Above: New Zealand’s Football Ferns – co-hosts for the World Cup. Photo: Inside The Games.
The New Zealand Football Ferns are a team in transition. Following the retirement of many long-standing high-quality players in the past few years, New Zealand Football has poured its energy into developing a sustainable player development program with a focus on development of players on home soil.
The core of the Football Ferns squad are sprinkled across top-quality leagues around the globe achieving great success. Getting those successes from abroad to translate into success for the national team is proving to be a tough challenge.
The Ferns bring an exciting mix of new talent in developing players such as Jacqui Hand and Michaela Foster whose flair will be coupled with the strength of world-class players such as Ali Riley (Angel City, USA), Rebekah Stott (Brighton & Hove Albion, England) and Ria Percival (Tottenham Hotspur, England).
Hosting the World Cup on home soil will provide extra impetus to the Ferns to be competitive and to achieve greatness. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the sport of women’s football to establish itself as the sport of choice among young players and the Ferns having success on the pitch is crucial to creating that legacy.
Squad
Still to be announced.
Head Coach
Above: Football Ferns boss Jitka Klimková. Photo: FIFA.
Jitka Klimková has an excellent history of coaching teams in the past but she has yet to find the right chemistry with getting the best out of the Ferns. With a coaching record of three wins, four draws and fifteen losses since being appointed as head coach in October 2021 her start hasn’t been all that auspicious.
Credit must be given to Klimková as she took over the team after a long period of turmoil that resulted in the retirement of many top players, so she has been working on rebuilding the squad and encouraging them to play her style of football. The Football Ferns enter the World Cup off the back of their longest-ever pre-campaign preparation camp and hopefully, the time spent together will yield results.
World Cup History
New Zealand qualified for the first-ever World Cup in 1991 and it quickly became evident the gap between the skills and abilities of the Ferns compared to the more professional European clubs. With a move by Football Australia to join the Asian Federation for qualifying, New Zealand were able to capitalize on the easier path to qualification. They subsequently returned to the World Cup in 2007 and have qualified for each of the tournaments since then – 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
How they qualified
As co-host of the 2023 World Cup, New Zealand, along with Australia, gained automatic qualification to the World Cup.
Strengths
Playing at home in front of friends and family will be a huge motivator for the team. With a majority of the Ferns squad being dispersed across the globe and most international matches being played outside of New Zealand, this will be a chance for players to reconnect with their points of origin. With half the members of the squad having less than 20 caps for the Ferns they can take a no-fear football approach into each match.
Development Areas
The Ferns have been through a goal-scoring drought in the last few years. The team are able to create opportunities, but quality of the shots has been lacking.
Key Players
Above: New Zealand star Jacqui Hand. Photo: Friends of Football.
Jacqui Hand – forward. Hand could be the key that opens the door to the Ferns scoring goals. She is quick, nimble, and very fast on her feet. If the attacker receives quality support from her midfield players she will be a goal-scoring threat.
Olivia (Liv) Chance – midfield. Chance is a veteran of the sport and a natural-born leader. She is super quick when progressing the ball on the flanks and demonstrated in the two matches against the USWNT that she can match it with the very best. The younger players in the team will do well to replicate her style of play.
Meikayla Moore – defender. Having secured the league championship with her team Glasgow City in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, Moore is in fantastic form. She is unafraid to get into a physical challenge and is afraid of no one. Her defensive abilities will be crucial to the Ferns achieving success.
One to watch
Above: Malia Steinmetz (right) in action for Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Malia Steinmetz – midfield. Playing out of the Western Sydney Wanderers A-League team stable of players, Steinmetz is a star on the rise. In recent matches representing New Zealand, the midfielder has shown a strong heart and spine of steel in closing down opposition teams’ offensive pushes. If Steinmetz can continue to improve her succesful pass completions she will open up attacking channels through the midfield allowing the team to press forward.
Success would be
Success for the Football Ferns would be for the team to progress out of their pool. New Zealand’s current form doesn’t make for great reading leading up to the World Cup with losses against high-quality opposition. However, those matches were played on short time frames for team camps resulting in less than ideal preparation time. Following a long period of build-up to the World Cup, the Ferns will be fired up and ready to go. All opposition teams will need to be very wary as New Zealand can compete with anyone when it’s their day.
Prediction
The Football Ferns will finish second in their pool, which would likely hand them a last-sixteen game with Japan, with the Japanese likely to be too strong.
Group A Fixtures
20th July – Norway, Eden Park, Auckland.
25th July – Philippines, Sky Stadium, Wellington.
30th July – Switzerland, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.
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Ashlee Hincks played in the very first WSL match, as well as two FA Cup Finals and a League Cup Final. Now an integral part of AFC Wimbledon’s squad in tier four, the striker spoke to Ben Gilby about her career, life at the Dons, and how she’s positive that they can finally achieve promotion to tier three (15/6/23).
Above: Ashlee Hincks celebrates a goal for AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane last season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Emily Topping.
Ashlee Hincks is a player who has been part of the fabric of the sport in London for many years – and she is still at the top of her game with AFC Wimbledon.
The striker’s footballing journey has taken her from her back garden at the youngest of ages to the highest level of the game in England.
“My parents tell me I have always been holding or kicking a ball ever since I was able to walk. They took me to join my first all-girls team aged seven and I haven’t turned back since. I have many many highlights.
Above: Ashlee Hincks in action for Chelsea in 2012. Photo: The FA.
“My first senior debut for Charlton Athletic when I was 17 (playing in the top tier), winning what is now the Conti with Charlton, playing in two FA Cup Finals, one with Charlton and one with Chelsea, my first game with England, scoring on my debut, playing in Iceland for a season. Playing in the first-ever WSL game for Chelsea – those are just to name a few.
“If you would have told me at the start of the WSL what it would be today I never would have believed you, the growth has been incredible and I am proud to have played a small part in that.”
After spells at Millwall and Crystal Palace, the striker, now aged 34, has just come to the end of her second season with AFC Wimbledon in the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East – and she is still hitting the heights.
“I have made 56 appearances for the Dons, scored 75 goals, and have 35 assists to my name.”
However, Hincks brings more than just goals to the table. She is an intelligent reader of the game who is hugely influential on the younger heads around her. “I think with my experience I lead from the front, trying to control the tempo of the game with link-up play or hold-up play game dependant, I also think I’m very reliable.”
Above: Ashlee Hincks in action earlier this season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Emily Topping.
Her current achievements are also that bit more impressive when you consider that Hincks suffered an ACL injury three years ago. That period is one that the attacker looks back on as the most challenging of her career.
AFC Wimbledon continue to be a real force in tier four, although for the second successive season, despite beating a number of teams from the division above in cup competitions, they narrowly missed out on promotion.
Unbeaten in the league since the end of August, the Dons took four points off of eventual champions Hashtag United, but a single league defeat to Queen’s Park Rangers was enough to deny them top spot.
“It is extremely frustrating as the points dropped are purely our mistake. Credit to Hashtag United though, they were ruthless throughout.”
Whilst the title race in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East was tight, two clubs in the division, Hounslow and Wymondham Town folded during the season with their respective records expunged. In terms of how Hincks views the situation, the striker says: “Albeit two teams folded in our league in general I think the standard and quality is very high for tier four.
Above: Ashlee Hincks looking to break through the Norwich City defence. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Emily Topping.
“One thing I would like to see is more teams from the division below enter our league and expand the league to more teams which will help the competition. There are some fantastic teams in tier five with great financial backing which would only improve the quality. The quality would then only filter down the leagues as it already has since the WSL and Championship have gone pretty much full-time.”
After two successive near misses, AFC Wimbledon are determined to finally make the step up to tier three this time next season, something which has been aided by the fact that so many of the squad have extended their deals for another year.
“I think the fact majority have already committed to next season is the key to gaining promotion, any successful team I have played in has kept the core group for a few seasons before success.”
Hincks is one of those to agree to another season in the blue and yellow, and for the striker, it was an easy decision to make.
“AFC Wimbledon is a real family. From the moment I signed, I have felt such loyalty from the club, which is very rare in the women’s game. They go above and beyond to give us everything they can. With us being fan owed and the links being much closer, things also get done a lot quicker than they would do in say a Premier League-linked club. It really is an honour to wear the shirt and I hope this season is the season I help us get to tier three.
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Denise Duffy and Jonathon Hagger team up to provide anin-depth preview of this weekend’s NWSL match between Gotham FC and Racing Louisville(15/6/23).
Above: Racing Louisville’s Thembi Kgatlana in action. Photo: Chris Hunphey/Louisville City FC.
Welcome to halfway through the NWSL season where literally anything can happen. All twelve teams boast an array of talent, and on their day, can beat all other teams.
This weekend, Racing Louisville are playing host to Gotham FC. With a two-wins, six draws and three losses record this season, Louisville have been unlucky not to close out matches that could have been wins. They are five points below the playoff line and just six away from Gotham. They will be looking to close the gap this Sunday.
Gotham FC slipped back to fifth position this week in the team standings after a hard-fought draw against the Houston Dash. Lynn Williams was able to slot home her 76th career goal from a penalty midway through the second half. Truly a wild time in the NWSL regular season play.
— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) June 6, 2023
TEAM COMPARISONS
All eyes are on the physical and emotional energy of these two teams. They need goals. Gotham hopes to keep the scoring going for them to be in top contention. They will be coming up against Racing Louisville’s Katie Lund between the sticks. Lund might be out of the World Cup picture for this cycle, but she could be on Vlatko’s list post tournament.
Looking the other way, Savannah Demello was the NWSL player of the month. Abby Smith and crew will have to close in space to keep out the screamers from her. Overplay it too much and Demello is highly capable of dropping it off to fellow teammates angling in.
Key Players:
Gotham FC
Lynn Williams – Forward. Looking to keep the winning ways going, Williams will be sharpening her focus on both sides of the ball. This was an unbelievable close in by a forward.
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 11, 2023
Jenna Nighswonger – Gotham FC Forward. Nighswonger is a key contributor on the ball. With 25% more touches on the ball than the next two players in their last match, Racing will have to work hard to shut her down. Not only does she contribute volume but her passing accuracy in the final third makes her an absolute threat.
Ellie Jean – Defender. Jean has predominantly been used so far this season as cover for players on rotation. When Jean is on form she is an absolute force. She stands her ground and all opposition teams give her full respect. In the future, Ellie Jean could be a contender for the USNWT.
Racing Louisville
Abby Erceg – Racing FC Defender. Former NWSL Defender of the Year will be up against former Golden Boot winner and previous teammate Lynn Williams. If anyone understands Williams and her runs it’s Erceg, though stopping her won’t be easy. Look for Erceg to use her physical presence on defence and also score from her head on a Carson Pickett corner..
Alex Chidiac – Racing FC Forward / Midfield. Chidiac had an absolute blinder of a season playing the A-League competition in Australia, and was the joint winner of the Impetus A-League Women Player of the Year. She has yet to get a start for Racing as she plays back up to the dynamic pairing of Kirsten Davis and Savannah Demelo. Look for her as a game changing substitute.
Savannah Demelo – Forward. Demelo is leading the team with four goals scored. Demelo was the fourth pick overall in the 2022 player draft and she is repaying the favour with mind numbing performances.
What to expect in this match
Gotham FC looked a bit out of sorts against the Dash and didn’t appear to find the rhythm they have been playing with in earlier matches. If Racing can disrupt the ball flowing through the midfield and look forward to the likes of South African National teammer Thembi Kgatlana, they will have an excellent chance of toppling the Bats. On the other hand, the Bats players have a lot to prove with so many players playing in the World Cup next month. All will be looking to put in strong performances as a way to ensure they are not overlooked. Racing Louisville will put up a strong challenge. We are split on which team will come out ahead.
THE EDGE
Keeper – Abby Smith vs Katie Lund. Smith is the unchallenged number one keeper for Gotham following Michelle Betos breaking her hand and is playing some of the best football of her career. Lund is a rising star in this league. Checkmarks in both boxes.
Backlines – Advantage Racing Louisville. Abby Erceg, Carson Pickett and Lauren Milliet are some of the stars that Racing will be leaning on to keep goals out of the net and momentum going forward. For opposition teams to score they have to work extremely hard to get through. We both agree, Louisville has the advantage.
Midfield – Gotham will need to defend by committee to keep Demelo away from the top of the box. It starts by controlling the midfield. We are split on this, and this will probably be where the game is won or lost. Jaelin Howell could prove to be the difference is topping Gotham’s attack. Gotham FC are recording below-average results in goal assists so the midfield will need to find some chemistry to break through.
Above: Gotham FC’s Ali Krieger. Photo: Devon Cafaro/Gotham FC.
Front Line – It’s a matter of which team will work together and achieve the chemistry necessary for that final pass. In front of their home crowd, Racing might just make that happen.
Coaching – Kim Björkegren v Juan Carlos Amorós. Native of Sweden, Kim is looking to put his name on the map of top coaches in the NWSL. A few more wins on his side will only help his cause. Coach Amorós will look to prove he knows how to put a winning roster together during the middle stretch of this season.
Front and Back Office – As someone who worked with the USWNT for the past two cycles, General Manager Ryan Dell knows how to run a team’s logistics. Shoutout to him and Caitlyn Milby who keep the drum beating. Also, Racing Louisville is a gorgeous stadium conducive to professional play in the NWSL. The care they take with their pitch is top notch.
Fans, Stadium and Social Media – Both teams should be proud of their supporters groups. Given the trauma of the past two years, these are fans who persevered and have unquestionably made their clubs better. Both teams have quality venues, and their social media presence is hilarious. Check marks in each box because we can’t choose.
For this week’s WA On Wednesday feature, Balcatta Etna’s Tia Stonehill speaks to Ben Gilby aboutcoming back from a serious injury that could have had a life-changing impact, her incredible 2021 season, and life at new club Balcatta Etna(14/6/23).
Above: Tia Stonehill in action for Balcatta Etna this season. Photo: Fotoenzo, supplied by Tia Stonehill.
Tia Stonehill is in the early stages of her comebackfrom a dreadful injury that she suffered playing for Murdoch University Melville in the Night Series last year. She’s done the hard yards and is finding her feet at new club Balcatta Etna.
Stonehill fractured bones on her spine that connect muscles to the back, and she spoke of the early days when it was unclear the impact it would have on her life. “It was the hardest thing I have ever endured mentally and physically. I am someone that is full of life and am always on the go so to have such a debilitating injury was life-changing.
“I’m a very independent person so to be stuck in bed and needing 24/7 care for the first few weeks was hard and then trying to process all the emotions that followed but my main concern was the severity and recovery as I didn’t know until the six-week mark when I saw a specialist spinal surgeon what that was going to look like and more of that fact that, would I be okay in my day to day life, let alone my football career.
Above: Tia Stonehill in action for Murdoch University Melville before injury struck. Photo supplied by: Tia Stonehill.
“I was lucky enough to not need surgery which would have added an extra risk to my recovery, plus having the most amazing support around me to help me on my journey. The surgeon couldn’t guarantee what my recovery would look like and whether it would heal without causing any long-term problems but I just had to give it my best shot and not let that fear hold me back.
“We can’t choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond and react and when you’re put in positions like that, you have two options and giving up wasn’t on the cards, so it showed me just how strong I can be and gave me the mentally to get through it and come out even stronger.
“I have also been lucky enough to work with some of the best people in the industry, Sports Physiotherapist Chris Hutchinson throughout my initial injury rehab and now with Clement Fichot and Peak Performance Institute on my continuing recovery, strength, and conditioning.”
The injury struck Stonehill when she was flying and winning personal and team trophies with Murdoch University Melville. It was a time that the attacker still remembers fondly.
“I always look back and reflect on that year and all the amazing achievements and just feel grateful to have been a part of that. It’s something not many people will ever experience. I loved the pressure that was on myself and us as a team to perform each week and I learnt a lot about myself as a person and a player that year and learnt a lot from Mark Jones whom I believe really helped me unlock and reach my full potential as a player but also our team and that showed with our successes.”
Above: Tia Stonehill with the Murdoch University Melville side that won the 2021 NPLW WA title. Photo supplied by: Tia Stonehill.
Stonehill describes her playing style as “energetic, dangerous, and exciting. I like to add some flair and character to the game, I always want to ‘turn it on’ for the crowd and I want people to get excited when I am on the ball because they know I’m capable of doing something special.”
Whilst Stonehill has developed into one of the stars of the Western Australian game, it was a different-shaped ball that she first liked to kick around.
“I actually grew up playing AFL (Australian Rules Football), my family came from an AFL background so no one in my family had ever played football. It wasn’t until I met Tony Carvajal, a teacher at my primary school who introduced me to the game when I was in Year Seven, as back when I played AFL there were no female teams so I got to an age where I was no longer allowed to play with the boys and he suggested that I come down and try it out, I fell in love and the rest was history.
“From there I went on to attend John Curtin College of the Arts on a football scholarship with Mr. Peter Rickers at the Helm of that program for many years and joined my first club and played locally for Fremantle. Then I made the NTC team as well as the Western Australia state teams where I was lucky enough to get recognised and spend some time with the Junior Matildas at the Australian Institute of Sport.
“Since then I have been playing in the Women’s Premier League (now NPLW) at a few great clubs but really started finding my way and breaking into my football at Queens Park under the guidance of Ben Anderton and Peter Rakic before joining Murdoch University Melville, as well as some stints amongst the men’s teams at Cockburn City and having spent some time with the Perth Glory during those years.”
Above: Tia Stonehill (right) in action during her days with the NTC in Western Australia. Photo supplied by: Tia Stonehill.
With the attacker ready to return to action for the 2023 NPLW WA season, she assessed her options, with Balcatta Etna coming out on top in the end.
“I spoke to Tim Cash (club coach) on the tail end of my recovery and we had a few lengthy conversations, I obviously had a lot of decisions to weigh up but the move to Balcatta just felt right. The experience and calibre of all the coaching staff definitely excited me, as well as the nature of the club from my interactions over the years and the skill and depth within the team.
“It has been great coming into the club, the club environment is amazing and full of extraordinary people, and it just feels like a family. We had a slower start to the season than we had liked, but we are building on something great and we knew this journey was going to be a process.
“We will keep working hard on and off the pitch to continue finding our form and I feel as though those efforts are really starting to take shape. We have everything we need to become a strong successful club and have a lot of depth in our juniors and 21’s which is great for the future and development of the club and women’s football and something we take great focus and pride in.”
Stonehill’s focuses this season are simply on getting back in the saddle again and enjoying her football once more after the huge difficulties of 2022. It’s still early days, as she recognises.
Above: Tia Stonehill pictured after scoring for Balcatta Etna this season. Photo: Fotoenzo, supplied by Tia Stonehill.
“My goals coming into this season was to purely enjoy myself, have fun, and find my spark again which I knew would then lead me to playing my best football and working towards progressing from my previous achievements. I knew it wasn’t going to happen overnight, I have and still have a lot of work to do.
“Constantly putting in the extra work to get fitter and stronger but to also recover and take care of my body for what can be a long battling season is what it’s all about. But for now, I am just enjoying getting back into football and each week progressing in the right direction and we will see where that goes.”
Balcatta Etna are starting to gel after a disappointing start. In recent weeks they have defeated top-four sides Perth SC and Hyundai NTC back-to-back as they look to reach their potential as challengers for the post-regular season action. Stonehill is positive that they can do it at last.
“We are definitely aiming for a top-four finish this year, with the hopes of making finals. Our 21’s girls are also having a great start to their campaign and we have been utilising our up-and-coming players in our first team.
“The NPLW season has always proven to be long and gruelling at times and we are really focusing on the health and wellbeing of our players to ensure we can get through the season with minimal injuries and good mental states to keep us on our path. We are definitely moving in the right direction and I’m happy to be on this journey with such an amazing club.”
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Above: Melinda Barbieri on the ball for Box Hill United against Southern United. Photo: Passion Creations.
There was a big reshuffle in the top four, Calder United went on a scoring spree, and Box Hill won their fourth game in a row. The Victorian NPLW is into the second half of the season now, and things are as unpredictable as ever.
Southern United 2-4 Box Hill United
In a month of football, Box Hill United has gone from entertaining but ineffective cellar dwellers to one of the form teams of the season. Since the arrival of their star duo from last season, Sofia Sakalis and Melinda Barbieri among others, they have risen from 10th to seventh and seen an improvement across the squad.
Southern United has continued to struggle. They were winless going into this game and things looked difficult when Sakalis found the net before fans had found their seats.
The third-minute goal got the visitors off to the best possible start, and some tricky footwork from Sakalis in the penalty area eventually opened up the space for Asuka Doi to lash home from close range and make it 2-0 in the 17th minute.
Southern United worked their way back into the contest by the second half, and in the 50th minute, Rhiannon Kelleher’s powerful strike from the edge of the box pulled a goal back.
The home side were level soon after. Alyssa Rose’s long pass split the Box Hill defence and sent the goalkeeper scrambling to stop Kelleher. The striker was clipped and a penalty was awarded, which Yuka Sato had no problems scoring from.
Box Hill retook the lead almost immediately. Young playmaker Sienna Techera remained patient on the wing and took on her defender before sending in a cross that bounced off the bar. Anais Josefski was on hand to nod the ball over, although the copped a boot to the head for her trouble. After a pause in play, the Box Hill winger was eventually subbed off.
Box Hill’s winning streak was confirmed when Emma Langley scored in the 90th minute. Techera was the architect once again. It was another example of clever, composed, and skilful wing play from the attacker. This time her cross came from the right wing, and it evaded everybody for Langley to meet with perfect timing at the back post and unmarked.
The win moves Box Hill up the ladder and within striking distance of the top four, they will likely need to rely on other results going their way each week, but nobody will relish playing them in this form.
South Melbourne 2-1 FV Emerging
What was that from Brianna Reed? We might as well get the most talked about moment of the week out of the way first because it is not something that you see every day.
With scores level and the clock seconds away from injury time, Reed took a throw-in to put South Melbourne into attack. Looking to get extra momentum behind the ball, Reed produced a somersault throw. The spectacular feat of athleticism (and showmanship) did not result in a goal, but it did not hurt. The attack resulted in a corner which Reed finished off at the back post to give South Melbourne an important win.
Now back to the start. South Melbourne were humbled by Heidelberg last round. In the derby, the team from Lakeside were well defended and lost 2-0 to the hosts. A response was needed against FV Emerging, and a win would put them into top spot on the ladder, finally unseating the Boroondara-Carey Eagles at the summit.
The first half saw chances created by both sides, yet remain goalless. The score did not change until the 72nd minute when South eventually found the net. Danielle Wise’s through ball found Janna Lawson. The low cross to the near post caused a scramble that Miesha Westland was on hand to tap home. It was a first goal of the season for the recruit from Adelaide United.
Anika Doveston levelled the scores for the visitors. A swift counterattack ended up with a spilled shot that Doveston bundled home to set up a dramatic finish.
Reed’s eventual winner was as important as it was dramatic. It was a spectacular end to an entertaining game, and South Melbourne end Round 13 in top spot.
Our senior women climbed to top spot on the table with a last gasp win against FV Emerging.
Meisha Westland scored her first club goal since crossing over from Adelaide United, while Brianne Reed scored with only a few minutes to play to give us another famous win at Lakeside.… pic.twitter.com/M9jzjWXgVU
A tough contest between Bulleen and Heidelberg United ended the weekend, and a win for either side would put solidify their top-four position. Both teams arrived at The Vento club in form, with Heidelberg’s win over South Melbourne in Round 12 being one of their most convincing outings of the season.
Conditions were perfect, although cold, and with both defences standing strong, the battle was mostly fought in midfield. A mix of pressure and the bounce created by the artificial turf made possession vital, and at times difficult to maintain.
Paige Zois was Bulleen’s best option for directing play and Kathryn Vlahopoulos was Heidelberg’s. the pair’s ball control stood out in a half where clear-cut chances felt rare but both teams tried to attack.
Tyla Jay Vlajnic was deployed at fullback to limit the impact of Steph Galea, and Heidelberg’s best chance was Nicole Blackett’s long-range free kick, but although Bulleen had plenty of the ball in attack, only Tiff Eliadis was able to trouble Melissa Maizel’s in goal who was forced into a brilliant close-range stop.
The game was fought in midfield but won by two set pieces. In the tight contest, two Paige Zois corners resulted in two goals.
The first was a thing of beauty. The ball landed with Claudia Mihocic at the back post, unmarked but still with plenty to do. The centre-back controlled it with one touch and then struck viciously at the near post into the roof of the net.
This was a real arm wrestle of a game between two top teams in Heidelberg Utd and Bulleen Lions. @PerthGloryFC defender Claudia Mihocic opened the scoring for Bulleen to set them on the way to a 2-0 win.
Before she signed for Bulleen, Mihocic had not taken the field for almost a year. She missed the last A-League Season after being injured against the same opposition while playing for South Melbourne in 2022. Heidelberg United must be sick of her by now.
The second goal was one that The Bergers would have been disappointed to concede. This time Zois whipped it in at the near post and the header was flicked on by Katie Beck in the 88th minute. It went in at ground level by the back post and was a great header, but from Heidelberg’s perspective, it was an unfortunate way for the result to be sealed.
The win saw Bulleen Jump to second on the ladder. Those hard-fought points in the first half of the season have provided them with a good foundation to launch into the run home. Heidelberg sit in fifth, they were leapfrogged by Bayside United.
Bayside United 2-1 Boroondara-Carey Eagles
In the least surprising news from this game, Kurea Okino scored. The Japanese striker has been a revelation this season and appears impossible to stop. Her 17th goal of the season was another stunner. Boroondara won possession in attack and Okino did not hesitate to pull the trigger, adding another goal to her ever-growing 2023 highlight reel.
If the net wasn’t there, this ball would still be travelling.
Bayside have been steadily climbing the ladder, and are capable of some spectacular play themselves. Julia Budiungo’s driving run on the right won a corner and it was played short to Olivia Bomford in the 71st minute.
She drew two defenders to her, with them shaping to close down a cross, she cut between them and was brought down to earn a penalty which the number 10 converted herself.
Boroondara have Okino and Bayside have Kayla Deaver. Both are capable of the spectacular and both have been extremely productive and consistent this season. As regular time neared its end, Deaver sent in a long deep cross/shot that the goalkeeper could not reach.
It looked to be bundled over the line, but the winning goal was credited to Deaver for her eighth of the season.
Despite conceding the goal, it was a terrific display from Deanna Bottalico otherwise. The Boroondara goalkeeper’s performance amid Bayside’s attacking surges in the second half was a standout feature of this game.
Up the other end, Coco Majstorovic was also in fine form against a side that usually relies on scoring heavily. This was a game where both goalkeepers had to be in top form.
Boroondara-Carey suffered their second consecutive loss for the year, and Bayside continue their rise from last season’s strugglers to this season’s dark horse.
Alamein 0-5 Calder United
The big winners in this round were Calder United. This was a pretty dominant performance over Alamein, with Ava Groba and Raquel Derales once again showing their dominance and A-League Women potential.
Derales opened the scoring in the 14th minute with the first of her three goals of the afternoon. The Calder striker controlled a bouncing ball quickest and shot across goal to put the visitors one goal up.
Groba got in on the action next. Montana Matthews got on the end of Julia Sardo’s switch of play. The fullback created the space and Groba hit the cutback first time to make it 2-0 in the 19th minute.
The winger in the armband created a third. Interplay between Groba and Alexis Mitchell resulted in a low cross from the captain. Ashleigh Lefevre had little choice but to try and intercept, but was caught in an awkward position. She could only deflect it in for an almost unavoidable own goal.
The Derales show continued when the inaugural Western United player poked home a corner from close range. The delivery was low and hard across the face of goal, and Derales responsed quickest once again for her second and Calder’s fourth.
By the later stages of the match, Calder’s midfield were just getting the ball in her direction and the third was her best. Derales finished a move she helped start by hitting a half-volley low and into the bottom corner. In windy conditions, it was a terrific piece of skill to track and finish the looped pass into the box. Calder had five and made the most of their dominance.
The big win means that although Calder United sit in mid-table, they are only four points behind Bayside United, with a far better goal difference. Their best is good enough for any opponent and in Derales and Groba they have the weapons to trouble any defence.
Above: Bonnyrigg Rose celebrate their promotion to the SWF National Leagues after their play-off final win over Harmony Row.Photo: SportPix.
Bonnyrigg Rose have secured promotion to the National Leagues after surprising SWFL West winners Harmony Row with a 4-0 victory in the play-off final.
The Midlothian side coped better with muggy conditions in Airdrie to win 4-0 with goals from Erin Carter, Saffron McCabe, Caitlin Lowe, and skipper Dani Manson. Allied to this was a heroic performance by their goalkeeper Erin Rodgers, who saved a Claire Rae penalty late in the first half and was called into action several times in the second.
Harmony Row went into the final game of the Scottish Women’s Football pyramid season as favourites, after winning the Biffa SWFL West comfortably, but were missing some key players against a young side who had fought back in their first play-off against Forfar Farmington and started this second chance tie maintaining similar levels of pace and drive.
Talismanic Harmony Row forward Rae was restricted to long-range efforts for much of the game and left frustrated by Rodgers and the Rose defence.
Bonnyrigg Rose now follow Forfar Farmington and Queen of the South to move from the regional leagues to take a spot in the national set-up in a league that includes Falkirk, Stenhousemuir and St Mirren, Edinburgh Caledonia and Grampian Ladies, Airdrie Ladies, Giffnock Soccer Centre, BSC Glasgow and Dundee West, and which proved highly competitive in its inaugural season.
FirstPoint USA Cross-Regional Cup Finals
Above: Glasgow City 18s Development celebrate their win over Glasgow Girls 18s. Photo: Ger Harley, SportPix.
In Alloa, nearly 400 people attended the 18s cross-regional cup finals, sponsored by scholarship partners FirstPoint USA.
Glasgow City 18s development team won the FirstPoint USA West Cup, winning an all-Glasgow final against Glasgow Girls 18s 4-1. Glasgow Girls had pegged City back at halftime thanks to a Bailey Cooper equaliser, but City proved too strong in the second half to lift yet more silverware this season for the giant of women’s football in Scotland.
In the FirstPoint USA East Cup final, Jeanfield Swifts 18s were 3-0 up after 70 minutes and had to see off an exciting fightback by Penicuik Athletic to lift the silverware. Penicuik scored in the 90th minute and battled to send the final into extra time but were denied by the final whistle.
Above: Jeanfield Swifts celebrate after their win over Penicuik Athletic. Photo: Ger Harley, SportPix.
Ben Gilby provides a full report from the game of the week plus all the details from the other matches in Western Australia’s NPL Women’s competition whilst Rob Lizzi and Cat Bryant provide EXCLUSIVE photo galleries from two of this weekend’s games (12/6/23).
Above:The battle between Perth SC’s Gemma Craine (in possession) and Perth RedStar’s Kim Carroll was one of the highlights of yesterday’s dramatic clash between the two sides. Photo supplied to Impetus by:Rob Lizzi.
Main report of the week:
Perth RedStar 1-1 Perth SC
There was huge drama at the death as Monique Godding scooped an equaliser for Perth SC three minutes into stoppage time at RedStar Arena.
The former Balcatta Etna star’s goal could have major implications in this season’s top four race as the home side were looking to go nine points ahead of The Azzurri. However, Godding’s late goal means that not only are these two sides still six points apart, but Fremantle City, who have moved into second are now just four points adrift of the league leaders.
RedStar went into the game with Perth Glory legend and Matilda Kim Carroll a solidifying presence at the back, with her fellow A-League Women star Sarah Carroll on the bench.
Above: Perth SC goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett makes an important save. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The Azzurri had last week’s win over their opponents in the State Cup fresh in their minds, but whilst it provided them with a huge confidence boost, they would also be aware that Carlos Vega Mena’s side would be out for revenge.
RedStar started the match in controlled fashion, dominating the possession and territory. Their energetic high press on Perth whenever the visitors were looking to play out from the back was combined with a patience on the ball, looking for the right moment to thread through that killer pass.
Above: A competitive tussle for possession at RedStar Arena yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Peter Rakic’s Perth SC were well organised and working hard to deny the hosts time on the ball. Youngsters Poppie Hooks and Judy Connolly were showing impressive strength on the ball to escape from several would-be tacklers, and Abbey Meakins’ work rate to support her defenders as well as looking to offer herself as a threat in her more familiar attacking role was a notable feature in The Azzurri‘s efforts.
The first real chance of the game fell just before the quarter of an hour mark as RedStar’s Olivia Wood broke through right of centre and hit a shot that rolled agonisingly wide of the far post with Perth SC keeper Rebecca Bennett beaten.
Perth SC responded five minutes later with Ella Lincoln’s low effort from the edge of the box that Shivani Battaglia got down well to deal with.
Above: Perth RedStar goalkeeper Shivani Battaglia grabs at the ball to prevent it from crossing the line. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The chess-like opening to the match was now a thing of the past with chances coming regularly. Abbey Woolley broke along the right and saw a low shot held by Bennett at the left-hand post. Four minutes later, Battaglia was called into action as Meakins, Gemma Craine, and Hooks played an intricate high-speed passing triangle move on the right-hand edge of the RedStar box that ended with the ball eventually coming back for a long-range strike that Battaglia parried, but the ball still headed goalwards and needed a further two interventions from the RedStar keeper to prevent a goal.
Just before the half-hour mark though, a goal came. The visitors lost possession which led to a squared pass from the right for Chiori Ikeda to hit a glorious lofted shot from the edge of the box that sailed over Bennett and into the net. A moment of real class.
Above: Perth RedStar celebrate Chiori Okieda’s (centre) goal. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Whilst RedStar controlled the possession for the remainder of the half, Perth SC had two opportunities. First, a long-range shot that Battaglia pushed round for a corner, and then Cameron Barreiro had a near miss with an Olimpico attempt that Battaglia gathered at the second attempt.
Perth SC began the second half in top in terms of possession, but could not turn it into clear-cut chances, and just before the hour mark, it was RedStar who were presented with a golden opportunity to extend their lead when Emily Dunn was fouled in the box. However, Kim Carroll’s penalty cannoned back off the bar, and the Azzurri were still in the game.
Above: Kim Carroll’s penalty comes back off the bar. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Ikeda had the next chance shortly afterwards, when Renee Leota combined with Dunn who crossed for the RedStar goalscorer to turn and shoot narrowly wide.
The battle between two former Perth Glory team mates Gemma Craine and Kim Carroll on the right was one of the highlights of this match, and it was the former who showed her characteristic skill and control to dance through along the flank and cut inside to shoot, but Battaglia had it covered in the RedStar goal.
The home side had one further opportunity to seal the win with just under 20 minutes remaining when Leota saw an effort from the edge of the 18-yard box just miss the target.
Above: Perth RedStar’s top scorer Reina Kagami (right) contests possession with Gemma Craine yesterday. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC pushed for the equaliser, and Battaglia saved brilliantly from point-blank range, but she could do nothing about what was about to happen as the game approached its conclusion.
A ball in from the left found Craine who knocked it back across the box for Godding to pounce from close range. Perth SC were level, and the NPLW WA top-four race just got even tighter.
Above: Perth SC celebrate Monique Godding’s last-gasp equaliser. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
In a season that keeps delivering incredible results, Perth SC delivered another – once again they showed their ‘Never Say Die’ spirit.
Above: Tanika Lala (centre) celebrates her second goal against Murdoch University Melville on Friday night. Image: Streamer.
Round 10 opened on Friday night with a thriller at Besteam Stadium which saw Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) come from 3-1 down with under 10 minutes remaining in a match that saw all six goals scored in the second-half.
With both these sides pushing for a top-four spot and in fluctuating form of late, this was a game of major importance.
It was the NTC who went ahead just after the hour mark when a long ball clearance from deep inside their own half fell perfectly for Goldfields sensation Tanika Lala who used her explosive pace to race through, hold off the attentions of Katie Schubert, and finish with aplomb.
However, six minutes later, MUM FC levelled. Schubert’s free-kick, out on the right touchline around 30 yards out, came back to her via an NTC player, and at the second attempt was played in towards the back post where Andrea Preiato got a toe to the ball and it squirmed into the net past Megan Phillips.
Yet, within two minutes, the NTC restored their lead and it was another piece of Lala magic responsible. The ball was played inside to her and she motored along the left-hand flank before cutting in and hitting a trademark finish into the near corner of the net. It was a deadly strike.
Shortly afterwards, the visitors extended their lead as Klaudia Houlis hit a low shot from the edge of the box that escaped the clutches of Stacey Cavill in the MUM FC goal and rolled into the net for her ninth of the season.
Above: Claudia Hoarau (far left, 8) steps up to take the spot kick on Friday night for MUM FC. Image: Streamer.
However, MUM FC, who went into this match on the back of a short turnaround, having only played Hamersley Rovers in the State Cup on Monday, got a foothold back in the game with 10 minutes remaining with a relatively soft penalty was awarded for a shove in the back, and Claudia Hoarau confidently dispatched it into the right-hand corner of the goal.
Less than two minutes later, Murdoch University Melville were level – and it was from the spot once more after a shot from the edge of the box struck the arm of an NTC player. Up stepped Hoarau once more – this time, she hit the ball to the left of centre, but Phillips got a hand to the ball, only for it to roll for the onrushing Horarau to tap home from close range into the right-hand corner once more.
NTC will rue the two lost points, but for MUM FC – this is a vital salvation of a match against a rival.
Balcatta Etna 3-3 Subiaco
Above: Marianna Tabain (far left) steps up to make it 3-3 at Grindleford Reserve on Sunday. Image: Streamer.
Balcatta’s top four hopes suffered a set-back on Sunday after twice holding the lead against Subiaco, but the visitors produced an expressive display to earn a point.
The home side went ahead with six minutes on the clock thanks to a sensational long-range rocket from Tia Stonehill. Seeing the attacker playing so well and scoring regularly is a joy to behold after her horrific injury before the start of the 2022 season.
Just before the 20-minute mark, Subi were level after former Perth Glory star Marianna Tabain sidefooted home Keziah Burgis’ cross from the left. The visitors would hit the front seven minutes later as a sustained bout of head tennis on the left-hand edge of the Balcatta box ended with Danielle Suckling cracking home a stunning volley.
Above: Tia Stonehill about to shoot to put Balcatta Etna ahead in some style on Sunday. Image: Streamer.
Yet, seven minutes before the break, the hosts levelled when Epril Nossent’s cross was headed in by Monique Prinsloo.
Balcatta would regain the lead with 75 minutes played as Kimberley McCartney’s corner was met by the head of Sadie Lawrence from close range. However, within three minutes the scores were level again. Savannah Olsthoorn was brought down in the box and Tabain stepped up from the penalty spot to score.
Curtin University 0-12 Fremantle City
Above: Fremantle City on target at Curtin University on Sunday. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
Fremantle City rocketed into second place in the NPLW WA after a comprehensive defeat of struggling Curtin University at Edinburgh Oval.
This was a total demolition of winless Curtin, as across the match, Fremantle City had a staggering 46 shots to Uni’s one, and 26 on target to the hosts one.
Freo hit the front with 15 minutes on the clock as Laura Waltman broke through the close attentions of the home defence and squared a ball from the right for Abbey Green to pounce on to put them ahead.
This was the start of a red-hot spell of six goals in 12 minutes with the same duo involved two minutes later. This time Green was the provider with her cross from the left being repelled by Curtin keeper Danielle Petch. Waltman gathered at the back post, turned, beat markers, and fired home a low shot.
Green made it 3-0 on 20 minutes after she profited from a cross from the right. Jamie-Lee Gale was on target from close range shortly afterwards before Carys Hawkins supplied a pass to Green to steer home from just outside the six-yard box.
Above: Fremantle City and Curtin University contest possession at Edinburgh Oval. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
Just before the half-hour mark, Waltman grabbed her second with a superb long-range effort. It was 7-0 at the break with Gale securing her brace as Green found her at the back post to hit a shot from an acute angle which was adjudged to have crossed the goalline.
Two minutes after the break, Gale completed her hat trick after running through to slot home. Substitute Matilda Boyle got in on the act to make it 9-0 just before the hour mark as she looked up and lobbed the ball into the net from long range.
Tash Rigby tapped home to ensure Freo made it double figures with 25 minutes remaining. Kayla McCulloch took the score up to 11 when she got a touch on Green’s ball from the right.
The scoring was complete from the penalty spot as Ferne Carter brought down Annabelle Leek, and the Freo player picked herself up, dusted herself down, and fired home.
Cat Bryant’s photo gallery from Edinburgh Oval for Impetus:
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Report and EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from Genevieve Henry at Keyworth Stadium(11/6/23).
Above: Detroit City fire in a shot in their home game with Midwest United. Photo: Genevieve Henry.
Midwest United came away from Keyworth Stadium with all the points on Friday night in the USL W League.
The USL W League is a semi-pro competition at tier four of the women’s football standings in America and consists of a series of regional divisions divided into east coast, central belt, and west coast.
Detroit City came into this match in fifth place out of their league’s six teams, with the away side in second place.
Both teams came out with strong starting lineups and a fighting attitude. Both teams were already showing their feistiness, with shirt pulls and crunching tackles. After connecting their first consecutive passes of the game, Detroit had a good chance through on goal in the fourth minute, but it was gathered by Okoroafo in the Midwest goal.
Above: There were shirt pulls and crunching tackles in a feisty encounter. Photo: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.
From there, the visitors launched a counterattack. After a through-ball that should’ve been an easy clearance for the Detroit backline, Elle Otto capitalized on the collective defensive brain lapse and put a simple finish in the back of the net.
The home side looked to quickly retaliate with a goal after some good lead-up play and a fantastic cross, but it was ruled offside. Both teams began to settle into the game, connecting passes and showing movement into promising positions.
Right before half, Midwest United goalkeeper, Belle Okoroafo, went down injured and had to be carried off in some pain. She could not carry on and the backup keeper, Heather Leja, replaced her.
After that, there was some more goalie action just before the half with Detroit’s Gabby Schriver making a spectacular save from a great close-range opportunity. This kept the scoreline at 0-1 to the away side at the break.
Above: Midwest United on the charge. Photo: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.
After re-entering the pitch, Detroit had already looked to improve upon their poor passing, with Avery Peters coming on and making a big impact. The hosts were on top for the next 20 minutes and Midwest United were visibly frustrated and racking up yellow cards.
In the 64th minute, a young talent in Lily Jeakle came on for Detroit. She didn’t get a chance to equalise though as the visitors began to pick up the pace again. They drew a free kick after a poor tackle from Avery Peters. The day only got worse for Peters as she headed the ball into her own net off that very same free kick in the 78th minute.
The match ended 0-2 to Midwest United FC, to the disappointment of the loud home crowd. The atmosphere was wonderful, with constant chanting and singing. Detroit has a different atmosphere than most grounds in the USA, with many people comparing the fan base more similar to European fans. Although they didn’t win, the supporters still had plenty to cheer about, with many skillful moves and close chances from DCFC.
There were a few players who stood out for both teams. Dani Stephan won player of the match for Detroit after a busy shift in midfield where she was crucial to creating chances and tackling every ball that came close. Ella Karolak shone in defence, showing off great control and skills for the hosts. For MUFC, their goalscorer, Elle Otto, was quick and tenacious the whole game, troubling the defence and the goalie with her constant chasing of the ball.
Above: There was passionate support from the home fans. Photo: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.
Overall, this was a good game of football, with fire, passion, and skills on display.
Above: Chloe Kelly will be hoping to have more to celebrate for England in their friendly against Portugal – their final game at homebefore travelling to the World Cup.
England’s final fixture on home soil before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be a send-off match against Portugal on Saturday 1st July at Stadium MK.
The match, which kicks off at 3:15pm, and will be live on ITV1, sees The Lionesses welcome their fellow World Cup qualifiers to Milton Keynes four days before England head to Australia.
The meeting with Portugal will feature the squad that was announced by head coach Sarina Wiegman last Wednesday to represent England at the tournament.
Speaking about the announcement of the friendly, Wiegman said: “I am really pleased to have a competitive game for our last home fixture. We had two big games in April against Brazil and Australia where we learned so much. This will be another challenging match against a team that have performed well and are going to their first World Cup.
“Portugal will also want to show they can be a threat to teams in Australia, and they have very technical players with good ability. For us, it will be important to come together again as a team after the end of the club season and feel the support of our fans.
Above: Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman is looking for a big performance from her side against Portugal ahead of departure for the World Cup. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.
“We will do our best to give them a good performance. It will only be three weeks until our opening World Cup game so it will be such an important moment in our preparation.”
Tickets will go on sale to England Football members today and on general sale from midday on Monday 12 June. Tickets are available from https://www.tickets.com/.
England last played at Stadium MK in the Arnold Clark Cup this February, winning 4-0 against Korea Republic.
Portugal were the hosts when the teams last played each other on 8 October 2019 in Setubal, when Beth Mead struck the only goal of the game for the visitors. England also met Portugal in the EURO 2017 group stage in Tilburg, Netherlands – winning 2-1 thanks to Toni Duggan and Nikita Parris.
The last meeting in England was more than 21 years ago in a 2003 World Cup qualifier on 24th February 2002, when England won 3-0 in Portsmouth after a Kelly Smith double followed Fara Williams’ first international goal on her full debut.
Before the World Cup begins, England will take on Canada in a behind-closed-doors match on 14 July. In the finals, the Lionesses have been drawn in Group D and will take on Haiti (22nd July, Brisbane), Denmark (28th July, Sydney), and PR China (1st August, Adelaide). Portugal are in Group E and meet the Netherlands (23rd July, Dunedin), Vietnam (27th July, Hamilton), and the United States (1st August, Auckland).
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Impetus have been proud to sponsor Poppy Payne of Millwall Lionesses this season. With their tier five London & South-East Premier campaign over, Poppy caught up with Ben Gilby (8/6/23).
Above: Poppy Payne (6) celebrates with her Millwall Lionesses team mates during the 2022/23 season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Poppy Payne.
Millwall Lionesses are a famous name in the women’s game in England. Now at tier five, this season the club made giant strides forward – both at senior and age group level. Poppy Payne sums up the South London side’s campaign as “great!”
“Overall it was a great season. Unfortunately, due to circumstances off of the pitch we had two winning games taken away from us and one drawn game had to be replayed which we unfortunately lost, taking our points down by seven.
“Without this issue behind the scenes happening, we would have finished fourth in the league on goal difference! So although to an outsider we finished sixth, we are confident and pleased as a team that we had the ability and potential to finish fourth, which is a huge improvement on last season.”
Above: Poppy Payne (second right) with her Millwall teammates. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Poppy Payne.
Millwall had a strong opening half to the season before other challengers for the league began to impose themselves on the division. Payne believes that the first half of the campaign showed exactly what the South London side are capable of.
“The first half of our season was most definitely our best spell. Spirits were very high with back-to-back wins and that was a time when we found our great team bond. As we approached some of the tougher and more challenging games in the second half of the season, we had to just keep reminding ourselves of what we were capable of in the first half of the season and bringing that energy back into the team which we definitely achieved.”
Millwall’s season also saw them play their final home league game, against South London rivals Dulwich Hamlet at the men’s team’s main stadium at The Den – a venue that has hosted three Women’s FA Cup Finals in the past.
“It was an amazing experience for everyone to play at The Den and nerves were most definitely high as we wanted to win at our club’s home ground more than anything. All of the girls had lots of family and friends who came to watch too which meant the pressure was on. But when the final whistle went and we had finished the last game of the season, with a win, at The Den, it was a very proud moment for all the girls and the staff included. It was absolutely the best way to end the season.”
In the end, the battle for the London & South-East Premier League title came down to a fight between Worthing and Ebbsfleet United, with the Sussex side eventually coming out on top. The Impetus-sponsored Millwall player believes that Worthing were worthy champions.
Above: The Millwall squad that played Dulwich Hamlet at The Den. Photo: Millwall Lionesses.
“They are a brilliant team, absolutely deserving of winning the league. Our second game against them was definitely one to remember, to finish the game with only 10 players and a draw was a very proud moment for us against such a great team. It’s a shame this game had to be replayed and is no longer reflected in the league.”
It is not just the first team who have made real progress this season. Payne points to the outstanding achievements of the younger Lionesses teams which offers real excitement for the future of the club.
“The younger teams have smashed it this season, particularly the U18 who won two cup finals and had a very successful season. The talent coming through the club is amazing, we have even had a few of the U18 girls sign and play for the first team throughout the season.”
With this season done and dusted, Payne reflected on what she wants to see her team take out of their experiences to propel them towards a potential promotion push back to the FA Women’s National League.
“As a team, we learnt a lot throughout the season about what it takes to be a real competitor in this league mentally and physically. And we definitely began to adopt that mentality as the season went on. I think next season we need to continue with the right mentality and we will definitely grow to be even stronger competitors in the league.”
Above: Jumping for joy! Poppy Payne (third left) and Millwall. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Poppy Payne.
Whilst the top level of the women’s game has seen increased crowds and money, clubs further down the pyramid are still struggling for money and players. However, the Millwall star believes that things are generally looking positive in tier five.
“Honestly, I think competition for tier-five places in squads is still very strong. I also think that as we see the top-level teams grow we will see more and more younger girls taking up the sport as they now have these huge role models to look up to, which is amazing.”
However, for now, Payne’s focuses are on a bit of R and R before getting back to Millwall.
“My plans are definitely to enjoy myself and to get on holiday but also to keep up with the running and the training in between the fun! Pre-season is not far around the corner and I definitely do not want to be shocked by the intensity or be trailing behind the other girls.”
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