Andy Wicks was at the Select Car Leasing Stadium to capture all the action from yesterday’s WSL match between Reading and Leicester City for Impetus (24/4/23).
Above: Aerial action in yesterday’s game between Reading and Everton (yellow). Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.
Reading 2-3 Everton
Reading’s hopes of putting distance between themselves and bottom club Leicester City took a major hit as the Berkshire side surrendered a 2-0 lead to Everton yesterday.
Justine Vanhaevermaet hit two goals in a quarter of an hour – one of which was a penalty – to give the home side a stunning lead.
However, Everton, with Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler putting in an impressive shift hit back with a vengeance. Swedish star Hanna Bennison got a goal back just before the break before Katja Snoeijs levelled with a spot kick just after the hour mark. With seven minutes remaining, Nicoline Sørensen curled home a superb winner.
Reading are now just a point above bottom club Leicester City who have a game in hand, albeit against Chelsea, in the race to avoid relegation to the Championship. Everton remain comfortably in sixth.
Above: Ella Lincoln, who scored a hat-trick for Perth SC in their win over Mandurah City. Photo: Fotoenzo.
The opening round of the Western Australia Women’s State Cup saw, as expected, all of the NPLW WA teams facing lower-ranked opposition run-out winners. Curtin University were the only top-tier side to fall as they lost their all-NPLW encounter with Subiaco. Hamersley Rovers will be the only non-NPLW side in the quarter-finals after winning their tie at Armadale.
Round up
Perth SC continued their powerful start to the 2023 campaign with a 12-0 win over Mandurah City. A hat trick from Ella Lincoln, braces from Abbey Meakins, Jaime Duncanson, and Matilda Böhm plus additional strikes from Sophia Papalia and Stella Zampogna contributed to the success. The NPLW WA leaders’ The Azzurri goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett subsequently extended her run of clean sheets to five in a row.
Hyundai NTC, who have made a strong start to the NPLW WA season, gained a 6-0 win over State League opponents UWA Nedlands. An Anna Powell hat-trick, plus strikes from Klaudia Houlis, Louise Tana, and Maya Archibald sealed the victory.
The all-NPLW WA clash between Curtin University and Subiaco went the way of the visitors who gained a 2-0 victory thanks to a brace from Dakota Van Vugt.
Above: Charli Wainwright, among the scorers for Murdoch University Melville against Subiaco AFC. Photo: South Coast Baptist College.
Murdoch University Melville gained a 4-0 win over Women’s League side Subiaco AFC thanks to goals from Charli Wainwright, Jessica Johnson, Nikita Strickling, and Sophie Meaden.
Balcatta Etna returned from Len Packham Park with a 3-1 win over Perth AFC. Kim McCartney, Lauren Continibali, and Tia Stonehill were on target for the NPLW WA side. Angela Cheaib scored for the hosts.
Hamersley Rovers won the only tie between two non-NPLW WA sides with an 8-0 win at Armadale SC. Christiane Åstorp hit five of her side’s goals with Brianna Patrick contributing two and Royan Norman the other.
Holders Perth RedStar gained a walkover victory against Port Kennedy, as did Fremantle City over Sorrento.
Above: Christiane Åstorp – scorer of five goals in Hamersley Rovers’ 7-0 win at Armadale. Photo: Balcatta FC.
Jay Patel was at Brisbane Road this afternoon for the Barclays WSL match and provides this selection of images from pitchside (23/4/23).
Above: The expressions say it all for Spurs. Photo: Jay Patel.
Tottenham Hotspur 3-3 Aston Villa
Aston Villa recovered after letting a 2-0 lead slip to eventually salvage a point thanks to Rachel Daly’s strike with six minutes of normal time remaining in East London today.
After Kirsty Hanson dispatched Kenza Dali’s ball home and Daly doubled their advantage, Spurs hit back.
Eveliina Summanen got her first of the afternoon to complete a move involving Beth England and Ashleigh Neville and completed her brace just after the restart with a shot that came back down off the bar. Then, 12 minutes later, England scored her customary goal to put the home side in front.
Daly earned the Midland side a draw with her header in the closing stages.
Jay Patel’s Photo Gallery:
Teams: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-4-2): Spencer, Ale, Turner, Bartrip, Harrop, Bizet, James, Spence, Neville. England, Summanen. Substitutes used: Ayane (for Ale 59′), Naz (for Bizet 67′), Graham (for England 88′), Cho (for Summanen 88′).
Scorers: Summanen 27′, 47′. England 59′.
ASTON VILLA (4-3-3): Hampton, Mayling, Patten, Turner, Pacheco, Dali, Staniforth, Nobbs, Blindkilde, Daly, Hanson. Substitutes used: Lehmann (for Blindkilde 57′), Littlejohn (for Dali 87′).
Kris Goman was pitchside at Allianz Stadium for Impetus to capture this exclusive photo gallery from yesterday’s A-League Women Preliminary Final between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory (23/4/23).
Above: Madison Haley (9) celebrates her winning goal with Kirsty Fenton. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Above: Matchwinner Madison Hayley for Sydney FC. Photo: Liberty A-League.
Sydney FC are through to a sixth straight A-League Women’s Grand Final after edging past a stubborn Melbourne Victory 1-0 at Allianz Stadium.
The two sides entered this game under very different circumstances. Sydney FC were looking for a response to a surprise loss to Western United last week, while Melbourne Victory had momentum behind them after a thrilling win against Melbourne City.
Momentum and the form of Casey Dumont in goal was their best chance in this game. Without the suspended Amy Jackson in midfield, Jeff Hopkins was forced into a reshuffle. Nat Tathem moved into midfield, and Beattie Goad was pushed to fullback to deal with the threat of Cortnee Vine.
Ava Briedis started for the second time this season. The tricky winger was involved early but faded in as the half wore on and Sydney FC began to dominate. At just 17 years old, there is much more to come from the Young Matildas attacker.
The home side looked comfortable and moved the ball much more easily than they did against Western United. The slightly improved state of the pitch helped, but Princess Ibini and Sarah Hunter were in fine touch. The pair switched play and directed attacks. Ibini was unlucky not to score with a swerving shot that forced a diving save from Dumont, and a combination with Madison Haley almost set up Rachel Lowe to score, but the chance was snuffed out by some proactive goalkeeping.
Victory set themselves up to defend. Catching Sydney FC on the counterattack was always a difficult task with Goad on defensive duties and Lia Privitelli on the bench due to injury. Although Sydney FC controlled possession and created chances, they rarely looked like scoring in the first half. Both teams looked like they were playing according to plan, yet neither looked entirely comfortable in the game.
Sydney FC looked much stronger this week with Madison Haley in the side. Rachel Lowe has been excellent as a mobile, creative forward, but what works against sides in the bottom half of the table is not necessarily the best plan in finals.
Against Melbourne Victory, she was a handful, and frequently required the attention of multiple defenders. Along with Princess Ibini, she looked the most likely to break the deadlock and when she hit a strong, athletic half-volley in the second half, it looked destined to ripple the net but skidded wide.
Above: Kirsty Fenton (left) and Ava Briedis battle for possession today. Photo: Keep Up.
Victory struggled to get a shot on goal, and their best chances came from pressuring Jada Whyman in goal. Melina Ayres forced an error from the Sydney FC goalkeeper, but could not capitalise. A later corner kick evaded Whyman’s clutches, but the header from Claudia Bunge did not clear the defence.
As the half wore on, the effects of Victory’s epic semi-final started to show. Clearances became more tired, and more gaps began to appear for Vine to dash into. When the goal came it felt both fortunate and inevitable.
Nat Tobin took matters into her own hands and embarked on a strong attacking run into the area. A series of tired clearances from Victory eventually fell to Sarah Hunter in space on the edge of the box. Her ball in was spilled by Dumont and Haley reacted quickest to poke home the scrappiest of winners.
The ball bobbled over the line, and Sydney FC had produced far more aesthetically pleasing moves in the game, but they would not care. They finally had their first goal of this finals series, and it had come too late for Victory to respond.
So Sydney FC are into a sixth straight Grand Final, and although Western United defeated them a week earlier, they will be confident. They have an almost fully fit side, their centre forward has rediscovered her scoring touch, and any player that had a down game in the first final redeemed themselves in this one.
The reigning premiers deservedly have a chance to add to this season’s silverware and to win the only trophy that has evaded them in these dominant years. Quietly, the APL must be breathing a sigh of relief that this is not an all-Melbourne final in Sydney, but it still feels unfair that Western United would have won the right to host the final and would be doing so in a historic day had the rules of the competition not been changed mid-way through the season.
Melbourne Victory had a successful season by another other club’s standards. As the winners of the last two Grand Finals, they will be disappointed. However, they had a brave campaign and kept grinding out results despite the injuries and departures of Alex Chidiac, Elise Kellond-Knight, and Paige Zois. They spent a large chunk of the season without Catherine Zimmerman and Melina Ayres and relied on the youth in the team far more than they would have expected before 2022/23 began.
The good news is that these players largely stepped up when needed. Alana Murphy looks to be a genuine star in the making, and Ava Briedis has all the skills and physical attributes to be an excellent player. Only inexperience and the fitness to play a full game are in her way between being a squad player and a gun winger for the club.
Above: Madison Haley (left) celebrates her late winner with Mackenzie Hawkesby. Photo: Keep Up.
In this context, making the finals is a massive achievement, and winning the first one against the odds was a momentous occasion. They will not feel like it now, but they gave their fans a thrilling ride and some unforgettable highlights.
But this afternoon was all about Sydney FC. There are few weaknesses in this squad. Ante Juric has built a cohesive and dependable starting 11, that has defensive stability and multiple threats in attack.
On the bench, there is almost unparalleled depth. In Mackenzie Hawkesby and Sarah Hunter, they have the league’s most dominant midfield pairing, and in Cortnee Vine the competition’s most dangerous player. Being able to bring on Indiana Dos Santos to try and change the game is a luxury few sides have, at just 15 she is already a proven senior player with match-winning potential.
They will face Western United next week and have lost to them twice this season, but not twice in a row. It will be an epic final between two sides that play different styles and have very different stories. It will take something special to decide the champions of 2022/23.
Speaking after the game, Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric said: “We attacked so much and we questioned whether we were going to get the goal but it was superb and we showed that emotion once the goal went in.
“A lot of our players now have another game under their belt like Charlotte (Mclean) and Madi (Haley) which will stand us in good stead for the final.”
Matchwinner Madison Haley reflected on her thought process in scoring the late goal saying: “I’d been saying all game to follow up everything and that was me sticking to the game plan.
“I knew extra time was looming and that was the perfect chance, I saw the ball fall in front of me and just had to get there and keep it low and it went in.”
Teams:SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Mclean, Fenton, Hunter, Lowe, Haley, Vine, Tobin, Hawkesby, Rule, Ibini. Substitutes: Offer (GK), de la Harpe, Hollman, Dos Santos, Badawiya.
Above: Melbourne Victory boss Jeff Hopkins speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s Preliminary Final at Sydney FC. Image: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins emphasised to the media today that his team has totally recovered from 120 minutes of dramatic Semi-Final actionand are prepared to deny Sydney FC a fourth straight Grand Final appearance.
Hopkins outlined that whilst the early part of the week focussed on recovery, his team are now well versed in what they need to do to defeat Sydney FC yet again in a Final, and they will travel to New South Wales with almost their whole squad available to choose from.
“We had lots of massage and rest on Monday, a day off on Tuesday and the only player that won’t be available is Miranda (Templeman). She fell heavily on her knee early on in the week, so we’ll be bringing another goalkeeper, Gaby (Garton) in. Apart from that, everyone is available. We enjoyed last week, we’ve put that behind us, and we’re totally focussed now on the weekend.”
It has been made abundantly clear to Victory players that their dramatic penalty shoot- out win over Melbourne City will mean nothing now their next challenge is awaiting. Complacency is not an option.
“We played a Final last week. It is not acceptable to us as a group to think we played our Final. If we enjoyed it too much, then that massive high will be hit by a massive low this week. We’re totally focussed on going to Sydney and getting that result. I’m not interested in what they (Sydney FC) do or what preparation they do. We’ve had a good week. We’ve had good tactical work-outs, the girls are physically sharp.”
The defending champions’ head coach was also very clear in emphasising that his team’s wins over Sydney FC in the last two Grand Finals has absolutely no bearing on tomorrow’s showdown.
“The game is a new fresh game. Last year, last game, last week doesn’t come into it. This is a fresh game. They know us inside out, we know them inside out. It’s about getting us physically and mentally prepared and having one or two things up our sleeve that we do differently in terms of personnel and tactics. It will be down to the day.”
Above: Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison (left) and Sydney FC captain Nat Tobin with the A-League Women Grand Final trophy. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images supplied to Impetus by: A-Leagues.
In terms of what he is expecting from the home side tomorrow, Hopkins first identified the two options he has in how to set his team up tomorrow, saying: “You can sit back into a deeper block and try and frustrate them, and Western United did that well last week, or you can get in their face, get up, press, and pressure.
“Sydney FC are a very quick, dynamic team. I see the game being pretty open, end to end with two teams setting themselves up to defend the opposition, but also being positive. We can’t fall into the trap of going there, sitting back, and looking to nick the game. We know we need to be positive when we have the ball and do what we have to do without it.”
“I have massive respect for Ante (Juric) as a coach and a massive respect for them as a team. They have been the benchmark for the last three or four years. To beat a team as good as them is a big motivation to get to the Grand Final.”
Highlighting two of his team’s key players in last week’s win over Melbourne City, Melina Ayres, and Casey Dumont, Hopkins said: “Our team have lost one in 18. Melina is scoring in every game she plays.
“She will be a target for them to keep as quiet as they possibly can. It will be a very difficult job. She doesn’t need time or space, she creates it herself. She scores spectacular goals and brings other people into the game well. Some have that big match mentality, she definitely has that.”
When it came to Dumont’s heroics in shot stopping and penalty scoring, Hopkins smiled: “She saved a penalty in normal time, remember, and all the girls rushed to congratulate her, but she was like: ‘No! Get away from me! There’s a corner to defend!’
“When I first came to this club she was one of my first targets, and she’s never let me down. Her motivation is to do well for this club. She enjoys playing for this club, she loves the girls and being here. Her main motivation is to win another Grand Final. She’s the best goalkeeper in the A-League Women at the moment in my eyes.”
Matthew Appleby was at the Leigh Sports Village for Impetus last night to capture all the big match action as top WSL heavyweights battled it out (20/4/23).
Above: Arsenal tackling denies Manchester United a chance last night. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.
Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal
Manchester United followed up their qualification for the FA Cup Final by going four points clear at the top of the WSL table with victory over Arsenal.
Alessia Russo’s strike deep into first-half injury time from Nikita Parris’ pass – ironically United’s first shot on target all night – was ultimately the difference.
Whilst Marc Skinner’s team’s victory was vital, thoughts dwelt on a serious looking injury to Lionesses’ captain Leah Williamson whose leg appeared to buckle underneath her around the 15 minute mark.
Chelsea have two games in hand on United which, if both were won would see Emma Hayes’ side leapfrog the North-West outfit at the top of the ladder with it all to play for in the final five weeks of the season.
Matthew Appleby’s exclusive photo gallery for Impetus from Leigh Sports Village:
Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps, Batlle, Le Tissier, Mannion, Blundell, Ladd, Zelem, Parris, Toone, Galton, Russo. Substitutes used: Williams (for Russo 72′), Thomas (for Parris 88′), Turner (for Toone 88′).
Scorer: Russo 45+6′.
ARSENAL (4-3-3): Zinsberger, Weinroither, Wubben-Moy, Carvalho Souza, Maritz, Maanum, Williamson, Walti, Pelova, Blackstenius, Kuhl. Substitutes used: Queiroz Costa (for Williamson 15′), Beattie (45′), Catley (for Kuhl 45′), Taylor (for Queiroz Costa 73)’.
Suvadeep Biswas was pitchside at St. Andrews last night to capture all the action as Birmingham City hosted Durham in the Championship (20/4/23),
Above: Birmingham City fire in a shot at home to Durham last night. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.
Birmingham City 1-0 Durham
The Blues cemented second place in the Championship after a 1-0 victory over Durham that saw them go four points behind leaders Bristol City with two games remaining.
After a goalless first half, City secured their fifth successive win on the hour mark thanks to Tara Bourne who smashed home after Durham keeper Naoisha McAloon repelled a header that fell invitingly for her to smash home.
Birmingham travel to the North-East on Sunday to face Durham once more before ending the season at home to Bristol City – which, if Charlton Athletic can come to the Midlanders’ assistance this weekend, could decide which side gains promotion to the WSL for next season.
Suvadeep Biswas’ photo gallery for Impetus from St. Andrews:
Above: Sarah Hunter speaking to the media today. Image: Sydney FC.
Sydney FC defender Sarah Hunter today told the media that despite their semi-final loss to Western United, confidence is high in the camp ahead of this weekend’s Preliminary Final showdown with Melbourne Victory.
“Everyone is super determined. Everyone knows that this is the big game for us as once you are in a Grand Final, anything can happen. This is the one we want to win, 100%. We’re pretty pumped for this game, especially with it being Victory, someone we have some history with (losing to them in the last two Grand Finals).
“We’re pretty relaxed, pretty excited, there’s obviously a lot of different emotions. Coming off that loss (to Western United last weekend), there are some negatives, but we’re moving off that game and focusing on Victory now. There are positive vibes.”
Looking back at last week’s 1-0 defeat to Western United, Hunter felt that the game ultimately came down to which team was able to convert their opportunities.
“We had lots of chances. I think Hannah Keane is in some good form, she is the Golden Boot leader, and she put away that chance like a good striker. That’s something we didn’t do, so we will look at that. We put six away against Victory last time, so we have that ability to score lots of goals. It’s about how we can connect those chances into goals.
“We have to capitalise on chances and take advantage. We need to learn and take what we learned from that semi-final (against Western United), and how can we put that experience into this game, turn the page, look at Victory and how we can beat them. Take the learnings from that game and take the fresh ideas into this game.”
With three of the four Finals places this season being taken by the league’s Melbourne-based teams, the 19-year-old outlined how she feels it has taken the rivalry between to the two cities to a new level.
“Since the A-League started, there has been that Sydney-Melbourne battle. There’s three teams this year (Melbourne teams) and just us (in the Finals), so we’re flying the flag for New South Wales. With the Grand Final being in Sydney, obviously, we want to be in it, we don’t feel pressure, but want to be there. It’s definitely part of our motivation for there not to be two Melbourne teams in in it (the Grand Final).”
Hunter also revealed the outlook for Cortnee Vine to play in the big match on Saturday is positive. “She looks good. She says she feels fine, and I think she’ll be ready to go at the weekend. She has come off a lot of high-intensity games. She’s recovering and allowing her body to be ready for this game.”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Above: ParaMatildas head coach Kelly Stirton advises her squad during training. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Almost a year ago, the ParaMatildas reached the first-ever Women’s IFCPF World Cup Final and produced a heroic display in going down to the United States. Now, with her side ranked as the best team on the planet, Australia head coach Kelly Stirton has a home Asian Cup to prepare for.
In a reflective interview with Impetus‘ Ben Gilby, Stirton reflected on last year’s debut World Cup tournament in Salou, Spain. The ParaMatildas head coach swelled with pride.
“I think my main memory over the last 12 months is the development of our players. From where we started prior to the World Cup (eight weeks of training) to the end of the World Cup and coming second, what more could a coach ask for. Yes, we were upset we lost the final, but the players were so happy two minutes later because they got to play football for their country. These are the moments a coach lives for.”
Above: The ParaMatildas team at last year’s IFCPF World Cup. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Whilst the ParaMatildas have not played a game since last year’s World Cup, they have still been busy. “After the World Cup, we held a couple of training camps and we have had one in 2023 with a few more to happen along with the IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championship in November this year.
“Players were given a strength and conditioning program to work on and some were training with clubs to keep the touches on the ball. Staff were preparing for upcoming camps and doing online meetings to keep the connection going with the players and staff,” revealed Stirton.
Last month saw the announcement that Australia will be hosting the inaugural Para Asia Cup. Reflecting on the impact that this tournament will have on her team, Stirton said: “It is very exciting for the girls to be able to play on home soil, especially with such a major tournament. We get to play in front of friends and family that may have never been able to see them play before.”
In terms of the ParaMatildas’ potential rivals for silverware at the tournament, their head coach identified one nation in particular. “Japan is a big threat for us. They are a quality team and showcase some fantastic football. They tested us during the World Cup and now one year on, they will be stronger and better.”
Above: ParaMatildas head coach Kelly Stirton speaking to the media during last year’s IFCPF World Cup. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
The impact and visibility of the Australian team at the World Cup has led to an increased potential player pool for the team ahead of the Asian Cup, a situation that Stirton welcomes, but believes can grow further in the future.
“Since the World Cup we have had 10 new players come into the fold. There are certainly a lot of players who are on the radar and ready for the next step. It is a great problem to have as a coach. I am sure as time goes on and the word spreads, we will have many more. We would love to have a development team, that is the dream and goal.
“Our training begins now, even though we aren’t together as a squad, we will touch base with the players over the next couple of months to ensure that they are ready to go in the upcoming camps. Our next camp will be coming up in May.”
That increase of the potential player pool is something that hugely excites Stirton as the impact of the ParaMatildas filters across the country, but there is still room for improvement.
“New South Wales is leading the way in female programs; however, the other states are starting to build more in the women’s space. We are looking to connect with all the other states to start building the program and hopefully build programs in each state.”
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