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Welsh Weekend Wrap

Impetus’ Martin Townley rounds up all the weekend’s action across the FAW Women’s Cup, and the three Adran Leagues (13/12/22).

Above: Lowri Baker of Briton Ferry and Cardiff Wanderers’ Rachel Beare in action during their FAW Women’s Cup Quarter-Final tie. Photo: Creative KF(@creativekf).

Just two of the FAW Welsh Women’s Cup quarter-finals survived the freezing weather across Wales this weekend. Briton Ferry Llansawel and Cardiff City booked their spots in the semi-finals with wins over Cardiff Wanderers and Abergavenny respectively.

There was also one game that went ahead in the Adran South as Cascade YC beat Pontardawe Town to keep the pressure on leaders Briton Ferry.

FAW Women’s Cup

Cardiff City 6-0 Abergavenny

Holders Cardiff City went safely through to the semi-finals with a comfortable win over Abergavenny.

Lisa Owen opened the scoring for the Bluebirds on her first start of the season in the 22^nd minute. The goal came after Evie Hughes played a one-two with Phoebie Poole and crossed to the far post where Owen turned the ball into the net.

Cardiff had a penalty three minutes before the break as the ball bounced up and hit the arm of Abergavenny defender Sian Bull. Poole’s emphatic finish from the spot claimed her 13^th goal of the season.

City could have had a third before the break as Hughes was sent in on goal. Driving into the box she was denied by a fine save from Charlotte Hastings.

Just after the restart, Hastings made another quality save as she turned Poole’s strike around the post.

Cardiff did get their third in the 49^th minute as Hughes’ corner into the near post went in off an Abergavenny defender.

The home side extended their lead when Poole played a clever slide pass into Eliza Collie to send her into the box. Hastings saved from Collie, but Megan Saunders was first to the loose ball and tapped in from close range.

A powerful shot from Lily Billingham in the 64^th minute made it five for the Bluebirds to finish off a good passing move in style. Another own goal from Abergavenny from a dangerous City corner made it six as Cardiff City go through to the semi-finals.

Cardiff will face the winners of the Cardiff Met v Llandudno match in the semi-finals.

**Above:** Cardiff City’s Lily Billingham, scorer of their fifth goal against Abergavenny. **Photo:** Cardiff City.

Cardiff Wanderers 1-5 Briton Ferry Llansawel

Cardiff Wanderers, the lowest-ranked side left in the cup, hosted Adran South leaders Briton Ferry with the capital city-based side looking to cause a Cup upset.

Briton Ferry made a quick start to the game and led after just five minutes. Laura-May Walkley sent a pass behind the Wanderers’ defence to find Lowri Baker who put the ball past Jordan Cleaver.

Ferry kept the pressure on and after 14 minutes Lucy Powell made it two after she looped the ball over the keeper from distance.

Just before half time Jade Crofts went close for the home side with her effort going just wide of the Ferry goal.

Ela Roberts put the visitors three up after 53 minutes. Lowri Baker sent Roberts in on goal where she put the ball over Cleaver who was able to get a hand to the ball but couldn’t stop it.

Cardiff Wanderers did come back into the game and reduced the deficit. Llywela Edwards won the ball off Ferry defender Brooke Llewellyn and passed to Jade Crofts who shot Courtney Young.

Wanderers searched for another but after 74 minutes Briton Ferry re-established their three-goal lead. Captain Lowri Ridings with a powerful header from Lucy Powell’s corner.

With 77 minutes gone Olivia Townsend got a fifth goal, scoring on her Briton Ferry debut. The former Barry Town player stepped past a defender and fired a fine effort past Cleaver.

Briton Ferry will play either Wrexham or Aberystwyth Town in the semi-finals.

Adran South

Cascade YC 3-2 Pontardawe Town

Cascade came through a tough test against Pontardawe to go level on points with leaders Briton Ferry.

They were made to come from behind as Catryn Cook gave Pontardawe the lead just two minutes in. It took Cascade until the 55^th minute to level thanks to Hannah Moger and things got better for the hosts when Jess Pascoe put them ahead with 20 minutes to play. Georgia Thorne equalised for Pontardawe in the 89^th minute as it looked like the visitors would take a point. It wasn’t to be however as Bethan Lloyd scored in added time to give Cascade a valuable three points.

Manchester Derby ends even at the Etihad

Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United

by Johnathan Stack at The Etihad Stadium for Impetus (12/12/22).

Above: Laura Coombs celebrates her equaliser for Manchester City. Photo: Manchester City Women.

Manchester City came from behind and keep their unbeaten Women’s Super League record against Manchester United intact after drawing 1-1 with their rivals in front of more than 44,000 fans, a club record for Manchester City, and a record for a women’s game at the Etihad.

City were back playing in the main stadium for the first time since 2019, and were rewarded with the second-highest attendance in Barclays Women’s Super League history.

United went into the match, the final league fixture for both teams in 2022, knowing a win would temporarily move them level on points with league leaders Chelsea. A win for City would see them move onto level points with United.

But despite the occasion, it was the away side who scored first. Leah Galton opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark as she received the ball on the left, cut inside, and played a nice one-two with Ella Toone on the edge of the box before slotting the ball past Ellie Roebuck.

**Above:** Leah Galton, Manchester United’s scorer looks to get away yesterday. **Photo:** Manchester United Women.

Into the second half, City came out knowing that they had to find a goal from somewhere with bragging rights on the line. They took the opportunity when it was presented to them.

Chloe Kelly was able to send in a cross from the right side of the pitch which was missed by the United defence and made its way to Laura Coombs just yards from the goal. The Manchester City number seven was left with the easiest of finishes to head her side level.

Both teams had good chances to win the match as both Khadija Shaw and Martha Thomas had headers well saved by Mary Earps and Roebuck as the game ended level.

After the game, Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor spoke of his pride in being involved in another big event in this WSL season saying, “Today was a bit of a flagship moment, we had it previously in 2019 but you can see the interest that this game drew up,” he said.

“We’ll reflect and see if it was a success, and then if it has, we’ll look to do it more often. We’ve seen it more in the south with Chelsea using their venue, Arsenal and Tottenham. For us it’s great and a real step forward. Hopefully, everyone sees it as a real success. I think (playing at the Etihad more regularly) would help. You’d see hopefully a more normal type of performance than maybe what we saw in the first half because it was completely new.”

Taylor went on to say that he thinks his side would benefit more if they played in the main stadium in the future saying “The pitch dimensions are the same as the CFA (Academy Stadium) but it looks and feels bigger, bigger stadium and crowd, spaces look massive for both teams.

“I believe if we’re able to use this as a venue more often we’ll do amazing, especially the way we played and the method we use, it’d help us a lot. First half was a bit new to us, we tried to acclimatise as best we could. We couldn’t train here yesterday due to the weather conditions.

The WSL returns in January after a Christmas and New Year break.

**Above:** Manchester United’s Alessia Russo gets a shot away. **Photo:** Manchester United Women.

Teams: MANCHESTER CITY: Roebuck, Casparij, Alexandri, Greenwood, Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Castellanos, Coombs, Kelly, Shaw, Hemp. Substitutes: MacIver, Stokes, Houghton, Fowler, Angeldahl, Raso, Morgan, Kennedy, Blakstad.

Scorer: Coombs 58′.

MANCHESTER UNITED: Earps, Batlle, Blundell, Toone, Zelem, Galton, Ladd, Le Tissier, Turner, Parris, Russo. Substitutes: Baggaley, Thorisdottir, Tounkara, Boe Risa, Moore, Staniforth, L. Garcia, Thomas, Williams.

Scorer: Galton 27′.

Referee: Abigail Byrne.

Attendance: 44,259.

Philippines v Papua New Guinea Photo Gallery

On Sunday at Wanderers Football Park, Western Sydney, the Philippines (blue) met Papua New Guinea in a friendly match that ended 5-1 in the Phillippines’ favour. Impetus’ Kris Goman captures the action (12/12/22).

World Cup Training Bases Revealed

Ben Carey was at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre to hear the venue revealed as the Matildas World Cup training base. Plus all the news of the other qualifiers bases (12/12/22).

Above: The Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre – Australia’s training base for the World Cup. Photo: Ben Carey for Impetus.

The Matildas will call Brisbane home during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, setting up camp at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in the Brisbane suburb of Nathan. The news was announced this morning by James Johnson, the CEO of Football Australia.

Johnson said that Australian football was in its “golden era”. He was delighted that Australia had come together to watch the Socceroos in Qatar and hoped to see that support continue into the Women’s World Cup next year. “The Women’s World Cup will be the biggest sporting event that our nation has hosted since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.”

The media event was attended by veteran Matildas and proud Queenslanders, Clare Polkinghorne and Tameka Yallop. When they entered the building, they made their way past many excited young girls and boys in local club jerseys who were chatting and kicking around soccer balls. The next generation of Australian footballers perhaps.

**Above:** Today’s media announcement of Australia’s training base for the World Cup – From left to right, James Johnson, Graeme Clark, Stirling Hinchcliff, Ann Odong, Clare Polkinghorne, and Tameka Yallop. **Photo:** Ben Carey for *Impetus*.

“I’m really excited to call Brisbane home,” Polkinghorne said. “In previous World Cups we’ve been to, we’ve travelled around a lot. So as players it’s nice to have a place that we can call home, come back to after every game, and feel settled.”

“To come back to Brisbane, a place where I grew up, [played] a lot of my youth football at, with QAS, and right here is close to me,” Yallop said. “It’s close to a lot of the Matildas.”

Queensland is indeed a place that is dear to much of the team. In the past year, 16 of the 40 players that have attended Matildas training camps were either born, raised, or played their junior football in Queensland.

“This is different for a World Cup,” Yallop continued. “We haven’t had a basecamp before. So, I think it’s really important to be somewhere that people are really comfortable in, and Brisbane is definitely that place for us.”

Matildas head coach, Tony Gustavsson, commented on the decision to base the Matildas in Brisbane. “With a high-level gym, on-pitch training facilities, and excellent recovery solutions off the pitch, QSAC provides an optimum performance environment for our FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 preparations prior to and during the tournament.”

Other Nations Training Bases:

**Above:** Central Coast Stadium, England’s training base for the World Cup. **Photo:** Austadiums.

Also revealed today were all the training centres for the qualified nations so far:

New Zealand: Auckland, Norway: Auckland, Philippines: Auckland, Switzerland: Dunedin, Spain: Palmerston North, Costa Rica: Christchurch, Zambia: Hamilton, Japan Christchurch, USA: Auckland, Vietnam: Auckland, Netherlands: Tauranga, Sweden: Wellington, South Africa: Wellington, Italy: Auckland, Argentina: Auckland, Australia Queensland Sports & Athletics Centre (Brisbane), Republic of Ireland: Goodwin Park (Brisbane), Nigeria: Lions FC (Brisbane), Canada: Olympic Park (Melbourne), England: Central Coast Stadium (Gosford), Denmark: Kingsway Reserve (Perth), China: Croatian Sports Centre (Adelaide), France: Valentine Sports Park (Sydney), Jamaica: Victorian State Football Centre (Melbourne), Brazil: Moreton Bay Sports Complex (Queensland), Germany: Central Coast Sport & Recreational Complex, Morocco: Galvin Park Reserve (Melbourne), Colombia: Marconi Stadium (Sydney), South Korea: Campbelltown Sports Stadium (Sydney).

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 (12/12/22)

Player of the Week:

KIERAN YAP: Grace Maher. One amazing goal and a brilliant run to set up another. When Maher is in the zone there’s no stopping her. The game is played at the exact pace she wants, and your only hope as an opponent is that her radar is off. It wasn’t against Wellington. There’s a handful of players who can chip a keeper at that close range through a crowd. She’s a privilege to watch.

BEN GILBY: Back to her best with a bang. Melina Ayres’ struggles with injuries last season was a big loss for Melbourne Victory – the impact she made on her return for the home straight showed her worth, but the last fortnight as seen Ayres approach her peak once more. Two goals at Perth, the first a delightful angled poke, highlight the return of one of the competition’s best.

JONATHAN TAY: Sarah Hunter again had her fingerprints all over another Sydney FC victory on Saturday. Whilst Madison Haley featured heavily on the highlight reel, Hunter was the orchestrator of so much of Sydney’s possession and attacking play, as Brisbane chased shadows through the middle of the park in their 4-0 drubbing. The 19-year-old provided the through-ball assist for Haley’s wonder-goal, and capped her performance with a very well-taken finish of her own late on. Hunter continues to prove she’s arguably Australia’s best young midfield prospect at present.

BEN CAREY: It’s a tight one again this week, but I have to go with Sydney midfielder Sarah Hunter for her incredible contribution in the game against Brisbane. Hunter had one goal, one assist, and created four goalscoring opportunities.

RYAN MILLER-WOODS: Madison Haley of Sydney FC against Brisbane Roar played absolutely brilliantly. Her two goals that really gave Sydney an advantage, but her overall performance during the match, really emphasised the class that she has been continuously showing since the start of this season for Sydney.

JOHNATHAN STACK: Madison Haley scored two goals for Sydney FC and the second was a superb solo goal with a beautiful chip over the goalkeeper to round it off.

KRIS GOMAN: Maddy Haley for the player. Two goals and the second was superb. Zipping around everyone then lobbing it into goal. She’s not a big celebrator, much like Vivianne Miedema, but that goal raised a smile.

Coach of the Week:

KIERAN YAP: Jeff Hopkins. That was a hard-fought and convincing win by Melbourne Victory away to Perth Glory. Victory’s midfield has been not so functional in recent weeks, but he made some crucial changes, trusted Alana Murphy, and got the result.

BEN GILBY: Jeff Hopkins. Listening to him in the media after the game at Perth on Sunday emphasised why. He’d asked his team to specifically focus on keeping the ball and their intensity. They did it in spades – these were the keys to their win at Macedonia Park. With promising young stars starting to link up well with experienced heads, the champs are coming good again.

JONATHAN TAY: Njegosh Popovich looks to be building something tangible at Canberra this season. After a dismal 2021/22, the new head coach has overseen a win and two draws to open this campaign. Against Wellington this weekend, Canberra were relentless; constantly pressing high, forcing turnovers, and restricting the Phoenix’s ability to get out of their own end. Their first and third goals of the 3-0 victory came from winning the ball in the attacking third of the pitch. With legitimate difference makers in attack and midfield, it will be interesting to see if they can sustain this form over the course of the season and against tougher opposition.

BEN CAREY: Dario Vidosic, in his third match as coach, managed to put together a team that steamrolled a strong and attacking Newcastle Jets.

RYAN MILLER-WOODS: Dario Vidosic of Melbourne City. The way that City have been playing under their interim head coach has really been quite amazing to watch. Their convincing performance against Newcastle Jets personified it.

JOHNATHAN STACK: Njegosh Popovich guided his team to a first win of the season after two draws in Canberra’s first two games.

KRIS GOMAN: I’m going with Kat Smith this week. Despite the loss, the Wanderers played very well and really should have beat Adelaide. They still have problems scoring, which is frustrating, but they are creating good chances, applying heaps of pressure and defending well. Enjoyed watching some of the younger ones get a run too. They only lost on a debatable penalty.

Event of the Week:

KIERAN YAP: Caitlin Karic. If I say anymore I’ll be talking all day. She’s been touted as the next big thing for some time. Against Newcastle, she showed why.

BEN GILBY: Madison Haley’s second goal for Sydney FC against Brisbane Roar showed why she is one of the biggest handfuls for any defender in the competition right now. An explosive run that left Jamilla Rankin for dead and ended with a sublime finish toe-poked over Hensley Hancuff. Sensational.

JONATHAN TAY: Madison Haley’s and Sydney FC’s second goal against Brisbane will be a strong contender for goal of the season. The 23-year-old American has stood out in each of her performances, and on Saturday put an early exclamation point on her campaign thus far. Latching on to a through ball, she burst past Roar centre-back Jamilla Rankin, leaving her tumbling in her wake. The striker drove into the box, before deliciously chipping the ball past goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff, onto the far post and into the net.

BEN CAREY: Alex Chidiac scoring a goal from an incredible, high curling corner kick, reminiscent of the Kyra Cooney-Cross corner from the 2021 final.

RYAN MILLER WOODS: Madison Haley’s second goal against Brisbane Roar. The whole move was great to watch from the build-up of the through ball to Haley who then left Brisbane’s Jamilla Rankin in the box and then finally chipped the ball over Hensley Hancuff to cap off what was a great play and a brilliant goal by Haley.

JOHNATHAN STACK: Melbourne City 5 Newcastle Jets 1. I have picked this game for two reasons. Firstly, there were two worldie goals – the opening goal from Kaitlyn Torpey was a torpedo of a strike and then an audacious chip from outside the area from Caitlin Karic after she was played in by Leticia McKenna. Secondly, Melbourne City remain only one of two teams with a perfect record and go top of the league on goal difference.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United Photo Gallery

Kris Goman was pitchside at Wanderers Football Park for Impetus today to capture the best action from Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United (11/12/22).

Above: All eyes on the ball as Western Sydney Wanderers face Adelaide United today. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

To read Kieran Yap’s report of the game, click here: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/12/11/another-win-for-adelaide-under-the-sydney-sun/

Ayres at the Double as champions take the Glory

Perth Glory 0-3 Melbourne Victory

Report by Ben Gilby. Pitchside photos from Tom McCarthy at Macedonia Park (11/12/22).

Above: Melina Ayres opens the scoring for Melbourne Victory today. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

Melbourne Victory made it back-to-back wins with as the reigning A-League Women champions produced a ruthless ability to turn chances into goals in Perth.

This result extends the Western Australian’s winless start with Glory having taken only two points from a possible 12 to open the season.

As promised earlier in the week, Perth head coach Alex Epakis made a number of changes to his squad. Morgan Aquino and Sadie Lawrence made their first starts of the campaign as both Bella Wallhead and Kim Carroll dropped out due to illness and family commitments respectively. Demi Koulizakis was on the bench and Alana Jancevski came back into the starting line-up with Gabrielle Coleman among the subs.

**Above:** Perth Glory’s Sadie Lawrence gets a tackle in on her return to the starting line-up. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Melbourne Victory were without Catherine Zimmerman, injured in the Grand Final rematch against Sydney FC, but Jeff Hopkins was able to call on the vast experience of Gema Simon and talented youngster Alana Murphy in the starting line-up with Maja Markovski among the substitutes.

Victory had all the possession in the early stages, with a particular focus on their left hand side where Beattie Goad was busy. Murphy was looking to put probing balls through which the Western Australians were alert to.

Glory grew into the game with the industry of Rylee Baisden earning back-to-back corners. From the second, Hana Lowry curled a tempter in from the right, and Jancevski directed a header goalward with Liz Anton also looking to get a touch, as the visitors were forced to scramble off the line.

**Above:** Alana Jancevski (23) gets up to direct a header goalwards with Liz Anton (third purple shirt from the right) poised to head on. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Jancevski showed her outrageous talent shortly afterwards as Perth’s young gun let fly from over 40 yards with an effort that dipped just wide of the post.

Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis had identified a non-negotiable pre-game. He expected his team to consistently get their ultra-high press into operation and it was largely successful. Allied to a strong defensive effort, it led to the best opening 45 that Perth have produced all campaign from these perspectives. However, they were not able to consistently unleash their attacking talent in an effective manner.

However improved Glory were at the back, the quality that Victory possess was enough to cause problems. Melina Ayres’ influence grew as she found Lia Privitelli who found Alex Chidiac outside her. The Matildas midfielder played the ball in towards Goad who had an effort blocked before Ayres’ follow-up was dealt with.

**Above:** Beattie Goad (left) had an excellent afternoon for Melbourne Victory. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Shortly afterwards, the Victory duo combined again to devastating effect. Goad motored along the left and pulled the ball across for Ayres to control, turn, and poke with the outside of her foot into the left-hand corner of the net.

Jancevski remained at the heart of everything dangerous Perth created. From a throw-in on the right, she lofted a ball into the box towards Baisden. It came in at a height that could be headed or kicked which so often leaves attackers betwixt and between. The American went with the latter and it just ran wide of the post.

Melbourne Victory had the brighter start to the second half with Goad having the first opportunity which she lifted over the bar. However, the game was ultimately decided within a 90-second spell.

**Above:** Sarah Cain’s second yellow card ended up changing the game decisively. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Sarah Cain received a second yellow card for a foul on Privitelli with 36 minutes remaining, and Perth’s uphill task became mountainous within seconds as a corner curled into the back post and Lowry’s clearance header fell straight to Ayres who fired home.

Victory dialled up the pressure, forcing Perth into errors. The hosts responded by rolling the dice and bringing on Susan Phonsongkham and Coleman, both of whom had an impact and led to a brief shift of momentum. The latter, now part of an all-American front three with Cyera Hintzen and Baisden, was played in by Lowry and got a shot away which hit the side netting.

However, whilst Perth may have pressed, they were not able to turn this into shots on target – and once more they were made to pay in the most ruthless way possible. After earning a corner, midfield maestro Chidiac stepped up and curled a sensational ‘Olympico’ into the far corner.

**Above:** Morgan Aquino watches as Alex Chidiac’s corner curls into the net. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

The remaining 15 minutes saw Victory comfortable in possession to seal their second straight win of the campaign. Indeed, 16-year-old sub Ava Briedis could have extended the Victory lead when her sensational long-range effort from the left of centre from over 25 yards troubled Aquino, but just failed to hit the target.

Speaking to the media after the game, Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis said: “I’m proud of my players. I’m proud of the way we went after the reigning champs. The first half, we went in 1-0 down, but I was still confident we could get something out of the game. Once the red card happened…we didn’t drop tools. We kept going for them and that’s why I’m sat here with a level of dignity and respect for the players and what they did.”

In terms of player availability and usage, Epakis continued to be positive, saying: “We’re struggling for numbers, (but) everyone gave 100%. Hana has a free role and we want her to find spaces. We’re happy for her to roam. When you have a talented player like her, you don’t want to shackle her.”

**Above:** Hana Lowry had a busy afternoon for Perth Glory. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins spoke of his pride in his players’ ability to meet the specific targets he set them ahead of the game. “Intensity and keeping the ball – we definitely did that. We came in at half time reasonably comfortable. The sending-off changed the game completely. Scoring straight away settled us down.

Hopkins was full of praise for two-goal Melina Ayres, convinced that the attacker is back to her best after a frustrating run with injury: “She scored a great goal last week, and she trained so well this week. When we get forward we need to get the ball in and around her area. She is back to the form she was in the year before last.”

**Above:** Melina Ayres’ (centre) performance drew raise from Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

The Victory boss underlined the progression he is seeing in his side and the further yards that he expects them to make in the weeks ahead: “We understand we’re not where we want to finish. We have a lot of improvements (to make) in our play.

“We have a number of new players, a number of young players in the squad, and its exciting for me that we can put a performance like that together this early in the season, we’re only going to get better.”
Jeff Hopkins, Melbourne Victory head coach.

Perth Glory have not yet managed to produce a performance that has combined their bread and butter high press defence with the best use of their raft of attacking talent. With Canberra United travelling to the West next Sunday, the purples need to fix the connections to ensure the potential that this squad has can finally be unleashed.

**Above:** Perth Glory will be looking to get their first win next weekend when Canberra United visit Macedonia Park.

Melbourne Victory will be confident of keeping their winning run going when they welcome Newcastle Jets to AAMI Park. The champions are shifting into gear, and that’s ominous for the rest of the league.

More of Tom McCarthy’s photos from Macedonia Park:

For more of Tom’s photos, visit: nplphotos.com

Teams: PERTH GLORY (3-4-2-1): Aquino, Anton, Mastrantonio, Lawrence, Green, Lowry, Cain, Rigby, Jancevski, Baisden, Hintzen. Substitutes: Coleman, Koulizakis, Langman (GK), Phonsongkham, Sakalis.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Simon, Bunge, Morrison, Nash, Kellond-Knight, Murphy, Chidiac, Goad, Ayres, Privitelli. Substitutes: Briedis, Eliadis, Markovski, Templeman (GK), Zois.

Scorers: Ayres 25′, 58′. Chidiac 75′.

Referee: Lara Lee.

Attendance: 700.

Another win for Adelaide under the Sydney sun

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-1 Adelaide United

By Kieran Yap (11/12/22)

Above: Chelsie Dawber scores the only goal of the game for Adelaide United. Photo: Adelaide United.

A Chelsie Dawber goal from the spot was enough to earn Adelaide United a 1-0 win away to Western Sydney Wanderers.

It was another game played in oppressive heat. The winless Wanderers were faced with an Adelaide side that was eager to bounce back from an injury-time loss in Round Three.

Jenna McCormick returned to the starting lineup for the Reds. The central defender came into the 11 in place of the injured Ella Tonkin. Fullback Emily Hodgson was also a welcome sight on Adrian Stenta’s squad. She started on the bench.

Up front, The Reds boasted more firepower than Western Sydney. Dolan Medallist Fiona Worts started centrally between Emilia Murray and Dawber.

In contrast, Amy Harrison was often the furthest forward for the home side. The former PSV Eindhoven star is a classy footballer, but The Wanderers lacked a striker to occupy Adelaide’s defence.

**Above:** Jenna McCormick (centre) returned to the starting line-up for Adelaide United at Western Sydney today. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

It took only five minutes for The Reds to open the scoring. There was chaos in the Western Sydney penalty area, and it led to Dawber being clipped. The referee signalled immediately to the spot, and the Australian Under 23’s striker calmly slotted the penalty home for her second goal of the season.

While the teams looked determined to press, the heat meant that the tempo of the game never ramped up. Both sides tried to be disciplined in possession. Adelaide goalkeeper Annalee Grove saw plenty of the ball and was comfortable holding possession until her sides shape returned.

Western Sydney struggled to maintain possession, but Adelaide created few clear chances in the first half. The floodgates never opened, but The Wanderers were only really a threat from Harrison’s set pieces.

The South Australians came closest to doubling their lead through their best move of the game. Dawber cut inside from the right and found Worts whose back heel put Murray in space. The shot skidded wide and the half ended 1-0.

Adelaide began the second half with more intensity than the home side. Paige Hayward had two good opportunities to score in quick succession. Against teams with more firepower, these misses might end up being costly, but the fullback deserves plaudits for getting into that position considering the heat.

Worts found space on the edge of the area, but her shot flew marginally past the right post. Soon after, Dylan Holmes charged into the area but her close-range strike was blocked and then cleared by The Wanderers’ defence.

**Above:** Adelaide United’s Melinda Barbieri (right) looks to get away from Malia Steinmetz (left). **Photo:** Western Sydney Wanderers.

In an effort to change the outcome, Kat Smith introduced Sheridan Gallagher and Alexia Apostolakis. The pair of Young Matildas were effective out wide, but were unable to trouble an unflappable Grove.

Apostolakis in particular was Western Sydney’s most dangerous attacking threat. She used the space opened up by Sophie Harding well, and her pace got her into good positions. Her crossing was too close to Grove but her confidence prevented Adelaide from having control of that flank.

This wasn’t a classic match, but it was an important win for The Reds. They returned to the winners list and maintained their top four position. They are winning games and looking comfortable.

Finishing their chances is the most obvious room for improvement, and as Worts returns to match fitness, they may add more goals to their tally. The return of Emily Hodgson should free up Hayward to play up front and reunite the successful attacking trio from last season.

Western Sydney defended well for most of the game, but as with last season, they need a dependable striker. Adelaide looked to have an extra player at times because their defenders were not under much pressure.

It is a problem without an obvious solution, but Kat Smith achieved wonders at Alamein FC with limited resources. With time, she can do the same at Western Sydney.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-3-3): Bloomer, Hristodoulou, Hunt, Keir, Matos, Steinmetz, Price, Gordon, Harding, Harrison, Caspers. Substitutes: Chessari, Chlastakova, Khamis, Apostolakis.

ADELAIDE UNITED: Grove, I.Hodgson, McCormick, Waldus, Hayward, Condon, Barbieri, Holmes, Dawber, Worts, Murray. Substitutes: E.Hodgson, Westland, Bowler, Xiao, Wilson.

Scorer: Dawber (pen) 5′.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 423.

Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar Photo Gallery

Kris Goman was at Allianz Stadium for Impetus to capture the best of the action from pitchside (11/12/22).

Above: Sydney FC’s Sarah Hunter rifles in a shot on goal. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Check out Ben Carey‘s report on the match by clicking here: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/12/10/sydney-fc-demolish-brisbane-roar/

Eidevall: Arsenal are aware of Villa’s “different threats”

Kris Goman dialled into Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall‘s media conference ahead of tomorrow’s trip to the Midlands to face Aston Villa (10/12/22).

Above: Vivianne Miedema is all smiles and in sensational form after three weeks off that have revitalised her. Photo: Arsenal Women.

With Viviane Miedema’s spectacular return to form after around three weeks off, it was revealed this week that she spent two of those weeks in Adelaide visiting her friend and ex-teammate, Maruschka Waldus from the Liberty A-League’s Adelaide United. There’s a photo circulating with her at an Isuzu A-League match with Isabel Hodgson and Josh Cavallo in the background.

She has said, “I feel physically a lot fitter, I think you can see that in the games, and I think by being physically fit, then the game becomes easy again for me. I think you’ve seen that over the last two games and I hope I can at least hold that in the next four games, until Christmas.”

Miedema has scored three goals in four games since she’s been back including a half-volley absolute rocket against Juventus mid-week in the Champions League. She clearly has a lot of discipline to be able to travel, get fit, catch up with old friends and deal with jetlag and then come back firing.

Impetus asked Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall whether he’d ever let someone take a break like that mid-season and whether it was something he would have thought to do if she hadn’t asked for it herself.

**Above:** Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall. **Photo:** Arsenal Women.

As usual, Eidevall was very candid and replied that, “It’s a kind of new situation. The honest answer – and I think this is a weakness of me and also many – is that if a player or person working with us doesn’t make us aware of how they are feeling, it’s really tough to take those decisions.

“Sometimes that’s not a starting point in how you try to think about things and I think that’s what makes it difficult at times when you’re dealing with humans, you have to rely on them telling you the information that you’ll need to make the decision. But then it’s about finding that relationship, that honesty, and that transparency that they feel confident enough to share that information with you. But no, I haven’t done it before, and no, I probably wouldn’t have done it had the player not asked.”

The Gunners head coach admitted that he could see that Miedema was struggling and it’s well documented that she got Covid during the Euros and didn’t really get time to recover fully from that. He said that it was exceptional circumstances with an exceptional person that understands their body and recognised the need for a break.

On top of that, she had the self-confidence to ask where many others wouldn’t. Eidevall admitted that Arsenal are good at taking care of individuals. Miedema herself has been quite vocal about player care since returning and clearly felt the benefit of the break.

With Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly on fire at the moment and just won player of the month, the Gunners chief revealed that his plans for the opposition surround the whole team rather than just one player: “Villa are a good team – they have a lot of different threats.

“Rachel Daly has been phenomenal so far this season but it’s not only her. We need to focus on Villa as a whole team in order to deal with them and get the result we want.” “We have massive respect for Aston Villa. We see them as one of the teams developing the most in the league and Carla Ward is doing a tremendous job there. We know they will be motivated, they will be ready for Sunday and we need to match that.”

**Above:** Rafaelle Souza in action in midweek against Juventus. **Photo:** Arsenal Women.

With the return of both Leah Williamson and Rafaelle Souza, Eidevall was quizzed as to how he adjusted defensively without the aerial dominance of Souza. He said that it forced him to focus on how the defensive four were working as a unit, together with the central midfield to solve different situations – and not making it about individuals. “Now that we’ve got players coming in, like Leah and Rafa, we want to keep that foundation of players working as a unit and we’ll be stronger as a team.”

Saying all that, he highlighted that Lotte Wubben-Moy has continued to develop as a player. Not only with her individual skills but also her leadership skills and how she functions in that unit.

“She has shown she can be consistent over a lot of games, where she has been almost forced to re-focus and recover quickly between the games. That’s not easy to do. Every player can play one game at a high level – the hard thing is to do it on a consistent basis.

“I think Lotte has really proved herself during this period and that has been really pleasing to see.”

So, the competition for places is building and depth is returning despite the current loss of Beth Mead, Kim Little, and Lina Hurtig.

Arsenal meet Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday December 11 at 16.15 local time and Monday December 12 at 03.15 AEST