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A-League Women Media Conferences

Ben Gilby and Jonathan Tay combine to report on three club media events ahead of this weekend’s action (3/2/23).

SYDNEY FC v MELBOURNE CITY:

**Above:** Sydney FC striker Madison Haley speaking to the media today. **Image:** Sydney FC.

The word ‘confident’ was used repeatedly by Sydney FC attacker Madison Haley as she spoke to the media today ahead of her team’s huge game at home to Melbourne City writes Ben Gilby.

The American striker, who has scored six times this season believes her team are more than capable of earning back-to-back wins against Melbourne-based opposition, saying: “We’re feeling confident. Having a big win over Melbourne Victory helps to go into another big, big game.

“We’re confident in what we do, and when we wear this badge, we know a lot of expectation is there, but we’re ready to take on that pressure. We have big goals this season, and this is just one step.”

With City four points ahead of Sydney FC in second, having played two additional matches, Haley predicts a close battle against Dario Vidosic’s side, who will offer a different type of puzzle to solve.

“I don’t think much separates us. In terms of quality, it will be a very entertaining match. We can adapt how we play. I think City play a 3-5-2 (formation). We haven’t encountered a team who play like that this season, (but) we won’t change who we are. We see them above us in the table, and we want to be on top and have everyone looking at us. We’ll do everything we can to win for Sydney.”

Haley also highlighted a number of her Sydney FC teammates who she feels are unlucky to miss out in the latest Matildas squad announcement. The media were left with the impression that the American would have selected a very different squad had she been in Tony Gusatvsson’s shoes.

“Most definitely Princess Ibini (should be in the squad) – she scored a hat trick in our last game (against Melbourne Victory). Mackenzie Hawkesby is such a workhorse in the midfield and does so much even when it might not be represented on the stats sheet. Nat Tobin, Charlie Mclean, I could keep going…!”

Sydney FC will need all of those players to be at international standard to lower Melbourne City’s colours tomorrow – but they are more than capable of performing at such a level. It’s going to be quite a battle.

**Above:** Dario Vidosic at his Media conference today. **Image:** Melbourne City.

As Melbourne City and head coach Dario Vidosic head north to take on Sydney FC away from home, they need no reminders of the importance of the match this weekend, writes Jonathan Tay.

“It’s a big game in the context of the season, second versus third,” Vidosic said. “Two teams in good form, and the first time we meet this season, so we’re really looking forward to it; the girls can’t wait to get to Sydney.

“Everyone is feeling good, looking good, really ready to go, it should be a great game at the new stadium, another challenge ahead.”

Sydney once again look to be title contenders this season, and were comprehensive 6-3 winners over Melbourne Victory in the last match. Their threat is something Vidosic is very much aware of.

“In transition, they’re one of the best teams; the firepower they have up front and the speed. They’ve got people that can score goals, create, and they’re dangerous,” the City coach explained.

“We know their threat; they’ve got Cortnee Vine, [Princess] Ibini, Madison Haley, then [Mackenzie] Hawkesby, [Sarah] Hunter from the middle, so there’s a lot of quality in that team.

“They’ve been towards the top of the table, and we had our challenges with them last year, some great games; that epic semi-final where last minute we concede an equaliser and then the second red card. There’s a bit of history for the girls that were here. But a new season, new challenge, and everyone’s really looking forward to it.”

For their own part, City will look to stick to the principles that have led to their success thus far this season. Whilst cognizant of the strength of Sydney FC, Vidosic believes in his side’s game plan.

“We know what we need to do, and how we can hurt them,” the 35-year-old continued. “It’s important where we want the ball: to stop transitional teams, you need to play in their defensive third or our attacking third, that’s where I want to play football. Then we pin them in, if they’re reluctant to come back, then we overload them in that half, we’ve got the numbers, and I back our attacking talent. We [can] push centre backs forward, our sixes forward.

**Above:** Dario Vidosic gets a message across to his team in training this week. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

“Possession in the final third, the longer we keep it there then we take away any sort of transition; that’s something that we’ve worked on where we get our control set. And then obviously how many chances can we create, how threatening are we.

“Also on the defensive side; people probably think we’re an ultra-attacking team, but I take defence very very seriously, so it’s been very pleasing that we’ve had many clean sheets, close to the best defence in the league.

“There’s a purpose to everything, we sort of defend on the front foot with the ball; when we have the ball, then we nullify that transition [threat]. But with the quality that oppositions have, it’s hard to keep that quiet for 90 minutes, so we work on how we adjust if that does happen. If we execute the plan, then we give ourselves a great chance to get the maximum points.”

With another upcoming international break, the City head coach was asked about his club’s agenda for their players. Whilst none of his side were called into the Australian Cup of Nations squad, Hannah Wilkinson and Katie Bowen, will both join up with the New Zealand Football Ferns, and three of his squad will be with the Young Matildas.

**Above:** Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

We’ll have a few days off after the Western United game, just to let them recover a bit before we go into that final phase of the season. But it gives us a chance to work on a few things, work with individuals, and continue their development,” Vidosic summarised.

“We’ve got a friendly lined up against the Young Matildas as well in that time, so some good stuff to happen, and a chance to load them back up and just to de-load them before we head back into the games.”

Vidosic was also excited to provide an update on the return of Holly McNamara, with the City squad as a whole eagerly anticipating her return after the international break. The 20-year-old is close to full fitness and has her sights set on breaking back into the senior Matildas squad before the home Women’s World Cup in July.

**Above:** Holly McNamara back in training. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

“She’ll see minutes in that friendly game and we’ll have some kind of internal game. She’s been green-lighted to take part in those games. Minutes-wise we’ll see when we get closer, but the good news is that she can start full contact and she looks really good,” Vidosic commented.

“It’s not just exciting for us, but for the whole league, because she is one of those that brings people into the stadium and gets you off your seat. It’s not just me asking the question, I think the ladies in the team are asking, “when can we unleash Holly?”.

“She’s working hard and she’s itching to get back. She wants to put her name up for World Cup selection, and the way she’s looking I think she’s going to really make people take notice. But again, we need to look after her, she’s had a long time off with the ACL and we’ll take on all the medical advice and see how she is. She can’t wait to get out there, she’s got that fire inside of her and it’s beautiful to see.”

WESTERN UNITED

by Ben Gilby

Western United goalkeeper Hillary Beall emphasised the fact that her team intent to go “full-throttle” over the next seven days to cement their position as league leaders going into the international break.

“This next week will be tough – three games in one week isn’t ideal. It won’t just take 16 (players), but the whole squad (to come through strongly). We have the international break coming up, and it’s full throttle going into that, so we can then have two weeks off to get sorted.”

Tomorrow’s match against Perth Glory takes place at the 8,000-capacity Morshead Park Stadium in Ballarat – the first of two matches for Western United at the venue in four days. It’s a stadium that Beall has fond memories of when it hosted the club’s pre-season friendly with Melbourne Victory. “It’s a great stadium..and it is a really great pitch,” the American said.

Reflecting on how she reviews the club’s superb campaign so far just past the halfway point, the 24-year-old said: “This team is great…with a new team, you don’t know what to expect. I’ve been asked to step up in ways I never expected. I’ve had to carry myself a bit differently and be more confident. We have phenomenal players all around and, more importantly, even better people.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s opponents Perth Glory, Beall said: “They have a great work rate. Everybody is within fighting distance, (and we) know we have a target on our back being top of the table.”

**Above:** Western United head coach Mark Torcaso. **Photo:** Western United.

Western United head coach Mark Torcaso has revealed that his squad has overcome the impact of having to play in searing heat against Canberra United last weekend, and hopes authorities will act in the future to avoid a repeat.

Several of his players suffered heat stroke as a result of the temperatures, with Torcaso saying: “The first 12, 24 hours (after the match) shook them up a bit. The girls that fell ill were the ones that were on the bench. They are ready to go and up for selection.

“No one has reached out (from the APL). It’s been pretty obvious that it’s been a problem. Hopefully, the right channels do the best things by the players and staff…I hope the people make the right choices going forward.”

The Western United boss outlined how the conditions impacted how he set his team up to play, and the plan was carried out even better than he dared to hope for. “We wanted to have a good performance first half, knowing at the back end of the game we might run out of legs. The plan was to hit them hard from the start. I didn’t expect we would expose them that much, but we did.”

Torcaso also has sympathy for tomorrow’s opponents Perth Glory, who go into the match having an enforced break of three weeks since their last match after Sydney FC were unable to find a pitch for the fixture between the two sides a fortnight back before the Western Australians had the bye last week.

**Above:** Chloe Logarzo in action for Western United at Perth Glory earlier in the season. **Photo:** Keep Up.

“Fixturing has been an issue for them. I think they are a good side. They are well organised, but results haven’t been going their way. When we played them before we pinched a result from them with 10 minutes to go. They have lost players through injury and suspension…(but) they have good depth and will be a challenge for us. We want to go out as aggressive as we can.”

He also provided an update on Chloe Logarzo, who is suffering from a foot injury as she continues her comeback from a long-term knee problem.

“If we really wanted to, we could push scenarios with her, but we want her to be ready for the World Cup. She’s having injections to look after the foot. She is a top-quality player and she will bounce back. The international window coming up and her not going into camp is a good opportunity for her…her knee is holding up well.”

With Logarzo’s loan deal from Kansas City Current expiring shortly, Torcaso revealed that he is positive of being able to extend it through to the end of the A-League Women season.

“I think we’re almost there – we’re just working through some final things. It’s going to benefit her, and hopefully, Kansas will support that. This is a sensitive one for me. I want to make sure Chloe is 100% prepared for the World Cup. I want her on the pitch, but we have to look after her and make sure she is right for the long term.”

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

Hunt rewarded by call up in latest Matildas squad

by Ben Gilby (2/2/23)

Above: (Left to right): Cortnee Vine, Tameka Yallop, and Tony Gustavsson at today’s Australian national squad selection announcement in Sydney. Image: Football Australia.

Western Sydney Wanderers defender Clare Hunt has been rewarded for her consistently high-performance levels in the A-League Women with a call-up to the Australian national side for the forthcoming Cup of Nations round-robin tournament which also involves Spain, the Czech Republic, and Jamaica.

The 23-year-old defender has captained the Wanderers this season in impressive style. Her form has picked up where it left off before her devastating injury last season as Kat Smith’s side look to push for only their second-ever qualification for Finals football.

Returning to the squad after missing out last time due to injury are Emily Gielnik, Tameka Yallop, and Mackenzie Arnold. Clare Wheeler, who has settled in well with Everton in the WSL is also selected.

Speaking to the media today to address his squad announcement, Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson revealed: “We’ve actually been keeping an eye on her (Hunt) for a long time. She was meant to go to the AFF tournament last year, but she dislocated her shoulder. She performed phenomenally well before that injury. I’ve been there live for a lot of her games to really dig into her play.

**Above:** Western Sydney Wanderers captain Clare Hunt’s selection is reward for consistently impressive performances over the last two A-League Women campaigns. **Photo:** Western Sydney Wanderers.

“She really deserves a shot in the national side to see if she can perform at her A-League standard in the national side. We’ve looked for the last two years at depth in the back line, and this might be the last opportunity to look at that (before the World Cup).”

Reflecting on the wider squad selection for the Cup of Nations, Gustavsson outlined: “This has been one of the most difficult squad selections so far. I have said before that this country is overloaded with attacking talent. Selection for this tournament is based on the last two years, not the last two matches.

“We’ve looked at 57 players in the senior national team environments, with 17 debutants. We want to keep track of the cohesion over World Cup year. The squad is based on the best team, not the best individual players, and some tough decisions have been made and some players have been left out who deserve to be there.”

With the vast majority of his squad based in Europe playing for their clubs the weekend immediately prior to this international window, Gustavsson spoke about the particular challenges that this will impose on his side going into their opening game of the Cup of Nations against the Czech Republic.

“Our first game is a Thursday and some players will not arrive until the Tuesday night…that will be one proper training session before the first match.”

**Above:** Ellie Carpenter back in training with Olympique Lyonnais last week. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset for *Impetus.*

Whilst the Matildas’ head coach outlined his belief that “80-85%” of the selected players this time should be part of his World Cup squad, he provided an update on the situation regarding three injured key players Chloe Logarzo, Ellie Carpenter, and Kyah Simon.

“Chloe – she hasn’t played much after her (injury), we’ve had a lot of discussions before making the final decision. She needed to get 100% focus on getting right. We want to give her time to do that. She needs minutes to build up before maybe coming back in April.

“With Ellie, we had another long discussion about whether to bring her in or not. She can actually train with full contact. But there is research that travel and jet lag can impact an ACL injury and we don’t want to take that risk right now. We have a really good dialogue with Lyon and she will be integrated in their team soon.”

“Kyah – I went up to Newcastle to see her in her rehab. She is committed to doing everything she can, but it’s too early to speculate. What I’m really pleased with is the passion and desire in her.”

**Above:** Cortnee Vine (left) and Tameka Yallop at today’s media conference. **Image:** Football Australia.

Also present at the media conference in Sydney were Matildas players Tameka Yallop and Cortnee Vine, who both reflected on the reality dawning on just how big the interest is becoming in the Matildas now home World Cup year has finally arrived.

“This is a whole different thing, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” enthused Yallop. “The atmosphere surrounding football in Australia is very different. As a player who played in the first W-League season to now, it’s humbling. Not just in Australia but worldwide.”

Sydney FC attacker Vine highlighted the symbolism in Australia’s opening World Cup game against the Republic of Ireland being moved to Accor Stadium, saying: “Changing the stadium to an 83,000-capacity one is amazing. I’ve never played in front of more than 23,000!”

The Matildas open their Cup of Nations campaign against the Czech Republic in Gosford on 16th February, before facing Spain (Parramatta) on 19th February, before concluding the tournament against Jamaica in Newcastle on 22nd February. Tickets are available from $15 for juniors and $25 for adults at matildas.com.au/tickets.

Player	Position	Club	Caps (Goals)
Mackenzie ARNOLD	Goalkeeper	West Ham United FC	29 (0)
Steph CATLEY	Back	Arsenal WFC	106 (3)
Alex CHIDIAC	Midfielder	Melbourne Victory on loan from Racing Louisville FC	22 (1)
Kyra COONEY-CROSS	Midfielder	Hammarby IF	22 (0)
Larissa CRUMMER	Forward	Brisbane Roar FC	30 (4)
Caitlin FOORD	Forward	Arsenal WFC	106 (27)
Mary FOWLER	Forward	Manchester City FC	32 (8)
Emily GIELNIK	Forward	Aston Villa FC	57 (11)
Katrina GORRY	Midfielder	Vittsjö GIK	88 (16)
Charlotte GRANT	Back	Vittsjö GIK	13 (0)
Clare HUNT	Back	Western Sydney Wanderers FC	0 (0)
Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT	Midfielder	Melbourne Victory FC	114 (2)
Alanna KENNEDY	Back	Manchester City FC	108 (8)
Sam KERR	Forward	Chelsea WFC	116 (61)
Aivi LUIK	Back	BK Hacken	41 (1)
Teagan MICAH	Goalkeeper	FC Rosengård	14 (0)
Courtney NEVIN	Back	Leicester City on loan from Hammarby IF	18 (0)
Clare POLKINGHORNE	Back	Vittsjö GIK	151 (14)
Hayley RASO	Forward	Manchester City FC	66 (9)
Amy SAYER	Midfielder	Stanford University	6 (0)
Emily VAN EGMOND	Midfielder	San Diego Wave FC	124 (30)
Cortnee VINE	Forward	Sydney FC	11 (2)
Clare WHEELER	Midfielder	Everton WFC	11 (0)
Lydia WILLIAMS	Goalkeeper	Brighton Hove & Albion FC	102 (0)
Tameka YALLOP	Midfielder	SK Brann	109 (12)

Wilson moves aside in Jets Midseason Review

2/2/23

Above: Ash Wilson, who today stepped aside as Newcastle Jets head coach. Image: Newcastle Jets.

Newcastle Jets announced today that head coach Ash Wilson has moved aside with the club’s Academy Director and A-League Women’s Team Technical Advisor Gary van Egmond taking over for the rest of this season.

A mid-season review of the team’s performance identified the need to provide additional senior support for the team.

In discussions around the addition of this additional support, Ash Wilson reflected on the needs of the team and the demands of coaching in addition to the focus on her leading teaching role, and as a result, stepped aside from the Women’s A-League program.

Newcastle Jets Executive Chairman Shane Mattiske thanked Ash for her contribution to the club. “On behalf of the Newcastle Jets, our players, our partners, our members, and all associated with women’s football in the region, I want to thank Ash for her absolute focus on Elite Women’s football at the Jets.

**Above:** Gary van Egmond, who will take over as Newcastle Jets head coach for the remainder of the season. **Photo:** Newcastle Jets.

“Ash has given her all to support the development of young female players and the success of our elite Women’s team and she deserves great credit for this personal commitment.

“We understand that the demands of coaching at the elite level of football are unrelenting, particularly within the women’s game. Ash has managed this as Head Coach for the three seasons whilst also being an important leader within her professional teaching career and we thank her for this sacrifice.

“Ash has great respect amongst the football community and we know that she will not waiver on her focus to continue to make a positive impact on many young footballers in this region.”

Newcastle Jets Technical Director Gary van Egmond will take over as Interim Coach for the remainder of the season combining this with leading the Jets Football Academy and the team of Academy coaches which have been assembled for this new season.

Huge Pride as Park are back to winning ways

Pride Park 5-1 Underwood Villa

by ‘Doug Outt’ (2/2/23)

Above: Summer Evans (blue) who hit a hat-trick for Pride Park in their 5-1 win, pictured in a previous match. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Pride Park started a run of three home Derbyshire Ladies League Division One (tier seven) fixtures looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance and result in their Cup game two weeks ago by hosting Underwood Villa. The vistors had come out on top in the reverse fixture at Bracken Park in October, winning by the odd goal in seven.

Pride started well; Summer Evans had already had one attempt on goal when she opened the scoring to finish off a well-constructed move. Sophie Ayton won the ball in the centre of the pitch and her pass to Sophie Robinson was laid off to Steph Eadon for a one-touch pass off into the path of Tash Allderidge in the right channel. As the goalkeeper came out Tash slipped the ball past her for a simple finish for Summer Evans in the centre after eight minutes.

Pride maintained the pressure and had tested the visitors’ goalkeeper a few times before the second goal came after another fluid move, starting on the left and involving eight quick passes ending with Tash Allderidge steering past the keeper after 17 minutes.

The home side had been in control but out of nowhere, Villa pulled a goal back after 25 minutes – their first opportunity – and it was created by Pride playing out from the back but playing into pressure, allowing Villa to win the ball high up, and a good finish from outside the area reduced Pride’s lead.

The goal, or perhaps the manner of conceding, knocked Pride out of their stride and gave Villa encouragement. The visitors mounted a couple more attacks with shots on goal but it remained 2-1 at the break.

Pride resumed after half-time as they had started the game and extended their lead three minutes after the restart after Steph Eadon cut back from the byeline for Summer Evans to finish from close range.

There was no let up as Summer Evans and Steph Eadon each had several attempts on goal, including a couple each during a melee just before the hour in which the Villa keeper and defenders did well to block shots but left everyone all wondering how Pride didn’t score – before determined play down the left flank by Ella Kew created time for Eliot Sayavong to cross for Summer Evans to control the ball and swivel to lash an unstoppable shot past the keeper for her hat-trick after 66 minutes.

Pride completed the scoring after 77 minutes when Steph Eadon, after threatening to score several times, deservedly got on the scoresheet. Regaining possession in midfield, the ball was switched wide to Otty Baker – her pass infield to Summer Evans was played into the path of Steph Eadon and although the keeper got a hand to Steph’s shot, she couldn’t keep it out.

There was almost a sixth for Pride from a corner with ten minutes to play, but Summer Evans’ header was cleared off the line. Otty Baker also had an audacious attempt to lob the keeper with a first-time shot from a clearance as full time approached, and with two minutes to play Villa had their only shot on goal of the second half, as Pride bounced back from a disappointing game two weeks ago with a resounding win.

It was an improved performance all round by Pride Park with the ball, and significantly better without it, apart from a drop-off in the last twenty minutes of the first half. Steph Eadon, eased back in after hamstring injury, and Summer Evans are developing a good partnership, and there were strong performances from youngsters Sophie Roberts and Ella Kew. Pride’s next opponent is Stanton Ilkeston, next Sunday (12th) at Moorways, kick off 1.30pm.

Match highlights are now live at https://www.prideparkfc.com/videos/highlights–pride-park-v-underwood-villa-20230129-186668.html and there’s a great selection of photos taken during the game by Shaun Hardwick in the gallery at https://www.prideparkfc.com/photos/underwood-villa-20230129-1048057.html

Paige Satchell: Connecting and growing with Wellington Phoenix

In the latest of our weekly Midweek Dub series of interviews with A-League Women players, Wellington Phoenix’s Paige Satchell speaks about her footballing journey, experiences in Europe, and her pride at being able to represent her country’s first professional women’s team (1/2/23).

Above: Paige Satchell (right) in action for Wellington Phoenix in their first-ever game on New Zealand soil against Melbourne City in November. Photo: Hagen Hopkins.

by Ben Gilby

New Zealand international Paige Satchell has finally been able to fulfil her dream of playing professional football in New Zealand.

It’s taken almost 20 years for the attacker to achieve her aim after first taking up the game in her hometown of Rotorua, as she reflected: “I started playing football when I was five. I got involved in it because my older sister was playing, and my parents were around the clubhouse, so I just wanted to follow in my sibling’s steps and get involved.

“I started to take it more seriously when I was around nine or 10 and started to show some potential. I got involved in some of the representative teams and I got selected for the National Talent camp and then got scouted from there by the U17 New Zealand coach. Coming from Rotorua, which is a pretty small place (population around 76,000), it was awesome that I was able to get picked up. I’ve been to U17s, U20s, and FIFA World Cup.”

**Above:** Paige Satchell’s home town of Rotorua. **Photo:** Wikimedia.

Football was not the only sport that the 24-year-old excelled in, as Satchell is a former national age group champion in cross country. It was not a difficult decision for her to choose the round ball sport when it was time to pick one to pursue as she explains. “I was doing both for a long time, but there came a time when more training was needed and I had to make a decision.

“Even though I was getting good results in my athletics and cross country, the enjoyment factor was always with football, and that’s why I made that decision I’m happy I made it because I love it still every day.”

After spending formative years with local sides Ngongotaha United and Rotorua United, Satchell went to Hamilton to play for WaiBOP United and then joined Auckland’s Three Kings United. Her next destination was Germany for a season with SC Sand. Whilst her time in Europe was not without its challenges, it is one that the attacker feels helped with her development as both a player and person.

“It was a good experience, especially from a football point of view. My style of play is more physical than super technical, and the style of play there is more technical so I was able to develop that side of my game. It’s important to have both aspects in your game.

“Personally, it was tough being away from home and on the other side of the world. I don’t regret going at all, it made me a better player and a better person, but I’m loving being closer to home and playing in the A-League, it’s a really competitive league and I’m getting more and more game time here than in Germany.”

**Above:** Paige Satchell in action for Canberra United in 2020/21 against Sydney FC who she would join the following season. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Satchell then spent a season at both Canberra United and Sydney where she experienced success. “I enjoyed my time at both,” she reflected. “The culture at both clubs is good. The coaches are great and we got good results, both teams made Finals when I was with them.”

Then came the opportunity to make that dream move back home to play professionally at last.

“It was exciting to have a professional women’s team in New Zealand I had already signed for Sydney last season when it was confirmed that the Phoenix were happening. It was a team I always had my eye on. You grow up and you watch the men’s Phoenix team and you always dream there will be a women’s team.”
Paige Satchell on why she’s so delighted to be part of Wellington Phoenix’s squad.

“Once I wrapped it up with Sydney, I didn’t have any clubs, the coaches got in touch and it’s a great chance to grow the game in New Zealand. I know the coaches well and the players. I’m glad I made the decision to come here.

“I’ve known Nat (Lawrence, Wellington Phoenix head coach) for a little while now. She’s always played the assistant role, but she’s stepped up really well and is doing a great job. Good results reward everyone’s hard work.”

The 24-year-old made her debut for Phoenix in the first-ever game of professional club football played in New Zealand when they hosted Melbourne City in November. It was an experience that will stay with her forever.

**Above:** The Wellington Phoenix team gather together at the end of their first-ever game on New Zealand soil against Melbourne City at Sky Stadium. **Photo:** Sky Stadium.

“It was such a proud moment to play in the team’s first match on New Zealand soil. Sport has progressed in New Zealand. It wasn’t the result we wanted (a 4-1 defeat), but nonetheless we are so proud of how it (football) has grown and we showed in the first half that we can compete well in this league. Everyone will hold onto that for a long time.”

The commencement of Phoenix’s women’s team combined with them finally being able to play home matches in Wellington is huge for the visibility and viability of the women’s game in the country. Satchell is well aware of her status as a pioneer and the responsibility that comes with it.

“It’s huge. The growth over the last few years has been huge. We broke the record for the number of people coming to support us (an A-League record crowd for a standalone game of 5,213). That wouldn’t have happened a few years ago. Having the World Cup will build that even more.

“I’ve spoken to quite a few of the young kids who come to our games and they are all super excited and dream of playing for the Phoenix one day which is awesome to hear.”
Paige Satchell on the influence of Wellington Phoenix’s A-League Women team on the next generation of girls.

Phoenix’s ability to play home games, allied with the addition of some experienced heads to the squad took a couple of months to deliver the scorelines they had hoped for earlier, and the attacker is confident that better times are here to stay.

“It’s been tough and not the results we hoped for (at the start of the season). There have been patches of play that we can speak positively of. We just need(ed) to be more consistent and connect with each other a bit better. In terms of my own performances, it’s been a good start. I hope to score some more goals in upcoming games.

“We wanted to make Finals at the start of the season. We are still aiming high. We’re looking to connect and grow as a team to get some points on the table. It’s important to still have high aspirations. We’re still a pretty new team, but we keep working hard.”

**Above:** Paige Satchell has a World Cup on home soil to look forward to this August. **Photo:** Football Ferns.

With a World Cup on the horizon, Satchell is in no immediate hurry to return to Europe to play her club football. She’s revelling in the chance to be part of opportunities for her as a female footballer in New Zealand now that they have finally become reality.

“I’m taking it as it comes, working for the next few games for the Phoenix and then the World Cup. There is a lot to focus on in the meantime, but it wouldn’t be a bad option to remain in New Zealand after the World Cup. It would be good timing to help grow the legacy.”

Confident Steer adds even more to the A-League Women’s best attack

by Kieran Yap (1/2/23)

Above: Danielle Steer (9) jumps for joy after scoring one of her record-breaking goals for the University of British Columbia. Photo: UBC Athletics.

Danielle Steer has adjusted instantly to life as a Western United player. It took the Canadian striker only five minutes to score in the 5-0 win over Canberra United.

Angie Beard’s run and cross from the left was headed into the net by Steer from close range. It was a goal created by two of Mark Torcaso’s newest signings and the perfect start to life after Jess McDonald for the club.

“I think getting that first goal, especially quite early on and being here, I feel a lot of more comfortable and a lot more settled on the field,” Steel told the media ahead of the match against Perth Glory.

“It also just showed my coaches and my teammates that they can trust me when I’m on the field. That’s something that I worry about sometimes, when you’re a new player you’re not really sure how to play with other people, the relationships aren’t there.

“But getting that goal, showed a lot of people on my team as well as on opposition teams that I can be someone who can be clinical in the box.”

Steer has arrived at Western United after a record-breaking college career in Canada. The forward has contributed 71 goals in five years through assists and scoring herself. It is a run of form that she is looking to bring to the A-League Women’s.

Whilst United’s new signing was unfamiliar with the league, she has family in Australia. It has helped her make the transition to the new country and competition, although her ability I the final third probably has as much to do with it.

**Above:** Danielle Steer pictured during her time representing the University of British Columbia. **Photo:** UBC Athletics.

“I think the ALW definitely challenges me at a more technical level,” said Steer of the differences between Canada and Australia. “It’s not like the levels are completely different…it’s more pressure to do well and to compete and be efficient and effective in your game.

“You don’t see mistakes happening as often. I’d say the major different between the levels here in the A-League Women and back home is that this is a job, this is what people want to do.

“At school, some people are playing soccer just to get them through university for the next four years and then they’re done. For me, I wanted more than that, and that’s why I’m here. I think that the girls that are here understand that a little more.”

Steer was another surprise signing for a club that has developed a reputation for strong recruiting. Like teammate Hannah Keane and the players from Victoria’s NPLW, Western United represents the next stage in a promising career.

“Coming to Australia or just being overseas in general was always sort of my plan. I always envisioned myself playing professionally. As you know there’s no domestic professional leagues in Canada, which is unfortunate.

“What led me to Australia is, I do have my Australian passport, it became easier to make the process and change over here. Having family in general and having already been to the country numerous times, I’ve felt like it was a more comfortable move, coming over here.”

Western United travel to Ballarat this weekend to face Perth Glory. Both sides have won their previous match, although Perth’s was more than two weeks ago. Western United have scored twice as many goals as the struggling Glory and conceded half as many.

If it already seemed like a difficult task for the Glory, it is one that has been made tougher by the arrival of leading scorer in Canada West women’s soccer history.

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

Perth Glory: At the forefront of heart & mind 9,000 miles away

by Ben Gilby

Above: My Western Australia state flag, Perth Glory hat, scarf, and shirt, but no matches to wear them to…Photo: Ben Gilby.

Being a football fan is all about the anticipation of the next matchday, discussing the previous game with friends leading up to the next match, and then providing full-throated support of your team for the whole 90 minutes.

But what happens when your team’s ground is nine thousand miles away, and you haven’t seen them play in the flesh since 2008?

The one women’s football team that I am truly passionate about is Perth Glory, and have been since their formation for the inaugural W-League (now A-League Women) season in 2008 with a then 15-year-old Sam Kerr playing for her hometown club.

Despite being born in South-West London and being brought up in Surrey, the country I’ve always had the deepest passion for is Australia. The specific area of Australia I deeply love is Western Australia (WA). Having family living just outside Fremantle, I have spent many months of my life in WA. It’s my happy place. When I’m there, I feel complete. When I’m not there, I constantly catch myself thinking back to places I’ve been to around the state.

**Above:** My happy place – toasted banana bread and proper coffee at the Riverside Cafe at Barrack Street Jetty, Perth. **Photo:** Ben Gilby.

In terms of sport, most of my earliest experiences out there were watching Aussie Rules sides West Coast Eagles in the national AFL combined with Subiaco Lions or East Perth Royals in the state league WAFL. The round ball game was my sport of choice in England, and so when I overheard the following conversation at the Eagles’ cavernous then home of Subiaco Oval, my ears immediately pricked up.

“Ya know Daniel’s got a little sister who’s pretty handy at soccer!”

The comment was made by a guy sat in the row behind me and marked the first time I was ‘introduced’ to Sam Kerr who would then have been 15 years old.

The ‘Daniel’ is her big brother, who starred for the Eagles from 2001 to 2013, playing 220 games and winning the 2006 AFL Premiership.

**Above:** The Perth Glory team that played in their first ever W-League match in 2008 at home to Sydney FC. **Photo:** Ftbl.

The next day, upon catching up with my family out there, I asked them what they knew about ‘Daniel Kerr’s little sister.’ “Ah yeh, she’s some teenager who’s going to be playing with Perth Glory next season.”

Coming back during the first ever W-League season, then consisting of just ten rounds and eight clubs, I went along to watch the mighty purples take on Queensland Roar.

As I now work in education in England, it’s impossible for me to get to Australia to watch my team play during the A-League Women season, as there’s only enough time for a journey there in August during the six-week school summer holidays. During all those many visits to WA since then, I’ve watched lots of the state-level women’s games, which are hugely enjoyable and I’ve seen some superb players who are now stars of the A-League Women – and in 2022 was thrilled to watch young WA stars like Tanika Lala, Ischia Brooking, and Grace Johnston in the flesh – all of whom can be big stars in the future.

**Above:** Tanika Lala, from the Goldfields of WA and making her name with the Hyundai NTC in the NPLW WA. One of the most exciting players I saw in the flesh last season when I returned to Perth. **Photo:** Ben Gilby.

So, given all of this, why is it that when anyone asks me which women’s team I support, my answer is Perth Glory – and not a WSL side?

The answer is bound up in the fourth paragraph of this article. Perth and WA are my happy place. When I’m there, I feel complete. When I’m not there, I constantly catch myself thinking back to places I’ve been to.

**Above:** A proud possession – a match worn Western Australia state representative shirt. Worn when it’s a ‘wear yellow to work day’ in England. **Photo:** Ben Gilby

Sport brings out passion and emotions in people, linked to sense of place and repeated rituals. The cultural geographer in me remains intrinsically fascinated by this. Perth Glory’s women team keeps alive my connection with the state that is in my heart, with the family I might only see once every other year. Watching them play each week online or on TV – at ridiculous hours of the morning sometimes – brings the city of Perth into my home. And that is an electric connection. It’s why on those winter commutes to work on the bus, I’m togged up in my Perth Glory purple hat and scarf, getting strange looks from others around South-West London.

The conversation usually goes like this.

Me: “It’s Perth Glory.”

Bemused South-West London commuter: “Who?!”

Those early mornings at the weekend with my purple and orange shirt on – and, if it’s a big game, I will admit to draping my Perth Glory scarf around the bottom of the TV – have become a weekly event for the duration of the W/A-League Women season. Shouting “Come on Perth” as the first whistle goes, and yelling (subsequently waking up the neighbours) when important Perth goals go in.

**Above:** My collection of Perth Glory shirts takes up most of my living room in Surrey, England. **Photo:** Ben Gilby.

That’s my matchday Perth Glory experience. No beer at the ground with mates, no standing behind the goal roaring the team on. No lining up around the fence for selfies or autographs with players, which, of course, any self-respecting A-League Women fan would do after a match.

Over the last three years, I’ve been able to build a different form of relationship with my team. Once Impetus grew from a minuscule site to one able to have more than just one contributor, I vowed to myself that I would personally strive to shine a light on the women’s game in WA. There are too many people, too many clubs, battling against the odds to produce great female football players.

With Australia being so east-coast dominated both population-wise and politically, added to by Perth’s status as the most isolated major city on earth, so many of WA’s footballing stories don’t reach the audience they deserve to. The state is treated as an afterthought at best by the sport’s authorities on countless occasions.

**Above:** Perth – the world’s most isolated major city. **Photo:** Ben Gilby.

Back in September, there was a closed social media discussion involving women’s football writers in England that I was asked to contribute to. The question being discussed was:

Which two players are you most excited about watching this season?

The answers were mostly players such as Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, or Sam Kerr. Who were my chosen players?

Alana Jancevski and Charli Grant.

**Above:** Alana Jancevski in action for Perth Glory this season. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Whilst quite a few of those in the discussion knew of Grant from her embryonic international career, the reaction to Jancevski was “who?” My reply that the Perth Glory youngster is one of those generational players who can produce a piece of magic out of nothing and rocket in a sensational goal, elicited a brief response of “sounds good”, but that was that. Everyone went back to discussing WSL players. I was left smiling after pushing Perth Glory once more. Even if I may have possibly contributed to a WSL club coming and taking one of Perth’s young guns away by mentioning the name and planting a seed.

For the past two and a half seasons, I’ve been in a position where, as a writer, I can connect with Perth Glory’s players and coach on a regular basis. I can ask the players I cheer for at ridiculously early times each weekend what they think about things, and I know they will be brutally honest with me.

**Above:** Celebration time for Perth Glory this season against Western Untied. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Whilst it can make it hard at times to separate being someone with a deep fandom of Perth Glory’s women team from being able to cover them as a writer, it has just added another level of attachment for me to the state of WA, the city of Perth, and the wider condition of the women’s game in the area.

One of these days, someone there will allow me to live the dream and be paid for doing it. Rather than being passionate about WA women’s football from nine thousand miles away, I could finally do it within the state or city itself.

The state NPL women’s competition might be perceived as being behind that of the east coast states. WA’s sole A-League Women side might not get the profile that the east coast state sides have – but WA women’s football is deserving and worthy of wider coverage.

**Above:** My team. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Glory strengthen with arrival of Football Fern Blake

31/1/23

Above: Hannah Blake (white) in action for her university. Photo: Friends of Football.

Perth Glory have confirmed that New Zealand international forward Hannah Blake has joined the club on an injury-replacement contract for the remainder of the A-League Women season.

The 22-year-old has been brought on board to replace Rylee Baisden whose season was sadly brought to a premature end by an ACL injury sustained against Melbourne Victory earlier this month.

Blake made her Football Ferns debut against Thailand aged just 17 having previously represented her country at both the Under-17 and Under-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments.

The mobile and hard-working forward has been based in the USA since 2019 where she has starred for the University of Michigan Wolverines in NCAA Division One, the highest level of US college football.

She is now relishing the prospect of gaining her first taste of the A-League Women with Glory.

“Having graduated from the University of Michigan, I was looking for the next step,” she said, “and my first step into full-time football. After getting an understanding of Alex [Epakis] as a coach and Perth Glory as a club, I felt as though this would be a great fit for me and even the short few days that I’ve been here have already confirmed that.

**Above:** Hannah Blake pictured on international duty with New Zealand. **Photo:** NZ Football.

“I’m hoping to contribute positively both on and off the pitch. I’m looking forward to really focusing on my individual development and then using that to help the team during the back end of the season to pick up as many points as possible.”

Epakis, meanwhile, believes that Blake has the potential to be a major asset for Glory as the race for a Finals berth hots up. “Securing Hannah for the remainder of the season is an important addition for us,” he said.

“We have a run of games over the second half of the season and I expect Hannah to showcase her versatility and attacking style of play to help us win matches. She has senior and youth international experience with New Zealand and has just finished off a strong college career at the University of Michigan and I have no doubt she will bring all those experiences with her into the team.

“We searched very hard to find a replacement for Rylee outside the [transfer] window and I have no doubt that Hannah will provide great cover and bring her strengths to the team. She is very excited by the opportunity and I am eager to work with her and have her integrate as quickly as possible.”

Blake will be eligible to make her Glory debut in Saturday’s clash with Western United at Morshead Park Stadium in Ballarat.

Welsh Weekend Wrap

Impetus’ Martin Townley rounds up all the weekend’s action across the Adran Trophy plus the Adran North and South divisions. With additional reporting from Carrie Jones (31/1/23).

Above: Amy Jenkins in possession for Aberystwyth Town against Swansea City. Photo: Ika Bajus.

Another win for Adran Premier leaders Cardiff City as they finish phase one unbeaten. Cardiff Met are held to a draw at bottom-place Abergavenny, Pontypridd United move up to fourth with a big win over Barry Town United. Holders Swansea City lose more ground on the leaders after a draw at Aberystwyth Town.

In the Adran South, Briton Ferry had to come from behind to beat Swansea University and maintain top spot. Second-place Cascade kept the pressure on Ferry with a win over Caldicot Town.

Connah’s Quay went top of the Adran North after a thumping 10-0 win over Airbus.

Adran Premier

The New Saints 1-5 Cardiff City

**Above:** Celebration time for Cardiff City. **Photo:** Cymru Football.

The New Saints faced a tough challenge as they looked to hold on to fourth spot when they hosted leaders Cardiff City.

TNS had a great chance to take the lead when Catlin Chapman was played in on goal. Chapman on the edge of the box took a shot but it straight at Ceryn Chamberlain. The Bluebirds took the lead in the 31^st minute as Siobhan Walsh headed in Seren Watkins’ cross. Danielle Broadhurst made it two with her low shot under the keeper. Phoebie Poole added a third tapping in from close range in first half added time.

In the second period, Seren Watkins added to Cardiff’s tally with a stunning strike from outside the box. Helen Evans got a goal back for Saints turning in from Emily Ridge’s cross. Catherine Walsh headed in from Ffion Price’s cross – getting a goal on her return to the side after a long-term injury.

Aberystwyth Town 2-2 Swansea City

from Carrie Dunn

Amy Jenkins helped Aberystwyth Town Women to a fine finish of Phase One of the Genero Adran Premier – with a 2-2 draw against Swansea City.

Swansea took the lead shortly before half-time, Stacey John-Davis and Lailah Muscat hitting back after Emily Thomas’s drilled finish.

“All in all, it was a cracking day for the team,” said defender Lucie Gwilt. “In one sense, I’m gutted that we didn’t take the three points as we weren’t without opportunities to score a third.

“That being said, I’d have taken the draw before the game – with several key players out with injury, and lots who were on the pitch today carrying knocks, players out of position too to cover the gaps, we weren’t sure how it would go but everyone gave 100 percent.

“We knew that we could make things difficult for Swansea, just as we have done before. They’re a quality side but we know how to frustrate teams and counter well, and that’s exactly what happened today.

**Above:** Amy Jenkins celebrates her goal for Aberystwyth Town against Swansea City. **Photo:** Ika Bajus.

“Big shout-out to Amy (Jenkins) who worked her socks off and had one hell of a game with a goal to boot.”

The Seasiders now have one week off before they return to action – in the semi-final of the Genero Adran Trophy on Sunday 12th February against Cardiff Met away, and then in the semi-final of the FAW Women’s Cup on Sunday 19th February against Briton Ferry Llansawel at Carmarthen’s Richmond Park.

“We’ve played each of the top three teams in the league across the last eight days, and between injuries and general tiredness, I think we deserve a good rest,” added Gwilt.

“Then it’s all to play for in the cups, and we are hoping to make it to at least one final.”

Pontypridd United 6-1 Barry Town United

**Above:** Holly Broad scores for Pontypridd in their 6-1 success over Barry Town United. **Photo:** Perry Dobbins.

Pontypridd moved back into fourth place after a 6-1 win over Barry Town United.

Ponty started quickly and Emily Bayliss gave them the lead after four minutes. Olivia Seren-Francis and Holly Broad add two more before halftime.

Seren-Francis had her second five minutes after the break. Tate Trivett pulled a goal for Barry, but any hopes for a comeback for the visitors went in the 77^th minute as Carys Bufton added number five. Alison Witts added a sixth in added time.

Cardiff Met 0-0 Abergavenny

Abergavenny held Cardiff Met to a goalless draw despite missing goalkeeper Charlotte Hastings. Marine Gingell came in for just her second Adran Premier game and the 17- year-old kept a clean sheet.

The Pennies had to play the final 13 minutes with ten after Ffion Simmonds was shown a second yellow card.

Abergavenny remain bottom eight points behind Barry Town but do have two games in hand. Cardiff Met are second but now nine points behind Cardiff City.

Genero Adran Premier News:

Female football scholarship on offer with Aberystwyth Town

from Carrie Dunn

**Above:** Elen Valentine (goalkeeper) celebrates after Aberystwyth Town’s game against TNS. **Photo: Steve Williams, supplied to *Impetus* by:** Aberystwyth Town.

Female footballers with dreams of playing at the highest level have a great opportunity to compete in Wales’s top flight and pursue a university degree.

Aberystwyth Town Women are once again partnering with Aberystwyth University to offer a scholarship – enabling talented female players to study, train and play in the Genero Adran Premier.

First-team goalkeeper and Wales U19 international Elen Valentine is the first woman on the programme, taking up her place to study sport science in 2022

And she urges any other woman with big football ambitions to get their application in.

“I want to sign a professional contract in the next couple of years, and get loads of games under my belt, and loads of experience,” she says. “So this is just perfect.”

In addition to a first-year payment of £4,000, additional benefits include platinum membership of the university sports centre, football coaching development opportunities, medical insurance, access to physiotherapy, match and training kits.

Possible candidates need to have experience equivalent to playing in the Genero Adran Premier. To discuss eligibility and to find out more, contact the club directly (abertownl adiesfc@gmail.com) and submit applications by 15th July 2023 (https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/study-with-us/ug-studies/scholarships/aber-town-fc/au-atfc/).

Adran South

Swansea University 1-2 Briton Ferry Llansawel

**Above:** Lucy Powell – on target for Briton Ferry Llansawel. **Photo:** Briton Ferry Llansawel.

Adran South leaders Briton Ferry were made to work hard to come from behind to beat Swansea University. Angelika Barris gave Swansea the lead after 12 minutes and Swansea went into half-time leading.

Briton Ferry came out for the second half and really took the game to Swansea. Their early pressure told, and Lucy Powell set up Megan Kearle to fire into the top corner. Powell then turned from provider to scorer. The Ferry midfielder took a free kick from out on the right and bent the ball into the bottom corner.

Briton Ferry remain top two points ahead of Cascade with a game in hand.

Caldicot Town 0-5 Cascade YC

Cascade pulled off a big win despite playing the second half with ten players. Two first-half goals from Annaliese Lewis set up Cascade well but Katie Davies was sent off in first-half stoppage time. Caldicot were unable to take advantage of the extra player and Cascade added three thanks to, Jess Pascoe, Chrystelle Moreton, and Amelia Mills.

Adran North

Airbus UK Broughton 0-10 Connah’s Quay Nomads

**Above:** Kirstie Kural, who hit six of Connah’s Quay Nomads’ goals as they defeated Airbus UK Broughton 10-1. **Photo:** Genero Adran Leagues.

Connah’s Quay Nomads moved to the top of the Adran North with a ten-goal thrashing over Airbus UK Broughton. Second place Wrexham have a game in hand with a one-point gap between the sides.

Kirstie Kural got a double hat trick with two apiece for Elana Harley and Shannon Hobbs.

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (31/1/23).

Above: Ellie Smith on the ball for Norwich City in their 3-0 defeat to London Seaward. Photo: Norwich City Women FC.

FA Women’s National League Division One South-East

Norwich City were beaten 3-0 at London Seaward. Rea Laudat scored a brace with Samantha Laza getting the other for the home side in this tier-four encounter.

Eastern Region Premier Division

Wroxham picked up a very much-needed three points with a 2-0 win over bottom-of-the-table Colney Heath. Goals from Hannah Waters and Lauren Bullard saw Joe Simpson’s team pick up a valuable victory.

Eastern Region Division One North

Fakenham Town went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat to Wootton Blue Cross in the battle of the bottom two in the tier six division. Chloe Gravett scored for Fakenham, but goals from Elena Lancaster and Kelly Sutton saw Blue Cross do enough to claim all three points.

Norfolk Women’s Cup Third Round

Tier eight King’s Lynn Soccer Club caused a cup shock by winning 4-3 at Stalham Town from the league above in the one remaining Norfolk Women’s Cup tie left over from the recent bad weather. Kelsey Ramm netted a hat trick with Taeya Mayes getting their other goal. Stalham’s goals came courtesy of Emma MacMillan and a brace from Katie Clarke.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup Quarter-Finals

**Above:** University of East Anglia reached the semi-finals with a 2-0 win at Bungay Town. **Photo:** UEA WFC

In the day’s most entertaining quarter-final, Long Stratton took Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers to extra time after a 2-2 draw. Emma Allsopp and Maryanne Hoy scored for Long Stratton with Chelsea Brister and Shanice Sutton scoring for Rovers.

Dussindale and Hellesdon took the game by the scruff of the neck in extra-time and Shanice Sutton added a further two goals to complete her hat trick with Georgina Belton also finding the net. It was eventually a comprehensive win for Dussindale and Hellesdon but Long Stratton will take a lot of heart that they took the division’s league leaders to extra time.

University of East Anglia are also through to the final four after seeing off Bungay Town 2-0 away from home with Ella Burnley scoring both.

Thetford Town also progressed to the semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Sprowston. Rebecca White and Melissa Boulton scored for Thetford who led 2-0 but Sprowston halved the deficit in the second half period thanks to a goal from Lyla Studd. However, it wasn’t enough and Thetford won the tie.

In the day’s other tie, Caister faced an awkward-looking trip to the only remaining tier eight side, Blofield United. However, the visitors dealt with this tie with a professional and triumphed 5-0 win with four goals from Leah Brown and the other from Ellie Hills.

**Above:** Caister (blue) were 5-0 winners at Blofield United. Match action from their Quarter Final win. **Photo:** Hardy Scott Photos.

Norfolk Women and Girls Plate First Round

Aylsham were 5-1 winners over North Walsham thanks to a hat trick from Sophie Lubbock and other goals from Hannah Claughton and Carly Allum. Paige Samwell scored North Walsham’s only goal of the afternoon.

Beccles Town were 4-1 winners over Horsford thanks to a brace from Lola Barber King and a goal each from Elisha Bower and Mia Wilson. Emily Venebles was Horsford’s name on the scoresheet.

Freethorpe were also 4-1 winners on the road at Bulldogs FC. Viktorija Miglane scored a hat-trick, with Kiera Squires adding the other. Sophie Price scored for Bulldogs.

In the day’s remaining game, Thorpe St. Andrew continued their fine season with a 6-0 win at Shrublands. A brace from Ellen Boucher plus further goals from Poppy Le-Beau, Natasha Frankland, and Tabitha Mileham saw Tony Allen’s team claim an emphatic victory.