Above: Millwall winger Shannan Drewe, who opened the scoring for the Lionesses yesterday. Photo: Tom West Photography.
Millwall Lionesses continued their excellent recent form by defeating Crawley AFC comfortably in the tier five London and South East Regional Premier.
The home side came into this game on the back of a 13-0 win over Margate in the FA Cup last weekend and sat seventh in the league on 10 points. Conversely, Crawley were bottom of the league after losing all seven games they’ve played.
There were some good chances early on in the game, the first one came two minutes in. Liv McGregor put the ball in and found Emma Whitter in front of goal, but the defender cleared her effort.
Crawley then had a chance on five minutes, Ella Bale brought down on the edge of the area, it fell to Ellie Pace who took the shot on but it just went over the bar.
Millwall finally got a goal though and the deadlock was finally broken after 38 minutes. McGregor put a ball in and found the waiting Shannan Drewe at the back post who headed in the opener.
Ten minutes into the second half, Drewe put a good ball in, there was a scramble in the box before Chloe Burr got the ball over the line despite claims from the Crawley defence that it didn’t go in but the assistant referee was sure it did.
Millwall nearly made it 3-0 on 60 minutes, Drewe’s really good effort was saved by Graves, Crawley’s goalkeeper. They came close once more with just under 15 minutes remaining as Whitter drove down the right hand side, passed it to Drewe whose effort was saved.
With just over 10 minutes left, Jones made it three. Drewe once again doing well on the left wing, playing the ball in for Jones to tap it in.
Millwall got another one minute afterwards. Emel Huseyin played in Whitter whose shot was saved by Graves but she couldn’t hold onto it and Ellen Napper was there to tap in a fourth.
The Lionesses move up to fifth in the table, and are next in action on Wednesday away to Enfield Town at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium.
Scorers: Drewe (38’), Burr (51’), Jones (79’), Napper (82’).
CRAWLEY AFC: Graves, B. Humphrey, Lazenby, Higham, Williams, McCarthy, Pace, MacDonnell, Bale, Chapman, Page. Substitutes: Martin, Phillips, O. Humphrey, Morris.
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Above: AFC Wimbledon’s hat trick hero Ellie Dorey (22) celebrates with her team mates yesterday after a goal against Worthing. Photo: Emily Topping.
The Dons put in a stellar second-half performance, as they put five goals past promotion rivals Worthing to increase their lead at the top of the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East with a game in hand.
The first chance of the game fell to the Dons inside the first five minutes. Ashlee Hincks stood over the free kick, and sent it into the box, but it was beyond Ashleigh Goddard at the far post.
A lack of concentration at the back of the Dons defence gifted the away side a golden chance to take the lead, but they couldn’t find the right finish.
There was some brilliant play down the left-hand side by Hincks as she stormed towards the box. The number nine put in a fantastic ball that fell at the feet of two Dons players, but some strong last-ditch defending from the visitors prevented the ball from hitting the back of the net.
Faye Baker had a busy first half in goal, as she pulled out some excellent stops to deny the away side the opening goal. It was an even first 30 minutes.
Hannah Billingham was the closest to opening the scoring for the Dons, as her effort rattled off the crossbar, just on the stroke of half-time, but it remained goalless at the break.
The second half started as the first half ended, evenly matched. That was until Ellie Dorey stepped up with a sensational strike from 30 yards out to give the Dons the lead.
The Dons started to ramp up the pressure in the second half. The team won a free kick outside the area, as they searched for a second goal. Hincks stepped up to take the set piece, and Dorey was there to head the ball home past the keeper! It was two for Dorey, and two for the Dons.
Once Wimbledon started scoring, they just couldn’t stop, and neither could Dorey. Hincks got another assist as she slid the ball into the box and Dorey was in the right place at the right time to complete her hat-trick.
Not long after being introduced, substitutes Hannah Mackenzie and Sandra Soares Martins combined beautifully to make the score 4-0 to the Dons. Mackenzie sent a lovely, chipped ball through to Soares, who made no mistake in front of goal.
Just before the final whistle, after a fine pass from Molly Childerhouse, Soares Martins got herself on the scoresheet again.
Above: Lauren Sloan scoring for Ayr United (white and black) against Dryburgh Athletic yesterday. Photo: Russel Hutcheson / Sportpix.
SWF Championship
Ayr United, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and East Fife all came from behind to maintain their recent form in the SWF Championship, while leaders Rossvale won convincingly at home to stay top.
Early goals from Kiah Irvine and Derrian Gollan put Dryburgh Athletic in the driving seat in Cumnock before Ayr United’s Lauren Sloan scored either side of halftime to level things up. Kimberly Dick slotted home a penalty for Ayr on 55 minutes to take the points and stay second in the Championship table, behind a Rossvale side who won 4-0 at home against Edinburgh City with Impetus sponsored Lauren Coleman on the scoresheet.
Third-placed Inverness Caledonian Thistle found themselves behind in only seven minutes at Westdyke in Aberdeen as Lyndsey Brown scored for the home side, but the Highlanders shrugged off the challenge and poor weather to run out 5-3 winners with a brace for Betty Ross and goals from Julia Scott, Kayleigh Mackenzie, and Iona Macarthur.
Goals from Niomi Lind and Georgia Park looked to spark a Westdyke recovery around the 70-minute mark, but Inverness recovered to take control back.
East Fife also found themselves behind early on as Hutchison Vale scored their first goals of the campaign, but spearheaded by former Hutchie captain Angyl Learmonth, the Fifers ran out 5-2 winners.
In the Renfrewshire derby, Renfrew Ladies moved up to fourth with a dominant 5-0 away win over Morton through Claire Rae, Sinead Macleod, Erin Gould, and Emma Paterson.
SWF League One
A postponement to BSC’s match against league leaders Edinburgh Caledonia due to a waterlogged pitch allowed Forfar Farmington to reclaim the top spot with a 5-1 victory over Giffnock Soccer Centre at home, while Falkirk strengthened their grip on third with a 5-0 victory over Airdrie Ladies.
Bonnyrigg Rose and Stenhousemuir also moved up the table, beating Dundee West 6-2 and Queen of the South 2-0 respectively.
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Above: The Philippines team pictured prior to training at Optus Stadium on Saturday. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
They may have suffered a drastic 8-0 loss to Australia yesterday, but the Philippines are a rapidly rising force in Asian Football.
After making their mark at the 2022 AFC Asian Cup and the 2023 World Cup, where they recorded their first-ever World Cup win against co-hosts New Zealand thanks to the excellent Sarina Bolden, the Philippines are looking to continue their upward trajectory under new head coach Mark Torcaso, who is in charge for the first time t his international window.
First Half
In the first five minutes, despite several chances arising for the Matildas, the defensive nature of the Philippines’ playing style stood firm. Despite the dominance of Australia when it came to possession, the Filipinas were full of energy at the back, and on high alert knowing they were up against some of the best in the world.
Olivia McDaniel then made her first save in the sixth minute, an important one. However, as the match progressed, there was a sense of total attacking destruction by the Matildas, and complete domination in the midfield helped by the outstanding pairing between Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry. Cooney-Cross’s creativity on the ball created opportunities for those upfront, and Gorry’s fearless playing style meant that on the rare occasion where the Philippines did win the ball, it was quickly reclaimed by the Matildas.
Whilst they were certainly being challenged by Australia, the Philippines fought on. Their defensive positioning saw the Matildas called up for being offside twice in just a few minutes. Despite a heavy presence in their defensive area, though, Australia managed to secure their first of many goals through fan-favourite Mary Fowler.
The Filipinas kept their composure, though, and quickly blocked another chance at goal. Whilst trying to lay some quality tackles, they drastically lacked strength when it came to keeping possession of the ball. This was due to the absence of a strong presence in the right back, as well as the Matildas’ incredibly strong pressing game and exploitation of any open space.
Australia continued to win the ball and create opportunities for Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, but it must also be noted that whilst she didn’t get a goal, Quinley Quezada’s performance reminded everyone that regardless of the score line, she is not a player to be messed with. The forward was one of few Filipina players who remained able to show remarkable control when on the ball, despite the mounting pressure and constant threat from the Matildas.
Following the 25-minute mark, the Filipinas were able to generate a bit more time in the attacking half, but then there was a goal for Australia from Foord. The Philippines’ defence was not as present as it was at the start of the game. They continued applying pressure to their opposition, with a shot at goal missed in the 36th minute, as the defensive side doubled down.
A free kick was granted to the Philippines after a tackle by Aussie star Ellie Carpenter, but the visiting side were yet to create a real chance at goal. The Filipinas, though, as respected as they are, were up against a clinical Australian team, and Tony Gustavsson’s team were relentless in their tactical execution today.
As the first half progressed, some composed defending by the Philippines saw Hayley Raso also called up for being offside. McDaniel, impressively, made another save as her defence started to look worryingly less alert. This lack of focus seemed to be a result of fatigue as the hard-pressing Matildas gave their opponents little time to recover from each blow they faced before attacking once again.
The Philippines showed up to this match with a clear plan to always keep several players behind the ball, knowing that it would be tough to prevent the Matildas from attacking. McDaniel made another great save to stop a header from Foord reaching the back of the net, proving that her spot on this senior team is well-deserved. Focus appeared to drop off after this as the Philippines seemed to be getting tired, and a mistake saw Kerr left open, resulting in an astonishing sixth goal for the Tillies.
Second Half
Above: Quinley Quezada, (white kit), seen here in action against Norway in the World Cup. Photo: Manila Bulletin.
With a tough-to-take result of Australia being six goals up at the break, Mark Torcaso’s Philippines made two changes for the start of the second half by bringing on Alicia Barker and Eva Madarang in place of Reina Bonta and Dominique Randle. Australia swiftly secured another goal, and in the 46th minute the Filipinas finally had their first shot of the game.
There was a lack of communication at this point in the Philippines’ defence, which may have been exacerbated by the substitutions, but they also appeared to invigorate their team and bring about a sense of urgency following this early second-half goal, which allowed them to make an attempt at a counter-attack.
The Matildas quickly regained control, though, and the Philippines began to look less cohesive as frustration built up. Kerr was brought down by Barker, who was already having a big impact on the Philippines’ game, and Hali Long’s contribution prevented the often-unstoppable Kerr from adding another goal to her collection.
Barker looked to be leading her team’s defensive line, and whilst they lacked the meticulousness of the Aussie side in their execution, she played a vital role in applying pressure to the Matildas around the goal, a difficult task in an area where Gustavsson’s Australia were so clinical. It became clear, though, that the frustration at being unable to stop players like Foord from making it to goal in the first place, was weighing on Barker and her teammates. In light of this, their stance in defence looked slightly messy and lacked pace in both decision-making and getting in the way of threatening players before it was too late.
After an immense solo effort from Caitlin Foord leading to a further goal for Australia, the Philippines looked understandably disheartened. They had, at this point, had just one attempt at goal, meanwhile Australia had had 17. Following a brief stint in the attacking half and a rare touch of the ball for Mackenzie Arnold, the Philippines’ defence was once again tested. Madarang made an especially good block on Fowler, serving as a reminder of her value within the squad. Quickly following this, Amy Sayer had a chance headed away from goal.
This time, the chaos seemed to have disrupted the play of the Philippines’ back line, and Clare Wheeler took the opportunity to add another goal to the score sheet. Having contributed plenty to her team’s performance, without fruition though it may have been, Sarina Bolden made way for Meryll Serrano, as the Filipinas fought to prevent further damage to the scoreline.
Above: Sarina Bolden, celebrating her goal for the Philippines at the World Cup. Photo: Sports Inquirer.
In the 77th minute, the Philippines were eventually able to get some numbers forward, but to no avail. Another shot from the Australian side was then claimed by McDaniel, following an intense battle between attack and defence. The Filipinas had found their rhythm, albeit a little too late in the game, but it did mean they were able to force the Matildas back out of the box. By this point, they were no longer being broken down as severely by their opposing side. It was refreshing to see the Filipinas get into the swing of things, but it was ultimately too late, and not enough to stop the power of the Aussies.
Analysis
Overall, we saw very little of the Philippines upfront, which is a shame since they can certainly pose a threat there, as we saw earlier this year in the World Cup. They were unable to make the most of the little possession they did have, and against such a ruthless team like Australia, that is something you pay the ultimate price for. Right up until the final whistle, the Philippines maintained a heavy presence in their defence, but it was not enough.
Barker has become renowned for her role as a right back, but, presumably with the goal of enhancing their defence, for this game, Torcaso and the Philippines maintained more of a focus on the centre-back role in this game. It is not difficult to understand why this was implemented, although it did not have the desired effect.
Perhaps the team would have been more successful using a faster fullback approach from kick-off, as this new defensive plan was capitalised on by the WSL’s Fowler and Foord. The formation used by Torcaso (4-1-4-1) underestimated the sheer strength of the Australian ability to attack consistently throughout the game and left the Philippines vulnerable in the midfield.
It is important to acknowledge the steps the Philippines has taken, despite their challenges, to improve their game, their national campaign, and their domestic league. This would have been a painful result for them to take, especially in a process where goal difference means a lot. Lapses in the defensive half cost them.
This defeat is another chapter in the Philippines’ journey. Though they have not picked up a win, their growth more generally is admirable, and this is something the Australian side are all-too-familiar with.
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Impetus had Rob Lizzi pitch side at Optus Stadium yesterday to capture this set of stunning images from Australia’s Olympic qualifier with the Philippines (30/10/23).
Above: The game was played amidst the dramatic backdrop of a full Optus Stadium. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
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by Kelechi Osunwa at Optus Stadium, Perth for Impetus(29/10/23).
Above: There was so much for The Matildas to celebrate today in Perth against the Philippines. Photo: Football Australia.
A sell-out crowd of 59,155, higher than any for an Australian women’s game outside of the Olympics or World Cup, witnessed a relentless display by The Matildas who run out 8-0 winners over the Philippines and all but confirmed qualification into the next round of 2024 AFC Women’s Olympic qualifiers.
It was sensational display by Australia with hometown hero Sam Kerr claiming a hattrick, as did Caitlin Foord, in between goals by Mary Fowler and substitute Clare Wheeler on the path to an 8-0 win and a stunning five-goal first-half display.
The Matildas displayed moments of almost telepathic understanding with their movement and passing and their first goal was a showcase of how devastating the Australian attack can be.
Kennedy found Raso with a switch of play which the Real Madrid forward laid off to Kerr, who’s clever through-ball split the Filipinas defence finding an overlapping Ellie Carpenter. Foord attempted to hook in Carpenter’s cross but her effort fell to the path of Mary Fowler who finished with aplomb as her effort kissed the inside of the post before nestling home.
The roar from the near 60,000 crowd was deafening, but the decibel meter would get even higher four minutes later when Kerr got in on the goal-scoring action thanks to the tireless efforts of Foord. The busy Arsenal star received the ball on the wing and exploded past two defenders as she drove into the box, before keeping her composure and finding Kerr for the simplest of finishes.
The Matildas’ WSL contingent combined with Fowler, Kerr, and Foord all involved to make it 3-0 with Kerr and Foord reversing their roles as provider and finisher. Fowler sent in a delightful cross for Kerr, who was draped by Filipinas defender but managed to find Foord to slot home.
Foord got her second and the Matildas’ fourth with a finish that showcased her strength and composure to hold off a defender and slot home past Olivia McDaniel. The two goals in three minutes were her 31st and 32nd for the Matildas and Foord almost had her 33rd three minutes later, but her audacious effort from a tight angle glanced off the crossbar.
Above: The Matildas and the Philippines battle in Perth watched by a record crowd for a women’s international in Australia outside of the World Cup or Olympic Games, Photo: Football Australia.
Coach Gustavsson challenged his side to improve their ball retention after losing possession and he would have been pleased with the intensity and relentlessness of their pressing in the first half with the Filipinas almost camped entirely in their half for the duration as Australia boasted 73% of possession.
The Matildas capped off a five-star half when the dynamic duo of Foord and Kerr combined in stoppage time. Foord skipped past her marker before threading an inch-perfect pass to break the Philippines’ offside trap.
Kerr streaked through on goal with the freedom of Optus Stadium, raising the anticipation of the home faithful and sending them into dreamland when she blasted into the roof of the net. The goal capped a relentless first-half display of passing, pressing, and clinical finishing.
The Matildas’ relentlessness continued in the second half with Kerr only needing 24 seconds to finish her hat-trick when she latched onto the end of another delightful cross by Fowler to head home and make it 6-0. Her performance today was a timely reminder of just how good the perennial Ballon d’Or Féminin finalist is at the art of finishing.
Foord joined Kerr as a recipient of a match ball when she completed her hattrick in stunning fashion. The striker collected the ball in the Filipinas box after a failed clearance and danced past her maker before pummelling an effort from a tight angle to surpass Sarah Walsh to be clear as the fifth-highest goal scorer in Matildas history and give her side a 7-0 lead.
Sarina Bolden failed to take advantage of rare lapse in concentration at the back when Clare Hunt was robbed of possession. The former Western Sydney Wanderers striker, moving through on goal with support in-field, attempted to lob Mackenzie Arnold but could not find enough lift to challenge the Matildas custodian.
The quality didn’t dip even after a rare quadruple substitution with Clare Wheeler getting in on the action. The diminutive midfielder lashed in a driven effort from the edge of the box for her first international goal. The Everton star’s goal came off the back of another assist by Foord, giving her a rare hattrick of goals and four assists.
It finished 8-0 for the Matildas and confirmed an equalled record loss for the Philippines who will be needing a dominant display against Iran in their final game on Wednesday to stand any chance of qualifying.
For the Matildas, it means they will need something extraordinary to happen to fail in qualifying for the next round, and for the Australian public, it underscores how much the game has grown in Australia. 7,549 attended the Matildas’ 5-0 win over Thailand in 2018 and the record 59,195 in attendance today emphasises the drawing power of this team.
Above: The Matildas team that started today’s game with the Philippines. Photo: Football Australia.
Still to come – two photo galleries from the game – Impetus had Rob Lizzi and Kris Goman pitch side at Optus Stadium to capture the best of the action.
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Impetus photographerAndy Wicks was pitch side to capture all of the action as the Lionesses defeated Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.
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Impetus’ Kris Goman has been at Optus Stadium in Perth today to capture these images of Australia, the Philippines, and Chinese Taipei in training, and Sam Kerr‘s media conference (28/10/23).
Above: Sam Kerr in today’s media conference at Optus Stadium, Perth. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Matildas Training:
Philippines Training:
Chinese Taipei Training:
Sam Kerr Media Conference
Head over to our TikTok platform (@ImpetusFootball) later today for video footage from Sam Kerr’s media conference.
Impetus will have Kelechi Osunwa in the press box at Optus Stadium with Kris Goman and Rob Lizzi pitch side on photography to provide all the details from Australia v Philippines.
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Impetus’ Kris Goman has spent the last two days at various events around the Western Australian capital related to the Olympic Qualifiers. Here’s a selection of images from Thursday and Friday in Perth (28/10/23).
Above: Australian fans at yesterday’s event in Perth. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Philippines v Chinese Taipei
Before The Matildas made their eagerly awaited return to action on Thursday in Perth, the opening game of this Olympic qualification group took place at HBF Park as the Philippines defeated Chinese Taipei 4-1. The goalscorers for the Philippines were Sarina Bolden (54′ pen, 83′), Katrina Guillou (60′), and Chandler McDaniel (90′) after Yi-yun Hsu put Chinese Taipei in front (47′).
Festival of Football
A special event yesterday with lots of family-friendly activities for fans. The program opened with a Perth Glory training session followed by an appearance by The Matildas on stage, concluding with the ceremony for the brand new Western Australia State Football Centre being named after the greatest ever locally produced player – Sam Kerr.
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by Tom Coopey at The King Power Stadium for Impetus (28/10/23).
Above: Team celebrations after Lauren Hemp’s goal. Photo: Lionesses.
Lauren Hemp’s early goal found England’s second win of the UEFA Nations League campaign, to move them ahead of Belgium and go top of the group. It was a game of many chances, but Hemp’s 13th-minute goal was the decider.
Keira Walshreturned to the England starting eleven, whilst Chloe Kelly and Niamh Charles made their way back into the side after defeat to the Netherlands last time out. Lauren James was ruled out of the squad earlier in the week due to concussion, as well as Lucy Parker with an ankle injury. Belgium boss Ives Serneels made two changes from the 11 that drew against Scotland. Jassina Blom and Sari Kees made way for Janice Cayman and Club Brugge’s Jody Vangheluwe.
Belgium would have had their tails up going into this game, being top and catching England at a bad time, having lost two of their past three.
Under the lights of the King Power Stadium, England made a bright start just 40 seconds in with Charles getting on the end of a cross, lifting it just over the bar. The Lionesses were putting early pressure on the visitors, with Hemp’s parried effort by the goalkeeper falling to Ella Toone. Her header dribbled just wide of the post, to Nicky Evrard’s relief. It was a fast-paced start in the East Midlands.
Despite England’s positive start, Belgium had a brilliant chance to take the lead. Justine Vanhaevermaet’s header looked certain to ripple the back of the net, but an astonishing save by Mary Earps denied what looked to be a definite goal.
It took England just 13 minutes to find the lead after Hemp bundled it in from the corner. Kelly’s inviting delivery found Millie Bright, with her header coming back off the upright and into the path of Hemp for an easy finish. It was a deserved lead for the Lionesses.
Above: Lionesses match winner Lauren Hemp. Photo: Lionesses.
England were looking sharp as well as hungry to extend their lead, with Toone’s ferocious strike straight down the throat of the keeper. Wiegman would have been happy with the start her side had made. They were looking in the mood.
Belgium looked positive on the counter-attack, with a chance going begging for the visitors. Tessa Wullaert looked to play a ball into the box, but it kindly deflected off Bright, whistling just wide of the post.
England were a whisker away from going two up with Alessia Russo not finding the right connection to poke it into the open net. In fairness to the Arsenal striker, the cross from Hemp may have been slightly just behind her.
Despite leaving themselves open at the back at times, the Lionesses were looking dangerously good on the attack. They were knocking on the door and it seemed only a matter of time before they found their second of the night.
England were in control closing in on the half-time break, as they had been the whole half, searching to extend their early lead. However, Tine De Caigny nearly found the equalising goal, with her effort closing in at the near post. However, she was only able to find the side netting.
It was a dominant first-half display from the Lionesses, one which would have filled the fans with more confidence after the Netherlands loss. They’d have hoped to go into the break with a more convincing lead, after 13 attempts, five of which were on target. Hemp reacting to the loose ball for the goal was the difference at the break, with England taking in a well-deserved lead.
In the second half, Bright looked to double England’s advantage, with her headed effort just dropping onto the roof of the net. Then Kelly’s deflected effort dropped nicely in the box for Russo, with her attempt going just over. It was yet another missed opportunity for England.
Earps was called into action, making a fine stop to keep her side’s lead intact. Wijnant looked to make an impact and was close to doing so- with her shot from range forcing a tip around the post from the Manchester United goalkeeper.
The tempo of the second period wasn’t as intense as the first, with England controlling the game. Greenwood was close to putting her name in the headlines if it wasn’t for a crucial save by Evrard. The 30-year-old took aim from around 25 yards with her free kick, with her curling effort towards the top corner tipped away.
England were knocking on the door, but just couldn’t seem to make the most of the good positions they were getting themselves into. They would be fortunate that the missed chances didn’t come back to haunt them. The visitors tried to grab a crucial point and Wijnants looped a dangerous ball into the box, but Earps met the loose ball to the delight of the crowd.
It was a well-fought victory for England, seeing them overtake Belgium after the victory over Serneel’s side. Hemp’s early strike was the decider of the taking of the points and the eventual winner.
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