49 days before Sam Kerr did, making her the youngest player ever to play in the A-League Women Younis had quality minutes with the Wanderers and will be a presence going forward.
Phoenix head coach Paul Temple said after the match: “So in the end it was a really good night for all of us and I’m proof that if we play the style of football that we want to have the energy that we need then good things can happen and it’s it’s gonna be good for our confidence now.”
“Obviously the goal then enabled us to really kick on and show what we were about. And I think that last 20 minutes is much more of the identity that we want to show and that we want to be known for.”
This bit of magic in the first half from Hope Breslin 😱😱😱
Above: Keiewa Hieda (right) and Jaclyn Sawicki (left) celebrate the late winner for Western United. Photo: Western United.
Western United came from a goal down to defeat Melbourne Victory with a dramatic late winner at City Vista. The win gives last season’s runners up their first points of the season and leaves Victory with two defeats from the first two rounds.
Windy conditions made every aerial ball a gamble for defenders and Victory were first to benefit when Emma Checker nodded home from a corner early in the first half. Clear cut chances were hard to create for either side, but Victory enjoyed the majority of possession, with Paige Zois and Alana Murphy both controlling the centre of the pitch.
Western United’s best moments of attack came on the counter-attack, Kahli Johnson looked particularly dangerous and her performance had the added benefit of preventing Jessika Nash joining the visitors attack from fullback.
On the opposite flank, Stacey Papadopoulos pushed up in support of Hannah Keane who had drifted wide to keep Jamilla Rankin from bombing forward too easily.
Although Victory had their opponents on the back foot for much of the game, they were unable to create many clear cut chances. midfield control did not meant that Jaclyn Sawicki and the Taranto twins were willing to allow any easy passes to the attack.
Mckenzie Weinert’s defensive efforts on the wing for the visitors were matched by her willingness to shoot in the final third, but she was unable to trouble Alyssa Dall’Oste in the Western goal.
Western United drew level in the second half. Melissa Taranto bundled home from close range in the 66th minute after the Victory defence seemed to have lost track of an in swinging corner kick.
The equaliser seems to inject more urgency and spark into the game as both teams felt confident on scoring a second. Alana Murphy produced Victory’s best chance with a roulette spin in the centre of the park that momentarily unlocked Western United’s defence, but after a ball out wide to Jamilla Rankin who’s excellent cross was batted away by Dall’Oste.
As the game drew to a close, both sides made changes. Victory introduced last week’s goal scorer Ella O’Grady and Elise Kellond-Knight, Western made the most impactful change by introducing Keiwa Hieda
It was the Japanese winger who delivered the three points to the West with a 90th minute strike. Keane’s shot was too hot for Lydia Williams to handle and Hieda bundled the ball home on the line. It was her first A-League Women’s goal after lighting up the Victorian NPLW with Calder United and it condemned Victory to their second loss in as many weeks.
To make matters worse for Jeff Hopkin’ side, the goal came at an even larger cost. Williams remained down for an extended period after the goal and looked to be nursing a shoulder or arms injury as she left the field to be replaced by Miranda Templeman.
The Matildas legend was one of Victory’s big name recruits in the off season, and seen as a strong replacement for Casey Dumont. Fans of the league and the club will hope that she can recover quickly.
The win was an important one for Western United. On paper this was a difficult start to the season. This derby match fell between an opening day trip to Perth and a meeting with Melbourne City next week.
The win will give them momentum against a City side that has looked in control but not invulnerable in their first two matches.
Victory host Adelaide United and will do so in the unfamiliar position of being lower than them on the ladder. The Reds have stuttered slightly in their start to the season, facing similar struggles to Victory as larger numbers of new players develop chemistry. Round Three will take place after the International Break but will provide a test to see who has found their feet quicker.
Teams: Western United (4-4-2): Dall’Oste, Papadopoulos, Cerne, Maher, Vlajnic, M Taranto, Sawicki, A Taranto, Logarzo, Johnson, Keane. Substitutes: Robers, Hieda, Richards, Sardo, Picak.
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by Tom Coopey at The King Power Stadium forImpetus(22/10/23).
Above: Chloe Kelly (right) celebrates with Esme Morgan after scoring Manchester City’s goalyesterday. Photo: Barclays WSL.
Chloe Kelly’s early strike in the first half helped Manchester City keep their place at the top of the WSL, with Leicester City tasting defeat for the first time this season.
Two changes were made from the Leicester team that shared the point at Manchester United last weekend, with Jutta Rantala, Hannah Cain, and Julie Thibaud being introduced to the starting 11. After thrashing Bristol City last weekend, Gareth Taylor made no changes to his side.
Kelly tried her luck early on, with her effort from outside the box dragging just wide of the post. Jill Roord had an opportunity moments afterwards, with her close-range header going marginally over.
The visitors took an early lead after a rare error from Janina Leitzig, who has been so impressive for Leicester recently. A well-worked move from City saw Kelly with a shooting chance after her lay-off from Roord. The England international’s fierce strike slipped through the legs of Leitzig and into the back of the net.
Above: Chloe Kelly (9) celebrates her goal. Photo: Manchester City.
The league leaders were enjoying themselves in the East Midlands, hunting for a second, Kelly nearly found another after being clean-through on goal but Leitzig stood strong this time. Despite the dominance of the away side, Leicester were not without their own chances.
Lena Petermann had a brilliant chance to draw the Foxes level. Hannah Cain slipped the German through, with her first touch setting her up nicely, but her shot didn’t match, with Khiara Keating equal to the attempt. Jutta Rantala looked to find the equaliser, but her effort was tame and into the hands of the keeper.
Leitzig was making amends for her early error, keeping her side in the game. The home side were cut open again, with Shaw’s effort denied by the foot of the former Bayern Munich goalkeeper. Australian Mary Fowler, had a go from outside the box on her left foot, going just over the bar.
Sam Tierney found herself with a half-chance, with her attempt dropped from the air going just wide. Leicester were growing into the game after a nervy start, as they hoped to find the equalising goal. With the crowd rallying them on, Willie Kirk’s girls were stringing together some nice moves. A positive direct run from Shannon O’Brien saw her make way to the byline, with Sam Tierney’s effort from close range blocked crucially by Alex Greenwood.
As the half-time whistle blew, the Foxes would have been relieved to be going in at the break at just one goal down. With the visitors 11 shots, five of which were on target, Gareth Taylor would have been frustrated not to have extended their lead after Leitzig’s early blunder.
Leicester came out of the blocks in the second half, searching for a leveller. Sophie Howard got on the end of Rantala’s cross from the corner, with the 30-year-old’s header blocked. After some hectic defending in the Manchester City box, they finally got the ball clear.
Above: Leicester City’s Sophie Howard (blue shirt) battling with Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw. Photo: Barclays WSL.
Leicester were pushing for that all-important goal, with Cain’s dangerous ball flashed across the six-yard box, just inches away from Aileen Whelan meeting it. However, there was almost a sting in the tail as City nearly found their second of the evening, if it wasn’t for the strong hands of Leitzig. Lauren Hemp looked to make an instant impact, with Letizig parrying the effort out to Jess Park, who blazed over. It should have been 2-0.
The game was opening up, with opportunities arising at both ends of the pitch. Leicester boss Kirk made his first move of the evening, with Deanne Rose replacing the captain, Whelan. Time was running out for the Foxes, as they struggled to break the deadlock for an equaliser.
Leicester were dispossessed in the middle of the park, with Yui Hasegawa playing in Shaw. Her eventual effort was pushed out by Leitzig. Whilst the home side were looking to catch City on the break to find the leveller, the Citizens hoped to grab another to give their lead some security. This led to an open second period.
Five minutes additional time were indicated, with Leicester making a final bid to try and nick a point. Hemp nearly wrapped up the victory, with her effort tipped over the bar. It was Manchester City who tasted victory at the King Power Stadium, retaining their position at the top of the WSL.
MANCHESTER CITY: Keating, Aleixandri, Greenwood, Fowler, Kelly, Angeldahl, Morgan, Roord, Shaw, Hasegawa, Kennedy. Substitutes used: Park (for Kelly 61’), Hemp (for Fowler 61’)
Scorers: Kelly 10’.
Referee: Farai Hallam.
Attendance: TBC.
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by Rachel Cohen at Bescot Stadium for Impetus(22/10/23).
Above: Tottenham celebrate as Martha Thomas hit a hat-trick at Bescot Stadium yesterday. Photo: Barclays WSL.
This was a game in which two things were confirmed: Spurs score goals and Aston Villa really miss Kirsty Hanson and Kenza Dali.
Or maybe that should be: Martha Thomas scores goals. The Scottish forward has discovered a rich vein of form since transferring to Spurs from Manchester United, where she was a sparsely-used substitute last season. Already this season she has scored in every WSL and Conti Cup game she has played in. But here she upped the ante, getting a hattrick, the first ever by a Tottenham player across the team’s four-and-some seasons in the WSL.
But this game was not simply the Martha Thomas show.
Indeed, it was Villa who started the brighter, with a penalty after just five minutes following an attack down the right-hand side which produced a loose ball on the edge of the box. Both Eveliina Summanen and Adriana Leon went for it, but Summanen was late and raised her boot around Leon. It was a clear-cut penalty and Villa’s star striker, Rachel Daly, does not miss penalties. This one was sent hard to the left of Spurs keeper, Becky Spencer.
From that point, the first half was end to end. For Villa, Ebony Salmon demonstrated her skill on the ball with a couple of driving runs down the left, Jordan Nobbs looked lively, and Laura Blindkilde Brown was making good use of overloads on the right. Meanwhile, for the first half hour, the Villa defence held their line, several times resulting in Thomas being called offside in what would otherwise have been promising attacks.
But that changed on 33 minutes with Thomas’s equaliser. This was an archetypally Spurs-era Thomas goal. One that could be described as opportunistic, but that would be to ignore that this was an opportunity that Thomas produced for herself by pressing and then pouncing, something that she has shown herself unparalleled at. It started with her bearing down on her Scottish national teammate Rachel Corsie, who attempted an ill-judged pass, Thomas blocked it, took the ball, turned, spotted Daphne van Domselaar off her line, and sent a lob over the keeper and into the net.
After the game, Thomas commented that the lob was her favourite of the three goals she scored because “When I hit it, I said, ‘Why did I do that?’ but then it went in and I was like: ‘Okay. Happy days.’”
Thomas also provided insight into how she so regularly creates goals from defensive mistakes: “I take a lot of pride from defending from the front and making defenders feel uncomfortable. So, I just work on it. And my goal when I’m pressing is to make defenders think about where I am instead of them sort of control the tempo.”
As the game continued the chances continued for both sides. Danielle Turner fired a scorcher just wide. Jessica Naz fired over and wide.
And then in the last seconds of first-half injury time, Spurs’ two longest-serving players combined. The move began with Naz taking the ball deep into the corner and crossing for Ashleigh Nevillle who headed it across the goal and the keeper.
Above: Ashleigh Neville shows her joy after scoring for Tottenham Hotspur yesterday. Photo: Tottenham Hotspur.
It was nearly the final kick of the half and the second game in a row in which Spurs have got a goal right before halftime.
The second half began as frenetically as the first half had ended. As neither team took control both managers looked to the substitute bench. The biggest impact initially came from the introduction of Maz Pacheco who increased the energy – both on the field and in the stands, where she was greeted with a huge roar from the Villa support. But it was perhaps Drew Spence’s ability to add robustness to Spurs midfield that eventually paid off.
On 63 minutes Spence forced a save from van Domselaar. Spurs got a corner that was not cleared. Eventually, Luana Bühler headed the ball towards Clinton who tapped it back to Thomas who had a clear sight of goal to fire home her second and Tottenham’s third.
Thomas’s fourth on 72 minutes involved three players new to Spurs this summer. It started in the defensive third, with Clinton, who picked up the ball and found Olga Ahtinen inside the half. Ahtinen then played a perfectly weighted ball for Thomas to run onto, ahead of Villa’s defenders. Then, with the confidence of a striker on form, she casually lifted it over van Domselaar and in.
It could have been an even better day for Thomas who was clean through on goal again just four minutes later. But she was dragged down by Corsie, who was not having the best of days.
There continued to be chances for both teams, but the game lost a little energy. It was clear that the chance of a comeback was slim. It felt like even the referee had decided that there was little left to play for with the fourth official indicating just five minutes of injury time, in comparison to the eight to twelve minutes that has been the norm this WSL season.
But there was still time for more action. In previous weeks Villa have lost games to injury-time goals against both Manchester United and Arsenal. This time it was their turn to score at the death as, against the run of play, in the 95th minute Villa won a corner. Rachel Corsie at the far post got the second ball, and toe-poked a shot on target. Spencer made a great reaction save but the ball came out to Lucy Parker who, from a congested area, headed straight at the goal and to Spencer’s left.
And that was it. The game barely restarted after the goal before the final whistle went.
Teams:ASTON VILLA (4-3-3): van Domselaar, Turner, Corsie, Patten, Parker, Nobbs, Blindkilde, Staniforth,Salmn, Daly, Leon. Substitutes: Mayling, McLoughlin, Magill, Pacheco.
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It was a victorious return to the club’s main HBF Park stadium for Perth Glory as the Western Australians continued their 100% winning run to start the A-League Women campaign with a 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets.
As pleasing as the victory was for head coach Alex Epakis, it was also a second consecutive clean sheet for Morgan Aquino with the Glory still to concede a goal this season.
This was Perth’s first A-League Women game at HBF Park for five years, and those that gathered saw yet more signs of the growth of the purples into a team that has local youngsters combining effortlessly with experienced campaigners within a squad that has strength in depth, nous in defence and the potential for a sparkling pack of attackers to tease opponents for 90 minutes.
It was Newcastle, who had also won their opening game, a local derby win at rivals Central Coast Mariners, that conjured the opening half chance as Melindaj Barbieri saw an effort go wide without troubling Glory keeper Aquino.
One of Perth’s local teen stars, Georgia Cassidy, playing just her second professional match and looking like she has been in the role for years, found her way through to supply Millie Farrow in the box, but the English striker could not quite reach the teasing ball.
The home side continued to probe, and after a Tash Rigby cross-shot flew wide, Jessika Cowart had an effort blocked by the massed Jets defence.
It was not all Perth though and Newcastle’s acquisition of Melina Ayres was an astute piece of business. The A-League Women champion is always a real handful for any defence, and seven minutes before the interval looked have created again, only to see her shot go wide.
After the break, Cassidy was involved with a piece of trademark play that always has those who have watched her development in the NPLW WA over the past two years licking their lips in anticipation. Give the 18-year-old the ball outside the box, and there’s only one thing she’ll do – fire in a long-range rocket. Whilst this one went over the top, more often than not they go into the top corner. It won’t be long before one gets there this season.
Just three minutes later, the home side finally hit the front. The growing understanding between Farrow and Grace Jale was in evidence once more as the latter played in the former WSL and NWSL attacker with a clever inside pass. Farrow then moved across the edge of the box to feed Phonsongkham who hit a first-time low shot into the net from 16 yards into the left-hand corner of the net.
The pair combined once more shortly afterwards, but this time it was roles reversed as Phonsonghkam supplied a tempter for Farrow who was denied at the cost of a corner.
Either side of the hour mark, there were a flurry of chances at either end. First for the hosts as Jale looked to create and fought her way through, but Isobel Nino gathered in the Jets goal.
Then came the Jets’ opportunities as Claudia Cicco’s ball in from the right came off the bar before being recycled back to Rebecca Burrows who was stationed centrally just outside the box and fired in an effort that Aquino managed to gather as Lauren Allan slid in.
It was the right-hand side that Newcastle were looking to exploit, directing a series of attacks along the flank, but they more than found their match in local teenager Grace Johnston who was standing up to the heat of battle in another strong showing in just her second match after coming in from Hyundai NTC in the NPLW WA.
Another busy performer for the hosts was Sofia Sakalis, looking to inject energy in a slightly freer role. There are already strong signs of a real understanding developing between herself and Farrow, with Sakalis looking to find the striker in the box with probing passes.
Farrow came close once more with just over 20 minutes to go as Lowry worked her magic in the middle of the park and found Phonsongkham who played in a superb low-angled pass into the mix from the right which Farrow got a touch on, but Nino saved.
The final 10 minutes saw Perth’s game management come to the fore as they looked to maintain possession and slow the game as much as possible. Whilst frustrating for the Jets, it was another example of the savviness and maturity that is increasingly in evidence amongst the Western Australian side this season.
There was still time for a final opportunity for the Jets as Lara Gooch lifted in a high ball from the right for Ayres who was in space at the back post but the former Melbourne Victory star headed wide.
Alex Epakis’ side have won their two opening games, despite, for me having yet to play to their full potential. When they eventually put everything together, big things are possible for the Glory.
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