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A-League Women Wednesday Media Conferences

CANBERRA UNITED:

by Ryan Miller-Woods

Milivojević and Murray: We have the game to beat Western United

**Above:** Vesna Milivojević speaking to the media today. **Image:** Canberra United.

Canberra United will be going into this weekend looking to not only keep their finals aspirations alive but get one over their opponents Western United after going down to a 5-0 defeat in their only previous encounter at McKellar Park.

Speaking to the media today, Vesna Milivojević outlined how Canberra are going to approach the match: “I think just internally we are going to focus on ourselves and what we need to do to get the job done and of course, it is up to the coaches to analyse the opponent but I think we can get away with a good result.”

Western United have scored the most goals league (36) and have only conceded 16. When asked if there are any areas of Western’s game that she thinks Canberra might be able to exploit this weekend, Milivojević responded: “Definitely! I think on our press we are really rapid and also on our counter-attack in so transition moments I think we can hurt them.”

Reflecting on the 5-0 loss the last time the teams met, Milivojević said: “I think mentally we just weren’t prepared for that first game, I think we just got overwhelmed by the opponent and we kind of respected them too much but this weekend it’ll be totally different.”

**Above:** Holly Murray, who believes that her team’s pressing game can be the key to defeating Western United this weekend. **Image:** Canberra United.

Holly Murray also outlined her determination to rectify that tough loss when the team travel to Victoria this weekend, and keep their slim Finals hopes alive into the final week of the season.

“I think every team has to be confident. It’s such a tough table with teams coming from below us and us chasing top four, but if our team keeps sticking to our game plan, hit the back of the net anything can happen.

“Once we win it (possession) up there, it (Canberra’s pressing game) is crazy to beat, so I think just sticking to what we know and what we’re good at can hopefully deliver us a win.”

NEWCASTLE JETS:

by Ben Gilby

Van Egmond: Recruitment and Academy the key to improvements

**Above:** Newcastle Jets head coach Gary van Egmond laid out his plans and expectations for the club after being named as permanent boss. **Image:** Newcastle Jets.

Newcastle Jets head coach Gary van Egmond has outlined his aims for the club’s development – prioritising recruitment and the club’s academy after he was announced as permanent head coach.

Speaking to the media today, van Egmond confirmed that a root and branch study of how the women’s team are set up is underway.

“We need to look at travel and players. We are looking at what a squad is. (We need) 18 players, and scholarship players on top of that, and (next season will be) a 35-week comp, a serious comp, but that comes at a serious cost in terms of making sure you have numbers for playing and training.

“We have to look to see how we improve – the internationals that have come in, they have done a good job. From a youth development perspective, that’s a ‘working towards’. We need to start kicking on how we invest more into our academy and see how we can make them more ready to play (A-League Women).”

The Jets boss highlighted how a stronger academy system will benefit the senior squad saying, “Depth is a big issue for us. You need to have players outside of your 11 and know there is not a huge amount of difference between the players you have and those who come in. That comes with developing the academy squad. We shouldn’t be in a position that you lose a player that is homegrown to another Australian club.”

van Egmond has rolled up his sleeves and knows he has a big job ahead of him, but believes he can be successful, and has the contacts to help bring about change.

“It can turn around pretty quick – in terms of who is in the squad and who we can recruit. I’ve been in the Future Matildas, Young Matildas for a long time, those contacts can benefit me and the club. Those discussions are already starting. We also have to get the best staff we can from the budget we have available.

“We need to look at homegrown players overseas may be returning. The model for us is to have a homegrown model of players coming through and going into the W-League (A-League Women). Are we in a position to do that for season one? No, we are not.”

The Jets boss mentioned former Jets stars Clare Wheeler and Emily van Egmond as players who may potentially be out of the club’s reach, but admitted: “Players coming for a guest stint…” was an option.

With the A-League Women going to a full home and away season from 2023/24, with a minimum of 22 matches for each side, van Egmond ventured how it may well make the league more attractive to Australian internationals to come back from Europe to play in.

“The advantages of them staying here is that is a 23-week season, four or five-week pre-season, then the finals. It’s a good comp for a player to show their wares and see where they can develop.”

In finishing, the Jets boss laid on the line his expectations for next season. “We’ll be extremely disappointed if we don’t make Finals next year. Hopefully, we can do what we need to do and get it supported.”

PERTH GLORY:

**Above:** Kim Carroll pictured about to make her 150th A-League Women appearance earlier this season. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Club legend Carroll announces retirement

Perth Glory announced today that long-serving defender Kim Carroll has announced that she intends to retire at the end of the current Liberty A-League Women season.

The 35-year-old is in her seventh season with the club for whom she has made a total of 91 A-League Women appearances, while her career tally in the competition passed the 150-mark earlier this year.

Carroll joined Glory ahead of the 2015/16 campaign having won a Premiership and two Championships with Brisbane Roar and immediately became a cornerstone of the club’s defence.

Either side of a one-season return to Roar in 2020/21, she moved to fourth position in Glory’s all-time record-appearances list and memorably scored her first-ever goal in purple against Canberra United in December 2019.

In addition to being one of the domestic competition’s greatest-ever defenders, Carroll also enjoyed an excellent international career, winning 54 Matildas caps and being a part of the squad which claimed the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2010.

Having started in all but one of Glory’s ALW games this season, she admitted the decision to hang up her boots at the end of it had not been an easy one to make. “In the last couple of seasons, it’s been in the back of my mind,” she said.

“I’d love to play forever, but that’s not reality. The plan was to stop when I stopped enjoying it, but that hasn’t been the case as I’m still enjoying it and I’m keeping up and I’m competitive. But it just feels like the right time.

**Above:** Kim Carroll on international duty with the Matildas. **Photo:** W-League.

“I wanted to finish on my terms, not play on until I’m not enjoying it and I’m ready for the next chapter in my life. I’ve got a partner now and I’m looking to enjoy life outside football.

“Perth means a lot to me and it’s become home in a sense and the fans have been great over the years. I’d like to thank my partner and my family, along with the fantastic players that I’ve played with throughout my career.

“There’s also my boss at work, who has been really understanding and there have been a lot of coaches and support staff along the way and people at clubs that I’ve kept in touch with.

“Once the season finishes, it’ll be nice to have a relaxing holiday and then I’ll focus on my other career and hopefully a family.”

Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis was unstinting in his praise of the contribution Carroll has made over the course of her illustrious club and international career.

“Kim has been a long-serving asset to the women’s game and to the wider context of Australian football,” he said.

“Her decision to retire at the end of the season is one which I respect and I am very pleased she has been able to make this decision on her terms and on her timing.

**Above:** Kim Carroll seen here in action for Perth Glory during the 2019/20 against Canberra United. **Photo:** Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“She has been a massive contributor to the team and the club and over the last two seasons, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to coach her and lean on her experience and leadership. There is no doubt she has made me a better coach along the journey.

“She has undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on the game, both on and off the field, whilst playing a role in ensuring that the women’s game moves forward.

“I will always be grateful to have been involved in a very small part of her journey and I look forward to seeing her continue to be a success in the other areas of her life away from football.

“Kim will always be welcome at the club and I wish her the absolute best in her future endeavours.”

Carroll’s final home appearance for Perth Glory will be in Sunday’s crunch clash with Melbourne City at Macedonia Park.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX:

by Ben Gilby

Wisnewski: I’m ready for the challenges ahead

**Above:** Wellington Phoenix’s Grace Wisnewski looks ahead to Saturday’s big game with Newcastle Jets on Saturday. **Image:** Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix’s Grace Wisnewski told the media today that she backs her team to put to bed the disappointments of their defeat to Perth Glory when it comes to their huge battle of the bottom two against Newcastle Jets on Saturday.

Reflecting on the Nix’s 1-0 loss to Perth in Wellington last weekend, Wisnewski said: “I feel like everyone was gutted. Obviously, we came off that win against Sydney and we wanted to get back-to-back wins that we’ve been working so hard for. It was disappointing not to score in a game we felt we dominated and then to concede a silly goal was disappointing (too).”

Wellington created plenty of chances against the Glory but failed to convert any, and the midfielder outlined how training has focused this week on rectifying that profligacy in front of goal.

“We’ve been doing a lot of crossing and shooting, it’s about getting the confidence back into the team to know that we can score.”

Whilst there are only two weekends of the home and away season remaining, Phoenix have three games to fit into an eight day spell – two away (Newcastle Jets on Saturday and Adelaide United on Tuesday) before finishing the campaign at home to Melbourne Victory on 1st April. Wisnewski knows there are significant mental and physical battles to come through before the season’s end. The 20-year-old feels she is in a much better place this year to overcome those challenges.

“We have three games in eight days. Playing games is mentally challenging. I look at myself now and last year, and I’ve progressed. I look at the team I have here supporting me, and it’s amazing. I have no doubt that I’ll get through it well.”

Before the Nix can focus in on Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory, they have a huge match on Saturday away to Newcastle Jets in the battle of the bottom two. Gary van Egmond’s are just one place and two points above Wellington. With Wisnewski’s side in the better form currently, she is in no doubt that the trip to New South Wales offers the team a real chance to avoid the wooden spoon.

“It’s huge. We want to go out there and prove that we’re not a bottom-of-the-table team, and I think we’ve had performances this season to show we’re not a bottom-of-the-table team, and we have a chance this week to prove that’s the case. We have Newcastle, Adelaide, and Victory. Any team we play now, we believe we can beat. That’s the strong mindset this team has. We just need to perform and score some goals.”

Rolston: We just need to have a crack

**Above:** Emma Rolston speaking to the media today. **Image:** Wellington Phoenix.

Experienced Wellington Phoenix attacker Emma Rolston told the media today that she believes a focus on their attacking play and tactics can stand them in good stead ahead of Saturday’s big game at Newcastle Jets.

The New Zealand international floated the opinion that a focus on getting defensive strategies right might have come at the detriment of developing the team’s attacking play, but that is now changing.

“We’ve worked hard on playing as a defensive team. Now we have the chance to focus on attacking. We can put time into it – are crosses going into the right places? Are we getting enough players into the box? Are players running into the right areas? We can focus on that and put it right over the last three games.”

Rolston identified the specific areas that she is assisting her younger teammates with offensively. “When I see the goal I want to shoot. That’s what I’ve been like my whole career. I’m saying that ‘when you see the goal, have a crack.’ A lot of the girls have a great shot, so I’m just helping them.”

The concentration on attacking play comes after Wellington created a number of chances against Perth Glory last time out, but failed to convert any, and lost the match as a consequence.

“We had the game,” the 26-year-old admitted. “We were asleep for the first 20 minutes, but then had more possession than them and created so many opportunities, but couldn’t finish. Are we too afraid to shoot in the box because people don’t have confidence? We need to stay composed and finish.”

Saturday’s trip to Newcastle Jets is winner takes all in terms of the placing of the bottom two sides, and Rolston is confident that Phoenix have what it takes to get the win.

“It’s massive. We know going into this game it’s a must-win. We need to be composed and score goals, but not concede anything. We know if we win we get off the bottom of the table. Then we want to move up. We go into it firing.

“It’s who turns up on the day. You have to have the right mindset and be prepared to fight. It won’t be easy with the travel we have, but those are excuses at the end of the day. We get on with it and we play the games.”

**Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.**

Sofia Sakalis: Growing as a player with good times ahead

Perth Glory’s Sofia Sakalis spoke to Ben Gilby about last season’s challenges based in a New South Wales hub, her growth as a player, and life in Western Australia as the season moves towards its conclusion (21/3/23).

Above: Sofia Sakalis in possession for Perth Glory against Western United at Macedonia Park this season. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

Sofia Sakalis is one of an exciting group of youngsters with the ability to light up Australian women’s football for a long time to come. The 20-year-old Perth Glory midfielder has overcome an ACL injury and is becoming an increasingly influential part of the Glory attack.

Sakalis, an East Melbournian, made her debut in what was then the W-League as a 15-year-old for Melbourne City and has produced some hugely impressive performances for the age group Matildas teams down the years.

A tally of 12 goals in eight appearances for the Junior Matildas, and a further two caps for the Young Matildas marked her out as a player of real potential.

Whilst her time at Melbourne City started under the tutelage of Joe Montemurro, who has since gone on to lead Arsenal and Juventus, Sakalis took up the game in her own backyard along with her brothers. Having a father who coached the sport only helped to channel her into playing.

**Above:** Sofia Sakalis in action for the Young Matildas. **Photo:** La Trobe University.

Having made a total of five appearances across four seasons with the Sky Blues, Sakalis made the decision to look for more game time away from her home city. She became one of the first of an exciting crop of young players to move across to Western Australia (WA) and join Perth Glory. Making 13 appearances and scoring a goal, she was living up to expectations as a notable next-gen talent of the competition.

Yet last season came with significant challenges. What was originally a move to the other side of the country soon turned into something very different as Western Australia’s state borders closed due to the pandemic, forcing Glory into a hub in New South Wales (NSW) for virtually the whole season. I asked Sakalis what this whole process was like for her personally, and for the wider Perth team.

“A big reason I decided to move to WA was to get out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a new experience and a new challenge. I found that as a result of this, I grew a lot as a footballer and person.

“It was challenging moving to NSW and staying in a hub for an extended period. We had to stay in a hotel setting with no transport for months, we were quite isolated, and a lot of the players were away from their families and jobs. In addition, we had to play countless away games and never got the advantage of playing a home game.

“Under these circumstances, it would be easy to turn on each other and to some extent give up but I think what stood out the most with our team is that we became more united,

“We built a bond that became unbreakable and I think the multiple games we won while we were ‘on the road’ and our position on the ladder at the end of the season despite not being able to be in Perth was a testament to the team’s character.”
Sofia Sakalis on Perth Glory’s experiences during 2021/22.

“We had an amazing team culture last season and I think what made us so strong was all the adversity we had to overcome together. The difficult circumstances united us and made us stronger; we had that underdog mentality and knew that most teams would not be as threatened by us due to the circumstances and having to relocate mid-season. However, we used that to our advantage and went into every game with the mentality to win and we played some of our best football whilst being in NSW.”

After a successful A-League Women season, one which the 20-year-old readily admits saw her grow both on and off the pitch, Sakalis returned to Victoria to play for Box Hill United in the NPLW Victoria. It was a club she was thrilled to represent once more.

“I played in my junior years at Box Hill with the boys, so I was already familiar with the club and knew they were a tight-knight community who always had players’ best interest at heart. Therefore, returning there was a no-brainer, and they were very supportive and assisted me in maintaining the progress I had made whilst I was in Perth.

**Above:** Sofia Sakalis (right) in action for Box Hill United against FV Emerging in the NPLW Victoria last season. **Photo:** Passion Creations.

“We also had another three A-League Women players, which was great for the club and raised the standards. I was given freedom on the pitch as a creative and attacking midfielder which enabled me to score and assist goals and led to me winning the gold medal as (joint best player in the competition) with my teammate Sarah Cain.”

After another hugely positive period of her career in Victoria’s NPLW, Sakalis returned to Western Australia and has finally been able to experience life in the city and wider state, as well as being able to play home matches a year later than planned. It’s a location that she is enjoying and reaping the benefits of.

“I have loved exploring Perth and being able to stay here for the duration of the season this time. It is very different to Melbourne, but I have always liked that about it, the beaches are sensational and this season I have been living in Fremantle which I have really enjoyed.”

Perth Glory’s season has been one of two halves. Going into the campaign tipped by some to make the Finals, a squad with huge potential were not quite able to put together the 90-minute performances required to put the points on the board that they might have. However, since December, the purples began to fire and impose their quality on the competition.

It’s a situation that you sense causes Sakalis some frustration. “A lot was expected from us coming from last season and we recruited well but just weren’t able to show that in early games. We have been working really hard in training and have been pushing each other and that has shown in recent results and games, I think we still have a lot more to show and prove to everyone.”

**Above:** Sofia Sakalis drives in the ball at home to Newcastle Jets. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

In terms of her own performances this season, Sakalis is growing into her new role in the team and is beginning to stamp her class on the competition, although, as she revealed, her prime focus is getting minutes and growing.

“In recent games, I have been playing in a position I haven’t played in since I was very young,” she admitted. “Therefore I have had to adjust my game a bit. However, I always enjoy a new challenge and being versatile.

“Since doing my ACL, my focus has been to play as many games as I can and keep building on each performance. Each season I feel like I keep maturing and growing as a footballer and I have felt stronger and fitter this season. My focus has been on starting and playing 90-minute games week in and out and aiming every game to create goal-scoring opportunities whether that be a goal or an assist.”

As Perth Glory’s form and consistency continues to develop, the Victorian youngster believes that there are good things to come as the season heads towards its climax.

“I believe that we have all the answers within the team, we have great footballers within the squad and it is about transferring our training performances into games and sometimes that takes some time.”

Jets appoint van Egmond on permanent basis

21/3/23

Above: Gary van Egmond will be in place on the touchline for Newcastle Jets next season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Newcastle Jets.

Newcastle Jets today confirmed that Gary van Egmond has been appointed as head coach for the 2023/24 season.

The appointment comes after van Egmond was appointed as interim coach after the departure of Ash Wilson midway through the current season.

Newcastle Jets Executive Chairman Shane Mattiske is delighted to have Gary lead the team for next season.

“Moving to confirm Gary van Egmond as our women’s head coach for next season is a critical decision as we focus on finishing this season strongly and, importantly, as we look to the next year where we have a strong commitment to build a highly competitive women’s team.

“The 2023/24 season will step up another level for women’s football with it coming immediately after the World Cup on home soil and the expansion of the A-League Women’s competition in the number of teams and length of the season.

“We are making important decisions now to ensure that we have the right people involved to lead this Club and community as we position ourselves to have a very serious run at the next season’s competition.

“Gary’s experience and connection to the Newcastle Jets is unquestionable. He is absolutely committed to the elevation of women’s football in the region and nationally and we know he will give his all to bring success to this club in the A-League Women.”

van Egmond is excited to lead the women’s team for next season and is adamant that the hard work is just beginning. On his appointment, he said: “I’m excited to stay on as head coach for next season. I’m looking forward to the future and for what we can build for this team.

“The goal for us is to be back playing finals football and that’s something the club and I will be striving towards.

“The development of female players through the Academy to underpin the A-League Women team is also vitally important as well. This will take more time so we will need to ensure we recruit well for the 2023/24 season to do well.

“Eventually, the model for our club will be to promote from within and I look forward to when this will occur.”

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk, including the county’s seven-a-side scene (21/3/23).

Above: Celebrations as Molly Ryan scores the winner in Mulbarton Belles’ 1-0 victory over Wroxham, from two leagues above them, to reach the Norfolk Women’s Cup Final for the third consecutive year. Photo: Mulbarton Belles FC.

Norfolk Women’s Cup Semi-Finals

Tier seven Mulbarton Belles were the Cup’s headline writers as they beat tier five Wroxham 1-0 at Mulberry Park with Molly Ryan’s goal proving decisive.

In the other tie, tier four Norwich City had too much for tier seven’s Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers and they powered to a 5-0 victory at The Nest. Ellie Smith and Freya Symonds each bagged a brace with Olivia Cook adding one of her own.

Mulbarton Belles and Norwich City will meet in the final at Norwich City FC’s Carrow Road stadium on Friday 19th May at 7.45pm.

**Above:** Ellie Smith scored twice and was player of the match as Norwich City beat Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers 5-0 at The Nest to reach the Norfolk Women’s Cup Final. **Photo:** Norwich City Women FC

Eastern Region Division One North

Fakenham Town were beaten 2-1 at home by St. Ives Town. Emily Ingle and Georgia Stancombe scored for the visitors with Sophie Lubbock scoring for Fakenham after heading in a Nicole Costin corner.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Caister were 3-1 winners at Long Stratton thanks to goals from Megan Bartlett, Hazel Saddington, and Rebecca Waters. Caister captain Hayley Muir turned a Samantha Walker free kick into her own net for the hosts’ goal.

Sprowston were 2-1 winners at Bungay Town with goals from Madison Lee and Anais Winney. Zoe Cossey got the goal for Bungay Town.

**Above:** Caister’s three new signings Hazel Saddington, Megan Bartlett, and Rebecca Waters all scored a goal each in their 3-1 win at Long Stratton. **Photo:** Caister FC

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Unbelievably, Aylsham scored 14 goals for the second Sunday running as they won 14-2 at FC Viking Valkyries. Jordan Arnoup scored eight strikes from Michaela Brown, Hannah Claughton, Charlotte Crane, Rhiannon Dack, and Florence Simpkin and an own goal completing the tally. Chelsea Louise Gladding and Leah Walthew scored for the hosts.

Two goals from Rachel Adams and one from Samantha Burgess saw Shrublands pick up an impressive 3-1 win over Bulldogs. Tracey Warren scored for Bulldogs.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

A Maria Palmer goal was enough to see Kirkley and Pakefield beat Left Field FC 1-0. In the league’s other game, the University of East Anglia shared the points with Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers in a 1-1 draw.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

Katie Fray scored four and Kiera Braithwaite added the other as Taverham were 5-0 winners at Yarmouth FC.

**Above:** Jordan Arnoup celebrates scoring as Aylsham score 14 for the second weekend on the trot and win 14-2 at FC Viking Valkyries in the Norfolk Women & Girls League Division Two. **Photo:** Ben Cunningham

Welsh Weekend Wrap

Martin Townley and Perry Dobbins combine to deliver excellent coverage of the weekend’s games in Wales’ top leagues. Martin rounds up the action, and Perry‘s photo gallery this week comes from the Adran Premier game between Cardiff City and Cardiff Met (21/3/23).

Above: Cardiff City (blue) get in a shot despite the Cardiff Met defence’s best efforts. Photo: Perry Dobbins.

News in Brief

Cardiff City hit nine past Met after last week’s Adran Trophy final loss. Swansea City maintain pressure on leaders with a win over The New Saints. Abergavenny survival hopes dashed after home loss to Aberystwyth Town.

Long-serving Cardiff Met Manager Yzzy Taylor announces she is to step down after 11 years at the club.

In the Adran South leaders Briton Ferry now need just two points to take the title. They host Caldicot Town on Tuesday night, and a win will confirm them as champions and set up a promotion play-off with Adran North champions Wrexham.

Adran Premier

Cardiff City 9-0 Cardiff Met

The Bluebirds were simply stunning as they took revenge on City rivals Cardiff Met for last week’s defeat in the Adran Trophy Final.

Danielle Broadhurst got the first after seven minutes before a Seren Watkins spot kick after 17 minutes saw City take a two-goal lead. Eliza Collie added the third on 36 minutes. City weren’t done and two from Rhianne Oakley before halftime sent the Bluebirds in 5-0 up.

In the second half, Eliza Collie scored three times, taking her tally for the day to four and Megan Bowen added one as City ran out 9-0 winners. Cardiff City remain seven points clear at the top as we head into the final three games.

A win in their game next week, when TNS are the visitors, will confirm Cardiff City as champions.

Perry Dobbins’ Photo Gallery from Cardiff City v Cardiff Met

Swansea City 4-1 The New Saints

Swansea City are still in the title fight as they came through a tough game against an improving TNS side.

Katy Hosford gave the Swans the lead in the opening minute but TNS fought back and were level after ten minutes. Lucie Platt with her sixth goal of the season. It took the Swans until the 35^th minute to retake the lead and Stacy John-Davis hit two in three minutes to send Swansea into the break 3-1 up.

Monet Legall added a fourth in the second half and maintained Swansea’s title chances for another week. City must win their next game against Cardiff Met and hope that Cardiff City drop points if they are to have any chance to win the league.

Pontypridd United 0-0 Barry Town United

Pontypridd United remain top of the Adran Premier Plate Conference after their home draw with Barry Town. The point moves Barry close to safety in the Adran Premier with a nine-point gap over Abergavenny with three to play.

Abergavenny 0-1 Aberystwyth Town

**Above:** Aberystwyth Town celebrate Emily Thomas’ winning goal. **Photo:** Barcud Coch Photography.

A first-half strike from Emily Thomas was enough to secure Aberystwyth Town all three points against Abergavenny.

The result means that the Seasiders will be playing Genero Adran Premier football again next season – and stay sixth in the table, second in the Plate Conference after the league split at the halfway point.

Manager Gav Allen found himself contending with a limited squad at this late stage of the campaign – naming only two substitutes. But his team stayed well organised and resolute, with Thomas striking in the 15th minute, and the Aber back line fending off pressure from the hosts seeking an equaliser.

Next weekend they travel to Barry Town United – before returning to Park Avenue for their final home game of the season against Abergavenny on Sunday 2nd April (2pm kick-off).

Adran South

Pontardawe Town 1-3 Briton Ferry Llansawel

Briton Ferry went into the game with the knowledge that two wins will ensure they win the Adran South.

The opening of the game was tense as Pontardawe worked hard to stop the Reds from playing. The visitors did take the lead thanks to Chelsea Deacon 22 minutes into the game. After Laura-May Walkley’s shot was saved, Megan Kearle picked up the ball and found Deacon. Pontardawe keeper Bethan Connolly got a hand to the shot, but it wasn’t enough to stop the goal.

Sophie Topper equalised just before half-time as her close-range shot went in. Briton Ferry stepped it up in the second half and from Lucy Powell’s cross, Walkley sent a bullet header into the net.

Another header gave Ferry a 3-1 lead when Lowri Baker nodded home from Megan Kearle’s corner. Briton Ferry will be crowned as Adran South Champions on Tuesday night if they beat Caldicot Town.

**Above:** Celebration time for Briton Ferry Llansawel. **Photo:** Lewis Mitchell/FAW.

Cascade YC 3-1 Swansea University

Cascade YC went into this game knowing they would have to win to keep pressure on leaders Briton Ferry.

Bethan Llyod grabbed the opening goal after 11 minutes with Casey Thomas adding a second before halftime. Llyod added a third in the 65th minute to put Cascade further ahead. Shelbie Parker-Smith pulled a goal back for Swansea, but Cascade picked up the win they needed.

Adran North

Llanfair United 0-1 CPDM Y Felinheli

Felinheli moved into fourth place in the Adran North with a 1-0 win over Llanfair United. A fourth-minute goal for Jordanne Greenough was enough to give the visitors the three points.

Reading v Chelsea Photo Gallery

Andy Wicks was at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for Impetus yesterday to capture this EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from the FA Cup Quarter-Final tie between Reading and Chelsea (20/3/23).

Above: Chelsea’s Millie Bright and Zećira Mušović embrace yesterday as the FA Cup holders advanced to the semi-finals at Reading. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.

Reading 1-3 Chelsea

Chelsea eased their way into another FA Cup Semi-Final with victory at Reading yesterday.

After keeping Royals keeper Grace Moloney busy in the early stages, Emma Hayes’ sides went ahead when Jess Carter dispatched Guro Reiten’s cross into the net. Within three minutes, the Cup holders doubled their advantage when Reiten was felled in the box by Brooke Hendrix and Maren Mjelde rammed the spot kick home. Reiten grabbed the third from Alsu Abdullina’s ball. Sanne Troelsgaard, who had earlier had a goal disallowed for offside, got one back for the hosts, but that was as good as it got for the Berkshire side.

Teams: READING (3-4-1-2): Moloney, Mayi Kith, Hendrix, Mukandi, Bryson, Eikeland, Moore, Woodham, Rowe, Troelsgaard, Wellings. Substitutes: Evans, Wade, Caldwell, Jane, Burns, Vanhaevermaet, Meadows-Tuson.

Scorer: Troelsgaard 70′.

CHELSEA (3-5-2): Mušović, Carter, Bright, Eriksson, Rytting Kaneryd, Mjelde, Fleming, Ingle, Abdullina, Reiten, Charles. Substitutes: Leupolz, James, Kerr, Buchanan, Berger, Claypole, Akpan, Blades, Brown.

Scorers: Carter 23′, Mjelde (pen) 26′, Reiten 51′.

Referee: Carl Brook.

Attendance: 1,865.

Dons down Ashford to seal Cup Final spot

AFC Wimbledon 5-0 Ashford Town (Middx)

Above: All smiles for AFC Wimbledon at home to Ashford Town (Middx) yesterday. Photo: Emily Topping.

by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon (20/3/23)

A debut goal by Amber Dredge rounded off a convincing Capital Cup semi-final victory for AFC Wimbledon on Sunday against fellow tier four FA Women’s National League Division One SE side Ashford Town (Middx).

Though injuries had restricted the options available to manager Kevin Foster, there was simply no stopping the Dons with the Tangerines emphatically beaten 5-0 at Carshalton Athletic FC.

And that paves the way towards a showpiece final with London Bees or Arsenal Academy awaiting in the Final.

With Wimbledon suffering from a number of injuries, a number of youth team players were called up to be on the substitutes’ bench and Sarah Wentworth made her first start in 16 months to complete her recovery from an ACL injury.

The Dons got off to a positive start by opening the scoring with less than 15 minutes on the clock. Centre-back Kelly Highman scored her second goal in as many games with a close-range finish after some fine play from Wentworth to bring down a corner. Ten minutes later the advantage was doubled as Becki Bath scored with yet another long-range screamer.

With several penalty appeals turned away by the referee and a goal also disallowed for offside, the Dons just missed out on securing the cushion of a third before the break.

However, there wasn’t long to wait for Wimbledon to extend the advantage after the interval – and it came in superb style too as Chloe Sampson scored a fantastic solo goal. With 20 minutes to go, Szofia Siber, twin sister of first-team regular Gloria, came on for her first senior appearance of the season, replacing the returning Wentworth. Seven minutes later it was 4-0 as Hannah Billingham got her second goal in three games with the help of a deflection.

With 10 minutes remaining, Elizabeth Mulvaney came on for her debut. A couple of minutes later Siber came close to striking a memorable goal as she rattled a post. Following this, the two remaining Under-23s on the bench – Amber Dredge and Chloe Gibney came on for their Dons debuts.

In the last minute, Dredge marked her debut with a powerful effort that flew into the roof of the net, leaving the visiting keeper with no chance, to put the icing on the cake.

Reflecting after the game, AFC Wimbledon head coach Kevin Foster said: “We were excellent – we passed the ball, moved it, and controlled the game throughout. We had some very positive performances out there.”

The Dons are back in action on Thursday night with a trip to East London to face London Seaward. This is followed by a visit to Loftus Road to face QPR.

Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Allen, Russell (Dredge), Highman, Wentworth (S. Siber), Billingham, Ali, Donovan, Dorey, Plewa (Mulvaney), Sampson, Bath (Gibney).

Scorers: Highman 14′, Bath 26′, Sampson 53′, Billingham 77′, Dredge 90′.

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDX): Team not published.

Scottish Weekend Wrap

from Tom Freeman (20/3/23)

Above: Celebrations for Renfrew as they hit back to beat Rossvale in the battle between the second and third-placed sides in the SWF Championship. Photo: Sportpix.

SWF Championship

A second-half comeback by Renfrew Ladies to beat Rossvale at home has narrowed the gap with Scottish Women’s Championship leaders Livingston to ten points.

A goal from in-form Sinead Macleod and a free kick from Morgan Graham saw the Renfrew side take maximum points from their Glasgow rivals, who had gone ahead through a first-half goal from Morgan Anderson in a fiercely competitive game in the race for promotion to the SWPL 2.

The side which finishes top of the Championship will get automatic promotion, while the side which finishes second will enter a playoff with the side finishing second bottom of SWPL 2. Renfrew Ladies are currently second on 45 points with Rossvale four behind on 41, although the Glasgow side has a game in hand.

Elsewhere, doubles from Kayleigh Mackenzie and Rhea Hossack helped Inverness Caledonian Thistle beat Morton convincingly 7-2 in Port Glasgow, while Ayr United beat Hutchison Vale 2-1.

SWF League One

**Above:** Westdyke (sky blue) in action against Edinburgh Caledonia. **Photo:** Sportpix.

Westdyke secured an important away victory over in-form Edinburgh Caledonia in the capital, with goals from Bethany Cochrane and Georgia Park in a 2-0 win which keeps the northeast side in third behind promotion rivals Falkirk with a game in hand. The Bairns completed a 6-1 victory over Airdrie Ladies which saw veteran striker Suzanne Wyatt score her 24^th and 25^th league goals of the campaign for Falkirk, while Stenhousemuir won the battle for fourth with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home to St. Mirren. League leaders FC Edinburgh won comfortably 4-0 against Grampian Ladies, while Giffnock SC enjoyed a goal spree in Dundee, beating Dundee West 10-0.

Biffa SWFL

Bonnyrigg Rose returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 10-0 victory over McDermid Ladies in East while in West, Clydebank beat rivals Bishopton 2-1 as Dunipace and Drumchapel United played out a 1-1 draw. In South, Annan Athletic won an entertaining contest with Flip the Mindset 6-4, while in North, Westdyke Thistle picked up their first points of the season by beating Buchan 4-3.

York City v Middlesbrough Photo Gallery

Matthew Appleby provides us with all the action as York City hosted Middlesbrough in the North Riding County Cup Semi-Final that went all the way to a penalty shoot-out (20/3/23).

Above: Middlesbrough celebrate after Armani Maxwell hit the winning penalty in their semi-final shoot-out win at York City. Photo: Matthew Appleby.

York City 2-2 Middlesbrough

This was a dramatic encounter with the scoreboard swinging one way and then the other. Boro hit the front after 13 minutes when Armani Maxwell directed the ball home from close range.

Four minutes before the break, Jess Mett hit a rocket shot into the top corner as the visitors went in 2-0 ahead. Within eight minutes of the re-start, York were back in it when Milly Ash’s corner was headed home by Alice Hughes. Midway through the half, the home side levelled thanks to Jess Holder.

With no extra time, the tie went straight to penalties, and it was Middlesbrough who took the win 4-3. They will go on to face Redcar Town in the final who beat Middlesbrough’s Development side in the other last-four tie.

Matthew Appleby’s Photo Gallery:

A-League Women Weekly Awards

Each week during the home and away season, Impetus’ writing and photography team covering the competition will nominate a player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of the player and coach votes as the weeks go by, and just before Finals, will announce our winners for 2022/23 (21/3/23).

Player of the Week:

**Above:** Bethany Gordon received recognition for a great display for Western Sydney Wanderers. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

BEN GILBY: Cortnee Vine. A great show against Melbourne City that showcased everything that the Matildas star has to offer. An honourable mention also for Bethany Gordon for her exploits for Western Sydney Wanderers against Brisbane Roar.

KIERAN YAP: It was not the fanciest goal, but Cyera Hintzen stood up and delivered in a must-win game for Perth Glory. It’s exactly what your overseas star recruits should provide.

BEN CAREY: Bethany Gordon. Her performance against Brisbane Roar was incredible. She provided a seamless link between the defenders and the front line and managed to score not only her first A-League goal, but her second as well!

Coach of the Week:

BEN GILBY: Jeff Hopkins. Melbourne Victory have lost two of the best midfielders in the competition in Alex Chidiac and Elise Kellond-Knight, yet the “tinkering” that Hopkins admitted in a recent press conference that he would need to employ is working and, once more, come the pointy end of the season Victory are picking up the wins. Even more impressively, they are doing it against the teams around them on the ladder.

KIERAN YAP: Jeff Hopkins. Victory continue to do just enough to grind out the season. They were under the pump all game against Canberra United, yet they remained composed, took their chance, and rode their luck. This is a manager and a team that knows how to perform under pressure.

BEN CAREY: Adrian Stenta. His side were down 2-0 after the first half against Newcastle Jets. He was able to inspire his side and deploy the right tactics to fight back and snatch a hard-fought draw.

Event of the Week:

BEN GILBY: Melbourne City’s late goal by Kaitlyn Torpey to save a point against Sydney FC.

KIERAN YAP: Beth Gordon’s second goal for Western Sydney Wanderers against Brisbane Roar. The strike was something special, but the celebrations were truly heartwarming. She was engulfed by her teammates and then ran to the bench to be congratulated by the team physio.

BEN CAREY: Kaitlyn Torpey’s incredible strike off Chelsea Blissett’s corner in the 94th minute to secure the draw for Melbourne City.