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Dominant England retain Arnold Clark Cup

England 6-1 Belgium

by Johnathan Stack at Ashton Gate for Impetus (23/2/23).

Above: England lift the Arnold Clark at Bristol City FC last night after retaining the trophy they won last year. Photo: Lionesses.

The Lionesses put out a message last night ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as they comprehensively defeated Belgium to retain the Arnold Clark Cup.

It was an almost packed house at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, for the finale as England took on Belgium in a winner takes all decider for the trophy.

After five matches and three doubleheaders at different venues, it all came down to this the sixth and final game of the tournament.

So far so good for both teams as they have had perfect records in the Arnold Clark Cup with England beating Korea Republic 4-0 on matchday one in Milton Keynes and beating Italy 2-1 in Coventry, whereas Belgium has sat on level points with England having beat Italy and Korea Republic 2-1 in both the previous two matches.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman named a full-strength team for this game, which could well prove to be close to her starting eleven for the opening World Cup group game against Haiti.

The Lionesses hit the ground running early on and were all over Belgium from the get-go, with Georgia Stanway going wide and Lauren James firing just over in the opening ten minutes of the game.

**Above:** There was plenty to celebrate for England last night. **Photo** Lionesses.

The deadlock was broken in the 12th minute as James received the ball on the right and produced a dazzling run down the wing sending a deflected cross into the box with Chloe Kelly in the right place at the right time to bundle the ball into the back of the net.

Millie Bright nearly went close to doubling the lead with a header from an Alex Greenwood corner as the Lionesses kept up the relentless pressure from the start. Bright’s Chelsea teammate James went close for a second time as she was found on the edge of the area as she got the ball out of her feet, she fired just over again.

England did double the lead just before half-time as skipper Leah Williamson headed home from Lucy Bronze’s cross on the left to make the scoreline reflect the hosts’ domination that bit more.

At the start of the second half, it was more of the same as Ella Toone fired just over minutes after the restart, but then Kelly bagged her second of the game as Toone had a shot that was saved by Belgian keeper Nicky Evrard but spilled into the path of the Manchester City attacker who pounced onto the rebound and stuck it into an empty net.

The Lionesses’ bombardment continue as Alessia Russo almost made it 4-0, but was denied by Evrard sprawling at her near post to make a save.

Kelly nearly had a hat trick as she bamboozled the Belgian defence with a mazy run down the right, she then cut inside and tried to curl it into the top corner of the goal, but it went over the bar.

It was non-stop pressure, as England had Belgium penned into their half as Lucy Bronze’s cross picked out Russo with a great cross but unfortunately her gentle header went just wide.

**Above:** England dominated the Arnold Clark Cup silverware presentation as Chloe Kelly (left) won the tournament’s golden boot, and Lauren James won the player of the tournament trophy. **Photo:** Lionesses.

England had two further real chances. First through Kelly was found out on the wing and her cross-come shot grazed the top of the crossbar. Then, Stanway broke through as part of a four-on-two, but decided to go alone, and her deflected shot nearly found a way past Evrard couldn’t quite make the back of the net.

Finally, the fourth goal came as Julie Biesmans put the ball into her own net, as she tried to deal with Stanway’s cross. There was reward for Lucy Bronze as Lauren Hemp fed Rachel Daly who them knocked it down into the path of the Lionesses centurion to fire home for 5-0.

Belgium grabbed a superb consolation goal when substitute Elena Dhont picked the ball on the right, cut in on the edge of the box, and whipped a shot into the far top corner of Mary Earps’ goal.

England were not done though as captain Leah Williamson scored her second goal of the night, side footing the ball into an almost empty net as Stanway’s initial shot was blocked and with Evrard already in motion, all the Lionesses captain had to do was aim her shot into the unguarded half of the goal to make it six.

England have looked very strong over these three games. Lauren James was rightly named player of the tournament. Head coach Sarina Wiegman did get to experiment in these three matches ahead of the World Cup with Rachel Daly staking a claim to go head-to-head with Alessia Russo for the number nine role. Another important fact ahead of the summer is the Lionesses are now 29 games unbeaten with 25 wins and four draws since the Dutchwoman’s first game back in September 2021.

England have an array of talent in multiple positions on the pitch, there is obviously going to be a real selection headache for Wiegman ahead of the World Cup. The Lionesses boss spoke to the media about this selection dilemma saying: “I don’t have to make the decisions now. In some positions, pretty much if those players stay performing as they do, the chance of being picked for the first XI is very high.

“With some positions, I really don’t know yet and I don’t have to know. I have to see them over the next month at their club and then we come back in camp again. There’s a lot of competition going on. It’s pretty hard for us to make decisions. I’m not surprised, but it’s just confirmed that the competition is going on.”

There are five months until the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Preparations continue for the Lionesses in April as they have the Finalissima at Wembley on 6th April against Brazil followed by taking on World Cup joint hosts the Matildas’, who have won their last seven matches in a row at Brentford FC on 11th April.

Teams: ENGLAND: Earps, Bronze, Greenwood, Walsh, Bright, Williamson, Kelly, Stanway, Russo, Toone, James. Substitutes: Roebuck, MacIver, Hemp, Daly, Park, Carter, Salmon, Zelem, Charles, Robinson, Wubben-Moy, Le Tissier, Nobbs, Coombs.

Scorers: Kelly 12’, 50’. Williamson 43’, 90+3. Biesmans (OG) 78’, Bronze 89′.

BELGIUM: Evrard, Wijnants, De Caigny, Wullaert (c), Vanhaevermaet, Cayman, Vangheluwe, Detruyer, Janssens, Biesmans, Missipo. Substitutes: Lemy, Bastiaen, Philtjens, Van Kerkhoven, Colson, Eurlings, Dhont, Deloose, Merrsman, Fon, Ampoorter.

Australia v Jamaica Photo Gallery

Kris Goman‘s EXCLUSIVE photos from today’s Cup of Nations match between Australia and Jamaica in Newcastle, New South Wales, including the trophy presentations post-match for the Matildas as tournament winners, and Mackenzie Arnold as player of the tournament (22/2/23).

Above: The Matildas lift the Cup of Nations after winning all three matches, scoring 10 goals in the process. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Australia 3-0 Jamaica

So much Pride in defeat

Pride Park 2-2 University of Derby

University of Derby win 3-2 on penalties

Above: Steph Eadon breaks through for Pride Park earlier this season. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

by ‘Doug Outt’ (22/2/23)

Pride Park battled bravely with only ten players and later went down to eight for their Derbyshire County FA Women’s Plate quarter-final tie and took a 2-0 lead before the University of Derby (UOD) hit back in the dying minutes to equalise and to win on penalties.

The scheduling of the game could certainly have been more female-friendly to coin The FA’s own term; rather than pick (at relatively short notice) the first weekend of the schools’ half term – and with seven out with medium to long term injuries it left Pride extremely depleted. The scheduling faux pas is completed with the semi-finals scheduled to be played on Mother’s Day – a blank weekend in the County League.

To compound matters, the appointed match Official was forced to withdraw with an injury on the morning of the game, and midfielder Otty Baker pulled up with a groin strain in the warm-up. Ideally, she wouldn’t have played but, knowing Pride were already up against it, insisted on starting.

Despite all that, Pride started the game well and had the best of the first half. Steph Eadon had the ball in the net after a mazy dribble and shot on 11 minutes, but the goal was ruled out for an offside flag which, being extremely generous, was a tight call.

Eadon then saw her controlled free kick from the angle of the penalty box come back off the crossbar on 15 minutes and was a thorn in the side of the University defence, providing Pride with a target, holding the ball up, and combining with the players around her. It was a formula that worked well and, despite the numerical disadvantage, Pride were creating opportunities.

**Above:** Rachel Weaver (left) who scored Pride Park’s opening goal against the University of Derby. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick.

A prime example of this was after a Tash Allderidge corner, from which Eadon laid the ball back for Rachel Weaver to hit a right-footed shot through the crowd and beyond the keeper from the edge of the penalty area to give Pride the lead after 23 minutes.

The lead was extended just after the half-hour when Allderidge scored direct from a corner kick. Pride were unfortunate not to add to their score, Eadon hitting the crossbar again with a powerful controlled drive, stung the ‚keeper’s hands with another and she went close with several more efforts, as did Allderidge and Eliot Sayavong.

It was inevitable that with a numerical advantage, UOD would find openings, but Jade Howell in the Pride goal was only called into action twice – tipping a shot over the crossbar after a corner on 20 minutes, and comfortably collecting a shot at the near post as the half ended.

With Otty Baker struggling for mobility, she swapped positions with Eadon, enabling Baker to continue to half-time but she was unable to resume for the second half. Nevertheless, Pride were in control at half-time.

By contrast, the cavalry arrived for University of Derby in the form of two late arrivals as additional substitutes for the start of the second half. There was, inevitably, a less adventurous outlook to Pride’s play, now they were down to nine players, as they looked to contain UOD and manage the game. Attacks were more sporadic, and limited in scope due to the difficulty of getting players to provide support as might be expected, but, overall, Pride were managing the game well and still creating opportunities, but without being able to add to the score.

**Above:** Tash Allderidge, who doubled Pride Park’s lead on Sunday. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick.

The balance of the game changed after 70 minutes, however, when Eadon sustained a serious looking knee injury. Play was stopped for a lengthy period before the game resumed and with Pride now down to eight players (although Baker came back on her injury limited her mobility significantly) it was a case of all hands to the pumps as UOD started to enjoy more possession and inevitably started to get openings, but for the most part the few shots they had were hit wide or saved relatively comfortably by Jade Howell.

However, with six minutes of normal time left, an attack by UOD appeared to have been broken up but was diverted back into the centre after a challenge, the ball broke to Jodie Hill and her first-time shot looped up and over Jade Howell. The goal gave UOD added impetus and they pushed forward looking for an equaliser. Seven minutes into time added on and with only a minute left, UOD took a throw-in from the edge of the Pride area, received by Aimee Holstren in space and – although out of the „hit and hope” category – her shot from 25 metres out had goal all over it from the moment it left the boot.

After 98 minutes of play, therefore it ended all square at 2-2 and penalties were required to decide a winner. Although Pride edged ahead initially, UOD scored the decisive sudden death penalty to advance to the semi-final.

Pride were on course to go through until being effectively reduced to eight players with twenty minutes to play, but in such challenging circumstances to be a minute away from winning the game was nothing short of a herculean effort by the players that represented Pride Park so well yesterday. It is, however, the University of Derby who advance to the semi-final, to play one of Draycott Victoria, Wirksworth Colts, or Belper Town.

Pride return to League action at Moorways next Sunday against Amber Valley (kick-off 1.30pm).

Czechia v Spain Photo Gallery

Kris Goman was pitch side at a wet and windy Newcastle to capture the best of the action as Czechia and Spain concluded their Cup of Nations program (22/2/23).

Above: Spain get a header in on goal against Czechia today in Newcastle, New South Wales. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Czechia 0-3 Spain

Australia v Jamaica post-match coverage

Ben Gilby reports on the post-match media conference that followed the Matildas’ 3-0 win over Jamaica today to win the Cup of Nations as both head coaches, Tony Gustavsson and Lorne Donaldson spoke to the press along with Player of the Tournament Mackenzie Arnold (22/2/23).

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson was delighted that his team extended their winning mentality to lift a trophy at last as the Matildas won the Cup of Nations today in Newcastle.

“Some of the players have been part of the squad for 17 years and they’ve only lifted silverware three times – 2010 Asia Cup and 2017 and 2019 tournament wins, so this doesn’t come around too often, lifting a trophy. We need to get that opportunity to win and that was amazing.

“The one thing we have learned is what it feels like to win. It wasn’t a great game tonight. It wasn’t a great first half against Czech Republic. It wasn’t a great second half against Spain, but tournament football is about finding ways to win, grinding your way through.”

Reflecting on the resilience of his squad to stick to the game plan consistently across the last week despite not always having things their own way on the pitch, the Matildas boss said, “I really credit the players tonight – the way they stayed loyal and true to the plan we had.

“We’ve realised that we can score goals, and score goals in multiple different ways. We’ve averaged 3.3 goals in the last seven games. We can attack that way, and we’ve kept a clean sheet four out of the last five.

“This was tournament football, not a friendly. You are coaching to win. It’s about momentum. We had to read where the momentum was, and how to change it. We weren’t on fire from the start.”

Asked why certain players started and others didn’t, Gustavsson emphasised the importance of impact from the bench and the ability of specific players to influence the game at the right time.

“I want to stress again how important it is to be good over 90 minutes. We need to talk about who the best team to finish the match is. Who are the game changers? It is not that one player is better than another so they start, it might be that the player is the best option to start, to have different tools to change the game.

“I think we all agree that ‘Chids’ (Alex Chidiac) deserves to start based on performance. It doesn’t mean she should start – it means what is best for the game. We looked at Jamaica and saw they start the game well and get stretched the longer the game goes on. We felt that Crummer should run in the first half, and when it opens up a bit, ‘Chids’ ability to run between those lines can unlock things, which she did well.”

Gustavsson highlighted the impact that domestically based players such as Clare Hunt and Cortnee Vine have had on the tournament. Hunt has fitted in seamlessly to international football for the first time in the three matches of this tournament, with Vine scoring a sensational goal against Spain.

“I want to credit the A-League in terms of what they are doing. We’ve seen players go straight in from the A-League to play international football and that step is tough. To jump and then handle it is a big jump, and credit to the A-League players and clubs to be ready for international football. That’s massive. It sends a message to players playing domestically – if you work hard and the door opens, be ready.”

**Above:** Mackenzie Arnold at today’s post-match media conference. **Image:** Football Australia.

Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold outlined her determination to make the most of her opportunities during the Cup of Nations, and was rewarded for doing so after being named as player of the tournament.

Speaking to the media after the match, Arnold explained: “I come off a couple of good performances for West Ham and it was like a mindset of having nothing to lose. An opportunity came up and I wanted to grab it with both hands, which is something I haven’t done in the past. Confidence wise it’s really a boost for me having not played in the national team for quite a while.

“This being the only real tournament format we had ahead of the World Cup, it was important to get those games under our belt in 10 days. To perform as we did, we’ve got a bit to work on, but the performances were really good. It was a very positive tournament for us.”

Another player who has certainly grabbed an opportunity over the past week and shone is Western Sydney Wanderers captain Clare Hunt, and Arnold was full of praise for Hunt’s performances at this embryonic stage of the defender’s international career.

“She’s been unreal. especially with the mindset she has come in with. She has shown so much confidence and composure on the ball. We needed that. She will definitely push for a place in the World Cup spot.”

The West Ham United goalkeeper was also thrilled about the prospect of playing in the Matildas’ next scheduled match against European champions England at Brentford.

“I’m really excited, it’s definitely going to be an insane game! They are a competitive squad and a lot of them we faced in the Olympics with GB, so they will be wanting redemption (the Matildas won a dramatic encounter 4-3 in extra-time), so it’s a massive game for both teams.

**Above:** Jamaica boss Lorne Donaldson speaking to the media after today’s match in Newcastle. **Image:** Football Australia.

Jamaica head coach Lorne Donaldson spoke about how, for him, this competition was not about results, more about moulding a wider squad of players together ahead of the World Cup.

Donaldson underlined the situation that the Jamaican national side faces at the present time when he said: “We are a young team and we don’t have the luxury of playing a lot of games. Our background with players is college players, club players, or those out of a job right now (players without a club), so we are trying to bring them together and build depth. The tournament helped us tremendously.”

Asked about his thoughts on the game, Donaldson emphasised his sense of pride in his side’s efforts, which he felt were not reflected on the scoreboard.

“They (Australia) were at full strength and we are missing our top, top player, and our leading goalscorer (Bunny Shaw), and she is the leading scorer in the WSL right now. Maybe if we had her here it would be different, but the girls we have here put up a tremendous fight. The score of the game didn’t indicate to me the level of both teams. It was a closer game than 3-0.

“Australia – you have Sam Kerr. When you have Sam out there, and a goalkeeper like that (Mackenzie Arnold), you are going to be (up) there. I like Australia, I like what they have done, the results weren’t there, but the last six months they are getting stronger and stronger. I like the way they play and the energy they bring to the game is tremendous.”

Daly boosts claims for striker spot as newcomers shine

by Nathan Edwards (21/2/23)

Above: Rachel Daly celebrates after scoring for England against Italy in the Arnold Clark Cup on Sunday. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.

Rachel Daly’s headed brace overcame Italy’s second-half scare and maintained England’s flawless record in the Arnold Clark Cup.

Daly scored either side of Sofia Cantore’s controversial finish, to keep the Lionesses on track to retain the cup.

In the run-up to this tournament, Sarina Wiegman said that this competition was the “perfect preparation” for the World Cup this summer, and after two games the England boss will leave these three games behind with some positive thoughts to dwell on.

Since the Dutchwomen has taken the reigns, she has had a massive impact on all levels of the Women’s game, with the Euros victory last summer being the pinnacle.

**Above:** Alessia Russo – England’s key striker. **Photo:** Lionesses.

Throughout that historic run, Ellen White was the go-to striker. White has since retired and Manchester United’s Alessia Russo was tasked with replacing England’s record goal scorer.

Russo has done well up front, scoring 11 goals in 18 appearances, but within the starting line-up for the final against Germany, last summer was the current WSL joint-top goalscorer, Rachel Daly.

The Villa striker has only strengthened her claim to the lead striking role in this international tournament, along with giving Wiegman a selection headache.

Daly has converted her rampant WSL form, where she has netted 10 times in 13 outings, to the international stage, with two well-taken headers.

When asked about her preferred position, Daly said, “I’m not bothered, I’m really not,” she said. “I think you guys care more about where I play than I do. I’m genuinely happy to play in any role.

**Above:** Rachel Daly (12) saluting England fans. **Photo:** Lionesses.

“Obviously playing in the [number nine role] is something I do week-in, week-out, so it’s a little bit more natural for me. But whatever role I’m given, I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”

The victory at The Coventry Building Society Arena, where it saw a record attendance for any sporting event, also showcased the depth of talent available to Wiegman.

Two of the standout players in the first half, were Katie Robinson and Jess Park, both making their full debut for the Lionesses.

To mark the momentous occasion Robinson assisted Daly’s first, with a whipped delivery that was finished by Daly. It capped off a performance that will delight the England boss.

The 20-year-old caused problems on both wings, and also looked to have a strong understanding between her and the teammates around her.

**Above:** Jess Park who started for England on Sunday. **Photo:** Manchester City.

Robinson said, “We (Daly) have never played with each other before, so it is new. I needed to relax a bit on the ball, and cross the ball in earlier, and when I did that we scored”

Along with the Brighton winger, Park was given a shorter cameo only featuring in the first half but despite the limited game time, the Manchester City loanee impressed.

She was able to collect the ball in promising positions and would spearhead the charge towards Italy’s defence, and similarly to Robinson, she linked up well with those around her.

She came off with England leading, but Italy drew level before Daly glanced substitute Lauren James’ cross in.

Italy offered a tough challenge compared to South Korea, but Wiegman will be pleased with the performance her rotated team put in, with some even making a claim to push into her starting 11 when they travel to Australia this summer.

Welsh Weekend Wrap

Martin Townley rounds up all the weekend’s action in the FAW Women’s Cup Semi-Finals, plus matches in the second tier Adran North and Adran South (21/2/23).

Above: Briton Ferry Llansawel celebrate their superb win over top-tier Aberystwyth Town in the FAW Women’s Cup Semi-Final. Photo: FAW.

Briton Ferry Llansawel made history by reaching their first-ever FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Final. The second-tier side with a stunning victory over Adran Premier side Aberystwyth Town. Defending champions Cardiff City will join the Reds in the final after their win over city rivals Cardiff Met.

In the Adran North, Wrexham continued their winning streak as they hammered Felinheli. Rosie Hughes grabbed another four goals as her amazing scoring run continues.

Pontardawe Town have had a big say in where the Adran South title will go after their 4-0 win over Cascade. Cascade could have gone top with a win but now sit two points of the leaders Briton Ferry, who have two games in hand.

FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Semi-Finals

Briton Ferry Llansawel 3-0 Aberystwyth Town

with additional reporting from ATWFC Media team.

It was heartbreak for Aberystwyth Town Women as they were knocked out of the FAW Women’s Cup at the semi-final stage by second-tier Briton Ferry Llansawel.

On a chilly day at Carmarthen’s Richmond Park, Gavin Allen’s side struggled to assert themselves and paid the price, falling 3-0.

Goals from Megan Kearle, Lowri Baker, and Fleur Jenkins secured the win for Ferry – while salt was rubbed into the Aber wound when Rebecca Mathias was sent off at the end of the match after receiving two yellow cards for dissent. (Red card was two quick yellows for dissent)

There were some chances for the Seasiders, but they were few and far between – two good efforts from Shauna Chambers, a Libby Isaac free kick, and a shot from Emily Thomas that flew over the bar were the most notable.

There were plaudits too for 17-year-old goalkeeper Carys Pugh-Jones, between the sticks due to Elen Valentine’s absence on international duty with Wales U19s.

There will be no time for Aber to dwell on the lost opportunity to reach their first-ever FAW Women’s Cup final – they are back in Genero Adran Premier action next Sunday (26th February) when they host Pontypridd United in the first match of Phase 2 (kick-off 2pm at Park Avenue).

**Above:** Young Aberystwyth Town goalkeeper Carys Pugh-Jones reaches to make a save in the semi-final. **Photo:** Steve Williams Photography.

Briton Ferry Llansawel head to a FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Final for the first time ever after a resounding win at Richmond Park.

Aber tried to make it difficult for Ferry but Lowri Baker gave the tier two side the lead firing in through a crowd of players in the 19^th minute.

Megan Kearle extended Briton Ferry’s lead eight minutes into the second half. Laura-May Walkley with a clever piece of play to find Kearle who chipped the ball over the keeper.

It got better for the Reds as Aber keeper Carys Pugh-Jones only part cleared a cross, Fleur Jenkins first to the loose ball to lift it over the keeper.

With a lead Ferry dropped a little deeper and tried to see out the game. The Seasiders made a triple change and went on the front foot. Their last chance was a shot from the edge of the box which forced a good save from Courtney Young.

Cardiff City 2-0 Cardiff Met

**Above:** Cardiff City – who made the FAW Women’s Cup Final with victory over cross-city rivals Cardiff Met. **Photo:** Cardiff City Women.

Cardiff City continue to compete to win the treble as they reached the FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Final. Cardiff City were unhappy at this game going ahead as they had serval players away with Cymru’s intermediate squads.

Rhianne Oakley gave the Bluebirds the lead after 32 minutes. Oakley turning in from Seren Watkin’s cross. Oakley grabbed the second goal just past the hour mark when she put the ball in from close range.

Cardiff will now look to defend their crown when they face Briton Ferry Llansawel in the final.

Adran North

Wrexham 8-1 CPDM Y Felinheli

Wrexham won again to return to the top of the Adran North. They sit two points ahead of Connah’s Quay in second.

Wrexham hit four goals in the first half thanks to Amber Lightfoot, Sophie Hodson, and two from Rosie Hughes. Hughes finished off her hat trick shortly after the restart. Jordanne Greenough got a goal for Felinheli but soon Lightfoot got her second and Hughes got her fourth. An own goal from Llio Henshaw made it 8-1 to Wrexham.

Wrexham will travel to Connah’s Quay next as the top two go head-to-head for the first time this season.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 1-2 Llandudno

Early goals from Julia Alcock and Ffion Owen gave Llandudno the lead at halftime. Laura Williams got one back for Rhyl in the second half, but they could not find a second to level the game.

Llandudno remain in third place extending their lead over Rhyl to four points.

Adran South

Pontardawe Town 4-0 Cascade YC

Cascade’s title chances took a hit as they missed out on the chance to top the table. With Briton Ferry in cup action Cascade failed to advantage and slumped to a 4-0 loss.

Sara Llewellyn, Ella Stafford, Keira Harris, and Renee Day with the goals for Pontardawe as they move four points clear in third spot.

Cascade trail Ferry by two points but importantly Ferry has two more games to play.

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (21/2/23).

Above: Rebekah Lake (right) scored twice in Mulbarton’s 4-0 win over Thetford Town. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.

Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter Finals

Norwich City recorded a 5-0 victory over King’s Lynn Town. Goals from Ellie Smith, Katie Knights, Ella Gambell, and a brace from Megan Todd saw the hosts claim a comfortable victory.

Wroxham despatched Fakenham Town in impressive fashion winning 11-0 in a match played on a neutral ground at FDC Bowthorpe. Holly Connell and Hannah Waters netted hat-tricks with Zara O’Neill, Jennifer Codman, Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley, and Keela Olive rounding off the scoring.

Mulbarton Belles also progressed as they saw off a spirited Thetford Town 4-0 at Mulberry Park. Rebekah Lake scored twice with Francesca Catchpole and Emma Farmer adding the others.

Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers were 9-2 winners at King’s Lynn Soccer Club. Shanice Sutton’s hat-trick, two each for Tallulah Bell and Chelsea Brister, plus further goals from Georgina Belton and Karolina Kowalczyk saw the visitors claim an expected comfortable win. Taeya Mayes and Leeanne Smith were the King’s Lynn Soccer Club scorers.

**Above:** Katie Knights (left) scored in Norwich City’s 5-0 win over King’s Lynn Town. **Photo:** Richard Brown.

Suffolk Women’s Cup Quarter Final

Beccles Town were beaten 7-0 at home by Needham Market. Goals from Molly Hall and Jodie Sharp (two each) alongside Lois Balfour, Nicole Pannifer, and Eva Hubbard secured the win.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Long Stratton climbed into second with an 8-4 win at Caister. Luci Middleton netted five, Samantha Walker got a brace and Mia Wilkinson added the other. Caister had Hayley Muir, Molly Sims, Poppy Loveland, and Leah Brown to thank for their goals.

A claim for Norfolk’s result of the day saw Sprowston beat the University of East Anglia 4-3 thanks to goals from Olivia Leggett, Rosie Milligan, and a couple from Anais Winney. Freya Standing (2) and Katie Lee were the scorers for UEA.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Thorpe St. Andrew bounced back from last week’s defeat in emphatic style beating Freethorpe 5-1 away. Ellen Boucher, Emma Clark, Natasha Frankland, Tabitha Mileham, and Rosie Gunton scored for Tony Allen’s side with Eden Simmonds replying for the hosts.

Another 5-1 scoreline saw Gorleston beat FC Viking Valkyries. A hat trick from Kelsi Adams plus goals from Megan Bartlett and Ellie Burwood saw the hosts take a comfortable win. Chloe Ward scored for the visitors.

FC Bulldogs won a close game 3-2 over Horsford thanks to goals from Sophia Price and a brace from Bethany Spurling. Horsford found the net through Gabrielle Harris and an own goal.

An 82nd-minute strike from Lucy Kean saw Mulbarton Development beat title favourites Aylsham 1-0.

North Walsham continued their fine form with a 5-0 win over Shrublands. Kiera Brown bagged a brace plus Grace East, Stella Fletcher Helps and Rhiannon Holt got one each to see North Walsham pick up another fantastic win.

Above: Mulbarton Development celebrate going top of the table with an impressive 1-0 win over Aylsham. **Photo:** Sean Golding.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division One

Left Field were 2-0 winners over Dussindale and Hellesdon thanks to Brogan O’Grady and an own goal. Meanwhile, Kirkley and Pakefield shared the spoils with Rockland in a 0-0 draw

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division Two

Yarmouth FC were 5-0 winners at Aylsham. Nicole Ali (3) Courteney Beare and Nicole Pirolli all scored for the visitors.

Waveney won 3-1 away at Beccles Town. Taverham ran out 14-0 winners at Great Yarmouth with Katie Fray scoring nine. Rebecca Kirby added a hat trick of her own and there were also goals from Kate Morris and Kiera Braithwaite.

Woodley United v Abbey Rangers Photo Gallery

Andy Wicks of Oakmist Photography provides Impetus with another set of excellent images of Woodley United as they hosted Abbey Rangers in the Chairman’s Cup First Round. After which they were presented with the Southern Region Division One North championship trophy (21/2/23).

Above: Woodley United celebrate with the Southern Region Division One North championship trophy. Photo: Andy Wicks/Oakmist Photography.

Woodley United 3-0 Abbey Rangers

A week after clinching the league title of their tier six division last weekend, Woodley United hosted Abbey United in the Chairman’s Cup First Round. This competition, for tier five and six Southern Region Women’s League teams, saw Woodley go through thanks to goals from Sarah Lawrence, and two from Gemma Sims.

Gustavsson: If we stay true to our DNA we can succeed

by Ben Gilby (21/2/23)

Above: Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson speaking earlier today. Image: Football Australia.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson told the media today that he wants his team to experience lifting a trophy tomorrow, and that if they can stay true to their DNA, it is something that will stand them in good stead ahead of future major challenges, starting with a match against England in April.

With The Matildas needing just a draw against Jamaica in Newcastle tomorrow to win the Cup of Nations, confidence is high that Australia can extend their winning run to a seventh consecutive match.

Australia boss Gustavsson highlighted the strong core identity that his team has, and the fact that when all of its facets are at 100%, his side are exceptionally tough to beat.

“There are three things that are in the core of our DNA,” Gustavsson identified. “It’s our pressing game, it’s our pace – not just running, but with the ball, how fast we can play now. The other is set plays. We’ve shown again, scoring twice from set plays in the last game, and again in the match before that.”

The Matildas boss would not be drawn on player availability for tomorrow’s game other than to say that: “There have been some updates about Hayley Raso and Alanna Kennedy, and we’ll be looking into making final decisions tonight.”

At the present time, Gustavsson is solely focusing on “getting the best plan for the 90 minutes – best starting 11 for the game and best finishing 11. We’ve seen in this tournament that game-changers have a massive influence. Our game changers are a massive part of who we are. If you look at the last six consecutive wins we have, the game changers all played a major part in that.”

**Above:** Sam Kerr and Alanna Kennedy walk out to training today in Sydney. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

Asked what threats he feels Jamaica will pose to Australia tomorrow, the Matildas boss said: “They are very good on one-v-ones both attacking and defensively, and they have world-class pace in the transition game and that’s how they can hurt us.

“When we played them in 2019 (during the World Cup group stage – a match that the Matildas won 4-1), they did that, and we have the biggest respect for them. It was 2-1 in the 70th minute against them.”

With The Matildas having announced a friendly against the Lionesses at Brentford in April, Gustavsson revealed how much long-term planning had gone into finally being able to announce the fixture.

“It’s part of our bigger plan from day one – play bigger European opposition. The stats show that we don’t do too well against European opposition. We also want to play top-ranked opposition. The more type of games we get like that the better. It was a lot of background work to get this going. It was planned two years back.

“We will have played eight of the top ten ranked opposition in the world over the past two years. England are European champions and, right now one of the best teams in the world, if not the best team in the world. It will be a really, really good test to challenge ourselves to see where we are at.”