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Kelly “captures the moment” as Lionesses roar after shoot-out win

England 1-1 Brazil

England win 4-2 on penalties

by Nathan Edwards at Wembley Stadium for Impetus (7/4/23)

Above: England lift the Finalissima trophy after their penalty shoot-out win over Brazil at Wembley last night. Photo: Lionesses.

Chloe Kelly scored the crucial penalty to win the inaugural Women’s Finalissima after Andressa Alves punished Mary Earps’ mistake to cancel out Ella Toone’s first-half goal.

In the depths of added time, Mary Earps failed to deal with a bobbling cross spilling the ball into Andressa to prod Brazil level.

It set up the penalty shootout after Toone put England ahead, in what was a dominant opening 45 minutes. Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway carved open the Brazil defence and set up the Manchester United forward to sweep England ahead.

The England goal scorer would be the first to miss in the shootout, seeing her tame effort thwarted by Leticia.

Earps would replicate her counterpart’s feat by saving the next, and Arsenal defender Rafaelle cannoned her strike off the crossbar, allowing Kelly to secure victory for England.

Brazil offered little throughout the opening period, but with England only holding a slim advantage, the Selecao came out of the second half testing a Lionesses defence who were without Millie Bright.

On multiple occasions, Earps would be called into action, with a combination of herself and the crossbar denying Geyse, and Andressa missing an earlier opportunity to level by hitting her strike straight into Earps.

**Above:** Chloe Kelly celebrates after converting the winning penalty for England. **Photo:** Lionesses.

Kelly’s penalty ensured that England remained unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman, a spell that spans 30 games and includes three trophies, the Euros, Arnold Clarke Cup, and Finalissima.

With Australia the only remaining confirmed game for the Lionesses ahead of the World Cup, the Finalissima provided to be a great warmup for Wiegman and her squad, which has changed a lot since their Euros victory.

England’s coach said, “It was a very exciting night in the end, with of course an incredible crowd, and pitch – this environment we’ll never take for granted.

“I think the first half we played really well. We had a lot of possession, created lots of chances, scored an incredible goal, and we hoped to score a little more than one.

“The second half they went back to 4-4-2, put a very high press and then we were struggling, to get out of their press, to keep the ball in possession, so then they became dangerous, and at the end, we conceded a goal, which can happen.

“I think the team did really well by just showing resilience – so that was done, we were moving forward, we had to do a job and take the penalties as good as possible, or stop it as good as possible, and that’s what we did.”

The 11 players named yesterday consisted of only six starters from their Euros victory. Toone arrived in that game as a substitute and went on to open England’s scoring. Eight months on Toone opened the scoring in the Finalissima this time after becoming a crucial player in Sarina Wiegman’s plans.

For Toone and co they were vital players off the bench for the Lionesses, with Wiegman refusing to budge from an 11 that took England to glory.

**Above:** Ella Toone shows her delight after putting England ahead last night. **Photo:** Lionesses.

But with injuries and players calling an end to their playing careers, such as Ellen White, it offered spaces for others to grab, which Alessia Russo has done.

A key part of the Lionesses’ success from the bench in last summer’s campaign, who has now stepped into a main role.

The England forward was starved of chances last night, but put in a selfless performance. From forcing Rafaelle to give away an early corner, to displaying strong holdup play to relieve England’s backline when Brazil built themselves back into the game, it was a performance that will please Wiegman.

Although, Russo faces a tough challenge from WSL’s second top goal scorer, Rachel Daly, who came on to produce another tireless performance.

One position that Wiegman refused to tinker with since the summer was her centre-back partnership of Millie Bright and Leah Williamson.

But with the injury to the commanding Bright, an opportunity rose for the multiple centre-backs in the squad. Alex Greenwood, who was another player to get promoted as a starter since the summer, moved centrally, with Jess Carter being handed the task of left back.

During the first half, the switch seemed seamless, with Brazil unable to threaten but as the second half got underway the Selecao were able to carve open chances, especially down their right-hand side.

Including Brazil’s equaliser, where a cross squirmed out of Earps’ hands to set up Andressa’s late equaliser, this was despite Wiegman opting for experience off the bench to try and manage the game.

**Above:** Sheer joy for England after the penalty shoot-out. **Photo:** Lionesses.

The experience they went for was, with Euro starter Daly, and Euro winner Kelly to replace Russo and Lauren James, but the squad is packed with young talent that will excite the during the World Cup.

With James being a key decision for Wiegman to make. The squad has three wingers that are all playing important roles at club level, and transferring that to the international stage.

James was a constant danger, dropping deep on occasions and also running in behind, with the offside flag the only reason she didn’t score today.

She swapped flanks with Lauren Hemp throughout the game and offered the same attacking output until her substitution.

As for Hemp, her goals in the WSL have dried up after an impressive season last year, but she has been relied on by her coach during the Euros and in this final, which the 22-year-old has repaid.

The final winger is the match winner, Kelly continues to deliver in the big moments, a crucial trait to have in a player when heading to a knockout tournament.

It might mean that Wiegman sees her as the perfect substitute to bring on and change the dynamic. The England coach said, “She (Kelly) captured that moment and she kept true in the penalty shootout.

“It was a nice moment for the team, but also a very nice moment for her.”

There is little time for England to experiment now, and with a blend of youthfulness and experience within the squad, England will hope to continue their unbeaten run throughout the World Cup.

Teams: ENGLAND (4-3-3): Earps, Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter, Stanway, Walsh, Toone, James, Russo, Hemp. Substitutes used: Kelly (for James 74′), Daly (for Russo 74′), Robinson (for Hemp 88′).

Scorer: Toone 23′.

BRAZIL (5-3-2): Izidoro Lima da Silva, da Costa Silva, Leal Costa, Sousa Feitoza, Carvalho Souza, Dias de Britto, Alvas Borges, Bertolucci Paixão, Ferraz, Zaneratto João, da Silva Ferreira. Substitutes used: Alves da Silva (for Leal Costa 45′), Leal da Silva (for Zaneratto João 45′), Francelino da Silva (for Bertolucci Paixão 69′), Nunes da Silva (for da Costa Silva 87′), Palermo Licen (for Alves Borges 87′).

Scorer: Alves da Silva 90+3′.

Referee: Stéphanie Frappart (FRA).

Attendance: 83,132.

Cymru v Northern Ireland Photo Gallery

Perry Dobbins was at the Cardiff City Stadium last night to produce this superb collection of images (7/4/23)

Above: Rachel Rowe celebrates her goal that put Cymru 4-0 up last night. Photo: Perry Dobbins

Cymru 4-1 Northern Ireland

Three goals in a stunning 14-minute spell in the first half saw Cymru ease their way to victory over Northern Ireland in Cardiff last night.

Goals from Jess Fishlock, Angharad James, and Hannah Cain built the home side a big early advantage before Rachel Rowe extended the lead further just after the hour mark.

It was a tough baptism for Northern Ireland interim boss Andy Waterworth, in charge of the team for the first time after Kenny Shiels stepped down at the start of the year. Lauren Wade scored the nation’s consolation strike with just over 15 minutes remaining.

Full report to follow later from Martin Townley at the Cardiff City Stadium for Impetus.

Teams: CYMRU (4-3-3): Clark, Roberts, Ladd, Evans, E. Morgan, James, Ingle, Fishlock, Holland, Cain, Rowe. Substitutes used: Hughes (for Cain 68′), Green (for Ladd 68′), F. Morgan (for Rowe 68′). Powell (for Morgan 77′), Wynne (for Fishlock 87′).

Scorers: Fishlock 16′, James 25′, Cain 30′, Rowe 64′.

NORTHERN IRELAND (4-5-1): Turner, McKenna, Burrows, McFadden, Vance, Hamilton, Bell, Caldwell, Callaghan, Wade, Mason. Substitutes used: Holloway (for Vance 45′), McCarron (for Bell 45′), Furness (for Callaghan 65′), Wilson (for Mason 65′), Beattie (for Hamilton 78′), Rafferty (for Burrows 78′).

Scorer: Wade 73′.

Referee: Stacey Pearson (ENG).

Attendance: 6,831.

Matildas Thursday Training

Andy Wicks was at Australia’s training base in Surrey today to capture these images as The Matildas ramped up their preparations for tomorrow’s match against Scotland at AFC Wimbledon (6/4/23).

Above: Sam Kerr sees the funny side in training today. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.

Sam Kerr: We want to inspire a nation

Ben Gilby was in today’s Australia media conference with captain Sam Kerr and head coach Tony Gustavsson. The Matildas’ all-time record scorer highlighted the fact that the best possible legacy from their home World Cup would be increased funding to match the sport’s status as the one with the biggest participation rate in the country (6/4/23).

Above: Sam Kerr speaking to the media today from Australia’s Surrey training base. Image: Football Australia.

Matildas captain Sam Kerr today outlined to the media what she wants to see as the legacies from the World Cup that Australia will co-host this year.

“The legacy we want to leave is that we inspired the nation. We moved the nation to believe in women’s football and The Matildas. It’s about getting the people higher up to believe in the sport.

“You see the funding that AFL and rugby get before women’s football. It’s about getting the money into football to allow girls to play and have the opportunity to get where they want to be. We have the participation, we have the love of the game, but we hope that the lasting legacy will be the funding.”

With record ticket sales and the Matildas’ opening game of the tournament against the Republic of Ireland moved to the Olympic Stadium due to demand, the Western Australian star highlighted the impact that the home support will have on the squad.

“Ireland are a bloody good team, they’ve conceded no goals in their last nine games so. If you look too far ahead – I think that was one of the biggest learning curves from the last World Cup, looking too far ahead. This time we focus on Ireland and making the crowd the twelfth man.

“Not many players get to play a home World Cup. We always talk about Cathy Freeman and the 2000 Olympics and we kinda hope that no matter what happens that this team is remembered forever and represents Australia, showing Australia can be a real footballing country, a real host of women’s football. I get goosebumps every time I think about that first game.

**Above:** Sam Kerr training today with The Matildas. **Photo:** Andy Wicks for *Impetus*.

“Historically the Matildas play much better at home and I think that’s down to our fans. We have an amazing support…we are a really well-supported team…there are so many girls in this team that are loved by the Aussies.”

Tony Gustavsson is the fifth head coach in Kerr’s time with the national side. She outlined the impact of having someone with the experience of World Cup success as part of the USWNT’s coaching squad at the helm.

“Tony came from a winning culture. The US is the best winning culture in the world for the last 12 years and seeing how Tony dealt with their team and individual players. I think Tony will admit himself that every camp is different, but when we get into tournament mode, it flips on its head.

“It’s been great for me to learn that there is a difference, there is a time to speed it up and slow it down, and I’ve always struggled with that in my career, I’ve always sped it up! I found that balance and learned pretty quickly with the Olympics that there is a difference between tournament mode and this sort of camp.

“You put pressure on yourself, but at the end of the day, it’s (this international window) a practice. We’re not going to be where we want to be in two months’ time right now…I don’t think since Tony’s been here we’ve ever had our full squad together, it’s just ebbed and flowed the whole time.”

This international window marks the end of a particularly hectic period in club football for Australia’s all-time leading goalscorer. A Conti Cup Final, FA Cup Quarter-Final, Champions League Quarter-Final as well as regular WSL matches. Asked how tough the last month has been, Kerr just smiled and said: “I’ve loved the last month. Anyone who knows me knows I prefer to play than train!

“It’s been enjoyable, it’s been really tough. I’ve learned a lot, but it was kind of like a World Cup setting – big game after big game, every game a Final or a knockout. We’ve played every big team under the sun. I love playing for the national team, so I’m excited for these two games.”

Gustavsson: As one door closes, another door opens

**Above:** Tony Gustavsson at today’s Matildas media conference today with captain Sam Kerr. **Image:** Football Australia.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson admits that his plans for this international window have had to be adjusted as his squad were hit by another batch of injuries.

Caitlin Foord and Alanna Kennedy withdrew from the squad on Monday adding to the likes of Emily Gielnik and Kyah Simon. Gustavsson outlined how it changed his thinking for the forthcoming games against Scotland and England.

“It was a challenge coming into this camp, we knew it was the last chance for the World Cup assembly to look at some consistency and cohesiveness, Ellie (Carpenter) coming into the back line, but unfortunately we have…six very experienced players out – over 500 caps are missing coming into the camp.

“So we had to change our approach from saying this is about consistency and cohesiveness to now changing that mindset to ‘what last answers can we get about World Cup selection?’ One door closes and another door opens.

“There’s been some load management this camp as well in terms of players that we need to handle with respect as it’s all about the bigger picture, which is the World Cup.”

This international window marks the second anniversary of the Matildas boss’ first camp with the squad. In the midst of the COVID pandemic, Australia’s squad availability was greatly reduced as the side suffered a 5-2 loss to Germany, and a 5-0 loss to the Netherlands.

Gustavsson reflected on what he has learned during the last 24 months. “It was a tough spot, in COVID, not having players available. One (thing I have learned) is trust the process – getting the team to believe. We’ve looked at 60 players and 20 debutants.

“I also learned I should have educated more people outside of the circle about the process to get the understanding of why we did what we did. The more you work with players the more you learn about them and how to make the best out of them as players, it’s building a playing style.”

Asked about how he has managed the Matildas’ stars such as Sam Kerr to ensure her load is manageable and she peaks at the best times, Gustavsson said: “If you look at backing up performance after performance in club land, it says a lot about her professionalism and character as a player.

“Sometimes I have to be the one that puts on the handbrake. Sometimes these winners want to win every game and play fully every game, but sometimes they need to listen to and manage load and game time. It’s about looking at the bigger picture.”

Hayley Raso: “I’m sharp, firing, and ready to go”

Ben Gilby was in The Matildas’ media conference with Hayley Raso today and heard the winger emphasise that whilst she isn’t getting the minutes she’d like at Manchester City, she is more than ready to perform for her country against Scotland and England (5/4/23).

Above: Hayley Raso in action for Australia against South Africa in October. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.

Australia winger Hayley Raso told the media today that she is ready to use her skill to “turn games” this international window as The Matildas prepare to face Scotland and England.

“I’m at one of the best squads in the world. The training and facilities I am involved in are top. I’m sharp and firing, and ready to go. I’m not getting as many minutes as I’d like at my club, but I’m here to represent my country, I’m in good form.

“I am a confidence player, I feel like I have been performing well in our recent games, so it’s nice to have that when I can come and turn a game, that’s just the way I play.”

**Above:** Hayley Raso in training with The Matildas yesterday. **Photo:** Andy Wicks for *Impetus*.

Raso knows her team, on a run of five successive wins, face a stern test over the coming week. “Two really good games, two really tough opposition, it will prepare us for the World Cup,” she said.

First up for Australia is Good Friday’s clash with Scotland at AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane stadium – a venue that Raso has fond memories of having been in the Manchester City team that won the Conti Cup there last season, defeating Matildas team-mate Sam Kerr’s Chelsea.

“It’s a really nice stadium, I’m really looking forward to play there with my national team, and it will be great to be back there,” Raso enthused.

Whilst Scotland have not qualified for the World Cup this time round, the Brisbane-born star knows that they have more than enough star quality in their side, notably Caroline Weir – a player that Raso admired greatly during their time together at Manchester City before Weir’s departure to Real Madrid.

“I was speaking about her with some of the (Matildas) girls earlier. I was saying that she is one of the best players that I have trained with. She is an amazing footballer, technically so good. She’s doing really well there. She seems to be loving her time there. I think she’s scored a number of goals already. Whatever team she plays for, you see how a big player she is.”

**Above:** Hayley Raso is confident of being a key member of another successful international window for Australia. **Photo:** Adelaide Advertiser.

With Friday’s match officially a home game for Australia, Raso is looking forward to having a large number of UK-based Australian fans clad in green and gold to cheer the Matildas on.

“We hope there will be a big contingent of Aussies coming out to support us. Being away from home, it will be great to have such a big support for us.”

With these two matches over the coming week forming one of the last chances for Australia to prepare for their home World Cup this July and August, the winger reflected on the journey that the Matildas have been on since Tony Gustavsson took over as head coach.

“We’ve made a lot of progress, we’ve been preparing for a long time now, through various ebbs and flows. We had a great tournament when he first came in during the Olympics. We’re coming into form now.”

Pride’s unbeaten run ends

Sandiacre Town 5-3 Pride Park

by ‘Doug Outt’ (5/4/23)

Above: Pride Park’s Steph Eadon, who returned to outfield duties after a heroic spell in goal during recent weeks. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Pride welcomed back Jade Howell (although distinctly under the weather) in goal after a two-game absence, and it was good to see Steph Eadon return to outfield after her knee injury for the trip to Sandiacre Town on Sunday.

Sandiacre made a fast start and had the first chance of the game after six minutes when there was a break through the middle. The striker appeared to be away and clear but was checked by an outstanding recovery tackle by Eliot Sayavong, although the ball broke for the striker to have a shot which was gathered by Jade Howell.

Shortly afterwards, Sandiacre broke down the right and the cross into the centre found a striker on the edge of the area, her quick turn and shot rebounded off Howell, who also held the follow-up shot on the rebound.

Having weathered the early Sandiacre pressure, Pride started to grow into the game and almost went ahead after 11 minutes when Tash Allderidge won the ball in midfield and slid a pass to Summer Evans and her first-time pass around the corner put Beth Jones through on goal – and Jones’ shot from the edge of the area was tipped around the post by the ‘keeper.

**Above:** Beth Jones, who put in another influential performance for Pride Park. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick

There was nothing the goalkeeper could do after 19 minutes however when Evans again found Jones in space and in the clear and she clipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper from the edge of the area and Pride Park went ahead.

Sandiacre were, however, given a way back in after 26 minutes when Pride conceded an unnecessary corner which fell to a Sandiacre player inside the area, and her shot was diverted in by another attacker to level the score.

Jones made a run down the right flank and delivered a cross into the centre where Evans, Eadon, and Impetus sponsored Ella Kew had made ground – Eadon rose to glance a header just wide at full stretch.

A couple of minutes later Evans was played in beyond the Sandiacre defence but the move was called back by an offside flag – which looked like a mistaken call.

Two minutes before half-time Sandiacre attacked down the Pride right, a clearance was cut out and played straight back to a player on the flank who cut inside and her shot from 25 yards beat Howell so at the break, it was advantage Sandiacre.

**Above:** Rachel Weaver in action for Pride Park earlier this season. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick.

The first opportunity of the second half came seven minutes after the restart. A corner was sent into the centre and resulted in a scramble on the edge of Sandiacre’s six-yard box, before falling to Hannah Kwiatek who swivelled and hit a shot on the turn but it was wide of the goal.

An injury to Bleu Lewis-Wilson ended her game prematurely when she limped off – only ten minutes after coming on. It’s bad luck for Lewis-Wilson who has only recently returned from an injury that forced her to miss the first half of the season.

Sandiacre extended their lead after 55’ when, after an attack down the right, the ball broke from a contested challenge to a player 25 yards out and she struck a shot beyond Howell to give Sandiacre a two-goal cushion.

Pride responded almost immediately; Allderidge won the ball in midfield, and played a pass out to Rachel Weaver, who hit the ball forward to Jones – her header on was blocked and fell to Kew, who played a pass into Jones’ path for her to clip a shot beyond the keeper.

Just after the hour Allderidge and Evans combined to find Jones, who worked a yard of space and shot just wide. Sandiacre had a couple of attacks leading to shots, both off target before the game’s key moment came on 80 minutes.

**Above:** Pride Park’s Bleu Lewis-Wilson, who suffered another injury on returning to action in the match. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick

Jones ran down the left, beat one defender, and drove into the penalty area, a second defender came across and went to ground, appearing to clean Jones out. The angle of the defender’s approach and subsequent travel of the ball indicated it was a foul but the referee’s decision to give a corner kick was baffling.

It proved to be the game’s decisive moment. From the corner, Evans’ header was blocked on the line by a defender and collected by the ‘keeper. Pride, who had pushed players forward in search of an equaliser were then caught on the break as Sandiacre countered and extended their lead, and then added to it with a second goal in as many minutes.

Despite this, Pride pulled one back straight from the kick-off. Eadon and Rachel Weaver combined before Weaver played a superb through ball for Jones to get across her marker and divert the ball past the keeper from the edge of the area for a sublime move and finish. It was the pick of the goals but was no more than a consolation, as Sandiacre saw the game out for a win.

It had been an evenly contested game between two committed teams playing differing styles. The defeat ended Pride’s nine-game unbeaten run (a new club record) – their last defeat being over five months ago. The challenge now will be to get over this setback quickly and start another run.

There’s no game for Pride Park next Sunday (Easter Sunday) but they return to action with an evening game against Borrowash Victoria at Moorways on Wednesday 12th April (kick-off at 7pm).

The Boroondara Eagles take flight: NPLW Victoria Wrap Round Three

By Kieran Yap (5/4/23)

Above: Emily Sutcliffe launches into the air after scoring for the Boroondara-Carey Eagles. Image supplied with permission by: Passion Creations. (https://m.facebook.com/passioncreations)

Alamein 5-1 Southern United

The Victorian NPLW ladder is still taking shape, but after three rounds Alamein sit on top of the table. Following an impressive and somewhat surprising 4-2 win over Calder United in round two, they backed that up with a 5-1 demolition of Southern United.

The goals came in bursts at Dorothy Laver West Reserve. Chinatsu Shidara opened the scoring in on the 36^th minute. Alamein’s corner kick was parried by the Southern United goalkeeper, and Shidara headed home from point-blank range.

The lead lasted only 60 seconds before Kiera Meyers equalised for the visitors. After receiving the ball centrally, she feigned a shot on her right foot to create some space, before curling it home from long range on her left.

That reprieve also lasted mere seconds, as Alamein retook the lead directly from the kick off. Savanna Anastosopoulos sped through the Southern United defence to score the third goal in as many minutes.

The chaos subsided for a time, and Southern United worked their way into the contest. Chances were harder to come by and it took until the 72^nd minute for more goals to arrive. Anastosopoulos was in the thick of the action again. Her persistence at the edge of the area did not result in another goal for herself, but after repeated attempts to get a shot away, she laid the ball back to Sidney Allen.

The captain launched a powerful, low strike from 18 yards to extend Alamein’s lead to 3-1.

Allen scored her second before the 80^th minute. Her pace took her clear of the Southern defence, and she had the poise to finish beyond the keeper. As in the first half, Southern United conceded twice in quick succession, they are new to this level, and so far their opposition has taken full advantage of their adjustment period.

Allen brought up her hat trick in injury time. Confusion at the back left Alisa Chechelnitsky on the turf, and Allen was able to score unopposed to put an exclamation point on a strong performance from Alamein FC.

The win continues Alamein’s strong start to the 2023 season. They remain undefeated and have scored 12 goals in the first three weeks.

The season will only get tougher, and every point counts. New manager Keanu Giumarra has gotten them off to a terrific start.

Box Hill United 1-5 Boroondara-Carey Eagles

Round Three’s other goal-fest came when Box Hill United hosted Boroondara Eagles. Box Hill had been flying high in the opening weeks, but the visiting Eagles looked on from the opening stages.

This was Kurea Okino’s night. The Japanese striker scored her first in the fifth minute. A strong attack down the right flank found Okino almost unmarked in the box. Her shot was rifled into the roof of the net to start the scoring on an eventful night.

Box Hill have been fairly free-scoring in the opening weeks. One of the main reasons for that is Anais Josefski. The wide attacker is blessed with pace, and an eye for goal, and her ninth-minute equaliser was one of her best.

Josefski controlled a dropping ball and cut outside the defender with a quick change of pace. With most onlookers and defenders expecting a shot. Josefski struck a venomous effort at the near post, sneaking the ball in at the most acute angle.

**Above:** Anais Josefski makes space for a shot. **Photo:** Passion Creations – https://m.facebook.com/passioncreations

The spectacular equaliser seemed to spur on the visitors more than the home side. Okino brought up her second with another ruthless finish. One touch to take the ball into space, and the second to bury it into the net.

Haley Geurts got in on the act for Boroondara with the best goal on a night filled with incredible strikes. A cleverly worked corner was played flat and to the edge of the penalty box. Geurts struck it first time and it swerved into the net, catching everybody by surprise except the cannon-footed Eagle.

I’m not normally a fan of short or tricky corners. But this is spectacular from Borooondara Eagle’s Hayley Guerts.

The definition of “just shoot!” pic.twitter.com/pB7JaeofTE
— Kieran Yap (@KaptinYap) April 4, 2023

Emily Sutcliffe scored their fourth. A low corner kick was not properly cleared by Box Hill, and Sutcliffe struck a half volley into the bottom corner.

Josefski almost struck back for Box Hill. Maxine Di Blasi’s pass cut out the defence and Josefski was one on one with the keeper. It is a situation where she can be expected to bury to strike, but it was denied with some great goalkeeping by Deanna Bottalico.

Boroondara scored their fifth as a result of a counterattack. Box Hill’s corner was repelled and Rebecca Lim raced clear before weaving in and out to torment the home side’s defence. Her eventual shot was scuffed, but she was judged to have been clipped in the area. Okino brought up her hat trick with a confident penalty kick.

**Above:** Okino scores from the spot: **Photo:** Passion Creations https://m.facebook.com/passioncreations

The big win puts The Eagles in second spot, and they join Alamein and Heidelberg United as the only undefeated sides in the league.

Preston Lions 1-0 Calder United

Preston Lions returned from the bye to face Calder United. Preston looked the more promising of the two sides. Melanie Camilleri saw her point-blank shot stopped by a fantastic Lara El-Hayek save.

She would not make the same mistake twice. As Calder tried to play the ball out from the back, it was stolen by Miri Nishimura. Camilleri was on the end of the eventual pass and hammered home the finish for the only goal of the game.

The loss means that Calder United currently sit in ninth place, but the season is young, and reinforcements will likely arrive from Western United. Nobody will be counting them out just yet.

Bayside United 0-2 Heidelberg United

Heidelberg United climbed to third with a 2-0 win over Bayside United SC. Captain Stephanie Galea scored both goals in the opening half. Bayside’s slow build-up from the back was eventually pounced on by Galea who ran close to goal before clipping it over the keeper in the 14^th minute.

She doubled her tally in the 45^th minute. It was another interception from Bayside’s possession play, and although she was on the end of a mazy run and pass, Galea’s finish was once again sublime.

With South Melbourne sitting the week out with a bye, The Bergers were able to leapfrog them into the top three. More importantly, there is an obvious momentum building by the team from Olympic Village.

Bulleen Lions 0-0 FV Emerging

The final game of the round saw The Bulleen Lions fight out a goalless draw with FV Emerging. Following the NTC side’s thrashing by South Melbourne in Round Two, this was an encouraging response.

However, the focus is on Bulleen who are winless after three weeks. Importantly, they have not lost either. They are playing a cohesive consistent style, and even without their A-League talent, have some game breakers in the squad. There is a feeling the tide will turn for them as it is starting to at Heidelberg.

It is a long season, and there is still plenty of football to play, but Round Three of the Victorian NPLW displayed some incredible individual moments. They will be hard to top.

The complete photo gallery of Box Hill United vs Boroondara-Carey Eagles can be found at https://www.facebook.com/100063771721311/posts/pfbid02dABREUHwCXVWT7vXkEwZx7ArkM8wjxxzpazpgNPupYkAnxdUA7Go1tZqhwCe4ytJl/?app=fbl

Peter Rakic: Ensuring Perth SC are continuing to move in an upwards direction

To kick-off our new series of WA on Wednesday interviews featuring the NPLW WA clubs, Perth SC head coach Peter Rakic spoke exclusively to Ben Gilby about their Night Series Grand Final success, preparations for the 2023 season, and how he views the NPLW WA more widely this year (5/4/23).

Above: Perth SC head coach Peter Rakic – his exciting team have started the 2023 campaign powerfully. Photo: Rob Lizzi.

They’ve had the best possible start to the 2023 season. A first piece of silverware gained by defeating the previously unbeaten Perth RedStar in the Night Series Grand Final, and have two wins from two to start the NPLW WA season. Perth SC head coach Peter Rakic believes it has given his team “a taste of what they have to fight for.”

Reflecting on his team’s Night Series Final win over RedStar, coming from 2-0 down in the 90 minutes before taking the trophy after a penalty shoot-out, Rakic said: From a mindset point of view it gives the group that taste of what we have to fight for, and what this squad can achieve even with our backs against the wall.

“It was just a firm reminder to the girls of the brand of football that we play and what it produces for us, demanding more of the ball and attempting to be in control. That’s what we needed. I already felt that the belief was there, and I could see it in the body language of the players involved, so the talk was short and direct, to the point of embracing that challenge and using it to fight back. Having that mentality is what changed everything, but having the likes of Gemma (Craine) and Ellie (La Monte) come off the bench is what really enabled us to put on that forward pressure.”

However, the Perth SC head coach admits that his side’s Night Series campaign was far from straightforward. “I’ll be honest, it was tough for us because we didn’t play much football prior to our first game. There was such a heavy focus on fitness and conditioning because I wanted a higher level of intensity in 2023, and this took priority over everything at the beginning.

“While it was good seeing the girls pushing through a grueling fitness schedule, it meant that we had little to no time in working on actual specifics, and the first few matches I thought we were totally unorganised, but I take full responsibility for this. It quickly turned into a manner of sink or swim, and this is where that cohesion and early resilience started to show.

**Above:** Perth SC celebrate winning their first ever trophy – the 2023 Night Series. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi.

“Our football has definitely gone from strength to strength each week and our structure and new system is starting to click, but the girls’ attitudes towards embracing more change was excellent.”

Perth SC’s Night Series Final victory was a huge moment for the squad, as it landed them their first silverware, but Rakic is now fully focused on what’s ahead.

“For me as a coach, it’s done and dusted, and we must remain focused more so than ever. While it was such a great feeling to win the first piece of silverware for the club, I’m also well aware that we still have to overcome both NTC and RedStar in 90 minutes where penalties won’t give us that lifeline, and this is where it will matter most.”

Perth SC will have that opportunity on Good Friday when they take on RedStar at Dorrien Gardens in their first meeting against the defending champions in this year’s NPLW WA.

RedStar lost their opening game of the season to an impressive Hyundai NTC side who they defeated in last year’s Top Four Cup Final, Rakic sees this season’s NPL competition as potentially a lot more open than last season.

**Above:** Peter Rakic in discussion with Jess Bryne. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi.

“I think we’re in for some real upsets this year as we’ve already witnessed from round one, and it could truly prove to be a nail-biting contest in the fight for the top four. With regards to who may challenge us the closest, I think we saw hints of that already through the Night Series.

We have a very tough opening to the season taking on Fremantle City (a game the Azzurri won 6-0), RedStar, then Murdoch University Melville, and NTC, so if the fight for the top is as close as it appears to be, then these fixtures may well hold the capacity to shape our season very early on.”

Perth SC went into this season determined to improve on their 2022 campaign which saw them finish second on the final ladder and runners-up in the State Cup. Their Top Four Cup campaign saw an opening defeat to Perth RedStar before going down three days later to Hyundai NTC in the Preliminary Final. Looking back, Rakic feels there was a lot that could be used to inspire his team for this year.

“It was a season that we felt we could build on and use as motivation to stay hungry, ensuring our standards were consistently moving in the upward direction. Maybe there were moments where we did deserve more, but unfortunately, that can be football. It was always a matter of fine margins and despite coming out empty-handed, we made very good progress towards a plan that was heavily thought out.”

The Azzurri have managed to retain the majority of their squad for this season, with the exception of a few of the year’s stars, as the club’s head coach explained.

**Above:** Gemma Craine’s return to Perth SC is a huge boost for the Dorrien Gardens club. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi.

“We, unfortunately, lost our captain Zoee Spadano who remains in Italy playing futsal and we are yet to know if she will return at any point. Caitlin Doeglas went looking for further opportunities over East and signed for Sydney NPL side Northern Tigers, Nadia Harvey was next as she made the move to Premier division side Hamersly Rovers, Jess Byrne who was player-assistant last season has stepped down from playing to fulfil the assistant role more permanently, and lastly Emma McMurdo, who parted ways with the club before the beginning of round one.”

However, on the other side of the ledger, Perth SC have been able to strengthen, first with the return of the hugely talented Gemma Craine, after almost a year out of the game after being injured for Perth Glory in the A-League Women. The attacker’s restoration to the club is something that excites Rakic.

“Gemma has been immense; she adds so much energy to our playing style and she is always so dangerous when going forward. I’ve always admired her as a player when I first saw her break into the Perth scene with Balcatta many years ago, and it’s been a pleasure to be able to cross paths and work with someone that possesses an abundance of real footballing qualities. She was sorely missed in 2022.”

There are also a number of further major additions to the Azzurri squad which underlines the real threat that Perth SC pose this season, as the club’s head coach outlined.

“Poppie Hooks and Ellie La Monte were obvious targets for me as I had worked with them previously at Murdoch University Melville and Queens Park. The move for Ellie made sense due to our short supply of attackers last year and losing Caitlin to Northern Tigers.

**Above:** Ellie La Monte has been in fine form for Perth SC in the opening weeks of the NPLW WA season. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi.

“Poppie was someone I had been pursuing from the first season with Perth, only it made even more sense now that we lost Nadia and Jess, and I was forced to bolster our defensive line. Monique Godding was another addition that I admired for quite some time, a player who I believe deserved more public recognition for the consistent performances she would put on display in the heart of Balcatta’s midfield, so after Zoee’s move to Italy, I knew I had a big hole to fill and Mon was the perfect candidate.

“Another face we are yet to see is Matilda Bohm, Matilda was playing in Poland’s Division One before relocating to Australia and she’s already added a breath of fresh air to our system, a very calm and technical presence on the ball which will form another line of strength to our central areas and I’m very excited to get her involved.”

Rakic believes that whilst his own team’s prospects look strong, the wider league looks to be far closer this time round. “So far there looks to be more balance between teams, and there was a lot of movement in the off-season which could give us a completely different picture this year. Respectively the score lines between the top six appear to have levelled out as well and I think in turn we’ll see a much more competitive league.”

When it comes to what he wants to see from his own team this season, Rakic is clear. “It’s hugely important that we show growth on what we achieved and where we finished in all comps last year, and not just from a league table position or a cup final perspective.

“We have to work on the little things that left us empty-handed, building on a consistent week-to-week performance throughout, dropping less points in games that we deserved more out of, scoring more goals, conceding less, having a cleaner disciplinary record, and establishing a firm fight with our fellow title contenders.

“If we are fortunate enough to be reaching cup finals then that’s always a bonus and its excellent to be in the running for any extra silverware, but I think you’ll find the energy and ambition around the Perth camp is to be in a position to lift the league title, and if this can be achieved, I know myself and the team can walk away from 2023 feeling incredibly proud and accomplished.”

Matildas Tuesday Training

Andy Wicks was at Australia’s training session today in Surrey as Tony Gustavsson’s team prepare to take on Scotland at AFC Wimbledon on Good Friday (4/4/23).

Above: Amy Sayer (left) and Matilda McNamara, who were today added to the Matildas squad after injury withdrawals. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.

Australia have confirmed that Caitlin Foord and Alanna Kennedy will play no part in their games with Scotland and England in this international window.

Amy Sayer and Matilda McNamara have been called up in their place and began training with the team in Surrey today.

Manchester City’s Kennedy was ruled out due to a late-acquired injury prior to reporting to camp, while Foord sustained a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s weekend fixture. Both Kennedy and Foord will remain with their Women’s Super League club sides for rehabilitation.

USA-based Sayer, 21, is a familiar face around the national team set up having been a regular member of the Matildas squad since June 2022 and has six caps. The Sydney-born midfielder was a member of the Cup of Nations winning squad in February 2023.

South Australian McNamara returns to the squad after the 24-year-old last year made her international debut in a friendly against Thailand in Gosford.

Andy Wicks’ EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from Matildas training today for Impetus:

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 (4/4/23).

Above: Ella Gambell (left) who scored for Norwich City against Chesham United on Sunday. Photo: Norwich City Women.

FA Women’s National League Division One South East

Norwich City were comfortable 3-0 winners over Chesham United. An own goal, alongside strikes from Alice Parker and Ella Gambell ensured the hosts’ victory.

Eastern Region Premier Division

King’s Lynn Town recorded a much-needed 5-2 victory at Bowers & Pitsea. Amy Magnus scored a hat-trick with Alice Collins and Rachel Skinner finding the other goals. Maddie Thomas scored both of Bowers & Pitsea’s goals.

**Above:** Amy Magnus (blue kit) scored a hat-trick in King’s Lynn Town’s 5-2 win at Bowers & Pitsea. **Photo:** Tim Smith

Eastern Region Division One North

Fakenham Town picked up a very creditable 1-1 draw at Newmarket Town. Katie Spires had given Newmarket the lead before Shelley Woods equalised for the Norfolk side.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Mulbarton Belles maintained their 100% record with a 2-0 win at Long Stratton thanks to goals from Rebekah Lake and Molly Ryan. Thetford Town were 6-0 winners at Stalham Town. Dayna Howard and Kamile Omeleviciute both scored twice with Stacey Roper and Chelsea Page getting the others. Sprowston won a seven-goal thriller at Caister 4-3. Kelsi Adams scored a brace and Holly Whayman and Courtney Leggett got a goal each for Sprowston. Nicole Sheldrake, Molly Sims, and Rebecca Waters scored Caister’s goals.

**Above:** Dayna Howard scored twice and was Player of the Match in Thetford Town’s 6-0 win at Stalham Town. **Photo:** Ben Cunningham

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Aylsham were 6-2 winners at Blofield United. Jordan Arnoup scored a hat-trick with Carly Allum (2) and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor scoring the others. Bailey Duffield got both of Blofield United’s goals. Shrublands picked up a 2-1 away win at Bulldogs FC thanks to two goals Lacey Andrews. Amber May scored for Bulldogs. Thorpe St. Andrew overwhelmed home side Horsford 9-1. Abi Simmons scored a hat-trick, Poppy Le-Beau hit the net twice and Emma Clark, Natasha Frankland, Libby Gibbs, and Tabitha Mileham also got on the scoresheet. Megan Tooke scored Horsford’s only goal.

**Above:** Jordan Arnoup scored a hat-trick in Aylsham’s 6-2 win at Blofield United. **Photo:** Ben Cunningham

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division One

Mulbarton Belles were 4-0 winners over Dussindale & Hellesdon thanks to goals from Charlotte Groves, Lucy Kean, Alice Ladbrooke, and Lisa Webster. Whilst, in the day’s other Division One game, the University of East Anglia were 1-0 winners over Left Field.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division Two

Taverham won 5-0 at Red Rose with goals from Katie Fray (two), Kiera Braithwaite, Hannah Taylor, and Kate Morris.