Impetus’ Jon Smalldon was at Pilot Field to capture the best of the action as the top two met in the tier six London & South-East Regional Division One South (20/2/23).
Above: Hastings United get a shot away in their big match against Ashford United yesterday. Photo: Jon Smalldon for Impetus.
Hastings United 4-1 Ashford United
Hastings United gained a crucial victory in the battle for top spot in their tier six division after overcoming second-placed Ashford United in front of a big crowd at The Pilot Field yesterday. A close game was in the balance until its final stages and Ashford will be cursing a couple of key injuries and some decisions that didn’t go their way. Hastings, meanwhile, stuck to their game plan and got the win.
Above: AFC Wimbledon celebrate a goal during their Capital Cup Quarter-Final tie with Actonians yesterday. Photo: Emily Topping.
AFC Wimbledon secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Capital Cup yesterday as goals from Billie Brooks, Ashlee Hincks, and Emma Plewa earned a 3-1 win over Actonians at Carshalton Athletic FC.
New signing Fran Ali featured on the bench whilst there was a first start since October for Lauren Allen who completed her return from injury.
Wimbledon made the perfect start as Brooks headed home Hincks’ corner with less than 90 seconds on the clock. Not content with one early goal, the hosts quickly doubled their lead less than a minute later as Hincks got on the end of an Emma Plewa cross to put the Dons 2-0 up. There was then a scare for Wimbledon 10 minutes later as an Actonians shot cannoned off both posts before Allen was able to claim the loose ball.
The home side could have had a third goal before the break as the visiting keeper Butler produced a fine save to deny Hincks before Emily Donovan struck the woodwork.
Wimbledon’s domination continued into the second half, leading to them increasing their lead. This time Plewa registered her first Dons goal as she headed home a rebound from close range.
With 20 minutes to go, Alessandra Barecca tucked away a penalty to record her 100th goal for Actonians after Rosie Russell was adjudged to have committed a foul.
After closing out the game, AFC Wimbledon head to a semi-final berth against fellow FA Women’s National League Division One South-East side Ashford Town (Middlesex).
Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Allen, Brooks, Highman, Taylor (Ali), Plewa, Hincks, 12 Stow, Donovan (Bath), Billingham, Dorey, Newman (Russell).
In his photo gallery this week for Impetus, Matthew Appleby provides us with first-half action from Poppleton v Middlesbrough in the North Riding County Cup, before second-half action from York City v Middlesbrough Reserves(20/2/23).
Above: York City fire in a shot at home to Middlesbrough Reserves. Photo: Matthew Appleby.
Poppleton v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough overcame Poppleton (orange) in the North Riding Cup Quarter-Finals.
York City 2-0 Middlesbrough Reserves
York City (red) led 1-0 at the break and hit the back of the net once more in the second half to seal their win.
Above: Rossvale on the attack against Hutchison Vale yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Kelly Nielson.
SWF Championship
Rossvale and Renfrew have closed the gap at the top of the SWF Championship table after leaders Livingston were held to a draw by bottom side Morton.
After patient possession play by the hosts, Morton’s top scorer Jacqui Seagrave stepped inside and scored from distance to level in the 83rd minute. The Greenock side could have snatched all three points if a Darroch free kick hadn’t been expertly held by the Livi keeper in injury time.
Rossvale held on against a spirited Hutchison Vale in Glasgow to claim the points in a 3-2 thriller, while Renfrew Ladies responded strongly to last Sunday’s heavy defeat in West Lothian with a strong 3-0 victory over in-form Dryburgh Athletic.
Ayr United continued their recent momentum to come from behind and beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3-1 at home to consolidate their place in the top half of the table.
Table From: SWF Championship
SWF League One
Leaders FC Edinburgh needed a last-minute winner from Nic Rutherford after being held for 90 minutes by Dundee West. Rutherford had opened the scoring but the hosts equalised through Sonia Tolosa in the first half, which set up a nervy second half that looked certain to end in stalemate.
Falkirk ground out a vital victory against promotion rivals Westdyke. Iona Bridges setting up Kirsty Gilbert who made no mistake for the only goal of the game. Stenhousemuir also triumphed over a rival from the northeast, an assured second-half display earning them a 4-1 victory over Grampian Ladies.
St. Mirren maintained the gap between the top and bottom halves of the League One table thanks to a late winner from captain Karen McCabe over an Airdrie Ladies side who had opened the scoring, but Edinburgh Caledonia’s momentum in seventh gathered apace with a dominant 11-1 demotion of Gleniffer Thistle. Giffnock beat BSC Glasgow 2-1 in the early kick-off.
Table From: SWF League One.
Biffa SWFL Regional Leagues
East leaders Central Girls required a penalty to earn a point against Dunfermline Athletic, while North leaders Forfar Farmington won a commanding 11-1 victory over Westdyke Thistle. Unbeaten Glenrothes Strollers remain second with a 2-0 defeat of Stonehaven.
Tables From: Biffa SWFL
West leaders Harmony Row ran out 5-0 winners over Bishopton, and in South, Annan Athletic returned to winning ways with a 6-3 victory over Clark Drive, while leaders Queen of the South put 16 goals past Nithsdale Wanderers.
Impetus’ Kris Goman was pitchside in Parramatta today to capture the best of the action as Australia took on Spain in a thriller in the Cup of Nations (19/2/23).
Above: Sam Kerr shows her glee – but it was soon to turn to frustration after her header was ruled out for offside – something replays suggested was not the case. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby reports on the media conferences held by Australia head coach Tony Gustavssonand Spain counterpart Jorge Vilda, plus The Matildas captain Sam Kerr (19/2/23).
Above: Australia captain Sam Kerr at the post-match media conference today. Image: Football Australia.
Matildas captain Sam Kerr spoke of the immense pride she had in the team defeating Spain in Parramatta today – but revealed how frustrated the team are for the concession of two second-half goals.
At the post-match media conference, Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer said: “We came out and started really well, but at the end of the day, this is a prep for the World Cup and we wanted to try different things.
“To get a result against this sort of team…they beat the USA, they tied with Sweden, so we’re really proud of ourselves and would have liked to have finished the game a bit stronger, but this is the time to prepare for the World Cup.
“We’re trying to plan like it’s the World Cup. The most important thing was to go out and win the game, but we wanted to try different players, different formations. We want to get into the mindset of winning trophies.
“I think it’s a good thing that we’ve copped two goals and given up a clean sheet and are disappointed against a big team. It’s the pride we have in ourselves. We were disappointed, but the girls are buzzing now. At the end of the day we won, it would have just been nicer to have done it without conceding.”
In terms of the key areas of the match that contributed to the victory, Kerr highlighted the way the team played on the flanks.
“We have a lot of good wide players. It’s probably our most stacked position, and that’s probably why they are playing so well as there’s so much competition. We have (Cortnee) Vine, Chids (Alex Chidiac), Charli (Grant) is flying, Ellie (Carpenter) is back. It’s an unbelievable position. Charli has really grown into her self and is a key player, and will be for us for many years. Vine scored a banger tonight…an absolute worldie. They work so hard, they’re good kids.”
Sam Kerr on the impact of The Matildas wide players.
There was much talk after the opening Cup of Nations win over Czechia about the rallying half-time speech that the Australian captain gave at half-time to spur the side on to an impressive second-half performance. Asked what she said, Kerr replied: “We spend four months apart and we get three days to prepare. Players come in and out of different formations and I just wanted to remind them of Matildas culture – grit – and you saw that. I didn’t need to say much today!”
The Chelsea hot-shot ended her media conference with praise for her attacking partner Caitlin Foord – whilst the pair have played for Australia for many years, they have gone to another level since moving to the WSL.
“I’ve played with Foordy for so long it’s almost telepathic now. We have such a good connection, we can work off each other, read the game and change things. We have a huge amount of respect for each other, we can change things and drive the team. She is in the form of her life.”
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media after the match in Parramatta. Image: Football Australia.
Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson was proud of the way his side stood up to the challenge thrown down by Spain – but admitted he felt the Matildas were lucky to build a 3-0 halftime lead.
“I’m going to be the boring coach and say I think it was unfair that we were 3-0 up. There was moments of brilliance in that half if you look at the way we defended. Our way of attacking with much more variation with so much more than you have seen previously. You see a transition game, you see a combination game, you see a crossing game, and once again we are brilliant on set plays. In that sense, I am very happy.
“We are a team that will score more than our opponents, and when you play a team like Spain it is freaking difficult to keep them away from the goal as they are so good on the ball. It was a team effort tonight. That is what I am most proud of.”
In terms of the most important lesson he felt his side learned from the match, Gustavsson said: “It’s an important reminder that we need to play until the last moment.
“When you concede it puts a little bit of a different emotion on it. It’s perfect for us to train this way. Against the best teams in the world, we need to be able to do everything. We showed tactical maturity. We attacked in one shape and defended in another. To be like that with only one video session and one training, it’s impressive. They are really able to nail down game management now.
“Being connected was the key to this today. Being connected in our defending, being connected as a team.”
Results like today are a long way from the struggles in 2021 and early 2022 when questions were being asked in some quarters about whether Gustavsson was the right man for the job as the Matildas struggled defensively in a succession of matches against the world’s top nations. The Australian national coach reflected on the period.
“Internal belief in this tough process has been there all this time, even in losses. But confidence will rise from this. As a coach, you are never better than your last game, so we are one loss from changing the perspective again, so we need to stick to what we believe in as a team.
Above: Tony Gustavsson speaks about the development journey his team have been on since 2021. Image: Football Australia.
“I don’t think I did a good enough job at the start about why we did what we did at the beginning. It doesn’t mean they need to agree on it, but it would help them understand it.”
“Look at the depth, and look at the options we have now and we would not have that if it wasn’t…(for those tough early days). Look at Charli Grant. If she hadn’t had those opportunities to play against top teams and make mistakes against top teams…(she wouldn’t be the player she is now), and the same with Courtney Nevin, it takes bravery. The depth we have now is what we need at the World Cup.
“Consistency and cohesion is the reason why you have seen this growth. We threw the big net out – 58 players, 17, 18 now debutants.”
Gustavsson also highlighted how his players have developed an ability to switch game plans in the midst of matches and thrive as a result.
“(The) Sweden game we played 4-2-3-1. They shredded us apart. During the game, we changed to 4-4-2, and hadn’t trained it. Seeing what they did in that game, it is all about getting the right players in the right spot in the right mindset. What you saw tonight was not my coaching, it was being able to put the right players in the right spot in the right mindset.”
The Matildas boss had words of praise for Mackenzie Arnold who, after a tough period in goal for the national team was superb tonight.
“I’m extremely happy for Macca. It’s so well deserved. She’s had a very tough situation, she played very good club football and she didn’t get caps. If you look at the Olympics, Teagan (Micah) had zero caps when I came on board, played one game against Sweden and was the starting goalkeeper for most of the tournament.”
“She has brought her club form into the national team. She had in the past, in her own words, not been able to bring her club form into the national camp, this camp she has. She has grown mentally and physically.”
Above: Spain head coach Jorge Vilda, with his translator post-match. Image: Football Australia.
Spain head coach Jorge Vilda recognised that his team suffered against the Matildas, who he labelled as “the best counter-attacking team in the world.”
“We saw very open play during the first half,” Vilda said, “We saw a lot of transitions and Australia damaged us. We had key chances and during the first half, Spain were good on the attack. We grew defensively, and we knew that if we scored we had a chance.”
He was full of praise for the quality of Australia’s play, believing today’s test will stand his side in good stead for the World Cup.”
“It was a very needed match and served us well. We had a first-class team to play against and one of the teams we could come up against in the final stages of the World Cup. We knew that The Matildas had the best counter-attack in the world. They are a team that have lots of (quality at) set-pieces.”
Admitting that a new set-up for his team partly contributed to Australia’s ability to break through regularly, Vilda believes it’s all about the longer term.
“We had the first time using this system of play and we know that there are a lot of things we need to adjust, but this is the structure that will provide us with a lot of good things (going forward).”
“We have learned what its like to play with jet lag and to play in a lot of heat – this is what we came for.”
Above: There was so much for the Matildas to celebrate today against Spain. Photo: Football Australia.
The Matildas produced a highly impressive performance combining attacking flair with defensive organisation to earn a 3-2 victory over Spain in Parramatta today.
Spain had more possession and shots, but it was the first-half display of determination, energy, and vibrancy in attack that ultimately proved to be the difference as Australia continued their run of consecutive victories to six.
The second half saw Tony Gustavsson’s side have to dig in and work hard. They were under the pump at the back and with Mackenzie Arnold, who has had a tough run in goal for the national side pulling off a string of impressive saves, Spain were not able to complete the comeback.
It has to be reiterated that this a result that comes with a pretty major caveat. Since the European Championships, almost 20 players have refused to play for Spain under national coach Jorge Vilda – their hugely talented Barcelona cohort amongst them – this means that until the issue, which has never quite been publicly identified, is sorted out, the European giants are forced to field a hugely under-strength squad.
Under-strength they might be, but the highly technical approach to the game with rapid passing skills, and forceful attacking play which is a joy to behold is still there and poses major challenges for opponents to break down. That Australia did that is a major feather in their cap going into further tactical challenges in the World Cup.
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson highlighted in his pre-match media conference on Saturday that if his side were to go toe-to-toe with Spain, they needed to match the European side’s tempo, and remain collectively alert at the back to reduce the impact of Spain’s fast-moving play. The Matildas did that in spades.
Western Sydney Wanderers captain Clare Hunt was given a starting spot in defence after her impressive debut from the bench against Czechia on Thursday, and she had another excellent display.
Spain imposed their game from the start. With six minutes played, Alba Redondo burst through and hit a side foot shot which Mackenzie Arnold looked to be dealing with well before the offside flag went up.
The Matildas were playing an intelligent defensive line, catching the Spanish offside twice in succession, but the renowned one-touch rapid passing play was pulling Australia’s midfield around in the early stages, with Esther and Redondo both hugely impressive. Green and gold shirts were looking to rapidly press, but in these early stages, such was Spain’s confidence on the ball, they were able to pass their way out of the press.
Yet that all changed – and how.
Above: Celebrations after Cortnee Vine put Australia ahead. Photo: The Guardian.
With 11 minutes on the clock, Charli Grant, who put in another magnificent shift, found Hayley Raso on the right wing. The Manchester City attacker cut inside and laid a low pass across the outside of the box for Cortnee Vine. The Sydney FC star turned and hit a sensational rocket of a shot into the top of the net. Seeing Vine transfer the skills that she displays so often in the A-League Women to the international game is a reward for so much hard work over such a long period of time.
The Matildas grew visibly in confidence with Vine’s stunner, and within four minutes doubled their lead. Steph Catley delivered a corner from the right, the play was eventually recycled with Raso playing the ball in, Sam Kerr flicked a header which Marta Carro failed to deal with, and Clare Polkinghorne pounced to direct the ball home.
Above: Clare Polkinghorne shows her joy after putting Australia 2-0 up today. Photo: Football Australia.
Australia were flying and playing an energetic attacking game with confidence coarsing through their veins. The Spaniards were forced into a formation change, moving to five at the back.
Kyra Cooney-Cross continued her creative trajectory with eight minutes of the half to play. She received possession from Raso and played in a centimetre ball in for Kerr to direct a trademark header into the net. Celebrations were cut short by an offside flag, but replays showed that decision to be highly contentious.
Within two minutes though, the third goal arrived. Raso was fouled on the edge of the box on the right hand side. Catley stepped up 20 yards from goal and floated the free-kick in for an unmarked Caitlin Foord to head home.
Spain rang the changes at the break, bringing on Sheila García and Fiamma Benítez and both were impressive in the early exchanges of the second 45 as they combined to give Jenni Hermoso an early opportunity.
Above: Alba Redondo is trailed by Australia’s Charli Grant. Photo: Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol.
Spain were flooding balls into the Australian box with Kerr forced back to defend. It meant that the Matildas were forced onto counter-attacking play, with Cooney-Cross a major part of those drives.
Arnold saved Australia on the hour mark when a flowing move saw Irene Guerrero combine with Sheila García who threaded a stunning ball into the path of Redondo whose effort was repelled by the West Ham United shot-stopper.
With The Matildas deploying a line of six as a backline when Spain were in possession, the Europeans were patient and looked to probe to provide the final ball. The home side broke clear with Grant released and pulling a ball across for Foord to tuck home, but Katrina Gorry was offside.
Spain got a goal back with 17 minutes to play. A corner on the right found its way to Sheila García who fed Olga Carmona who fired in a superb half-volley.
Above: Spain’s first goal scorer Olga Carmona. Photo: Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol
The visitors had another opportunity shortly afterwards when newly arrived substitute Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono showed her sprinting prowess with her first touch and danced into the box before letting fly.
Spain continued to dominate the possession, and got a second goal back deep into second-half stoppage time. Marta Cardona had the ball on the right and cut back a pass for Alba Redondo to fire home a superb first-time volley.
Whilst Spain pushed in the little remaining time, they could not find a leveller. Australia ran out impressive winners.
Yes, there is a caveat with this result in terms of Spain’s squad availability, but this will generate a huge amount of confidence and pride. The Matildas found a way to break down a highly technical opponent. They showed how strongly organised they are at the back now – something that was their major Achilles heel not so long ago. Things continue to move in the right direction.
Above: The Australia team that started the match against Spain in Parramatta today. Photo: Football Australia.
Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-2-3-1): Mackenzie Arnold, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Clare Polkinghorne, Katrina Gorry, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Hayley Raso, Caitlin Foord, Cortnee Vine, Sam Kerr. Substitutesused: Larissa Crummer, Emily van Egmond, Courtney Nevin, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alex Chidiac.
Scorers: Vine 11′, Polkinghorne 16′, Foord 42′.
SPAIN (3-4-1-2): Misa Rodríguez, Ivana Andrés, Rocío Gálvez, Laia Codina, Olga Carmona, Marta Carro, Irene Guerrero, Oihane Hernández, Jenni Hermoso, Alba Redondo, Esther González. Substitutes used: Sheila García, Fiamma Benítez, Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono, Marta Cardona.
Above: Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media today in Sydney. Image: Football Australia.
Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson outlined his belief that his team will need to defend collectively and match Spain’s tempo if they are to come away with a positive outcome against the European giants in Parramatta tomorrow.
Those have been the key messages in training over the past 48 hours with Gustavsson telling the media: “It’s been about tempo, because that is what it will be about tomorrow when you play top opposition. Playing the top nations the challenge is, can we match the tempo?”
In terms of availability, the news was largely positive, although it comes with the caveat of players coming in with less club minutes having to back up two major international matches in three days.
“There is much more availability tomorrow than in the last game (against Czech Republic) in terms of competition for spots, not just about the starting line-up. Who starts, who comes off the bench,” admitted Gustavsson.
“We want (to field) the best possible team over 90 minutes. We need to live in this moment and maximise our performance.”
“I was impressed how they pulled through in that second half considering the lack of preparation, jet lag, and the lack of games some of the players have had in club land. Charlotte Grant has been in off-season, she hasn’t played a club game for three months, but she broke her record physically against the Czech Republic because she has been so professional in terms of her individual training, following the program. Seeing those numbers after the game was massive. The question is, can we back that up three days later?”
Above: Charlotte Grant in training today. Tont Gustavsson spoke of how impressed he is with his young defender. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Tiff Williams / Football Australia.
With Spain being the masters of possession led attacking football with a highly technical passing game with players comfortable on the ball, the Matildas boss highlighted the challenges that will pose to his squad.
“We are going to have to run against Spain. We need to pull through that and be ready to sub throughout 90 minutes to be fresh for 90 minutes. If you defend individually against the top teams, they break you down. You need to defend collectively. The only way to get exposed (to that) is to play the top opposition. You can’t get away from one player getting detached from the ball.”
“We are one of the best pressing teams in the world, they are one of the best passing teams in the world. Can we press against them still? We need to get exposed and feel that now before the World Cup.
“I don’t expect it to be perfect. I want to see if we can do what we did against Sweden as our goals came from pressing. We have to be humble knowing I watched Sweden play Spain, USA play Spain, and Japan play Spain. There will be times when it will not be perfect. They are too good for us to be perfect over 90 minutes.”
“I want to team being confident on the ball as we have shown that, if you look at the variation of attack…I want to see more of that tomorrow as well.”
Tomorrow’s game provides Australia with the opportunity to banish last year’s painful 7-0 loss when a vastly under-strength Matildas side went down to Spain. For Gustavsson, tomorrow is all about showing organisation and progress.
“The previous result stands from itself. The one thing Spain gives us is to test our defence against the best team in the world. We can face similar teams in the World Cup – England are on our side (of the draw), France are on our side, Germany are on our side, those teams could break us down in similar ways. Spain give us a fantastic opportunity to test our defending.”
PHOTO GALLERY FROM MATILDAS TRAINING SUPPLIED TO IMPETUS BY:TIFF WILLIAMS/FOOTBALL AUSTRALIA
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