Above: Players from the clubs in the last four – Glasgow City, Hibernian, Spartans, and Rangers gather at Tynecastle for the Semi-Final draw of the Sky Sports Cup. Photo: Malcolm McKenzie via Glasgow City Twitter.
The 2022/23 Sky Sports Cup Final, the competition previously known as the SWPL Cup Final, will be played at Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh on Sunday 11th December. The match will also be exclusively live on Sky Sports, the first SWPL game to be broadcast on the channel.
The venue, home of Heart of Midlothian, has hosted the two most recent Scottish Women’s Cup Finals, providing an outstanding backdrop for the clubs, players, and fans as well as producing some historic moments.
Fiona McIntyre, SWPL Managing Director, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured Tynecastle Park for the 2022/23 final. The clubs and players have all spoken very highly of their experiences here, commenting on the incredible atmosphere that is created at Tynecastle which is well-known amongst fans of Scottish football.
Above: Tynecastle, venue of the SWPL Cup Final. Photo: Heart of Midlothian.
“I’m also delighted that this will be the first match broadcast on Sky Sports since the announcement of our record partnership. Alongside Sky Sports and the two finalists, we look forward to a historic moment for the girls’ and women’s game.”
The Semi-Final draw, conducted at Tynecastle by Fiona McIntyre and Scottish singer-songwriter, ili, is as follows:
Glasgow City
v
Hibernian
Spartans
v
Rangers
The draw means a repeat of the 2019 Cup Final which saw Hibernian prevail 4-2 on penalties over Glasgow City. Spartans host Rangers, after defeating both Heart of Midlothian and Celtic on penalties earlier in the competition.
The Semi-Finals will take place on Sunday 6th November, hosted by the home clubs. Ticket information for the Final will follow these matches.
Holly Wright was in Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner‘s media conference ahead of tomorrow’s Conti Cup game at Durham for us. She heard the Red Devils chief reveal his huge respect for the Championship side and how he recognises the pressure that comes with being in charge of the Red Devils(25/10/22).
Above: Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner, who spoke to the media ahead of tomorrow’s Conti Cup tie at Durham. Photo: Manchester United Women.
This is the second season in a row that Manchester United have drawn Durham in the Continental Cup group phase, so they are no strangers to the style of football their opponents play and the threat they pose from set pieces that caused ‘The Red Devils’ trouble last time around after the game ended a 2-2 draw with United getting the extra point for the penalty shoot out win.
Head coach Marc Skinner spoke about how they plan to defend against the Championship side’s aerial danger, “They are always going to be a threat from set pieces regardless. What we could probably do better is give less of them away in those areas and defend more effectively. The best way to probably defend against them is to defend with the ball. If they are not attacking, you can get a nice rhythm, and you are probably going to maintain good control in the game as much as possible.”
Above: Hannah Blundell in possession for Manchester United in last season’s Conti Cup trip to Durham. Photo: Manchester United Women.
Skinner is keen to show the sell-out Durham crowd how much his team have developed since the two sides last met. “I think we’ve evolved. It is a different style of the game. We have done our homework and they play some really nice football as well and that’s not been trying to be facetious, its really good style with a good mix and a good blend and there is a lot of respect for them.
“For us, we have to try and limit their strengths, but also show how much we have grown. I thought in the game against Leicester on Sunday there were moments where I saw growth within our team so I’m expecting the same against a very difficult Durham team.”
Mental preparation also plays a key part in making sure the players are in the best psychological state managing the transfer from top grass pitches to enclosed 4G arenas and especially with the hectic schedule of the WSL alongside the international breaks and the Continental Cup. “It is very much a mental switch. Me as a coach, I’ve grown up coaching on fields like that for a long time. We do get spoiled as you get more professional, but the players are professional, and they know it’s going to be a tough job. They know what they’ve got to do in order to take the points from this game.
“I think it’s around this time last year that we actually played them anyway at their ground. The fans were raucous. It was a really good atmosphere. It’s very close to the pitch as well so it’s a really good psychological test for us. We’ve just got to do what we can. We have got to control the game as much as possible. We have to deal with it on the day and have to defend against the good players that Durham put out.”
Marc Skinner, Manchester United Head Coach.
In terms of the expected raucous atmosphere at the ground, Skinner doesn’t see it impacting on his team, rather looking at how it can inspire his players.
“You have to turn the psyche the other way and go right everything is trying to go against us, so you dig in; show what qualities we have as players and absorb the crowd’s energy. Try and use it against them as much as possible. If you were at the game last year you would know many fans we had there too. They travelled in their numbers so it will be a real good game, I’m sure.”
Above: Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner reports no fresh injury concerns ahead of tomorrow’s game at Durham. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA.
The Manchester United boss confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns for the trip to Durham but is optimistic that Alessia Russo and Grace Clinton could possibly feature at the weekend. “Ona (Batlle) will probably miss this game. Obviously, there are still absentees with Grace (Clinton), Alessia (Russo), and Aoife (Mannion) so everyone else should be available for the game, but I think Alessia and Grace may even be ready potentially for the Everton game this weekend.”
United are currently unbeaten in the WSL this season and second in the table only on goal difference. Their opening Conti Cup ended in defeat on penalties at Aston Villa after Rachel Daly cancelled out Nikita Parris’ first-half goal for Skinner’s side. The Red Devils chief believes pressure comes with the territory of being at the club and is no more than he expected when he was first appointed manager.
“I said when I first came here, pressure is just part of this job and for us I want the fans to be expecting us to do well of course but our fans are also very aware of how we have grown and what we’re trying to achieve here. The performances, the types of wins, we have been getting, the clean sheets, and for league games, they are aware of the points that we are progressing with but like them, we want to win as well so the pressure is part of what we do, and it is something we enjoy. It’s part of everything that’s in our DNA at Manchester United so we welcome it.”
Although the WSL will be United’s priority this season, the club are three-time semi-finalists in this competition and so this year will be hoping to go at least one better with the 39-year-old insisting it’s important to take the competition seriously. “It can be a real springboard. We know how important a cup like this can be, so I want to stress we are not taking it lightly. Even if we make adaptations within the team like we did against Villa and obviously the team against Leicester, that is not taking the opponent lightly but the players we are bringing in are now of the calibre that should be starting players.”
“For us it’s about keeping balance. It’s about keeping the rhythm within the team but also giving very good players the opportunity to play. Against Villa, we should have won the game. I don’t think we performed particularly well but we should have won the game. We had a chance in the last couple of minutes to really cement that and then we lose on a penalty shoot-out so for us it’s important that we take this game as serious as we would any other game but also, I’m really excited to see what some of the other players can produce.”
Championship side Durham welcome Manchester United to Maiden Castle Sports Ground on Wednesday October 26th with a scheduled 7pm kick-off.
Impetus’ Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (25/10/22).
Above: University of East Anglia’s player of the match and scorer of their fourth goal, Maddison Goodenough. Photo: Lillie Nott.
Main Match of the Week
FC Viking Valkyries 0-7 University of East Anglia
University of East Anglia overcame a tricky trip to lower division opponents FC Viking Valkyries in the Norfolk Women & Girls League Cup First Round. They produced professional and clinical performance as braces from Cassandra Piejko and Katie Appleton plus further goals from Hannah Thompson, Charlotte Stelmaszyk, and Maddison Goodenough saw them progress to the next round.
This first-round tie played at Sprowston Recreation Ground saw UEA from the step seven Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One travel to step Eight FC Viking Valkyries in a game played in horrendous conditions for the majority following heavy rain across Norfolk throughout Sunday morning which continued as the game kicked off.
Above: Hannah Thompson opening the scoring for UEA against FC Viking Valkyries. Photo: Lillie Nott.
The conditions didn’t stop UEA from taking control of the game and they didn’t waste time, goals from Hannah Thompson followed by a brace from Cassandra Piejko all inside the first 20 minutes meant the visitors had a comfortable 3-0 lead.
The University side were determined not to allow Viking Valkyries a route back into the game and put the contest beyond their hosts with two further goals before the interval. Charlotte Stelmaszyk added the fourth before Katie Appleton decided she would like a piece of the action and added the fifth with a calmly placed penalty just before half time.
FC Viking Valkyries to their credit performed brilliantly following the interval under the guidance of manager Ben Binder and a large number of vocal supporters. A squad of 16 players for this game and a good league season to date is evidence of the positive vibe around the club and they created some second-half opportunities to remind their illustrious visitors there were two teams involved in this game.
UEA however defended very well and especially Maddison Goodenough who ended up winning the club’s Player of the Match award following the game. Goodenough added the fourth following a corner as she tapped in from close range.
There was time for Katie Appleton to finish off a wonderful team move for her second and UEA’s seventh of the afternoon to seal a comfortable and safe passage into the Second Round of the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup.
Above: Katie Thompson, scorer of two goals for UEA on Sunday. Photo: Lillie Nott.
Above: Katie Knights (right) battles for possession during Norwich City’s win over Cambridge United. Photo: Norwich City Women FC.
Norwich City overcame a tricky start to defeat fellow tier four opponents Cambridge United at The Nest. Ruth Fox gave Cambridge United an early lead but goals from Rebecca Russell, Natasha Snelling, Megan Todd, and Ellie Smith saw the Canaries run out 4-1 winners.
Wroxham were beaten 3-0 at home by Enfield Town. Karesa Iton scored the first two before Olivia Syson finished the scoring with Enfield’s third from 25 yards out to seal a comfortable win.
Above: Conditions were dreadful at Trafford Park as Wroxham (stripes) faced Enfield Town. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.
Fakenham Town were arguably involved in the tie of the day losing narrowly 4-3 at home to Hackney. A brace from Sophie Lubbock and the other from Vicky Lubbock wasn’t enough to see the Norfolk side progress.
Royston Town ran out comfortable 12-1 winners against tier seven Sprowston. Hat tricks from Natalie Richardson and Riana Badal plus a brace from Gemma Croucher and further goals from Amy Cooper, Poppy Smith, and Daniella Coello saw the hosts from two league’s above through. Sprowston did get their magic moment when Mollie O’Callaghan scored from distance.
Above: Sprowston on the attack in their FA Cup tie at Royston Town. Photo: Ellie Desborough.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup First Round
Beccles Town and Aylsham played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. A brace from Mia Rose for Beccles plus goals for Aylsham from Brooke Osborne and Jade Telfer saw the game go to penalties after the sides were unable to be separated after 120 minutes of football. Aylsham ended up winning 4-1 on penalties.
Blofield saw off Shrublands with a 5-0 win to progress to the next round thanks to a brace from Bailey Duffield and further goals from Lauren Monument, Darcy Peters, and an own goal. Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Just one League game this week saw Caister return to winning ways beating Stalham Town 6-2 at The Allendale. A hat trick from Leah Brown, a brace from Sam Hunn, and the other from Melissa Anderson was enough to see off Stalham Town with Stalham’s goals coming from Emma Gillespie and Abigail Gower.
Impetus’ Welsh Women’s Football Correspondent Martin Townleybrings us the latest of his weekly round-ups from the top flight of women’s football in Wales with Round Five of the season taking place (25/10/22).
Above: Zoe Atkins celebrates with her teammates after getting Cardiff City’s first goal against The New Saints. Photo: Cardiff City.
Cardiff City kept up their perfect start to the season with a win over TNS to remain top. Aberystwyth Town pulled off a shock draw away to Swansea City with Libby Isaac scoring twice. Pontypridd United took three points away from Barry Town United, and Abergavenny are still looking for their first points after a home defeat to Cardiff Met thanks to Emily Allen’s hat trick.
Swansea City 2-2 Aberystwyth Town
Aberystwyth were denied a famous win away at Swansea as Sarah Adams netted an 85th Minute equaliser. The Green and Blacks had led 2-1 thanks to Libby Isaac’s brace.
Chloe Tilley gave the Swans the lead just two minutes in with a close-range effort after a pass from Ellie Lake.
Aberystwyth however went on to lead before half time as Swansea failed to capitalise on the early goal. Libby Isaac scoring both first from the spot and then a 25-yard effort to give her side the lead.
The Swans would dominate the second half but had to wait till the 85th minute for Sarah Adams to rescue a point.
Above: Chloe Tiley is congratulated after scoring Swansea City’s first goal against Aberystwyth Town. Photo: Swansea City
SWANSEA CITY: Claire Skinner, Alicia Powe, Ellie Lake, Emma Beynon, Kelly Adams, Nia Jenkins, Katy Hosford, Chloe Tiley (Rachel Cullen 71), Gwen Morgan (Ria Hughes 71), Emily Freeman (Sarah Adams 63), Jessica Williams.
THE NEW SAINTS: Sarah Parkes, Beth Lewis, Lexie Harrison, Danielle Staley, Chantelle Teare, Lucie Platt, Tia Lockley, Caitlin Chapman, Helen Evans, Isobel Redding, Lia Lewis.
Scorers: Teare 28′, Lewis (pen) 66′.
Barry Town United 0-3 Pontypridd United
Pontypridd established their top four credentials with a 3-0 win over Barry Town United at Jenner Park.
Alison Witts got the first goal as she headed in at the back post from Jasmine Turner’s ball in.
Olivia Francis made it two with a solo effort, making a run down the flank she then cut inside and saw her initial effort blocked. As the ball was loose, she volleyed past Erin Brennan to make it two-nil.
Renee Day added a third coolly putting the ball past Brennan after being played in by Alison Witts.
BARRY TOWN UNITED: Erin Brennan, Lauren Harris, Holly Jenkins, Delia Ebbin (Maisy Fahey-Pennell 76), Hana Bennett (Phoenix Phillips 76), Taite Trivett (Nia Davies 85), Anna Houghton, Mackenzie Olden, Manon Pearce, Emily Nicholson (Grace McDonald 60), Faith Mulenga (Rhian Thomas 85).
Above: Portland Thorns players celebrate Crystal Dunn’s last-minute winner against the San Diego Wave. Photo: @ThornsFC.
Crystal Dunn’s 92nd-minute rocket sealed a win for the Portland Thorns at Providence Park as they came from behind to beat the San Diego Wave and in the process, secure their Championship final spot.
San Diego broke the deadlock in the 9th minute through Taylor Kornieck. The tall midfielder was in the right position to nod in Alex Morgan’s well-angled cross from the right flank.
The Thorns had their work cut out for them and piled the pressure on Wave’s defense. They got their reward 21 minutes in when Raquel Rodriguez fired in a shot from the edge of the area to restore parity. Portland’s pressure yielded a corner and San Diego were unable to clear their lines and the ball fell kindly for the Costa Rican to rifle the volley onto the roof of the net.
Both teams ended the half with good chances to grab the lead. Sophia Smith on a counter-attack couldn’t sort out her feet fast enough off a pass from Morgan Weaver which led to Kailen Sheridan easily smothering the chance. Bella Bixby was forced into a reaction save to deny Kornieck’s half-volley close range in stoppage time of the first half meaning they had to go into the changing rooms at the break level.
The second half was dominated by Portland having the lion’s share of possession but Wave’s defence, marshalled by Naomi Girma was up to the task. The Thorns had a couple of pops at Sheridan but none of them came close to beating the Canadian.
Casey Stoney’s side conceded ground which allowed Portland numerous chances to grab the winner in a tense match. The final 20 minutes of the match saw chances falling for both Weaver and Smith, but neither could ripple the net.
Second half substitute Crystal Dunn was the hero however with a minute of injury time remaining. Rhian Wilkinson’s charges earned a corner from their pressure and Wave couldn’t get rid of danger convincingly and for the second time in the game, the ball landed on a Portland player. Dunn made no mistake in finding the net in spectacular fashion sending over 20,000 home fans into pandemonium and handing her side the first play-off win since 2018.
Above: Kansas City Current players after the final whistle in their win against OL Reign. Photo: @thekccurrent.
Meanwhile, in Seattle, Kansas City Current ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against regular season shield-winners OL Reign at Lumen Field to book a ticket into the final.
OL Reign went down in the opening five minutes when Alexis Loera poked home for Kansas City. Lo’eau LaBonta and Cece Kizer combined well inside the box and Kizer’s initial shot was blocked but Reign couldn’t sort themselves out and Loera popped up in the box to put her chance away below Phallon Tullis-Joyce in goal.
Jordyn Huitema had a good chance to draw OL Reign level in the 31st minute with her header but Adrianna Franch made herself big enough to deny the Canadian. Jess Fishlock also came close twice within a minute when she rattled the crossbar with a fierce shot and when a second chance came from a corner, she wrapped her foot around the ball with a smart volley but it was straight down Franch’s throat for a comfortable save.
The Current doubled their lead just after the hour mark when a long ball from the back was not dealt with sufficiently by Sam Hiatt and Kristen Hamilton pounced on the loose ball. Running into space vacated by two defenders, Hamilton pulled her shot wide enough away from Tullis-Joyce to make it 2-0.
Reign had to find a way back and thought they had pulled one back when Huitema saw another header not go in as Loera cleared off the line emphatically in the 73rd minute.
Laura Harvey’s side attacks eventually fizzled out as Matt Potter and his team put on a defensive clinic to see out the remainder of the game condemning Reign to another play-off loss and securing their first final as Kansas City Current.
Portland Thorns and Kansas City Current will face off at the Audi Field in Washington DC on Saturday October 29th.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby was in Chelsea’s media conference this afternoon as captain Magda Eriksson and General Manager Paul Green looked ahead to tomorrow’s Champions League tie against Albanian side Vllaznia at Kingsmeadow(25/10/22).
Above: Chelsea star Fran Kirby looks set to play some part in tomorrow night’s Champions League tie with Vllaznia at Kingsmeadow. Photo: Harriet Lander.
Chelsea General Manager Paul Green has confirmed that Lionesses star Fran Kirby is a strong contender to play a part in the Blues’ Champions League game with Vllaznia at Kingsmeadow tomorrow night.
Speaking to the media this afternoon, Green said: “Things are looking good. Fran Kirby has come back into the squad. She’s been in training the last couple of days and will be an addition to the squad. Fran is a quality player and to have her back for tomorrow night is a big boost.”
Whilst Kirby’s return will be met with joy from the fans, the news was less positive on Serbian midfielder Jelena Čanković, as the club General Manager admitted that “her injury hasn’t settled down as we would have hoped.”
Turning attention to the task at hand tomorrow, whilst Vllaznia may be an unknown quality to many, Green is more than aware that they showed more than enough quality against Real Madrid in last week’s group game to prove they will be stubborn opponents at Kingsmeadow.
“They will be very well organised, very structured defensively. They did very well against Real Madrid last week. It was only two late goals that got Madrid the win, they were very difficult to break down. We are expecting them to come to Kingsmeadow with a similar tactical approach to the game.”
Paul Green, Chelsea General Manager on what he expects from Vllaznia.
“They have a mixture of Albanian internationals and American players as well. They did well in their league last year and are doing so again this year, but we know that if we perform, we are good enough to get the result that we all want.”
“They are in the competition for the first time in their club’s history, so it’s a massive achievement for them to play against some of the best teams in Europe. They will be playing with a lot of freedom, there is not much expectation for them to get out of the group. We need to build on last week’s win at PSG, it’s important for us to go to six points from six in the group.
“We have to look for a fast start, but it’s all about patience and follow the same process with good ball speed to open them up.
“We have to be at our best to break down their low block. We have the players to do it but have to perform at our best level to break down the block and get the goals. If we all perform at our highest level we can get the win we need to build on last week, otherwise going to PSG, getting the win, and not following it up with the bread-and-butter home game against the lowest-ranked team in the group would put us back to the drawing board.”
Above: Albanian champions Vllaznia proved to be stubborn opposition for Real Madrid last week, and Paul Green is not expecting it to be any different tomorrow night at Kingsmeadow. Photo: UEFA.
Whilst some teams may become frustrated by the sort of defensive approach that the Albanian side are likely to set up tomorrow night, Green doesn’t see it being an issue for Chelsea, saying: “Unless we are playing the top teams in the WSL, we are coming against 5-4-1 or 4-4-1-1 all the time. We have to be patient.”
Green provided an update on Ann-Katrin Berger’s health situation after the news recently that her thyroid cancer had returned by saying: “Ann is fit and healthy. She has kept a couple of clean sheets. The way she has handled herself over this period in such difficult circumstances is a real credit to her.
“She is immensely tough and is a real inspiration to all her teammates as someone to look up to. We’re delighted to her coming back on the pitch and she has showed that with her performances.”
Finally, the Blues General manager detailed the latest situation surrounding Emma Hayes’ recovery from major surgery by saying: “Emma is making good progress. We’re in full dialogue on a daily basis. I’m sure she is itching to get back and is probably suffering cabin fever after being homebound for so long.
“She’ll be back before long, but it has to be right for her. The timing will be crucial as her health is the most important thing. There is still no timeline, but I’m sure she’ll be asking her doctors for the green light to come back as soon as she can.
Above: Magda Eriksson – Chelsea’s captain spoke of the contrasting fortunes that her side have experienced in the Champions League over the past two seasons and how they can build on it to have a successful 2022/23 campaign. Photo: @MagdaEricsson Twitter.
Chelsea captain Magda Eriksson began her section of the media conference by reflecting on last week’s superb win away to Paris St. Germain to open their Champions League campaign.
“It was a very tough first game. All we really wanted to get was the three points to prove ourselves, considering last year when we had a tough group and a tough start. We nullified their attacking threats and were clinical going forward. Tomorrow we just want to keep the momentum going. That’s all we are focussed on.”
The Blues’ recent Champions League campaigns have had major ups and downs as the team went from being runners-up in 2021 to failing to navigate the group stage last season. Eriksson highlighted the lessons that have been learned from those contrasting experiences.
“Reaching the Final we learned that we have it within us to go all the way. We know we have the quality to get there. Last year, we discovered the difficulties that come with the group stage where it is six games, a very hectic schedule, and focusing on getting everything right. I’m just glad we got off to a good start with three points in a tough game last week (away to Paris St. Germain).
“Getting those three points was massive, it was a really big win (in the context of the group outcome) and we are really pleased for that. Being Chelsea and having the quality we have, we always put pressure on ourselves to win every single game we play in every single tournament.”
The Swedish international star pointed out that whilst the benefits of Chelsea’s strength in depth are well recognised, what is perhaps not so often highlighted is the benefits that come from having players from so many different players in the squad.
“We have so many different nationalities, players who have played in many different leagues, so we share that knowledge among each other. When we played PSG last week, there were so many of us who had played them before, or played in France. You know you can go and ask these players for information and details.
Magda Eriksson, Chelsea captain, on the benefits of having so many top overseas players in the squad.
Chelsea’s superb win in Paris last week was one of a pair of eye-catching successes for WSL sides in France after Arsenal’s stunning demolition of European Champions Olympique Lyonnais. For Eriksson, it is proof that the standards ot the English domestic game and the importance of having big squads is finally making itself felt in the continent’s top club competition.
“It is good for the league that the English teams are doing well in Europe. It means we have a very competitive league. Every game we play is tough. Those things show their result in Europe eventually. We have big squads because we have to (with all the competitions we have to play in here). Things are moving in the right direction and we look strong.”
Above: Chloe Middleton in action for Canberra United last season. Photo: Illawarra Mercury.
Canberra United today announced that they have re-signed midfielder Chloe Middleton for a second season in green.
Middleton made her debut for the Capital City side in the opening game of last season at home to Melbourne City, and went on to make fourteen appearances during the year, starting eight matches. The midfielder netted her first career A-League goal during Canberra’s 5-0 win over her former club Western Sydney Wanderers.
Speaking about the news, Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich said:“We are pleased that Chloe has agreed to join us for a second season in the Liberty A-League. Chloe enjoyed a good first season with the club, providing excellent cover in the centre of midfield as well as showing versatility to play elsewhere when required. She has a positive attitude and is eager to learn and we are looking forward to working with her throughout the year.”
The midfielder was equally pleased to be pulling on a green shirt for a second season: “I am delighted to be able to sign for Canberra United for a second season and am very much looking forward to joining up with the group again,” Middleton said of the announcement.
“I loved my first season with the club. It’s a fantastic place to be and we have some of, if not the best supporters in the league. They always get behind us and make playing at home such an occasion.
“We have a tremendous set of players here and I have really enjoyed playing for Canberra, exploring the City, and seeing what it has to offer. It’s a brilliant environment to learn in and I am excited to get going.”
Canberra United’s 2022/2023 Liberty A-League season begins on Saturday 19 November with a home match against Perth Glory at McKellar Park.
Above: Sydney FC lift the Premier’s Plate last season. Their Grand Final rematch with Melbourne Victory on the opening day of the season will take place at Manly United FC. Photo provided by: Sydney FC.
Sydney FC‘s opening home match of the A-League Women season – a Grand Final replay against Melbourne Victory – will take place in front of a bumper crowd at Manly United’s Cromer Park on Saturday 26th November at 3pm.
The game pits the Sky Blues as reigning Premiers against the Champions in a repeat of the fixture where Ante Juric’s team secured the Premiers Plate in 2021.
Fans on Sydney’s Northern Beaches have regularly turned out in large numbers and produced an equally large amount of noise to support the Sky Blues Women’s squad and another good turn out is expected at Cromer Park for the first match of the season.
Head Coach Ante Juric said: “We’ve always been extremely well supported when we play in Manly and I expect this will be no different for the home season opener. It’s a massive match and one in which we are determined to put on a show for the big crowd. There are a huge number of families in the area and a great interest in football so it will be nice to see a sell out for the game.”
In other fixtures news, Sydney FC’s Christmas Eve Sydney Derby clash with Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League Women will kick off at 2.20pm AEDT, ahead of the men’s match with Macarthur FC at 5pm in an Allianz Stadium doubleheader.
Meanwhile, Sydney’s New Year’s Eve A-League Women’s match away to Brisbane Roar has been scheduled for AJ Kelly Park at 3pm AEDT.
Impetus’ Nathan Edwards was in the pressbox for us at the Bescot Stadium to watch Aston Villa take on Everton in the Barclays Women’s Super League. He saw firsthand the super talent of Laura Blindkilde – one of the country’s top teenage talents(24/10/22).
Above: Laura Blindkilde – Aston Villa’s young gun. Photo: Aston Villa Women.
Ahead of Aston Villa’s opening game of the season, boss Carla Ward revealed that there was a player that wasn’t a consideration to start, against Manchester City, at the beginning of the week, but come the day before they played, she had done “sensationally well” and had forced her manager into a decision.
Ward kept the name sealed, as her side went on to stun Women’s Super League giants Manchester City and in her catch-up with the media, a week later, she did bare the name. That player was Laura Blindkilde.
Above: Striding purposefully forward – Laura Blindkilde. Photo: Aston Villa Women.
And this isn’t the first time the 19-year-old has had to fight her way to the top, as her footballing dream nearly came to an abrupt end. Blindkilde was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, a condition that causes sudden, faster heartbeats.
But after keyhole surgery, and not having a pacemaker fitted, Blindkilde has quickly put that past her and has gone from strength to strength starting every WSL game this season for the Villans, and featuring heavily for England’s under 19s.
Playing Style:
During Villa’s loss against Everton on Saturday, you could see Blindkilde’s talent. The Villa youngster played just behind Rachel Daly in a midfielder three, which allowed her to utilise her strengths. Blindkilde is an intelligent and creative midfielder who often picks up the ball in all areas of the attacking third, with the aim to find a killer pass or a shooting position.
And throughout the game, she found positions to do both. In the eighth minute, the midfielder had the best chance for her side. Blindkilde sneaked into the box unmarked to meet Kirsty Hanson’s low cross but flashed her effort off the post.
Above: Villa’s youngster has a big future ahead of her. Photo: Aston Villa Women.
That passage of play highlighted both her ability and areas to improve. As a midfielder late runs into the box add a different threat to Villa’s attack, which is something Blindkilde will only get better at, but once in that position, she lacks the lethal instinct to really make it count.
The former Birmingham player is yet to score in the WSL for Villa, but at only 19 she has shown the foundations that could make her a vital player for Ward’s side.
Although more of an attacking midfielder, her most significant improvements, which have come from her rise to the first team, are her tactical and off-the-ball traits. With her playing against better players and stronger squads, as seen this season against Manchester City, she has been tasked with a lot more defensive responsibility which she has managed well, reading people’s movements and tracking a run, that she is often wanting to make when Villa attack, has only made her a more well-rounded player.
Next Steps:
Above: Laura Blindkilde in action for Aston Villa against Leicester City last season. Photo: Shutterstock.
It is only the start of what looks to be a promising career for young Blindkilde, and she is at a great club to help her continuously improve.
Blindkilde is one of many youth products that Ward is trusting this season, and with players such as Daly and Kenza Dali, the midfielder is able to learn how to compete at the top level and can look to them during difficult periods in the season, first-hand.
It is a healthy environment at Villa, and with the strong start the Villans have made with her in the team it looks to be a breakout season for the England star, both international and at the domestic level.
by Shannon Cookson at Prenton Park for Impetus(24/10/22)
Above: Friida Maanum hits Arsenal’s second goal at Prenton Park yesterday. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
Arsenal went top of the Barclays Women’s Super League table thanks to goals from Lia Walti and Frida Maanum in front of Liverpool’s biggest-ever crowd at Prenton Park.
This success was Arsenal’s 12th successive WSL victory – equalling the all-time record, and the North London side went ahead with just 16 minutes played as Walti found the back of the net from a corner kick. Liverpool had failed to clear the set piece which allowed the Swiss international to strike from inside the box.
Above: Arsenal celebrate Lia Walti’s opening goal. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
Six minutes later, the Gunners doubled their lead as Matildas star Caitlin Foord fed Maanum who dispatched the ball into the net.
Liverpool found chances hard to come by, which was emphasised by the events of the 37th minute, The Reds gained a half chance from a quick freekick. The Arsenal defenders panicked, and it was headed out for a corner which was taken by Hinds, but visiting keeper Manuela Zinsberger comfortably gathered.
Just before the break, it could have been three. Niamh Fahey made initially made a great challenge but possession was picked up by Kim Little, but his misplaced effort saw the ball fly over the top.
Above: A battle for possession as Liverpool took on Arsenal yesterday. Photo: Liverpool Women.
Liverpool had a penalty shout soon after as Foord miskicked the ball with the consequence that it hit her hand in the penalty area. Referee Anthony Backhouse was unmoved.
Home keeper Rachael Laws made some fantastic saves during the match as the visitors could have easily increased their lead.
One such effort from Laws came after Maanum played the ball out to Foord who fed Stina Blackstenius but the Swede’s chance to increase the visitor’s advantage was denied.
Above: Yana Daniels in possession for Liverpool against Arsenal. Photo: Liverpool Women.
With just over 15 minutes remaining, Laws kept her side in the game once more as Beth Mead fed Foord who was denied by the home custodian who made herself big to prevent the Australian from scoring.
Liverpool were not without chances. They earned a free kick with a foul on Taylor Hinds. Ceri Holland took the freekick, and found Melissa Lawley who fired over the top. Megan Campbell fed Hinds from a short throw, but Arsenal defended well. Steph Catley also saved her side with a clearance from near the line as the Reds pressed the Gunners.
With four minutes remaining the hosts had one final chance to get on the scoresheet as Missy Bo Kearns found Katie Stengel who just misplaced the ball.
This was a routine win in the end for Arsenal, and all the more impressive as it comes just days after their trip to European champions Olympique Lyonnais. It has been quite a week for Jonas Eidevall’s team. For Liverpool, their season will not be defined by their matches against the big three. Matt Beard has his team set up well and the Reds will be confident of finishing well clear of the drop zone.
All the action from the third and fourth tiers of the Scottish women’s game (24/10/22).
Above: Emma McFadyen celebrates Hutchinson Vale’s seventh goal against Morton yesterday. Photo: Ger Harley/Sportpix
Livingston won comfortably against Ayr United to stay top of the Scottish Women’s Championship, while rivals Renfrew were held to a goalless draw in the Highlands by Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
A double from recent signing Erin Burns and a goal apiece from strike duo Ashley Fish and Jennifer Dodds secured the win for Livingston at Ayr United, after Rachel Scott scored her ninth league goal of the season for the hosts.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle enjoyed good possession against Renfrew Ladies at home, but the visitors looked like taking all the points when a free kick from the centre circle dropped into the net, only for the ref to call for a retake as an injured player was still leaving the field when the ball was kicked. At the other end, Kayleigh Mackenzie saw several chances in the final stages but failed to make the breakthrough.
Above: Rossvale celebrate Melissa Porter’s winning goal against Dryburgh Athletic. Photo: Kelly Nielson.
Hutchison Vale’s young side, who have struggled to find the net in recent weeks, put seven past Morton at home, with captain Angyl Learmonth scoring four including two penalties, a double from Emma McFadyen, and one for Niamh Naysmith, with a Hickey double merely a consolation for the Greenock side.
A first-half goal by Melissa Porter against Dryburgh Athletic in rainy Glasgow was enough to send Rossvale into second place, three points behind Livingston.
In the Scottish Women’s League One, FC Edinburgh kept Grampian at bay while scoring six at the other end to keep themselves top.
Westdyke in second had to dig deep to beat Edinburgh Caledonia 3-2 in the North East, to keep them level on points with FC Edinburgh at the top of the table.
Airdrie Ladies came back from two goals down to claim a point against Falkirk at home, BSC Glasgow’s Sam McManus scored a hat-trick to brush aside Gleniffer Thistle and Giffnock came from behind to beat Dundee West 2-1 in a close game.
In the battle for fourth, Stenhousemuir’s Helen Templeton cancelled out Ceara Macintyre’s opener then scored a free kick from 35 yards out in the dying minutes to take the points.
Above: Rossvale celebrate after their win over Dryburgh Athletic. Photo: Kelly Nielson.
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