Above: The AFC Wimbledon side that started last night’s Capital Cup Final at CB Hounslow. Photo: Emily Topping.
AFC Wimbledon gave Arsenal’s young talent a scare before succumbing to a narrow Capital Cup Final defeat last night.
A 2-1 loss came after Emma Plewa had given Wimbledon the lead, but Arsenal Academy, fielding players with WSL experience, ultimately emerged triumphant in the final at CB Hounslow.
Nevertheless, there was rightly plenty of pride in the Dons’ camp after a bold show last night and a run in the competition that included getting the better of Sutton United, Queen’s Park Rangers, and London Bees.
Reflecting after the match, manager Kevin Foster said: “I am proud of the group we have, and it sums up the progress we’ve made as a team that we put in an excellent shift against players who train full-time.”
Despite knowing the scale of the test they faced, Wimbledon started positively and Emily Donovan forced the Arsenal keeper into a fine save, setting the tone for the rest of the first half.
At the other end, Lauren Allen made a fine stop to keep the Dons level and that provided the platform for the South-West London side to take the initiative. A superb move involving Gloria Siber and Ellie Dorey ended with Plewa shooting over the crossbar. Siber continued to cause problems and her impact resulted in a penalty as she was brought down in the box and Plewa made no mistake from 12 yards.
Arsenal made notable substitutions at the break, bringing on players with Super League experience – and the equaliser followed two minutes after the break after Wimbledon failed to deal with a corner. The game became a more physical affair, resulting in Siber’s outstanding display being brought to a premature conclusion as she was withdrawn after suffering a serious injury. Ashlee Hincks entered the fray for her first appearance in several months after recovering from injury.
Despite the loss of Siber, the Dons continued to create opportunities with Chloe Sampson forcing a fine save. With 15 minutes to go, it was all hands on deck for Wimbledon as a goalmouth scramble ended with Hannah Billingham clearing off the line. However, that turned out to be only a temporary reprieve as Arsenal struck what turned out to be the winner with 10 minutes left.
Following the gallant loss, there’s an opportunity for Kevin Foster’s side to end the season on a high when they entertain Norwich City at the Cherry Red Records Stadium at Plough Lane on Sunday (2pm kick-off) to conclude their tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East campaign.
Above: The crowd at Tottenham Hotspur home game at Brisbane Road this season. Photo: Spurs Women.
The focus of women’s football on inspiring young girls limits the growth of the game.
When Usain Bolt ran the 100 meters in 9.58 seconds. I was mesmerised. It was spectacular. It did not mean my own 100m speed increased.
When Jessica Ennis got an Olympic gold in the heptathlon or Beth Tweddle a long-deserved bronze in gymnastics I cheered. I did not throw a javelin nor swing on a high bar.
When Lucas Moura completed his miraculous hat trick against Ajax I was dizzy with excitement. I spilt beer and then drank beer. I did not go out and kick a ball, nor did he become my role model. Rather Bolsonaro-supporting Lucas has turned out to be deeply problematic.
Sport is beautiful, unbearable, and heart-breaking. It has the capacity to send us from euphoria into despair.
Elite athletes produce awe because they do things that mortals like me cannot. Some of them are wonderful people off the field of play, but not all of them.
To appreciate this and, in the case of women’s football, to appreciate elite women footballers as sportspeople, does not require that we turn them into role models. Nor less that we are inspired to replicate their actions. It requires that we admire their sporting prowess.
Yet women’s football in the UK seems stuck in an ‘inspirational’ narrative that positions footballers (and football clubs) as primarily responsible for inspiring future generations of players. As part of this, it frames today’s fans as proto-typically very young girls, or ‘future Lionesses’.
Above: Just 305 people were at Brisbane Road to see Beth England score the winner in Spurs’ crucial relegation game against Leicester on March 15th. Photo: Spurs Women.
On the bus to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this season, two young women sat behind me and speculated nervously, “Are we the only people here without a child?” They were not. But when games get promoted in ways that infantilise fans – ‘a day of footballing fun’ (Spurs); ‘meet Peppa Pig’ (Aston Villa) – it may sound welcoming to some, but it puts off other supporters, the majority of whom (as visible from a cursory scan of any WSL ground) are teenagers or adults unaccompanied by very young children.
We can all agree that it is past due that historically excluded groups (women, people of colour, LGBTQ+, and disabled people) have pathways to get into sport, including football. And we all want to see people ‘like us’ participating in all types of sport. That said, the links between watching elite sport and resourcing the grassroots are convoluted at best.
And unfortunately, a marketing strategy around inspiring young girls (at times involving non-footballing content) is too often prioritised above developing and meeting the needs of a regular match-going mass fanbase. Yet this fanbase is essential to drive revenue into and grow all levels of the game because even if the big money comes from growing TV audiences, larger crowds produce the atmosphere necessary to market games and generate excitement.
In broad terms, the fanbase for women’s football includes not just families with young children, but the various people who do not want to, or cannot, play competitively; generations of women who missed the chance to play; adult women and LGBTQ+ fans who have not always found a home in men’s football. But also adult male fans, who should be welcomed at women’s games, even while women haven’t always been welcome at men’s games.
Clubs becoming more accessible for parents is to be applauded. It’s great that football-loving adults can bring their daughters, granddaughters, and nieces to games. Inter-generational bonding over football (men’s or women’s) is a long-cherished formative experience. Albeit one that is, sadly, increasingly out of reach in the men’s game, given the escalating cost of tickets.
Moreover, there are undoubtedly, among the young girls brought to games, some who love playing football, who see the elite players as important role models, who want to follow in their footsteps. There will, however, also be girls brought to games who primarily enjoy the spectacle just as there are young boys who like to soak in the atmosphere and watch men play.
If support for Spurs and other WSL clubs is to grow, with games regularly attracting crowds in the tens of thousands and many times that watching at home, the fraction of the crowd that goes on to play football at semi-professional or professional level will become vanishingly tiny.
Last month a friend’s son went with school friends to watch Arsenal women at the Emirates. While I am not condoning his Arsenal fandom, I love that they did this. They were not accompanied by a parent or teacher, but rather a bunch of teenage boys, old enough to make their own decisions, chose to take themselves to the game. Clearly part of it is that women’s football is affordable. But that it has become an option for teenagers, or for other groups of football fans, is a seismic shift.
Above: Shelina Zadorsky, Spurs Captain, protests unequal conditions alongside other members of the Canadian National Team before a She Believes Game against the USWNT. Photo: Via Spurs Women Blog.
So far Tottenham have done relatively little to capitalise on this shift. In the aftermath of the Euros, without a ‘Lioness’ to undergird their marketing, the club has been at a disadvantage. Yet, even allowing for this, attendances this season have been poor: two WSL games rearranged onto Wednesday nights attracted fewer than 400 fans to Brisbane Road. Even the North London Derby saw only 3,754. It is, therefore, time that Tottenham, alongside other WSL clubs, become more strategic.
The first step is recognising that the majority of fans are not currently, and will not in the future be, very young girls looking to be inspired. Once those blinkers are off, the second step is to ask what the demands are of a fandom that may primarily want to spectate, that is looking to be mesmerised, and will alternately moan, criticise and cheer as our team eeks out a draw, fights relegation or scores a ridiculous goal.
For the most part that means attending to the simple stuff: kick-off times that don’t change last-minute, tickets that are easy to buy for both home and away fans, with away ends available, schedules that coordinate with our men’s teams, incentives for groups of teenagers and young adults to attend games together, pitches that allow the game to be played to the highest level, support for the development of fan communities online and at matches (with chants, songs and flags), and sufficient information to follow our club and get to know our players, even the Academy teams.
The men’s game survives and grows without Peppa Pig or a requirement to inspire, women’s football can do the same if given the support.
None of the above means discouraging footballers from using their platform to speak about matters beyond the pitch. Not least because, in women’s football what happens on the pitch is frequently intertwined with widespread social inequalities off the pitch: whether we are talking about women’s unequal pay and conditions; struggles over the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes; a lack of diversity rooted in structural racism; cases of exploitatation and harassment that are perpetuated by those in positions of power; the lack of proper maternity (or sickness) cover; or the ways in which athletes’ bodies are represented and judged.
I hate that players have to keep campaigning about these things even while I love that so many feel able to speak out and have done so powerfully.
But the game will be a better place when players’ social and political eloquence is prized but not needed; when players are not required to inspire a generation, even if some of them do it anyway; when a player doing mind-bending things with a ball is plenty.
Ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League Semi-Final second leg at Camp Nou,Impetus’ Emmanuel Faith joined Chelsea’s pre-game media conference with head coach Emma Hayes, and club captain, Magdalena Eriksson(27/4/23).
Above: Sam Kerr is crowded out by Barcelona players in Saturday’s first leg at Stamford Bridge, she will be hoping to put up a more impactful performance tonight. Photo: UWCL Twitter.
Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes is confident in her team’s ability to overturn a one-goal deficit at Camp Nou tonight to take their place in Eindhoven on 3rd June for the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final.
Chelsea has had a tough ride to the semi-finals, having played the two best teams in France – Olympique Lyonnais and Paris St. Germain, recording three victories during the process and have been to Spain earlier in the season where they shared the points with Real Madrid during the group stage. But playing Barcelona at their fortress Camp Nou is a different test.
Speaking to the media, Hayes was optimistic while being realistic about the daunting challenge ahead of them. She paid respect to Barcelona and acknowledged their ability totear teams apart in Camp Nou, having done that to clubs like Benfica, Bayern Munich, and Roma but she also expressed confidence about the Blues’ abilities to face any opponent.
“The focus has been on Barcelona and how amazing they are at home, while that is the reality, my girls have given their best so far and will play for the badge tomorrow. We are a team of experienced players, leaders, and footballers that are ready to deliver at ahigh level”
The Blues captain, Magda Erikkson reiterated the message, stating confidently: “The game is not over until it is over, and we all saw what happened against Lyon, we have a competitive squad with a winning mentality, and it is unfortunate we couldn’t get at least a draw at Stamford Bridge…we will give our best on the pitch and hopefully, we have a bit of luck on our side.”
Hayes further praised the players’ resilience to keep the scoreline to just a single-goal deficit in the first leg, ensuring that they still had all to play for in the second leg. She singled out the outstanding performance of Maren Mjeldewho has had to play consecutive matches because of the absence of the starting centre backs Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan, while celebrating the whole team for their doggedness and abilities to suffer without the ball.
Above: Guro Reiten worked hard to be a thorn in Barcelona’s side during Saturday’s first leg at Stamford Bridge. Photo: UWCL Twitter.
“It’s been a very long season plagued with injuries and we are super-delighted that players step up to deliver their best when they are called upon”
She also confirmed that we won’t be seeing Bright or Buchanan anytime soon, however, on a more positive note, the Blues boss mentioned the impact of Pernille Harder’s return on Saturday.
Hayes also highlighted that, whilst all the talk has been on Barcelona and their superb home form, her team has had one of the most difficult journeys possible to a Champions League semi-final, having played clubs like Real Madrid, Paris St. Germain and the holders Olympique Lyonnais.
Chelsea recorded clean sheets against PSG home and away, and away to Lyon, while Eriksson also talked about the team’s ability to take their chances when they come.
For Hayes, tonight’s game can boil down to focusing on the basic football details while maximising the opportunities when they come.
Given their impressive home record, club size, and outstanding fans, Barcelona are favourites to win this, but if any team has the experience to gain the win it is Chelsea.
Above: Charlize Rule speaking to the media today. Image: Sydney FC.
Sydney FC’s Charlize Rule is confident that her team has what it takes to end their run of three Grand Final defeats in a row when they take on Western United on Sunday at CommBank Stadium.
The 20-year-old spoke of her determination to ensure that her team gets revenge for their defeat to the competition newcomers in their semi-final clash a fortnight ago. “We can’t let them win it in their first year. We want revenge from the other week and we’re ready to take them on”
“Every game we verse them, we learn a lot and know what they are going to bring. Even though we had all the possession (in the semi), it comes down to who wins in each box, and we need to defend with our lives and take our chances.”
Western United advanced directly to the Grand Final despite Sydney creating more in that encounter at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium as Hannah Keane took advantage to score the game’s only goal. Despite the Golden Boot winner’s form this season, Rule backs her teammates to keep her out this time round.
“I feel very secure in our defence with Charlotte (Mclean) and Nat (Tobin) alongside me. We have definitely learned that she (Hannah Keane) can make good runs in the box and we’ll track her down.”
Rule also pointed to the fact that Sydney FC have the experience in season-defining matches that Western United simply cannot buy. She feels that this area will be one of the keys to deciding the outcome of Sunday’s match.
“It speaks so highly of Sydney FC as a club. We’ve made four Grand Finals in a row and had the same team together for mostly three years, taking three Premierships. I think we’ve got this one. We have the quality we go to play with no fear, Ante’ (Juric, head coach)’s been telling us all this week.
“We are all young, but we’ve been together for so long. It’s been a tight-knit group, we have a lot of experience together. Having lost those games (Grand Finals) we have a fire in our belly and we want to win this one.
“I saw an article the other day that they (Western United) are favourites to win – I don’t really know how. My team has been consistent the whole year, we’ve been Premiers. They are the fairy tale, it’s their first year.”
Whilst Sydney as club are looking to lift the trophy on Sunday to mark an outstanding season for the club, it’s a big day for another reason – club captain Nat Tobin will play her hundredth match. Rule reflected on the influence that Tobin has on the Sydney FC players.
“She has been here for so long. She has definitely been a good captain. We all look up to her, she is a role model and like a big sister. She steps up in all the big games. We want to do her proud. This game is not just about us winning the championship, it’s about marking her hundredth appearance in style.”
Tobin looks forward to milestone in Grand Final
Above: Sydney FC captain Natalie Tobin with the A-League Women trophy. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: A-Leagues.
Sydney FC’s Liberty A-League Captain Nat Tobin is set to make her 100th appearance for the Sky Blues in this Sunday’s 2023 A-League Grand Final.
Tobin made her debut appearance for the club in the 2013 Grand Final, ten years ago as a 16-year-old, in the game that her side won 3-1 against Melbourne Victory thanks to a Sam Kerr diving header, and goals from Nicola Bolger and Kyah Simon.
It’s a feat Tobin would love to recreate a decade on.
“It was fantastic to be able to win the Championship as the youngest member of that squad, but to be able to do it this weekend as captain will be even sweeter,” she said.
“To reach 100 games for this amazing club is something I am very proud of and to do it in a Grand Final will be a great feeling. We are all pumped and excited for the game, it’s going to be an incredible occasion and we are determined to prove we are the number one team in this country.”
Tobin will become only the third player to reach the milestone, following in the footsteps of Sky Blues legend and former captain Teresa Polias and current team-mate Princess Ibini.
In total she has played in 86 regular A-League Women’s matches, seven finals series games, five Grand Finals, and one International Women’s Club Championship match.
Head Coach Ante Juric praised a marvellous achievement by the Sky Blues skipper. “Natalie is a model professional and a phenomenal Captain for Sydney FC,” he said.
“To have reached this milestone over ten years at the biggest club in the country is a remarkable achievement and shows above and beyond dedication to Sydney FC and to the game.
“She is fully deserving of all the accolades that come her way and I hope the girls can put on a show and win this Grand Final for her and for each other.”
Tobin has scored six goals in her Sydney FC career and will play in her sixth Grand Final this Sunday.
Artwork by: Charlotte Stacey, founder on On Her Side.
Above: Bulleen Lions (white) and Bayside United contest possession during their round six encounter. Photo: Bulleen Lions.
Three very different wonder goals and another Kurea Okino masterclass defined Round Six of Victoria’s NPLW. While Alamein got back to winning ways, Preston Lions faced their toughest test of the season so far.
South Melbourne 1-0 Box Hill United
Box Hill United came into this game in need of a win. They have been one of the league’s most watchable teams so far this season. The attacking talents of Sienna Techera and Anais Josefski mean that they can threaten any side, meaning goal scoring has not been their issue with 11 in five games coming into this week.
Up against South Melbourne this week, they faced a similarly in-form attacking team, but one with a stronger defence. Although Box Hill were competitive throughout and stayed in the game until the end, one goal was enough to make the difference.
Box Hill’s attack was cut off by Brianne Reed who produced a clever turn before surging forward. The defence did well to scramble back and regain possession briefly, but Danielle Wise was persistent. South Melbourne’s star signing showed all the tenacity and technique that won her the 2022 Golden Boot with a terrific burst of pace and powerful strike for the only goal of the game in the 51st minute.
Box Hill did not give up too many easy chances, but the fluidity in attack that they have been known for this season was missing. South Melbourne’s defence and midfield proved too organized to break down when it mattered.
Alamein 3-1 FV Emerging
Alamein started the season off strong with a series of high-scoring wins, but a 3-0 humbling to Boroondara-Carey Eagles, then a 0-0 draw with Heidelberg left them in need of a response this week.
Their opponents, FV Emerging were no easy opposition. They were coming off a 5-2 win over Box Hill United in which they played some incisive, passing football. The kids were confident, and Alamein could not afford to take them lightly.
FV Emerging struck first. A Candice Kilderry free kick caused havoc in Alamein’s defence and the ball bounced around until it fell to Alana Cortellino. The trick winger created some space for herself and fired a shot into the far corner from a difficult angle. The youngster is improving week to week and is quickly following in the footsteps of Caitlin Katic who had that position before her.
Alamein fans had to wait until the second half for a response. Chinatsu Shindara’s long ball forward evaded the FV Emerging defence and Elaina Vatcky was on hand to tuck the chance away at close range.
The home side would add to that equaliser in stunning fashion Sarah O’Donohuge lined up from very long range and rifled a shot into the net. Sophie Dehne dove at full stretch but could do nothing to prevent it.
The result was put beyond doubt when Sidney Allen’s free-kick was bundled in for an own goal. It was a strong turnaround in form by Alamein, but FV Emerging continued to show that they can match it at this level. Only defensive composure kept them from a result.
Bayside United 2-0 Bulleen Lions
A Miwa Sasaki double was the difference in Bayside United’s surprise win over Bulleen Lions. The loss was Bulleen’s first of the season. The first goal arrived in the most direct way possible.
Goalkeeper Coco Majstorovic bombed a long ball forward. The bounce eluded the Bulleen defenders for Kayla Deaver to run onto. The winger twisted into the box and created enough space for the shot. It was too fast for the goalkeeper to handle, and Sasaki pounced to bundle it home from close range.
Bulleen fought hard and created chances. Rosie Rodger in particular was impressive and dynamic once again, but Bayside sealed the win with minutes left on the clock.
It was another long ball and another finish by Sasaki, but this time she carried the ball into the area and struck low and hard to leave Emily Shields with little chance of stopping it.
The win leaves Bulleen Lions in seventh place despite impressive performances. There is still plenty of time for this team to click in front of goal.
Heidelberg United 1-1 Preston Lions
This was the most intriguing game of the round. Johnno Clemente’s Heidelberg United and the newly promoted Preston Lions were two of the remaining undefeated teams in the competition. Katrina Nikpour started for the home side in the strikers role and was partnered in attack by the in-form captain Stephanie Galea. It was the skipper who opened the scoring once again.
It was one of the best goals of the season so far. The move began deep in defence with Heidelberg passing short and directly to open up space. Nicole Blackett eventually received it on the overlap and slipped in Nikpour on the left flank. The ball across goal was dangerously hit and Galea only needed a touch to score but attacked it with pace. Preston had not touched the ball for the entire move.
It was an attacking game and although it was surprising that no other goals were scored until the 73rd minute, it was still a disappointing one for the home side to concede.
Preston earned the chance. Melanie Camilleri is a constant threat and her pace and persistence caused momentary panic in the Berger’s defence. As she cute inside she was brought down just inside the penalty area. It was an unfortunate foul to give away. Camilleri was not quite in a shooting position and moving away from goal, but the threat was there.
She picked herself up to dispatch the spot kick herself. The scores stayed level and at the end of the round the two sides remained the only undefeated teams in the NPLW Victoria.
Boroondara-Carey Eagles 3-2 Calder United
Another goal of the round contender was not enough for Calder United to leave the Veneto Club with anything, but they may have uncovered the latest new star of the league.
This game was an attacking feast, with the first goal coming in the ninth minute. Rebecca Lim intercepted Calder’s attempt to play the ball out from the back and raced into the area. She cut the ball across goal for Mawa Sumaoro to finish unmarked in the bottom corner.
Calder equalised less than 10 minutes later. Bella Sewards and Alexis Mitchell combined at the edge of the area to make space. Mitchell slipped a pass through the Eagles defence and the fast-arriving Kiewa Hieda to finish.
The Eagles retook the lead through another run from Lim. She skipped past multiple players and found her way to the by-line. When she cut the ball back for Kurea Okino, the striker still had plenty to do. Despite being closely marked, she turned and got away a shot at the near post that found the back of the net. It was her 10th of the season so far.
Calder drew level in the second half again. Sewards delivered a long high pass beyond the Eagles’ defence and Fiorina Iaria brought it down with one sensational touch of the outside of her foot. With the next touch, she flicked it beyond the keeper and into the back of the net for one of the best goals this season.
It was a shame that this game had to have a winner, but there were no surprises who scored the deciding goal. Okino outpaced her defender and outmuscled her to the ball over the top. The finish felt inevitable at that point and the league’s leading scorer had her 12th of the season in just six games.
The end of the round’s hostilities see the Boroondara-Carey Eagles at the top of the table, closely followed by the undefeated Preston Lions. Alamein climbed back up to third, but Calder United will need to find points to match their play soon.
Above: Pride Park goalkeeper Jade Howell put in a great performance in her return between the sticks for the club. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
Pride Park were brought down from the buzz of a resounding win last week, to a feeling of disappointment after defeat to the current tier seven Derbyshire Ladies League Division One leaders Wirksworth Colts on Sunday.
Withdrawals for a variety of reasons in addition to a lengthening injury list reduced the squad to 11 players, although Millie Holmes joined the team and was theoretically available in an emergency despite being severely under the weather, and Jade Howell was a welcome sight back in goal after a one-game suspension.
As the game got underway a heavy downpour started and continued for much of the afternoon, making conditions challenging for the players.
Pride were on the back foot for the opening period as Wirksworth moved the ball around well, passes found their targets, and space was made for shots – although at least some of the initiative was handed to the visitors, as Pride conceded a string of potentially avoidable throw-ins and corners. Wirksworth had three shots on target in the first five minutes, the best of which was heading inside the foot of the post but Howell did exceptionally well to get down, judge the bounce off the slick surface, and turn it around the post.
The reprieve didn’t last long, however, as the hosts failed to deal with a long throw from their left, which was allowed to bounce in the six-yard box, and a sliced clearance went straight to a Wirksworth player on the edge of the area who accepted the invitation to hit a shot just inside the post.
Pride’s first attack came after eight minutes when possession was regained in midfield and Steph Eadon played a pass ahead of Beth Jones – the covering defender and the goalkeeper reached the ball first and almost collided, the ball broke free but the goalkeeper recovered it just before Jones had a chance to get on it.
A minute later, Summer Evans drove down the left cutting in towards goal and crossing low – the just evaded Beth Jones and in a scramble on the edge of the six yards box, a defender’s clearance was blocked by Hannah Kwiatek and the ball fell to Evans – but her shot was deflected for a corner.
The resulting corner was swung in Tash Allderidge and evaded everyone in the middle and drifted in at the far post to draw the teams level with 10 minutes played.
A minute later, Pride were awarded a free kick midway inside the Wirksworth half. Annie Laight lofted the kick into the area and Impetus sponsored Ella Kew knocked the ball across goal, and in the scramble that followed a defender attempted a clearance but only managed to kick the ball against a teammate and the rebound nestled in the net to put the home side 2-1 up.
Above: Eliot Sayavong (right) – impressive in defence and scorer of a goal in Sunday’s match. Photo: Peppercrewphotography.
There was an inevitable response from Wirksworth and they had four openings in the next five minutes, the best of which was a let-off for Pride. A pass was played forward to the striker but, with her back to goal, all the home defenders backed off without challenge, giving her time to pick out a pass into space for a teammate to run onto and her shot across Howell from the angle of the six yards box came back off the foot of the post.
It had been a frenetic opening twenty minutes and the game finally settled down a little with no further chances for a while. On the half-hour Pride won a corner kick which was delivered low by Allderidge, there was a scramble in the six yards box, and Eliot Sayavong steered a left foot shot through a sea of legs to find the net and put Pride 3-1 ahead.
Three minutes later a pass across the back line by a defender nearly resulted in an interception by Beth Jones and a mix-up between defender and goalkeeper, but they just about got away with it as the ball broke to a defender rather than Jones. However, the clearance only went as far as Eadon and her shot from 30 yards was dropped by the goalkeeper – but there was nobody following in and so the possible opportunity was missed.
At this stage, there was a bit of an inquest going on amongst the Wirksworth players, who were clearly unsettled by the way the game was going at this stage. They were handed a lifeline after 39 minutes when they broke down their left and an attacker was allowed to run from just inside halfway to the edge of the six-yard box before cutting inside and slotting inside the post to pull a goal back and it was 3-2 to Pride Park at the break.
There was a slight reshuffle at half-time – it wasn’t tactical, nor ideal, but without substitutes on a pitch that was becoming heavy and energy sapping it was necessary to nurse a number of players that were returning from injury and still working back to full match fitness through the game.
Wirksworth started the second half as might be expected having pulled a goal back just before the interval and were level on 52 minutes. They won a corner on Pride’s left, which was initially cleared, but returned into the centre and laid off for a striker – Pride’s back line all stopped, presumably waiting for an offside flag – which didn’t come – and the striker had time to pick her spot from 12 yards. Was it offside? Maybe, it was certainly a close call, but defenders cannot stop in the hope of the flag going up and as the adage goes must play to the whistle.
A quarter of an hour later there was a virtual replay, as a simple ball forward by Wirksworth found their striker in space as the hosts again didn’t anticipate the forward pass and were again hoping the assistant referee would save them – but the Wirksworth player timed her run well, was clearly onside and was allowed to run through unopposed to put her side ahead.
Pride huffed and puffed in pursuit of an equaliser in the final twenty minutes but without really troubling the visitor’s keeper. The lack of substitutes undoubtedly told in the later stages as legs became heavy and fresh energy could have made all the difference.
On the positive side, Pride Park scored three against the league leaders, who had previously conceded no more than two since the opening day of the season. It was evident why they are unbeaten and top of the league and proved just a little too strong, in every sense, for Pride on the day but, after losing 1-6 to Wirksworth in the cup earlier in the season, this result represents progress.
In extremely difficult conditions for goalkeepers, Jade Howell was kept busy and did well on her return and Eliot Sayavong capped another fine defensive performance with a goal.
For this week’s WA On Wednesday feature, Murdoch University Melville captain Charli Wainwright speaks to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about her footballing journey, life at MUM FC, and how she views the NPLW WA this season (26/3/23).
Above: Charli Wainwright (right) in possession for Murdoch University Melville at Perth SC this season. Photo supplied by: Charli Wainwright.
Charli Wainwrighthas been part of the Murdoch University Melville squad since the dawn of the NPLW WA in 2020. Over those three full seasons, she has experienced huge success and become an integral part of the club’s squad.
Wainwright took up the game at the age of nine, and has been on a rapid trajectory ever since, as she takes up the story: “The first time I ever played football was for a primary school competition…where my sport teacher said I should give it a go. I had really enjoyed playing it and decided to join a local club and play in a mixed under-nines team.
“I then moved to Rockingham City Football Club. This is where I played under-10 and under-11 with a junior boys team for two years before playing with the under-12s NPL alongside goalkeeper Miranda Templeman (now at Melbourne Victory). This was the period of time that I was selected for the under-12s School Sport WA (SSWA) State School Girls team twice. Once competing over in Adelaide in 2015 and then Perth the following year in 2016 where we finished third and received bronze.
“I then stayed at Rockingham City Football Club playing another two years in their under-13s Boys NPL. At this time I was selected for the under-18s SSWA State School Girls where we competed over in Shepparton, Victoria, and received a bronze medal for finishing third. I decided to switch clubs and play for the under-23 reserves at Queens Park Soccer Club for a year in 2019 under coach Peter Rakic where we were league champions.
“The following year the women’s teams at Queens Park were required to move in order to play WNPL. Fortunately, that led us to Murdoch University Melville Football Club (MUM FC), and became 2020 league champions. I was lucky to be given the opportunity by Peter Rakic to play in the first team at MUM FC in 2020, where I was exposed to a very high level of experienced players. The following year we were coached by Mark Jones who is one of the most intelligent coaches I have been coached by and evidently, the team became treble winners of the Cup, League, and Top Four Cup in 2021. I have remained there to this day.”
Whilst the first two years of the NPLW WA were full of success and silverware for Murdoch University Melville, the subsequent seasons have been ones of rebuilding, as the MUM FC captain explains: “Leading into the 2022 season, we had lost quite a lot of players due to our own success in 2021. Players were headed over east to play in the NPL system over there or were selected in the Perth Glory women’s squad.
Above: Charli Wainwright in action for Murdoch University Melville. Photo supplied by: Charli Wainwright.
“I would say a big low for us was losing Tia Stonehill in the Night series group stage or the departure of Tahlia Organ. They both played an important role in the team given their experience. A high we experienced during the season would definitely be the 1-0 victory over a very good Perth SC side.
“A personal high I experienced was captaining the team for the season. The biggest low for me was probably the last game of the season, it was against Perth SC and we weren’t able to claim a victory over them and missed out on a Top Four opportunity. Overall, I would say that despite a rough start to the season losing players, it was a great opportunity for younger girls to step up.”
Preparations for this season have been led by new head coach David Biancuzzo, and Wainwright believes the club is in a good place for 2023: “Pre-season preparations were good, I believe we have built a good environment at the club and in the team and David Biancuzzo has played a really big role in this.
“David has been precise with how he would like us to play this season, it’s up to us as players to show we are capable of it. David is an approachable person and contributes so much to the team. I do also want to mention our assistant coach Dom Lasenza as his input at training and in games has been effective for each player and his ability to drive intensity has improved the quality in training.”
MUM FC have pieced together a new look team for the 2023 campaign as they bid to move back into the top four places. The club captain outlines the qualities that her new teammates have added to the squad.
“Charlotte Meaden’s younger sister, Sophie Meaden, joined us this season. Previously playing at NTC. Sophie has had a big impact in training and on game day. She has brought intensity as well as work rate along with her and has moulded with the team very quickly. She played a big part in our game against Fremantle City in round one, scoring two goals to secure us the win.
“Another young player that has impacted the squad is Jessica Johnson. Jess has proven she is capable of playing at this level despite being so young, she is a talented player and has impacted the team’s performance this season. A new player coming into the squad to play an important role is goalkeeper Stacey Cavill. Stacey has been able to impact training, providing her experience to the young squad.
“Danielle Brown is also new to the squad and like Stacey comes from Curtin University Football Club. Danielle has definitely had an impact on the team and shows effort and ability. Nicolina Lerino comes from Perth SC. Nicolina had instantly gelled with the squad and is a polite player with work rate and good attitude. Katie Sabatini isn’t new to the team but she’s back after a break and is playing a huge role in the squad, she is offering the players a large amount of experience and has contributed to the team’s morale greatly.”
With the first month of the new NPLW WA campaign now played, Murdoch University have had a mixed run of results. After opening the campaign with an excellent 2-1 win over Fremantle City, they have subsequently suffered two reversals, 2-0 at home to Perth RedStar and a 6-0 defeat at league leaders Perth SC before defeating Subiaco’s Women’s League team 4-0 in the State Cup first round.
Wainwright reflected honestly on this run of results saying, “I think that our start to the season has been average. It’s a tough thing to say but I know we are capable of more and it comes down to how much we really want it.
“I believe we can play good football and at a high intensity. That 6-0 loss to Perth SC made everyone devastated and brought us to a low. However, it was a learning experience for the young squad. It has outlined what we need to do moving forward and provided clarity on the expectations from each other and from ourselves as individuals.
“Our goal is to play good football and at a good intensity, to set a standard for ourselves that is hard to play against, we want to disrupt teams and show them what we are capable of.
“I feel like the league is slowly getting stronger, it was good to see Perth SC become champions in the Night Series campaign over previous Night Series Champions Perth RedStar who had a very good record last season. Although, I also think some teams have gotten weaker, lacking depth in their squad, and are struggling to find quality. I believe there has been both an increase and decrease in strength across the league this season.”
Whilst overall, Murdoch University Melville would like to end the season back in the top four, for Wainwright there is a bigger picture – one of whole club growth.
“Players have been offered extra training with selected boys’ teams. I personally have found this has made a huge impact on my football ability and I would argue that other girls feel the same way. A good season for the club has already started in terms of growth and progress, I feel the club has offered opportunities and resources you wouldn’t get at other places and it has, ultimately, had a positive effect on the club’s growth.
It’s a cup final special this week as Martin Townley and Perry Dobbins team up to cover the FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Final, plus we have all the news from the Central Wales FA Women’s Cup Final (25/4/23).
Above: Eliza Collie celebrates after scoring for Cardiff City in the FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Final against Briton Ferry Llansawel. Photo: Perry Dobbins.
FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Final
Cardiff City 4-0 Briton Ferry Llansawel
by Martin Townley with photo gallery from Perry Dobbins at Penydarren Park
Cardiff City finished off their season with a comfortable Welsh Cup final win to complete the double at Merthyr Town’s Penydarren Park.
Zoe Atkins had Cardiff’s first chance as she headed wide from a Ffion Price corner. Catherine Walsh was unable to turn in soon after again from a Price corner.
Cardiff were in control and had more possession, but Briton Ferry, who play in the league below, were holding on well against the Adran Premier Champions.
The game turned Cardiff’s way 20 minutes in as City scored twice in quick succession. Eliza Collie broke behind the Ferry defensive line to slide the ball past Courtney Young. Catherine Walsh then turned in from close range to make it 2-0.
The Bluebirds looked like they would run away with the game, but Courtney Young made two good saves first from Atkins turning round the post. Then tipping over the bar from Catherine Walsh.
Briton Ferry regrouped, and Megan Kearle tried a shot from distance, but it was straight at the keeper. With halftime approaching it looked like Ferry would get to the break just two down but a late corner from Ffion Price found its way in at the near post.
Alice Broadley had a chance early in the second half to pull a goal back, but the ball just wouldn’t fall to her in the box. As Cardiff tried to clear Fleur Jenkins got a shot off, but it was blocked.
The second half was much tighter with fewer chances for both sides. Young saved from Collie after Lowri Ridings’ back pass was intercepted, and Phoebie Poole headed wide.
Lowri Baker saw her shot blocked and Mollie Jones lost out chasing a loose ball to Cardiff keeper Ceryn Chamberlain. The Bluebirds finished the game off with Rhianne Oakley adding a fourth in the final minute to complete the league and cup double.
Perry Dobbins’ photo gallery from the FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Final:
Central Wales FA Ladies’ Challenge Cup Final
Above: Aberystwyth Town lift the Central Wales FA Ladies Challenge Cup. Photo: Steve Williams.
Aberystwyth Town Women finished their season with a thumping win to lift the Central Wales FA Ladies’ Challenge Cup, beating Llanfair United 7-0 in the final at Llanidloes, writes the ATWFC Media team.
A hat-trick from Emily Thomas plus goals from Jamie Boyd, Ffiona Evans, Alaw Davies, and Rebecca Challinor meant the Seasiders retained their trophy.
Boyd was making her starting debut, with substitute Gwenllian Mason named in the first-team squad for the very first time.
Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk, including the county’s seven-a-side action (25/4/23).
Above: Francesca Catchpole (left) scored in Wroxham’s 2-0 derby day win over King’s Lynn Town. Photo: Richard Brown.
Eastern Region Premier Division
Wroxham took the derby day bragging rights with a 2-0 victory over King’s Lynn Town at Trafford Park. Goals from Francesca Catchpole and Lara Densely saw The Yachtswomen earn the three points.
Eastern Region Division One North
Fakenham Town picked up a very impressive point against league leaders AFC Dunstable. Shelley Woods got the goal for the Norfolk side with Gemma Whitchurch replying for AFC Dunstable.
Norfolk Women and Girls’ Plate Cup Semi-Finals
A hat-trick for Sophie Jermy and one each for Rebekah Lake, Molly Ryan, and Ellie Hunter saw Mulbarton Belles run out 6-0 winners over North Walsham Town.
And it will be an all-Mulbarton Belles final as their Development side won the day’s other semi-final 3-1 at Thorpe St. Andrew thanks to goals from Ella Cattermole, Lucy Kean, and Rosie McNarry. Abi Simmons scored for Thorpe St. Andrew. The final is on 14th May at Aylsham.
Above: University of East Anglia celebrate as Katie Lee (second left) opens the scoring in a pulsating game that eventually saw them go down 4-3 to Thetford Town. Photo Lillie Nott
Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Division One
Leaders Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers were 4-0 winners at a spirited Bungay Town. Victoria Leter scored a hat-trick with Chelsea Brister adding one of her own.
University of East Anglia (UEA) and Thetford Town produced one of the games of the season in biblical conditions at Colney Lane with Thetford winning a close contest 4-3. Katie Lee had given UEA the lead before the visitors stormed back with goals from Melissa Boulton, Stacey Roper, and Dayna Howard. Ella Burnley halved the lead before the interval to set up an exciting second half. In the second period, Burnley equalised from the spot to make it 3-3 before Stacey Roper’s winner secured the spoils for Thetford.
Beccles Town were 6-2 winners over Stalham Town in the day’s other Division One match. Mia Rose and Alicia Bower scored braces with Abi Bell and Mia Wilson scoring the others as Beccles won comfortably. Megan Swain and Emma MacMillan scored the goals for Stalham Town
Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Division Two
Aylsham were 7-0 winners at Bulldogs FC thanks to four goals from Jordan Arnoup and one each from Georgina Bobbin, Hannah Claughton, and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor.
King’s Lynn Soccer Club were 5-0 winners at Horsford. Goalscorers were Jordan Turner (two), Kelsey Ramm, Trinity Tokaji, and Taeya Mayes.
Blofield United secured a 5-0 victory over Freethorpe. Bailey Duffield scored a brace with Elsie Downer, Lola Hallam, and Lucy Schug also on the scoresheet.
Above: Hannah Claughton celebrates scoring in Aylsham’s 7-0 win at Bulldogs FC. Photo: Ben Cunningham
Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Sevens Division One
Mulbarton Belles secured the league title with a 1-1 draw at Kirkley and Pakefield. Jo Hooper equalised for Mulbarton to clinch the championship after Maria Palmer had given Kirkley the lead.
In the day’s other game, Rockland United were 4-1 winners at Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers.
Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Sevens Division Two
In the day’s only game, Red Rose and Great Yarmouth Town played out a 1-1 draw.
Above: Action from the Sevens match between Rockland United (red) and Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers. Photo: Rockland United FC
Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the essential points of the new development plan for Women’s football in France(25/4/23).
Above:Philippe Diallo, FFF president, and Jean-Michel Aulas, FFF COMEX (Executive Committee) member and head of high-level women’s football Commission. Photo: Arthur Balayn/FFF.
A new era for women’s football in France
The development plan for Women’s football in France was revealed by Philippe Diallo and Jean-Michel Aulas, on April 13, 2023.
“We wanted to present at the same time an ambition, a plan, and actions which constitute a rather unique set”, Philippe Diallo said. “The decisions taken…by FFF COMEX are part of a trajectory that will mark, I think, the history of women’s football.”
This plan includes actions dedicated to strengthening the structure and professionalisation of women’s football. The key points are:
reform of the pyramid of women’s national competitions
the establishment of a finals phase in D1 Arkema
creation of three club licence levels
opening Approved Training Centers for young players
a dedicated women’s league.
This is all supported by increased financial support from FFF which consists of increasing the allocations for the development of women’s football by around 20 to 25% which is an additional €4m – €5m per year.
Reform of competitions:
Division 1 Arkema: establishment of a play-off at the end of the season for the awarding of the Championship title, and qualification for UWCL starting from 2023-2024 season.
Division 2: going from two groups of 12 teams to one group of 12 teams.
Creation of a Division Three with two groups of 12 teams.
Possibility for training centres to participate in the Division Three championship.
A new calendar:
2023 Champion’s Trophy: September 9 or 10, 2023
D1 Arkema 1st round: September 16, 2023
D2 commences on September 17, 2023
France Cup Finale: May 4, 2024
D1 Arkema 22nd and last round: May 8, 2024
D1 Arkema Play-off Semifinals: May 12, 2024
D1 Arkema Play-off for third place: May 18 or 19, 2024
D1 Arkema Play-off final: May 18 or 19, 2024
D2 22nd and last round: May 26, 2024
The Three Levels of Club Licence:
Élite
Excellence (prerequisite for FFF support in D1 Arkema)
Accession
A club would need to be running a first team to the optimum standards and have a running training centre before an elite licence is awarded.
The Training Centres:
Open to clubs playing in D1 Arkema
Age categories: U16/U20
Specifications equivalent to the minimum standards of male training structures in France.
Possibility for the clubs with a training centre to participate to D3 championship.
Six applications already received for an agreement in July 2023: Girondins de Bordeaux, FC Fleury 91, Olympique Lyonnais, Montpellier HSC, Paris FC, Paris Saint-Germain.
Transition from Pôles-Espoirs to pretraining in order to complete players’ careers (pretraining in Pôle-Espoirs + training in club)
Creation of a Women’s League:
The creation of a Women’s League will be presented to the Federal Meeting on June 10, 2023, for an effective creation on July 1st, 2024.
The objectives are the following:
Structure and professionalize D1 Arkema and D2.
Promote and develop resources (FFF support, partnerships, TV rights, eventual creation of a commercial company, …)
Answer to the European concurrence in order to maintain French Championship and France Women squad competitivity.
impetusfootball.org 