Perry Dobbins was at Jenner Park to capture this outstanding selection of photos from Barry Town United‘s Genero Adran Premier match against Abergavenny (1/3/23).
Above: Abergavenny players show their delight after their win at Barry Town United, secured four minutes from full-time Photo: Perry Dobbins.
Barry Town United 0-1 Abergavenny
Abergavenny (red) started their phase two Genero Adran Premier campaign with a 1-0 win at Barry Town United, thanks to a goal in the 86th minute from Alanna Murphy.
Teams: BARRY TOWN UNITED: Brennan, Harris, Jenkins, Ebbin, Mulenga, Jones, Bennett, Evans, Hamed-Jones, Trivett, Olden. Substitutes: Herbert, R. Thomas, L. Thomas, Parry, Davies.
Perth Glory attacker Alana Jancevski spoke exclusively to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about last season’s challenges, the tightness of the playing group, and how she hit THAT free kick at Western United last month (28/2/23).
Above: Alana Jancevski fires in a shot for Perth Glory against Newcastle Jets at Macedonia Park. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
There are 72 minutes on the clock and Perth Glory are locked at 1-1 away to A-League Women leaders Western United. The Western Australian side are awarded a free-kick around 25 yards from goal, up steps Alana Jancevski.
The 19-year-old delivers a set-piece combining a vicious spin with awesome power that whistles past Hillary Beal and into the net. It’s not just one of the goals of this season, it’s one of the goals of any season. Yet it’s something that those who have followed her career since its earliest days were not surprised by.
Above: Alana Jancevski celebrating her sensational strike for Perth Glory against Western United. Photo: Keep Up.
Last season, Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby said of her teammate: “The pitch is her playground.” It’s where Jancevski delivers the incredible on a regular basis. She is a player that you can never take your eyes off as you are never quite sure what the Victoria-born youngster will pull out of her large bag of tricks next.
Alana Jancevski began playing football at the age of five. Her first club was Bundoora United to the north of Melbourne, where she was a part of boys’ teams until the age of 12 when she became part of the NTC (National Training Centre) in Victoria where she remained for five years.
Given a place at Melbourne Victory as a train-on player for three of those years, she was called up by the Junior Matildas in 2018/2019 – a period that saw her score another memorable goal for her country against Thailand. The teenager was also given national exposure by being part of the Kick TV series on ABC ME which followed her journey in football.
Above: Alana Jancevski pictured after scoring for Thailand for the Young Matildas. Photo: AFC.
Jancevski made the move from Victoria across to Perth as an 18-year-old last season. That in itself would be a challenge for anyone so young, but with the additional difficulties of the pandemic, which closed the state border and force the club into a New South Wales hub for the entire season, before the player herself became ill, it was seriously tough.
“It was a difficult period for us as a group,” Jancevski admitted to me, “being away from your home is challenging. Not having home advantage and being stuck in a hub wasn’t good. It did though help our team culture. We got closer as a group and we really flourished in our performances and we kinda became a little family. It was also tough with COVID.”
Despite the difficulties, the attacker had an impressive season as part of a Perth side who against all odds only missed out on Finals football by goal difference from eventual champions Melbourne Victory.
With the A-League Women season over, Jancevski returned to Victoria and played the NPLW campaign with Bulleen Lions – an environment in which she thrived.
“It was my second season there and it was one I wanted to do well in, and after the sickness I had, I wanted to come in and get fit again. I had a lot of confidence in the season and that showed in my performances. As a club, they gave me that environment and the confidence to do that, and I enjoyed my time there.”
Above: In her trademark 23 shirt, Alana Jancevski at Bulleen Lions during the NPLW Victoria season in 2022. Photo: Gold Leaf Creative.
In the latter part of 2022, the 19-year-old joined up with her Perth Glory teammates once more, and for the first time since joining the club was able to fully experience life in Western Australia, and the advantages of home support. It’s fair to say it’s a city that Jancevski is loving.
“I really enjoy it here, it’s a great environment for football. I have the enjoyment of training, but also being able to go to the beach and experience the day life of Perth. I’ve really enjoyed the calmness and chilled vibe. Being able to play at Macedonia Park, the atmosphere is amazing.”
Perth Glory are experiencing a season of two halves in 2022/23. With a strong squad and high hopes of Finals football, it took a bit longer than hoped for the results to come, and a further difficulty added in was the season-ending injury for top scorer Rylee Baisden. It was a huge blow, but Jancevski believes that it has only underlined the fact that her team are one that thrives when their backs are against the wall.
“Losing Rylee was a big loss to the group. She was such a sunshine and we all loved her very much. It was tough to digest. We might not have started the season as we wanted, but we brought components of our game in snippets and we knew when we brought it together for larger parts of the game we would do well.
Above: Alana Jancevski in possession for Perth Glory against Melbourne Victory this season at Macedonia Park. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
“When our backs are against the wall, and we’ve been through so much together the last few years, we thrive. Sometimes things don’t go your way – are you going to rise above it, or just sit in it, and as a group, we love to thrive in difficult conditions. We love the heat and we love to travel. We are ready to do things that are uncomfortable. We are in that hunt mode and we know what we are capable of.”
The Victorian reflected on her own game this season, saying: “I’ve had some really good performances, and I’m happy with how I’m going. I’ve been able to show the player that I am and the confidence and flair that I like to play with in front of goal. It’s been nice to score and get some assists. I’m playing with confidence and being myself, and I’m enjoying having that impact on the team.
“We have a very strong team and everyone has different assets. I’ve been able to execute really well coming on as an impact player. It depends on how the team are going. I’m training well and executing well on the pitch. I think I’m doing really well in that respect.”
When it comes to executing well, there is no better example than the stunning goal that Jancevski scored against Western United.
Reflecting on that strike, the Perth star said: “I’ve always loved being on a set piece. There has been a lot of practice. My craft is being in front of goal and shooting. That one felt pretty nice and sweet off the boot. It was definitely one of my best.”
“I’m very much an instinct player. In the moment, I was very much in the zone. Everything around me just stopped. It was one of those special moments that footballers get. When you are in that flow state, everything kinda happens on its own. I’m an instinct player and that is how it felt.”
Alana Jancevski on her stunning free-kick against Western United.
With Perth Glory well in the mix for Finals football as one of four or five sides competing for potentially only one available spot, there is a lot to look forward to for Jancevski and her teammates as the season reaches its climax. However, in order to reach the Finals, the team will have to overcome a packed March schedule of five games – which is equal to a quarter of the entire season – including a run of three games in three different states in six days.
“March is going to be a crazy month of football,” the attacker admitted, “but in terms of how we want to perform when you play football you want to be in a competitive environment. When you see four or five teams so close to that bracket, is something you thrive in and you live for. You want competition, you don’t want an easy tournament. It’s good pressure.
“In terms of what we need to do, we have clicked well as a group. We just need to keep being confident, keep playing our brand of football, keep scoring heaps of goals, and the rest will settle itself. If we put pressure on some teams, they might crumble.”
“As a footballer or an athlete in general, your main goal should be to win. I’m so competitive and hate to lose, so getting into the Finals is one step, and if you make that top four, you never know what is going to happen. I just want to keep adding to the group by scoring goals and assisting.”
With Alana Jancevski on the pitch, a goal, assist or moment of magic is never far away, and that Finals dream is very real indeed.
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Above: Bethan Roberts (green and black) chases possession for Aberystwyth Town on Sunday. Photo: Steve Williams.
Aberystwyth Town began the second half of the Genero Adran Premier campaign in less than ideal fashion with a last-gasp defeat at the hands of Pontypridd United, falling 2-1 at Park Avenue.
After two cup losses in a row, Gav Allen’s side were keen to get back to league action. Tania Wylde opened the scoring with a thumping penalty after 12 minutes following a foul on Amy Jenkins. But Olivia Francis notched an equaliser just before the half-hour.
There were great chances for the hard-working Gwenllian Jones and Emily Thomas and one particularly fine save from Aber goalkeeper Elen Valentine, back from Wales U19 duty, using her feet brilliantly to deny Carys Bufton.
Above: Elen Valentine makes one of many great saves for Aberystwyth Town against Pontypridd United. Photo: Steve Williams.
But Bufton would ultimately prevail, scoring with two minutes left on the clock to seal all three points for the visitors.
The second half also marked a home debut for 15-year-old Modlen Gwynne, coming on in the 74th minute; she made her first senior start in the Genero Adran Trophy semi-final defeat to Cardiff Met two weeks ago.
Above: Modlen Gwynne (7) on her home debut for Aberystwyth Town. Photo: Steve Williams.
The Seasiders are back at home next Sunday as they face Barry Town United at Park Avenue (kick-off 2pm).
Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (28/2/23).
Above:Megan Todd (centre) is embraced after scoring the opening goal in Norwich City’s 2-1 win over Cambridge United.Photo: Norwich City Women FC.
FA Women’s National League Division One South-East
Norwich City ended February in style with a 2-1 win over Cambridge United. Megan Todd opened the scoring before Gisela Otten equalised for Cambridge United. A late winner from Freya Symonds ensured the points went to the Norfolk side.
Eastern Region League Cup Round of 16
King’s Lynn Town secured a confidence-boosting 3-0 win over Billericay Development at The Walks. Alice Collins, Rachel Skinner, and Katie Ward were on target for Kevin Smith’s team.
Wroxham were beaten 4-2 at home by Royston Town after extra time. Rebecca Russell and Holly Walker scored for the Norfolk side but it was Royston who progressed thanks to two goals apiece from Gemma Croucher and Poppy Smith.
Fakenham Town put up stubborn resistance but ultimately went down heavily to Needham Market. Sophie Lubbock and Olivia Baker scored for the Norfolk side but a Lina Nagib hat-trick and goals from Lois Balfour, Eleanor Catchpole, Mia Etheridge, and Eloise Ward saw the Suffolk side progress to the next round.
Norfolk Women’s And Girls League Cup Semi-Finals
Above: Victoria Leyer (centre) was the hat-trick hero as Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers beat Caister 6-1 at The Nest. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.
A Victoria Leyer hat-trick was the highlight as Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers beat Caister 6-1 at The Nest to reach final. Further goals from Georgina Belton, Tallulah Bell, and Karolina Kowalczyk secured a comfortable win with Leah Brown getting the Caister reply.
Three goals in eight second-half minutes saw Thetford Town come back at the University of East Anglia to reach the final. Ella Burnley had given the hosts an early lead which they held until half an hour into the second half but three quick goals from Laura Martins and a Kamilie Omeleviciute saw the Breckland side seal their place in the final.
The Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup Final will be played at Aylsham Town FC in May.
Norfolk Women And Girls Plate Quarter-Finals
Above: Celebrations as Mulbarton Development beat Beccles Town 3-2. Photo: Sean Golding (SG Photography).
Mulbarton Belles were 7-1 winners at Stalham Town thanks to goals from Molly Ryan (three), Francesca Catchpole (two), and one each from Olivia Smith and Ellie Hunter.
Mulbarton’s Development side also ran out winners beating Beccles Town 3-2. Charlotte Groves scored all the Mulbarton goals whilst Mia Rose and Lucy Robbens were Beccles’ scorers.
Thorpe St. Andrew were handed a free pass to the Semi Final as Gorleston withdrew from their tie, and the match between Freethorpe and Aylsham was postponed.
Norfolk Women’s And Girls League Division One
Samantha Walker was a hat-trick hero as Long Stratton beat Sprowston 4-2 at Manor Road. Emma Allsopp added the other for Long Stratton with Rosie Milligan and Lois Wright replying for Sprowston.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
King’s Lynn Soccer Club were 5-1 winners at Blofield United thanks to a pair of goals each from Jordan Turner and Ellie Panks plus a fifth from Trinity Tokaji. Bailey Duffield replied for Blofield.
North Walsham‘s wonderful form continued with a 3-0 win over Shrublands. A Stella Fletcher-Helps brace and a goal from Fiona-May Swanson saw North Walsham take all three points.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Cup Semi-Final
Mulbarton Belles made it a remarkable hat-trick of wins for the club’s different teams on the day with goals from Alice Ladbrooke (two) and an Eloise Peek strike seeing them record a 3-0 win at Rockland United.
Taverham also reached the final with a 3-0 win over Dussindale and HellesdonRovers thanks to a Katie Fray hat-trick. The final will be at Aylsham in May.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two
Loddon United were 3-0 winners at Yarmouth thanks to Sarah Britcher, Samantha Wood, and Alex Kotroci finding the net.
Beccles Town won 4-1 at Aylsham thanks to two goals from Lilyella Craw-Seaman and one each from Lola Middlemass and Abbie Pogmore.
Above: Matildas star Elise Kellond-Knight and assistant coach Mel Andreatta pictured at Marvel Stadium today. Photo: Aleksandar Kostadinoski/Football Australia.
Australia today announced their final friendly ahead of the World Cup, with France due to take on The Matildas at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on 14th July.
The announcement means that the only member of the world’s top ten ranked nations that Australia have not faced in the past two years is North Korea, who are presently not playing international matches.
This importance of completing preparations for the tournament against France was emphasised by Football Australia CEO James Johnson who told the media today: “It is only four months before the World Cup kicks off. Our sport is just a little bit special as it has the ability to bring the whole of Australia together.
“2023 will be the biggest years in our sport. As one of the key preparations, we are very excited to play France here at Marvel Stadium on 14th July. By the time we play France, the Matildas would have played all nine top-ranked FIFA teams.”
Above: Matildas assistant coach Mel Andreatta speaking to the media today. Photo: Aleksandar Kostadinoski/Football Australia.
Also present at the announcement was Matildas assistant coach Mel Andreatta who underlined the importance of taking advantage of the current positivity around the national team by packing out the 53,359 seater stadium. “In terms of the send-off, I can’t wait to see the fans show the world and every other nation (in the tournament) what it is like to face the Matildas.”
Andreatta puts down the team’s current run of seven straight wins to a focus on more consistency in national team selection after an 18-month period of giving opportunities to a large number of uncapped players.
“If we go back to September last year, we mentioned how the process was starting to narrow in and focus on continuity. You can see that now with how each game and window, we’re getting closer. The door is not shut and there are opportunities for players who are performing before we lock down that final 23.
“The team has to have the right balance, experience, positions, and profile. We found that process difficult going into the Olympics, but that experience as a staff was good and it will help us to make the right decisions when the time comes. It normalises those experiences of playing the top teams in big stadiums in big grounds.”
Above: Elise Kellond-Knight emphasises how important the Matildas’ final friendly before the World Cup will be. Photo: Aleksandar Kostadinoski/Football Australia.
Matildas star Elise Kellond-Knight reflected on how important it was that the squad will go into the World Cup on the back of another game against top opposition saying: “It’s a big opportunity for us to test ourselves six days before our opening World Cup game. Being able to play in a big stadium will also test us. It’s another challenge with the communication on the field.”
France have, over the past week been hit by further major disagreements between players, their federation, and head coach – a sequence of events that has been repeating itself since the 2019 World Cup.
It is yet another example of players stepping back from selection for their national teams due to long-term issues with the national federation and/or their head coach. Kellond-Knight emphasised how important it is that all players in the women’s game remain united.
“It’s about the next generation and we want to improve things. All the players around the world support each other. We went through it with our own federation in 2015. We now hope France, Spain, Canada, and Chile can get through it. We’re not professional footballers forever, so we need to enjoy it.”
“The team is flying, we’re playing our best football and we’re full of confidence.”
Matthew Appleby was at the Leigh Sports Village yesterday and captures the best of the action as Manchester United took on Durham in the FA Cup Fifth Round (27/2/23).
Above: Durham’s defence stretch to get to the ball ahead of Manchester United’s Lucia Garcia. Photo: Matthew Appleby.
Andy Wicks was at the tier eight Hampshire County League Division Two match on Sunday and brings us this superb photo gallery as Andover New Street (green and black) ran out winners (27/2/23).
Above: Andover New Street’s goalkeeper makes a flying save yesterday. Photo: Andy Wicks.
Above: Inverness Caledonian Thistle celebrate during their win at Rossvale. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Kelly Neilson.
Wins for Ayr United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle has tightened the middle of the Scottish Women’s Championship table, while leaders Livingston came from behind to win a narrow victory over Dryburgh Athletic.
Elsewhere in the Scottish Women’s pyramid, both Falkirk and their development side suffered surprise defeats at home.
SWF Championship
In Glasgow, Inverness Caledonian Thistle came from behind to win 3-2 against Rossvale to take all three points, leaving the Petershill side in third after Renfrew had won 3-1 against Hutchison Vale in Edinburgh on Friday night.
Ayr United secured their third win in a row with a 2-0 victory at Morton, thanks to Clare Docherty’s 12th league goal of the season and a strike from Lauren Sloan.
SWF League One
There was high drama with promotion hopefuls Falkirk suffering a 5-1 defeat at the Falkirk stadium to St. Mirren. Suzanne Wyatt’s 20th league goal of the season for the home side merely a consolation with the visitors scoring through Ceara Macintyre, Helen McLeod, Jen Caldwell, Francesca Blair, and Maxine Fury.
Also scoring her 20th goal of the campaign was Westdyke’s Kayleigh Traynor, whose side were twice pegged back in a 2-2 draw in the north east derby against Grampian Ladies. After the Falkirk defeat, though, it is a point gained for Westdyke in the promotion race.
League leaders FC Edinburgh brushed aside Gleniffer Thistle 10-0, while Edinburgh Caledonia came back from three goals down to win 6-3 at home against Giffnock Soccer Centre. Airdrie Ladies beat Dundee West 2-0 in the City of Discovery.
Biffa SWFL
Forfar Farmington won the top-of-the-table clash in the North league, putting two past previously unbeaten Glenrothes Strollers without reply.
In the East league, Dunfermline Athletic inflicted a second defeat for Falkirk of the day, beating them 3-1 at the Falkirk stadium. In West, Alloa Athletic leapfrogged Motherwell Development in the table after beating them 4-3 in a tense game, while Dunipace beat West Park United 5-3 in another thriller to remain third.
In South, the Ayrshire derby saw Ayr United Development see off Clark Drive Girls 5-3, while Kilwinning beat Dalbeattie Star 11-0.
Above: AFC Wimbledon in a celebratory mood yesterday against league leaders Hashtag United in Basildon. Photo: Emily Topping.
AFC Wimbledon breathed new life into the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East title race as they stormed to an incredible 4-0 win away to league leaders Hashtag United.
The Dons went into the game eight points behind the Tags with one game in hand, knowing that anything but a win could derail a title charge. However, goals from Ashlee Hincks, Emily Donovan, Becki Bath, and Emma Plewa condemned Hashtag United to their first league defeat of the season, and ensured that Wimbledon are well in the race as they enter the business end of the campaign.
There was a less-than-ideal start for Wimbledon as Amy Taylor sustained an injury in the warm-up shortly before kick-off. Bath was drafted into the starting eleven.
With only seven minutes on the clock, Hincks put the Dons 1-0 up, scoring directly from a corner. Wimbledon kept pushing for more and got what they deserved 20 minutes in as Donovan fired off a stunning strike from 30 yards out to double the lead.
Being two goals to the good, the Dons set out to control the game. A midfield masterclass from Donovan, Bath, and Fran Ali – who made her first start for Wimbledon – alongside some fine saves from Faye Baker ensured we went into the break ahead.
The second half started much like the first, and a third goal was added less than five minutes in. This time, Bath’s head was the first to make contact with a Hincks corner, with the ball sailing past the opposition keeper.
The fourth and final goal came in the final minute of normal time, when Plewa battled past the Hashtag defence during a counter attack to put the ball in the net and confirm a resounding scoreline.
Speaking after the match, Dons goalkeeper Faye Baker said: “It was a great game. You know, very physical, feisty, end-to-end. We really put on a professional performance and got the job done. We are buzzing with three points and a clean sheet. It’s what we came to do.”
Wimbledon coach Kevin Foster reflected on how pleased he was that his team took on board his staff’s messages leading up to the match, as he said: “We were excellent. We spoke before the game and during the week about being us, and the match being about what we can do and how we can implement our style.”
The title chase continues this Sunday, when AFC Wimbledon welcome Chesham United to the Cherry Red Records Stadium, Plough Lane.
Above: Melbourne City star Dani Galic (right), who has had a major breakthrough season in the A-League Women, takes her place in the Young Matildas squad. Photo: Keep Up.
27/2/23
Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney has selected a 23-player squad to travel to the Kyrgyz Republic next month for the first round of the 2024 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Australia’s U-20 Women’s National Team will face Guam and hosts Kyrgyz Republic in Group C of the Round One Qualifiers with the group winner progressing to Round Two in June 2023.
Selection of the squad has followed three training camps and international matches over the past six months that saw 43 different players called up for the start of the new U-20 cycle.
Above: Alana Murphy, having a superb season at Melbourne Victory. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Blayney said that the selected players are eager to commence the qualifiers positively in Bishkek.
“I can’t fault the way all the players have undertaken the preparations for the Round One Qualifiers over the past six months,” Blayney said. “Their diligence and enthusiasm made the selection of the final 23 an incredibly challenging one with so much talent available across Australia.”
“Our final 23 reflects the needs of the squad to ensure balance across all positions with the players named providing unique attributes to the collective. We have been diligent with our scouting network with the mixture of Liberty A-League Women’s, National Premier Leagues, metro and regional, and international players sending the message that we will consider any footballer we believe can be valuable to our ultimate goal.
“Qualification for the 2024 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup will be a long process and, while those who were not selected this time around would be disappointed, it is important to recognise their contribution in elevating the training standard and highlighting that there will be several future openings.”
Above: Adelaide United’s exciting attacker Emilia Murray is in the Young Matildas squad. Photo: Adelaide United.
For a majority of the roster, it will be their first taste of international competition football at the U-20 age group with only seven players returning from the Young Matildas 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign.
The squad sees strong representation from the Liberty A-League Women’s competition with 19 of the 23 currently on the rosters of ten different clubs. Several have starred in the competition with strong performances across the 15 rounds of the 2022/23 season. Seven different Member Federations are also featured including a number of players from regional Australia.
“This will be an important trip for us to not only ensure we progress to the next stage but also ingrain good foundations that will benefit us across the next two years,” Blayney continued.
“Regardless of the opponent, we take every match seriously as they are not only occasions where we can develop but also where we can establish strong habits for future tests. There is an unknown quality to the opposition which by necessity means we need to ensure full focus on our own performances, continued building of cohesion and executing our playing style.”
Above: Tijan McKenna receives a call up for the Young Matildas. Photo: Perth Glory.
Players and staff will depart Australia on 3 March 2023 with the Young Matildas’ opening match kicking off at 8.00pm on 6th March 2023 (local time) against Guam with the second tie against the Kyrgyz Republic taking place four days later.
YOUNG MATILDAS SQUAD:
Alexia APOSTOLAKIS Defender, Western Sydney Wanderers. Tegan BERTOLISSIO Defender, Macarthur Rams. Milly BOUGHTON Midfielder, West Ham United. Ava BRIEDIS Midfielder, Melbourne Victory FC. Claudia CICCO Forward, Wellington Phoenix FC. Jynaya DOS SANTOS Forward, Sydney FC. Gemma FERRIS Defender, Western Sydney Wanderers. Tahlia FRANCO Goalkeeper, Sydney FC. Daniela GALIC Midfielder, Melbourne City FC. Sasha GROVE Forward, Canberra United FC. Shay HOLLMAN Midfielder, Sydney FC. Kahli JOHNSON Forward, Western United. Zara KRUGER Midfielder, Brisbane Roar FC, Chloe LINCOLN Goalkeeper, Canberra United. Maya LOBO Defender, Macarthur Rams. Tijan McKENNA Defender, Perth Glory. Alana MURPHY Midfielder, Melbourne Victory FC. Emilia MURRAY Forward, Adelaide United FC. Jessika NASH Defender, Melbourne Victory FC. Ella O’GRADY Forward, Football Queensland QAS. Sienna SAVESKA Forward, Western Sydney Wanderers. Anika STAJCIC Forward, Sydney FC. Grace WILSON Goalkeeper, Adelaide United FC.
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