Izzy Foletta: “Feeling comfortable” with her game back home at Perth

The return of locally produced star Izzy Foletta to Perth Glory during this season provided a big boost to the club. With the A-League Women season approaching its climax, Izzy spoke exclusively to Ben Gilby about her footballing journey and her superb form at the club since re-joining.

Above: Izzy Foletta in possession for Perth Glory against Western Sydney Wanderers this season. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

Izzy Foletta has been one of the most impressive members of the Perth Glory squad this season, after arriving back at the club mid-campaign. Her performances and link-up play helped to reignite her local side’s bid for Finals football.

Coming into the new A-League Women campaign, Foletta was without a contract, and she takes up the story as to how she returned to the club. “I decided to head home to be with my family after my NPL NSW season had ended and I had no A-League contract.

“I contacted Alex (Epakis, Perth Glory head coach) just before I came back as we had spoken a few times throughout the year regarding this season to let him know I will be heading back to Perth. He invited me to come down to the team’s pre–season sessions and be around the team. After a few weeks and a couple of discussions, he rang me with some amazing news which was a contract.”

Above: Izzy Foletta looks to challenge Brisbane Roar’s Shea Connors. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

That phone call brought Foletta’s footballing journey back full circle to the place she calls home. “I started playing football with my local club Stirling Panthers at the age of five. I only started because I could not sit still whilst watching my brother play so my parents decided to get me involved as soon as I was old enough!”

“I played there for a few years then moved to Balcatta SC, I played with the boys most of my youth career. I then joined the Football West HPC program which rolled into state teams which I started being involved in at the age of 12 and then into the NTC program which I was there until I was about 17 years old.

“In my last year at NTC, I got invited to train with the Perth Glory squad and that is how I got my A-League scholarship contract and then received a full contract following that. I then moved to Sydney for the NPL season during the A-League off-season. After two years of playing my off-seasons in Sydney, I got contracted by Canberra United and played there for a season.

“During the peak of COVID when most leagues had stopped in Australia, I headed to Italy to play for Lazio and then returned to play for Brisbane Roar.  Following my season with Roar, I returned to Sydney to play NPL before returning to Perth ahead of this A-League Women season.”

Foletta was part of the Canberra United squad that played Finals football in 2020/21 – it was a period that she looks back fondly upon. “Life in Canberra was amazing. I was a little hesitant to live in Canberra at the start but ended up loving it.

Above: Izzy Foletta looks to create against Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

“The team at Canberra that year were great. Everyone played for everyone and left nothing out on the park each and every game which definitely got us to the Finals. I also learned a lot, both as a footballer and a person under the coach, Vicki Linton. The fans at Canberra United absolutely loved it and they really helped create a fortress at Viking Park similar to (Perth Glory’s) Macedonia Park.”

The defender’s period in Italy was eye-opening, in a league that Foletta believes is at a comparable standard to the A-League Women. “On and off the field, Italy was an amazing experience. I learned so much both as a footballer and as a person.

“It was a similar setup in regards to professionalism to Australia. The standard of the league was varied, obviously, your top teams like Juventus and Inter Milan were amazing, but the other teams still were up there also. To compare it with the A-League Women I think it’s obviously a different style of football but I do think the A-League is definitely catching up to the European leagues.”

After experiencing a challenging start to the campaign, Foletta found her feet back at her hometown club and was part of a team that went on a six-game unbeaten run to renew their challenge for Finals football. The defender has been in outstanding form, something she believes head coach Alex Epakis deserves some credit for.

“As a player under Alex, I feel like he has helped me feel comfortable with my game and overall feel comfortable and confident playing in the A-League. He also allows me to explore the freedom in my position to play a lot higher up the park which I love.” 

Above: Izzy Foletta celebrates her goal for Perth Glory against Newcastle Jets. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

That atmosphere of confidence in players’ abilities and a supportive ethos is one that Foletta believes has played a significant part in the club’s run of results since the turn of the year.

“Every single player in the squad is putting 110% in every training session and game, not just for themselves but for the team. What we have in this team is unstoppable when we put it all out on the park and that is what we are trying to do every game.”

Perth Glory are now in the midst of their last three games of the season which sees all those matches played in different states within a six-day period. Foletta outlined what that sort of schedule is like for the squad.

“Unfortunately that’s football sometimes. Personally, managing the tight schedule of games with travel, you just have to ensure you are recovering after every session and game the best you can. The club really help us with our post-training and post-game recovery with massages, ice baths etc which really helps with a tight schedule.”

With Foletta heading back to the east coast to play her NPLW football once Perth Glory’s season is done, there will be many fans in WA hoping that she comes back home to pull on a purple shirt once more for 2023/24. Watch this space.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of on Her Side.

Box Hill are box office: NPLW Victoria Wrap Round Two

By Kieran Yap (29/3/23)

Above: Zoe Lambi (12) celebrates a goal for South Melbourne against FV Emerging. Image: Football Victoria

Despite some big scorelines, the Victorian NPLW was an enthralling as ever in Round Two. Two of last season’s top sides clashed when Heidelberg United faced Bulleen Lions, but there were some surprises elsewhere with Alamein facing Calder United, and one of the leagues newest clubs getting their first win.

Box Hill continued to flex their attacking strength against Southern United. Asuka Doi opened the scoring from a corner kick in the seventh minute. The ball was dropped onto her head with perfect delivery from Kanna Moriya and she was able to nod it in from almost point-blank range.

Box Hill’s lead doubled through an own goal, but it was the result of some excellent build-up play. Sienna Techera and Maxine Diblasi combined on the left to put Ciciliy Paraskevas into space on the right. Her cross was deflected into the net by the Southern United defender, but there was little they could do. It was sent in with pace and into a dangerous area.

Techera was at the heart of Box Hill’s third goal and best move of the game. Southern United were on the attack, and a quick clearance found Techera in midfield. The 17-year-old attacker cut inside and sent a long swift pass across field into the path of Anais Josefski.

Josfski has an ability to explode into space, and then finish while still speeding up. Southern United’s defenders and keeper had no chance of stopping her in full flight.

The score remained 3-0, and it was Box Hill’s first win of the season, but more importantly their second consecutive week of scoring three times. In Techera they might have one of the breakout stars of this season. She is young, so consistency may wane over 22 weeks, but she is talented and deadly with a pass or shot.

FV Emerging’s first hitout of 2022 was up against a rampant South Melbourne who were looking to put a tough draw in Round One behind them. The 6-1 scoreline was harsh on the NTC side, but this is a development squad and they traditionally take a few rounds to adjust to senior football.

They got off to an unfortunate start when Annabella Yates defected the ball into her own net. Janna Lawson added a second after a powerful, direct run into the box. She brushed off the challenged and fired home for her first of the night. Her brace was completed moment later with another strong finish in the 32nd minute.

Tayla Christensen continued her strong start to the season with a goal just four minutes later. Slick passing from South Melbourne put Danielle Wise in space at the edge of the box. The star signing turned and played in Christensen who raced in to score her second in as many games.

It was 5-0 before halftime when Caitlin Pickett got off the mark for 2023. The goal came out of nowhere when Pickett’s strike took everybody by surprise and snuck beyond the FV Emerging keeper.

Wise scored her first goal for South Melbourne. The attacker was dangerous throughout the game and was rewarded with a goal in the 60th minute to make it 6-0. The calm finish came at the end of a desperate clearance and South Melbourne were ruthless in their response.

FV Emerging scored a late consolation goal through striker Maia Marinkovic. The substitute attacked Ellie Vlaeminck’s cross at the back post and gave FV Emerging something to celebrate in the 91st minute.

6-1 is a hard scoreline to take, but it says more about South Melbourne than the youngsters from FV Emerging. South have invested heavily, recruited boldly, and have title ambitions. This will not the last big goal tally they post in 2023.

In one of the surprises of the round, Alamein defeated Calder United 4-2. Two goals each from Rebecca Daber and Savanna Anastasopoulos were enough to defeat the reigning champions. Calder scored from an own goal and Montana Mathews backed up her wonder goal from last week with another solo effort.

Saber’s opening goal was a thing of beauty. Alamein got the ball to her quickly, but with plenty still to do. She cut inside two challenges and kept her balance to score from close range.

Anastasopoulos scored the second through pace and persistence. It took three strikes to beat Lara El-Hayek but eventually the second of the afternoon went in.

Saber scrapped and fought for an opening to score her second. The eventual shot was powerful enough to beat El-Hayek from the edge of the box, but Calder United would be disappointed not to have cleared it when they had the opportunity.

Sidney Allen set up Anastasopoulos for her second and the match sealer in the second half. Allen drew the defenders toward her and then passed across the penalty box. Anastasopoulos finished low and hard.

Alamein just missed out on finals last season, and without Kat Smith at the helm, their start to the season was of great interest to neutrals and fans. New manager, Nunziato Maiorana has delivered some impressive performances so far with an encouraging draw in Round One, and an impressive win in Round Two.

In the heavyweight clash of the week, Heidelberg United hosted Bulleen Lions. The game ended 1-1 and both clubs are still in search of their first win, but most observers would have had trouble picking a winner before kick-off between two well-structured and coached sides.

Rosie Rodger backed up her impressive Round One performance with a goal in the 38th minute. Bulleen stalked and pressured the ball deep in Heidelberg’s defence, and closed down the space until they could literally force it in into the back of the net.

Heidelberg drew level before halftime. Some neat, fast paced interplay on the left flank ended up in the path of Kathryn Vlahopoulos who drilled the ball home emphatically.

The final game of the round saw newly promoted Boroondara-Carey Eagles defeat Bayside United 2-1. Kurea Okino opened the scoring for Booroondara from the penalty spot before Miwa Sasaki levelled the score for Bayside. Rebbeca Lim retook the lead for the home side with a 79th-minute goal.

After getting behind the Bayside defence, and beating the offside trap. She cruised into the area to finish easily and win the game. It was her second one on one with the goalkeeper for the afternoon and made no mistake when it mattered most.

After two rounds, the table is no clearer. South Melbourne sit on top, but no team has a perfect record. Boroondara Eagles have probably made the most encouraging start to the season. As one of the newer clubs to the league, they have drawn 2-2 with Bulleen, and beaten Bayside who looked very strong in Round One.

Next up, they face the free-scoring Box Hill side that had six goals in two games. If they can get a result from that match, it would be a fairy tale start to the season, The Eagles are a team to keep an eye on in the coming weeks, but Box Hill are currently box office.  

Table from: NPLW Victoria Gameday.

Sydney FC and Wellington both have big wins with different implications

Adelaide United 1-3 Wellington Phoenix

By Kieran Yap (29/3/23)

Above: Indiana Dos Santos becomes the fifth youngest scorer in league history. Photo: KeepUp.

Wellington Phoenix scored twice in the second half to beat Adelaide United 3-1. The Reds have endured a tough season, and the match against Wellington summed up much of their campaign.

It was not a bad performance by Adelaide, over the 90 minutes it was one of their best. But they were undone by the ball not falling their way when it mattered, and a masterclass by Millie Clegg.

Having played just days earlier, both sides made changes. Wellington made five to their starting lineup, while Adelaide welcomed back Ella Tonkin into defence.

The most decisive inclusion was 17-year-old playmaker Millie Clegg for the Phoenix. There have been growing calls to include her in the New Zealand World Cup squad and on Tuesday night she showed why.

Both teams started aggressively, but it was Wellington who opened the scoring, Clegg’s turn and shot on the edge of the area earned a corner kick. Chloe Knott rose highest to nod home Michaela Foster’s trademark delivery.

Adelaide hit back almost immediately. Emilia Murray had looked dangerous on the right flank early on, and the Young Matildas captain delivered a perfect cross from deep. Fiona Worts connected at the back post for her third and final goal of the season.

Adelaide continued to attack in the second half and probably controlled most of the play, but Wellington remained dangerous. Foster came close to retaking the lead with a vicious strike from long-range. The effort skimmed wide of Annalee Grove’s post.

Wellington’s second goal came from Clegg. Emma Main played a perfect pass beyond the Adelaide defence and Clegg sprinted clear. She rounded Grove calmly and finished into the empty net to make it 2-1.

Dylan Holmes came close with a stinging shot for Adelaide, and Maruschka Waldus almost scored from a header, but Wellington struck again.

Grace Wisnewski embarked on a surging run down the right. She cut inside and played the ball to Clegg who’s finish deflected off a defender and looped over Grove to seal the result.

The win will give Wellington a confidence boost heading into their final match with Melbourne Victory. With so many players pushing for a World Cup spot, they should not be taken lightly despite the lowly ladder position. There is still more than pride at stake for much of this young side.

Adelaide end the campaign in their worst position for three seasons. Although it would have been a frustrating one for the players, coach, and fans, it was not exactly a wasted year.

The Reds have seen steady progression over the past few campaigns and this year could be more of a bump in the road than a significant step backwards. They have unearthed some bright new talents like Murray, Sasha Coorey, and Katie Bowler.

Without Emily Condon for much of the season, they were missing one of their best players, and a fully fit Ella Tonkin would have made a big difference.

In a league with no relegation, risks can be taken, and when Adelaide assess this season, they should avoid panic. It was bad, but not a disaster.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Grove, I. Hodgson, Tonkin, Waldus, E. Hodgson, Holmes, Sasaki, Westland, Murray, Barbieri, Worts. Substitutes: McCormick, Bowler, Tolland, Coorey, Wilson

Scorer: Worts 21′.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): Candy, Cicco, Barry, Taylor, Foster, Knott, Hassett, Wisnewski, Clegg, Lancaster, Pritchard. Substitutes: Vosper, walker, McMeeken, Edwards, Main.

Scorers: Knott 19’, Clegg, 75’, 90+6’.

Referee: Isabella Blaess.

Attendance: 694.

Sydney FC 4-2 Perth Glory

by Kieran Yap

Sydney FC now have one hand on the premiership after a dramatic 4-2 win over Perth Glory. The Wednesday night fixture was originally scheduled for Round 11, but when no ground could be located it was delayed until this week.

This was far from ideal for Perth Glory who had to travel across the country midweek, but made for a suitably dramatic game of football. The visitors had to win to keep a potential finals spot in their own hands. Sydney FC had to win in order to reclaim top spot with one game to play.

The home side were on the attack early on, their midfield and fullbacks swarmed Perth Glory’s and they created a series of great chances in the opening stages. Cortnee Vine was in unplayable form. The Matildas winger tormented the Perth defence who did very well to hold out as long as they did. Chances to Princess Ibini, Mackenzie Hawkesby and Vine all missed, but were warning signs for the visitors.

When the opening goal came, it was no surprise that Vine was the source. She cut outside of Isabella Foletta and cruised past Liz Anton. The cross flashed across goal and the ball touched back to 15-year-old Indiana Dos Santos. The youngster tucked away the ball with admirable composure to give her side the lead and become the fifth youngest scorer in A-League Women history.

Perth had spent the entire half performing desperate clearances and speculative long passes but were given a lifeline toward the end of the half. Hana Lowry was judged to have been fouled in the box by Sarah Hunter. She did not have possession and it was the only blemish on an otherwise perfect performance by Hunter, but Alana Jancevski was cool, and merciless from the penalty spot.

It looked like staying 1-1 at halftime, but Vine had other ideas. She received the ball on the wing, and upon looking up to see three defenders decided to cut through them all using a mix of pace, touch, and physicality. The finish across goal was as good as the build-up, it was a terrific solo effort.

Alex Epakis introduced Gabby Coleman and Cyera Hintzen at halftime, and Ella Mastrantonio throughout the half. All three made an impact, with Coleman scoring another equaliser for Glory.

Hannah Blake’s cross was slightly mis-hit but Jada Whyman struggled to deal with the high ball and Coleman bundled it home from point-blank range.

The pair almost combined again, when Coleman’s surging run for the right played in Blake, but Sarah Hunter was able to clear when a goal looked certain.

It would be Perth’s last real chance on goal. Madison Haley earned a controversial free kick in the 74th minute, but there was no confusion about the end product. Mackenzie Hawkesby’s free-kick caused havoc in the box, and Haley ghosted in at the far post to bury the strike past Morgan Aquino.

It gave Perth another mountain to climb with time ticking down. Perth became increasingly vulnerable on the counter-attack and  Princess Ibini made sure of the result late in the game with a cool finish for Sydney FC’s fourth.

The result means that Sydney FC only need one more win to capture their third consecutive premiership. It would be a massive achievement and they have played some terrific football to earn it. While much of the attention will rightfully go to the prodigious Dos Santos, Sarah Hunter, and Charlize Rule were both excellent in both defensive and attacking roles.

With Shay Hollman returning from national team duty, and to accommodate Dos Santos, Hunter has been shifted into the ‘six’ role and put in an excellent performance. She was calm in possession, disciplined without it, and may have made the clearance to change the course of the game.

It’s a tough outcome for Perth Glory. They require Melbourne Victory and Canberra United need to lose to potentially make the Finals, but even then it will come down to goal difference. The Western Australians face another away trip to the dangerous Brisbane Roar and it will be a tough task for the battle-weary side. But crazier things have happened this season, and they will not be losing hope yet.

Speaking after the game, Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric said: “We dominated the first half and our dominance showed in the second too. Viney is outstanding and has done it for three or four years, it’s no surprise to us, that’s her job out wide.  Today she had a particularly good game.”

Juric was also hugely proud of Indiana Dos Santos and believes she can be a star for years to come. “She’s excellent, when I first saw her a year ago she was playing in the 17’s and she is a gem of a talent and has developed well over the last couple of months and has taken her chance. She’s unbelievable for 15.”

Looking ahead to the club’s final game of the season at home to Newcastle Jets, Juric said: “We go out to win and next weekend the end result is the Premiership but we are focused on how we play and what we do, and the reward will be there if we get through.”

A thrilled Indiana Dos Santos reflected on her historic goal, saying: “It just meant the world, I just couldn’t believe it, I was going to start crying but I just had to focus on the game. “It shows all the hard work I’ve been putting in is finally paying off.”

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Rule, Tobin, de la Harpe, Green, Hunter, Hawkesby, Dos Santos, Vine, Lowe, Ibini. Substitutes: Fenton, Haley, Hollman, Stajcic.

Scorers: Dos Santos 25’, Vine 45’, Haley 70’ Ibini 89’.

PERTH GLORY: (4-2-3-1): Aquino, Rigby, Anton, Carroll, Foletta, Cain, Lawrence, Blake, Lowry, Sakalis, Jancevski. Substitutes: McKenna, Hintzen, Langman, Mastrantonio, Coleman.

Scorers: Jancevski (pen) 45’, Coleman 58’

Referee: Casey Reibelt.

Attendance: 414.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Champions League Quarter-Finals

Emmanuel Faith looks back at last week’s first-leg action in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Quarter-Finals before previewing the second legs which begin tonight (29/3/23).

Above: Salma celebrates her goal for Barcelona against Roma. Photo: UEFA.

When four different matches end in a 1-0 scoreline, you can imagine the difficulty, intensity, and quality of the matches.

Whether it’s an almost one-sided match where one team attacked and the other side defended like Roma against Barcelona, or an evenly matched combat like Bayern Munich’s tie with Arsenal, what the first leg of the quarter-finals has shown the world is that any team is capable of pulling off a surprise.

Above: Bayern Munich celebrate Lea Schuller’s winning goal in their first leg against Arsenal. Photo: Bayern Munich Women.

The week started with a thriller between Bayern Munich and Arsenal. It was the North London side who created first with a cross by Caitlin Foord that landed perfectly for Stina Blakstenius in the tenth minute, the Swedish forward however couldn’t find the right connection and direction. It was Lea Schuller who had her sight on goal next but couldn’t hit the target from 40 yards out but she forced Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger into a save just few minutes later before finally beating her and nodding a cross home in the 38th minute. Foord hit the post in the 50th minute and Saki Kumagai had to make an intervention to ensure Bayern ended the match with a one-goal advantage into the second leg.

Roma hosted Barcelona next and for a team that had 33 shots and 11 shots on target, it is a surprise that Barcelona couldn’t get beyond a one-goal lead, a testament to Roma’s resilience, and Camelio Caesar’s captivating abilities.

The Liga f champions who are on a 50-game unbeaten run domestically turned the heat from the first minute with Aitana Bonmati picking through passes and Caroline Graham Hansen causing trouble on the right side of Roma’s defence. It was however the Spanish youngster, Salma Paralluelo who got the breakthrough in the 34th minute.

The Roma goalkeeper made a lot of decent saves including an exceptional one to keep the Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala from doubling Barca’s lead after a towering header however it was the Catalan side’s turn to defend in the 55th minute when Emili Haavi latched on a through pass to drive the ball into the box to lay a pass her strike partner Gianciti couldn’t convert the half chance thanks to Mapi Leon’s defending. Roma spent the rest of the evening keeping out Barcelona’s attacking stings to set up an exciting second leg.

Above: Sam Kerr fires in a shot for Chelsea at Olympique Lyonnais last week. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Olympique Lyonnais against Chelsea lived up to the expectations and it was the hosts who started on the strong foot as Eugenie Le Sommer missed the chance to give her team the lead in the eighth minute.

Lyon continued to boss the game with midfielders like Dzsenifer Maroszan, Sara Däbritz, and Lindsey Horan keeping Chelsea at bay, thus the home fans were stunned when the visitors took a surprise lead after typically hard work from Erin Cuthbert who won a 50-50 challenge and pass to lay off an assist for Guro Reiten. The Norwegian star latched on to the shot to give the team a slight advantage.

A few minutes after, the Lionesses whiz Lauren James hit the post after guiding the ball through Lyon’s defence. Both teams continued to create chances; from Sam Kerr who hit the side-netting twice to Selma Bacha who couldn’t capitalise on Magda Eriksson’s error as time ticked by.  Chelsea had the final say with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd having a half-chance to bury the game in the 88th minute however Christiane Endler’s brilliant save ensured there is all to play for in the second leg.

Kadidiatou Diani’s shot on target in the sixth minute was a great way to open the last quarter-final tie between Paris St. Germain and VfL Wolfsburg. The competition’s topscorer Ewa Pajor missed her chance to add to her tally after a goalkeeping error from PSG’s shot-stopper Sarah Bouhadi. Both teams huffed and puffed however there was a controversial call against the French side when a penalty wasn’t given for what seemed like a foul against Ashley Lawrence by Marina Hegering. However, things got worse for PSG when Wolfsburg were awarded a penalty and Élisa De Almeda was sent off after a second yellow card in the 61st minute. The Parisien hosts spent the rest of the match defending to give themselves hope of something to play for in the second leg.

Above: Orianne Jean-Francois takes a tumble against VfL Wolfsburg last week. Photo: Franck Fife.

Second Leg Previews

Given how intense the first legs were, predicting the return matches would be a daunting task for any analyst.

Barcelona would have a slight edge over Roma and will hope that they are more clinical with their conversion rate while relying on the experience of defenders like Lucy Bronze and Mapi Leon to shout out any surprise Roma might have in store.

Arsenal will fancy overturning a goal deficit in the second leg with attackers like Foord and Blacksteinus hoping for better luck this time around,  but Bayern is capable of scoring from anywhere, at any time of the match and a goal puts them in the driving seat that could extend the North London side’s record of falling at the quarter-final hurdle.

Lyon and Chelsea had opposite weekends. The French and European champions thumped Gueingamp, their domestic counterpart a 6-0 defeat while the WSL champions fell to two early goals from their rivals at Manchester City. Lyon finally has Ada Hegerberg back and will be relying on her to break through Chelsea’s defence who is now one rock less with Millie Bright doubtful. If there is any team that can bounce back from defeat, it’s Chelsea and if they score an early goal like they did last week, Lyon might be in for a long night.

PSG would be without De Almeda, a key part of their defence, but they would fancy their chances against Wolfsburg who rather underperformed in the first leg. Whoever scores the first goal will shift the momentum of this game.

Manchester City v Chelsea Photo Gallery

Karl Vallantine was at The Academy Stadium to capture this superb photo gallery from the weekend’s big game – our fourth WSL photo gallery from Women’s Football Weekend! (28/3/23).

Above: Aerial drama during Sunday’s big game between Manchester City and Chelsea. Photo: Karl Vallantine for Impetus.

Manchester City 2-0 Chelsea

Manchester City gained a comfortable victory at home to a Chelsea side who never really got going at The Academy Stadium. Chloe Kelly was instrumental, particularly in the first half, which saw goals from Filippa Angeldahl and Lauren Hemp earn Gareth Taylor’s side the points which adds further fuel to the WSL title race. Emma Hayes’ side badly missed Millie Bright, and they now await news about a worrying looking injury to Erin Cuthbert.

Teams: MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3): Roebuck, Morgan, Houghton, Greenwood, Aleixandri, Angeldahl, Hasegawa, Coombs, Kelly, Shaw, Hemp. Substitute used: Blakstad (for Hemp 78′).

Scorers: Angeldahl 21′, Hemp 30′.

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Berger, Mjelde, Buchanan, Eriksson, Carter, Leupolz, Ingle, James, Cuthbert, Reiten, Kerr. Substitutes used: Čanković (for Mjelde 67′), Charles (for Ingle 36′), Rytting Kaneryd (for James 36′), Fleming (for Cuthbert 80′).

Referee: Paul Howard.

Attendance: 5,222.

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 scene (28/3/23).

Above: Ellie Smith in action for Norwich City in their tier four match at Actonians. Photo: Norwich City Women.

FA Women’s National League Division One South East

A below-par Norwich City fell to a 4-1 defeat at Actonians. Natasha Snelling was on the scoresheet for the visitors but goals from Dominika Nestchova, Alessandra Barreca, Sophie Baigent, and Jasmine Williamson saw the hosts take a comfortable win.

Eastern Region League Cup Quarter Final

A one-sided affair saw King’s Lynn Town lose 7-0 at AFC Sudbury. Braces from Holly Kennard and Jessica Allen plus further goals from Kate Edwards, Phoebe Guiver, and Sophie Jeffery ensured the host’s progress to the semi-finals.


Above: Joy for the University of East Anglia as they celebrate reaching the League Cup Final after a 7-6 penalty shootout win vs Thetford Town. Photo: Ben Cunningham.
Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Cup Semi-Final

The University of East Anglia (UEA) progressed to the final of the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup after a 7-6 penalty shootout win following a 2-2 draw with Thetford Town. Ella Burnley and Cassandra Piejko scored for UEA with Kamile Omileviciute and Mia Bambury getting on the scoresheet for Thetford Town before penalties decided the outcome. UEA will face Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers in the final on Sunday 14th May.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Division One

Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers were 5-2 winners over Sprowston. Two for Georgina Belton plus strikes from Shanice Sutton, Victoria Leyer, and Phoebe Green gave the home side a comfortable win. Kelsi Adams and Olivia Leggett scored for Sprowston.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Division Two

North Walsham Town continued their fine form with a 2-0 win at Bulldogs FC with Kiera Brown and Page Samwell both scoring. FC Viking Valkyries produced arguably the result of the day in Norfolk beating Thorpe St. Andrew 3-2. Cerys Nicholas bagged a brace and Chloe Ward added the other. Thorpe St Andrew had Abi Simmonds and Natasha Frankland to thank for their goals. Mulbarton Belles Development were 4-1 winners over Blofield United. Lola Eadie had given Blofield the lead but goals from Charlotte Groves, Lucy Kean, Rosie McNarry and Natasha Williams saw Mulbarton claim all three points.

Above: Action from the Match between FC Viking Valkyries (red) who beat Thorpe St Andrew 3-2. Photo: Thorpe St Andrew Women FC
Norfolk Women and Girls’ League 7’s Division One

Mulbarton Belles ran out 5-0 winners over Kirkley and Pakefield, Joanne Hooper and Alice Ladbrooke scored two each with Eloise Peek adding one of her own. In the day’s other game, Rockland United were 4-1 winners at the University of East Anglia.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ League 7’s Division Two

Beccles Town beat Yarmouth FC 3-1. Alesha Tuttle (two) and Phoebe Carter their scorers whilst Nicole Pirolli scored for Yarmouth. A Leanne Smith hat trick, two from Nicole Hazell and one from Samantha Wood saw Loddon United beat Aylsham 6-2. Hannah Claughton scored Aylsham’s two goals. Taverham recorded a stunning 12-0 win over Waveney. Katie Fray hit the back of the net seven times, Kezia Seaman scored two, with Kate Morris, Keri Boorman, and Kiera Braithwaite getting the remaining goals.

Above: Action from the Norfolk Women’s and Girls’ League 7s Division Two game between Loddon United (red) and Aylsham. Photo: Aylsham Women FC.

Welsh Weekend Wrap

Martin Townley and Perry Dobbins combine to deliver excellent coverage of the weekend’s games in Wales’ top leagues. Martin rounds up the action, and Perry‘s photo gallery this week comes from the Adran Premier game between Cardiff City and The New Saints (28/3/23).

Above: Cardiff City celebrate after clinching the Genero Adran Premier championship. Photo: Perry Dobbins.

Cardiff City ended a ten-year wait to lift the Genero Adran Premier title after a 3-1 win over The New Saints.  Abergavenny will drop back down to the Adran South after a 5-1 defeat to Pontypridd.  Swansea City continued their good run with a win over Cardiff Met. 

In the Adran North, Wrexham capped off their fantastic season with a 2-1 win over Connah’s Quay Nomads in front of a record crowd of over 9,500. 

Briton Ferry Llansawel confirmed the Adran South title in mid-week after a 3-1 win over Caldicot.  Cascade will finish in second and they inflicted a 13th defeat on Caldicot with a 6-1 win. 

Adran Premier

Swansea City 3-0 Cardiff Met

Swansea pulled further away from Met with a 3-0 win to ensure a second-placed finish in the table.  A first-half goal from Chloe Chivers set the Swans on their way.  Swansea left it late to extend the lead with Nia Rees and Megan Saunders (penalty) adding goals in the last ten minutes. Swansea will finish second despite only losing one game this season.

Abergavenny 1-5 Pontypridd United

Pontypridd move six points clear in the Plate Conference with a big win over Abergavenny.

Holly Broad, Olivia Francis, Evie Hughes, Cerys Bufton and Lucy Jones were all on the scoresheet.

Barry Town United 0-2 Aberystwyth Town

Captain Kelly Thomas finally got the goal she had been waiting for as Aberystwyth Town picked up a solid 2-0 win away at Barry Town United, writes Aberystwyth Town Media Team.

Tania Wylde had opened the scoring on 15 minutes from the penalty spot – and skipper Thomas got on the scoresheet for the first time this season three minutes into the second half, sending home a Shauna Chambers cross left-footed at the back post.

It was her first goal in the league since October 2020, in a losing effort to Cascade.

The afternoon was marred only by an ankle injury to goalkeeper Elen Valentine midway through the second half – and with no keeper on the bench, forward Amy Jenkins took the gloves for the remaining 20 minutes.

The Seasiders are at Park Avenue next Sunday (2nd April) for their final home match of the season – against Abergavenny (kick-off 2pm).

Cardiff City 3-1 The New Saints

After a long ten-year wait to win the title Cardiff City finally secured the league title with a 3-1 win over TNS. 

Ffion Price with a stunning strike from distance after 31 minutes gave the Bluebirds the lead. TNS though were not here to let Cardiff just have a party and equalised just a minute later.  Beth Lewis’ free kick into the box was missed by everyone and went straight in. 

Captain Siobhan Walsh heading in from Seren Watkins corner after 55 minutes giving City the lead again.  Walsh then added a third from the spot on 84 minutes. 

After the game, Cardiff City manager Iain Derbyshire said: “It is everything we have worked towards in the last two years. I am just so proud of the players, staff, and the people behind the scenes.”

Perry Dobbins’ Photo Gallery from the match:

Tables from: Genero Adran Leagues.

Adran North

Airbus UK Broughton 0-3 Llandudno

Llandudno kept their chances of second place going with a 3-0 win at Airbus.  Goals from Ffion Owen, Stacy Tradewell, and Rebecca Jarvis-Evans for Llandudno. 

Llandudno will need two big wins to overturn the goal difference with Connah’s Quay to take second place.

CPDY Rhyl 1879 3-3 CPDM Y Felinheli

A six-goal thriller at Belle Vue as Rhyl and Felinheli drew 3-3.  Kelly Jones gave the visitors the lead but just a minute later Kayla Hargreaves levelled.  Goals from Jody Cain and Yasmin Williams gave Felinheli the lead at the break. 

Rebecca Bannister pulled one back after 75 minutes before a dramatic late equaliser from Rachael Nattrass.

Wrexham 2-1 Connah’s Quay Nomads
Above: Wrexham lift the Genero Adran North championship trophy in front of a record crowd to watch a club match in Wales. Photo: FAW.

A record crowd for a domestic game in Cymru at the Racecourse as 9,511 watched Adran North Champions Wrexham face Connah’s Quay Nomads. 

Wrexham started nervously and Nomads had the better of the opening minutes. Tonicha Dickens settling the nerves after six minutes when her free kick went flying into the goal. The Nomads came straight back and were soon level thanks to Ella Harvey. Rosie Hughes got the winner in the 83rd minute to round off a great season for Wrexham. Wrexham will now prepare for the play-off with Briton Ferry Llansawel on April 16th.

Adran South

Cascade YC 6-1 Caldicot Town

Cascade blow away Caldicot with five first-half goals from Molly Chapman (two), Mia Kemp, Annaliese Lewis, and Ellie Bidhendy.  Lucy McDonough pulled a goal back for Caldicot before Jess Pascoe added the sixth. 

Cascade will welcome new Adran South Champions Briton Ferry Llansawel to the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence on Sunday. 

Swansea University 0-1 Pontardawe Town

An 83rd minute goal from captain Catryn Cook was enough to give a much-improving Pontardawe side a big win over Swansea Uni. With five wins from the last eight games, Pontardawe are ending the season strongly. 

Newhaven v Montpelier Villa Photo Gallery

Jon Smalldon was pitchside to capture the action from the tier six London & SE Regional League Division One South action (28/3/23)

Above: Celebration time for Newhaven in their victory over Montpelier Villa. Photo: Jon Smalldon for Impetus.

Newhaven 3-1 Montpelier Villa

The Trafalgar Ground’s new artificial surface ensured that Newhaven v Montpelier Villa – a battle of seventh against eighth – beat the rain that saw most other games in the area called off. First-half goals from Charlotte Markham, Lucy Collinson, and Chloe Evans made it a comfortable afternoon for the home side despite a late consolation from Tara Barrett.

Teams: NEWHAVEN (Alphabetical order): Burke, Collinson, Dutton, Evans, Franks, Hannaford, Hills, Markham, Mead, Quinn, Smith. Substitutes: Coade, Cook, Emily Salusbury, Ripley.

Scorers: Markham 20′, Collinson 28′, Evans 36′.

MONTPELIER VILLA (Alphabetical order): Barratt, Davyson, Egner, Hawkins, Lopez Alvarez, Marshall, Ella Salusbury, Smyrk, Stoddard, Taylor-Doyle, Tindall. Substitutes: Bates, Becerra, Newton.

Scorer: Barratt.

Attendance: 50.

NWSL 2023 Round One Wrap

The NWSL is back for 2023, and so is Blaise Ogutu‘s detailed weekly round-up of all the action (28/3/23).

Above: Alex Morgan celebrates scoring a late penalty against Chicago Red Stars. Photo: @sandiegowavefc

Late goals, new milestones, and comebacks as the NWSL makes its return in 2023

Alex Morgan rescued three points for the San Diego Wave with a late penalty against the Chicago Red Stars in a 3-2 win as North Carolina, Portland, Gotham, and Washington Spirit win their opening games.

San Diego had a negative start at the SnapDragon Stadium as Chicago took the lead in the 18th-minute courtesy of Yuki Ngasato’s goal. A goalmouth scramble ensued from a corner that the home team could not clear and the Japanese international was at the front post to poke it in.

Casey Stoney’s side didn’t have to wait for too long for the equaliser as Amirah Ali bundled in from close range four minutes later. Taking advantage of Alyssa Naeher’s mistake in goal, Ali was on standby to nod in from point-blank range.

Set pieces were proving to be difficult for both sides as Wave took the lead through teenager Jaedyn Shaw. Off a corner, Chicago’s clearance could only find Shaw at the edge of the area who put her laces through the ball and placed it in the far corner past Naeher to the delight of the home crowd.

The feisty half delivered yet another twist in the final minutes following another poor defensive clearance where former Red Star Danielle Colaprico was judged to have fouled Arin Wright in the box. Up stepped Mallory Swanson to level matters heading into the tunnel.

The second half saw plenty of chances fall in Chicago’s favour with Swanson forcing Kailen Sheridan to pull off a fine save from a powerful near-post shot. Ella Stevens also came close but her shot was easily gathered by Sheridan.

In the 88th minute, San Diego got their opportunity to seal victory when Alex Morgan drove into the box and saw her attempted cross handled by Wright forcing the referee to point to the spot. Morgan, who had been feeding on scraps the entire game, tucked the spot kick right under Naeher’s dive to steal the three points in front of a raucous 30,000 crowd.

Earlier in the day, North Carolina Courage kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over last season’s finalists Kansas City Current. The only goal came through Danish debutant Mille Gejl whose impressive run was ended by an even more impressive long-range effort to beat a rooted Franch in goal in the 22nd minute.

Above: North Carolina Courage players huddle to celebrate Mille Gejl’s goal against Kansas City Current. PhotoL @TheNCCourage/Twitter.

On Sunday, the Portland Thorns dished out four goals to beat Orlando Pride at Providence Park. Two goals in each half from Morgan Weaver, Sophia Smith, Hina Sugita and substitute Michelle Vasconcelos were enough to kickstart Thorn’s title defence in style, simultaneously becoming the first team to reach 100 NWSL regular season wins.

In other results across the day, Trinity Rodman produced a scintillating run and finish to help the Washington Spirit get a 1-0 over an uncharacteristically toothless OL Reign at Audi Field to get their campaign off to a good start. Meanwhile, Houston Dash and Racing Louisville played out to a 0-0 draw for a second consecutive time at the Shell Energy Stadium.

Above: Midge Purce is embraced by teammates after equalising against Angel City FC Photo: @GothamFC.

The last game of the weekend provided more drama as NJ/NY Gotham came from behind to seal a 2-1 win away to Angel City FC at the BMO stadium. The home crowd was on its feet in the 11th minute when first-round draft pick Alyssa Thompson beat Abby Smith in the Gotham goal with a fine top-corner finish. The 18-year-old became the second youngest scorer in the league with that strike and kept the crowd at the edge of their seats with her electric burst of pace throughout the game.

Angel City would add a second when Jun Endo lobbed the keeper from a distance but the goal was chalked off by the Video Assistant Referee following a foul in the build-up.

VAR would intervene again in the early stages of the second half after the home side’s goalkeeper DiDi Haracic was deemed to have made contact with Gotham’s Svava Rós Guðmundsdóttir in the box which resulted in a penalty that was coolly dispatched by Midge Purce to restore parity.

Ten minutes later, the LA party in the stands was quietened when Gotham’s new forward Lynn Williams put her right-footed shot into the side netting off a Purce pass to put them ahead in the tie. Juan Carlos’s side would weather a late surge from Angel City to claim all three points.

The View from France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the 17th round of 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season. Plus, an exclusive photo gallery of Olympique Lyonnais versus Guingamp game (28/3/23).

Above: Lyon and Guingamp players mixed together with a banner against racism (2The only one colour that of the jersey”). The banner was displayed before all D1 Arkema games in this round of fixtures. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Le Havre 1-1 Fleury

A disappointing game with both teams wasting possession. Fleury looked like taking the win with a 66th-minute goal from Batcheba Louis but a mistake from goalkeeper Manon Heil allowed Sadie Sider-Echenberg to put the ball in the net to equalize on 86 minutes. Goals: Fleury – Batcheba Louis (66). Le Havre – Sadie Sider-Echenberg (86).  

Bordeaux 0-0 Paris FC

Paris FC slightly dominated the statistics but missed the opportunity to move two points further ahead of Fleury in the race for third place. Paris FC’s Gaëtane Thiney had a penalty saved by Mylaine Chavas in the 63rd minute.

Dijon 1-2 Rodez

A game between two teams struggling to stay in D1 Arkema saw Rodez come from behind to win and move only one point behind Dijon and so keep a little bit of hope of survival. Goals: Dijon – Madeline Roth (13 penalty). Rodez – Alexandria Lamontagne (51), Amandine Pierre-Louis (59).

Reims 3-1 Soyaux

Reims returned to victory after three losses in a row and consolidated their sixth place in the standings. For Soyaux, this loss put them six points behind Dijon, who are tenth in the table, and almost certainly condemns them to relegation. Goals: Reims – Rachel Corboz (36), Melchie Dumornay (86), Thelma Eninger (90+2). Soyaux – Binta Diakité (40).

Montpellier 0-1 Paris Saint-Germain

On a very windy day in Montpellier, it was PSG who dominated much of the game but without scoring: Kadidiatou Diani missed a penalty on 39 minutes. Although the second half was more even than the first, both teams having serious opportunities to score, it was PSG who took the points. Goal: Paris Saint-Germain – Ramona Bachmann (40).

Olympique Lyonnais 6-0 Guingamp

Lyon needed a response after their Champions League loss to Chelsea and did not give Guingamp a chance. Lyon dominated this match from the beginning to the end despite resting several players (Ellie Carpenter, Delphine Cascarino, and Lindsey Horan) to prepare for the return fixture in London with others such as Wendie Renard, Damaris Egurrola, and Vicki Becho playing only the first half.

Signe Bruun took the opportunity to show her talent as a forward and to score twice in only 70 minutes on the field and there were noteworthy performances from Amel Majri in her first full match since her return after giving birth and Selma Bacha who swapped from defender to attacker at half time. Ada Hegerberg capped a remarkable day for Lyon by scoring one minute after coming onto the field – her first appearance in 209 days. Goals: Lyon – Signe Bruun (10, 29), Vicki Becho (41), Ada Hegerberg (71), Eugénie Le Sommer (80), Daniëlle Van De Donk (81).

Photos Gallery of Lyon v Guingamp game on March 25th 2023 by Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.