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A-League Women Wednesday Media Conferences

8/3/23

CANBERRA UNITED:

by Ryan Miller-Woods

Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich outlined his thoughts to the media today on the APL’s decision to deduct the club three points for fielding an illegible player against Sydney FC with the club set to appeal the penalty.

“There’s three windows of opportunities to make substitutions. We ended up using a fourth window. The little bit of confusion lies around what is the concussion protocol or what is an injury replacement. We’re working through it and fingers crossed that it all goes our way.”

Popovich reflected his frustration on the decision saying: “I could comment on a lot of things in what’s happened in recent times in Australian football and there never seems to have been anyone docked points (for things that) in my opinion (are) more severe matters. But again look, there’s a process and we’re following the process. Hopefully, in a couple of weeks, we’ll have a successful outcome.”

The upcoming match against Western Sydney Wanderers should at least on the surface give Canberra a sense of confidence given the result from the last time both sides played each other in Round 15 which was a 3-0 win at McKellar Park.

In what the Canberra boss expects from Western Sydney Wanderers, Popovch said: “Western Sydney are little bit wounded I guess from the last time they played us. They went away and got a result in Perth (last round) which is a tough trip, so I think that they’ll be up for the fight. For us it’s just more of the same, we know what we’re capable of. If we play our game, nobody can touch us.”

As Canberra United headed into this season, the prospect of the A-League Women’s all-time leading goal scorer Michelle Heyman getting to that illustrious 100 goals in the league seemed like it would have been a little bit out of sight as at the time she was on 81 goals.

Now with the club icon adding a further 12 to her tally this season with seven of those goals coming in the last four matches for Canberra, it is quite possible that the milestone could occur by the end of the season. Popovich feels it would be ample reward for his star striker.

“I think it is very exciting, it’s exciting for the whole club, it’s exciting for Michelle, it’s exciting for me as a coach because that’s part of the discussion we had at the beginning of the year to incentivise her to get to that 100 goals. I think she is a champion and she’ll get there this year.”

MELBOURNE VICTORY:

by Ben Gilby

Melina Ayres believes that Melbourne Victory can use adversity as a motivating force to overcome their cross-city rivals in the big derby against Melbourne City on Monday.

Reflecting on the devastating injury blow in training last week which resulted in Elise Kellond-Knight rupturing her Achilles, thus ending her World Cup hopes with the Matildas, Ayres said: “It’s such a devastating thing to watch a mate go down and have such a horrible thing in a World Cup year. We’re all behind her and devastated as a group.”

Victory currently stand in fourth spot on the ladder – the last available place in Finals, and have Canberra United and Perth Glory breathing down their necks – something which Ayres revealed was not a particularly enjoyable prospect last weekend when her side had the bye.

“The week off is never a fun one, it’s just waiting and watching everyone else play. We’re always keeping an eye on the table. You feel helpless not being able to play. Jeff (Hopkins, head coach) has put us through the wringer the last few weeks, so we should be ready to go out on Monday…We’re looking forward to Monday, it’s a big game, a Melbourne derby.”

When the derby doubles up as a clash between the sides placed third and fourth on the ladder, its importance ramps up that bit more, but the attacker feels that her side only get better in such situations.

“Every time it gets towards Finals something just clicks. Our Achilles heel is we need pressure to perform. We’ve been a goal down and found a way to get back into it. We find heart in us as a group to get there.

“If we want it more, then we win, and we do. Especially with everything that has happened. City have been a good team this year, but we can do it.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX:

by Ben Gilby

Wellington Phoenix defender Michaela Foster reflected on a whirlwind last six months that has seen her go from National League football in New Zealand to a professional A-League Women contract and an international call-up.

“It’s been quite an uphill career the last six months, it’s gone pretty quick and it’s hard to take time to reflect. I’ve had the Ferns as well, and I can’t even think of the World Cup at the moment. I’m extremely proud of what I’ve achieved so far, but I’ve got a long way to go, but the Phoenix are really helping me.”

Whilst remaining level-headed about the possibility of making the New Zealand World Cup squad, Foster knows she is in the mix.

“After being amongst the camp it does feel reachable. I know I’m in the talks for it. I made the most of it, I want to push for it, but I also know this is the beginning of my career, so there’s lots of time ahead.”

Despite being bottom of the table, Wellington Phoenix are, like last season, hitting their best and most consistent run of performances in the last few weeks of the campaign. They came close to chalking up their second win of the campaign last weekend at home to Brisbane Roar.

“It’s tough, especially when you lead for 50-60 minutes of the game, and we felt like we were on top for the vast majority of it. It was one little lapse of focus and they took their chance. We have to stay in focus for the whole 90.”

Whilst this weekend, the Nix face a trip to the new league leaders Sydney FC, Foster is confident that her side can maintain their recent improved run, having given the Harbour City side a number of headaches in their previous meeting.

“We’re going into it full steam ahead, especially having played them only two weeks ago and could have got a point out of it, even three points. It’s just about taking chances. We know Sydney are strong.”

**Above:** Marisa van der Meer sees progress both in the Phoenix team and in her own game. **Image:** Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix defender Marisa van der Meer spoke to the media today about being comfortable in the A-League Women professional environment and how this can be a springboard to getting a positive result against leaders Sydney FC this weekend.

“We played them two weeks ago, it was only a 1-0 loss,” van der Meer told the media today. “It was a game we felt we deserved more from. We’re going into it with a lot of fire in our bellies. They are missing a few players, so we want to take advantage of that.”

With the 20-year-old recently switching to centre-back something she admits to be enjoying, van der Meer sees this versatility as a potential aid to helping her achieve a lifelong goal of breaking into the national side.

“I want to feel comfortable with how I’m playing. The long-term goal is to play for the Ferns. Jitka (Klimková – New Zealand head coach) reaches out (to me), and she is introducing a lot of young players. She is feeding back things that I need to take on board (to play international football).”

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

Melanie, Morgan, and Mothers Flourishing

by Emmanuel Faith (7/3/23)

Above: Alex Morgan fires her 120th goal for the USWNT against Brazil. Photo: Newsweek.

When Alex Morgan was called to the stage in Paris as one of the members of the FIFA PRO women’s team of the year one week ago, the room roared in joyous glee.

Morgan has dominated the game for a decade and more; seeing her still rank amongst the best of the best, is a joy to every football fan.

Two weeks ago, the star scored her 121st goal for her country, in doing so, she became the highest scoring mother in the history of USWNT. She didn’t just get here by chance; she went through 11 month absence from football due to pregnancy while experiencing a forgettable four month spell at Tottenham Hotspur, a series of criticisms, call-outs from impatient fans as well as intense series of continuous rehab. The result?

Being part of the top three footballers in the world as ranked by FIFA and making the podium for the fifth time in the last decade.

**Above:** Melanie Leupolz with her baby. **Photo:** The Pride of London.

Last Sunday, Melanie Leupolz played her first 45 minutes in Chelsea’s painful defeat to the London arch-rivals Arsenal. The German international was one of the few players who gave a ray of hope with her sterling display. It was her fourth substitute appearance since she came back from her maternity leave and has shown continuous improvement.

In the interview she granted after extending her contract; Leupolz talked about the immense support she received from her club, the encouragement, and even specific health support that ensured she was fit to play football again after her delivery.

This kind of support does not just hasten the healing process of mothers; it also restores their confidence, reinforces their psychological certainty and makes them eager to get back to the field again.

**Above:** Crystal Dunn training with Portland Thorns in her third trimester. **Photo:** Oregonlive.

Another interesting scenario is the case of the USWNT star, Crystal Dunn who trained till the third trimester of her pregnancy, and came back to the team faster than most players (taking to the field just 156 days after her delivery) To have a player train till her seventh month of pregnancy shows a lot of trust and National coach Vlatko Andonovski included her in a roster just six months after her delivery.

Dunn says in an interview with the oregon that:
“I just have felt supported and wanted to return that support to my teammates for allowing me to be a part of the journey, even if I was out for a bit recovering from delivery.”

Women giving birth is normal, and women in sports shouldn’t be exempted. Dunn also emphasizes the need to have standard maternity leave across all leagues and create more awareness about it (WSL and NWSL have maternity leave policies in place already).

With proper structures and systems, we hope we see more Morgans, Melanies, and Dunns bouncing back after pregnancies and showing the world that giving birth isn’t the end, it is just a pause.

Welsh Weekend Wrap

Martin Townley rounds up all the weekend’s action in the Adran Premier, and the second-tier Adran North and Adran South whilst Perry Dobbins provides his weekly photo gallery, which this week came from the Cardiff Met v Swansea City Championship Conference encounter (7/3/23).

Above: Swansea City fire in an acrobatic effort at Cardiff Met on Sunday. Photo: Perry Dobbins.

Cardiff City come from behind to maintain top spot in the Adran Premier with a 5-1 win over The New Saints. Stacy Jon-Davis netted a hat trick as Swansea City returned to winning ways against Cardiff Met. In the Adran North, Wrexham’s big win over Rhyl secured the title and booked their place in the playoff. In the Adran South, leaders Briton Ferry Llansawel took a step closer to the title with a 6-0 win over Swansea University.

Adran Premier Championship Conference

Cardiff Met 0-4 Swansea City

The Swans bounced back from conceding an added-time equaliser in last week’s South Wales derby with a stunning win in the capital. Stacy John-Davis broke the deadlock in the 34^th minute and went on to complete her hat trick with two second-half strikes. Chole Chivers added the fourth. Swansea remain seven points behind the leaders Cardiff but keep the Bluebirds under pressure heading into the final run-in.

Perry Dobbins’ Photo Gallery from Cardiff Met v Swansea City:

The New Saints 1-5 Cardiff City

The Bluebirds had to come from behind against an in-form TNS side. After a win over Cardiff Met last week, the hosts went into this game full of confidence.

Helen Evans gave the Saints the lead after 23 minutes. Cardiff struck quickly with Zoe Atkins levelling two minutes later. Danielle Broadhurst put the Bluebirds ahead before the break as they looked to maintain their unbeaten season. Siobhan Walsh, Rhianne Oakley, and Eliza Collie added goals in the second half as City picked up win number 13 of the campaign. Cardiff City are seven points clear at the top with four games to play.

**Above:** Helen Evans puts The New Saints ahead against Cardiff City on Sunday, but the Bluebirds would hit back with a vengeance. **Photo:** F28.Online.

Adran Premier Plate Conference

Pontypridd United 2-0 Abergavenny

Pontypridd remain top of the Plate Conference after a win over Abergavenny. Olivia Seren Francis put the Dragons ahead in first-half stoppage time and Cerys Bufton just after the break added the second. Pontypridd are eight points clear of Aberystwyth as they look to retain the Adran Plate. Abergavenny remain bottom eight points behind Barry Town with four games remaining.

Aberystwyth Town 3-0 Barry Town United

with additional reporting from Aberystwyth Town Women Media Team.

**Above:** Amy Jenkins (17) heads home to put Aberystwyth Town 2-0 up against Barry Town United on Sunday. **Photo:** Steve Williams Photography.

A wonderful team performance from Aberystwyth Town gave everyone plenty to cheer about on a cold and drizzling afternoon at Park Avenue – emerging 3-0 winners against Barry Town United in a match sponsored by Impetus.

Emily Thomas opened the scoring, latching on to a delicate clearance from Libby Isaac and a deft touch from Amy Jenkins to chip goalkeeper Erin Brennan after 13 minutes.

Jenkins then nodded home a Shauna Chambers corner in the 32nd minute – and Chambers finished superbly just moments into the second half with a wonderful touch and curling finish into the top corner to make it three.

It was also a notable day for the league debut of 15-year-old Ella Thomas, coming on as a second-half replacement for Ffiona Evans.

The Seasiders are in action again next weekend in the Central Wales FA Ladies’ Challenge Cup semi-final as they face Aberystwyth University Women at the University Sports Centre (kick-off 12.30pm). Park Avenue hosts the other semi-final as the women’s development team takes on Llanfair United (kick-off 2.30pm).

Adran North

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 1-11 Wrexham

It was a day for celebration for Wrexham as they were crowned Adran North champions.

Wrexham dominated the game and were up 7-1 half time. They continued to dominate in the second half notching up 11 goals. Five goals for Rosie Hughes and Amber Lightfoot with a hat trick helping Wrexham to the tittle.

Wrexham will now await the winners of the Adran South for a playoff to decide who will win promotion to the Adran Premier.

Airbus UK Broughton 1-0 Llanfair United

Georgia Spibey’s 81st-minute goal sealed Airbus’ first win and first points of the season at The Hollingsworth Growth Stadium. The win comes after ten defeats so far this season.

Llandudno 2-3 CDPM Felinheli

Felinheli moved into fifth place with a 3-2 win over Llandudno. Fflur Williams gave the visitors the lead after 13 minutes. Jordanne Greenough added a second before the break. Jasmin Dutton pulled one back from the spot for the host but Felinheli stuck back in the 69 minute with Shannon Jones’ goal. Maddie Williams closed the gap again in the 87^th minute but Llandudno couldn’t get the equaliser.

Adran South

Briton Ferry Llansawel 6-0 Swansea University

Briton Ferry stay on course to win the Adran South after a 6-0 win at Old Road over Swansea University. After a tough-fought opening 35 minutes, Lowri Baker broke the deadlock for the Reds. Lucy Powell and Megan Kearle add to Ferry’s goals sending them into half-time three goals up.

Lowri Ridings, Fleur Jenkins, and Mollie Jones all put their names on the scoresheet second half to cap off a fine win for the Briton Ferry who will win the title if they win their next two games – Caldicot on Wednesday night and then Pontardawe away on Sunday.

Cascade YC 1-0 Caldicot Town

Cascade kept their title chances going with a hard-fought win over Caldicot Town. Annalise Lewis got the game’s only goal in the 51^st minute. Cascade remain five points behind Briton Ferry and will need the leaders to slip up if they are to have a chance to win the Adran South.

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk, including the county’s seven-a-side scene (7/3/23).

Above: Victoria Leyer (right) scored a brace for Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers in their 6-0 win at the University of East Anglia. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.

FA Women’s National League Division One South East

Norwich City lost 4-1 away to league leaders Hashtag United. The hosts found the net through Emma Samways, with Katie Knights levelling matters for Norwich. However, further goals for the hosts from Malika Apinda Gillie and Samantha Rowland, plus an own goal sealed a comfortable win for The Tags.

Eastern Region Premier Division

Wroxham picked up a 2-1 comeback away win at Bedford Town thanks to goals from Hannah Waters and Holly Connell. Bedford’s goal was scored by Lauren Coppin.

King’s Lynn Town were beaten 8-0 at home by Haringey Borough. Shakira Kafero Roberts scored a hat-trick, Kylie Manktelow and Victoria Campbell bagged two each and Ronnell Humes added one of her own.

Eastern Region Division One North

**Above:** Fakenham Town celebrate Nicole Costin’s equalising goal against Biggleswade United. **Photo:** James Barrett.

Fakenham Town picked up an excellent point thanks to a 2-2 draw against league leaders Biggleswade United. The Norfolk side were 2-0 down but came roaring back for a point thanks to goals from Nicole Costin and Megan Spurrell.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Leaders Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers won 6-0 at the University of East Anglia. Victoria Leyer and Karolina Kowalczyk scored two goals each with Shanice Sutton and Phoebe Green adding the others. Mulbarton Belles were 2-0 winners at Sprowston thanks to a brace from Laura Hedtke. Long Stratton won 4-0 at home to Beccles Town with the goals coming from Samantha Walker (2), Luci Middleton, and Emma Allsopp. Bungay Town and Thetford Town shared the points in a 0-0 draw at Maltings Meadow.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

**Above:** Chloe Musson-Pipe on the ball for Thorpe St Andrew in their 4-0 win against Shrublands. Photo: Thorpe St Andrew Women FC.

Leaders King’s Lynn Soccer Club were 9-2 winners at Bulldogs. Jordan Turner scored a hat-trick with Lucy Clarke getting a brace. Their other four goals came from Elle Bocking, Ellie Panks, Kelsey Ramm, and Chloe Edwards. Niamh Underhill and Sophia Price scored for Bulldogs. North Walsham Town produced one of the most noteworthy results of the day in Norfolk with a stunning 1-0 at Aylsham. Stella Fletcher Helps was the match-winner.

Mulbarton Belles Development were 2-1 winners at Blofield United with goals from Charlotte Groves and Lucy Kean. Elsie Downer scored for Blofield United. Emma Clark was a hat-trick hero as Thorpe St. Andrew saw off Shrublands with a 4-0 win. Rebecca Sutton scored the other. FC Viking Valkyries and Horsford played out a 2-2 draw. Alexandra Denes and Leah Walthew scored for FC Viking Valkyries with Maisie Nichols and Evie Tolson on the mark for Horsford.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division One

Horsford were 3-0 winners over Left Field thanks goals from Elizabeth Moulton (two) and Kelly Mills. Mulbarton Belles were 3-0 winners at Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers with Emmie Jarvis, Alice Ladbrooke, and Julia Robathan finding the net. Two goals from Maria Palmer and one from Paige Baker saw Kirkley and Pakefield earn a 3-1 win at the University of East Anglia.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division Two

Great Yarmouth Town were 3-0 winners over Beccles Town with two from Lucie Morley and one from Amy Barker. Hannah Burton scored for Aylsham but it wasn’t enough as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Waveney whilst Red Rose were 1-0 winners at Yarmouth FC.

**Above:** Katie Knights, who scored Norwich City’s goal away to Hashtag United on Sunday in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East. **Photo:** Norwich City Women.

Winners and losers from the Conti Cup Final

Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea

by Nathan Edwards (6/3/23)

Arsenal scored three goals all in the first half to overcome Sam Kerr’s early header, to run out deserved winners of their first trophy in four years in front of a record crowd for a Conti Cup Final at Selhurst Park yesterday.

Kerr excellently controlled a long ball to start the move, and after Guro Reiten crossed the ball in, the Australian was there to finish the move off, to give Chelsea an early lead.

Chelsea would quickly lose the lead, through Stina Blackstenius and Kim Little rounded off her impressive performance with a penalty to swing the final in Arsenal’s favour.

The Gunners went on to extend their lead deep into first-half stoppage time with Niamh Charles turning the ball into her own net, capping a disappointing cup-final performance for the Blues.

Arsenal and their players shone at Selhurst Park to beat their city rivals and left Chelsea with some questions to ask heading into the crucial stages of the season, so who won and lost during yesterday’s encounter?

**Above:** Arsenal’s Australian internationals Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley with the Conti Cup. **Photo:** Arsenal Women.

Winners

Stina Blackstenius: With Beth Mead and Vivienne Miedema both sustaining ACL injuries, it opened up a space upfront for Blackstenius to fill. The Swede has had an indifferent time as the main striker, and was rumoured to be leaving in the winter.

But in one of the biggest games in her Arsenal career, she rose to the occasion. Blackstenius reacted the quickest to apply the finishing touch to a loose ball and got the equaliser that Arsenal’s dominance deserved.

With Arsenal chasing Chelsea and both Manchester clubs, Jonas Eidevall will be hoping that the Swedish striker will show similar sharpness she displayed in the final.

The fans: A cup final with four goals is a treat for any fans, and away from the goals the football on show was enjoyable, which was received well between the fans who created a vibrant atmosphere at Selhurst Park.

The noise created by the two pairs of fans was record-breaking with over 19,010 fans filling the seats making it the most attended final in Women’s league cup final history.

It shows the growth in women’s football, and how impactful England’s Euros victory in the summer was for crowds in English football. Hopefully, this will only be the starting point for the growth and the governing bodies don’t hinder the interest right now by picking smaller venues compared to the demand for tickets.

Losers

**Above:** Sam Kerr celebrates after giving Chelsea an early lead. **Photo:** Chelsea Women.

Sam Kerr: It wasn’t the as much of the performance that puts the Australian in this category, it was the fact that Kerr put in a solid performance that didn’t warrant a silver medal come the end of the match.

The striker should all her strengths for the opening goal of the final, showing great control to pluck the ball out of the air and laid off a ball to the right-hand side. Chelsea later recycled the ball the Reiten who sent in an enticing ball that Kerr finished off.

She could have added a second to the action-packed first half, in an identical situation. The Western Australian won’t let this loss dent her form for the rest of the season, and Emma Hayes will be hoping to see a similar bullish performance from her number 20.

Lauren James: Throughout the season James has shown how much potential she has as a future England and Chelsea superstar, but things just didn’t go her way on Sunday afternoon, where she was unable to get into the game at all.

Chelsea had a difficult first half with Arsenal camping the west London club in their own half, meaning the former Manchester United star struggled to impose herself, with her limited touches getting shut down immediately.

With Arsenal keeping her quiet, Chelsea’s attacking threat was weakened and allowed Arsenal to run out as easy winners yesterday.

**Above:** Sam Kerr post-match with her losers medal. **Photo:** Chelsea Women.

Teams: ARSENAL (4-3-3): Zinsberger, Maritz, Williamson, Carvalho Souza, Catley, Maanum, Little, Wälti, McCabe, Blackstenius, Foord. Substitutes: Wubben-Moy, Beattie, Hurtig, Marckese, Pelova, Kühl, Weinroither.

Scorers: Blackstenius 16′, Little (pen) 24′, Charles (OG) 45+5′.

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Berger, Périsset, Bright, Eriksson, Charles, Ingle, Cuthbert, James, Cankovic, Reiten, Kerr. Substitutes: Musovic (GK), Carter, Leupolz, Fleming, Mjelde, Rytting Kaneryd, Buchanan, Abdullina.

Scorers: Kerr 2′.

Referee: Kirsty Dowle.

Attendance: 19,010.

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur Photo Gallery

Matthew Appleby was at The Academy Stadium for Impetus to capture the action yesterday as Manchester City hosted Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays WSL (6/3/23).

Above: Tottenham Hotspur’s Ashleigh Neville looks to make a clearance at the Academy Stadium yesterday. Photo: Matthew Appleby.

Manchester City 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Kidlington Youth v Woodley United Photo Gallery

Andy Wicks captures the best of the action from the tier six Southern Region Women’s Football League Division One North match at Exeter Park as Kidlington Youth hosted champions Woodley United (6/3/23).

Above: Woodley United celebrating one of their goals at Kidlington Youth yesterday. Photo: Andy Wicks.

Kidlington Youth 0-5 Woodley United

Teams: KIDLINGTON YOUTH: Team not published.

WOODLEY UNITED: Cheadle, Evans, Haines, Hamblin, Hudson, Lawrence, Messitt, Quinn, Routledge, Sawyer, Measham. Substitutes: Slann, Steadman, Surtees.

Scorers: Routledge 18′, 30′. Steadman 43′, 78. Hamblin 63′. Own goal.

Dons down Generals to lengthen unbeaten run

AFC Wimbledon 4-1 Chesham United

by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon Women (6/3/23)

AFC Wimbledon sustained their tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East title challenge on Sunday with a 4-1 victory over a determined Chesham United side.

In the absence of top scorer Ashlee Hincks, Emily Oliver went straight into the starting line-up after being recalled from her loan spell – with Ellie Dorey playing upfront.

The Dons continued their recent habit of making flying starts as Emma Plewa put the home side in front after just seven minutes, much to the delight of a big crowd at Plough Lane.

However, the lead would last less than a minute as an error from Billie Brooks allowed the Buckinghamshire side to level thanks to Natalia Makowska’s goal.

The next 15 minutes were a scrappy affair with neither team able to create a clear-cut opportunity. Wimbledon retook the lead through an unlikely source as captain Hannah Billingham fired home a rebound after Becki Bath struck the woodwork.

It was 3-1 not long after as Emily Donovan scored a fine volley from inside the penalty area after the visiting keeper failed to successfully claim a cross.

Gloria Siber completed her return from international duty off the bench and had an impressive cameo as the Dons looked to further add to their tally knowing goal difference could be vital come the end of the season.

Dorey completed the scoring in the final quarter. There was an emotional moment as Sarah Wentworth came off the bench to make her first appearance at Plough Lane in 15 months as Wimbledon completed another important victory.

Speaking after the game, Dons head coach Kevin Foster said: “We played some good stuff in there. The combinations worked really well at times, especially down the left.”

Emily Oliver, who returned to the lineup on the day reflected: “It was a good game, a little bit scrappy in the first half, but once we got into it and got the ball down, we created lots of chances.”

The Dons are back on the road on Sunday as they travel to Cambridge United. This is followed by the Capital Cup semi-final against Ashford Town (Middx) at Carshalton Athletic FC on Sunday 19^th March. AFC Wimbledon return to Plough Lane on Sunday 2nd April against Cambridge City. Tickets are now available via https://tinyurl.com/7kfh773c

Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Brooks (Wentworth), Highman, Plewa (Sampson), Ali, Donovan (Siber), Bath, Billingham, Dorey, Oliver.

Scorers: Plewa 7′, Billingham 23′, Donovan 54′, Dorey 78′.

CHESHAM UNITED: Team not released.

Scorer: Makowska 8′.

Attendance: 529.

Scottish Weekend Review

6/3/23

From Tom Freeman

Above: Dryburgh Athletic and Ayr United (white) contest possession yesterday. Photo: Dryburgh Athletic.

SWF Championship

Renfrew Ladies recovered from their recent 10-1 humbling in Livingston by holding the Championship leaders to a one-all draw in the reverse fixture at New Western Park.

Livingston winger Beth McKay had given the visitors a half-time lead after she latched on to a neat pass from Raewyn Murphy after 18 minutes and fired it low into the net, but Renfrew forward Sinead Macleod drifted in at the back post to score a deserved equaliser on the 70^th minute.

**Above:** Morton in possession against Rossvale. **Photo:** GBR Photographs.

As full-time approached, Livingston spurned chances for the winner, and the draw means Rossvale, Ayr United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle move closer to the top two.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle came from behind to beat Hutchison Vale 2-1 at home thanks to a double from Rhea Hossack. Ayr United took maximum points from Dryburgh Athletic with goals from Clare Docherty and Lauren Sloan early in the game ahead of a Dryburgh fightback which saw Alma Codegoni fire home from a corner into the roof of the net. Rossvale beat Morton 2-0 in Port Glasgow.

SWF League One

**Above:** Deborah McLeod scores FC Edinburgh’s third goal at Stenhousemuir yesterday. **Photo:** Alex Todd / Sportpix.

Leaders FC Edinburgh beat Stenhousemuir 3-1 at Ochilview which allowed St. Mirren to climb into fourth in the table with a 6-1 victory over Dundee West. Westdyke consolidated in second with a 10-0 demolition of Gleniffer Thistle, while third-placed Falkirk beat BSC Glasgow 3-1 at home.

Edinburgh Caledonia have narrowed the gap between the top half and bottom half of the table to four points by beating sixth-placed Grampian 4-2. The sides both have four games each before the split, including the reverse fixture in Edinburgh.

Airdrie Ladies also climb the table and leapfrog Giffnock SC after beating the East Renfrewshire side 6-2.

Biffa SWFL

**Above:** Huntly celebrate Brooke Keenan’s goal that sealed victory over Buchan and moved them up to second place in the SWFL North. **Photo:** Eyes To The Ground.

Livingston Reserves moved to the top of the SWFL East with a 2-1 win over Edinburgh University Thistle, after previous leaders Central Girls were beaten by Linlithgow Rose. Queen of the South cemented their promotion hopes with a comprehensive 10-0 victory over nearest rivals in SWFL South Stewarton United. In West, Cumbernauld Colts secured their second point of the season by holding high-flying Dunipace to a 2-2 draw.

A-League Women Weekly Awards

Each week during the home and away season, Impetus’ writing and photography team covering the A-League Women will nominate a player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of the player and coach votes as the weeks go by, and just before the Finals, will announce our winners for 2022/23 (6/3/23).

Player of the Week:

**Above:** Canberra United’s Michelle Heyman is in superb form, and she claimed another three votes from our writers this week. **Photo:** Canberra Times.

BEN GILBY: Michelle Heyman. The Canberra United icon is in sensational form, five goals in her side’s last two games, and doing everything possible to advance their Finals campaign. Whilst today’s points deduction throws a spanner in the works, Heyman will be pushing her side on to make the four regardless.

KIERAN YAP: Michelle Heyman. She scored a hat trick in a must-win game and is closing in on 100 goals. There is no better striker in Australia right now. Not only is she an efficient and reliable goal scorer, but she is also one of the best players to watch as a neutral.

JONATHAN TAY: Holly McNamara.After more than 12 months away Holly McNamara lit up her first game back, helping Melbourne City defeat Newcastle Jets 4-0 on Saturday. The 20-year-old showed little signs that the ACL injury which kept her out was still affecting her, but did display a game-changing dynamism that City have lacked over the middle portion of their season. She dazzled in forward areas – her touch and dribbling too much for a makeshift Jets defence as she created five chances in her 60-minute stint. A huge boost for the Melbournians with just four games left til Finals.

BEN CAREY: Michelle Heyman. Scoring a hat-trick against Adelaide United was an awesome achievement. She’s been strong all season, but she has hit an amazing level in the second half of the season. With the form she’s in, I believe Heyman is deserving of a call-up for the Matildas in the April window.

Coach of the Week:

**Above:** Njegosh Popovich, who added another two votes to his tally this week. **Photo:** Canberra Times.

BEN GILBY: Kat Smith. The Western Sydney Wanderers coach set up her team superbly to nullify Perth Glory’s many attacking weapons in the first half yesterday. The key link-ups between Izzy Foletta, Sofia Sakalis, and Cyera Hintzen were minimised and with it, the Glory took some time to function as an attacking force. A energy infused attack focusing on the middle of the park reaped rich rewards for the Wanderers yesterday.

KIERAN YAP: Njegosh Popovich. Although they conceded twice, Canberra United delivered in a must-win game. Popovic is overdue kudos for switching Grace Maher to defence and making an attack featuring Grace Jale, Vesna Milivojević, Nikki Flannery and Michelle Heyman function as well as it does.

JONATHAN TAY: Ante Juric. Western United had thus far had the run over their other top-four rivals; defeating Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory once, and doing the double over Melbourne City. They hadn’t necessarily looked the better team in arguably any of those games but had shown grit, heart, a clinical touch in front of goal, and a willingness to fight no matter their opponent’s talent. That changed on the weekend as Sydney put Western in a stranglehold. A masterful display from Ante Juric’s charges saw them restrict Western United to just seven shots (two on target), whilst taking every opportunity they could to punish them on the counterattack. The premier’s plate is still very much up for grabs, and Sydney have put themselves in prime position to retain it.

BEN CAREY: Njegosh Popovich. Leading his side, Canberra United, to a 4-2 victory over Adelaide to continue their excellent late season form, extending their winning run to four in a row.

Event of the Week:

**Above:** Tash Rigby celebrates her first ever A-League Women goal with team mates Cyera Hintzen (left) and Alana Jancevski. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

BEN GILBY: Tash Rigby’s goal. Anyone who has seen her in NPLW WA action for Fremantle City will be familiar with her pacey runs along the wing before cutting inside. This doesn’t happen quite so often in the A-League Women, but it sure did yesterday! No-one is more deserving. Rigby does so much for the club on and off the pitch.

KIERAN YAP: Tash Rigby’s goal. After 90 games, the Glory captain has her first A-League Womens goal, and what a way to score it! Rigby showed incredible pace and control in her surging run, and the finish was sublime. It was not enough to get Glory the all-important three points, but it was something special.

JONATHAN TAY: Michelle Heyman’s hat trick. Excellent finishing from Michelle Heyman to net three goals in Canberra’s 4-2 win against Adelaide United (especially important given the announcement of her side’s potential points deduction penalty on Monday). She certainly has the ability to dominate defenders at the A-League level, but what about back on the international stage? That will be the question Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson will be asking himself, as he contemplates bringing one of the leading strikers in the domestic competition into his World Cup squad in July.

BEN CAREY: Sydney FC v Western United. This match was exciting and dramatic. Sydney put on a masterclass in the second half to defeat Western in their second meeting. Goals galore, a red card, and two injury substitutions at the same time. This game had it all.