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“It’s absolute rubbish to say that women’s football has never had it better”

Janet Mitchell, chairwoman of Impetus’ partner club Chorley, who play in the tier four FA Women’s National League speaks to Ben Gilby about the harsh realities of financial impact for clubs beneath the top two leagues of the English pyramid (17/5/23).

Above: Chorley (sky blue) taking on Newcastle United in the FA Women’s National League Division One North this season. The two clubs are cut from very different cloth. Photo Via Chorley Women.

Since the European Championship Final, the mainstream media have run countless articles on the explosion of the women’s game. Massively increased crowds, visibility, and recognition of players. Yet beneath the top level of the game, all is far from well.

In tier four alone this season, two clubs – Wymondham Town and Hounslow – failed to complete the campaign and folded. Wymondham were a club that experienced sustained success in regional-level football, but just over six weeks into their debut season in tier four, posted on their Twitter feed that they had to withdraw from the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East due to losing “a number of players during the summer, two retiring, and a number of players out with longer-term injuries.”

These are the stories that no one in the mainstream media seem to be aware of. The Lionesses’ won the Euros, crowds are significantly rising in the WSL and Champions League, so everything is great in women’s football in their view.

Chorley are another club that are trying to ride out the storm of being a tier-four club. Non-aligned to any men’s club, the Lancashire club have been punching above its weight impressively for years, but as chairwoman Janet Mitchell revealed, it’s getting harder and harder.

“In my opinion based on my experience, it’s worse than ever financially. We have seen £0 more investment in the club yet prices for all our facilities (for which we don’t own our own) have gone up.

“Frankly, it’s absolute rubbish that women’s football has never had it better, obviously the WSL is seeing record attendances which is all well and good, but for the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) and below nothing has changed apart from price raises and raised expectations.

**Above:** Chorley celebrate during their superb FA Cup run last season. **Photo** via Chorley Women.

“It’s fantastic that our Lionesses are getting the limelight and deservedly so but, the reality at tier four is that the younger players coming into the game now expect a lot more than the reality; we’ve had players/parents whose expectation is that they would be paid at this level, which may be true with some teams but for clubs like ours this has become a real concern in terms of being able to compete financially with other teams.”

Whilst the FA point to the achievements of the Lionesses, the guarantee of extra PE time and access to football for girls at school, the assistance given to clubs like Chorley, for Dawson, is lacking.

“I think they are aware (of how hard it is), but I don’t think much is being done to help. Funding is being made available to clubs that either own their own ground (I know of one women’s club that has its own facility) or have a three to 10-year tenure at a ground. This is unrealistic for many women’s clubs.

“The FAWNL has released a ‘Minimum Standards’ strategy for 2024/25 which in theory is absolutely fantastic as it means clubs at tier four will have really decent facilities for games but we (like several others) don’t have that option without a serious amount of money coming our way, it’s a real concern to us how we are going to meet these targets and if we can’t, what will happen to us.”

I asked the Chorley chairwoman if she was in a position to discuss the situation with the FA’s Director of Women’s Football, Baroness Sue Campbell, what would be the most urgent points you would wish to put to her and what would be the most important immediate things she could do to help.

For Dawson, it comes down to a redistribution of funding: “More money to be put into grassroots; bottom-up funding rather than top down. Women’s clubs need their own facilities. It’s about time we saw money being put into the right places. There are at least eight women’s and girls’ clubs in a little town like Chorley, yet none of them have a home.

“Most of us are using a men’s ground for matches and training at schools and leisure centres; there aren’t enough pitches to cope with the demand. If a women’s and girls ‘Hub’ was built in a town like Chorley it would be packed out and could only be a positive in the community.

**Above:** Youngsters from Chorley-based Euxton Girls walk out with their heroes last season. **Photo** via Chorley Women.

In terms of aiding lower-level clubs, the FA would point to increased prize money in the FA Cup this year as an example of how they support clubs below the top two tiers of the women’s game. However, even the reality of that doesn’t come close to helping to pay the bills in the same way it can for lower-level men’s teams.

“There is absolutely no denying that the increase in the FA Cup prize money has been good for clubs,” said Dawson. “But it’s unlikely most grassroots clubs will earn more than £1-£4,000 and in reality, that wouldn’t even cover one of our training facility costs for the season!”

On top of the funding issues for lower-level clubs, the financial climate around the cost of living crisis is also having an impact, but Chorley’s chairwoman believes the major issue is that grassroots clubs cannot keep up with the demands placed on them in the face of the growth of interest in the game.

“The cost of living crisis has had a very negative impact in terms of literally all our costs rising, but I don’t think it’s the main influencer. The main issue is that the game is growing exponentially and clubs just can’t keep up in terms of the demands being put on them, financially and structurally.

“There are more and more women’s and girls clubs being formed which on one hand is absolutely amazing but on the other it’s too quick and there just simply isn’t the structure in place for it nor it seems the finances to support it.”

As a consequence of the financial pressures, it is becoming increasingly rare for women’s teams not aligned with men’s clubs to prosper as they did in the past. In the last month, Crawley Wasps, who have been at tier three for several years have just announced that they are merging with a men’s club. Dawson believes that the impact of this on clubs, like her own, which are non-aligned, is hugely challenging.

“This is something which I am very passionate about. If you look at our league alone you will see that the teams who have merged with their male counterparts tend to have the most financial power and in turn the most appeal to players.

“I don’t think it’s any secret that teams in our league, for example, Newcastle United, are offering their players packages we could only dream of. I don’t have any issues with clubs merging it makes good financial sense if the offer is right but what concerns me is that it appears that it is the only way women’s clubs can progress to higher levels.

“Where are the women’s clubs? Surely the game is big enough now for investment in women’s clubs or at least absolutely 50/50 shared facilities where men’s and women’s teams are true equals? There must be lots of towns (like Chorley) that have the ability to create a women’s club; where is the money/interest for that.

Chorley are a self-funded, independent club. The reality of the huge increase in finances needed just to be able to tread water for another 12 months, never mind aiming for a more productive campaign, is, to be blunt, scary for Dawson.

“I am seriously concerned looking at our finances; we have always been extremely careful with our money as we have to be as a self-funded and independent club. However, year on year the pressure ramps up on what we can afford.

“Playing at tier four brings a huge amount of financial pressure from tier five, as of course, we play at national level rather than regional and the FAWNL are always striving to make the league more professional which ultimately is something that has my full support but, I do wonder how long teams like Chorley will be able to survive the cost. As you said earlier several well-established clubs have already fallen by the wayside this season.

“We run three fundraisers per season to support the club which honestly, in my opinion, is not what we should have to do at this level, but without those, we would not survive half a season. We also rely on sponsorship and subs from our reserve and development teams.”

**Above:** Chorley’s home ground – Coppull United’s Blainscough Park. **Photo:** Gibbo’s 92.

We ended our discussion pondering on whether it is inevitable that the Lionesses’ successes and the imminent World Cup will just see youngsters be exposed to the top players and go to watch the top level of the game simply because the WSL remains affordable to watch in person and it is still pretty easy to get tickets to top matches – unlike the men’s game when England have success, and increased attendances trickle down to the third and fourth tiers of the men’s game.

Dawson believes that clubs like Chorley can still prosper from increased attendances, but need to have support to improve their spectator facilities.

“I consider the club to be lucky in that we have a very loyal fan base at Chorley. We regularly get 100 supporters on a match day and considering we have no cover or seating, I think thats amazing. The FAWNL are also pretty good in terms of CPD events in regards to social media and marketing.

“The real issue with getting people to games and to a certain extent player interest once again comes back to finance and facility. For example, if our home ground (Coppull United FC) had an upgrade in terms of undercover seating, turnstiles, repairs to car parking/fencing, grass pitch investment, I believe more people would come to games.

“They do a fantastic job at Coppull at making supporters feel welcome and at home and it’s an amazingly homely club, something we have been really fortunate to have. This is an attraction in women’s and girls’ football and when we have mascots for our home games we always get positive comments about the club, but with investment, I am sure more could be done and the profile of women’s football in the area would only get better.”

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

Big names back in town but Okino still dominates in NPLW Victoria classic

by Kieran Yap (17/5/23)

Above: Alana Jancevski back on the field for Bulleen Lions. Photo: Bulleen Lions Instagram.

Bulleen and Preston brought back some big guns and FV Emerging’s latest rising star delivered again, but it was Heidelberg United and the Boroondara-Carey Eagles that produced the most incredible match and the only win of the round.

FV Emerging 1-1 Southern United

Knox Regional Football Centre hosted the encounter between two sides in need of a win. FV Emerging have been impressive this season. Importantly, they have been difficult to beat despite facing much older and more experienced teams each week. But they entered this game with only one win so far this season.

Still, they were in a better position than the visitors. Southern United came into the round winless, they have difficulty scoring and have conceded 26 times. It made for a good opportunity for both sides to improve their record.

Southern United’s defensive woes continued early in this game, but the reason was not surprising. Alana Cortellino has been one of the breakout talents for FV Emerging this season, and she scored the opening goal in the 12^th minute.

The winger has been a constant menace this season. Her acceleration with the ball and willingness to attack space without it, have seen her score three times this season, but create many other chances through crosses, or corners won.

On this occasion, she finished off the move. Candice Kilderry drove along the left flank and created space for herself to put in a dangerous low cross. Cortellino arrived at the back post to smash home the opening goal of the game.

Kilderry has been another of FV Emerging’s standout players this season. She has the ability to choose both the correct option with her passing and time the ball to perfection. As it was the previous week, Kilderry was the key to unlocking a defence.

The lead would not last. Southern United pushed for an equalizer in an entertaining first half. When Isobel Coppel intercepted a pass at halfway, she immediately put Rhiannon Kelleher into space on the right.

The cross was dangerous but did not find its target, but did find the back of the net. Ehva Gutszmit was the unlucky recipient of an own goal to her name. She was well positioned and had to stick a foot out, sometimes the ball just spins the wrong way and full credit should go to Kelleher for the quality and speed of the ball in.

The draw does not help either side too much, but there are more concerns right now for Southern United than FV Emerging. To state the obvious, they need to find a way to score more goals. They face South Melbourne next week, in another tough test.

South Melbourne 1-1 Calder United

Calder United welcomed back Raquel Derales and Natasha Dakic from Western United for their trip to South Melbourne. The home side included Francesca Iermano following her stint at the same A-League Women club.

Before the round, South Melbourne were in fourth place, and starting to steadily improve. Calder have struggled for results, but performances have been positive. Young midfielder Bella Sewards has been very consistent while Fiorina Iaria has often shown flashes of match-winning potential.

For all of Calder’s inclusions this week, South Melbourne has Danielle Wise. The Golden Boot winner of 2022, is a threat from every half chance, long ball forward or in this case defensive error.

It was Elle Talevski’s under-hit back pass that gave Wise the opening she needed. The striker raced onto the ball and although she was pushed wide by the defence. Wise was able to square it to Janna Lawson to give South Melbourne the lead in the ninth minute.

Wise had the chance to double the lead close to halftime. She got in behind the Calder defence and controlled well before hitting a half volley at goal. The opportunity was denied with a good close-range save by Natalie Picak.

It would be a costly miss, as Calder equalised before the break. Sewards and Iaria linked up to win a corner for the visitors. Sewards’ delivery caused chaos in the box and the ball was eventually thrashed home with a well-placed Keiwa Hieda strike.

The draw was enough to see South Melbourne move up a spot on the ladder with a game in hand over second-place Alamein. Calder stay in the bottom half in eighth position but will add Alana Cerne back into the squad soon. The Western United star scored in both cup finals for Calder United last season and is currently with the Australian Under 23 side. She will greatly improve their chances for the rest of the season.

Bulleen Lions 1-1 Preston Lions

Caitlin Friend’s Bulleen side boasted some big-name recruits for their match against Preston Lions on Monday night.

Alana Jancevski, Paige Zois, and Tiffany Eliadis returned to the club following their seasons with Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory. The newly recruited Grace Taranto was also named in the squad. The Canberra United midfielder starred for South Melbourne last season and is an impressive addition to the team.

Tyla Jay Vlajnic was announced mid-week but was not on the team sheet, and there is a strong possibility more A-League Women’s players will join the club as they seek to climb the ladder.

Headlining the new signings and starting up front is former Melbourne Victory fan favourite Maja Markovski. The possibility of her and Jancevski linking up is a thrilling prospect for fans and neutrals.

Bulleen have been organized this season, and youngster Rosie Rodger has been creative in attack, but until now the side has lacked a strong finisher up front. They have scored many of their goals through forward pressure or well-worked set pieces.

Preston have begun the season stronger than Bulleen and named Emma Checker in the side for her first appearance of the season. The Matildas’ defender was in excellent form as the home side dominated the attack for much of the game.

The new signings did not gel immediately but still looked dangerous. When Zois was introduced off the bench, the attacking passes looked more fluid and dynamic.

Despite the game being largely played on their terms, Bulleen could not break the Checker led defence, and Preston took a surprise lead late in the second half.

Paula Mitchell was the architect and the scorer. She first fed the ball outside to Delaney Lindahl who’s quick footwork created space for the cross.

It was headed clear, but Mitchell was on hand to follow spectacularly up on the volley and give Preston the lead in the 87th minute.

Bulleen’s intensity increased, but remarkably their composure did not wane. They continued to attack until they forced a dramatic late equaliser. The injury time equaliser may have broken Preston hearts, but it was well deserved and all four new names were involved.

Grace Taranto won the ball in typical style. Markovski and Zois combined to get the ball wide to Jancevski. After a clever change of direction and a hard hit cross. Bulleen had a late corner kick.

Zois stepped up to take it and delivered it to the head of Alana Burn. The ball flew into the far bottom corner and Caitlin Friend could breathe a sigh of relief on the sidelines.

Alamein 2-2 Bayside United

Alamein’s draw with Bayside United means that they stay in second place on the ladder after nine games. Most impressively, the two goals scored takes the sides tally to 17 in that time, making them the third-highest-scoring side in the league behind Boroondara-Carey and Heidelberg United.

This was a match between two adventurous teams, and it was Bayside who struck first through Miwa Sasaki. The visitors moved the ball slickly through midfield before the star forward took aim from long range. The shot flew over the goalkeeper and into to net for one of the best strikes of the round.

Bayside extended their lead soon after. Olivia Bomford played it out to Kayla Deaver who did not hesitate to strike on sight despite the tough angle.

Alamein hit back in incredible style. Sasaki and Ashleigh Le Fevre got the ball to Elaina Vatcky in the penalty area. With her back to goal and while closely marked, Vatcky improvised by flicking the ball in the air and scoring with an incredible overhead kick to make it 2-1 before halftime.

Vatcky scored the equaliser in the 73^rd minute under bizarre circumstances. An Alamein attack trickled to the feet of Bayside goalkeeper Coco Majstorovic who elected to time waste with the ball at her feet.

The incident can be charitably described as a brain fade. As she bent down to pick it up, Vatcky raced in and prodded it into the net. No amount of replays could make it clearer what the goalkeeper was thinking, and it was an unfortunate way to concede a goal. Not that Alamein FC will be complaining. They had pushed hard for a second goal, and deserved it, no matter how odd the circumstances.

With both sides scoring an incredible goal each, but also having a player sent off (Rebbca Saber for Alamein and Elsa Sousa for Bayside), a draw felt like the right result.

Heidelberg United 4-5 Boroondara-Carey Eagles

The newly promoted Boroondara-Carey Eagles have been one of the surprise packages so far this season, they travelled to the Olympic Village to test themselves against the resurgent Heidelberg United and named Brisbane Roar and former Melbourne City attacker Margot Robbine in the team to partner to irrepressible Kurea Okino.

Heidelberg were coming off a 6-1 win in round eight, and a win against the top side would be a big moment in their climb up the ladder. Even if the three points were expected by the home crowd, they knew it would not be easy.

The Eagles started stronger and took the lead in the 19th minute. Okino charged forward from a wide area and forced Melissa Maizels into a strong save. There was nothing the Heidelberg goalkeeper could do to prevent the follow-up and after Robbine’s effort fell to the feet of Mawa Sumaoro it was 1-0 to the visitors.

Boroondara’s second goal came after a long ball in midfield. A surge of pace saw Rebecca Lim beat Maizels to the ball before outrunning both Heidelberg defenders to tap it over the line. Both goals were finished in scrappy style, but Boroondara have been dangerous from relatively innocuous situations all season. They have done this too often for it to be fluke.

Heidelberg would not go down easily though, and unlikely as it seemed at the time they went into the break two goals up. That is what they offer their fans, they are always in the contest.

Last round Nicole Blackett scored a hat trick against Southern United. With Heidelberg two goals down at home, it was Georgia Beaumont’s time to shine with three of her own.

Straight from the kick-off, a long ball found Steph Galea. Her shot was saved but bobbled loose and when the Eagles’ defence hesitated, Beaumont did not. She bundled the ball home to give Heidelberg a lifeline.

A surging run and shot down the left minutes later provided Beaumont with her second. The striker pounced on the ball after it bounced off the goalkeeper. Beaumont reacted first and remained composed to make it 2-2.

A Tijan Mckenna through ball set up Beaumont for her third. The pass split the defence and Beaumont unleashed as she reached it for the best of the goals so far that night. 3-2 to Heidelberg.

Melbourne Victory winger Ava Breidis set up the final goal of the half. A strong run down the right resulted in a perfectly hit cross for Galea to nod home at the back post. After going down by two goals. Heidelberg went into halftime with a 4-2 lead against the league leaders.

Boroondara were not finished though. In the 58^th minute, Margot Robbine raced through on goal and rounded Maizels only to be taken out by the goalkeeper. Okino dispatched the penalty kick with no issue.

Robbine scored her first for the season when she forced home a corner kick in the 65^th minute. The ball fell amid a mess of players, and after an attempted clearance, she poked it into the net from close range.

At 4-4, it looked like the game might end in stalemate, despite several good chances crafted by Heidelberg and a long-range shot that narrowly missed.

In the end, Okino scored an 89th-minute winner. Heildelberg’s attempt to play short from a goal-kick fell prey to Boroondara’s press. When the ball fell to the league’s leading scorer it felt inevitable that she would score her 14^th in seven games.

It was an unlucky way for Heidelberg to lose, but Boroondara forced the chance to happen with three players pressing two defenders and a goalkeeper. In any other game, the Bergers’ four goals would be enough to win. Their comeback to lead after conceding the first two is remarkable and only a minor change or a lucky bounce of the ball would have meant a win for the home side.

But Boroondara won a classic game in the end. They responded to an amazing comeback by staging an even better one of their own. Okino is the league’s in-form player at this moment. She is fast, strong, direct, and works hard defensively. The Japanese striker occupies multiple defenders and is a decisive finisher.

This was a statement win by The Eagles, they are in this NPLW season to win it. The Robbine and Okino partnership has already provided three goals directly, with both having a hand in another.

This win will give them infinite belief.

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk, including the county’s seven-a-side action (16/5/23).

Above: Frances Peeling (blue shirt) battling hard in King’s Lynn Town’s 5-0 defeat to AFC Sudbury at The Walks. Photo: Richard Brown.

Eastern Region Premier Division

In their final game of the season, Wroxham were 3-0 winners over Royston Town. Hannah Waters scored a hat-trick to round off an encouraging end to the season for Joe Simpson’s team which saw them achieve a sixth-place finish.

Not such a happy final day for King’s Lynn Town who were beaten 5-0 at home by AFC Sudbury – a victory that confirmed the league title for them. Sophie Jeffery scored a brace with the other goals for the visitors coming from Miagh Downey, Holly Kennard, and Ashtyn Newley.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Cup Final

Dussindale and Hellesdon beat the University of East Anglia 5-1 to win the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup. Victoria Leyer, Georgina Belton, Abbi Nobbs, Phoebe Green, and Abby Hutchin got the goals with Ella Burnley scoring for UEA.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ Plate Cup Final

In an all-Mulbarton Belles affair, Mulbarton Belles First XI defeated Mulbarton Belles Development 6-0. Rebekah Lake scored four, with Sophie Jermy and Laura Hedtke adding one each.

**Above:** Mulbarton Belles celebrate winning the Norfolk Women and Girls Plate Cup with a 6-0 win over their own Development side. **Photo:** SG Photography.

Norfolk Women and Girls Sevens Cup Final

Another title for Mulbarton Belles as they defeated Taverham 1-0 thanks to a goal from Alice Ladbrooke.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Division One

Bungay Town and Caister played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Maltings Meadow. Zoe Cossey hit the back of the net twice for Bungay with Lauren Goulder getting the other. Leah Brown, Ellie Hills, and Ellie Blaxell got the Caister goals.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Division Two

King’s Lynn Soccer Club won 3-1 at North Walsham Town – Jordan Turner scoring two and Viktorija Burkauskaite one. Kiera Brown was North Walsham Town’s goalscorer.

A Lacey Andrews hat-trick saw Shrublands beat Horsford 3-2, with Horsford’s goals coming from Maisie Nichols and Tilly Thrower.

**Above:** Mulbarton Belles celebrate winning the Sevens Cup after beating Taverham 1-0. **Photo:** SG Photography.

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the final of Coupe de France and comments the departure of Olympique Lyonnais President Jean-Michel Aulas. Plus, photos of Ellie Carpenter courtesy of Pauline Figuet who was pitch side (16/5/23).

Above: Olympique Lyonnais, Winner of their 10^th Coupe de France 2-1 against Paris St.Germain. Photo: Damien LG, Olympique Lyonnais.

Olympique Lyonnais 2-1 Paris St. Germain

Lyon were dominant from the start and applied constant pressure. Ada Hegerberg confirmed that she is definitely ‘back’ by scoring twice (on 12 and 24 minutes), both from decisive passes by Danielle van de Donk, who was likewise outstanding.

**Above:** Ada Hegerberg celebrating one of her 2 goals with Selma Bacha and Danielle Van De Donk (17) who delivered the 2 decisive passes to Ada. **Photo:** Damien LG, Olympique Lyonnais.

Gérard Prêcheur, Paris SG coach, tried to change the momentum of the game on 32 minutes and replaced Amalie Vangsgaard with 19-year-old Laurina Fazer. This seemed to have an impact as PSG improved their game and Ramona Bachmann converted a 36^th minute penalty following Selma Bacha’s foul on Ashley Lawrence.

The second half was more even and both teams had opportunities to score but neither could put the ball in the net. On 86 minutes, Damaris Egurrola was sent off following a second yellow card in 10 minutes. After being the first women to win the D1 Championships and UWCL as a player and as a coach, Sonia Bompastor can now add being the first woman to win the Coupe de France as a player and as a coach.

**Above:** Jean-Michel Aulas and Ada Hegerberg at the end of the game. Photo: Icon sport.

Jean-Michel Aulas was at the game as Lyon’s ex-President (he was replaced by Michele Kang last week) and Lyon’s players dedicated their victory to him. Following the game, both the celebrating players and fans chanted “Jean-Michel Aulas, We won this Cup for you” bringing a lot of emotion to Aulas after 36 years at the head of Olympique Lyonnais.

**Above:** Michele Kang (center), new boss of Olympique Lyonnais Women Football. **Photo:** Le Progrès, Norbert Grisay.

Lyon’s players have also said that they want to win the D1 Arkema Championship for both him and the new president Michele Kang when they play PSG in Paris. Kang, an American businesswoman who now owns the Washington Spirit NWSL team, as well as Olympique Lyonnais, was present in Orléans for this final and received her first trophy as Women Olympique Lyonnais team President.

Photos of Ellie Carpenter playing in the Coupe de France Final supplied to Impetus by Pauline Figuet:

Blayney names Young Matildas squad for Asian Cup Qualifiers

16/5/23

Above: Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney, who named her squad for next month’s vital qualifiers today. Photo: Football Australia.

Leah Blayney has named a 23-player squad as the Young Matildas continue their 2024 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifying campaign in Vietnam next month.

The Round Two Qualifiers have seen Australia drawn in Group A alongside hosts Vietnam, Iran, and Lebanon with the matches to be played between 3rd and 11th June 2023.

For the two top nations, the prize will be qualification for the 2024 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup to be held in Uzbekistan from 3rd–16th March 2024.

Two changes have been made to the squad that progressed to Round Two. Australia is boosted by the return of Melbourne City FC defender Naomi Chinnama after injury kept her out of the Round 1 fixtures. Meanwhile, recent A-League Women’s revelation Indiana Dos Santos joins her older sister Jynana in the U-20 national team for the first time.

Eighteen players featured in the recent A-League Women’s season including four from 2023 Premiers and Champions, Sydney FC. Six different Member Federations are featured including several players from regional Australia and five players are currently participating in the U-23 training camp in Brisbane.

Young Matildas’ head coach Leah Blayney said: “This squad recognises the players who not only performed for us in the Round One Qualifiers but also those who have recorded consistent performances in the recent A-League Women’s season.”

**Above:** Perth Glory’s Tijan McKenna, one of the players selected by Leah Blayney today for the Young Matildas squad. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

“It was once again a challenging decision as the quality of players across the nation is continuing to increase as witnessed from our scouting at national team training camps, the National Premier Leagues, and Elite Matches.

“We have worked to ensure we have a good balance across the squad not just in terms of positional depth, but also in finding the best combinations, whose player profiles best match our playing style.”

The 23 players and staff will assemble for a domestic camp in Sydney from 22nd May before departing for Phu Tho, Vietnam.

Australia will open their fixtures against Lebanon at Việt Trì Stadium before days later taking on Iran. Their Group A round-robin matches will be completed in front of a vocal home crowd against Vietnam.

“The progression of this group has been pleasing but we are all mindful that there will be an increase in intensity for Round Two, with all nations acutely aware that AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualification is on the line,” Blayney continued.

“These matches will see us face teams with good technical foundations, that will be well organised defensively and provide active threats going forward. Internally our focus will be negating their strengths while diversifying our own style to continue adding more dimension to our game,” she concluded.

Young Matildas Squad for second round AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualification:

NAME		POSITION	CLUB \| MEMBER FEDERATION
Alexia	APOSTOLAKIS	Defender	Bankstown City Lions FC on loan from Western Sydney Wanderers FC\| Football NSW
Ava	BRIEDIS	Midfielder	Heidelberg United FC \| Football Victoria
Claudia	CICCO	Forward	APIA Leichhardt FC \| Football NSW
Indiana	DOS SANTOS	Midfielder	Football NSW Institute on loan from Sydney FC \| Football NSW
Jynaya	DOS SANTOS	Forward	Football NSW Institute on loan from Sydney FC \| Football NSW
Gemma	FERRIS	Defender	Bulls FC Academy \| Football NSW
Tahlia	FRANCO	Goalkeeper	Football NSW Institute \| Football NSW
Daniela	GALIC	Midfielder	Future Matildas NSW \| Football NSW
Sasha	GROVE	Forward	Canberra United FC \| Capital Football
Shay	HOLLMAN	Midfielder	APIA Leichhardt FC on loan from Sydney FC \| Football NSW
Kahli	JOHNSON	Forward	Manly United FC \| Football NSW
Zara	KRUGER	Midfielder	Lions FC \| Football Queensland
Chloe	LINCOLN	Goalkeeper	Canberra United FC \| Football NSW
Maya	LOBO	Defender	Macarthur Rams \| Football NSW
Tijan	MCKENNA	Defender	Heidelberg United FC \| Football West
Alana	MURPHY	Midfielder	Blacktown Spartans FC \| Football Victoria
Emilia	MURRAY	Forward	Northern Tigers FC \| Football South Australia
Jessika	NASH	Defender	Bulls FC Academy \| Football NSW
Ella	O’GRADY	Forward	Football Queensland-QAS \| Football Queensland
Sienna	SAVESKA	Forward	Football NSW Institute \| Football NSW
Anika	STAJCIC	Forward	Football NSW Institute \| Football NSW
Naomi	THOMAS-CHINNAMA	Defender	Blacktown Spartans FC \| Football Victoria
Grace	WILSON	Goalkeeper	SA NTC \| Football South Australia

Kerr-fect! Chelsea’s experience reaps rewards over United

Impetus’ coverage of the 2023 FA Cup Final is brought to you by Nathan Edwards from the Wembley press box with Ben Phillips‘ exclusive photography from pitchside (15/5/23)

Above: Match winner Sam Kerr with the FA Cup after the match yesterday. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.

Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United

Sam Kerr continued to deliver in the vital moments to give Chelsea their third successive FA Cup title, as Emma Hayes praised this her side for their ability to dig out results no matter the circumstances.

Chelsea once again showed their experience to battle past a brave Manchester United side, who made their first-ever appearance at Wembley.

Despite Chelsea’s wealth of riches and trophies, it was United who started the game off on the front foot, and with just 23 seconds on the clock, looked to have taken the lead, only for Leah Galton’s prod to be ruled out for offside.

It set the theme for the first half, as Marc Skinner’s side battled through any pre-game nerves to put Chelsea on the back foot.

Their front four was fluid and enjoying their afternoon under the arches, with Nikita Parris cutting in from her opposed left flank, but struggled to move Ann-Katrin Berger.

**Above:** Manchester United’s Nikita Parris in the thick of the action with the Chelsea defence. **Photo:** Ben Phillips for *Impetus*.

For all their freedom, United struggled to break past Berger with the Chelsea shot-stopper even managing to stick out a hand to stop a deflected Russo shot.

United failed to punish Chelsea’s laboured first half, with boss Hayes quickly flexing her bench by bringing on the in-form Pernille Harder and Sophie Ingle who changed the game completely.

Away from the scoresheet, Ingle’s ability to starve United’s midfield was a key to Chelsea managing their lead. Harder’s influence came to combat the way United head coach Marc Skinner had set his side up – his plan was to to have a player always on Kerr, so when Harder came on, the space for the Danish striker allowed her to cause danger behind The Red Devils’ defence.

Her first chase in behind was easily defended, but the former Wolfsburg star was given another opportunity to punish, and she made no mistake. Harder raced away from the United pack and delivered a cross that was poked in by Kerr who notched her 10th goal in seven English club cup finals.

Similar to the semi-final, Kerr was managed well but once she netted her influence on the game grew. The Western Australian skipped away from Ona Batlle to set up Ingle, who buried her shot deep into a small section of the 77,390 record-breaking crowd.

**Above:** Scenes of joy as Sam Kerr’s backflip marks her winning goal. **Photo:** Ben Phillips for *Impetus*.

After their first-half performance, Chelsea managed to battle through any physical strain and tiredness that would be bought on by a heavy schedule across three different competitions.

Speaking afterwards, Hayes praised her sides mentality saying: “I felt tired on the touchline. For that reason, it’s even more impressive. The team can dig and dig when we physically weren’t at our best.”

“It was hard. Manchester United made it so hard. They will continue to push, they are a wonderful football team. But this is a victory for grinding. Hard work for me matters, and we can absolutely roll our sleeves up with the best of them and hang in there.

“What the team has become is the most flexible team. Our team has become hybrid monsters. We can float between things in ways that takes years to master. They are so adaptable.

“When I have to sit at home alone and think about the work we do every day and the sacrifices we all make, I know I have given my whole life to it. No matter what, I have given it everything.

**Above:** Leah Galton in possession for Manchester United. **Photo:** Ben Phillips for *Impetus.*

“I’m still the kid in Camden who has had an absolute ride of a time. I’m never tired of this. I can cry about it. I hope Chelsea fans had a little bit of joy. The whole club – the owners included.”

As for United, to reach this level in their short history speaks about the strength of the club and the desire that is within.

Red Devils boss Skinner believes that this FA Cup heartbreak will add to that, he said: “There will be loads to take away. We started well and, considering Chelsea had been in many finals, we looked like the team that had been in many finals too.

“We were composed. It’s a different type of game in a final and you have to play with more maturity. We love to play possession-based football and sometimes you can’t do that. So, I felt we matured today. If anybody thinks we’re going away, then we’re not,” he continued.

“These are moments you have to win. We gave a good account of ourselves. We will be back again, I have no doubts about that. There will always be regrets if you don’t win a game but I think the girls were excellent. It was their first final. I can’t look back and think negatively towards them.”

**Above:** A reflective Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner yesterday. **Photo:** Ben Phillips for *Impetus*.

The final itself felt like it was more than a game. It felt like a moment where England women’s domestic game didn’t just move forward but broke down a barricade.

There has been a swell of support for the national team since 2019, but now the passion that has been shown to the Lionesses has taken over at the highest level of the club game, with this FA Cup final feeling like a huge marker of how big the game has grown and a catalyst for growth.

Also speaking afterwards was the FA’s head of women’s football, Baroness Sue Campbell. She said: “A lot of credit goes to all of the players and the clubs in the Barclays Women’s Super League, the Barclays Women’s Championship, and below that, but also credit to everybody that’s worked at the FA to make sure this is a reality.

“I’ve said before that we’ve come a long way, but we’ve still got an incredibly long way to go and we know that. But it’s another marker in the sand that the game in this country is now alive and well, flourishing and growing.”

Ben Phillips’ exclusive photo gallery from Wembley Stadium for Impetus:

Teams: CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Berger, Perisset, Mjelde, Eriksson, Charles, Leupolz, Cuthbert, James, Fleming, Reiten, Kerr. Substitutes used: Harder (for Fleming 57′), Ingle (for Leupolz 57′), Carter (for Charles 72′), Buchanan (for James 88′).

Scorer: Kerr 68′.

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps, Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell, Zelem, Ladd, Parris, Toone, Galton, Russo. Substitutes used: Williams (for Parris 61′), Garcia (for Blundell 79′), Mannion (for Toone 79′), Thomas (for Ladd 90+1′).

Referee: Emily Heaslip.

Attendance: 77,390.

NPL WA Women Round Seven Wrap

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 (15/5/23).

Above: Tia Stonehill celebrates after scoring Balcatta Etna’s opening goal at Perth SC on Saturday night. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.

Game of the week:

Perth SC 1-2 Balcatta Etna

Balcatta Etna upset the ladder by claiming their first-ever win in the Italian derby at Dorrien Gardens thanks to two goals from Tia Stonehill on Saturday night.

League leaders going into the round, Perth SC were without two of their key attacking weapons Gemma Craine and Ellie La Monte – both suffering from injuries. Head coach Peter Rakic played Liana Cook further forward as a result with Sophia Papalia pushed back into a slightly more defensive role.

Balcatta meanwhile were yet to reach their potential results-wise this season. Ahead of the match, they had not won since the opening weekend. That victory over struggling Curtin University contributed nine of their total of 12 goals for the NPL campaign, with an additional two coming in last week’s 3-2 loss to Murdoch University Melville. They have been boosted by the arrival of Perth Glory A-League Women player Sadie Lawrence, who has been at Murdoch University Melville previously.

**Above:** Airbourne Perth SC pair Poppie Hooks (centre) and Liana Cook on Saturday night. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Rob Lizzi.

With Perth SC goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett keeping clean sheets in all but one of her side’s six NPL matches in 2023, the visitors knew they would have to do something special to score. Indeed, Bennett was in imperious form when she was first called into action to claim a high free-kick into the box from the left delivered by Lauren Continibali after Poppie Hooks was adjudged to have fouled Tia Stonehill.

It was an opening 45 of few chances. Perth had possession and looked to build passing movements, but Balcatta’s defence was, as it often is, well-organised and tough to break through, Indeed, it took until the 17th minute for the hosts to force a dangerous opportunity as visiting defender Kimberley McCartney had her pocked picked by Abbey Meakins who lifted a first time effort which came off of the edge of the right-hand post.

The Azzurri forced another chance just before the half-hour mark as Jaime Duncanson’s corner from the left found Matilda Bohm who drove goalwards, but Dal Busco repelled and Carys Davis cleared.

However, the visitors would hit the front just three minutes later from a piece of typical Stonehill play. The attacker, who scored 16 goals for Murdoch University Melville in their successful 2021 campaign, is back in the game after missing the whole of the 2022 season through serious injury.

She was found by a cushioned header in midfield from Monique Prinsloo. Stonehill showed strength, pace, and confidence to surge between two Perth defenders and place a shot past Bennett to spark scenes of pure joy. It was also the first goal that Balcatta had scored away from home this season.

**Above:** Perth SC’s Judy Connolly (right) battles for possession against Balcatta Etna. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Rob Lizzi.

Shortly before the break, Meakins and Duncanson combined well to force a corner, but Balcatta were able to clear and so remained ahead at the break.

After the interval, Perth were looking to develop more in the way of sustained attacking play. Just after the hour mark, Faye Phillips directed a free-kick into the mix, Stonehill headed away, only for Alyssa van Heurck to feed it back in and Phillips found Judy Connolly at the back post, but the former NTC player hit her volley over the top.

With 63 minutes on the clock, the hosts levelled from a move that started all the way from the back with Bennett throwing the ball out. Papalia eventually found Duncanson on the left-hand side who rounded Monique D’Opera and curled home a stunner from an acute angle into the far bottom corner of the net.

Yet just two minutes later, Balcatta could have levelled as Continibali’s corner from the right came in high with Bennett pushing clear. D’Opera’s ball back in was repelled but once more in came a cross which Perth failed to clear, and Stonehill was in space at the back post with virtually an open goal, but couldn’t direct her shot on target.

As the encounter approached its final ten minutes, the Azzurri had a half chance as Phillips combined with substitute Ella Lincoln, but couldn’t quite get a powerful enough shot away before Dal Busco bravely gathered.

There was still time for one final piece of magic. A superb move from start to finish sealed Balcatta’s first-ever win at Dorrien Gardens. Substitute Emily Roach took up possession on the right flank and played a probing ball inside for Epril Nossent who was stationed around 30 yards from goal. She in turn played a first-time pass to Prinsloo who found Stonehill outside her just over 20 yards from goal. Stonehill hit an absolute peach of a shot first time on the turn and it flew into the net.

Goal!! for Balcatta FC out of NPL Women – Western Australia at Dorrien Gardens in the 83:14 mark of the Second Half. Score Perth SC 1:2 Balcatta FC

Watch live and free on Streamer #seeitonstreamer https://t.co/mzY3TbJBt9 #NPLWEST #PSCBFC pic.twitter.com/MZClFoDS6Y
— Football West (@FootballWest) May 13, 2023

Tia Stonehill is back – and so are Balcatta’s top four hopes.

This was a tough loss for Perth SC to take, and one which saw them drop from top to third in the NPLW WA, with fourth-placed Murdoch University Melville just a point behind them. With La Monte and Craine on the sidelines, things will not get any easier when Fremantle City travel to Dorrien Gardens next weekend.

Teams: PERTH SC: Bennett, van Heurck, Hooks, Phillips, Godding, Cook, Meakins, Papalia, Bohm, Connolly, Duncanson. Substitutes: Lincoln, Zampogna, Caceres, Gibbons, Marshall.

Scorers: Duncanson 63′.

BALCATTA ETNA: Dal Busco, Davis, Doust, McCartney, M. D’Opera, Nossent, Continibali, Prinsloo, Hocking, Stonehill, Lawrence. Substitutes: Bulgaru, Roach, Bricklebank, T. D’Opera, Mohammad Zainurrafiq, McGlinn.

Scorers: Stonehill 32′, 84′.

Weekly Wrap:

Murdoch University Melville 2-1 Subiaco

Round seven opened on Friday night at Besteam Stadium as in-form MUM FC hosted Subiaco.

Murdoch went ahead with just over ten minutes of the first half remaining. A free-kick just inside the Subi half to the right of centre was played in high and allowed to bounce in the box where it found its way towards the back post for Vanessa Miller to tap home from close range at the second attempt.

The visitors recovered from their disappointment to level matters seven minutes into the second period as a corner came in from the left, Murdoch University Melville failed to clear, and Stephanie Waycott saw a shot parried by Stacey Cavill in the home goal which fell perfectly for Phoenix Brownlie to sweep home for her second goal in as many matches.

Goal!! for Murdoch University Melville out of NPL Women – Western Australia at Wormail Civil Stadium at Murdoch in the 62:01 mark of the Second Half. Score MU Melville 2:1 Subiaco AFC

Watch live and free on Streamer #seeitonstreamer https://t.co/mzY3TbJBt9 #NPLWEST #MUMSAFC pic.twitter.com/U5sE6O7oq5
— Football West (@FootballWest) May 12, 2023

However, MUM FC hit back and grabbed the winning goal with just under half an hour remaining. Charlotte Meaden gained possession along the right wing and played a pass back for Clara Hoarau to turn her would-be tackler and lift a stunning shot into the top right-hand corner.

It was a fitting goal to extend Murdoch University Melville’s winning run to three matches and they are now firmly in the thrilling race for the top four.

Hyundai NTC 8-1 Curtin University

Hyundai NTC are second after a comfortable win over struggling Curtin University.

The teenagers hit the front with eight minutes on the clock. Mia Britton, impressive as ever on the right flank, broke through and squared a low ball across for Louise Tana to sweep home at the back post.

However, just four minutes later, Curtin levelled. In doing so, they scored their first goal of 2023 in their 11th league and cup match of the campaign. Mischa Anderson’s attempted pass rebounded off Curtin’s on-rushing Tiana Botha and rolled agonisingly past NTC keeper Megan Phillips and into the net.

Goal!! for Curtin University FC out of NPL Women – Western Australia at E&D Litis Stadium in the 12:03 mark of the First Half. Score Hyundai NTC 1:1 Curtin Uni FC

Watch live and free on Streamer #seeitonstreamer https://t.co/mzY3TbJBt9 #NPLWEST #NTCCUFC pic.twitter.com/U4h36oo9JL
— Football West (@FootballWest) May 14, 2023

Just after the half-hour mark, the NTC regained the lead as Violet Longmore’s cross was headed home by Klaudia Houlis, who is in red-hot goalscoring form at the present time. She was at it again before the break to make it was 3-1 when Tana supplied from the right for Houlis to swoop for her second.

NTC benefitted from both a misplaced header and then pass from Curtin to grab their fourth of the afternoon eight minutes into the second half with Houlis showed great strength to hold off her would-be marker and cooly poke a low finish into the right-hand corner of the net to complete her hat-trick.

Two minutes later, it was 5-1 as Anna Powell fed Longmore whose run outside her was not picked up and she was able to deliver a low ball into the near post that was poorly cleared into the path of Powell who provided Grace Johnston with the easiest possible opportunity to tap home from virtually on the goalline.

The floodgates were well and truly open and with 61 minutes on the clock, Lucy O’Halloran motored along the left and produced a ball in that was played back for Houlis to lash home. Seven minutes on, a high cross from the right into the back post was volleyed home from close range by Powell. The final goal of the afternoon came courtesy of Britton.

Perth RedStar 3-2 Fremantle City

Perth RedStar went top of the NPLW WA by a single point after edging out in-form Fremantle City at RedStar Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Freo went into this encounter on the back of becoming the first team all season to defeat Hyundai NTC last week, a result that extended their unbeaten run to three games.

All five goals came in the opening 45 minutes, with Reina Kagami’s long-range effort putting the home side ahead. Sophia Neal made it 2-0 after jumping onto an errant Fremantle pass and dispatching the ball into the net.

However, back came City with Rigby’s effort going in off of her Perth Glory teammate Kim Carroll, who is back with RedStar for this season. Yet, the rapid-fire nature of scoring continued as Quyen Doan put the hosts 3-1 ahead when she returned the ball back over Dayle Schroeder’s head after the Freo goalkeeper came out to clear.

Fremantle hit back once more as Abbey Green’s effort escaped the grasp of Shivani Battaglia, returned to the RedStar goal, and fell for Rigby to head home – but that was as close as the port city club could get to the home side.

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk, including the county’s seven-a-side action (12/5/23).

Above: Celebrations for Aylsham following a goal in their 2-0 win over Thorpe St. Andrew. Photo: Ben Cunningham.

Eastern Region Premier Division

On Sunday, Wroxham were beaten 6-1 at home by Luton Town. Hannah Waters scored for the Norfolk side but a brace each from Shanice Lewis and Elizabeth Sanders plus goals from Tsaianne Leander and Jess Mckay saw the visitors claim a comfortable win. The Yachtswomen had better luck on Wednesday night when they won a Norfolk derby 4-1 at King’s Lynn Town. Hannah Waters, Francesca Catchpole, Lara Densley, and an own goal gave Wroxham a comfortable win with Jodie Hopkins getting the goal for Lynn.

Eastern Region Division One North

Fakenham Town rounded off their season in style with a 16-2 victory at Yaxley Phoenix. Chloe Gravett and Shelley Woods both got four goals with sisters Sophie and Vicky Lubbock each scoring a hat-trick whilst Olivia Baker and Ruby Curtis bagged the remaining two. Fatama Baratayn scored both goals for Yaxley Phoenix.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Division One

**Above:** Sophie Jermy, who scored a hat-trick for Mulbarton Belles in their 5-1 win at Dussindale and Hellesdon. **Photo:** SG Photography

On Sunday, a hat trick from Sophie Jermy was the headline as Mulbarton Belles smashed title rivals Dussindale and Hellesdon 5-1. Rebekah Lake and Alice Smith scored Mulbarton’s other goals with Shanice Sutton finding the net for Dussindale and Hellesdon.

Thetford Town secured third place with a stunning come-from-behind win at Caister. Leah Brown had given the home side a half-time lead, but Melissa Boulton and Kamile Omeleviciute scored after the break for the visitors.

On Wednesday night, Mulbarton Belles were 4-1 winners at Bungay Town thanks to yet another hat-trick from Sophie Jermy and the other from Rebekah Lake. It was a victory that saw Mulbarton Belles crowned champions of Tier 7 in Norfolk.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Aylsham were 2-0 winners at home to Thorpe St. Andrew thanks to two goals from Carly Allum. In their first game at their new home, Blofield United beat Horsford 5-2. Bailey Duffield scored twice with Lauren Monument, Darcy Peters, and Lola Eadie adding the others. Robin Nash and Tilly Thrower scored for Horsford.

Mulbarton Belles Development were 7-0 winners at Bulldogs thanks to a hat-trick from Lucy Kean with the other goals coming from Megan Anderton, Ella Cattermole, Charlotte Groves and an own goal. A hat trick from Kiera Brown helped North Walsham Town to a 5-0 win at Freethorpe. Rhiannon Holt and Sophie Hall scored Town’s other two goals.

Shrublands ran out 5-2 winners over FC Viking Valkyries. Rachel Adams scored twice with Chloe Bailey, Samantha Burgess, and Olivia Gabri contributing one each. FC Viking Valkyries had Leah Walthew and an own goal to thank for their goals.

Mulbarton Belles Development also had a great Wednesday night with an 8-1 win over Thorpe St. Andrew. Rosie McNarry scored a hat trick with Charlotte Groves and Lucy Kean getting a brace each, Megan Anderton got the other.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Sevens Division One.

Horsford and Kirkley and Pakefield played out a 1-1 draw. Horsford had Caitlyn Arnup to thank for their goal with Chloe Ellis scoring for Kirkley and Pakefield.

**Above:** Kamile Omeleviciute scored the winner for Thetford Town in their 2-1 win at Caister. **Photo:** SG Photography.

Skinner: Manchester United have proven their ability – now to win the prize

Impetus’ Arwen Moses reports from Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner‘s media conference today ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup Final against Chelsea at a sold-out Wembley (12/5/23).

Above: Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner is confident in his team’s ability and can draw on his own previous experience in charge of a team at an FA Cup Final to guide them to victory on Sunday. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.

Marc Skinner’s Manchester United have made history by progressing the furthest they have before in the FA Cup, and the Red Devils boss has his eyes on the prize.

A place in the Wembley final may have appeared as a daunting task ahead of the Reds as they set out on their FA Cup journey at Sunderland in the fourth round back in January. Having never made it further than the quarter-finals, United have fought for results against Sunderland, Durham, Lewes, and most recently Brighton and Hove Albion.

Chelsea go into the final with the aim to defend their title, having won the competition four times previously. Unbeaten in the FA Cup since September 2020, Emma Hayes’ team have demonstrated a steely composure under pressure. However, Skinner’s United can not be ruled out as the underdogs. Currently sitting on top of the WSL table, and with an unbeaten record in April, United have also proven their ability to score goals in important games. Skinner claims that while there is a lack of experience within the team for finals, the Reds have proven their ability and fight in important games.

“Emma will tell you that we are the favourites here, because we are sitting top of the league. We know how that question and that conversation will go. The reality is that they have more experience right now, but we want to experience this more often and go to more finals. For us, the experience is something which we will gain, we will have to get it on the job.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that if you want to pick a favourite, then Chelsea should be put on that mantel because of the fact that they’ve been here before. But the reality is, we have a team of rebels who want to make sure that may not be the fact”.

Unlike United, Skinner has previous experience with FA Cup Finals. As manager of Birmingham City, he suffered defeat at Wembley to Manchester City in 2017. Upon reflection, the Reds’ boss is adamant that lessons have been learned from the defeat; but not with the on-pitch tactics.

“What we got wrong at Birmingham is that we made it a massive event, and bigger than it should have been. We know it’s a big deal, everyone knows it’s a really big deal, and we are looking forward to it. We made it too big at Birmingham, we made mistakes and that was from naivety.

**Above:** Ella Toone and Alessia Russo – two United players who can draw on their experience of playing in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley before ahead of Sunday’s first-ever sellout for an FA Cup Final. **Photo:** Suvadeep Biswas for *Impetus.*

“We put quotes on the wall from the players’ families, and it became an emotional event, rather than being a clean and business-like event. You can celebrate afterwards if you win the Cup, and you can then be as emotional as you want. The reality is that there will be enough emotions in the game, that we need to save them up”.

Keen to learn from previous wrongdoings, Skinner remains calm and clinical for Sunday’s tie. While acknowledging the emotional enormity of the event, the United head coach aims to remain focussed on the fixture, and the task in hand.

“I’ll feel immense pride and a lot of admiration for the players and the club for how far we have come in such a short space of time. Honestly, then just pure focus. I’m hoping I don’t hear a member of the crowd for one second. I hope the players hear United fans, but I’m pretty businesslike about this. I know exactly what I need to do. I’m sure there will be some nerves, but I’m fueling my focus and attention to the game. I’ve been on the other end of it, so I want to make sure we give everything because if we win it, it will be massive”.

Following an unbeaten record in April, with maximum points earnt from league games, Skinner was recently announced as the Barclays WSL Manager of the Month. His recent success led him to reflect on his career so far, and how he believes he has changed in handling the emotional element of the game better.

“I talk a lot about the mental side of the game. We talk about mental health in every aspect of life now, and I think you have to have resilience in a sport where a lot of people like what you do, and a lot of people don’t like what you do.

“For me, what I’ve learned is methods to help calm me when I need to be calm. I need to be calm to get a message across even if people around me are flustered. I’ve learned to seek a solution rather than fuel a fire. I don’t work up emotion as much as I used to. I’ve learned mostly about internalising my own conversation. My biggest learning curve has been facing challenges and trying to get on with them”.

“I have pressure every day. I would argue that we have that pressure more than Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City because we are Manchester United. I feel that, but I internalise it because I want us to do well. There isn’t a Manchester United fan who doesn’t want us to win and we are huge around the world. I feel that pressure everyday but I use it to drive on our players.”

Several of the team have played at Wembley in the past with the Lionesses, with some of the players having exceptional games in the 90,000-seater stadium. Those such as Ella Toone and Mary Earps scribed their names into the history of the game within the country due to their on-pitch heroics in London and will be looking to replicate such moments on Sunday. Skinner believes that there will be a different atmosphere in the sold-out Wembley than if it was an international fixture, but the prior experience will aid the team.

“I think it will feel different. When you are at Wembley for an England game, it’s about almost everyone supporting England. Here, there will be a divide. Their experience will be vital, but most importantly we can’t win this just from individual experiences. We have to win this as a collective.”

This article begins Impetus’ in-depth coverage of the FA Cup Final. On Sunday, Ben Phillips will be providing pitchside photography for us both on our social media feeds (@ImpetusFootball on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) and a match photo gallery, Nathan Edwards will be analysing the game for us in the Wembley press box, and Jon Smalldon will be live tweeting the match as it is in progress.

Can Orlando Pride tame Gotham?

Denise Duffy and Jonathon Hagger bring us their weekly in-depth behind-the-scenes preview of a game from the NWSL, including access to club media conferences. This week they focus on the match between Gotham FC and Orlando Pride (11/5/23).

Above: Jenna Nighswonger celebrates a goal for Gotham FC. Photo: Devon Cafaro / Gotham FC .

INTRO

As Gotham FC continues to move forward, the Orlando Pride presents the next challenge in their path. Orlando comes into the match with a two-game winning streak and will be looking to make it three in a row this Sunday, May 14th 5:30 PM ET at Red Bull Arena.

Speaking after Gotham’s last regular season win over the Chicago Red Stars, the team’s third game in less than two weeks, Gotham FC Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós said: “We were tired after the long week, but the team never gave up. Keep going, keep going, keep working and we were able to win away from home. Credit to all of the players, whether they played today or not, and to the staff. This is a big win for Gotham.” Gotham are going to need to maintain that resiliency if they hope to beat a surging Orlando Pride team.

The Orlando Pride come into the team with a very different approach, described by defender Kylie Strom in the following way, “We play with a chip on our shoulder, and we have to start changing the narrative. Every game, we have to earn respect. It is not going to be handed to us”.

With a season record of 4-2-0 Gotham FC comes into the match in the top four teams of the NWSL while Orlando start the match at 2-0-4 with the two wins coming from their last two games. Will Gotham FC end the streak or will Orlando Pride make it a hat trick of wins?

TEAM COMPARISONS

Lynn Williams is showing no mercy in the NWSL season as she dominates on the field. Now placed second overall in the number of goals scored by an individual in the NWSL, behind the legendary Sam Kerr, Williams is motivated and supported with good depth across all lines. Also, Lynn Williams now holds the title for the most career goal contributions with 103, surpassing Sam Kerr’s previous record of 102.

**Above:** Lynn Williams (10) who has overtaken Sam Kerr as the player with the most career goal contributions in NWSL history. **Photo:** Devon Cafaro / Gotham FC.

It’s also important to look across the rest of the Gotham squad to understand what’s working well. Some players to watch out for –

Ali Krieger – Defender. Krieger will be again facing her old team that she helped build. She played an incredible match on 4th May in the Challenge Cup 1-1 draw against the NC Courage. Krieger has all to play for as she has declared this season to be her last as a professional footballer.
Allie Long- Midfield. Long is a very experienced midfielder who keeps calm under pressure and spots opportunities to keep her forwards in attacking openings. Long’s quote in a USA Today Sports interview describes her perfectly “Since I can remember, anyone said I couldn’t do something, I’m going to show you that I can. If a team is going to beat me, no I’m going to beat you.”
Yazmeen Ryan – Forward. Ryan has started the 2023 season brimming with confidence. While she hasn’t scored a goal yet, Ryan is a constant threat.

While the Orlando Pride team had a difficult time finding ways to score goals at the beginning of the season, they have started to find some form after toppling the San Diego Wave 3-1 and Racing Louisville 1-0. With four goals scored in two regular season games, this match is going to be very close.

It appears the goal-scoring drought is over and with quality of depth with players such as six-time World Player of the Year Marta, and fellow Brazilian Adriana. These two are the corner and free kick takers and have proven to be difference makers on set pieces. Also, Messiah Bright has been electric with more goals likely to come.

**Above:** Martha, Erika Tymrak, Mikayla Cluff, Megan Montefusco captured in joyous scenes for Orlando Pride. **Photo:** Scoreplay.

Orlando’s coach Seb Hines has placed importance on the team scoring from set pieces. “I love a good set-piece goal, a headed goal. We’ve been working on that in previous weeks and we talked about desire and attitude to go attack the ball”.

Adriana – Forward. Adriana’s ball-handling skills are like magic on the field. When it comes to taking a shot at the goal, it’s often Adriana who takes charge for the Pride. She’s currently leading the Pride squad in shots attempted and shots on target, and is tied for the most minutes played. Therefore, Gotham needs to keep a close eye on her throughout the game.
Mikayla Cluff – Midfield. After scoring from a set piece in the Pride’s victory over the San Diego Wave last week, Mikayla is entering the upcoming match with a great deal of confidence.
Kylie Strom – Defender. Strom is the leader of the Pride defensive line. She uses her maturity to guide the players around her and is very comfortable in advancing the ball. She is also a very strong player in the air. Gotham’s long ball attack through the air could be closed down if Strom is near the ball.

What to expect in this match –

Gotham FC bucked the trend of being a second-half scoring team when they got two in the first half against the Chicago Red Stars following two defensive lapses and fantastic finishing by the Gotham forwards.
Gotham has a dynamic attack option when playing down the right wing with Taylor Smith and Yazmeen Ryan both providing a constant threat. Should Sinead Farrelly come off the bench she is a baller and an absolute finisher when opportunities to score present themselves!
The dynamism of Lynn Williams paired with Taylor Smith, Ifeoma Onumonu, or perhaps a healthy Midge Purce will be the key targets.
Orlando’s Messiah Bright is due to start a goalscoring run.
It won’t be one-way traffic. While Orlando’s overall record so far this season has been disappointing, winning away from home over a strong San Diego Wave side, makes them a very real threat.

THE EDGE

Keeper – Anna Moorhouse vs ?. Gotham has multiple keepers who can and will slot in including Betos, Smith, and Haught. They are all riding on a wave of confidence. Orlando’s Anna Moorhouse is also gaining in stability as well, but the edge goes for the trio of keepers on Gotham competing for the top spot.

Backline – Orlando Emily Madril has had some amazing defensive moments this season. The development of their backline throughout the season is worth keeping an eye on. We are again going to go with Gotham’s experienced crew.

Midfield – With the likes of Nighswonger, Zerboni, Farrelly, Long, Sheehan, Ryan, Mewis, this rotating group of players will be challenging for any team to get through. We are split on this, mostly because the Pride’s Brazilians are hitting high-quality shots from stoppages of play.

Front Line – Lynn Williams is driving the tempo and it’s leading to wins. Her best balls are coming from a charging midfield. On the opposite side, watch for Orlando’s Messiah Bright and a hungry Ally Watt coming off the bench. Once these three start looking for each other more, Orlando will be formidable. Edge has to go to Gotham right now for the sole reason of Williams.

Coaching – in the most recent post-match conference, Juan Carlos Amorós spoke at length about how he understands the skills and abilities of his players and he chooses his starting squads accordingly based on the opposition and the style of play he wants to see. He knows his players and this is an incredible strength. Seb Hines, Orlando’s coach, favours a 4-2-3-1 formation which is now starting to click with the player combinations coming together. This is a close call and we are split on who has the advantage here.

**Above:** Seb Hines – head coach of Orlando Pride. **Photo:** Scoreplay.

Back Office – Both teams are undergoing a rebuilding phase this NWSL season, led by former NWSL athletes. One notable figure is Orlando’s Haley Carter, who brings a wealth of experience. A retired player for the Houston Dash, Carter is also a former Marine and coach for the Afghanistan National Team.

Now, as Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager for the Orlando Pride, her appointment was a bold move that speaks volumes about her abilities. A fierce advocate for athletes, Carter understands the importance of driving an intentional culture and is poised to make a significant impact on the team’s success this season.

Fans, Stadium and Social Media – Both teams have demonstrated an innovative approach to the NWSL, prioritising the players as the stars both on and off the pitch. Each group of fans are certainly deserving of winning seasons, they’ve been through so much.

What has recently popped off the page was Orlando’s post after they won against a seemingly unbeatable San Diego team. It’s a stunning three-minute atmospheric backstage look at what it meant to come into San Diego and pull off a win. We’ve not quite seen the likes of this before and it is truly worth watching.

"Let them remember us today" 😈#PrideOrDie pic.twitter.com/HZINVvPYFx
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) May 2, 2023