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Welsh Weekend Wrap

Martin Townley rounds up all the weekend’s action in the FAW Women’s Cup Semi-Finals, plus matches in the second tier Adran North and Adran South (21/2/23).

Above: Briton Ferry Llansawel celebrate their superb win over top-tier Aberystwyth Town in the FAW Women’s Cup Semi-Final. Photo: FAW.

Briton Ferry Llansawel made history by reaching their first-ever FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Final. The second-tier side with a stunning victory over Adran Premier side Aberystwyth Town. Defending champions Cardiff City will join the Reds in the final after their win over city rivals Cardiff Met.

In the Adran North, Wrexham continued their winning streak as they hammered Felinheli. Rosie Hughes grabbed another four goals as her amazing scoring run continues.

Pontardawe Town have had a big say in where the Adran South title will go after their 4-0 win over Cascade. Cascade could have gone top with a win but now sit two points of the leaders Briton Ferry, who have two games in hand.

FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Semi-Finals

Briton Ferry Llansawel 3-0 Aberystwyth Town

with additional reporting from ATWFC Media team.

It was heartbreak for Aberystwyth Town Women as they were knocked out of the FAW Women’s Cup at the semi-final stage by second-tier Briton Ferry Llansawel.

On a chilly day at Carmarthen’s Richmond Park, Gavin Allen’s side struggled to assert themselves and paid the price, falling 3-0.

Goals from Megan Kearle, Lowri Baker, and Fleur Jenkins secured the win for Ferry – while salt was rubbed into the Aber wound when Rebecca Mathias was sent off at the end of the match after receiving two yellow cards for dissent. (Red card was two quick yellows for dissent)

There were some chances for the Seasiders, but they were few and far between – two good efforts from Shauna Chambers, a Libby Isaac free kick, and a shot from Emily Thomas that flew over the bar were the most notable.

There were plaudits too for 17-year-old goalkeeper Carys Pugh-Jones, between the sticks due to Elen Valentine’s absence on international duty with Wales U19s.

There will be no time for Aber to dwell on the lost opportunity to reach their first-ever FAW Women’s Cup final – they are back in Genero Adran Premier action next Sunday (26th February) when they host Pontypridd United in the first match of Phase 2 (kick-off 2pm at Park Avenue).

**Above:** Young Aberystwyth Town goalkeeper Carys Pugh-Jones reaches to make a save in the semi-final. **Photo:** Steve Williams Photography.

Briton Ferry Llansawel head to a FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Final for the first time ever after a resounding win at Richmond Park.

Aber tried to make it difficult for Ferry but Lowri Baker gave the tier two side the lead firing in through a crowd of players in the 19^th minute.

Megan Kearle extended Briton Ferry’s lead eight minutes into the second half. Laura-May Walkley with a clever piece of play to find Kearle who chipped the ball over the keeper.

It got better for the Reds as Aber keeper Carys Pugh-Jones only part cleared a cross, Fleur Jenkins first to the loose ball to lift it over the keeper.

With a lead Ferry dropped a little deeper and tried to see out the game. The Seasiders made a triple change and went on the front foot. Their last chance was a shot from the edge of the box which forced a good save from Courtney Young.

Cardiff City 2-0 Cardiff Met

**Above:** Cardiff City – who made the FAW Women’s Cup Final with victory over cross-city rivals Cardiff Met. **Photo:** Cardiff City Women.

Cardiff City continue to compete to win the treble as they reached the FAW Welsh Women’s Cup Final. Cardiff City were unhappy at this game going ahead as they had serval players away with Cymru’s intermediate squads.

Rhianne Oakley gave the Bluebirds the lead after 32 minutes. Oakley turning in from Seren Watkin’s cross. Oakley grabbed the second goal just past the hour mark when she put the ball in from close range.

Cardiff will now look to defend their crown when they face Briton Ferry Llansawel in the final.

Adran North

Wrexham 8-1 CPDM Y Felinheli

Wrexham won again to return to the top of the Adran North. They sit two points ahead of Connah’s Quay in second.

Wrexham hit four goals in the first half thanks to Amber Lightfoot, Sophie Hodson, and two from Rosie Hughes. Hughes finished off her hat trick shortly after the restart. Jordanne Greenough got a goal for Felinheli but soon Lightfoot got her second and Hughes got her fourth. An own goal from Llio Henshaw made it 8-1 to Wrexham.

Wrexham will travel to Connah’s Quay next as the top two go head-to-head for the first time this season.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 1-2 Llandudno

Early goals from Julia Alcock and Ffion Owen gave Llandudno the lead at halftime. Laura Williams got one back for Rhyl in the second half, but they could not find a second to level the game.

Llandudno remain in third place extending their lead over Rhyl to four points.

Adran South

Pontardawe Town 4-0 Cascade YC

Cascade’s title chances took a hit as they missed out on the chance to top the table. With Briton Ferry in cup action Cascade failed to advantage and slumped to a 4-0 loss.

Sara Llewellyn, Ella Stafford, Keira Harris, and Renee Day with the goals for Pontardawe as they move four points clear in third spot.

Cascade trail Ferry by two points but importantly Ferry has two more games to play.

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (21/2/23).

Above: Rebekah Lake (right) scored twice in Mulbarton’s 4-0 win over Thetford Town. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.

Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter Finals

Norwich City recorded a 5-0 victory over King’s Lynn Town. Goals from Ellie Smith, Katie Knights, Ella Gambell, and a brace from Megan Todd saw the hosts claim a comfortable victory.

Wroxham despatched Fakenham Town in impressive fashion winning 11-0 in a match played on a neutral ground at FDC Bowthorpe. Holly Connell and Hannah Waters netted hat-tricks with Zara O’Neill, Jennifer Codman, Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley, and Keela Olive rounding off the scoring.

Mulbarton Belles also progressed as they saw off a spirited Thetford Town 4-0 at Mulberry Park. Rebekah Lake scored twice with Francesca Catchpole and Emma Farmer adding the others.

Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers were 9-2 winners at King’s Lynn Soccer Club. Shanice Sutton’s hat-trick, two each for Tallulah Bell and Chelsea Brister, plus further goals from Georgina Belton and Karolina Kowalczyk saw the visitors claim an expected comfortable win. Taeya Mayes and Leeanne Smith were the King’s Lynn Soccer Club scorers.

**Above:** Katie Knights (left) scored in Norwich City’s 5-0 win over King’s Lynn Town. **Photo:** Richard Brown.

Suffolk Women’s Cup Quarter Final

Beccles Town were beaten 7-0 at home by Needham Market. Goals from Molly Hall and Jodie Sharp (two each) alongside Lois Balfour, Nicole Pannifer, and Eva Hubbard secured the win.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Long Stratton climbed into second with an 8-4 win at Caister. Luci Middleton netted five, Samantha Walker got a brace and Mia Wilkinson added the other. Caister had Hayley Muir, Molly Sims, Poppy Loveland, and Leah Brown to thank for their goals.

A claim for Norfolk’s result of the day saw Sprowston beat the University of East Anglia 4-3 thanks to goals from Olivia Leggett, Rosie Milligan, and a couple from Anais Winney. Freya Standing (2) and Katie Lee were the scorers for UEA.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Thorpe St. Andrew bounced back from last week’s defeat in emphatic style beating Freethorpe 5-1 away. Ellen Boucher, Emma Clark, Natasha Frankland, Tabitha Mileham, and Rosie Gunton scored for Tony Allen’s side with Eden Simmonds replying for the hosts.

Another 5-1 scoreline saw Gorleston beat FC Viking Valkyries. A hat trick from Kelsi Adams plus goals from Megan Bartlett and Ellie Burwood saw the hosts take a comfortable win. Chloe Ward scored for the visitors.

FC Bulldogs won a close game 3-2 over Horsford thanks to goals from Sophia Price and a brace from Bethany Spurling. Horsford found the net through Gabrielle Harris and an own goal.

An 82nd-minute strike from Lucy Kean saw Mulbarton Development beat title favourites Aylsham 1-0.

North Walsham continued their fine form with a 5-0 win over Shrublands. Kiera Brown bagged a brace plus Grace East, Stella Fletcher Helps and Rhiannon Holt got one each to see North Walsham pick up another fantastic win.

Above: Mulbarton Development celebrate going top of the table with an impressive 1-0 win over Aylsham. **Photo:** Sean Golding.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division One

Left Field were 2-0 winners over Dussindale and Hellesdon thanks to Brogan O’Grady and an own goal. Meanwhile, Kirkley and Pakefield shared the spoils with Rockland in a 0-0 draw

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division Two

Yarmouth FC were 5-0 winners at Aylsham. Nicole Ali (3) Courteney Beare and Nicole Pirolli all scored for the visitors.

Waveney won 3-1 away at Beccles Town. Taverham ran out 14-0 winners at Great Yarmouth with Katie Fray scoring nine. Rebecca Kirby added a hat trick of her own and there were also goals from Kate Morris and Kiera Braithwaite.

Woodley United v Abbey Rangers Photo Gallery

Andy Wicks of Oakmist Photography provides Impetus with another set of excellent images of Woodley United as they hosted Abbey Rangers in the Chairman’s Cup First Round. After which they were presented with the Southern Region Division One North championship trophy (21/2/23).

Above: Woodley United celebrate with the Southern Region Division One North championship trophy. Photo: Andy Wicks/Oakmist Photography.

Woodley United 3-0 Abbey Rangers

A week after clinching the league title of their tier six division last weekend, Woodley United hosted Abbey United in the Chairman’s Cup First Round. This competition, for tier five and six Southern Region Women’s League teams, saw Woodley go through thanks to goals from Sarah Lawrence, and two from Gemma Sims.

Gustavsson: If we stay true to our DNA we can succeed

by Ben Gilby (21/2/23)

Above: Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson speaking earlier today. Image: Football Australia.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson told the media today that he wants his team to experience lifting a trophy tomorrow, and that if they can stay true to their DNA, it is something that will stand them in good stead ahead of future major challenges, starting with a match against England in April.

With The Matildas needing just a draw against Jamaica in Newcastle tomorrow to win the Cup of Nations, confidence is high that Australia can extend their winning run to a seventh consecutive match.

Australia boss Gustavsson highlighted the strong core identity that his team has, and the fact that when all of its facets are at 100%, his side are exceptionally tough to beat.

“There are three things that are in the core of our DNA,” Gustavsson identified. “It’s our pressing game, it’s our pace – not just running, but with the ball, how fast we can play now. The other is set plays. We’ve shown again, scoring twice from set plays in the last game, and again in the match before that.”

The Matildas boss would not be drawn on player availability for tomorrow’s game other than to say that: “There have been some updates about Hayley Raso and Alanna Kennedy, and we’ll be looking into making final decisions tonight.”

At the present time, Gustavsson is solely focusing on “getting the best plan for the 90 minutes – best starting 11 for the game and best finishing 11. We’ve seen in this tournament that game-changers have a massive influence. Our game changers are a massive part of who we are. If you look at the last six consecutive wins we have, the game changers all played a major part in that.”

**Above:** Sam Kerr and Alanna Kennedy walk out to training today in Sydney. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

Asked what threats he feels Jamaica will pose to Australia tomorrow, the Matildas boss said: “They are very good on one-v-ones both attacking and defensively, and they have world-class pace in the transition game and that’s how they can hurt us.

“When we played them in 2019 (during the World Cup group stage – a match that the Matildas won 4-1), they did that, and we have the biggest respect for them. It was 2-1 in the 70th minute against them.”

With The Matildas having announced a friendly against the Lionesses at Brentford in April, Gustavsson revealed how much long-term planning had gone into finally being able to announce the fixture.

“It’s part of our bigger plan from day one – play bigger European opposition. The stats show that we don’t do too well against European opposition. We also want to play top-ranked opposition. The more type of games we get like that the better. It was a lot of background work to get this going. It was planned two years back.

“We will have played eight of the top ten ranked opposition in the world over the past two years. England are European champions and, right now one of the best teams in the world, if not the best team in the world. It will be a really, really good test to challenge ourselves to see where we are at.”

**Above:** Mackenzie Arnold at training today in Sydney. The West Ham United goalkeeper has had a superb international window. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

Hastings United v Ashford United Photo Gallery

Impetus’ Jon Smalldon was at Pilot Field to capture the best of the action as the top two met in the tier six London & South-East Regional Division One South (20/2/23).

Above: Hastings United get a shot away in their big match against Ashford United yesterday. Photo: Jon Smalldon for Impetus.

Hastings United 4-1 Ashford United

Hastings United gained a crucial victory in the battle for top spot in their tier six division after overcoming second-placed Ashford United in front of a big crowd at The Pilot Field yesterday. A close game was in the balance until its final stages and Ashford will be cursing a couple of key injuries and some decisions that didn’t go their way. Hastings, meanwhile, stuck to their game plan and got the win.

Teams: HASTINGS UNITED: Apps, Phillips, McIntyre, Harris, Gurr, Baitup, Creese, Roper, Critchfield, Bellehewe, Heather. Substitutes: Martin, Johnson, Sharp, Nicholson-Rogan, Moody.

Scorers: Creese 2, Heather, Own Goal.

ASHFORD UNITED: Greenaway, Howard, Mills, Davies, Cain, Howard, Steadman, Stokley, Barton, Newman, Janes. Substitutes: Alcani, Diamond, Stannard, Wyatt.

Scorer: Davies.

Attendance: 176.

Dons book Capital Cup semi-final spot

AFC Wimbledon 3-1 Actonians

by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon (20/2/23)

Above: AFC Wimbledon celebrate a goal during their Capital Cup Quarter-Final tie with Actonians yesterday. Photo: Emily Topping.

AFC Wimbledon secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Capital Cup yesterday as goals from Billie Brooks, Ashlee Hincks, and Emma Plewa earned a 3-1 win over Actonians at Carshalton Athletic FC.

New signing Fran Ali featured on the bench whilst there was a first start since October for Lauren Allen who completed her return from injury.

Wimbledon made the perfect start as Brooks headed home Hincks’ corner with less than 90 seconds on the clock. Not content with one early goal, the hosts quickly doubled their lead less than a minute later as Hincks got on the end of an Emma Plewa cross to put the Dons 2-0 up. There was then a scare for Wimbledon 10 minutes later as an Actonians shot cannoned off both posts before Allen was able to claim the loose ball.

The home side could have had a third goal before the break as the visiting keeper Butler produced a fine save to deny Hincks before Emily Donovan struck the woodwork.

Wimbledon’s domination continued into the second half, leading to them increasing their lead. This time Plewa registered her first Dons goal as she headed home a rebound from close range.

With 20 minutes to go, Alessandra Barecca tucked away a penalty to record her 100th goal for Actonians after Rosie Russell was adjudged to have committed a foul.

After closing out the game, AFC Wimbledon head to a semi-final berth against fellow FA Women’s National League Division One South-East side Ashford Town (Middlesex).

Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Allen, Brooks, Highman, Taylor (Ali), Plewa, Hincks, 12 Stow, Donovan (Bath), Billingham, Dorey, Newman (Russell).

Scorers: Brooks 2′, Hincks 3′, Plewa 58′.

ACTONIANS: Butler, Ebine, Coomson, Ishmael, Shimitzu, Kanno, Graham, D’Santos, Netschova, Shakes, Ledezma-Viso. Substitutes: Williamson, Brereton, Barecca, Khan, Nee Chambers.

Scorer: Barecca (pen) 69′.

Sunday afternoon with the Boro

In his photo gallery this week for Impetus, Matthew Appleby provides us with first-half action from Poppleton v Middlesbrough in the North Riding County Cup, before second-half action from York City v Middlesbrough Reserves (20/2/23).

Above: York City fire in a shot at home to Middlesbrough Reserves. Photo: Matthew Appleby.

Poppleton v Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough overcame Poppleton (orange) in the North Riding Cup Quarter-Finals.

York City 2-0 Middlesbrough Reserves

York City (red) led 1-0 at the break and hit the back of the net once more in the second half to seal their win.

Scottish Weekend Review

from Tom Freeman (20/2/23)

Above: Rossvale on the attack against Hutchison Vale yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Kelly Nielson.

SWF Championship

Rossvale and Renfrew have closed the gap at the top of the SWF Championship table after leaders Livingston were held to a draw by bottom side Morton.

After patient possession play by the hosts, Morton’s top scorer Jacqui Seagrave stepped inside and scored from distance to level in the 83^rd minute. The Greenock side could have snatched all three points if a Darroch free kick hadn’t been expertly held by the Livi keeper in injury time.

Rossvale held on against a spirited Hutchison Vale in Glasgow to claim the points in a 3-2 thriller, while Renfrew Ladies responded strongly to last Sunday’s heavy defeat in West Lothian with a strong 3-0 victory over in-form Dryburgh Athletic.

Ayr United continued their recent momentum to come from behind and beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3-1 at home to consolidate their place in the top half of the table.

SWF League One

Leaders FC Edinburgh needed a last-minute winner from Nic Rutherford after being held for 90 minutes by Dundee West. Rutherford had opened the scoring but the hosts equalised through Sonia Tolosa in the first half, which set up a nervy second half that looked certain to end in stalemate.

Falkirk ground out a vital victory against promotion rivals Westdyke. Iona Bridges setting up Kirsty Gilbert who made no mistake for the only goal of the game. Stenhousemuir also triumphed over a rival from the northeast, an assured second-half display earning them a 4-1 victory over Grampian Ladies.

St. Mirren maintained the gap between the top and bottom halves of the League One table thanks to a late winner from captain Karen McCabe over an Airdrie Ladies side who had opened the scoring, but Edinburgh Caledonia’s momentum in seventh gathered apace with a dominant 11-1 demotion of Gleniffer Thistle. Giffnock beat BSC Glasgow 2-1 in the early kick-off.

Biffa SWFL Regional Leagues

East leaders Central Girls required a penalty to earn a point against Dunfermline Athletic, while North leaders Forfar Farmington won a commanding 11-1 victory over Westdyke Thistle. Unbeaten Glenrothes Strollers remain second with a 2-0 defeat of Stonehaven.

West leaders Harmony Row ran out 5-0 winners over Bishopton, and in South, Annan Athletic returned to winning ways with a 6-3 victory over Clark Drive, while leaders Queen of the South put 16 goals past Nithsdale Wanderers.

Arnold Clark Cup Matchday Two Photo Gallery

Suvadeep Biswas was pitchside in Coventry to capture all the action from England v Italy and Belgium v South Korea yesterday (20/2/23)

Above: Jordan Nobbs hurdles Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliai yesterday. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.

England 2-1 Italy

Belgium 2-1 Korea Republic

Australia v Spain Photo Gallery

Impetus’ Kris Goman was pitchside in Parramatta today to capture the best of the action as Australia took on Spain in a thriller in the Cup of Nations (19/2/23).

Above: Sam Kerr shows her glee – but it was soon to turn to frustration after her header was ruled out for offside – something replays suggested was not the case. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Impetus’ comprehensive coverage of Australia v Spain today also included Ben Gilby‘s match report which can be read by clicking on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/02/19/vine-time-for-the-matildas-as-they-continue-to-move-in-the-right-direction/

There was also his coverage of the post-match media conferences with Sam Kerr, Tony Gustavsson, and Jorge Vilda, which can be read by clicking on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/02/19/sam-kerr-were-proud-of-ourselves-but-wanted-the-clean-sheet/