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A-League Women Media Conferences

Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woods, Ben Gilby, and Denise Duffy report on three media conferences as attention begins to turn to this weekend’s A-League Women matches (8/2/23).

CANBERRA UNITED

by Ryan-Miller-Woods

Canberra United will be looking to continue from where they left off last round against Newcastle Jets when they face Sydney FC this weekend.

Speaking to the media today, midfielder Laura Hughes gave some insight into what life has been like in the camp recently as United ended a run of two consecutive 5-0 defeats with that win over the Jets.

“It has been a tough couple of weeks. I think it not only propels us up the (A-League Women) ladder and keeps our finals hopes alive but it also helps our team morale and everyone feels good after three points.”

Canberra know that, with the gap between them ane fourth-placed Melbourne Victory standing at seven points, they cannot drop any points ahead of a game that Hughes admits will be significantly more challenging for them.

“It’s a bigger step against Sydney FC, they’re a very good team but I think if we have a good training week this week, look after our bodies, recover, I don’t see why we can’t get those three points.”

**Above:** Hayley Taylor-Young – who is confident Canberra United have what it takes to defeat Sydney FC this weekend. **Image:** Canberra United.

Also speaking to the media today was fellow Canberra United midfielder Hayley Taylor-Young, who gave further insight into life at the club as they bounced back from two heavy losses.

“We’ve been quite positive the past few weeks but getting the three points on the weekend will be able to boost our confidence.”

Taylor-Young emphasised the additional challenge that Sydney FC will pose to her team this weekend, but believes they are capable of getting a result.

“They’ve been together for so long and they know each other, they know how they play, they’re just very quick and very skilful and I think we (Canberra) just need to get on top of things, stay together and just keep communicating to each other.”

When asked what a win against a team such as Sydney FC would do for confidence within the Canberra side going into the back end of the A-League Women’s season, Taylor-Young said: “It would be huge!

“From now we just need to keep going up, try and get as many wins as we can but against a team like that (with Sydney FC) would be pretty special.”

PERTH GLORY

by Ben Gilby

Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis believes the Western Australians “are a different side” to the one who started the campaign – and believes that his team cannot be ruled out of qualifying for Finals football.

Not surprisingly, confidence is high in the Perth side after they produced an excellent performance to defeat league leaders Western United away from home last weekend.

Looking back at that match, Epakis revealed: “The players celebrated that game really well and deservedly. It was a great performance and it’s something that we’re hoping sets the tone for the second half of the season.”

Whilst some may have expected the Glory to look rusty in Ballarat after going three weeks without a match, the Perth boss outlined why his team’s performance was anything but.

“There was definitely a lot of energy for us to unload into a performance as we hadn’t played for three weeks. We were restless and we’d trained very hard and we wanted to put into a competition match. We used the time to fine-tune, and we did so.”

One of the most influential players in Perth’s improved run of results and performances over since the turn of the year is locally-born Izzy Foletta.

**Above:** Local Izzy Foletta has been hugely impressive since coming into the Perth Glory team. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

“She’s been awesome,” enthused Epakis. “I can’t talk highly enough of the impact Izzy has had. She came in late, she spent a bit of time with us in pre-season, and she really earned the contract.

“It really means a lot to her as she is a local. She knows she is representing a big part of her – it’s her home club. It drives her performances. She is a fearless character. She has added class.”

Whilst the Glory are currently nine points adrift of the top four, they have two games in hand of Melbourne Victory. Whilst it will be a challenge to qualify for the Finals, the Perth boss believes it is possible.

“It’s an exciting opportunity. Our backs are against the wall. We’re not expected to make Finals from where we are, but our thinking internally is if we treat every week like a final, we give ourselves a real chance. We love doing it the hard way. We’re not writing it off. Let’s see where we go.”

Looking ahead to this Sunday’s game with Newcastle Jets at Macedonia Park, Epakis believes that if his team keep their standards high, then they can record another win. “It’s a hard week for them having played Western United (in midweek). We know if we nail our processes, we’ll find a way to win.

“We’re a very different team to who we were two or three months ago when we (last) played them. It’s about not taking our focus away from the 90 minutes.”

WELLINGTON PHOENIX

by Denise Duffy

Wellington Phoenix are taking on the Western Sydney Wanderers this Sunday after coming are coming off a bye week. Before the break, the team earned their first win and then a draw.

Speaking to the media today, senior leader Betsy Hassett said: “Now we can really believe that we can do it. It’s good for our confidence. I think we’ve shown that in the last few games that yes, we are capable of winning games and scoring.”

Sitting at the bottom of the table, the Nix need to continue to earn points to stay away from the wooden spoon. With the Wanderers only two places above them this weekend’s game is a key encounter.

**Above:** Emma Rolston is fully focussed in helping Wellington Phoenix move up the table. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

Emma Rolston also joined her team’s media conference today. The Football Fern is returning from a two-match suspension, and spoke about how motivated she is to keep her team’s positive run of results going.

“You don’t want to be that team that’s on the bottom of the table, you want to be able to prove yourself. And I think that’s something that we believe in as well. We want to prove ourselves, we want to move up the table, we want to show that we can win and that we’re just not going to sit back.”

One big shift in the Phoenix strategy has been moving Hassett up the pitch to a more into an attacking position.

“Yeah, it’s so much fun playing higher. I can just create more and get on the ball more and hopefully, score more goals. I’d love to score a few more. Hopefully, I stay injury free and they can keep playing me higher up.”

It’s clear that the Wellington Phoenix want to prove the team’s capability and move up the table. With the extra space of the bye week the biggest question is whether they can keep the momentum going through the remainder of the rounds.

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

Welsh Weekend Wrap

Martin Townley rounds up all the weekend’s action across the Adran Premier, North, and South (7/2/23).

Above: Emily Ridge (centre) celebrates with Chantelle Teare (right), and Lucie Platt after The New Saints scored their fourth goal to seal their spot in the Championship conference. Photo: Andrew Donnison F28 Online.

The New Saints dramatically secured their place in the Adran Premier Championship conference with a 4-0 win over Abergavenny.

The Saints need to overturn a four-goal difference to jump above Pontypridd and qualify for the Championship conference for the first time.

Briton Ferry won again to pull five points clear at the top of the Adran South. Caldicot Town got their first point of the season drawing with Swansea Uni.

Both of the top two won in the Adran North as Connah’s Quay beat Llanfair United and Wrexham beat Llandudno. Connah’s Quay sit top a point ahead of Wrexham, but Wrexham have a game in hand.

Adran Premier

The New Saints 4-0 Abergavenny

In the final game of phase one TNS, welcomed Abergavenny to Park Hall knowing that they would need to win by four goals to grab the final spot in the Championship conference. Just ten months ago TNS retained their Adran Premier status on the final day of the season with a win over Port Talbot Town.

Fast forward to this weekend and they had the chance to join the elite of Welsh football in the Championship conference. TNS legend Greg Draper masterminded a 4-0 win which secured his team’s spot on goals scored.

Knowing they need not only a win but a big win, TNS attacked from the start. Caitlin Chapman hit an early shot wide, and Emily Ridge hit a shot straight at Aber keeper Charlotte Hastings.

After 22 minutes the Saints were in the lead Lucie Platt firing in from close range after a scramble in the box.

**Above:** Chantelle Teare signals TNS’ superb winning scoreline. **Photo:** Andrew Donnison F28 Online.

Just past the half-hour mark and TNS got their second. Hastings failed to deal with Catlin Campman’s cross and Helen Evans tapped in at the back post.

When the teams came back out TNS struggled to create chances and add the two goals they needed. That was until the 72^nd minute when Isobel Redding headed in from Chapman’s corner.

Needing just one more goal the Saints left it late to add the fourth. With two minutes to go Helen Evans’ pass split the Abergavenny defence and found Emily Ridge. Ridge struck the ball on the edge of the box and saw it go in off the post.

TNS will now await the release of Phase two fixtures on the 7^thFebruary.

Adran South

Briton Ferry Llansawel 4-0 Pontardawe Town

Leaders Briton Ferry made it five wins from five in 2023 with a 4-0 win over a tough and hard-working Pontardawe Town.

Lowri Ridings gave the Reds the lead five minutes before halftime when she headed in from Megan Kearle’s corner. Ferry doubled the lead five minutes later as Lowri Baker struck after a quality pass from Laura-May Walkley.

They got a third when Lucy Powell found Lowri Baker out wide and Baker’s cross across goal was tapped in by Megan Kearle.

Captain Lowri Ridings added a fourth in added time heading in from a Lucy Powell corner.

Caldicot Town 1-1 Swansea University

A first point of the season for Caldicot as they held Swansea Uni to a 1-1 draw. Hannah Foulkes converted from the spot for Caldicot in the 55^th minute but it was wiped out when Katie Horsburgh equalised in the 71^st minute. Caldicot remain bottom while Swansea Uni sit fourth a point behind third-place Pontardawe.

Adran North

Llandudno 0-5 Wrexham

**Above:** Rosie Hughes – scorer of 28 goals for Wrexham so far this season. **Photo:** Wrexham AFC Women.

Rosie Hughes scored a hat trick in Wrexham’s 5-0 win over Llandudno. Hughes has now scored 28 goals across all competitions this season. Rebecca Pritchard scored from the spot and Libby Mackenzie added her 7^th of the season.

Wrexham sit in second a point behind Connah’s Quay with a game in hand.

Llanfair United 2-3 Connah’s Quay Nomads

Harriet Davies gave Llanfair the lead over the leaders after six minutes but Sienna Strapp levelled two minutes after. Gemma Jones put the host back in front but again they were pegged back when Tamara Hamer scored.

Just before the hour mark Kriste Kural scored what would be the winning goal for the Nomads.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 4-3 Airbus UK Broughton

Another defeat for Airbus as they lost 4-3 at Rhyl. Tegan Crockett, Chelsea Evans, and two from Rachael Nattrass giving Rhyl the win.

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (7/2/23).

Above: Norwich City’s Natasha Snelling celebrates her hat trick after the match against Queen’s Park Rangers. Photo: Norwich City Women FC.

FA Women’s National League Division One South East

A month of home fixtures for Norwich City kicked off with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Queen’s Park Rangers. A hat trick from Natasha Snelling and one from Freya Symonds gave the Canaries the points. Brogan Moore, Kasha Petit, and Grace Stanley scored for the visitors.

Eastern Region Premier Division

**Above:** Jodie Hopkins (right), captain of King’s Lynn Town in action against Colney Heath
**Photo:** Tim Smith

King’s Lynn Town suffered a disappointing home defeat as Colney Heath ran out 1-0 winners at The Walks. Kiera Ward scored the only goal of the game.

Eastern Region Division One North

**Above:** Shelly Woods (right) in action for Fakenham Town in their win at Haverhill Rovers.
**Photo:** Sean Doyle.

Fakenham Town will be very pleased to record an away win with a 2-1 success at Haverhill Rovers. Sophie Lubbock scored a brace for the Norfolk side with Jordan Sillitoe scoring for Haverhill.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Thetford Town recorded a 5-0 win over Beccles Town at Mundford Road. Two from Kamile Omeleviciute plus further strikes from Rebecca White, Hannah Rogers, and an own goal saw Luke Pickford claim his first league win as Thetford Town boss.

Long Stratton and University of East Anglia shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Manor Road. Luci Middleton bagged two for Long Stratton whilst UEA had Ella Burnley and Maddison Goodenough to thank for the goals that saw them share the spoils.

Bungay Town recorded an impressive 3-0 win at Sprowston thanks to goals from Lauren Goulder, Lauren Purling, and Phoebe Wakefield.

**Above:** Ella Burnley (left) is fouled to win a penalty as University of East Anglia draw 2-2 at Long Stratton. **Photo:** Hardy Scott Photos.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

North Walsham Town recorded an eye-catching 2-1 win away at higher-ranked Mulbarton Development. Stella Fletcher Helps and Fiona-May Swanson scored for North Walsham with Amber Ovens netting for Mulbarton.

Aylsham recorded a 9-0 win at Horsford with their captain Jordan Arnoup scoring six, Hannah Claughton getting a brace and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor adding the other.

Blofield United were 4-1 winners at Gorleston thanks to a pair from Bailey Duffield with Lola Eadie and Scarlett Royden adding the others. Sienna Saunders scored for Gorleston.

There was an eight-goal thriller at Freethorpe as they saw off Bulldogs 5-3. Viktorija Miglane and Olivia Sutton scored two each with Beth Cornwall also getting her name on the scoresheet. Niamh Underhill with two, and Bethany Seymour, were the Bulldogs’ scorers.

Norfolk Women and Girls Plate Cup First Round

Stalham Town were 11-0 winners at FC Viking Valkyries. Emma MacMillan scored six with Emma Gillespie getting three and Megan Swain and Abigail Gower scoring the others to seal Stalham Town’s place in the next round.

Lionesses Squad Announcement

7/2/23

Above: Leah Williamson – the Lionesses captain is back in the England squad. Photo: BBC.

Ahead of their Arnold Clark Cup defence, England head coach Sarina Wiegman today announced her 26-player squad for the round-robin competition.

The headline announcements in the selection see captain Leah Williamson back in the squad after injury forced her out of November’s 4-0 defeat of Japan and 1-1 draw with Norway in Spain, while Jess Park, who scored on her debut in the first game, is also included again. Beth Mead is among those to miss out after suffering an injury just before Christmas.

Elsewhere, uncapped goalkeeper Emily Ramsey makes the step up from the WU23 squad, while Laura Coombs returns to a Lionesses squad for the first time since November 2020.

The tournament will see the European champions take on South Korea, Italy, and Belgium later this month. The Lionesses were the inaugural winners of the four-nation competition on home soil last year before going on to become European champions in the summer.

With this year’s fixtures to be played on double-header match days in Milton Keynes, Coventry and Bristol, Sarina Wiegman’s squad will hope for three positive performances to set them up for the FIFA Women’s World Cup challenge in Australia beginning in July.

The players will report to St. George’s Park from Sunday evening and will remain at the Burton base to prepare for each of the three internationals.

Speaking about her squad selection, Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman said: “The first camp of the year is always important to set the right tone for what comes next, especially with such a big opportunity in the summer.

“We are only looking forward now and we have to stay humble and focused on working hard. We know the fans will be with us again and we can’t wait to see them at every
stadium.

“We had a positive experience with the Arnold Clark Cup last time. We had three
tough matches with different challenges in each one, and we were able to learn a lot from our performances and work on many details which we are aiming to do again.”

LIONESSES SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Sandy McIver, Emily Ramsey, Ellie Roebuck.

Defenders: Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy.

Midfielders: Laura Coombes, Fran Kirby, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Katie Zelem.

Forwards: Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Jess Park, Katie Robinson, Alessia Russo, Ebony Salmon.

York City v Middlesbrough photo gallery

Matthew Appleby was at York St. John University to capture the best of the action as York City hosted Middlesbrough in the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One North (7/2/23)

Above: Jessica Dawson of Middlesbrough (blue) on the attack at York City on Sunday. Photo: Matthew Appleby.

York City 4-1 Middlesbrough

This was a big win for York City that moved them into seventh place in the table and put them in the picture for the top three race. However, the match was marred by a dreadful injury to Boro’s captain Simone Laverick.

Teams: YORK CITY: Ash, Brown, Cattle, Findlay, Frederiksen, Hardcastle, Holder, Hughes, Parkin, Sidwell, Smith. Substitutes: Heald, Jones.

Scorers: Brown 6′, Hughes 34′, Parkin 53′, Jones 57′.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Dunn, Ward, Foster, Newton, Hanratty, Laverick, Wuerfel, Whitaker, Dawson, Mett, Maxwell. Substitutes: Bartlett, Marshall, Pennock, Rodgers.

Scorer: Maxwell 59′.

Attendance: 55.

The View from France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the 14^th round of 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season. Plus, a photo gallery of the game Rodez versus Olympique Lyonnais from pitch side. (7/2/23).

Above: Alice Sombath crosses the ball in for Lyon at Rodez. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Bordeaux 0-2 Montpellier

Montpellier won this important game in the race for the third place. With this loss, Bordeaux sits in the middle of the table and should now be worried about the rest of this season. Goals: Montpellier – Celeste Boureille (26), Dominika Skorvankova (48).

Paris FC 2-0 Dijon

In a game largely dominated by Paris FC, Dijon never really had the opportunity to score. Paris FC consolidated third spot with the win and both Fleury and Montpellier lie two points behind. Goals: Paris FC – Mathilde Bourdieu (53), Gaëtane Thiney (78).

Soyaux 0-4 Fleury

A big win away from home for Fleury keeping them in the race for third place. Soyaux are still at the bottom of the standings and in bad shape. Goals: Fleury – Ewelina Kamczyk (45+1), Inès Konan (45+4), Ipek Kaya (55 Own goal), Rosemonde Kouassi (80).

Guingamp 2-0 Reims

In the surprise of this round of matches, sixth-placed Reims came unstuck against tenth-placed Guingamp. Reims missed a penalty on 77 minutes before two late goals won the match for Guingamp. Goals: Guingamp – Aïssata Traoré (85, 89).

Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Le Havre

A difficult game for Paris SG against a Le Havre team that tried to play their game even though Paris SG had 75% possession. The sides were level until a 69^th minute penalty and, until then it seemed that Paris SG will not be able to score another goal and that Le Havre would get their draw. Goal: Paris SG – Lieke Martens (44), Kadidiatou Diani (69 Penalty), Laurina Fazer (90+3); Le Havre – Nadjma Ali Nadjim (47).

Rodez 0-5 Olympique Lyonnais

Lyon stay on top of D1 Arkema with this win against a weak Rodez team who face a struggle to avoid relegation. Even though Rodez started strongly, it wasn’t long before the visitors took control. With a little bit more efficiency, Lyon could have doubled their tally. The young Rodez’s goalkeeper, Marie-Morgane Sieber, put in a strong performance to restrict Lyon on several occasions. Dzsenifer Marozsan, who scored twice, was elected player of the match. Amel Majri, for her return on the pitch after giving birth to a beautiful little girl, scored the 8,000th goal in Olympique Lyonnais history with a penalty. Ellie Carpenter was back after 8 months and 14 days off after her ACL injury, entering the game on 63 minutes and looking in good shape. Goals: Lyon – Delphine Cascarino (21), Wendie Renard (40 Penalty), Dzsenifer Marozsan (43, 45+1), Amel Majri (58 Penalty).

Jean-Pierre Thiesset’s EXCLUSIVE pitchside photo gallery from Lyon’s win at Rodez:

Jean-Pierre Thiesset’s separate gallery of Ellie Carpenter’s return from injury at the game can be seen by clicking here: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/02/05/ellie-carpenters-return-exclusive-photo-gallery/

Dons bounce back in style

Actonians 1-2 AFC Wimbledon

by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon (6/2/23)

Above: AFC Wimbledon (red) battle away at Actonians yesterday. Photo: Emily Topping.

AFC Wimbledon got back to winning ways on Sunday as they earned a well-earned three points at Actonians in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.

Coming into the game off the back of a defeat to Championship side Charlton Athletic, The Dons were keen to bounce back well.

Wimbledon had the better of the opening exchanges as Ashlee Hincks and Emma Plewa both had shots that were narrowly off-target inside the opening five minutes.

Actonians had their first chance after 20 minutes as they forced Faye Baker into a fine save. Hincks then threatened again as she took on a left-footed effort from range that was well-matched by the home keeper.

Shortly after this, the visitors got the opening goal as Ellie Dorey finished off a fine move. However the Dons’ lead would last for just two minutes as Actonians capitalised on some lapse defending to equalise.

The second half started the same way the first did with Wimbledon dominating. The pick of the chances came via a lob from Hincks that was hacked clear off the line.

With 25 minutes left, Dons took the lead from the penalty spot after an Actonians defender was adjudged to have handled in the area. Hincks duly stepped up and dispatched for her 23rd goal of the season, which in turn wrapped up the three points.

Speaking afterwards, AFC Wimbledon’s Amy Taylor said: “Credit to Actonians, they were really good, they stuck to their gameplan and made it difficult for us. I think we showed good desire and character to see the win through.”

The Dons are back at Carshalton Athletic on Sunday as they welcome Hounslow for what will be their first home league fixture since October.

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

Scorer: D’Santos 26′.

AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Brooks, Mann (Taylor), Highman, Plewa, Hincks, Donovan, Bath (Stow), Billingham, Dorey (Siber).

Scorers: Dorey 24′, Hincks (pen) 64′.

Attendance: 60.

Scottish Weekend Review

from Tom Freeman (6/2/23)

Above: A spectacular image of Rossvale scoring against Renfrew yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Kelly Nielson.

SWF Championship

Rossvale have leapfrogged Renfrew Ladies into the playoff spot in the Scottish Women’s Championship with a 4-3 victory against their rivals in Glasgow.

Rossvale claim second in the table on goal difference, but it was Renfrew who had the lead at half-time through MacLeod and Wilkie. But Rossvale came back with a double from McJacobs and a goal from Whiteford to add to the opener from Amy Allan. A late free kick from Renfrew set up a thrilling injury time but the visitors could not grab the equaliser.

Meanwhile, league leaders Livingston were held 3-3 at Inverness Caledonian Thistle after ICT manager Karen Mason had fired a warning shot for her players ahead of the tie.

Speaking to the Press and Journal, Mason had expressed frustration with players after a series of defeats on the road.

“It may well be that we need a clear out of players who don’t have the commitment or capabilities for this level.”

They responded with taking the first points from Livingston in the Championship in several months, goals from Tina Kelly, Lorna Macrae, and Iona Macarthur cancelling out strikes from Ashley Elizabeth, Beth McKay, and Brogan Anderson for the visitors.

Ayr United continued recent good form with an assured 6-0 victory in Edinburgh against a Hutchison Vale side that has lost some key players in recent weeks. Taysum and Duthie added to doubles from Sloan and Docherty to keep things comfortable for the visitors.

Dryburgh Athletic opened up some distance between themselves and bottom side Morton with a convincing 4-1 victory in Port Glasgow.

SWF League One

**Above:** Spectacular overhead kick action in the League One match between St.Mirren (black and white) and Edinburgh Caledonia. **Photo:** Ger Harley/ Sportpix

Leaders FC Edinburgh beat Giffnock SC 6-0 at home while the joust for second place saw Westdyke put 12 past Dundee West, including five goals from the in-form Kayleigh Traynor. Falkirk and Grampian Ladies played out a 1-1 draw in the northeast.

Edinburgh Caledonia showed up in style to Mossedge, defeating top six side St. Mirren 7-4 despite a spirited fightback in the last minutes by the Buddies, while Airdrie Ladies beat BSC Glasgow 4-0 away.

Biffa SWFL

In the Biffa SWFL, the battle for the top of the SWFL West saw Harmony Row beat Alloa Athletic 6-1 to go to the top of the table, while a draw between Bonnyrigg Thistle and Livingston Reserves allowed Central Girls to go to the top of the BiffaSWFL East after narrowly winning over McDermid Ladies. In the Edinburgh derby Edinburgh South took the points with a 1-0 victory over Edinburgh University Thistle.

In the Biffa SWFL South, Kilwinning won 12-0 to keep pace with table-toppers Queen of the South, who won 10-0. And Forfar Farmington remain top of the Biffa SWFL North with a convincing defeat of Buchan.

WSL Special

This weekend, Impetus covered two WSL matches. Ben Phillips was pitchside at Victoria Road as West Ham United hosted Arsenal to provide us with a photo gallery, and Nathan Edwards was in the press box for Aston Villa’s home game with Brighton and Hove Albion (6/2/23).

Above: A battle for possession between West Ham United and Arsenal last night. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.

Aston Villa 1-1 Brighton and Hove Albion

by Nathan Edwards

Jens Scheuer picked up his first point in the Women’s Super League as they held Aston Villa to a draw, with Villa boss, Carla Ward, slamming the referee’s performance.

The first half at the Bescot Stadium was starved of any quality in the final third, until 12 minutes from the break when Sarah Mayling’s cross was missed by Megan Walsh.

As the ball evaded Walsh’s attempted punch, the ball rebounded off Kayleigh Green’s thigh and into her own net.

It was the only real chance created in the first half, with Walsh’s save from Kenza Dali’s shot looping high in the air and rebounding off the crossbar.

But as the two sides came out in the second half, Brighton played with new intentions, pushing higher up the pitch and pressurising Aston Villa’s deeper passing.

It did leave some spaces in behind, that Villa struggled to exploit on most occasions but when they did, Rachel Daly was unable to get the clinical touch on Kirsty Hanson’s cutback header and fired her volley over the bar.

The WSL’s top goalscorer was marshalled well throughout the game, and with Brighton hunting down the Villans’ players more effectively they got their reward.

Laura Blindkilde’s heavy touch was pounced on by Veatriki Sarri. Hannah Hampton was quick off her line to thwart her effort but Julia Olme struck in the rebound.

**Above:** Celebrations for Aston Villa, but the Midlands side had to settle for only a point. **Photo:** Sports Mole.

Scheuer said, “In my opinion, in the second half we were the better team. In the first half, we had real problems but, at half time, we changed the formation to a 4-2-3-1, which I think was a good decision.

“So we are really happy to come here and get a point, we didn’t steal the point, in the end, we earnt it, and we are really happy to do it against a great Aston Villa team.”

After being drawn level in the game, Villa had a penalty appeal waved away, and with multiple tight offside decisions that went out of their favour, Carla Ward called for better standards of officiating.

The Villa boss said, “We are talking about professional football and a professional league, but what we had today was amateur officiating and it’s not okay.

“It’s not just, me, it’s every single manager and every single player and every fan wanting the standards to go up.

“But as you’re seeing there’s a lot of talk and not a lot of action, so at what point do we realise that as professional football managers, their futures are sometimes in the hands of those who aren’t professional and that’s not okay.”

With the rapid growth of the WSL in almost every aspect, the league have aimed to increase the standards of refereeing, through more reviews of the officials’ performances and accountability in place.

Ward said, “The fourth official [Robert Massey-Ellis] just mentioned to me then that he’d love to have a conversation about that because he probably felt he had to make quite a lot of decisions from where he was stood and that shouldn’t happen so, we’ll have a conversation with Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb [PGMOL’s women’s select group director]. Monday morning we’ll be on the phone.”

Teams: ASTON VILLA (4-3-3): Hampton, Mayling, Patten, Turner, Pacheco, Staniforth, Nobbs, Dali, Lehmann, Daly, Hanson. Substitutes: Corsie, Gielnik, Draper, Blindkilde, Littlejohn, Mullett, Shaw.

Scorer: Green (OG) 33′.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION (4-4-2): Walsh, Fox, Bergsvand, Stott, Morse, Robinson, Carter, Connolly, Olme, Green, Lee. Substitutes: Pattinson, Visalli, Bance, Park, Kullberg, L. Williams (GK), Jarvis, Williams.

Scorer: Olme 74′.

Referee: Louise Saunders.

Attendance: 1,365.

West Ham United 0-0 Arsenal

EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from Ben Phillips at Victoria Road.

Teams: WEST HAM UNITED (4-3-3): Arnold, Shimizu, Fisk, Cissoko, Smith, Stringer, Brynjarsdóttir, Hayashi, Snerle, Asseyi, Filis. Substitutes: Evans, Atkinson, Longhurst, Thestrup, Parker, Denton, Cooke, Hillyerd, Flannery.

ARSENAL (4-3-3): Zinsberger, Maritz, Wubben-Moy, Carvalho Souza, Catley, Maanum, Little, Williamson, Foord, Blackstenius, Hurtig. Substitutes: Beattie, D’Angelo, McCabe, Marckese, Queiroz Costa, Pelova, Møller Kühl, Weinroither, Agyemang.

Referee: Richie Watkins.

Attendance: 2,632.

A-League Women Weekly Awards

Each week during the home and away season, Impetus’ writing and photography team covering the A-League Women will nominate a player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of the player and coach votes as the weeks go by, and just before the Finals, will announce our winners for 2022/23 (6/2/23).

Player of the Week:

**Above:** Alex Chidiac (centre) – winner of two votes this week. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

BEN GILBY:

Alex Chidiac. Another superb performance in the Melbourne Victory midfield. With her loan spell edging towards its conclusion, Victory fans will be keeping everything crossed that Jeff Hopkins can persuade her NWSL club to allow his Matildas star to hang around until the end of the A-League Women season.

KIERAN YAP:

Sarah Hunter. At just 19, she easily dominated A-League Women’s midfield. Her goal was spectacular, but her all-round play was excellent. Hunter is one of the best players in the competition in this form.

JONATHAN TAY:

Alex Chidiac. It’s clear that Melbourne Victory will live and die by the performances of Chidiac. With a number of key injuries this season and a midfield that has flattered to deceive, the Matilda has raised her game to be a difference-maker for her side. The 24-year-old produced a beautiful slide-rule pass into Beattie Goad for the opening goal, before converting a late penalty in Melbourne’s 3-1 win over Western Sydney. She now leads her team with five goals and five assists, and if Victory are to have any hope of making noise this campaign, they’ll need Chidiac to continue to be their X-factor.

RYAN MILLER-WOODS:

Grace Jale. Her performance for Canberra United against Newcastle Jets was crucial towards the end result for United with her presence on the pitch. For her team’s first goal, made a great one-two pass before setting up Laura Hughes.

BEN CAREY:

Cortnee Vine. A goal and an assist against Melbourne City. Another stellar performance from Vine, once again proving why she is not only essential to Sydney FC, but also a crucial part of the modern Matildas squad.

Coach of the Week:

**Above:** Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis received three votes this week. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

BEN GILBY:

Alex Epakis. His Perth Glory team were without a game for three weeks, and then faced an away trip to the league leaders who had only lost once all season. The Western Australians could have been excused for appearing rusty. Instead, they were exceptionally well organised and produced their best defensive and offensive performance of the season.

KIERAN YAP:

Ante Juric. Another three-goal win against a top-four opponent can’t be ignored. This was a brutally efficient performance from Sydney FC.

JONATHAN TAY:

Certainly the most pleasing result of the campaign thus far for Perth Glory and head coach Alex Epakis, who upset current ladder leaders Western United 3-1. They were able to successfully apply pressure high up the field in the first half, before defending solidly in the second, restricting the quality of chances that United were able to muster. Perth have a much friendlier schedule for the remainder of the season, and they will have drawn confidence from Saturday’s game. Results will be vital down the stretch if they’re to stand any chance for finals contention.

RYAN MILLER-WOODS:

Ante Juric. Sydney FC were especially strong against Melbourne City and, despite having less possession in the match, they were able to not only see off any threats that were made by City but seized their opportunities of scoring when it mattered the most.

BEN CAREY:

Alex Epakis. Leading his team, who were near the bottom of the table, to a convincing win over the league leaders, Western United was a huge achievement. I was impressed with his leadership and belief.

Event of the Week:

**Above:** Clare Hunt (centre) heading clear for Western Sydney Wanderers. The defender’s selection for the Matildas this week was one of our panel’s highlights of the week. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

BEN GILBY:

Alana Jancevski’s free-kick goal for Perth Glory at Western United. From 25 yards, the curl and power that the young gun put on the ball was sensatational. A class goal from a class player.

KIERAN YAP:

Melbourne Victory’s third goal. Catherine Zimmerman should have run the ball to the corner, instead, she took a gamble and set up the hard-running Tiffany Eliadis for an easy finish. It was a wonderful way to celebrate her return from injury.

JONATHAN TAY:

Clare Hunt earned her first call-up to the Matildas national team squad ahead of the Cup of Nations tournament taking place later this month. It’s reward for Hunt’s impressive displays at the back during Western Sydney’s recent good run of form, with the 23-year-old holding her own against a number of international strikers this season. More than just Hunt’s call-up in isolation though, it is pleasing to see Australian head coach Tony Gustavsson and his staff continue to keep their eyes on candidates plying their trade in the A-League. Arguably, the level of competition cannot compare to what is found in the better leagues in Europe. However, there are certainly players domestically who are capable of filling in the depth of the Matildas squad, alongside the more high-profile likes of Katrina Gorry, Cortnee Vine, and Alex Chidiac.

RYAN MILLER-WOODS:

Sarah Hunter’s goal for Sydney FC against Melbourne City. After a great lay off from Madison Haley, Hunter hit a first-time shot from outside the box going past City’s goalkeeper Sally James. Huinet made it look so effortless.

BEN CAREY:

Brisbane Roar defender Jessie Rasschaert scoring her first-ever goal in the A-League with a brilliant header against Adelaide United. It’s been five years in the making!