Above: Hannah Keane celebrates her equalising goal. Photo: A-League Women.
The second meeting between Melbourne City and Western United had a lot riding on the result at AAMI Park.
It was a battle between two top-four teams. Although both sides had started the season strongly, their form had faded in recent weeks. Western United had suffered two consecutive losses to unfancied opposition, while City were humbled 3-0 by Sydney FC in the last round.
A popular theory of Western United is that they might struggle in the absence of Jess McDonald and Chloe Logarzo. The two national team stars were vital when Western defeated City in Round Five. This performance should put an end to that discussion.
Without the two big-name recruits, Western United’s approach and game style has not changed all that much. Mark Torcaso’s team set up to press without the ball and counterattack with it.
City preferred Dario Vidosic’s trademark possession football. Early in the game, it meant that there were few clear chances.
The most promising attacker in the game’s early stages was City’s Bryleeh Henry. The pacy striker was more mobile than usual, cutting inside from her favoured right flank position and running directly at defences when she had the opportunity.
City’s goal came from Henry’s movement. A Rhianna Pollicina pass found her in a pocket of space in the penalty box. She would have preferred that her first touch had put her into a shooting position, but a momentary stumble gave the Western United defenders time to cover her.
Henry kept the ball, and more importantly her composure to lift her head and find Letica McKenna through heavy traffic on the edge of the box. The Western Australian shot without hesitation and curled a shot past Hillary Beall into the bottom corner. It was a terrific goal, forged by the class of the two youngsters.
City had the better of the first-half exchanges. Julia Grosso’s volley was skied over the bar in a let-off for Western, but Emma Checker was particularly good in defence. The captain looked impassable early, and neither Hannah Keane nor Danielle Steer could get beyond her.
It would take patience, persistence, and a healthy dose of luck for Western United to equalise. City have a dedication to playing the ball out from the back and keeping it on the ground at all times. A few times in the first half, Sally James’ passing was successful but at times a little risky. When Keane raced onto a pass to the keeper, it only took one under-hit pass to gift the striker with an easy goal.
Keane almost gave United the lead minutes later. Her through ball put Tyla Jay Vlajnic into space on the left. The winger’s shot was well hit across goal and forced a good save from James. The Young Matildas goalkeeper did very well to get up quickly and pressure Keane’s rebound shot into being skied over the bar.
With the scores level, the match opened up. Hannah Wilkinson had two good chances to score, but Beall was equal to one, while the other sailed high after it bounced fortuitously to her off a Western United defender.
Chelsea Blissett was enjoying her best game on the left wing for City. Her pace and trickery was as good as the departed Emina Ekic’s was during her time at the club, but her crosses were not attacked by the City strikers and went to waste.
Daniela Galic was introduced by Vidosic, and Torcaso brought on Khali Johnson in attempts by each manager to break the deadlock. Both players had an impact, with Galic as creative as ever, but it was Johnson who was decisive.
LATE DRAMA AT AAMI PARK 😮
Kahli Johnson draws a penalty for @wufcofficial, which is duly dispatched by central defender Sydney Cummings 🎯
The striker received the ball on the counterattack, and raced down the right flank. Julia Grosso caught up with her and did well to get goal side, but Johnson cut inside and her shot hit the hand of the City defender.
It was an unlucky penalty. Grosso had no time to get out of the way, but the referee had little choice but to reward the spot kick. Sydney Cummings stepped up to slot home the 86th minute spot kick. It was enough to give Western United their second win against City this season.
The win puts Western United five points clear on top of the table, although Sydney FC has two games in hand. City’s loss also leaves them within touching distance of Melbourne Victory. The two are set to play each other in a month’s time.
Teams:WESTERN UNITED (4-2-3-1): Beall, Medwin, Cerne, Cummings, Beard, Robers, Sawicki, Steer, A. Taranto, Vlajnic, Keane. Substitutes: Dall’Oste, Iermano, Johnson, M Taranto, Sardo.
Above: Catherine Zimmerman and Ayesha Norrie compete for the ball. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane Roar played out an exciting 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory on a scorching Saturday afternoon in Brisbane.
Despite numerous calls from players and fans for games to be moved to later in the day because of the extreme heat, the APL has stuck with kick-off times during the hottest periods.
Roar players, Shea Connors and Katrina Gorry, both took to social media before the match to express their concerns about the heat. The Roar Corps even sung a song in protest, along with drums, they chanted “It’s too hot, hot, hot. APL. It’s too hot, hot, hot. APL.”
Despite the heat, Brisbane Roar started off playing with a lot of energy and aggression. They dominated the first 20 minutes of the match, with some great final third play from Katrina Gorry, Shea Connors, and Larissa Crummer, but were unable to capitalise on any of the opportunities.
Just after the 20th minute, Beatie Goad was fouled in the box and a penalty kick was awarded to Melbourne Victory. For the second week in a row, Alex Chidiac stepped up to the spot without hesitation and slotted it past the Hensley Hancuff. Chidiac, it seems, is developing a bit of a reputation for being a penalty taker.
Brisbane struck back almost immediately with a fantastic team goal. Ayesha Norrie picked the pocket of the goal scorer, Chidiac, in the midfield and then passed to Connors who was the most advanced Roar player. Connors passed back to Gorry and ran into the box where the Matilda dinked it back to her. Connors used her speed and some amazing footwork to beat the Victory defence and pivot on her left foot to put an incredible shot past Dumont.
Two goals in a minute 🤯⏱️
Within 60 seconds of Alex Chidiac giving @gomvfc the lead, Shea Connors draws @brisbaneroar level ⚡️
There were eight minutes of stoppage time added on, which made way for some Brisbane Roar heroics. About five minutes into stoppage time, Connors hit a wonderful ball to Gorry in the box, who struck her cleanest header of the season so far, but it just missed the top left corner.
Just before the stroke of halftime, Jessie Rasschaert found herself in the Victory box underneath a high-bouncing ball and attempted a spectacular bicycle kick, which was actually on target and needed a save. If she’d pulled it off it would have been hands down the goal of the season.
Victory came out of the halftime break with a bit more of a spring in their step. Just before the hour mark they put together a number of attempts on the Brisbane goal, two of which were blocked by Roar defenders, and one of which needed a save from Hancuff.
The remaining half an hour was a tense battle between both teams vying for all three points. There were good chances up both ends, and a lot of great defending from both teams as well, with one exception. In the 85th minute, a Brisbane defender made a tired pass that found its way to Victory striker, Melina Ayres, who took a great shot at the Brisbane goal, but Roar’s guardian angel, Hancuff, was there to save the day once again, and keep her team in the match.
All in all, despite the heat and the outrage about kick-off times, it was a very entertaining match. Both teams will feel they deserved more than a draw, but given how competitive the match was, a draw seems fitting. There was an enthralling 90-minute battle in the midfield between Gorry and Chidiac, Matildas teammates, and two of the very best midfielders in the A-League Women.
Goad and Chidiac were midfield maestros for Victory. There were absolutely everywhere, playing with aggression and intent, stealing balls, setting up plays, taking shots. Goad won the penalty early on in the match, and Chidiac in what is likely to be her final game of the season, was the one who took it. Their impact was immense. Dumont also had a great day in goal, making a total of six saves.
Gorry put in a solid shift as always, pulling the strings in the midfield and setting up a handful of opportunities for her Roar teammates. Hancuff had a great day between the sticks, making five saves and absolutely keeping Brisbane in the match. Connors did exceptionally well, scoring her second goal of the season and forcing the draw. She also created a number of other chances for her team.
Rasschaert played superbly yet again. She was in a wing-back position once more, which is where she seems to have the greatest impact. She made a number of great challenges in the defensive third, and then throughout the match used her pace to run up the side and set up plays, much like Ellie Carpenter does for the Matildas. She also took multiple shots on goal. It seems that her match-winning goal against Adelaide has sparked something in her.
Due to the international window coming up, Brisbane Roar will next play Perth Glory away on Saturday 25th, and Melbourne Victory take on Adelaide United at home on Sunday 26th.
Above: Canberra United celebrate their dramatic win. Photo: Canberra United
The last time that Canberra United was victorious against Sydney FC let alone scored against the Sky Blues was 2nd December 2018. Today, the Capital City side pulled off a 2-1 win at McKellar Park thanks to goals by Michelle Heyman and Ellie Brush, who struck a late winner against her former club.
Within the first minute, it was Sydney FC who were very close to opening. Madison Haley provided a brilliant pass from outside the box for Rachel Lowe in the box whose attempt at goal was spectacularly stopped by Chloe Lincoln.
In the fourth minute of the match, Heyman controlled a Grace Jale pass, made a little run towards the box and then had shot that went past Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman and into the back of the net for the opening goal of the match. After not having registered a goal against Sydney FC in over nine hours of football in the A-League Women, it was pretty much the perfect start for United.
In the 23rd minute, Jale made a great run just before the halfway line as she drove herself forward which amounted to a half volley that was saved by Whyman. Jale had really been at the forefront of most of Canberra’s chances at that point of the match and arguably looked like United’s most dangerous player. She had been getting herself into positions and overall being paramount to a lot of Canberra’s best buildup play.
Sydney responded rapidly afterwards as Cortnee Vine crossed the ball to Charlie Rule on the outside of the box. Her control on the chest set up a volley that was saved by Lincoln.
Late in the first half, Madison Haley laid off a great through ball to Vine who then had a shot towards goal that went over the bar. Hayley Taylor-Young had been attempting to block Vine’s chance in the box and appeared to have sustained an injury in the process. After a short delay to proceedings, she was substituted off for Emma Ilijoski.
Less than 10 minutes into the second period, Sydney levelled. Lincoln’s pass to Ellie Brush was intercepted by a charging Rola Badawiya. She was able to take full advantage of the mistake on the left side of the six-yard box to put the ball into the back of the net for her first goal in the A-League Women.
Sydney continued to press. Vine made a great run into the box. Lincoln rescued her side with a strong save. Not long afterwards, there was another strong opportunity as Vine pulled a great cross into the box with the ball finding Princess Ibini whose header from close range went over the bar.
Late in the game, with a draw looking likely, Grace Maher’s corner found Brush in the box whose first-time header went into the back of the net for Canberra’s winning goal. It was the former Sydney FC player’s second goal of the season in her 140th match in the A-League Women.
For Canberra, this result and overall performance will have really boosted their finals ambitions. The win not only puts them up into fifth position on the A-League Women’s ladder but with Melbourne Victory’s draw against Brisbane Roar today, Canberra are now only five points behind with a game in hand.
Sydney still have two games in hand. It wasn’t their day today.
Kieran Yap reports on Melbourne Victory boss Jeff Hopkins’ media conference today, with Jonathan Tay delivering all the details from Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic‘s event (10/2/23).
Victory add quality and depth for Chidiac’s farewell game
by Kieran Yap
Above: Alex Chidiac (centre), seen here in action against Sydney FC earlier this season, is likely to play her final game of the season for Melbourne Vuctory this weekend. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Melbourne Victory are strengthened for their encounter with Brisbane Roar, but it is likely to be the last fans see of Alex Chidiac this season.
Victory coach Jeff Hopkins held onto some faint hope that Chidiac could be retained but admitted that she would be recalled to Racing Louisville FC ahead of the NWSL season.
“We are working on it, but she will be going back I’m pretty sure,” said Hopkins. “Tomorrow will almost certainly be her last game, for now anyway.”
The Matildas playmaker has been one of the stars of the competition, with five goals and five assists in just over half the A-League Women’s season. She has been the difference for Victory in some tight games. Her unique style and tireless running have helped steer the club through an injury-hit campaign.
Although she will be sorely missed by the club and the competition, Victory have never been better placed to deal without her, and tomorrow’s game might see their strongest lineup this season.
Star striker Melina Ayres is due to return, and match-winning attacker Catherine Zimmerman is a probable starter.
Zimmerman won a crucial penalty against Western Sydney Wanderers last week, and set up Tiff Eliadis for Victory’s third after a powerful run down the wing and well-placed pass.
“She finished the game really strongly and she’ll be ready for us to start this week which is a massive bonus,” Hopkins said of the American.
“Obviously what she brings, her energy, her quality, her ability to finish left or right foot, and just to put defenders on edge. It was great to have her back, she made quite a big difference in the last 15-20 minutes. But also, we’ll get Melina back this week as well.
“We’ve been a little bit cautious with her, but she’s been training the house down this week. She gives us that element where we have the ability to finish off our attacks from a number of different players, not just one or two.”
Zimmerman’s assist came deep into added time in the last round. Although most coaches would prefer their players to run the ball to the corner flag and take up time, Hopkins was delighted that she chose to go on the attack and seal the game. In a league where goal difference can be crucial, it was an inspired moment of brilliance in her comeback game.
Above: Melbourne Victory boss Jeff Hopkins spoke of his players “training down the house” this week. Image: Melbourne Victory
“Go, kill them off with a goal!” said Hopkins. “I think in that situation it’s sometimes right to run into the corner. She made the right decision and made the right ball at the right time as well. “(Eliadis) is deadly from a metre out with no opposition.”
Only defender Gema Simon remains on the injury list, and Victory are close to full strength. It means options for the manager, and Hopkins has been impressed with the intensity at training as competition for places heats up.
“I’m very pleased with the way that we reacted to defeat the week before, and even happier with the way that we’ve reacted this week.
“The quality has been really high, the intensity has been really high. The good thing for me is the young girls have really been pushing hard as well this week. Alana Murphy, Rosie Curtis, Ava Briedis, and Paige Zois have been training out of their skin.
“They’ve kind of realised that they need to step up to get into this side and they’ve put themselves in the window to play this week.”
Grand final hero Amy Jackson made her second start for the season last week. Her experience and expertise in the defensive midfield role helped negate some of Western Sydney’s attack. She could be vital once again as Hopkins anticipated a duel between two high-quality midfields.
If Brisbane’s midfield trio can dominate and supply their pacy attack, it could spell trouble for Victory.
Above: Elise Kellond-Knight (left) will need to be on her A game tomorrow as Jeff Hopkins emphasised how he expects his midfielders to step up against Brisbane Roar. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“We need to match them in those one vs one duels,” said Hopkins. “Mini (Katrina Gorry) Eesh Norrie and young Hollie Palmer are three very dangerous players.
“All are very good on the ball, all comfortable in possession, and all capable of getting forward as well.
“In terms of K-K (Elise Kellond-Knight), Chids, A.J, Murph, Paige whoever is playing in there, we need to step up and work hard. They need to defend well as a unit and as individuals. That’s something we’ve been stressing not just to them but all our players over the last month. How important those individual duals are to the outcome of the game.
“I think that midfield battle is an area that will be doubly important tomorrow.
“We’re looking for big games from all of our midfield players, but it’s not just about that. To win this game it’s going to have to be a real peak performance and that’s what we’ve been stressing throughout the week.”
Roar edged past Adelaide United in week 13 with a 1-0. It was a result largely decided by the quality of Gorry and the efforts in goal by Hensley Hancuff. Victory are not expecting an easy game, but with the returning firepower, and the possible swansong of Alex Chidiac, they are well-placed to get a result.
City focus on learning lessons and moving on ahead of clash with leaders
by Jonathan Tay
Above: Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic speaking to the media today. Image: Melbourne City
After a difficult loss last weekend, where Melbourne City were comprehensively beaten by Sydney FC 3-0, both head coach Dario Vidosic and defender Katie Bowen were in a reflective yet upbeat mood speaking to the media on Friday.
“These things happen in football; we’re a young team and we’re continuing to learn,” Vidosic said. “It was everything that we worked on and looked at, we knew their threats, so that was a little disappointing. As a team you can have off nights; it’s happened to the greatest teams in the world.”
Bowen added, “It was hard to put our finger on why that happened, but I just know it wasn’t falling for us. Sydney are a good team but we didn’t play to our capabilities which was disappointing, but we learn from that and move on.
“We had a gameplan and we certainly didn’t execute it, but we sat down, went over film, [Vidosic] took us through it and we had to learn from it. It’s no point just moving on and not going over it. I think everyone knows they’ve got a very dangerous front line. I think what’s hard is that we didn’t bring our best game.”
Vidosic continued, “We did have that solution, when Bowie (Katie Bowen), we were trying to bring her in the build-up into the midfield, where we had the overload. With [Madison] Haley, [Cortnee] Vine, and [Princess] Ibini, they would jump on occasions, and just the distance between our players was a little too far. It was a bit disappointing that we didn’t really play to the best of our ability, in terms of structure.
“I felt we were a little too rushed and we played into their hands, where we couldn’t maintain [the ball] for long enough in good periods and force their back three back. It was just one of those afternoons, but we can’t now throw away all the good work. I’ve been proud of the ladies and how we’ve performed for the season. The week leading into the Sydney game was excellent and this week as well, so that’ll be up to us tomorrow to make sure it was a one-off.”
Above: Katie Bowen in her media conference today. Image: Melbourne City.
It’s another big game this weekend for City, with a top-of-the-table clash with Western United, who themselves are coming off two successive losses. Both Bowen and Vidosic spoke about the positives they took from the reverse fixture earlier in the season, despite a 2-1 defeat to the league leaders.
“The biggest message was just to be us,” Vidosic said. “We have an excellent opportunity at AAMI Park, a bit of a Melbourne Derby as well, so it sets up for a great chance for us to respond.
“We know we’re up against a good team. They’re coming off two losses, so they’ll throw everything at us tomorrow; they’ll want to get their season back on track. But same as us, we want to put ourselves back in the winners’ column and keep pushing and putting pressure on that top spot.”
Bowen spoke similarly: “We’re feeling really confident. We had a bit of a slip-up last week, so we’re looking at this week as a kind of redemption. We know it’s going to be a tough game for us. We think it was arguably our best performance last time we played them.
“Their (Western United’s) tenacity and fight is their biggest strength. They’ve got a tall forward in [Hannah] Keane, but I know they’ve also lost Jess Macdonald, which is a big loss for them. If we do what we did against Sydney and don’t show up then it’s going to be really tough for us. I’ve got no doubt that we will though.
“I don’t think we need to change a whole lot, but we definitely need to convert our chances; we had some really good opportunities in that game but unfortunately didn’t finish them. If we had, then it possibly would’ve been a different outcome for us.”
Above: Hannah Wilkinson and Katie Bowen (left and centre) are part of the New Zealand Football Ferns squad for the upcoming international window. Photo: Melbourne City
The international break coming up right after the weekend will see New Zealander Bowen join up with the Football Ferns squad, with friendlies on home soil scheduled as part of their ongoing preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup later this year.
Bowen stated, “It’s a longer tour, and it’s probably the closest thing we’re going to have to replicate the World Cup, going three games with two days in between. Obviously, ideally, I hope we get the results – I think we have the chance to – but we have to see what our gameplan is, execute it as best we can, and similar to here, watch film, go over our games and treat it like a World Cup where we need at least four points to get out of the group.”
Melbourne City have a number of other players also on national team duty, whilst Vidosic and those staying behind will be kept busy as well. “It’s an honour for us as well, and I’m sure for the ladies,” the City head coach remarked.
“We’re very proud as a club that we can have two in the Young Matildas (Daniela Galic and Caitlin Karic) and two in the Football Ferns. They’re all preparing for big things, especially [Bowen and Hannah Wilkinson] who have a World Cup not too far away. For Cote [Rojas], she’s got a big qualifier coming up for Chile to book her place at the World Cup.
“In the meantime, we have a friendly coming up against the Young Matildas, which we’ll be looking forward to, and gives us a chance to work with the group maybe a bit more individually and spend more time now that we’ve got lesser numbers.
“We’ll prepare for that Young Matildas game like any other game; we might work on a couple things, maybe have one little eye on Newcastle (their first game back after the international break).”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Above: New Zealand players huddle before a match. Their latest squad has been revealed. Photo: stuff.co.nz.
Five Wellington Phoenix players have been called into the Football Ferns for their upcoming home internationals against Portugal and Argentina.
Veteran midfielder Betsy Hassett, first-choice forward Paige Satchell, and young defender Mackenzie Barry have kept their places in the Ferns squad after featuring against the USA last month.
Barry’s centre back partner Kate Taylor has also been recalled, after missing last month’s internationals with a foot injury, while 20-year-old midfielder Grace Wisnewski has been named as a training player.
The quintet will go into camp in Hamilton upon the team’s return home from Sunday’s round 14 Liberty A-League match against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Above: Action from New Zealand’s most recent match against the USA. Photo: NZ Football.
The Ferns’ first match against 22nd-ranked Portugal is next Friday night (February 17th) at Waikato Stadium. They will meet 29th-ranked Argentina at the same venue the following Monday (February 20th), before playing the South Americans again at North Harbour Stadium on Thursday night (February 23rd).
Hassett, Satchell, Barry, Taylor, and Wisnewski will rejoin the Phoenix ahead of the team’s round 15 match against Sydney FC at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday, February 26th.
Among the other A-League Women players called up by the Football Ferns are Perth Glory’s Liz Anton, Katie Bowen of Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory’s Claudia Bunge, Indiah-Paige Riley of Brisbane Roar, Malia Steinmetz from Western Sydney Wanderers, and Melbourne City striker Hannah Wilkinson.
Full New Zealand squad for matches against Portugal and Argentina:
Liz Anton, Mackenzie Barry, CJ Bott, Katie Bowen, Claudia Bunge, Olivia Chance, Daisy Cleverley, Ava Collins, Victoria Esson, Betsy Hassett, Grace Jale, Anna Leat, Meikayla Moore, Erin Naylor, Grace Neville, Gabi Rennie, Ali Riley, Indiah-Paige Riley, Paige Satchell, Malia Steinmetz, Rebekah Stott, Kate Taylor, Hannah Wilkinson.
Impetus’ Martin Townleyheard fromAberystwyth Town head coach Gavin Allen and player Ffiona Evans ahead of a huge fortnight for the club. Plus, the thoughts of Aberystwyth Town’s Emily Thomas ahead of the semi-final ties (9/2/23).
Above: Aberystwyth Town’s Emily Thomas in possession. Photo: Ika Bajus.
Aberystwyth Town look to reach two Cup finals over the next fortnight as they face semi-final ties in both the Adran Trophy and FAW Welsh Women’s Cup.
Gavin Allen’s team will head to Cardiff Met on Sunday in the Adran Trophy before facing off against Briton Ferry Llansawel in the FAW Welsh Women’s Cup the following week.
First Team manager Allen spoke to the media ahead of the two vital semi-finals about his sides’ chances of reaching multiple cup finals this season.
Aber will face Cardiff Met at Cyncoed Campus this Sunday in an all-Adran Premier clash. Cardiff Met won both games between the sides in the league this season but as Allen explained, it’s all about what happens on the day.
“I’m quite confident. We’ve got a hard game on Sunday against Cardiff Met which you know, if you look at the form of the of both teams obviously, they’ve got to be favourites.
“From past experiences of semi-finals, it’s all about what happens on the day and you need luck and if we can make it difficult for them we’ll get chances. That’s guaranteed and if we can take them, I’m crossing every finger and everything that I have got that we will be in two finals”
Allen was realistic about his team’s style, and thinks that it can make them tough opponents for Cardiff Met.
“We’re not pretty I will be honest. We don’t play pretty football, but we make it very difficult for the teams and that’s the one for me. If we can make it difficult we’ve got some very influential players that can change the game and if you can get them on the ball, I’m looking for them to make that difference.”
Missing players
Above: Aberystwyth Town boss Gavin Allen. Photo: She Kicks.
“I think if we can keep everybody fit, that’s the most important because we’ve had some horrendous injuries in the last couple of weeks.
“We’ve added some sad news this week about our centre half Elin Jones. Basically, she’s got an ACL injury, so, she’s gonna miss basically a season. But then, we’ve got to look at the current squad that we’ve got, we got enough to go and compete.”
Aber’s last game saw them draw with Adran Premier champions in a game where two late first-half goals saw them trailing at the break after leading.
“I think personally for 40 minutes we were well on top, there was no plan B for them, they couldn’t break us down. We scored, we probably had five shots on goal to their one in the first half. But unfortunately, we just lost our concentration for the last five minutes.
“We conceded one and then the referee found seven minutes of injury time, so they scored again.”
Welsh Cup Semi-Final Preview:
Looking ahead to the FAW Welsh Women’s Cup final and Allen expects a tough game from the Adran South leaders Briton Ferry Llansawel.
“They’ve got a lot of experience; I know that recruited well.”
Allen made special mention to Briton Ferry’s former Welsh international midfielder Laura-May Walkley.
Above: Laura-May Walkley, in action for Cardiff Met last season. She will line up against Aberystwyth Town for Briton Ferry Llansawel in the Welsh FA Cup Semi-Final. Photo: Lewis Mitchell/FAW.
“They’ve got Laura-May Walkley in midfield who can cause issues. She’s awkward, she’s different as I will call her. She played for Cardiff Met last season so she’s played at a very high level at that Welsh Prem.
“But we’ve got an individual in our middle of the park that makes it difficult for a lot of girls when we do play against the higher teams and I’m sure she’ll be having a specific role on that day to counter basically what she can offer.”
“You know, I’m not expecting an easy game. It’s their cup final and it’s our cup final on that day, and then whoever progresses will be the best team on the day. But for me, if we play as what we have been doing in the last in the last three to four games, I’m hopeful that we’ll have too much them.”
With two big games coming up there is an air of excitement around the club with Allen saying: “It would be fantastic for Aberystwyth Town Football Club, as a community, for the area if we can get into the two into the two finals.”
Aberystwyth’s Ffiona Evans, who played the last time the Seasiders were in the Welsh Cup Semi Final added: “I’m feeling really excited it’s a long time come in getting back especially into the Welsh cup semi. It feels like a lifetime ago was when I was there last time.
“I think we’ve got a real buzz in in the team at the minute where we’re excited and you know potential getting to two finals, it’s gonna be tough. But, yeah, exciting times.”
Above: Emily Thomas on the charge for Aberystwyth Town. Photo: Gemma Thomas Photography.
Carmarthen footballer Emily Thomas is looking forward to playing in her home town on the biggest of occasions – a cup semi-final, writes Carrie Dunn.
Thomas is one of the stars who have got Aberystwyth Town Women to their first FAW Women’s Cup semi-final in 12 years – and on Sunday 19th February, she and the rest of the Seasiders will be at Carmarthen’s Richmond Park to take on Briton Ferry Llansawel for a place in the final.
The 18-year-old, who was born in Glangwili Hospital and now lives in Llangyndeyrn, hopes that the town will turn out in their numbers to support a local girl.
And she has her fingers crossed that she’ll be able to play in two cup finals before the end of the season – the week beforehand, the Green and Blacks travel to Cardiff Met in the semi-finals of another cup, the Genero Adran Trophy.
“I’m very excited to be going into two semi-finals – it’s just pure class from the girls to be honest,” she said. “If we work hard and take our chances, there’s nothing stopping us from reaching two finals now.”
Above: Pride Park’s two-goal hero Beth Jonesin action for Pride Park in an away game earlier this season. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
There were four changes for Pride Park from last week’s resounding win for the visit of Stanton Ilkeston on Sunday in the tier seven Derbyshire Ladies League Division One.
Eadon, Sayavong, and Baker were unavailable, with Evans added to the injured list, but Holmes, Fran Critchley-Watson, and Maja Znamirowska were added to the team.
The game started with an early let-off for Pride Park when a shot (or cross) from wide on Stanton’s right-wing caught goalkeeper Howell unawares and came back off the post.
The game settled into a midfield battle with neither side able to really gain control. There were a few promising attacks that didn’t lead to anything, as the final touch was lacking, and few chances for both teams, with Pride arguably having the slightly better opportunities including a couple from closer in, whilst Stanton’s efforts were mainly from distance.
It looked like the deadlock might be broken by Pride Park as the first half drew to a close when Beth Jones made a strong run down the left flank and cut in, pulling the ball back to Maja Znamirowska on the edge of the six-yard box, but she was unable to make a good connection, the defender’s attempted clearance was then blocked by Jones, but the loose ball was gathered by the Stanton goalkeeper. Shortly after that, the first half came to a close, remaining goalless.
Without substitutes, the options for Pride Park to make changes were limited, but there was a positional switch at half-time with Ella Kew switching to the centre, bringing extra height and physical presence in her more favoured central midfield role, with Fran Critchley-Watson’s guile and work rate redeployed to the flank.
The second half started with a little more promise from Pride Park’s point of view. Jones and Kew both worked the Stanton keeper in the opening minutes before Znamirowska was put through on goal and clear of the chasing defenders, but hit her shot at the visitors’ custodian.
The deadlock was finally broken after 56 minutes. A Stanton player attempted to control a loose bouncing ball in midfield under pressure from Kew, who read the situation brilliantly to get a foot in first and play the ball through for Jones. There was still a lot to do as two defenders converged on her, but she withstood their challenges and ran through to steer the ball wide of the advancing keeper to put The Pride ahead.
A few minutes later it was almost two, as Kew was again in very quickly to regain possession from a Stanton goalkick, playing Jones in on goal – her shot beat the keeper but came back off the foot of the post and was scrambled away for a corner.
Above: Ella Kew (right) – a superb performance from the youngster in her first season in senior football. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
Just as it seemed Pride Park might be getting hold of the game, Stanton equalised just after the hour. From a goal kick the ball was played out to a defender who sidestepped the press with ease and played a diagonal ball beyond Pride Park’s defence for the striker, who cut inside and hit her shot over Howell to level the scores.
The momentum was with Stanton now and for a few minutes they had good possession in Pride Park’s half, creating opportunities for a couple of shots on goal. The hosts countered on the break, Millie Holmes playing Jones in but for the second time her shot hit the base of the post.
Pride Park were reduced to ten players as Izzy Wilsoncroft left the pitch with a muscular problem. During that time there was another let-off for the home team when a pullback from the right was hit wide from six yards out by the Stanton striker.
However, Pride Park’s remaining ten stepped up a gear as the game entered the final quarter hour; Znamirowska shot inches wide after a good combination between Kew and Jones, and Jones also saw an attempt go wide.
For the final ten minutes, with Pride Park restored to eleven players, the teams were locked in a midfield struggle although, with eight minutes to play, Tash Allderidge worked enough space for a shot from outside the area that just cleared the Stanton crossbar.
It was looking like the points would be shared when, with two minutes remaining, a pass forward by Stanton was overhit and ran through to Howell in the Pride goal. Her kick upfield was controlled on the bounce by Kew and she turned and hit a pass over the Stanton defence and, as they ran towards their own goal and the deepest defender attempted to deal with the tricky bouncing ball, Jones nipped in, took a touch and fired low past the keeper.
Pride Park saw out the final couple of minutes for a very hard-fought win in an evenly contested game that could have gone either way. Stanton will be disappointed to come away without any points, but as their draw the previous week showed, they are an improving side.
Jones never stopped believing she’d score and kept on plugging away, to eventually get her reward, but with only eleven players available, every one of them had to put in a shift to grind out the result.
Ella Kew, in her first season at open age, had an excellent second half in the centre of midfield, showing excellent anticipation and strength to regain possession and release the ball at key moments, including providing the assists for both of Jones’ goals.
The Pride’s run of home fixtures continues next week with a Derbyshire Ladies League Division One game at Moorways when Castle Donington are the visitors (kick-off 1.30pm).
Jean-Pierre Thiesset was present at Olympique Lyonnais training for us once more this week on photography duties as their Matildas star Ellie Carpenter continued herimpressive recovery from the ACL injury that she suffered in last season’s UEFA Champions League Final (9/2/23).
Above: Ellie Carpenter on the ball in training this week. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Wales head coach Gemma Grainger announcing her squad today. Photo: FAW
Cymru manager Gemma Grainger has named her first squad after Cymru narrowly missed out on qualifying for the World Cup.
There are many familiar names in the squad including Jess Fishlock, Helen Ward, and captain Sophie Ingle.
There are also returns for Esther Morgan, Hannah Cain, Josie Green, and Ceri Holland along with a first call-up for Bethan Davies.
Davies will be joining the squad mid-way though the Pinatar Cup to allow Safia Middleton-Davies to join the under 19’s in Portugal for a mini-tournament.
Cymru will face the Philippines, Iceland, and Scotland at the tournament in Spain and Grainger is looking forward to the challenge.
“Very excited about the squad that we’ve selected, we have a lot of our players available for selection, which is always a great thing for us.
“And I think, you know, coming out of the end of last year, reviewing the campaign, and now looking ahead to this window, this opportunity for the team to get back together and really kick on with momentum.
“So, it’s really exciting for us to be able to compete in the competition in Pinatar, the three games in six days is always a great challenge for us, you know, in terms of that preparation to deliver so really looking forward to seeing the players.”
Gemma Evans is in line to win her 50th cap at the tournament and the Cymru manager praised the defender,
“She’s a top player to play in the position that she does and in the league that she does for Reading.
“She’s very much valued and one of the top defenders in the WSL, which, you could say is one of the best leagues in the world.
“You know, we’ve got many more years with Gemma Evans, and I only see her future being brighter and her getting better as a player.”
Grainger pointed to club form being an important part of who would make the starting XI.
“I think one of the things that we got to make sure is that our starting 11 can be as strong as possible and what that looks like and if that will look different, we’ll be very much down to the players in terms of the attitude away from camp and their club form.
“There are many things that we consider when it comes to starting 11 and squad selection.
“And what we want to do is make sure that the strength and depth of our team continues to grow the players and what will happen between now and September will give us an opportunity to be in the best position to put the best 11 out.”
With Cymru in a transitional period between qualifying campaigns, Grainger is confident that come the UEFA Nations League games in September that she will have all players still available.
“I’m very confident, you know, in terms of every player in our team being available, we are in a transitional period when it comes to the end of the World Cup campaign and moving forward for the European campaign.
“But I think that the conversations that we need to have with players and how we want to work around that transition will be something that will happen in the coming weeks.”
Improvements on the pitch have been matched by improvements off the pitch as well. A record crowd of over 15,000 saw Cymru’s World Cup Play-off match and Grainger is confident of those numbers continuing.
“One of the things that we want to do is build the momentum both on and off the pitch, and I think that we’re very passionate about how we continue to break those records. One of the things that’s very important to this team and how passionate we are about creating that change and that meaningful social change both on and off the pitch.
“So that will be something that we absolutely aspire to do and continue to keep improving.”
Cymru Squad in Full:
Laura O’Sullivan (Cardiff City Ladies), Olivia Clark (Bristol City), Safia Middleton-Patel (Manchester United), Bethan Davies (Sheffield United), Rhiannon Roberts (Liverpool), Charlie Estcourt (Birmingham City), Hayley Ladd (Manchester United), Josie Green (Leicester City), Gemma Evans (Reading), Lily Woodham (Reading), Esther Morgan (Sunderland – On loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Sophie Ingle (Chelsea), Anna Filbey (Crystal Palace), Angharad James (Tottenham Hotspur), Jess Fishlock (OL Reign), Ceri Holland (Liverpool), Megan Wynne (Southampton), Kayleigh Green (Brighton and Hove Albion), Helen Ward (Watford), Elise Hughes (Crystal Palace), Georgia Walters (Sheffield United), Carrie Jones (Leicester City – On loan from Manchester United), Hannah Cain (Leicester City), Rachel Rowe (Reading), Ella Powell (Bristol City), Alice Griffiths (Southampton), Maria Francis-Jones (Sheffield United – on loan from Manchester City).
Above: The Jets celebrate Ash Brogidan’s goal to seal victory over Western United. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
An Ash Brodigan wonder goal sealed an incredible win by Newcastle Jets over Western United.
The Wednesday evening fixture was a postponed Round Seven game, and a few things have changed since then.
The Jets have a new coach. Ex-Matildas assistant Gary van Egmond has stepped in to replace Ash Wilson, and Western United have shown their first signs of vulnerability, while after Round Six they looked impervious after defeating Melbourne City.
Coming into this game, both sides had lost on the weekend, and both had conceded three goals. Because of the congested fixture, Western United rotated their squad. Aleks Sinclair was given her first A-League Women’s start and Danielle Steer was replaced in attack by Khali Johnson.
Newcastle started with an attack of Sarah Griffith, Ash Brodigan and Lata Gooch. Tara Andrews was left in reserve, and Lauren Allan shifted to fullback.
The 17-year-old Gooch was the architect behind most of Newcastle’s brightest moments. Her confident dribbling and aggressive running kept Western’s defence on the back foot. For the home side, Johnson was looking dangerous, along with Angie Beard on the left wing, but could not find Hannah Keane in space with any crosses.
Newcastle had a chance to take an early lead when a Cannon Clough cross caused confusion between Natasha Dakic and Hillary Beall. Brodigan kept her feet while the others fell but her shot was mis-hit and skidded wide.
At the time, it felt like the striker had wasted a glorious chance and one that might be costly. In hindsight we know she was waiting for something more spectacular.
Newcastle’s early persistence combined with Western’s inability to maintain possession and the visitors earned a succession of corners.
It took then five attempts, but eventually, Taren King was found at the back post and nodded home unopposed to give The Jets a shock lead.
Despite some courageous leaping efforts by Sinclair, Western were unable to find an equaliser and went into the break 1-0 down.
Western United manager Mark Torcaso looked to his impressive bench at halftime. He brought on Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, Alana Cerne, and Jaclyn Sawicki. On paper, any one of those players would be enough to turn around a 1-0 scoreline.
Despite the changes, it was Newcastle who scored again. When the ball went forward toward Brodigan it looked hopeful at best. She was flanked by two of Western United’s defenders and had her back to goal.
The first touch was immaculate. Brodigan brought it down on the chest while on the run. Then in a single fluid motion, she swiveled and struck a half-volley that took everybody by surprise.
The shot flew across the face of Beall’s goal and bounced in off the post. It was one of the goals of the season from the promising young striker and gave The Jets the buffer they needed to achieve a remarkable win.
Western United never looked out of the contest, and to their credit, they continued to attack right to the final whistle, but despite Hannah Keane coming close, Worth never looked like conceding.
This is the first time that Western United have lost two games in a row, and they now face Melbourne City on the weekend, who will also want to respond to a loss to Sydney FC.
The home side rectified most of their issues from the first half. With Sawicki on, they were able to control more of midfield and win the ball of Newcastle’s creative players. However, they did look more fatigued than usual, especially in the first half. The second goal was a marvel, but they will rue the easy finish granted to King for the first. These are fixable issues, and they still remain in top spot.
For the Jets, this was nothing short of a momentous win. They were the underdogs. away from home, after an interstate trip and against the league leaders, they put in their best performance of the season.
When Western United looked to be surging for a moment, The Jets brought on Tara Andrews. It introduced another goal threat and meant that the chasing team could not throw caution entirely to the wind.
The question now for The Jets is how to build on this. Things will only get more difficult for van Egmond’s team with Sarah Griffith due to return to the NWSL in America. Her creativity and pace had been a dangerous and consistent weapon for The Jets. Although based on the performance and potential of Lara Gooch in a similar role, the solution might be simple.
That is a problem for another day. Right now, The Jets deserve to bask in this win. They have been one of the most entertaining teams all season, only failing to score in three games. Against Canberra, they looked concerningly flat. They rediscovered their spark against Western United with an unlikely win and one of the goals of the season.
Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-1-4-1): Beall, Sardo, Cummings, Dakic, Beard, M Taranto, Sinclair, Robers, A Taranto, K Johnson, Keane Substitutes: Dall’ Oste (GK), Sawicki, Steer, Vlajnic, Cerne.
impetusfootball.org 