Glory for Perth after dramatic comeback

Perth Glory 4-3 Melbourne City

by Jonathan Tay (26/3/23)

Above: Joy for Perth Glory in their stunning win today. Photo: Keep Up.

Perth Glory triumphed in an incredible, see-sawing battle with Melbourne City on Sunday, winning 4-3 at Macedonia Park, and boosting their chances of a top-four finish.

A second half which had six goals from both teams combined, saw a Cyera Hintzen-inspired Glory come back from a 1-0 deficit, before holding on to the lead by the skin of their teeth for the famous victory.

With Canberra United’s recent impressive form vaulting them into a heated battle with Melbourne Victory for fourth place in the league, it was vital for Perth Glory to get a result to retain any hope of catching either team and keeping alive their own Finals ambitions. Melbourne City meanwhile, were just a point ahead in third place, and also had their sights set on a win, with head coach Dario Vidosic emphasising the need to avoid a “do-or-die game next weekend.”

City welcomed back Melissa Barbieri from a calf injury, slotting into goal to play her 100th A-League match, whilst Rhianna Pollicina also returned to the side, with striker Hannah Wilkinson moving to the bench. Perth came into the match with a little extra motivation, with this home fixture being the last one of 35-year-old Kim Carroll’s career, after the defender announced her retirement earlier in the week. A much-loved legend of the club, Perth boss Alex Epakis stated ahead of the match that Carroll was a “fantastic person for the team, the club, and the game in general.”

Above: Perth Glory legend Kim Carroll received a presentation to mark her final home game. Photo: Perth Glory.

That description was exemplified immediately, with City wingback Kaitlyn Torpey having a point-blank effort charged down by Carroll just 36 seconds into the match. Unfortunately for Glory, that initial effort characterised the majority of the first half, as Melbourne seemingly set up camp around their final third, racking up 15 shots in the opening period. Perth were happy to concede possession to City’s ball-dominant style of play, asking for a lot of running from Hana Lowry and Alana Jancevski up front, and relying on Sakalis and Blake to provide width and creativity.

City’s front four of Maria Rojas, Holly McNamara, Daniela Galic, and Pollicina all combined well, linking play and constructing intricate passing networks to find each other in space and conjure their numerous chances. Rojas, McNamara, Galic, and Leticia McKenna all had good opportunities within the first half hour to open the scoring.

The eventual City goal in the 33rd minute came in very fortuitous circumstances; Perth keeper Sarah Langman spilling a tame through ball from McNamara right into the path of Pollicina, with the midfielder making no mistake in front of a gaping goal.

City were unlucky not to go into the half-time break two goals up; Galic crashed a spectacular long-range strike past a rooted Langman and off the underside of the crossbar. Glory coach Epakis was left scratching his chin and searching for answers amidst the City siege, but would have taken comfort in his side coming away with just a small deficit leading into the second half.

Cyera Hintzen was brought on in the 60th minute, as Glory looked to press a greater attacking impetus and make City pay for their profligacy in front of goal. The American delivered, sparking a period of magic as Perth scored two goals in the space of a minute, midway through the second period.

Hintzen first pressured City defender Naomi Chinnama into conceding a corner, before the substitute flicked on the resulting delivery to Sadie Lawrence who nodded home at the back post, and equalised for Perth.

No sooner had the game restarted than Glory suddenly had the lead; a weak Barbieri clearance fell to Perth’s Hannah Blake, and she produced a stunning effort from the right wing to lob the City keeper and find the back of the net.

A stunned Melbourne City were violently shocked back into life and wasted no time in finding their own way back into the game. Just minutes later, Pollicina had an initial shot blocked in the penalty area, but the rebound came straight to substitute Wilkinson who hammered home to become the all-time leading scorer in City history.

Perth though had their tails up, having already taken the lead once, with Hintzen in particular looking like she was not going to be denied. The game was played end-to-end at a frenetic pace, with both sides trading numerous chances.

Glory first regained the lead in the 81st minute, with Hintzen laying off for Lowry to finish exquisitely into the top corner. City then thought they had another leveller, with a corner creating a mad scramble in the box, but referee Kelly Jones adjudicated that the ball had been cleared off the line by the Perth defence.

Another Glory substitute Gabriella Coleman then set up their fourth goal, bursting down the left wing, before her cross found a streaking Hintzen who side-footed past Barbieri to send the home crowd wild. Melbourne though were still very much a threat, and in the first minute of stoppage time, a Wilkinson cutback saw Grosso tap home from close range to cut the margin in half.

City will be left wondering how they ended up on the losing end, after tallying 32 shots in total in the game and looking so at ease during the opening half. They even had late openings to again tie the game, with Katie Bowen having an effort tipped round the post by Langman before Torpey had another shot deflected just over the bar from the subsequent corner.

The Melbournians will now host a very nervy last home match of the season, coming up against a Canberra side who will be looking to leapfrog them into a Finals berth. For Perth Glory, whilst they will need other results to go their way to reach the top four, they again echoed Epakis’ words in having “that relentless desire to just find a way to win.”

Glory will hope this remarkable upset spurs them on in their sprint to the finish and provide them enough adrenaline, with two matches in four days to close out the regular season.

Ben Gilby‘s coverage of the post-match media conferences of both head coaches, plus Tom McCarthy‘s photo gallery match will appear on the site later today.

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

Scorers: Lawrence 70’, Blake 71’, Lowry 81’, Hintzen 87’.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-2-2-2): Barbieri; Torpey, Chinnama, Checker, Grosso; Bowen, McKenna; Pollicina, Galic; Rojas, McNamara. Substitutes: James (GK), Accardo, Henry, Malone, Wilkinson.

Scorers: Pollicina 33’, Wilkinson 74’, Grosso 90+1’

Referee: Kelly Jones.

Attendance: 910.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Connors strike puts the kibosh on Victory’s finals hopes

Melbourne Victory 1-1 Brisbane Roar

By Kieran Yap (26/3/23)

Above: Shea Connors, Sharn Freier, and Hollie Palmer celebrate Brisbane Roar’s goal. Photo: Liberty A-League.

A Shea Connors strike and some late heroics from Hensley Hancuff have earned Brisbane Roar a 1-1 draw away to Melbourne Victory.

The home side entered this round in fourth spot, but in need of a win to maintain some distance between themselves and the resurgent Canberra United. Brisbane had only pride to play for. Their win over Western United having been overturned, but the played like a team with everything on the line. 

This match had the energy and intensity of a finals match, and in some ways was a tactical wrestle between the minds on the bench, as much as the players on the pitch. 

Brisbane were without Larissa Crummer. In the absence of the Matilda, Brisbane set up with five players in midfield and opted for Connors as the sole attacker. Victory started with a midfield trio of Amy Jackson, Tiffany Eliadis and Alana Murphy. Paige Zois was unavailable, leaving the midfield light on experienced options. 

Neither team truly dominated the early stages of the match, but Brisbane denied Victory time on the ball. When the Roar were in possession, they acted quickly, trying to find Connors behind Kayla Morrison and Claudia Bunge. 

It appeared early on that they were missing a final link between midfield and the striker, and when youngster Kijah Stephenson went off injured, it looked like things had gotten tougher. 

Despite this early setback, Brisbane hit the lead in the 29th minute. Connors played the ball to Shark Freier and then took off toward goal and full pace. Freier’s return pass was well weighted and Connors was suddenly behind the Victory back line. This situation has meant danger for most A-League defences over the last two months and Connors sped into the box and shot over Casey Dumont from an acute angle.

Dumont was able to get a have to the looping shot, but it was not enough to keep it out of the net. Connors had scored her fourth goal in as many games. 

Victory responded soon after through the ever-dependable Amy Jackson. The veteran midfielder charged into the box and drew a foul. The referee pointed to the spot, and Melina Ayres made no mistake with the penalty kick. 

The second half saw Victory with most of the attacks, but the outnumbered midfield looked rushed under Roar’s pressure. 

Lia Privitelli was brought on to inject some directness and pace out wide. She made an impact and drew some good saves out of Hensley Hancuff, but could not beat the in-form American.

Victory continued to push for the winning goal, but Roar absorbed the attacks. A header from a corner kick was blocked on the line, and then Hancuff’s diving effort denied Beattie Goad’s volley. 

The home side’s effort was admirable, but Roar rarely looked threatened. The threat of Connors upfront prevented them from going on the all-out attack in the dying stages.

Ayres looked the most dangerous for the home side, but was unable to find much space in front of goal. She was well-marshalled for the majority of the match. Alana Murphy was industrious in midfield and tried to turn the tide, but it was not Victory’s day.

The draw is not a disaster for Jeff Hopkins’s side, but it does take their finals position out of their own hands. Only goal difference separated them from Canberra United, and they face Wellington Phoenix away next week. 

That is a must-win game, and Victory will need a favour from Melbourne City, and Brisbane Roar next week to keep the chasing pack at bay. They have been specialists at grinding out the results when they need them so far, and should back themselves to close out the home and away campaign with a win.

On this occasion, they faced one of the league’s in-form strikers, and that one moment of brilliance is all it took to leave their season in the balance. 

They will reset, and approach Wellington like it is their first finals game of the season. In all effect, it is.

Brisbane’s performance was impressive. Palmer was the cool head in midfield, Freier was creative on the flank, and Norrie worked hard as always. They defended in numbers, and the evolution of Jamilla Rankin into a central defender seems to be working. Up front, they have the ability to trouble any defence. Garrath MacPherson’s squad was missing some big names, but still defended well and attacked with purpose.

On a more positive note for Victory, the active fan group announced their player of the season. The Victory Vikings awarded Beattie Goad as the winner of the Dumont Trophy.

The winger has been a consistently bright spark this season and her return to the A-League women has been a real success so far.

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Morrison, Bunge, Nash, Tathem, Jackson, Eliadis, Murphy, Goad, Zimmerman, Ayres. Substitutes: Templeman, Privitelli, Markovski, Briedis, Curtis.

Scorer: Ayres (pen) 37’.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-5-1): Hancuff, Freier, Rankin, McQueen, Rasschaert, Norrie, Kruger, Riley, Palmer, Stephenson, Connors. Substitutes: Shuttleworth, Kramer, Levin, Davern, Robinne.

Scorer: Connors 29’.

Referee: Bec Mackie.

Attendance: 521.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Sydney FC v Adelaide United Photo Gallery

Kris Goman was pitchside for Impetus at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium yesterday to capture the action as Sydney FC hosted Adelaide United in the A-League Women (26/3/23).

Above: Sydney FC’s Rachel Lowe is denied by Adelaide United goalkeeper Annalee Grove. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

To read Ben Carey’s report of the match, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/03/25/sydney-continue-charge-for-the-premiership-with-big-win-over-adelaide/

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Everton v Liverpool Photo Gallery

Matthew Appleby was pitchside at Goodison Park for Impetus to capture all of the action from the Merseyside Derby that kicked off Women’s Football Weekend (25/3/23).

Above: The battle for possession last night in front of a packed stand of spectators at Goodison Park. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.

Everton 1-1 Liverpool

Points were shared between Everton and Liverpool. A rumbustious match saw the home side go ahead just before the half-hour mark when Gabby George’s cross-shot whistled in. The Toffies’ lead lasted just under a quarter of an hour before Katie Stengel saw her low effort level the scores.

This Merseyside derby was played in front of a record crowd for an Everton Women match at Goodison Park – beating the previous best by over 17,000 – although it is still around 30,000 short of the venue’s all-time record for a women’s match, which is 53,000 for Dick, Kerr Ladies’ 4-0 win over St. Helens Ladies on 27th December 1920.

Teams: EVERTON (4-3-3): Brosnan, Finnigan, Björn, Sevecke, Veje, Beever-Jones, Wheeler, Park, Sørensen, Snoeijs, George. Substitutes used: Bennison, Galli, Christiansen, Stenevik.

Scorer: George 27′.

LIVERPOOL (3-4-1-2): Laws, Robe, Bonner, Campbell, Koivisto, Holland, Nagano, Hinds, Kearns, Stengel, Daniels. Substitutes used: Roberts, Matthews, Taylor, Lundgaard, van de Sanden.

Scorer: Stengel 40′.

Referee: Lauren Impey.

Attendance: 22,161.

Canberra United keep the dream alive

Western United 0-3 Canberra United

By Ryan Miller-Woods (25/3/23).

Above: Chengshu Wu on the ball for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United.

In what is arguably their most important result of the season, Canberra United have put themselves in a very good position for potential Finals football as they beat top-of-the-table Western United 3-0 with two goals from Vesna Milivojević and Chengshu Wu grabbing the other.

Talk about an instant impact in the first minute of the match for Canberra United, Western United passed the ball around their end and unfortunately, Hillary Beall’s ball out of the box immediately went to Milivojević on the left-hand side of the area. She controlled the ball and then hit a shot into the far corner of the net.

Hannah Keane responded with a very good cross in the box for Emma Robers, but her header went over the bar.

The proceedings were halted in the 19th minute due to Robers having come off worse from her challenge on Ellie Brush. She awkwardly landed in the aftermath of the contact made and as a result, had to be helped off the pitch.

Western United had a decent opportunity to have scored in the 36th minute as Kahli Johnson intercepted the ball from Canberra’s Hayley Taylor-Young. Johnson then played the ball off to Keane who made a run into the box which amounted to a shot on an angle.  Thanks to Brush’s intervention, it went over the bar.

Above: Michelle Heyman (left) in possession at Western United today as she broke the all-time record for A-League Women appearances. Photo: Canberra United.

In stoppage time at the end of the first half, a piece of free-kick magic from Grace Maher was just denied by both the crossbar and the finest of millimeters.

Canberra continued to create, and just before the hour mark came close once more. Milivojević played in Wu. The Chinese star had made a run into the box, cut in, and then had a shot towards goal which was tipped over the bar by Beall.

In the 65th minute, Heyman turned and played a brilliant through ball for Milivojević that allowed her to make a run into the box where she controlled before slotting into the bottom right corner for her and Canberra’s second goal of the match.

Less than 10 minutes later, Sydney Cummings cleared a shot away for the home side, only for it to fall to Wu outside the box who chested the ball down and fire a shot past Beall to put Canberra out of sight.

The win was the icing on the cake for Michelle Heyman who broke the record for all-time appearances in the A-League Women by playing in this match. Her 158th game saw her surpass the previous record holder, Teresa Polias. A great achievement by an all-time great of the competition.

Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-1-2-1-2): Beall, Beard, Cummings, Cerne, Vlajnić, Sawicki, M. Taranto, Robers, A. Taranto, Keane, Johnson. Substitutes: Dall’Oste, Iermano, Sardo, Papadopoulos, Steer.

CANBERRA UNITED (4-4-1-1): Lincoln, Hughes, Brush, Grove, Wu, Maher, Jale, Taylor-Young, Milivojević, Flannery, Heyman. Substitutes: Richards, Murray, Middleton, McComasky, Faulknor.

Scorers: Milivojevic 1’, 65’. Wu 74’.

Referee: Isabella Blaess

Attendance: 404

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Jets launch incredible win over Phoenix

Newcastle Jets 3-2 Wellington Phoenix

By Denise Duffy (24/3/23)

Above: The Jets swarm Cass Davis after her goal against Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Liberty A-League Women.

Cass Davis’ first-ever A-League Women goal in her 127th appearance, sealed a stunning victory for Newcastle Jets who twice came from behind to defeat Wellington Phoenix in the battle of the bottom two at Number Two Sportsground today.

Phoenix, determined to finish the season on a high note and show that they are a force to be reckoned with in the league met an equally motivated Newcastle Jets side in this huge came in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

The match was transitional, with frequent end-to-end play. The Phoenix were plagued by offsides calls in the first half. 

In the 24th minute, a clever pass from Emma Rolston to Paige Satchell set up a quality shot and was deflected by Jets goalkeeper Georgina Worth. The resulting corner kick was taken by Michaela Foster who dropped it just outside the six-yard box on the head of Marissa Van der Meer who found the goal.

The Phoenix, who owned the flanks, again suffered from poor finishing in the final third. They also suffered back-to-back yellow cards – first to Kate Taylor for a challenge on Emily Roach and the other to Nix’s assistant coach. This impacted on bit of the rhythm that the Phoenix were creating.

In the 39th minute, Newcastle’s Cass Davis created a beautiful assist from the top of the box dropping it into Lauren Allan’s feet who volleyed it in for a goal. The clubs went into halftime even.

The first chance of the second period, just four minutes in fell to the visitors, as Robertson’s shot from distance hit the back of the net, but Rolston was called offside. 

Within five minutes, the Nix hit the front again as Betsy Hassett assisted from top to a charging Paige Satchell on the right. The Phoenix would again believe they could win.  

The lead would not be kept for long. In the 64th minute, after created multiple chances in the box, Ash Brodigan finally finished off a Kate Taylor deflection to level the scores once more. 

The sense of desperation to go ahead overwhelmed any need for composure on both sides. In the 81st minute Davis’ strike sealed the win for the Jets. It was a stunning strike for her first-ever goal in the competition after so many years of fine service for her club. Cutting inside on the right-hand side of the box, Davis unleashed a powerful effort that flew high into the net. It was a superb goal, and also marked a winning end to Jets’ legend Tara Andrews’ final home game before retirement.

Despite taking the lead twice, the Nix were unable to hold onto it, and the Jets’ persistence paid off with three well-earned goals. The Phoenix will have to regroup and focus on their remaining games to finish the season. They stand five points adrift of Newcastle at the bottom of the ladder.

Reflecting on the match, Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence said: “This one hurts for everyone. We came up short. Again, we created a lot, the goalkeeper made some great saves, we gave away scrappy goals and we couldn’t handle the momentum shifts in the game.

“I think that’s one of the biggest reflections today, controlling and managing the game. We struggled when they changed momentum to deal with their level of intensity. When you go 2-1 up, you’re hoping this is your game. The girls are gutted.”

Lawrence still believes the Phoenix can avoid a second straight wooden spoon. “We always knew this game was the one that was in our hands to get off the bottom of the league. That was and still is a massive goal for us.

“We still have six points that we can get. We know that this one would have helped to achieve those goals and going ahead twice it’s one that hurts for sure. We’ve got to move on. We haven’t got time to dwell. Often the players say to me I wish I was playing tomorrow, and we very nearly are.

“We’ll feel sorry for ourselves today and then…move on to the next game against Adelaide.”

With a game in hand, Wellington will look to bounce back in their matches at Adelaide United and home to Finals chasing Melbourne Victory to again try to prove themselves. Meanwhile, the Newcastle Jets can celebrate a hard-earned victory going towards their remaining game of the season away to Sydney FC who will be going flat out for the Premiership.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Clough, Garnier, Davis, Agnew, Johnson, Allen, L. Allan, Stapleford, Roach, Worth, Tamplin. Substitutes: J. Allan, Coelho (GK), Walandouw, Brodigan, Andrews.

Scorers: L. Allan 39′, Brodigan 64’, Davis 81’.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): Edwards, Foster, Taylor, Van der Meer, Barry, Knott, Hassett, Wisnewski, Robertson, Rolston, Satchell. Substitutes: Candy (GK), Pritchard, Lancaster, Clegg, Cicco.

Scorers: Van der Meer 25′, Satchell 54’. 

Referee: Rebecca Durcau

Attendance: 606.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Sydney continue charge for the Premiership with big win over Adelaide

Sydney FC 3-0 Adelaide United

By Ben Carey (25/03/22)

Above: Nat Tobin celebrates with her Sydney FC teammates after scoring Sydney’s second goal. Photo: Sydney FC.

Sydney FC defeated Adelaide United on Saturday afternoon at home, providing a big boost for their hopes of winning the premiership for the third time in a row, something that has never been done in A-League Women’s history.

The match began slowly, with both sides feeling each other out. Their last meeting was back in November 2022 when Adelaide shocked Sydney with a late game-winner from Emilia Murray. There were a few attempts up each end, drawing saves from both keepers. But both sides were struggling to keep possession and build any truly dangerous attacks.

In the 14th minute, out of nowhere, an attempted long shot from Nat Tobin in the midfield deflected unkindly off an Adelaide defender and landed awkwardly in the box. Both Reds goalkeeper Annalee Grove and Sydney’s Rachel Lowe went for the ball. Grove was unable to get a firm grip, allowing Lowe an easy tap-in to secure the lead.

Adelaide had a few chances up the other end in the rest of the first half, but both the Sydney defensive line and Jada Whyman were equal to everything the South Australian side could throw at them.

The second half picked up where the first had left off, Adelaide with lion’s share of possession, but not able to do much with it. When Sydney got the ball they were pressing forward and taking shots on goal. Grove made a number of brilliant saves to keep her team in the match, but the Adelaide defence were conceding far too many corners.

Above: Nat Tobin celebrates her goal. It was a sensational performance from the Sydney FC captain. Photo: Sydney FC.

Just before the 70-minute mark, a corner kick from Mackenzie Hawkesby dropped into the box and Adelaide failed to clear allowing Sydney captain and star defender, Tobin, to step up and slotted it past Grove to make it 2-0.

Just over 10 minutes later, Hawkesby, who had been working so hard all match, finally got her reward. A clever flick-on from Madison Haley gave Princess Ibini the ball in an acre of space. She ran down the left flank and worked hard to get past the defenders and hit a beautifully weighted cross to Hawkesby who was perched just in front of the goal and tucked it in to put the nail in the coffin for Adelaide. 

Although Adelaide held the majority of the possession, Sydney were much more aggressive and efficient when they had the ball. Their quick passing, dynamic movement, and attacking mentality were too strong for Adelaide. 

It was a fantastic team performance from Sydney with everyone performing well and working together harmoniously. Tobin had a phenomenal game, defending superbly up the back and being involved in the attacks up front as well. She was directly involved in setting up the first goal, and she scored the second by herself.

It also must be said that despite conceding three goals, Grove was immense for Adelaide. She made nine saves against the fearsome attacking force that is Sydney. She did everything she could to keep her side in the match.

Adelaide United will play again on Tuesday when they take on Wellington Phoenix in their last match of the season. Sydney FC will play Perth Glory on Wednesday.

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

Scorers: 14’ Lowe, Tobin 67’, Hawkesby 79’.

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

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.

Attendance: 441.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Polly Doran and the road to the Palace

By Kieran Yap (24/3/23)

Above: Polly Doran in action for Crystal Palace away to Sheffield United in a recent Championship match. Photo: Matthew Appleby.

The weather is cold, the league is tough, but Polly Doran is used to overcoming (and dishing out) challenges.  

“London life has been great so far,” The Crystal Palace full back told Impetus. “It’s definitely been a adjustment, but I’ve loved exploring a new city and have managed a bit of sightseeing in my spare time. The weather is the only downfall really, I’m definitely missing the sun.” 

Doran has been a regular starter at the Barclays Championship (tier two) side since arriving from Australia. Her runs from deep and dangerous crossing have made her an asset to the South London side. Doran has made the step up to European football easily, but given her journey so far, it should come as no surprise.  

Doran arrived at the top of the Australian game by taking the scenic route. She did not rise through of any of the usual elite pathways such as the Future Matildas. Instead, Doran first came to prominence at Essendon Royals in Victoria’s third tier.  

Success at that level attracted the attention of Calder United. The NPLW side is one of Victoria’s most successful women’s teams. They have a winning culture and under then manager Mark Torcaso, were able to attract some of the best players in the country. Future and former A-League Women’s and international players adorn the Calder United team sheet of that era. Doran shared the locker room with names like Catherine Zimmerman, and Angie Beard. Both of whom would become A-League Grand Final teammates. 

It was in 2019 when Doran became well known to Victorian football fans. Across 29 games Doran scored 14 goals. Playing mostly as an attacker, she used her now familiar pace and tenacity to make a big impact as Calder United charged to another trophy.  

That same year, she was signed by Melbourne Victory for the 2019/20 season, although the then 17-year-old only made seven appearances.  

In the 2020/21 season, Doran was shifted to right back, and was a crucial piece of the puzzle as Victory finished third, but won the Grand Final in dramatic style.  

The following season, she established herself as one of the best fullbacks in a league brimming with them. Victory were struck by injuries and disadvantaged by a COVID outbreak and an overly congested fixture. However Doran was tireless and almost flawless as the reigning champions defended their crown.  

Her success as a dual league champion has resulted in a move to Europe, and while there is a slight adjustment off the pitch, she has looked as comfortable as ever bombarding along that right flank at Crystal Palace.  

“The move to Palace came about mainly through my agent networking with some clubs, and Victory being open to forming a good relationship with Palace. I was lucky that I had all the right people trying to help me and push me forward in my career. 

“The A-League prepared me well for European football as I had experience playing first team football since I was 17. It exposed me to professionalism required at that level, as well as being away from home and travelling to train and play. 

“The culture is pretty similar, everyone is easy going. But I’d say the lack of good beaches has been the biggest one. I’m very lucky in the area I live there’s plenty of good cafes around, Aussies seem to have influenced it a fair bit and the coffee has been decent.” 

Doran was a firm fan favourite during her time at Victory and is on track to emulate that status in London. The Melbourne Victory fans, known as The Victory Vikings, have followed her progress, and in Australia, the their former hero’s London club is now affectionately dubbed Polly’s Palace.

“I’m definitely missing the Vikings and their mascots,” says Doran. “But my family has been going to the Victory games and keeping me updated with what’s going on.” 

Crystal Palace have signed a rising Australian star and one that has been a habitual winner at every stage of her career and in whatever position she has played in. Polly Doran might have come up the long way, but she has made it look easy.  

Promotion setback for Dons after late heartbreak

London Seaward 1-1 AFC Wimbledon

by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon

Above: AFC Wimbledon come together after their game in East London last night. Photo: Emily Topping.

There was late heartbreak for AFC Wimbledon last night as they conceded a 93rd minute equaliser at London Seaward that dealt a blow to their tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East title ambitions.

Despite a positive performance from the Dons, hosts London Seaward levelled matters right at the death to ensure the points were shared in difficult conditions.

With the rain pouring down in East London, kick-off was delayed due to a number of Dons players getting stuck in traffic in the surrounding area. However, when the game did get underway it was an encouraging start from the visitors.

Gloria Siber and Emma Plewa looked lively down the flanks on a pitch that made it difficult to play the style of football that has led to so much success for Wimbledon in recent weeks.

With the game having a physical edge, the Dons had a number of early chances, the pick of which came when Emily Donovan forced the home keeper into a good save. Ten minutes later the breakthrough was made as a Becki Bath free-kick was flicked into the net by Seaward’s Giorgia Bracelli to give the AFC Wimbledon a deserved lead at half time.

In the second-half, Wimbledon created even more opportunities, starting with Ellie Dorey, whose shot went over the bar after some fine work from Gloria Siber. However, the save of the night came from Faye Baker, who in her first game back after injury, produced a fine save at full stretch to deny the hosts an equalising goal.

Wimbledon continued to push for the all-important cushion of a second goal with Bath forcing the home keeper into a fine save, before Lauren Heria came on for her Dons debut. This was shortly followed by another great chance as a curling effort from Siber struck a post. With 10 minutes to go, the physical nature of the game and Wimbledon’s busy fixture list began to take its toll as Seaward began to dominate the closing stages and the sting in the tail came deep into injury-time. 

Dons manager Kevin Foster said: “It is so tough with these Thursday night fixtures. It has taken some of these girls two and a half hours to get here and we had to delay kick-off – the players going out there without any sort of warm-up. They have ultimately just done it and given it their best. I couldn’t be more proud of the way they stuck with it.”

The draw leaves AFC Wimbledon four points behind leaders Hashtag United in second place. There is no respite for the Dons with a game at Loftus Road versus Queen’s Park Rangers. This is followed by a game at home to Cambridge City at Plough Lane on 2nd April.

Teams: LONDON SEAWARD: Garwood, Butler, Cockerill, Lee, Anderson, Cannon, Davies, Bracellli, Lanza, Arayo, Long. Substitutes: Nash, Trezzi, Burrows, Zimmerer, Bradley.

Scorer: Zimmerer 90+3′.

AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Highman, Billingham, Sampson, Ali, Donovan, Dorey, Plewa (Heria), Siber, Bath.

Scorer: Bracelli (OG) 33′.

Attendance: 63.

Talaslahti weighs up options for her future

Exclusive interview by Jean-Pierre Thiesset

Above: Katriina Talaslahti warming up before FC Fleury 91’s game against Nantes at the start of this month in the Coupe de France. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Finnish goalkeeper Katriina Talaslahti, who helped FC Fleury 91 to finish fourth in D1 Arkema last season and progress to the semifinal of Coupe de France, revealed to Impetus’ Jean-Pierre Thiesset that after having very little game time this year after the return of Manon Heil from giving birth, she needs to consider her options carefully.

Talaslahti said that, even though she remains on good terms with FC Fleury 91, she does not fully understand the predicament regarding her lack of minutes this season. As her contract at the club will end at the end of the campaign, the shot-stopper says that she has, as yet, had no contact with the club about a new deal.

Speaking about how she feels at this stage of her career, the Finnish player said: “As I am turning 23 this year, my priority now is to have playing time so that makes me think to change and look to new opportunities; but otherwise, I am feeling good in my life, and this is just the football situation I am not happy with.”

Her first choice would be to continue to play in France in D1 Arkema because she believes that it is a very good standard and she enjoys life in France. However, Talaslahti is open to move to one of the top teams in the main leagues in Europe like Germany, Spain, or Italy. She revealed that England would be nice too but, due to restrictions on overseas players there in terms of the amount of minutes they play at their current club, it is unlikely she would be eligible for a move to the WSL.

The Finn also reflected on the recent upheaval around the French national team and the eventual departure of head coach Corinne Diacre by saying: “It was a good thing that Wendie Renard step(ped) up as she is a very big person and player in women’s football. Everyone knows her, and even if it is going to look negative first, the outcome will be better for France team.”

The FC Fleury 91 goalkeeper concluded by saying: “I am confident in my future because I work hard. I know my own level, and I know that I can play in a higher-level team.”