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Gustavsson: We need to match the tempo & test defending

by Ben Gilby (18/2/23)

Above: Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media today in Sydney. Image: Football Australia.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson outlined his belief that his team will need to defend collectively and match Spain’s tempo if they are to come away with a positive outcome against the European giants in Parramatta tomorrow.

Those have been the key messages in training over the past 48 hours with Gustavsson telling the media: “It’s been about tempo, because that is what it will be about tomorrow when you play top opposition. Playing the top nations the challenge is, can we match the tempo?”

In terms of availability, the news was largely positive, although it comes with the caveat of players coming in with less club minutes having to back up two major international matches in three days.

“There is much more availability tomorrow than in the last game (against Czech Republic) in terms of competition for spots, not just about the starting line-up. Who starts, who comes off the bench,” admitted Gustavsson.

“We want (to field) the best possible team over 90 minutes. We need to live in this moment and maximise our performance.”

“I was impressed how they pulled through in that second half considering the lack of preparation, jet lag, and the lack of games some of the players have had in club land. Charlotte Grant has been in off-season, she hasn’t played a club game for three months, but she broke her record physically against the Czech Republic because she has been so professional in terms of her individual training, following the program. Seeing those numbers after the game was massive. The question is, can we back that up three days later?”

**Above:** Charlotte Grant in training today. Tont Gustavsson spoke of how impressed he is with his young defender. **Photo** **supplied to *Impetus* by:** Tiff Williams / Football Australia.

With Spain being the masters of possession led attacking football with a highly technical passing game with players comfortable on the ball, the Matildas boss highlighted the challenges that will pose to his squad.

“We are going to have to run against Spain. We need to pull through that and be ready to sub throughout 90 minutes to be fresh for 90 minutes. If you defend individually against the top teams, they break you down. You need to defend collectively. The only way to get exposed (to that) is to play the top opposition. You can’t get away from one player getting detached from the ball.”

“We are one of the best pressing teams in the world, they are one of the best passing teams in the world. Can we press against them still? We need to get exposed and feel that now before the World Cup.

“I don’t expect it to be perfect. I want to see if we can do what we did against Sweden as our goals came from pressing. We have to be humble knowing I watched Sweden play Spain, USA play Spain, and Japan play Spain. There will be times when it will not be perfect. They are too good for us to be perfect over 90 minutes.”

“I want to team being confident on the ball as we have shown that, if you look at the variation of attack…I want to see more of that tomorrow as well.”

Tomorrow’s game provides Australia with the opportunity to banish last year’s painful 7-0 loss when a vastly under-strength Matildas side went down to Spain. For Gustavsson, tomorrow is all about showing organisation and progress.

“The previous result stands from itself. The one thing Spain gives us is to test our defence against the best team in the world. We can face similar teams in the World Cup – England are on our side (of the draw), France are on our side, Germany are on our side, those teams could break us down in similar ways. Spain give us a fantastic opportunity to test our defending.”

PHOTO GALLERY FROM MATILDAS TRAINING SUPPLIED TO IMPETUS BY: TIFF WILLIAMS/FOOTBALL AUSTRALIA

Evans on the edge of major Cymru milestone

Impetus’ Martin Townley was in Cymru’s media conference with Gemma Evans and Rachel Rowe ahead of their second Pinatar Cup match against Iceland (18/2/23).

Above: Cymru’s Gemma Evans, who could win her 50th cap tonight against Iceland in the Pinatar Cup. Photo: Clwb Pel-Droed.

Cymru and Reading defender Gemma Evans emphasised just how much she likes being the underdog as Cymru prepare to face Iceland in their second match at the Pinatar Cup.

Cymru beat the Philippines in their first match 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Kayleigh Green. Iceland also opened their campaign with a win as they beat Scotland 2-0.

Evans and Reading teammate Rachel Rowe spoke to the media ahead of their showdown with Iceland, who will provide a tough challenge. Evans expects an extremely tough challenge, but is looking forward to the match,

“A physical game, a very physical intense game. I like being the underdog. I think it’s challenging. Who doesn’t love a challenge? “From training we’re all very well prepped, and it’s going to be an exciting one so I’m looking forward to it”.

It could be a special night for Evans as if she plays she will have reached the 50 cap milestone.

“It doesn’t feel real. I’d be honest. I mean, it’s such a proud moment for me if I do make that, for my family and everyone who supported me, and I wouldn’t want to do it with a better bunch of girls if I’m honest they are an inspiration to a nation”.

**Above:** Rachel Rowe, who plays with Evans for both club and country was full of pride at the Welsh star’s achievement. **Photo:** Express and Star.

Rachel Rowe underlined the joy she feels for her teammate reaching the 50 cap mark saying: “She’s one of my favourite people. I can’t express enough; I love to girl to bits. And you know, she really deserves it. Everyone around her is so proud of her for getting to that milestone”.

Cymru missed out on this years World Cup but have seen improvements both on and off the field with crowds improving game after game. Evans gave her thoughts on what the squad need to do to keep moving forward,

“I just think we need to keep building on the building blocks we’ve already got, but we’ve got to keep pushing that every single day on and off camp.

“I think the individual errors then will decrease, which will give us the best opportunity to qualify for a major tournament. But I just think we got to stick together keep believing in ourselves and keep praying”

Rowe added that despite no qualification games this year, there is still lots to play for,

“Obviously people can see it as a bit of a void year, and we will get qualifications next year. But it’s a massive incentive for players to want to push on want to develop at club level and develop and get minutes and caps for Wales.

“But that’s down to individuals, isn’t it? And we have an abundance of talent within our squad. It’s whether people want to take the baton and run around with it. So that’s exciting for us. It’s exciting for the whole squad, because there will be changes.”

**Above:** Gemma Evans recognises that Cymru face a tough task against Iceland tonight. **Photo:** Clwb Pel-Droed.

Rowe also spoke about the building of the game off the pitch.

Yes, it’s been so amazing to see the growth after COVID. Getting fans back in and seeing how much last campaign, their support increased.

“And for us, that’s obviously such a big thing, playing in a stadium full of fans who are supporting you and kind of being that extra voice to push you forward. “I think that was one of our massive, probably advantages. Last year in the qualification campaign.

“Having that growth every game and feeling like we were actually doing something outside of just on the pitch, inspiring people and, you know, giving them something to want to go to in the evenings and watch a game.

“But yeah, the growth has been massive, you know, worldwide in women’s football, and it’s really nice to see it grown in Wales as well.”

Cymru will face Iceland at Pinatar Arena on Saturday 18^th February with a 19:30 kick-off.

Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter-Finals Preview

by Darrell Allen (17/2/23)

Above: Norwich City, who welcome King’s Lynn Town to The Nest on Sunday, seen here in action against Queen’s Park Rangers earlier in the season. Photo: Norwich City Women.

This weekend, the Norfolk Women’s Cup ramps up with the Quarter-Final stage. This is where teams from the FA Women’s National League and Eastern Region League Premier enter the fray in the form of Norwich City, Wroxham, and King’s Lynn Town.

The draw this year has paired the regional sides together in two ties with the local league sides facing each other in the remaining games.

Here, I preview all four ties as the eight teams look to take another step towards the final at Norwich City’s Carrow Road stadium on Friday 19th May. Last time round, a crowd just shy of 1,000 people watched the showpiece between Mulbarton Belles and Wymondham Town.

All ties are scheduled to take place at 2.00pm on Sunday 19th February.

Norwich City v King’s Lynn Town

Tier four highflyers Norwich City host bottom of tier five King’s Lynn Town who are having a wretched season on the pitch.

Norwich City were embarrassed at this stage of the competition last year by Norfolk Women and Girls League side Mulbarton Belles who came to The Nest and dumped the Canaries out on penalties.

However, despite a 7-1 loss to Hashtag United last week, this year’s Norwich City are a different set of Canaries altogether: fully integrated into the main club and run from inside the walls of Carrow Road. Expectations are high that they will, at least, reach a ‘home’ final.

King’s Lynn Town may be one of the friendliest clubs around who are impressively engaged with their community but, on the pitch, they are struggling with just one league win all year. Their priority must be the league with this being a bonus game and free hit for the West Norfolk side.

There won’t be an upset here though. City’s manager, Shaun Howes knows he simply has to navigate this game although he won’t treat it any less seriously than any League assignment.

It might start slowly and they can always ship a goal but Norwich City will win comfortably.

Prediction – Norwich City 5-1 King’s Lynn Town.

**Above:** Wroxham striker Hannah Waters is on form and they will be hoping that continues when Fakenham Town visit on Sunday. **Photo:** Hardy Scott Photos.

Wroxham v Fakenham Town

The Quarter-Final stage has been Wroxham’s undoing in the last two seasons with Mulbarton Belles putting out the Yachtswomen 1-0 in 2021 and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers beating them on penalties last season. This year, tier Six’s Fakenham Town are the ones looking to end Wroxham’s Cup exploits.

Fakenham Town have won many plaudits for their bold decision to take the step up from Norfolk Women and Girls League Football to challenge themselves in Eastern Region Football this campaign.

Three wins and eight defeats from their 11 games to date sees them in the lower reaches of the table but they are really starting to get themselves together at this level.

Wroxham are similarly on a rise after a challenging season to date and Joe Simpson has got the team gelling together. A recent double victory over Colney Heath and a positive performance over League giants AFC Sudbury in which they led 2-0 before a 4-2 reverse sees The Yachtswomen in a positive frame of mind at exactly the right time.

Wroxham chairman Lee Robson loves Cup football and has targeted trophies for his club and with a striker like Hannah Waters in their line-up the Yachtswomen really do have every chance in this competition.

Fakenham will battle hard but again there will be no upset here. Wroxham will simply have enough firepower to overcome their visitors.

Prediction – Wroxham 3-0 Fakenham Town.

**Above:** Mulbarton Belles’ Ellie Hunter will be a key player as they look to avoid a slip-up at home to Thetford Town on Sunday. **Photo:** Hardy Scott Photos.

Mulbarton Belles v Thetford Town

Two tier seven sides go head to head in what could be the most competitive tie of the round.

Mulbarton Belles blew off their rust after a month’s break with a hard-earned 2-0 League win over the University of East Anglia (UEA) last weekend, meanwhile Thetford Town are having a fabulous season despite much disruption in their coaching staff.

Luke Pickford took over after David Skipp and Stuart Terry moved on at the start of the year, and he promoted Amber Browne from coach to Assistant Manager. They have progressed to the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women & Girls League Cup where they will face UEA next weekend and also have this tie with the Belles to look forward to in the County Cup.

Mulbarton are favourites and rightly so as they are 100% in the league to date, but they are beatable, as UEA showed by knocking them out of the League Cup. This will no doubt provide confidence and belief to Thetford who themselves have defeated the University side twice already this season.

If Thetford Town play to their full potential they have a fabulous chance in this game but Mulbarton Belles have been there, seen it, and got the t-shirt when it comes to County Cup progression. They are used to being the ones trying to cause an upset having knocked Wroxham and Norwich City out at this stage in the past two seasons.

They will be desperate to avoid being on the wrong end of an upset and Thetford provide the ultimate banana skin game. If they have their shooting boots on they should squeak through.

Trust me: If you are a neutral this is the tie for you.

Prediction – Mulbarton Belles 2-1 Thetford Town.

**Above:** Dussindale and Hellesdon will look to continue their fine form when they visit King’s Lynn Soccer Club in the Quarter Finals on Sunday. **Photo:** Hardy Scott Photos.

King’s Lynn Soccer Club v Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers

Another all-Norfolk Women and Girls League affair as Division Two King’s Lynn Soccer Club welcome Division One leaders Dussindale and Hellesdon. Both of whom are enjoying highly successful seasons so far.

Until last Sunday’s defeat to Aylsham, King’s Lynn were unbeaten in the league. Added to that, they have good cup form, beating Division One Stalham Town out in the last round in a scintillating 4-3 victory.

Dussindale and Hellesdon are a different level though and Adrian Tinks’ team are on fire with nine wins from their ten league games to date.

Shanice Sutton is in imperious form with Victoria Leyer not far behind. They are a deadly duo against any side and expect both to be heavily involved in this game.

King’s Lynn will have plenty of fight but Dussindale and Hellesdon will have too much and nothing other than an away victory is on the cards here.

Prediction – King’s Lynn Soccer Club 0-4 Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers.

Ferns wilt amidst Portuguese pressure

New Zealand 0-5 Portugal

by Denise Duffy at Waikato Stadium (17/2/23)

Above: The Football Ferns’ Gabi Rennie (black shirt) eyes the ball today against Portugal. Photo: NZ Football

Waikato Stadium in Kirikiriroa – Hamilton was in fantastic condition for the kickoff between the Football Ferns and Portugal.

Billed as a friendly match submerged in the more important Fifa Play-Off Tournament. Portugal, the lone UEFA team, has come to New Zealand with much on the line, a spot in the World Cup itself. It received a first-round bye in the tournament and will face the winners of Cameroon versus Thailand next week.

Portugal played with purpose and ability. In contrast, this selection of the Football Ferns squad has not played together in a while, and it showed. Their rapid attacking style was something they could not execute well, with 370 passes attempted and only 80 completed, this led to a pass completion rate of only 22%. The match came across as a frantic display of a team that needs to better understand itself.

**Above:** CJ Bott drives away with the ball for New Zealand. **Photo:** NZ Football.

The Ferns lacked organization in the box, usually a strong point of theirs. The 3-5-2 game plan left them exposed, with less experienced center backs to defend larger areas. A more hungry Portugal squad pounced in that wide space and executed passes into the front of goal. Nayler was left exposed time and time again and could not come up with reflex saves.

Jéssica Silva scored on a glancing header in the 17th minute. After a Kate Taylor take down, Captain Dolores Silva scored off a penalty kick in the 42nd minute, Naylor had guessed the right direction, but not the correct quadrant, and the ball went above her reach.

A usually nimble Katie Bowen got run around by Diana Silva and fed Ana Capeta in the 63rd minute. Portugal added another goal in the 69th and one by Tatiana Pinto 79th. The crowd remained surprisingly active as the minutes dwindled down, looking for something to cheer about.

**Above:** The New Zealand team that took on Portugal today. **Photo:** NZ Football.

Teams: NEW ZEALAND (3-5-2): Nayler, Bowen, Bunge, Taylor, Bott, Chance, Hassett, Riley, Steinmetz, Rennie, Wilkinson. Substitutes used: Moore, Satchell, Jale, Anton, Cleverly.

PORTUGAL (4-3-3): Morais, Alves, Rebelo, Capeta, Jéssica Silva, Seiça, Norton, Dolores Silva, Marques, Borges, Encarnação. Substitutes used: Amado, Fátima Pinto, Tatiana Pinto, Diana Silva, Gomes.

Scorers: Jéssica Silva 17′, Dolores Silva (pen) 42′, Capeta 63′, 69′. Tatiana Pinto 79′.

Referee: Emikar Calderas (VEN).

Attendance: 3,788.

**Above:** Football Ferns fans in Hamilton – Kirikiriroa – urge Olivia Chance to shoot! **Photo:** Denise Duffy.

Lionesses roaring start and Belgium see off Italy: Arnold Clark Cup Matchday One

Reports by Johnathan Stack in the Stadium MK press box, with EXCLUSIVE pitchside photographs from Hannah Parnell (17/2/23).

England 4-0 Korea Republic

by Johnathan Stack

Above: Chloe Kelly celebrates after putting England 2-0 up over Korea Republic last night. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

The Lionesses kicked off 2023 with a bang as they comfortably beat Korea Republic in their opening match of the Arnold Clark Clark Cup.

The Lionesses walked out onto the field in Milton Keynes to a rapturous roar, which carried on when Lucy Bronze was presented with a special shirt as well as given an ovation for reaching 100 caps in the last international period.

England had the better of the chances in the opening 10 minutes of the game, with Lauren James and Ella Toone going close to breaking the deadlock. However, they did not have it all their own way as Korea Republic tested Mary Earps in the England goal in between.

The Lionesses would keep the pressure on with James and Toone forcing Kim Jung Mi into saves. England would go close again as Lucy Bronze fired over and forced another save out of Kim. The hosts kept knocking on that Korea Republic door as Georgia Stanway’s header went just over the bar.

**Above:** The Lionesses celebrate Georgia Stanway’s opener from the spot. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

James then ran through and made Kim take action with a sprawling save to her right. You could tell early on that there was a difference in levels between the two sides. As it was all England moving forward, Korea barely got out of their half of the pitch.

The Lionesses eventually took the lead from the penalty spot; James was brought down in the box and Stanway stuck the ball away from 12 yards to get the European Champions’ opening goal of the tournament.

**Above:** Chloe Kelly sweeps England into a 2-0 lead. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

Into the second half and England got off to the perfect start as Chloe Kelly doubled the Lionesses’ lead as she latched on to a loose ball and her shot was deflected in past Kim. Then Alessia Russo bagged England’s third four minutes last as Alex Greenwood played in a low cross for Russo to dink over Kim.

England were firmly in control of this game as Stanway nearly scored a second goal having been passed the ball on the edge of the box, she smashed the ball against the crossbar.

**Above:** Alessia Russo scores England’s third. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

Lauren James made it four to England with 12 minutes left after picking up the ball on the edge taking a great touch and placing her shot past Kim.

Late on, Katie Robinson nearly made it 5-0 as her shot cannoned off the post as the ball was parried into her path by Kim, who made a save, it did look like on replay that Robinson struggled to get her feet set right.

It stayed at 4-0 and England start 2023 in the same way they ended 2022, winning and unbeaten and more importantly they kick off their World Cup preparations in the right way.

**Above:** Lauren James capped an impressive night with England’s final goal. Photo: Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

Lauren James put in a dazzling performance as she was named player of the match, she scored her first England goal at senior level and of course played her part in winning the penalty for the first goal.

Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman spoke about James after the match saying: “She worked really hard at Chelsea. That’s what you have seen at Chelsea this season, then she can take the next step to the national team. Now when she starts playing at this level with Chelsea, and in the Champions League too, and on this international level, and get those minutes. you can improve. I hope now she gets consistency; she stays fit and keeps enjoying herself.

“It’s not the World Cup yet. Last season she didn’t play a lot and was still building. This year she is playing more and more.

“She feels good, and you can tell. But we have more players that are really good. We have so many attacking players that are really good. We have opportunities.”

It was the perfect way to kick off a World Cup year for the Lionesses, they take on Italy in Coventry on Sunday while Korea Republic takes on Belgium.

Teams: ENGLAND (4-3-3): Earps, Bronze, Greenwood, Williamson, Bright, Kelly, Stanway, Russo, Toone, James, Carter. Substitutes: Roebuck (GK), MacIver (GK), Hemp, Daly, Park, Salmon, Charles, Robinson, Wubben-Moy, Le Tissier, Nobbs, Coombs, Ramsey.

Scorers: Stanway 40’, Kelly 46’, Russo 50’, James 78’.

KOREA REPUBLIC (3-4-3): Kim, Hong, Lim, Kim, Jang, Choo, Chloe, Lee, Kim, Kang, Son. Substitutes: Yoon, Ryu, Shim, Kim, Jang, Chun, Lee, Park, Jang, Ji, Kim, Ko, Lee, Bae, Park.

Referee: Andreza Ferreira (BRA).

Attendance: 21,030.

Belgium get off to a winning start

Italy 1-2 Belgium

By Johnathan Stack

**Above:** Marie Detruyer celebrates after putting Belgium ahead against Italy. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

Belgium got the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup off and running with a 2-1 win over Italy at Stadium MK.

It was a positive start from Italy which saw them go close in the opening minutes, but it didn’t take long for Belgium who are three world-ranking places before their opponents to take the lead through Marie Detruyer in the 15th minute and the Red Flames continued to look dangerous throughout the first half.

**Above:** Marie Detruyer hits Belgium’s opening goal against Italy. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus.*

Italy started stronger in the second half and it was clear it was going to be a tough second half for the Belgians.

Italy managed to equalise in the 65th minute, through a brilliant curling effort from substitute Manuela Giugliano, just minutes after coming on.

**Above:** Italy celebrate Manuela Giugliano’s equaliser. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

In the closing stages of the game, Belgium grabbed the winner as the Red Flames’ leading goalscorer Tessa Wullaert scored her 70th international goal with a brilliant finish.

Next up for Belgium is Korea Republic, while Italy takes on the Lionesses in Coventry on Sunday.

Teams: ITALY (4-3-3): Schroffengger, Linari, Cantore, Rosucci, Boattin, Caruso, Lenzini, Piemonte, Greggi, Catenary, Orsi. Substitutes: Giuliani, Baldi, Bergamashci, Filangeri, Galli, Giugliano, Giacinti, Girelli, Bonansea, Cafferata, Bonfantini, Serturini, Polli, Salvai, Severini.

Scorers: Giugliano 64’.

BELGIUM (4-1-4-1): Evrard, De Caigny, Vanhaevermaet, Cayman, Dhont, Detruyer, Jenssens, De Neve, Kees, Biesmans, Meersman. Substitutes: Lemey, Bastiaen, Philtjens, Van Kerkhoven, Colton, Wijnants, Eurlings, Delacauw, Wullaert, Vangheluwe, Deloose, Missipo, Fon, Ampoorter.

Scorers: Detruyer 16’, Wullaert 90’.

Referee: Ewa Augustyn (POL).

Attendance: 8,705.

SWF takes centre stage during international window

From Tom Freeman (16/2/23)

Above: Joy for Rossvale. There’s lots to keep fans entertained this weekend in tiers three to five of the Scottish game whilst the top league pauses for the international break. Photo: Kelly Nielson.

With no SWPL action due to the international break, the Scottish Women’s Football pyramid provides plenty of domestic action this weekend.

The third and fourth tier of women’s football in Scotland, the Championship and League One seasons move into a decisive period where promotion can be secured, while the Biffa SWFL regional leagues press on with a short season which can lead to promotion to the national leagues for the first time.

Livingston are 15 points clear at the top of the Championship after last week’s record 10-1 demolition of third-placed Renfrew Ladies and look to be in pole position for promotion to SWPL2 in the summer.

Mid-season signings Brogan Anderson from Motherwell and former Partick Thistle winger Beth McKay have helped the West Lothian side kick-on in recent weeks, and they welcome bottom side Morton to the Toni Macaroni Stadium on Sunday at 4pm looking to build on that momentum.

**Above:** Championship leaders Livingston get to grips with Rossvale (in black away shirt). **Photo:** Kelly Nielson.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager Karen Mason threw the gauntlet down to her players early in the year after a frustrating first half of the season which saw them drop into the bottom half of the table. They responded by becoming the first team in months to take points from Livingston, securing a 3-3 draw at home before beating Edinburgh side Hutchison Vale 2-1 in the capital last Sunday.

The Highlanders make the long trip south on Sunday to visit an Ayr United side who have kicked on in 2023, boosted in part by good performances in the Scottish Cup. A series of victories have lifted Ayr into the top half of the table, three points ahead of their visitors.

Having been the surprise package in the Championship this season, with the league’s top scorer in captain Angyl Learmonth and known for remarkable second-half comebacks, Hutchison Vale have recently lost a number of key first-team players and suffered a dip in form. The young side faces a tough trip to Glasgow on Sunday to face second-placed Rossvale, who themselves will have a point to prove after being taken apart by Rangers in the cup. The Petershill-based side have signed Gartcairn’s Kelsey Martin to bolster their SWPL ambitions.

After spending the first half of the season rooted to the bottom of the Championship, Dundee side Dryburgh Athletic won four games in a row to claim the best form in the league, which has lifted them up the table only two points behind Inverness Caley Thistle. They travel to Renfrew on Sunday to face a team who are bound to want to respond positively to last week’s result.

Championship and League One Cup winners FC Edinburgh have been imperious in League One, unbeaten and having only conceded five goals all season. The capital club have made no secret of their desire to climb up to the highest level in the game but were not placed in the Championship last season because they did not meet criteria to provide pathway opportunities for young girls.

**Above:** League One leaders FC Edinburgh. **Photo:** SWF.

Falkirk and northeast side Westdyke have also had impressive seasons so far and the race for the promotion slots is wide open. Both teams have attackers with 19 goals apiece already, in Westdyke’s Kayleigh Traynor and Falkirk veteran and former Rangers striker Suzanne Wyatt.

The two sides face each other on Sunday at the Falkirk Stadium for a real six-pointer in the race for promotion. But Stenhousemuir and Grampian Ladies also have ambitions and are only three and six points behind second place. They too face each other on Sunday in what will be a competitive fixture.

With no relegation from the Championship at the end of the season, the two top-placed sides in League One who meet the criteria will be promoted.

Also looking at promotion will be sides in the regional Biffa SWFL leagues.

For the first time, the sides who finish top in the North, South, East, and West leagues will be given the opportunity to play in play-offs to enter the national set-up in League One. This excludes development teams from existing clubs who will remain in the regional set-up next season.

**Above:** Action from Falkirk’s trip to Westdyke earlier this season. The two sides face each other again this weekend. **Photo:** Jill Runcie Sport.

The short season will run from January to May to align the calendar with the performance arm of women’s football and create the pyramid.

Currently, Forfar Farmington top the Biffa SWFL North despite having dropped their first points last Sunday in Inverurie. They host bottom side Westdyke Thistle on Sunday.

Unbeaten Queen of the South lead the Biffa SWFL South and host a Nithsdale Wanderers side on Sunday who picked up their first point of the short season last Sunday in a draw with Annan Athletic.

Glasgow side Harmony Row are three points clear at the top of the Biffa SWFL West and welcome Bishopton on Sunday.

Grangemouth’s Central Girls top the Biffa SWFL East with maximum points and travel to Fife on Sunday to face Dunfermline Athletic.

Six of the best for the Pride

Pride Park 6-2 Castle Donington

by ‘Doug Outt’ (16/2/23)

Above: Beth Jones, Pride Park’s five-goal hero seen here celebrating after scoring in an away game earlier this season. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Although not a classic ‘game of two halves’ – the scores were the same in each period – there was a distinct difference between the first and second periods of Sunday’s Derbyshire Ladies League Division One game between Pride Park and Castle Donington.

The opening period started well for Pride, who took the lead after three minutes when Annie Laight’s free-kick from deep inside the Pride half found Beth Jones in the channel, she turned inside a recovering defender and slotted past the advancing keeper.

However, if that made anyone think it was going to be one-way traffic and an easy three points, they were very much mistaken. Castle Donington responded well to going behind, and within a couple of minutes had a good chance to level, but Pride’s keeper Jade Howell got her angles right and did very well to turn a close-range shot aside.

There were shots for Pride from Tash Allderidge – which just cleared the crossbar – and Beth Jones – which the keeper tipped around the post then, just after the half-hour Annie Laight collected an attempted through ball, her short pass to Eliot Sayavoing was laid off to Sophie Ayton in the centre of the pitch and she picked out Beth Jones with a slide-rule pass and she hit a first time shot wide of the keeper for 2-0.

**Above:** Pride Park’s Rachel Weaver (right) in action earlier this season. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick.

A couple of minutes later Jones anticipated a ball out from the back to press and win the ball, which fell to Steph Eadon, but her shot went just wide.

Pride were then caught out by a direct ball through the back line, the striker beat Jade Howell and Sophie Roberts to it and passed the ball into the net from the left edge of the penalty area to reduce the deficit.

Pride’s two-goal cushion was restored as half-time approached when a diagonal ball from Impetus–sponsored Ella Kew was initially cut out, but Steph Eadon won the second ball and played wide for Otty Baker, who played a pass into the path of Beth Jones and she hit a left foot shot beyond the keeper to restore Pride’s two-goal advantage.

It had at times been a scrappy first half, with Pride having slightly more possession but both sides finding it difficult to build momentum and put a string of passes together with any consistency.

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first period; three minutes after the restart Pride had a throw-in on their left, about 10 metres inside the Dons’ half. From the throw, there was a quick exchange of passes between Tash Allderidge, Eliot Sayavong, and back to Rachel Weaver, who picked out Beth Jones as she peeled away into space. Jones took one touch to control and the second to hit the ball beyond the keeper’s right hand into the top corner for 4-1.

**Above:** Beth Jones had a fine afternoon for Pride Park on Sunday. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick.

The Dons had a sight of goal 10 minutes into the second period, but their shot from the edge of the penalty area was comfortably held by Jade Howell. The action went straight back up the other end, and from a corner, Ella Kew’s stooping header was deflected but saved by the keeper.

Three minutes later as Castle Donington brought the ball out from defence, Kew closed down the ball carrier, and the defender’s pass was anticipated and intercepted superbly by Rachel Weaver, a quick interchange with Steph Eadon put Rachel in on goal and she steered the ball wide of the keeper as Pride’s lead went out to 5-1.

Tash Allderidge shot narrowly over the crossbar on the hour, then, with 67’ played, Otty Baker took a throw on the right in to Beth Jones and despite the close attention of two defenders she somehow wriggled clear to finish low in to the corner for the home side’s sixth of the afternoon. Castle Donington scored a second on the break with a very good finish right on time.

Pride were more composed on the ball in the second half, enjoying much more possession and territory as a result which, together with closing down Castle Donington’s passing options limited the visitors’ attacks. Pride were able to exercise a degree of control to see out a good win, with football that was very easy on the eye.

Next up for Pride Pride is another home game against the University of Derby in the Cawarden’s Derbyshire FA County Plate quarter-final at Moorways (kick off at 1.30pm).

Gustavsson & Raso: We believed in the process and stepped up

Impetus’ Ben Gilby reports on Australia’s post-match media conference following today’s 4-0 win over Czechia in Gosford (16/2/23).

Above: Hayley Raso and Tony Gustavsson speak to the media after the win over Czechia today. Image: Football Australia.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson and two-goal hero Hayley Raso both spoke of their pride in how the team overcame a below-par first-half performance to run out comfortable winners against Czechia today.

Gustavsson pinpointed the character in his side that allowed them to recognise what they needed to do at half-time, and knowing that whilst the game plan was right, the execution was not.

“It’s about how we respond to first halves like this. We saw what they (Czechia) did against top opposition before,” the Matildas boss said. “We looked for a team a bit like Ireland (who Australia face in the opening game of the World Cup), physical, well organised, and difficult to break down.

“We actually said at half time, ‘what if this was the opening game of the World Cup with 80,000 in the stands getting frustrated?’ Sam (Kerr) also spoke about that – ‘Don’t freak out, believe in the plan, execute it better.’ I think this game wasn’t about the preparation we had, it was about what we’ve done over the years. Clear structures and game changers. They did that brilliantly today.”

Asked about where he felt it went wrong for his side in the opening 45 minutes, Gustavsson said: “In the first half, there was no space, and we played too slow. We didn’t get that momentum going. You need to wear down a team and that shows patience and belief.

**Above:** Australia coach Tony Gustavsson was proud of his side’s second-half reaction. **Image:** Football Australia.

“We didn’t look up enough, everything was short into feet…it wasn’t fluid, the tempo wasn’t there. It took 45 minutes to get going. In the second half, we were much more direct, not just lumping it, but playing by purpose to break lines. I liked the variation – centrally and out wide. Much better combination play second half.”

Whilst Australia struggled to get going in the opening half, their European opponents had chances to make the Matildas pay, as Gustavsson recognised.

“We have to be humble, we could have been 1-0 down at half-time. How would we have responded if it was Ireland in the World Cup? We could have been sat here having a very different conversation. We responded brilliantly.”

In terms of the role that his captain Sam Kerr played in the second-half revival, starting with her speech at the break, the Matildas boss revealed how the Chelsea star goes about her job.

“Sam is an emotional player. She can be the passion and heart of the team when need be but she can also be composed and distant, clear in her instructions. She has definitely grown in that over the past two years.”

Gustavsson was full of praise for second-half debutant Clare Hunt. The Western Sydney Wanderers captain can most definitely expect further opportunities during the Cup of Nations.

“She has carried herself in a very mature way. I’m not sure I’ve seen this type of debutant in my two years here. It’s World Cup year, it’s 0-0 with the Czech Republic and she comes on at half-time in a team that struggled and she looked like she’s always played with us. For me, that’s massive.”
Tony Gustavsson, Australia head coach on Clare Hunt’s debut.

Australia’s head coach emphasised the impact that defender Clare Polkinghorne has on his side, as she became the most capped Matilda of all time today.

“I’m so proud to be a small part of her journey. She always has been and always will be a legend.”

Attention then focussed to Sunday’s second Cup of Nations clash against Spain. With a below strength Matildas going down 7-0 to the European giants last year, Gustavsson knows his team have to step up in all aspects of their performance.

“For Sunday’s game we need to be much better. If we give them that type of space when we lose the ball (that we did today), it’s going to be a completely different challenge. In terms of ball movement, Spain are a very different team, and we don’t have much time to prepare. It will be video preparation as we can’t prepare for it on the field due to fatigue.”

**Above:** Hayley Raso, two goal Matilda today. **Photo:** Adelaide Advertiser.

Two-goal Matildas attacker Hayley Raso spoke of how pleased she was at her side’s second-half revival, and how she recognises how much being at Manchester City has added to her game.

Reflecting on the game afterwards, Raso admitted: “We struggled a little bit in the first half, but came out in the second firing. It was really nice to get four goals and the clean sheet. We came in half-time and tried to focus on the positives, and we came out in the second half. We scored one goal and we didn’t stop there, and kept a clean sheet.”

Whilst the winger has not managed the amount of minutes in the WSL that she would like, Raso emphasised the importance of daily high-intensity training on her consistency.

“I’m in a really top club overseas and the training I get every day is such a high level so in that aspect I am sharp and in my game. It was nice to get 90 minutes and to get the goals.”

Raso had warm words for two of her team-mates, first for record-breaking captain Clare Polkinghorne. “Polks is the epitome of this team. She is incredible, an amazing leader. It’s very special for us to be part of this with her. It’s such a milestone.”

The Queenslander was equally proud of Clare Hunt, a player at a very different stage of her international career.

“I played with Clare Hunt at Canberra United so many years ago. I was like to her: ‘Are you ready?’ and she was, like ‘Yeh! I’m ready!’ “

Matildas take the win with room to improve

Australia 4-0 Czechia

by Ben Gilby (16/2/23)

Above: The Matildas celebrate Hayley Raso’s second-half double. Photo: Football Australia.

Clare Polkinghorne’s strike on the night she became the most capped Matilda of all time sealed Australia’s 4-0 win in Gosford today, as Tony Gustavsson’s side overcome both stubborn opponents and challenging preparations.

The Matildas went into the game only able to run one training session with their full squad, and that was extremely brief, due to their majority European-based squad involved in club football at the weekend.

Australia boss Tony Gustavsson reverted to a 4-4-2 formation that was successful in the October international window wins against South Africa and Denmark. Mary Fowler came in alongside Sam Kerr upfront as Caitlin Foord was feeling a sore quad muscle. Aivi Luik came back into the starting line-up in the absence of Alanna Kennedy.

The Czechs, missing several key players, were well-organised at the back, and happy to let the Matildas have the ball, playing exceptionally deep.

**Above:** Sam Kerr in possession in the early stages in Gosford tonight. **Photo:** Guardian.

Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry were creative bundles of energy in the opening exchanges, using their energy and confidence to grab possession, with both seeing early sighters from long-range miss the target.

Australia were using an energetic high press to stifle the visitors in a bid to force them into errors, but on the ball, Gustavsson’s side were far from their free-flowing best in the opening half. It reflected the situation that the squad had to handle with an exceptionally limited preparation time coming into this opening game.

It was all a bit disjointed at times, particularly in midfield. In the opening 45, there were errors in passing, and play was becoming shackled rather than looking to distribute into space, which was something the Matildas did so well during the latter stages of 2022.

Just before the 20-minute mark, Hayley Raso drove to the edge of the box and was brought down by Gabriela Šlajsová. Gorry drove in the free-kick powerfully and the originally offending Czech defender cleared.

**Above:** Steph Catley driving forward for Australia in the first half today. **Photo:** ABC.

The European side grew into the game and, with 25 minutes played, a poor defensive clearance fell perfectly for Anna Dlasková to hit a shot that Mackenzie Arnold pushed wide. This was the start of a flurry of chances for the Czechs.

Western Sydney Wanderers’ Jitka Chlastáková had a chance with the most route one style of creativity. Goalkeeper Olive Lukášová cleared long and Anna Dlasková nodded on for Chlastáková, who saw Arnold off her line, but could not lift it over the Australian keeper.

Michaela Khýrová then pounced with great skill after a poor pass from Luik. Khýrová turned away brilliantly and let fly with a shot that Arnold repelled at the right-hand post.

Australia got more flow in the game in the last 10 minutes of the half with one chance created as Steph Catley supplied a high cross in from the left and Raso looped a header over.

**Above:** Clare Polkinghorne flicks a header goalwards against Czechia. **Photo:** Guardian.

Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson gave Clare Hunt an international debut at the start of the second half, and within three minutes of the restart, the home side went ahead.

Mary Fowler fed Kerr, and the all-time record Australian top scorer drove diagonally towards the right of the box to play in Raso, who took a touch to flick it onto her shooting foot and then dispatch the ball into the left-hand side of the net.

It got better still eight minutes later as Catley’s corner from the right was headed across goal by debutant Hunt at the far post for Raso to steer a header home.

Australia were now on top and playing patiently looking to add a telling ball through only when ready. With just over 20 minutes to go, a raft of substitutions took place, three each from either side, but the incoming Matildas had an instant impact, as well as the resulting impact of Cooney-Cross being able to play in a more advanced role.

**Above:** Sam Kerr celebrates after putting Australia 3-0 up. **Photo:** Guardian.

Larissa Crummer combined to pull the focus of the attack to the right with Chidiac also involved as Raso played in Grant who pulled a ball across which Lukášová pushed away for Chidiac whose effort came back off of Simona Necidová into the path of Kerr who couldn’t miss.

Cooney-Cross’ potential and current impact on the international scene was perfectly highlighted with 84 minutes played. The former Melbourne Victory starlet lost possession inside her own half, but then battled to win the ball back between two defenders and then used her pace to motor away before delivering a centimetre-perfect ball out to Kerr on the left leading to a corner.

Chidiac’s delivery was flicked across by the boot of Raso into the path of Polkinghorne who directed the ball into the net to put the icing on the cake on an important night for the former Brisbane Roar star, who was becoming the most capped Matilda in history.

It was a sweet second half for Australia against a nation who do not habitually suffer heavy defeats like this. Given this result was achieved on the back of such a difficult lead-in, it highlights how far the Matildas have come since those dark days of 2021.

There is still plenty of room for improvement – the midfield battle will need to be won from the first whistle if Australia are to trouble Spain on Sunday – but for now, things continue to move in the right direction.

**Above:** The Matildas starting line-up prior to kick-off. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-4-2): Arnold, Grant, Polkinghorne, Luik, Catley, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Vine, Fowler, Raso, Kerr. Substitutes used: Hunt (for Luik 46′), Chidiac (for Vine 68′), van Egmond (for Gorry 68′), Crummer (for Fowler 68′).

Scorers: Raso 48′, 56′. Kerr 70′, Polkinghorne 84’.

CZECH REPUBLIC (4-4-2): Lukášová, Dlasková, Necidová, Bertholdová, Šlajsová, Khýrová, Pochmanová, Cahynová, Chlastáková, Mrázová, Martínková. Substitutes used: Stašková, Růžičková, Veselá, Polcarová, Cvrčková, Černá.

Referee: Asaka Koizumi (JPN).

Attendance: 7,702.

Leah Williamson: Promoting equality and togetherness

Ahead of the Lionesses’ opening Arnold Clark Cup game against South Korea tomorrow, captain Leah Williamson spoke to the media at St. George’s Park. Impetus’ Nathan Edwards was there (15/2/23).

Above: England captain Leah Williamson in action during training yesterday. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.

Leah Williamson said she would wear the OneLove armband in the upcoming Arnold Cup in support of male Czech Republic international Jakub Jankto, who came out as gay this week, and the England captain wants to carry on wearing the armband at the 2023 World Cup.

FIFA banned several men’s international sides from wearing the OneLove armband at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, including England’s Harry Kane.

The Lionesses’ captain revealed she would continue to support the OneLove armband in England’s upcoming Arnold Cup fixtures, against Italy, Belgium and South Korea.

And Williamson is hoping she will be able to show her support to the LGBTQ+ community in this summer’s showpiece tournament.

The defender said, “You hope it’s not a last-minute call once we get there, it’s something we want to do all year round. We have done it previously.

“It’s always been a value that we’ve stood by, so the consistency there won’t change, it’s something we believe in, it’s a journey the world is on that isn’t quite where we want it to be yet, so it’s something we’ll continue to fight for.

“The statement that was made at the Euros last summer with every team participating, I think that’s incredible.

“Every picture we have with a trophy lift, there’s a rainbow armband in there, so it’s a great stage and a great time to promote those values we believe in.”

**Above:** Leah Williamson lifting the European Championship trophy last year. **Photo:** Lionesses.

This comes after Jakub Jankto became the highest-profile male footballer to come out as gay, and Williamson and her teammates felt that they wanted to “stand in solidarity” with the Czech Republic player.

She said, “We’re never shy in saying what we stand for. We’re a squad that embraces equality and we have a number of people that feel very strongly about it. It’s not even a question for us really.

“We have seen another men’s player step out and be as brave as they can be and potentially change their whole life – as they don’t know what’s coming – so to also stand in solidarity with them is important to us.

“It’s something we’ve always done and will continue to do. We’re not just impacting football but trying to have a positive influence on society and that’s one of the ways we can do that.

“I think Jakub [Jankto] was a main factor, but as always, I think it stands against discrimination of any form.”

Similarly, to the men’s World Cup, in Qatar, the tournament in Australia has come under fire after a potential sponsor with Saudi Arabia tourism authorities came to light.

The news has already been questioned by USA international Alex Morgan who labelled the reports as “bizarre” and with laws against homosexuality, and women’s rights restricted in the Middle Eastern country, Williamson wanted a decision to be made by FIFA.

The Arsenal captain said, “We always make our feelings heard, but ultimately those things will hopefully be resolved in a positive way by FIFA, Australia, and New Zealand.

“There’s a time and a place for players to speak out, but ultimately the decision is not in our hands, so you hope they are made in the best interests of the game.”