Above: A battle for possession yesterday as AFC Wimbledon (blue) took on Watford. Photo: Tom Smeeth.
AFC Wimbledon bowed out of the FAWNL League Cup, despite a valiant display against a very strong Watford side, who were in the second tier of the women’s game last season. Ultimately, it would take extra time and a last-minute wonder shot to decide the winner.
Just like the Dons, top-of-tier three Watford came into this game with plenty of confidence, having scored 13 goals in their last three games. The Wimbledon defensive unit, Rosie Russell, Billie Brooks, Kelly Highman, Hannah Billingham, and goalkeeper Faye Baker, rose to the occasion and kept Watford at bay, preventing them from creating any clear cut opportunities.
The best chance of the first half fell to Dons’ captain Hannah Billingham, who hit the inside of the post after heading a perfectly placed Billie Brooks free kick.
Watford made a double substitution at half time, and came out with renewed energy. Wimbledon continued to deny the opposition any chances. The visitors rattled the post with a long-range effort. Amy Taylor came on for Becki Bath, who had taken a knock, and at 80 minutes, returning from injury, Emma Plewa made her first competitive appearance for the club, as she replaced Ellie Dorey. A few minutes later, the Dons made their final substitution for the day, with Megan Stow coming on for Steph Mann.
As the referee blew the full-time whistle, the teams prepared themselves for extra time. Watford were close to stealing the show just a minute after restarting, but were denied by a goal-line clearance from Billingham. On the other end, Gloria Siber forced the Watford ‘keeper into making a fine save.
In the last minutes of extra time, Emma Plewa was sent off. The 10 remaining Wimbledon players battled to reach a penalty shoot-out, but it wasn’t to be. In the dying seconds of the game, Watford’s Grace Garrad won the ball 30 yards out and fired an unstoppable shot in the top far corner of the goal.
Despite the defeat, it was a performance to be proud of for the Dons, as they pushed the best side a division above all the way.
After the game Dons goalkeeper Faye Baker said “I’m really proud of everybody – the subs, the starting XI, the bench, everybody associated with Wimbledon. We’ve just competed for more than 90 minutes and extra time against the team top of the division above.”
Above: Glasgow City take on Hibernian (green) in yesterday’s Sky Sports Cup Semi-Final. Photo: SWPL / Photographer.
SKY SPORTS CUP SEMI-FINALS:
Hibernian and Rangers will face off at Tynecastle on 11th December in the Sky Sports Cup Final after winning their semi-final ties yesterday.
At Petershill Park, it was a meeting between two sides with a historic rivalry in the Semi-Final as Glasgow City took on Hibernian. City have had the better of the Edinburgh side in recent times but Hibs have enjoyed success, especially in cup matches.
That success returned for Hibs as they have put themselves one victory away from lifting the cup for a record eighth time. Former City forward, Krystyna Freda with both goals either side of the half-time whistle before City made it a dramatic finish. Mairead Fulton got the goal to make it 2-1 but it wasn’t enough.
Above: Kayla McCoy dispatches a penalty for Rangers in their win over Spartans in the Sky Sports Cup Semi-Final yesterday. Photo: SWPL / Photographer.
Over in Edinburgh in the other Semi-Final, Rangers reached their first ever SWPL Cup Final with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Spartans. The away side took an early lead with Chelsea Cornet scoring with a wonderful chip from just inside the box. Kayla McCoy doubled their lead before half-time, slotting home the penalty for her first goal in the competition this season.
Finnish international, Jenny Danielsson, started the second-half scoring. Brogan Hay with her second assist of the game putting it on a plate for the forward. Lizzie Arnot got the final goal of the game, tucking the ball into the net from close range to secure Rangers’ place in the Final on the 11th December.
SWF CHAMPIONSHIP:
Above: Ayr United (black) battle it out at Rossvale yesterday. Photo: Kelly Nielson.
Rossvale took advantage of league leaders Livingston having their game with Hutchison Vale called off due to an unplayable pitch. The Glasgow side closed the gap at the top of the table, beating Ayr United 3-0 at home, with a goal from Joss Fletcher after only three minutes and a Lauren McCulloch penalty. Louise McJacobs added a third on 78 minutes.
Renfrew Ladies were 3-0 up against Morton, but had to hold on for the second half with a player down after Sophie Laird saw red. It finished 3-1, with rookie Gracie Cairney scoring a consolation for the home side.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle put cup heartbreak behind them to hold off a late surge from Dryburgh, with a Kayleigh Mackenzie double and one from Rhea Cossack, before a great free kick from Dryburgh’s Rachel Robbie and a late goal by Chelsea Lownie set up a nail-biting finish, but the Highlanders held on.
Above: Joy for Rossvale against Ayr United. Photo: Kelly Nielson.
Table From: SWF Championship.
SWF LEAGUE ONE:
FC Edinburgh have gone clear at the top of the Women’s League One after a 3-0 victory over the only other team who had been unbeaten in the division, Westdyke.
Utilising a high-tempo press and expansive passing, Edinburgh controlled large parts of the game, with goals from the league’s joint top scorer Emma Mitchell, Hannah Markley and Jayden Simmons sending them top.
Speaking afterwards, Edinburgh captain Danielle Forsyth said her team had “dug deep and put in the work” against an unfamiliar opposition.
She praised head coach Andy Enwood for setting high standards “from day one” this season. She said: “The team have a lot of respect for him and his vision to push the team forward. We look forward to the semi-final next week, as a team we want to challenge in this cup.”
At the start of the season, FC Edinburgh had not met the criteria to enter the SWF Championship, which requires teams to have a youth pathway to the senior team, and Forsyth said this had spurred her side on.
Above: FC Edinburgh have lots to celebrate at the present time. Photo: Alex Todd / Sportpix.
“We believe we deserve to be challenging at a higher level, so the cup is a great opportunity for us to do that. We have worked hard from the start of the season to get to where we are now. The semi-final is our chance to so step it up a gear and prove to everybody this is where we should be competing.”
The win lifts the capital side onto 25 points, three points ahead of the Aberdeenshire club and six points ahead of Falkirk and Stenhousemuir, who won comprehensive victories over Giffnock and Airdrie Ladies respectively.
Grampian Ladies beat BSC Glasgow 3-0 at home to remain fifth.
St Mirren won the Paisley derby against Gleniffer Thistle 4-2, while Edinburgh Caledonia put recent disappointments behind them to sweep Dundee West aside 7-2 and climb back up to seventh in the table.
Impetus hears from Australia‘s Emily Van Egmond from the Matildas’ Melbourne training camp as the build-up starts to the game against Sweden on Saturday, whilst Kieran Chea‘s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery captures the best action from Monday’s training (7/11/22).
Above: Emily van Egmond speaks to the media earlier today. Image: Football Australia.
Emily van Egmond joined teammates Alex Chidiac, Chloe Logarzo, Larissa Crummer, Cortnee Vine, and Jada Whyman in the first batch of arrivals to the Matildas camp in Melbourne.
As the group began small-scale training ahead of the arrival of the overseas-based squad members later this week, van Egmond spoke to the media about her return to the national squad after injury.
“It’s great to be back in Australia. I’ve recovered from the quad injury and played in some of the playoffs for San Diego (in the NWSL). We’ve had a long season, a tough one. I’ve felt it a bit, but I’m happy to be back with the Matildas and can’t wait to see the rest of the girls when they come in.”
With Van Egmond battling to claim a spot in a fourth Australian World Cup squad, the former West Ham United star reflected on the draw by saying: “We’ve got Ireland, Canada, and Nigeria, so we’ve played them before. They all pose different challenges for us, but we’ll take it one game in a row and focus on ourselves to get out of the group.
Looking ahead to the challenge posed by Sweden, regular opponents over the past three years, van Egmond observed: “They are a physical team and have some of the world’s best players. It will be a challenge. It’s the first time they’ve travelled here (for a while). To get as many home games as possible, and get the Australian public behind us is so important.”
Australia’s midfield is strong with both Katrina Gorry and Alex Chidiac putting together a persuasive argument to be part of the World Cup squad in the last international window. Van Egmond sees the large potential cohort of players in this position as a motivating factor for herself: “Every team you are a part of you want healthy competition. It drives you to be the best you can be. Consistency is what I’m looking for.”
KIERAN CHEA’S EXCLUSIVE PHOTO GALLERY FROM MELBOURNE FOR IMPETUS:
Above: Alex Chidiac warms up in training today. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Above: Larissa Crummer dodges and weaves. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Above: Chloe Logarzo warms up today. Photo:Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Above: The outfield group of players gathering today. Photo:Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Above: The outfield group warming up. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Above: Step training warm-up for Alex Chidiac (far right) and Larissa Crummer. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Above: Emily van Egmond begins ball work. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Above: Emily van Egmond prepares for her media interview today. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Above: Cortnee Vine warms up. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Above: Cortnee Vine shoots. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Impetus’ Kris Goman was in Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall‘s media conference for us as the red-hot Gunners travel to a struggling Leicester City side who are under new management(6/11/22).
Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall spoke to the media on the challenge he expects from Leicester City later today. Photo: Arsenal Women.
As Arsenal prepare to travel to Leicester City today, the unexpected news that the East Midlands club’s head coach Lydia Bedford and assistant Nicola Williams were both sacked and replaced by Willie Kirk surprised Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall as he discussed in his pre-match press conference.
Eidevall clearly has a lot of respect for Bedford and thought she was doing a good job. “I was surprised to see that they changed. From the outside, just purely looking at the results, I think we all know it’s a result-based business, so there’s not a surprise if you don’t win any games that they might change the coach, but I was surprised, given that when you prep for playing them, I think Leicester was one of the better-coached teams in the league.
“They looked very well structured with all players trying to make the most of that idea. When we have been preparing for them, I think that I’ve seen a lot of development of the Leicester side, so for me, I was very surprised when I got the news yesterday and I hope that Lydia, as a fellow coach, can see that progress even if she didn’t get the reward from it points-based but I think she has improved them performance wise. I think that’s the nature of the game.”
The Arsenal chief went on to hint that Willie Kirk may have been waiting to take over the role. “If I was giving any young coaches any advice, I’d say that when your boss also is a head coach, that usually never leaves you a lot of margins in this game. So that’s something that I would always be watching out for a little bit, being a head coach myself.”
The coaching change has impacted the preparation for the match and he had a clear history of them playing under Bedford.
“What I have seen from Leicester before was a very organised, structured team, very hard working. When we look at the underlying numbers, it’s one of the best defensive teams in the whole league.”
Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall on the difficulty of breaking Leicester City down.
“We have seen that in the recent games both against Manchester United and Reading, they are a very hard team to break down so we’re prepared to be very good on the ball to be able to create enough scoring opportunities to win.”
When asked if he could research Willie Kirk’s managerial style and maybe look back at when he was in charge of Everton and particularly Bristol City, a team that were in a similar situation to where Leicester are now, he replied, “You’re thinking like a good coach right now. That’s what you do. You try to get all the information; you try to apply it for what the current environment is. It still doesn’t mean that you can predict the future. You can have a good idea of what has been happening before at least.”
What came through very strongly was the concept of ‘Team Maturity’ and being able to handle any situation and adapt on the fly. “That’s what we’re trying to build. I think, one of the most underrated things we speak about as a team is the concept of team maturity.
“Team maturity is how many different situations can you give a team and you need some time together to build that experience. You also, of course, have to be effective with time. For us, we’re building that all the time. All the experience that we have and we try to recreate in training, it goes towards games like this. So we can’t say what we’re going to expect, we have to trust the team maturity to say how many different situations and formations that we know that we can deal with, and hopefully that’s enough.”
This was reiterated when asked if it was similar to playing Birmingham City last year when they were bottom of the table and had a fairly new manager and whether to expect that new manager bounce you sometimes see in teams, which resulted in Birmingham taking all three points in that match.
Above: Birmingham City celebrate during their win over Arsenal last season. Jonas Eidevall is out to ensure his team avoids a similar outcome at this season’s WSL strugglers Leicester City. Photo: Sky Sports.
“When you’re playing against a team that is not that predictable, the maturity of the team will play out. I think if we are comparing this game to, for example Birmingham away, it’s a measurement of our team maturity – how far we have come, and I trust our team that we are taking steps and we are developing but we need to call that into action in Sunday’s game.”
Questioned as to whether playing a team sitting on the bottom of the table presented an opportunity to get clear of the other teams at the top of the table by increasing the goal difference. Eidevall made it clear that was never the primary aim. “I would never start with the goal difference. Our mindset is we need to be 100% and we need to do that in every situation and every game.
“We do not let the score affect our efforts. So that means we should, even if we are losing, we should never give up. And if we are winning, we should always try and push and do our very best. So, by doing our best in every moment, that will ultimately lead us to the best possible outcome. That’s the challenge but each game starts nil nil and we have to lead from that moment and don’t think that we can jump ahead in our thoughts.”
He was quizzed, as usual on the injury status of players but wouldn’t be drawn on any timelines other than to say that things are progressing well with all three, Leah Williamson, Kim Little, and Rafaelle Souza and that they’re doing their best every day. He did confirm however that Kim Little’s injury was to her knee.
On the topic of giving Vivianne Miedema some time off and how he’d done that before with the Australians last year and how the form of Frida Maanum and Jordan Nobbs may have given him the confidence to do this, he said, “I prefer not to go into detail about it but, like I answered on the question before, I think it’s the balance between short term and long term, the balance between what’s best for the individual and what’s best for the club and in this situation, this was the best decision.”
Impetus’ Ellie Ramsauer was in Brighton and Hove Albion’s media conference with interim head coach Amy Merricks as the club prepare to overcome last weekend’s 8-0 defeat to Spurs and Hope Powell’s subsequent departure (6/11/22).
Above: Amy Merricks leading training for Brighton this week. Photo: Brighton & Hove Albion Women.
Brighton and Hove Albion look ahead to a trip to West Ham United today following the recent departure of manager Hope Powell after last Sunday’s 8-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
Amy Merricks, who will lead the team for the foreseeable future, led this week’s media conference, and was reluctant to reflect on Hope Powell’s departure and the circumstances, stated that she wanted instead to “focus on [the] right here, right now and the game coming up.”
Merricks did, however, reflect on Powell’s “incredible legacy” and was keen to put on record her appreciation for the former Lionesses’ head coach personally, saying that Powell was “terrific with me as an individual and I’ve learned so much from her.” Further, the interim head coach added that she hopes “we can continue to really drive that diversity and inequality aspect that she’s led on.”
In terms of the players’ reaction to Powell’s departure, Merricks stated that
“We know that Sunday’s performance (against Tottenham) was miles away from where we need to be, the players recognise that, and it’s time to stand up and be counted for this weekend; there has been some real intent in training. The team are clear on what we’re going after which is a real professional performance.”
Amy Merricks, Brighton & Hove Albion interim head coach
When asked whether she had thoughts about taking on the managerial role full-time Merricks stated that her “focus is really on the next three days, getting the team in the best place for a good performance and a professional performance at the weekend.”
In terms of the challenge that West Ham pose on Sunday, Merricks stated that “every game in this competition is a real challenge” so the team are “approaching this game no different to any other” which means the team have to “do the work properly, with intent and be really focused on making sure we cover every corner we can to ensure that we get the performance that we want.”
Merricks stated that, like Tottenham last Sunday, it’ll “be a tough challenge” and that they “are known to be a physical team […] so we need to be on it from the start and that’s what we’ll aim to do”.
In terms of the players’ reaction to Sunday’s huge reversal against Spurs last Sunday, Merricks stated that she thinks “they’re focused, they’re ready to put on a display that the fans [and] the club can all be proud of.”
Unfortunately for Brighton, Kayleigh Green remains a doubt for this Sunday after taking a knock early on in last Sunday’s game against Tottenham. Merricks provided an update on Green saying “she’s okay, she’s recovering [and] just going through the process of trying to get her back so she feels sharp and fresh at the moment.”
Holly Wright was in Manchester United head coach MarcSkinner‘s media conference ahead of today’s huge game with Chelsea and heard him outline why he believes things will be different this season (6/11/22).
Above: Manchester United boss Marc Skinner. Photo: Martin Rickett.
Manchester United have had a perfect start to the WSL campaign so far and are yet to concede a goal, but their first major test of the season comes against the defending champions Chelsea today.
Head coach Marc Skinner is looking forward to the clash and is confident his team can get a result from this game.
“The girls have been brilliant so far. To score 14 and keep clean sheets in every one is credit to them. The whole squad. The whole staff. These games you should enjoy, and we have to be very clear and be confident not complacent which is the key message here.
“We know how good Chelsea have been. Historically they are the best team in this league. We have respect for them but it’s about making sure we impose ourselves on this game like we know we can.”
Two of the joint three top highest goal scorers will be on show this weekend with United, Arsenal, and Chelsea having contributed to 45 out of the 99 goals scored in the WSL so far this season an open and attacking game from both teams is expected.
“The defences of both teams are going to be tested,” Skinner observed, “and these are the types of games where we have to make this into a mature performance. What that means is we have to break at the right times. Score at the right times. Have possession at the right times and show that real maturity because if you can try in games like this to have as much control as possible although how difficult that is you have the best chance of getting results. The attacking quality that is on show makes it promise to have goals.”
After a strong 3-0 win against Everton last weekend with three different scorers on the score sheet, United go into today’s game with a different type of preparation as they face a tougher opponent in terms of the quality and dangers, they can cause Skinner’s side.
“Its like a heavyweight boxing match if you duck your guard for one moment you can be knocked out and that’s the reality of playing against a team like this, and hopefully, they will feel the same against us that if they give us a moment, we can take it.”
Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner on the threat posed by Chelsea.
“It’s about finding the rhythm of the game. Trying to disrupt their rhythm when they have possession, but I know for sure resilience is going to be key in this game. Energy and resilience are going to be key for us to take a positive result.
Skinner will have the luxury of a strong squad to choose from and could possibly be boosted by the return of Ona Battle who hasn’t featured since the 4-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion early this season due to concussion whilst Aiofe Mannion is also close to returning after rupturing her ACL way back in March of this year.
“Ona has trained again with the squad on the edges of the training session today. She has gone through all her fitness aspects that she needs to do. She’s looking positive and only really now Aiofe who is gearing up time to ramp up what she is doing now so we are in a really good space with the squad.”
Players in good form is a great position to be in for any manager, but the focus is on showing progress since the last two sides met last season in a game where Chelsea ran out victorious in a 4-2 win and with it retained the WSL title.
“More importantly we have got players that can come into the game and make a difference which I don’t believe we had last year. Nothing to do with the quality of the player, more to do with the experience of certain moments. The reason they are performing so well is that they know behind them is someone that is ready to take their place or at least to put pressure on them for that place. What I love about this team is they are willing to give to each other. They are willing to perform for each other and that’s what I want to build here. A team that is collective from goalkeeper all the way through to the forwards and the players coming in will make a key difference.
“We aspire to be that title challengers. We like to be talked about in that space but I’m a big believer in evidence of that. We want to be talked about up there, but we have to earn that right. We have a lot more to do. We want to win things. “Sometimes you have to take those punches to know where you’re at. We’re a different team now but I want us to show that. It’s all well and good me talking about that here but I want my team to show their maturity in this game.”
Above: Alessia Russo in training ahead of today’s big game with Chelsea. Photo: Manchester Untied Women.
This WSL season is proving to be one of great unpredictability with some shock results already this campaign. It is too early in the season to suggest this game will decide anything yet but could go a long way in determine who will be title contenders come the end of the season. Skinner recognises this.
“This game is huge. It’s important in these games we stamp our level of maturity and progression, and we see that. I don’t want to say we are just looking for the performance in these games you’ve got to find a way to get the result which is probably the most difficult task. We have to be ready, and we have to give absolutely everything. In moments we are going to have a bit of luck, but I want us to be prepared for that. I want to see that growth in the psychology in managing moments because its not going to be as smooth as we would like it to be. We have to be aggressive and ready to take our moments when they come.”
Ticket sales have been excellent with 8,000 already being sold for this highly anticipated fixture. “United fans are the best. Honestly, I’ve watched a lot of football but in women’s football specifically, the crowds that we get are firing and we are going to need them. This is a tough tough game, and we are going to need them to make sure they are the 12th player and get right behind us. I ask that every week, but they always deliver that.
“With a potential 8,000 possibly more that’s like another 8,00 voices that is going to help lift us when we need it. What I need from them is energy and a spark to get right behind us and I’m looking forward to them helping try and get the result for us.”
Lastly, a huge topic around the WSL in recent weeks is the decision for teams to move away from white shorts to aid women’s individuality whilst on their menstrual cycle, and this is something United as a club will be looking to implement in the future and a decision that Skinner is 100% behind. “It is a huge area. We need our players to feel comfortable to perform. We are absolutely in discussions to do that. I’m absolutely certain that it will happen.”
Above: Elise Kellond-Knight (right) in celebratory mood for the Matildas. Photo: ESPN.
Melbourne Victory today announced the major signing of Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight for the 2022/23 A-League Women season.
The 32-year-old joins the Club from Swedish top-flight club, Hammarby, and returns to the A-League Women’s competition where she has previously represented Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City.
Kellond-Knight has represented the Matildas over 100 times, featuring at the 2011, 2015, and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and has been selected in the Matildas most recent squad to take on Sweden and Thailand.
Melbourne Victory Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said Kellond-Knight’s addition will add quality and another level of experience to his strong midfield group.
“We’re thrilled to have KK join the Club for the upcoming season and she will clearly be an important member of our squad,” Hopkins said.
Artwork: Melbourne Victory.
“Her experience at Club and international level is second to none and her leadership on and off the pitch will help us in our journey to lift silverware again this season.”
Kellond-Knight is also excited to be joining Melbourne Victory. The star said: “I’m excited to be returning to the A-League with Melbourne Victory and helping the team lift their third consecutive Championship,” Kellond-Knight said.
“Jeff and the team have created an environment that looks to push for success every season and that is something I want to be a part of.”
Kellond-Knight will join the squad after the Matildas friendlies in November and be available for selection ahead of the Club’s Round 1 clash with Western United on Saturday 19 November.
Impetus’ Johnathan Stack was in Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor‘s media conference ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Reading (5/11/22).
Above: Gareth Taylor points the way ahead for Manchester City. Photo: Manchester City.
Manchester City will be going into this Sunday’s game against Reading at the Madejski Stadium looking for their fifth consecutive win in all competitions.
It has been a good week at City as Manager Gareth Taylor has been nominated for October’s Barclays Women’s Super League manager of the month award with Lauren Hemp and Bunny Shaw have been nominated for October’s goal of the month award.
After a tough start City is getting back on track and climbing the table nicely as another international break begins after the weekend. Taylor has been saying over the last few weeks to be patient and trust the process. He believes that viewpoint has potentially vindicated.
Above: Manchester City in training ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Reading. Photo: Manchester City.
“Maybe, I think the team have done really well, in this period coming back from the last international break. We identified these games as a good period for us, to get rhythm and continuity and the players have done that really well. We have scored a lot of goals in that period; we have edged it in that situation of scoring goals.
“I think a big part of that has been strong contributions from players within the team, and no more so than Bunny Shaw she is really playing at a high level at the moment. We are still challenging her to potentially improve on some areas where we think she will get even more goals, but I think there have been really strong contributions from key players and everyone is involved in that within the team.”
Australian international Mary Fowler has yet to start a WSL game so far this season, coming off the bench three times. Her only starts being in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying round against Real Madrid and in the League Cup against Blackburn Rovers. Taylor outlined what Fowler needs to do to gain a regular starting spot in the City side.
“Mary is doing really well, she is working hard, she is training hard she is contributing to team performances whether that be from the side or from starts. It’s a big transition from her, similar to Bunny Shaw coming from the French league but you are talking about a younger player.”
Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor on Mary Fowler.
“I think we have got a different option to what Bunny gives us (in Mary), but she will be completely aware of the contribution that Bunny is making at the moment. But Mary is making her contribution to the team as well, like I have said before I think she is a very talented player who has got high levels of ability, she is a player who has the potential to go very, very far in the game.”
Taylor gave an injury update on Ruby Mace and Matildas star Alanna Kennedy saying: “Ruby Mace is getting that little bit closer. Alanna as well, but they won’t be considered (for this weekend). “Alanna had a good check-in with the surgeon who is happy with everything that’s going on with her shoulder. She will join up with the Matildas in the next camp, not to partake in any games but it will be good for her to be around that environment. We’re probably looking at after the international break to potentially step up and get possible minutes for games.
“Outside of that, everyone else is looking sharp and fresh. There’s some good competition going into the games. With Ruby, she had a slight setback in her thigh injury but we’re pretty confident she’ll get a good level of training under her belt albeit in slightly smaller numbers in the international break. We try to promote the academy players, but they are away too, so we lost that opportunity at times, but it’ll be good for Ruby. She’s maybe a week or so ahead of Alanna but both players in this next period when we do come back are getting closer to seeing them back on the pitch.”
Impetus’ Nathan Edwards was in Chelsea’s media conference today and heard the club’s General Manager Paul Green praise Lauren James highly ahead of her return to the LSV to face previous club Manchester United (4/11/22).
Above: Lauren James after scoring against Aston Villa last weekend. Chelsea General Manager Paul Green recognised her huge efforts this season when speaking to the media today. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Chelsea General Manager Paul Green says Chelsea are “seeing the real Lauren James” after the striker’s early season form has seen her called up to the England national team for the second time.
James scored her first two goals of the season, in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory against Aston Villa last weekend.
Shortly after the 21-year-old’s brace, Sarina Wiegman picked the youngster in her 25-women squad as the Lionesses prepare for friendlies against Japan and Norway.
Talking about James’ start to the season, Green said, “I think Lauren James had a tough season last year, coming here off the back of a lot of injuries she had with Manchester United.
“She may have had to play in certain games when she wasn’t 100 percent fit, and we had to do a lot of work off the pitch to get things right because she didn’t arrive fit and healthy.
“We had to take it slowly and I think we are reaping the rewards this season. The way she has started, even in preseason.
“She scored against Lyon and has taken that into the season. Her form has been really good and she has gotten into the senior England squad.
James made the switch from Manchester to west London last year and joined a Chelsea side that is stacked with attacking quality, which Green thinks will help her grow.
Above: Chelsea General Manager Paul Green. Photo: Chelsea FC Women.
He said, “Last year was a learning curve for her and show her what it takes to be an elite professional.
“She is able to learn from some of the senior players we have, like Sam Kerr, Pernille Harder, and Millie Bright.
“We have a very experienced squad and I think she has absorbed all that information like any young player needs to do, and we are really seeing the real Lauren James and the quality she has.
“I think we are all excited to see what will come from her in the present and future.”
James will be looking to score in two consecutive games, something she is yet to manage in her Chelsea career when the Blues face her old side Manchester United on Sunday.
Green believes that their weekend opponents will be one of his side’s strongest challenges come to the end of the season.
The Chelsea general manager said, “There is a long way to go but Arsenal and United, as well as Manchester City.
“But it is no different to every year, where those same teams will be in and around the top and it is down to us to come out on top come the end of the season.
“It is going to be tough, but we are used to that. We are used to having a target on our back, as the reigning three-time WSL Champions, we are always going to be there to be shot at.
“We like the challenge and we will be going up to Manchester and trying to get the win that will leapfrog them in the table.
Holly Wright was in Reading head coach Kelly Chambers’ media conference ahead of their game withManchester City on Sunday as her Royals side look to build on their first win of the season last time out (4/11/22).
Above: Reading boss Kelly Chambers and her squad are buoyed by last week’s dramatic win over Leicester City. Photo: Robin Parker.
After the dramatics of last weekend for the second game in a row where the Royals have now scored four goals in the last 15 minutes of play, Reading head coach Kelly Chambers goes into the game against Manchester City with no new injury concerns.
Emma Harries and Brooke Hendrix still remain absent as they have been for the last few games, however there is optimism that they could also make a return when the league resumes after the international break.
Reading return to the Select Leasing Car Stadium for the second weekend in a row with Chambers hoping for another electric atmosphere from the fans. “To have two home games in a row is nice. Hopefully we can build on the crowd that we had last week as they have been magnificent since we have returned back to the stadium. They are just that 12th player for us as they definitely were last weekend so hopefully, everyone comes back from the Leicester game, and we can add to that.”
Following the full-time whistle on Sunday the relief on the staff and players’ face was evident for all to see but the focus now turns to City with the fight for survival not over yet. “Sunday was a big weight off our shoulders to get those points on the board. We needed that and you could see that from the celebrations of everybody on the day.
“I believe the girls deserved the points over the 90 minutes. We are going into a tough game against Manchester City to try and get something out of it. We have got points on the board and it has lifted us out of that bottom spot, but three points still isn’t enough to be safe in this league. We need that to be our focus and we need to make sure that we keep trying to add to them.”
Reading’s head coach believes consistency and ruthlessness are key to build on what they achieved last weekend. “We have wanted to start getting consistency. We have got consistency in our performances, but we need to make sure that we defend our box and we have got to be more ruthless in front of goal. We have had enough opportunities to be ruthless in front of goal, we just haven’t taken them, but we are seeing the progress.”
Above: Reading show their joy after a sensational comeback win against Leicester City last weekend. Photo: Get Reading.
There has been a lot of talk from numerous managers this season about the quality of officials in the WSL, and this is something Chambers has spoken openly and carefully about.
“We have had a frustrating start to the season. I have been quite open about some of that. It has been down to the officiating that we have had over some of the games. It’s frustrating when things like that have been taken out of our hands but we have learned from it. It’s been hard to try and take those frustrations of officials away from the players, but I have had to try my hardest to do that and just make sure that they’re focused on us.”
Two goals in added time from Rachel Rowe, her first goals of the season for her club saw her grab the headlines, but her performance has come as no shock to her head coach. “She does it in training every day, so we know she’s what she’s capable of. I think we are really starting to see the best of ‘Rowey’.
“She has had injuries in the past that have kept her out for big chunks of seasons, but she has grown in confidence. She has got a real role in the team now in terms of playing higher up the pitch. She can do what she does as we saw against Leicester. I think she has been fantastic this season. She has just got better and better as games have gone on and it’s just nice to see that part because we see it every day but it’s just nice that the whole world is getting to see that now too.”
Chambers acknowledged Manchester City’s out-of-character start to their WSL campaign, but insists they will be ones to watch as the season progresses. “They have started to settle as a group and are starting to find their feet. We know what we are going to face at the weekend. City don’t really change their style of play. They trust their processes. They trust the way that they play so we have got to make sure that we are prepared for that.
“They have got magnificent players. They have lost some over the summer and are in a bit of a transitional season, but I think they have found their feet as a team. They are starting to click a little bit and I think you have seen that in their results and performances over the last couple of weeks.
“The approach for us is no different. We prepare the same way every week and make sure that we have analysed the opposition. What do we need to do? Where do we need to be strong? How can we capitalise on opposition’s areas of weakness? There is probably no pressure on us going into this game. We go into games trying to get something out of everyone, and I’m just hoping last weekend has allowed the girls to relax mentally but not just switch off.
“If we keep putting in the performances, and we keep working hard, the results will follow. We are not hiding from the fact that we probably won’t get as many chances as what we might get in other games, but we have got to find a way to put the ball in the back of the net. My staff keep reminding me, we are in a better position now than we were last season which sounds bonkers because we have actually scored more goals now this season than we had last season so again it’s just trusting the process.”
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