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Impetus’ Ben Phillips was at England’s training session capturing an EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from St. George’s Park of the squad being put through their paces ahead of the Arnold Clark Cup kicking off on Thursday (15/2/23).
Above: Georgia Stanway and Leah Williamson in relaxed mood at St. George’s Park yesterday (15/2/23).
Martin Townley rounds up all the weekend’s action in the Adran Trophy Semi-Finals, plus all the latest events in the tier two Adran North and South, with thanks to Aberystwyth Town Women’s media team (14/2/23).
Above: Cardiff City’s Phoebe Poole celebrates after scoring the decisive goal in their Adran Trophy semi-final against The New Saints. Photo: Perry Dobbins.
The Adran Trophy final will see a Cardiff derby as both Cardiff Met and Cardiff City won their semi-finals. In the Adran North, both of the leading sides, Wrexham and Connah’s Quay Nomads won again as they pull away from the rest of the pack. Cascade closed the gap at the top of the Adran South to two points as they win at Caldicot.
Cardiff City 3-1 The New Saints
The Bluebirds had to come from behind to book their place in the final after Caitlin Chapman had given the Saints the lead in the 56th minute.
Phoebie Poole missed the chance to level when she sent her penalty wide of the goal. Manon Pearce did get the equaliser for City as she fired in from the edge of the box with her team pushing forward.
Siobhan Walsh headed City ahead in the 82nd minute from a superb delivery from Ffion Price. Poole added a third for City in the 83rd minute with a lifted effort over Sarah Parkes.
Cardiff Met 3-1 Aberystwyth Town
Aberystwyth Town Women bowed out of the Genero Adran Trophy at the semi-final stage, falling to Cardiff Met 3-1 at Cyncoed Campus writes the ATFC Women media team.
Amy Jenkins grabbed what turned out to be the Seasiders’ consolation goal in the 50th minute after Ellie Preece, Tija Richardson, and Emily Allen had put the Archers ahead.
“When you’re going to top teams like Cardiff Met, who were excellent on the day, you can’t afford to make any mistakes,” said Aberystwyth manager Gav Allen. “We grafted, we worked hard, but we came up short.”
Without centre-half Elin Jones – whose ACL injury was confirmed this week – and midfielder Shauna Chambers, Aber’s starting line-up included 15-year-old Modlen Gwynne, with another youngster Ella Thomas on the bench. Both had been given the thumbs-up to compete in senior football just last week.
With Elan Jones, just 17 making her third senior appearance, coming on as a second-half substitute, Allen was pleased with how the youngsters acquitted themselves.
“It was great to have those three on the pitch,” he said. “None of them looked out of place on such a big occasion.”
CPD Y Rhyl 1879 0-1 Connah’s Quay Nomads
Connah’s Quay remain top of the Adran North with a 1-0 win over Rhyl. Rhyl made it tough for the Nomads who had to wait until the 71st minute to take the lead. Elana Harley came off the bench to get the winner.
Connah’s Quay are a point ahead of Wrexham but have played a game more. With the two sides due to meet twice before the end of the season, there may well be more twists in this title race.
Wrexham 6-0 Llanfair United
Wrexham maintain their 100% record with a 6-0 win over Llanfair United. In a one-sided contest, Wrexham’s Rosie Hughes scored a hat trick taking her total in the league to 13 this season. Amber Lightfoot got two and Lily Whitefoot added a sixth in added time as Wrexham ran out comprehensive winners.
CPDM Y Felinheli 6-1 Airbus UK Broughton
Felinheli won against Airbus as the visitors fell to their ninth defeat of the season. Katie Midwinter (2), Ffion Williams (2), Jordanne Greenough, and an own goal for Felinheli. Jade Scott provided a limited consolation when she scored for Airbus who remain bottom of the table. Felinheli are fifth.
Caldicot Town 0-3 Cascade YC
Cascade keep Briton Ferry on their toes with their win at Caldicot Town. Annaliese Lewis gave Cascade the lead in the 39th minute as the visitors went into halftime ahead. Chrystalla Moreton added a second in the 68th minute and Jess Pascoe made it three in the 81st minute.
Cascade go just two points behind Briton Ferry and Caldicot remain bottom of the table.
Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (14/2/23).
Above: Katie Knights (right) in action for Norwich City against Hashtag United. Photo: Norwich City Women.
It was an afternoon to forget for Norwich City who were thrashed 7-1 at home by league leaders Hashtag United. Grace Gillard and Katherine Nutman bagged a brace each with Samantha Rowland, Kelly Wealthall, and Hayley Nest added to the tally to see the visitors claim a comfortable win. Olivia Cook scored a consolation goal on a disappointing day for the Norfolk side.
Wroxham blew a 2-0 lead to end the afternoon pointless at Trafford Park after a 4-2 loss to AFC Sudbury. Two goals from Hannah Waters had given the Yachtswomen the lead but Evie Creaton, Phoebe Guiver, and Holly Kennard with two saw AFC Sudbury take a well-deserved win.
King’s Lynn Town went down 4-1 away to Stevenage despite an encouraging first-half performance. Stevenage had Amy Gooderham, Katie White, Erin Price, and Becky Shephard to thank for the goals in their win with Samara Nche replying for King’s Lynn Town.
Fakenham Town were beaten 1-0 at home by St. Ives Town. A solitary goal from Annie Possnett saw the points head back to Cambridgeshire with the visitors.
The day’s headline makers in Division One were Stalham Town who picked up their first points of the season with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Sprowston. Carla Coleman, Abigail Gower, and Emma Macmillan scored for Stalham with Anais Winney and Lois Wright replying for Sprowston.
Leaders Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers recorded a 6-2 win over Bungay Town. Shanice Suttton scored an incredible five goals with Victoria Leyer adding the other. Selina Rowland and debut-maker Zoe Cossey scored the Bungay goals.
Mulbarton Belles recorded a 2-0 win over the University of East Anglia (UEA) thanks to Sophie Jermy’s and Rebekah Lake’s goals. UEA were reduced to ten for more than 80 minutes due to a seventh-minute red card to Lucy Gooding for handling on the line.
Long Stratton were 4-1 winners at Beccles Town thanks to a brace from Luci Middleton and other goals from Summer Copland and Katie Ransome-Farmer. Beccles’ goal came from Mia Rose.
Aylsham were 3-0 winners at home to King’s Lynn Soccer Club thanks to two goals from captain Jordan Arnoup, and one from Chelsea Crowley.
Gorleston recorded a 3-1 win at Bulldogs FC through strikes from Kelsi Adams, Megan Bartlett and Rebecca Waters. Kirsty Turner netted for the hosts.
Freethorpe recorded an impressive 2-0 away win at FC Viking Valkyries thanks to a brace from Viktorija Miglane.
Mulbarton Belles Development were comprehensive 6-0 winners at Shrublands. Two each for Lucy Kean and Jade Telfer as well as goals for Maria Sosnina and Charlotte Groves saw the visitors take all three points.
A Kiera Brown goal was enough to continue North Walsham’s fine form as they recorded a 1-0 victory at Thorpe St. Andrew.
Kirkley and Pakefield were 2-0 winners over Horsford thanks to goals from Sue-Lyn King and Maria Palmer.
Rockland United were 5-1 winners over University of East Anglia. A brace from Rebecca Humphreys, one each from Leanne Warnes and Lisa Boyle, as well as an own goal were the scorers for the hosts and UEA had Holly Buck to thank for their reply.
Great Yarmouth were 1-0 winners over Red Rose thanks to a goal from Ellie Reeder. Taverham won 6-0 at Loddon United with Keri Boorman, Kiera Braithwaite, Rebecca Kirby, Kate Morris, and Katie Fry (2) getting on the scoresheet.
Impetus are delighted to welcome Andy Wicks of Oakmist Photography to our ever-growing team of photography contributors. Andy’s first photo gallery for us comes from the tier six Southern Region Division One North game between Milton United and Woodley United.
Above: Woodley United celebrate winning the Southern Region Division One North championship on Sunday. Photo: Andy Hicks/Oakmist Photography.
Milton United 0-2 Woodley United
It was the battle of the top two in the Southern Region Division One North on Sunday as second-placed Milton United hosted leaders Woodley United (yellow). The visitors ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Bonnie Messitt and Sarah Lawrence, thus gaining the win that sealed the league title, and with it promotion to tier five for next season.
Teams: MILTON UNITED: Barnes, England, Evans, Loveridge, Miller, Porter, Saunders, R. Taylor, V. Taylor, Thorne, Winger. Substitutes: Norton, Tatford, Welch.
WOODLEY UNITED: Cheadle, Evans, Haines, Hamblin, Lawrence, Messitt, Quinn, Sawyer, Sims, Surtees, Wilkins. Substitutes: Hudson, Routledge, Slann, Steadman, Measham.
Scorers: Messitt 32′, Lawrence 68′.
Referee: Ian Herrington.
This is Andy Wicks‘ first piece for Impetus. To find out more about Andy and all of Impetus’ team of writers and photographers based on four continents, click here: https://impetusfootball.org/about-our-contributors/
14/2/23
Above: Emma Brownlie with the SWPL Player of the Month award for January. Photo supplied to Impetus by: SWPL.
Heart of Midlothian’s Emma Brownlie and Courtney McAvoy of Boroughmuir Thistle have collected January’s Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) Player of the Month awards.
Brownlie becomes the first Heart of Midlothian player to win the award since February 2019 when Rachel Walkingshaw was the winner when Hearts were in SWPL 2.
The defender started in all three matches in January where they faced Rangers, Aberdeen, and Celtic. The Jambos picked up four points including an impressive 0-0 draw at home to Rangers and a 1-0 away win against Aberdeen. Brownlie’s well-placed free-kick was the difference at the Balmoral Stadium.
Brownlie has been a key part of Hearts’ success this season at the back, conceding just 18 goals from 18 games. In comparison, the Jambos conceded 66 goals in 27 games last season.
In SWPL 2, Courtney McAvoy becomes the first-ever Boroughmuir Thistle winner of the award. Two players have been nominated in the past for the club, Tegan Browning (November 2020) and Samantha Duncan (September 2021).
McAvoy had scored four goals before January, adding five goals to her season tally in the month alone. This included the only goal in their 2-1 loss to Kilmarnock, the equaliser in their 2-2 draw away to East Fife, and a hat-trick in their 3-2 win over Montrose.
With McAvoy’s goals, Boroughmuir Thistle picked up seven points from a possible 12 including victories over the current top two sides in Montrose and Gartcairn.
The nominees for the January SWPL award were Amy Gallacher (Celtic), Danni McGinley (Dundee United), and Hannah Stewart (Aberdeen) and for the SWPL 2 award, the nominees were Abby Robinson (Kilmarnock) and Morgan Steedman (St. Johnstone).
Impetus’ Jonathan Tay joined the Matildas media conference with Everton star Clare Wheeler (14/2/23).
Above: Clare Wheeler in action previously for Australia. Photo: Football Australia.
Even with the World Cup less than six months away, for Clare Wheeler, the prospect of having the biggest tournament in football come down under hasn’t quite hit home.
“No, not to me; it feels like a whirlwind. I think I’ll have to be there to believe it – I don’t even think when I’m there it’s going to sink in,” the Australian midfielder remarked. “After the fact it’s going to be like, ‘wow, that happened’. I think to have a home World Cup will just be so different; it’s an opportunity that doesn’t come round for every player; with every camp, I’m just thankful to be there.”
The Matildas are back on home soil for the Cup of Nations, playing hosts to Spain, Jamaica, and the Czechia. All sides will face each other, with matches played across Gosford, Newcastle, and Sydney from 16-22 February. With the World Cup just around the corner, Australia are using this series of fixtures as key preparation in the build-up to the July tournament.
“I’m so excited, I’ve got so much family on the Central Coast and in Newcastle; it’s going to be good to see them,” Coffs Harbour-born Wheeler said. “Sometimes it still catches me off-guard; starting at Adamstown Rosebud, and now to be back there and to actually have the pleasure of meeting some of the girls that play out there which is really special to see. I’m super excited to go back there and put the national team jersey on.
“This tournament is going to really replicate for us the group stage of the World Cup: we have a top-10 nation in Spain, we have a team in Jamaica who are very physical and strong – they’re going to replicate Nigeria for us – and then Czechia as well. It’s going to have that physical aspect for us to back up within two or three days; I think that’s going to be good preparation for the whole team.”
Having not played a part in the past two international windows, partly due to injury, Wheeler has seen fellow central midfielders Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross thrive, the pair spurring the Matildas onto four straight wins. 25-year-old Wheeler is hoping to earn minutes this series, and showcase her worth to the national side.
“For me personally, it’s crucial for me to show Tony what I can do. I’ve been trying to put myself in the most competitive environment to be the best national team player I can be. Now it’s time to show in the final sprint, I’ve got to put everything on the table.
“[Katrina] Gorry and Kyra [Cooney-Cross], they’ve gotten some really good results in the Denmark, Sweden, and Thailand games, they’ve been doing really well. The conversations I’ve had have been around being the best midfielder I can be, how I can add playing forward to my game, creating chances, and also some more versatility; obviously having a variety of positions does help. The last six months has been in and out with a bit of injury for me. So now coming back into it, it’s just [about] playing consistently again, at Everton as well, and hopefully building from there.
“It’s a good problem to have for the team; if there’s a lot of competition it’s a good thing. Everyone’s great and wants the best for the team: at the end of the day, when the green and gold win a game, I’m happy. Obviously, I want to be the best player I can be, and if I’m doing the right things each day, I know that will happen.”
The Everton midfielder also touched on her mate Clare Hunt’s first call-up for Australia, with the Western Sydney Wanderers defender impressing in this season’s A-League. Wheeler noted the value that it shows the domestic women’s competition provides, but that to take that next step, as she herself has, a move abroad may be necessary.
“Clare [Hunt] has been a close friend for many years, we went to Sydney Uni together, and did Young Matildas together, so I’ve known her for a long, long time. I know the challenges and adversity she’s faced, with multiple big injuries back-to-back. So for her to have the A-League as that stepping stone to get back into football is great, and she’s been able to find her way back. I’m really happy for her to have the opportunity.
“I think the A-League is great for all that, especially for younger players coming through. And for those players [where] their league, like America, isn’t on at that time [of the year], like for Alex Chidiac, it does have that place. But it obviously isn’t full-time yet – that’s a big limitation for players.
“At this time two years ago, I was working in a bank and just decided to play for Sydney FC; that all came down to choosing to pursue football, and do that in a full-time capacity. So now that I’m here, and signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Everton, it’s completely different.
“I was hesitant to go overseas. There were things around Covid and also you’re so far away from your family, and the nature of our work – you can’t just drop and go home. But I’ve gained things going overseas, and playing against people from a variety of different countries week-in and week-out, playing different styles of football in Denmark and here in England, and challenging yourself. I think I debuted in the A-League Women when I was 15, so doing that for several years, it’s only a good thing to put yourself in a new environment, to see how you go. It’s not only made me a better footballer, but given me more confidence; I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Wheeler acknowledged the rapid trajectory she’s been on, having played at three different clubs within three seasons, in what is considered to be progressively more challenging leagues. She reflected positively on the journey it’s been, and the ideal position it’s put her in for her career right now.
“Having a longer contract – for anyone, it puts them at ease. I think the last two years have been crazy; this is my third club. Taking that next step continuously, I’m happy that I’m here in this environment, to actually put some roots down and get comfortable and competitive in this league and in England.”
“The level – it’s huge. Going from the A-League Women to here; basically everyone in the team is a national team player, it’s just that next step. Being in the most competitive environment you can be, sets you up the best I think.
“At Everton, I’m really having to fight every week for minutes; it’s what the national team is like. It’s very performance-based, the best of the best. And that’s what I need to be able to deal with, and have the confidence and mentality to keep going. Everton is exactly where I need to be – it’s in a league that’s incredibly competitive, where anyone can beat anyone on the day.”
from Tom Freeman (13/2/23)
Above: Livingston celebrate as they go 15 points clear at the top of the SWF Championship. Photo: Alex Todd / Sportpix.
Livingston have extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Women’s Championship in emphatic fashion in a 10-1 victory over challengers Renfrew at the Tony Macaroni Stadium.
With Championship clubs Rossvale and Ayr United on Scottish Cup duty, all eyes turned to the late kick-off in Livingston as the home side looked to recover from dropping points in Inverness the week before and maintain momentum in their drive to SWPL promotion.
In what will be seen as a hugely significant result, the West Lothian side recorded a record scoreline for the new-look national Championship, with a hat trick from striker Ashley Elizabeth and doubles from Shannon Mulligan and Jen Dodds complemented by strikes from Brogan Anderson, Amy Hay, and Lucy Brown.
Michaela Brown scored for Renfrew in the second half, but with her side already six goals down it was never going to be more than a consolation against a Livingston side that looked fit and hungry all over the park.
The gap between them and second-placed Rossvale is now an unprecedented 15 points, albeit the Glasgow club having two games in hand.
Speaking to club media afterwards, Livingston striker Jen Dodds said: “I thought it was our best performance of the season so far, in terms of winning the ball back and pressing. I thought we were really good at creating loads of chances and scored loads of goals.
Earlier in the day Inverness Caledonian Thistle came back to defeat Hutchison Vale in Edinburgh 2-1, with goals from Betty Ross and Natalie Bodiam securing three points to put the Highlanders back up to fifth in the table.
Hutchison Vale captain Angyl Learmonth’s first-half goal looked to have turned round recent fortunes for the Edinburgh side, but Caley Thistle have rediscovered the ability to score late goals in recent games to take the points.
Edinburgh Caledonia recorded a second decisive victory in as many weeks to go clear in seventh and close the gap with the top half of the table, in a 5-1 defeat of BSC Glasgow.
Forfar Farmington dropped their first points of the short season in SWFL North in a 4-2 defeat to new club Inverurie Locos at Harlaw Park, while Queen of the South bested second place Kilwinning 2-0 with two early goals to extend their lead at the top of Biffa SWFL South.
Harmony Row stay top of the Biffa SWFL West after a close-fought 4-3 victory against Drumchapel United, while in the Biffa SWFL East Edinburgh South came close to holding table-toppers Central Girls but the Grangemouth side came away 2-1 winners.
AFC Wimbledon 12-0 Hounslow
by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon
Above: Ashlee Hincks, who scored seven goals for the Dons yesterday, fires in a shot for AFC Wimbledon against Hounslow yesterday. Photo: Emily Topping.
AFC Wimbledon Women certainly had their shooting boots on yesterday as they ran out 12-0 winners over Hounslow in the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.
After a hard-fought win against Actonians last time out the Dons made four changes to the starting eleven with Amy Taylor, Chloe Sampson, Ella Newman, and Megan Stow all starting.
The home side got off to a perfect start as an incredible long-range effort from Becki Bath saw them take the lead within two minutes. Shortly after things got even better as Ellie Dorey tapped in a rebound after Ashlee Hincks hit the post.
Close to the half-hour mark it was three as Hincks got amongst the goals with a fine finish. This signaled a flurry of goals as Dorey got her second three minutes later. Hincks then also had a brace, making it 5-0 after only 40 minutes.
Next up it was captain for the day Kelly Highman who scored her first goal of the season before Wimbledon’s number nine completed her hat-trick. Hincks then had four to her name as she tucked home a penalty before the break.
The second half started the same way as the first had ended as Hincks took her tally to five after getting on the end of a fine through ball from Stow. The striker then made it six and 10 overall from close range.
Sampson got in on the act as the game entered the final 15 minutes. The biggest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for Sarah Wentworth who completed her comeback from a serious injury that kept her sidelined for 14 months as she replaced Billie Brooks. Hincks then plundered her seventh and the Dons’ twelfth to cap off a memorable afternoon.
Speaking after the game, Dons boss Kevin Foster said: “The best bit about today was seeing Sarah Wentworth back after 14 months out. She’s a fantastic character. It’s difficult mentally for players when they go through tough injuries but she’s never let it show around the group. She’s always set a good example for our younger players and is a credit to the club.”
Wentworth also voiced her delight at being back, praising the team culture at the Dons. “It’s been amazing, it’s been hard don’t get me wrong but the medical staff, the girls and the management have all supported me,” she said.
The Dons are back at Carshalton Athletic on Sunday as they face Actonians in the quarter-finals of the Capital Cup.
Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker (Allen), Brooks (Wentworth), Highman (Billingham), Newman, Taylor, Plewa, Hincks, Sampson, Stow, Bath (Russell), Dorey (Boswell).
Scorers: Bath 2′, Dorey 6′, 31′. Hincks 27′, 38′, 42′, 45+2′, 46′, 52′, 86′. Highman 41′, Sampson 75′.
HOUNSLOW: Team not published
Attendance: 100.
Jon Smalldon was at the Pilot Field for Impetus to capture the best of the action as Hastings United met Welling United in the tier six London & South-East Regional Division One South (13/2/23).
Above: Tough tackling action as Hastings United (burgundy) host Welling United. Photo: Jon Smalldon for Impetus.
Hastings United 1-1 Welling United
The point for Hastings keeps them top of Division One South of the London & South-East Regional League. A first half goal from Sian Heather was cancelled out by Grace Laverick’s second-half strike. Hastings are a point clear of Ashford United at the top of the table, but have played a game more than the Kent side. The pair still have to meet this season – but that will change in a huge game at Pilot Field next week.
Jon Smalldon’s photo gallery from Pilot Field:
Teams: HASTINGS UNITED: Apps, Bellehewe, Creese, Gurr, Harris, Heather, Main, Muggeridge, Phillps, Roper, Sharp. Substitutes: Nicholson, Nicholson-Rogan.
WELLING UNITED: Bone, Cole, Dunn, Gilmour, Maple, McGregor, Panayi, Speak, Symonds, White, Hickson.
Each week during the home and away season, Impetus’ writing and photography team covering the A-League Women will nominate a player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of the player and coach votes as the weeks go by, and just before the Finals, will announce our winners for 2022/23 (13/2/23).
BEN GILBY: Cyera Hintzen. Perth Glory’s American striker may have scored two sensational goals, but she delivers far for the team. Physically strong, Hintzen is adept and links up the play superbly. She is just one of several of the club’s attackers who have stepped up to the plate after Rylee Baisden’s season-ending injury.
KIERAN YAP: Cyera Hintzen was outstanding for Perth Glory. Her two goals were brilliant individual efforts, but she played an almost complete centre forward’s game. Perth has a varied array of weapons, but when Hintzen is in this sort of form, she unlocks all of them.
BEN CAREY: Morgan Aquino. While Cyera Hintzen’s two goals and an assist was an incredible achievement, Newcastle Jets have not exactly had the strongest defence this season. For me, Aquino was even more impressive. She made nine saves. Nine. Her perfomance ensured that Glory always had the momentum. And even more impressive, it was her first start in two months!
BEN GILBY: Mark Torcaso. Western United did it the hard way against Melbourne City in the battle of the top two. Without Jess McDonald and Chloe Logarzo, and defeats in their last two outings, there were concerns that Torcaso’s side were slipping, but they certainly put those fears to rest.
KIERAN YAP: Mark Torcaso. The Western United squad looks a little different to the one that last defeated Melbourne City, but he masterminded another victory after two consecutive losses. It kept Western on top of the table and shook off any worries they might be slipping.
BEN CAREY: Gary van Egmond. First week on the job and he leads his team, Newcastle Jets, who have really been suffering lately, to a huge upset victory over the league leaders, Western United. That’s one way to announce yourself as head coach.
BEN GILBY: Canberra United’s win over Sydney FC. On a landmark day for club icon Michelle Heyman, the capital city side delivered a sensational win over Sydney FC, one which was long awaited by their fans. Those two successive 5-0 defeats seem a long time ago all of a sudden.
KIERAN YAP: Grace Maher’s corner in the dying minutes helping Canberra United to a brilliant win against the much-favoured Sydney FC. She could not have placed it better. Canberra’s star playmaker always delivers when the pressure is on.
BEN CAREY: Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory. On a scorcher of a day this match had it all. A penalty. A masterful goal from Shea Connors. A midfield battle between two of the best in the league, Katrina Gorry and Alex Chidiac. Incredible saves up both ends. 15 minutes of stoppage time all up. It was enthralling to watch live.
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