France make successful start to UEFA Nations League campaign

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

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

France 2-0 Portugal

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

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

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

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

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

Scorers: Geyoro (27’), Bacha (89’).

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

Attendance: 18,377.

Austria 0-1 France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scorers: Renard (5’).

Attendance: approx 10,000.

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England’s Lionesses suffer Nations League defeat against the Netherlands

By Aimee Logan (23/9/23)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teams: 

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

Substitutes used: Kelly, James

Scorer: Russo ‘64

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

Substitutes used: Kaptein, Egurrola, Wilms, Jansen

Scorers: Martens ‘34, Jansen ‘90

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Norfolk Weekend Wrap

by Darrell Allen (26/9/23)

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

FA Women’s National League Division One South-East

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

Eastern Region Premier Division

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

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

Eastern Region Division One North

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

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

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

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

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

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

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

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

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

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

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

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

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

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

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

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Comprehensive win ends superb week for Pride Park

Pride Park 8-1 Bakewell Town

by ‘Doug Outt’ (26/9/23)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

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Young Lionesses v Belgium Photo Gallery

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

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

England U23 3-0 Belgium U23

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

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

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

Andy Wicks’ images for Impetus from The Croud Meadow

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

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

Attendance: 2,500.

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Scottish Weekend Wrap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dons storm to the points in 11 goal thriller

Cambridge United 3-8 AFC Wimbledon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attendance: 450.

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Photography Showcase

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

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

Cambridge United 3-8 AFC Wimbledon

from Ben Phillips at The Abbey Stadium

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

Barnsley 0-0 Middlesbrough

from Matthew Appleby at Houghton Main Sports & Social Club

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

Woodley United 2-0 Eastleigh

from Andy Wicks at Bulmershe Pavilion

Southern Region Premier (Tier Five)

Brentford 3-2 Denham United

from Grace Jones at Bedfont Sports Club

London & South East Division One North (Tier Six)

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Wanderers sign WA’s Young Matildas starlet Brooking

25/9/23

Above: Ischia Brooking (blue shirt) in action for Hyundai NTC during the NPLW WA season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.

Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the scholarship signing of rising star Ischia Brooking for the next two A-League Women seasons. 

Brooking joins Western Sydney off the back of the Junior Matildas qualification campaign for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup where she played a pivotal role in the national team’s qualification.

The 14-year-old has been part of Football West’s NTC Program and was last year crowned the U16s Player of the Tournament at the National Youth Championship for Girls in Coffs Harbour.

Head coach Kat Smith spoke highly of Brooking’s potential.

“Ischia is one of Australia’s brightest young talents, and we at Western Sydney Wanderers see massive potential in her and believe she’ll make her mark on the pro game,” said Smith.

“With good dribbling skills, a superb range of passing and a keen eye for goal from any distance, she is a joy to watch.

“We expect Ischia to take this opportunity to join this opportunity to join the professional environment with a growth mindset and unwavering commitment to not only develop as an individual but also to contribute to the club’s goals.”

Brooking said she was inspired to take the next step.

“The facilities here (at Wanderers Football Park) are incredible, so I definitely wanted to join the Wanderers the minute I came to the ground,” said Brooking.

“Game time in general (in the A-League Women would be an honour, just to step on the pitch. Hopefully throughout my time at the Wanderers, I hope to get into the starting line-up.

Lionesses take the spoils against stubborn Scotland

England 2-1 Scotland

by Ruby Perry (24/9/23)

Above: Rachel Daly (left) and Lucy Bronze celebrate on Friday night. Photo: Lionesses.

England overcame a typically energetic and stubborn Scotland side at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

The game took place amidst the backdrop of the tragic news of Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack’s passing. It united the women’s game in grief and marked by a poignant minute’s silence before the game.

England, buoyed by a raucous atmosphere from a sell-out crowd in a stadium which can hold just under 48,000, started strongly and emphasised that with two goals that came courtesy of Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp.

However, the longer the half went on, the more Scotland grew into the action. They have always been tough, stubborn opponents, and demonstrated just that when Kirsty Hanson got a goal back before the interval.

Above: Lauren Hemp in possession against Scotland’s Christy Grimshaw. Photo: Lionesses.

The visitors continued to cause problems after the break with Hanson coming close with a header which needed Mary Earps to be at her best to deny the Aston Villa forward.

Scotland provided England with a real challenge and relentless puzzles to solve throughout the game. This was a tough game that Sarina Wiegman’s side will feel pleased to have got over the line on to take three points from their first-ever UEFA Nations League encounter. They ended matchday one second in the group behind Belgium and now face yet another tough task on Tuesday when they travel to the Netherlands.

Teams: ENGLAND (3-4-3): Earps, Carter, Bright, Greenwood, Bronze, Stanway, Zelem, Kelly, Daly, Hemp, James. Substitute used: Toone.

Scorers: Bronze 39′, Hemp 45′.

SCOTLAND (4-2-3-1): Alexander, Docherty, Corsie, Howard, McLauchlan, Kerr, Grimshaw, Hanson, Weir, Thomas, Emslie. Substitutes used: Evans, Gallagher,
Thomas, Brown, Davidson

Scorer: Hanson 45+2′.

Referee: Maria Ferrieri Caputi.

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