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Melbourne City v Perth Glory preview

by Ben Gilby (26/12/22)

MELBOURNE CITY:

Melbourne City interim head coach Dario Vidosic expects Hannah Wilkinson to return to his squad for tomorrow night’s game with Perth Glory at AAMI Park.

Vidosic also revealed that Matildas international Emma Checker could potentially play some part in the encounter depending on the outcome of late checks: “Wilkie (Hannah Wilkinson) will more than likely play, Emma Checker, we’re looking at, she was sick for quite a long time and so has missed a lot of training.”

City come into this match, their second in four days, on the back of a 4-0 win at Canberra United. Whilst the scoreline was comprehensive, the City head coach didn’t feel that the performance was.

“In patches we were good (against Canberra United), but we didn’t have as much control as we had against Western United (in their previous game). There were some technical errors. It’s a hard place to go, Canberra. When we played well, we looked good.

“But I sometimes forget how young they are. We had a 16-year-old, two 17-year-olds, 19, 20, 18-year-olds. They are learning a lot. I can be harsh sometimes forgetting how old they are.”

One of those young stars is 16-year-old Daniela Galic, who scored her first goal in the win over Canberra United, and has been one of the young stars of the competition this season. The City boss is proud of the young star.

**Above:** Daniela Galic – the 16-year-old is one of the brightest young stars in the league this season. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

“She’s very talented. She’s 16, we demand a lot from her, but that prepares her for bigger and better things. Everyone sees her talent, and I think her future will be overseas, and hopefully at a high level. I’m just trying to look after her, teach her, and let her play. At the end of the day everyone wants to have fun. Matchday we want to win, but at their age, they want to enjoy it.”

Vidosic knows he is up against a Perth Glory side who are well rested, having their last game, also a win over Canberra, nine days ago. Despite this, the Sky Blues boss isn’t too concerned about the opposition. His full focus is on what his own team are doing.

“They (Perth) want to keep the ball. We won’t change too much. We want to be the dominant team, we’re playing at home, at AAMI Park, so we want the points…and build into the New Year.”

With Vidosic now well into his second month as a head coach, he reflected on the process of taking over and making his mark in the game from the sidelines. “At first it was a shock (being asked to take over). I’m quite similar (to my Dad, Rado). We want the ball all the time, we want to play an excitable brand. After some of our game, we’ve had people come up to us saying ‘youse play great football’, and that’s what it’s all about.”

The chance to step up as interim head coach at Melbourne City is the culmination of a process that Vidosic himself began preparing for whilst still playing

“Even when I was playing, in my mid-20s. I noticed what Barcelona and Pep Guardiola were doing and I started analysing. I just want to enjoy and keep learning.”

PERTH GLORY:

Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis is urging his team to use the huge confidence boost that they got in coming from 2-0 down to defeat Canberra United in their last outing when they travel to Victoria to face Melbourne City tomorrow.

Speaking to the media, Epakis highlighted: “The team is in really good spirits and there is a great energy and buzz among the squad. It’s great to be part of it.”

After having nine days between that win over Canberra United and their game against City, the Western Australians now face two games in five days against the competition’s top two sides, with Western United coming to Macedonia Park on New Year’s Day. On top of that, the squad face two 2,700 km flights thrown in for good measure. It’s a test that the Glory have to pass to get their Finals bid on track.

“We know it’s an important period coming up. We’ve got a few games in quick succession and we want to make sure we start off that run of games over the festive period high in intensity on the back of our last performance (against Canberra).

“That win was very important and a lot of players grew in confidence in themselves more than anything. That sort of result was similar to ones we had last season and the way we won games. We know we are capable of those sorts of gritty performances and winning when it doesn’t look like we will – 90 minutes is a long time and things can change quickly as we saw against Canberra.”

**Above:** Perth Glory players come together – the Western Australians know their next two games are vital. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

However, Perth will know that having a slow start and mounting a comeback against Canberra is one thing, Melbourne City are a very different beast, with only one defeat all season, and the competition’s top scorers.

“We have a different type of test for this match. We’re going to have to be better,” Epakis recognised. Hopefully, we can manage our performance from minute one to minute 90 to make it easier for ourselves.”

“They are a very strong outfit. They have traditionally been for a number of years now. They are a very dynamic and athletic team. We have to match that aspect of the game and we have to be really good and disciplined in the moments we don’t have the ball, and in that transition period. With the ball, we’re as good as anyone.”

Epakis revealed that preparations for the match included training on Christmas Day. “They (the players) were talking of getting me a Grinch outfit. I think they think I am the Grinch with or without the outfit!

“We did our usual two-day preparation for any game, and it just so happened that it fell on Christmas Day. To be fair to the players, they haven’t shown any disappointment. We were done early in the morning and enjoyed Christmas away from the team.”

Vine time as Sydney claim double over Wanderers

Sydney FC 2-0 Western Sydney Wanderers

by Ben Gilby (24/12/22)

Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby dispatches the penalty that put Sydney FC ahead in the derby today. Photo: Sydney FC.

Sydney FC scored twice in a four-minute period just after the half-hour mark to claim a routine victory over cross-city rivals Western Sydney Wanderers in hot conditions at Allianz Stadium.

Goals from Mackenzie Hawkesby and a characteristic marauding run and rocket-propelled finish from Cortnee Vine sealed the points.

With Sydney FC’s outstanding American signing Madison Haley missing with a minor injury, Remy Siemsen was brought into the starting line-up. Rachel Lowe took her place on the bench, and captain Nat Tobin, harshly sent off in the first meeting between these two sides just three weeks ago, was in defence.

**Above:** Western Sydney in possession at Allianz Stadium today. **Photo:** Western Sydney Wanderers.

The home side were in control from the early stages. They were patient, looking to maintain possession until openings presented themselves. As is their wont, Wanderers worked hard and looked to close down the space available to the Sky Blues, but there remains a concerning lack of firepower, something that has dogged the club for a few seasons now.

This means that once Western Sydney go behind, the prospect of a comeback is almost inconceivable. The fact that the team has now gone scoreless in four of their five games merely underlines this.

The home side began to turn possession into concerted chances with just over 20 minutes gone. Kirsty Fenton cut in from the left into the box, leaving Sophie Harding for dead. She got a shot away which led to a mini pinball around the area before going out for a corner that Western Sydney dealt with.

Before the half-hour mark, the second corner in a row delivered by Mackenzie Hawkesby on the left was met by the head of Siemsen and flew well wide, but referee Rebecca Durcau pointed to the spot adjudging Amy Harrison held Sarah Hunter. It was not a foul that led to mass appeals – indeed the only thing the award did provoke was mass confusion. Regardless, up stepped Mackenzie Hawkesby to smash down the centre for the home side to take the lead.

**Above:** Mackenzie Hawkesby celebrates after putting Sydney FC ahead from the penalty spot. **Photo:** Sydney FC.

Three minutes later, Sydney struck again with a piece of true Cortnee Vine magic along the right. A Wanderers attack was broken up and a long half-volleyed pass crossfield from Hawkesby fell into the path of an unmarked Vine. The Matildas star drove into the box, turned Danika Matos, and curled a sensational effort into the far corner of the net. It was some way to score her first goal of the season.

The home side were now rampant and Vine was involved again as she motored away along the right and fed Siemsen inside her who fired in a shot across goal that Jordyn Bloomer did well to get a hand to.

Three minutes before the break, Western Sydney carved out their first opening of the game as Hollie Caspers, left of centre, fed Harrison inside her. The ball was played on for Sheridan Gallagher to get a shot away that the advancing Jada Whyman repelled magnificently.

There was still time for Sydney create another golden opportunity. Princess Ibini laid off to Fenton on the left wing. The former Newcastle Jet advanced into the box, seeing off Alexia Apostolakis in the process, but her shot came off the outside of the post.

**Above:** Cortnee Vine salutes her magnificent strike. **Photo:** Sydney FC.

The second half opened with a change in goal for Western Sydney with Sham Khamis replacing Bloomer. Another change of note occurred when Lowe was introduced on the hour mark after Siemsen took a knock and had ice applied to her knee after leaving the pitch.

Western Sydney began their best period of the afternoon with 25 minutes remaining. Charlotte Mclean’s back pass from the left of the box was short allowing Gallagher in. Whyman went in with her feet to avert the danger, only for the ball to head Harrison’s way. The Sky Blues goalkeeper dived studs first and made connection with the Wanderers player’s shin first and the ball was cleared. Spot kicks have been given for less, but referee Durcau was unmoved.

Wanderers’ flurry continued as sub Cushla Rue broke through via Olivia Price and saw her shot come back off the right-hand post. The 19-year-old Rue had another opportunity five minutes from the end when she was found by Price again after a lovely lay-off from Bethany Gordon, but it was directed wide of the right-hand post. The substitute created headaches in this period for the home side in a way that few of her teammates had managed to date.

**Above:** Cushla Rue, who went to the U20 World Cup with the Young Matildas in August, put on an impressive cameo for Western Sydney Wanderers from the subs bench. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Vine delivered Sydney’s final chance of the afternoon as her run and curved ball into the box found Lowe who was denied by the onrushing Khamis.

There will be tougher tests for Sydney FC this season, and when they come, the Sky Blues will want to convert a larger percentage of their chances. The home side had seven shots on target to Wanderers’ two, 19 total shots to five with the visitors unable to force any corners until the final two minutes of the match.

Speaking after the encounter, Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric said: “I’m happy, it’s one of our better games, especially in the first half, considering the heat. We could have had a few more goals and put them to bed early but we played well.”

Reflecting on another strong showing by goalkeeper Jada Whyman, who kept her fourth clean sheet in five games this season, Juric opined: “I don’t understand how Jada doesn’t get the recognition she deserves, it’s harder to keep in a team that has less shots against them and she will step up when we need a save and she did that again today.”

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Rule, Mclean, Tobin, Fenton, Hollman, Hunter, Hawkesby, Vine, Siemsen, Ibini. Substitutes: de la Harpe, Lemon, Lowe, Offer (GK), Stanic-Floody.

Scorers: Hawkesby (pen) 30′, Vine 33′.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-2-3-1): Bloomer, Apostolakis, Hunt, Keir, Matos, Gordon, Steinmetz, Harding, Harrison, Caspers, Gallagher. Substitutes: Chlastáková, Hristodoulou, Khamis (GK), Price, Rue.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 1,071.

Pollicina the Queen of Queanbeyan as City see off Canberra

Canberra United 0-4 Melbourne City

by Ryan Miller-Woods (23/12/22)

Above: Rhianna Pollicina celebrates her second goal against Canberra United in Queanbeyan. Photo: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City produced a hugely convincing performance in bouncing back from their first defeat of the season last week with a 4-0 victory over Canberra United at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan.

Memories of that loss against Western United in the battle of the top two at the weekend were eased thanks to a brace by Rhianna Pollicina plus further strikes from Cote Rojas and Daniela Galic. This result put Melbourne City at equal top of the A-League Women’s table with Western United and Adelaide United.

City were on the front foot and fashioned the first scoring opportunity in the 6th minute as Rhianna Pollicina had a great chance to open the scoring for City as her shot from inside the box just went onto the roof of the net.

Pollicina was involved again when Leticia McKenna’s dangerous pass into the box found the attacker and her shot was blocked by Canberra defender Emma Ilijoski and subsequently out for a City corner in the 17th minute.

Canberra responded with two chances of their own. Nikki Flannery was played in only for Katie Bowen and Sally James to stop her as the shot from outside the box went wide. Five minutes later, Michelle Heyman’s header from a corner was brilliantly saved by James.

But the home side would rue these missed chances as Pollicina finally got the goal she had been threatening. Just before the half-hour mark, she was found by Naomi Chinnama and put in a first-time shot which went past goalkeeper Keeley Richards for the opening goal of the match.

Heyman saw another opportunity narrowly miss ten minutes before the break. From a Madison McComasky through ball, Grace Jale made a great run and outmuscled Julia Grosso outside of the box, before guiding the ball into the box for the on-rushing Heyman to shoot agonisingly over the bar.

It was Pollicina who had the last chance to double City’s lead for the half when she was only denied from scoring by Richards who was able to tip the ball over the bar.

Before the start of the second half, Ellie Brush was subbed on for Canberra as she replaced Kennedy Faulknor. For Brush, this was her first appearance in a match since February 2021 after two ACL injuries during her time at Sydney FC that curtailed her playing in the A-League Women.

**Above:** Cote Rojas (right) celebrates with Daniela Galic as the pair both found the net in the second half. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

The visitors did double their advantage ten minutes into the second stanza as she found Bryleeh Henry in the box who slipped which incidentally also forced Grace Maher to trip over her. Pollicina then ran onto the ball with her first-time shot going past Richards and into the bottom left corner.

Any realistic hope of a Canberra comeback was snuffed out with 68 minutes played. Chelsea Blissett saw off Sasha Grove in the box and found Leah Davidson who in turn directed the ball towards Daniela Galic. The 16-year-old slotted a clever through ball to Rojas back in the box, and the Chilean international’s first-time shot went into the back of the net.

Heyman had one final chance for some form of consolation for the home side when she was fed by Vesna Milivojevic but the ball went wide of the goal.

City underlined their ruthless ability to convert chances with two minutes remaining. Galic and Emina Ekic combined in the box and the move concluded with Galic steering a shot into the top left corner for her first goal in the A-League Women.

Melbourne City’s busy period continues with a home game against Perth Glory on 27th December. Canberra travel to Melbourne to face Victory on New Year’s Eve.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-1-4-1): Richards, Ilijoski, Hughes, Grove, Maher, Jale, McComasky, Faulknor, Milivojevic, Flannery, Heyman. Substitutes: Roach, Brush, Taylor-Young, Christopherson, Lincoln.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): James, Torpey, Chinnama, Bowen, Grosso, Blissett, Davidson, McKenna, Pollicina, Henry, Rojas. Substitutes: Barbieri, Accardo, Ekic, Galic, Karic.

Scorers: Pollicina 28’, 55’.Rojas 69’, Galic 88’.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 1,009.

**Above:** Rhianna Pollicina’s performance was an early Christmas present for City fans. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

‘Mini’ Gorry wreaks large scale havoc on Jets

Newcastle Jets 0-2 Brisbane Roar (23/12/22)

By Ben Carey

Above: Katrina Gorry winds up to take a shot on the Newcastle goal. Photo: KeepUp.

Brisbane Roar made it two wins from two against Newcastle Jets this season after securing a 2-0 victory on a rainy Friday evening at Number Two Sportsground.

The match started out as a midfield skirmish between the two teams, with a couple of half chances from Brisbane Roar’s Katrina Gorry and Sharn Freier. In the 10^th minute, Ashlee Brodigan committed a bad foul against Shea Connors and was shown a yellow card. The resulting free-kick made its way up to Freier, then on to Gorry, who bested a Jets defender and scored a wonderful goal from several feet outside the 18-yard box.

Mini is 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊!

Katrina Gorry doing ✨𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙂𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨✨ to give @brisbaneroar an early lead! 🚀

Follow Live: https://t.co/mmROJPcKYW #NEWvBRI #WeAreALeagues @LibFinancial pic.twitter.com/GLIpfmqGwv
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) December 23, 2022

Gorry celebrated the goal on the sideline, waving a Mariel Hecher jersey to the crowd to honour the Brisbane Roar midfielder who suffered an ACL injury in last week’s game against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Jets’ best chance of the first half came in the 37th minute after an error by the goal scorer, Gorry. Cassidy Davis hit a very good shot at the top right corner of the goal, but Hensley Hancuff was equal to it.

Right before an already hefty stoppage time of five minutes began, Hancuff came out of her box and made a quality, but very physical, challenge on Murphy Agnew, who fell badly on her back and had to be stretchered off, resulting in an additional seven minutes of stoppage time at the end of the half.

Shortly into the second period, Newcastle had an excellent chance. Brodigan worked extremely hard to beat the Roar defenders and get a pass off to Sarah Griffith, who had seemingly beaten Hancuff at the top, but the shot was a couple of inches too high.

Just before the hour mark, Jessie Rasschaert launched one of her trademark long throws into the box and the Jets were unable to successfully clear it. Gorry, full of energy and intent, found herself with the perfect angle to slot it past the keeper for a second goal of the evening.

𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐈𝐓 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈! 😱@TheMatildas midfielder showing 𝐀𝐋𝐋 of her class to get her second of the game 🔥

Catch all the action LIVE on @Channel10AU PLAY 📺

Follow LIVE: https://t.co/mmROJPcKYW #NEWvBRI #WeAreALeagues @LibFinancial pic.twitter.com/ypNJCFjb1E
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) December 23, 2022

Newcastle ramped up their attack in the final 30 minutes of the match. There was a great attempt in the 65th minute by Lauren Allen that forced a diving save from Hancuff. After that, there was a flurry of Jets free kicks and corners that resulted in a number of attempts on goal, predominantly by Griffith and Davis, but none of them were able to find their mark.

In the dying seconds of the match, Griffith hit a magnificent cross to Adriana Konjarski who was waiting inside the six-yard box and had an excellent opportunity to slot in a consolation goal. However, Konjarski was unable to make ideal contact with the ball and Hancuff made an easy save just before the final whistle blew.

Brisbane Roar dominated the first half of the match, and although Newcastle Jets were able to pick up the intensity in the second half it was too little too late to trouble the visitors. The Roar unleashed the weapon of Gorry tonight.

Her incredible performance proved once again why she is an essential part of not only the Roar, but the Matildas. Her energy, intent, and physicality in the midfield are unrivalled. Not only did she score two goals, but she created countless more opportunities.

The Brisbane backline also looked noticeably more composed than in previous rounds. They held a solid structure throughout the match and adapted to every change that came their way (such as right back Tamar Levin being moved to left back and then up to a forward position throughout the match, resulting in a lot of real time adjustments).

This backline’s performance made sure that most attempts were shut down out or significantly weakened before getting to the keeper. Hancuff also put in an excellent shift in goal making five saves to keep her second clean sheet of the season.

Next week Brisbane Roar play Sydney FC again and will be hoping that home advantage will contribute to a more favorable result after being thumped 4-0 last time out. Newcastle Jets were due to face Western United, but with that game postponed, their next scheduled match will be against Adelaide United on New Year’s Eve.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-2-3-1): Worth, Allen, Garnier, King, Clough, Johnson, Davis, Allan, Agnew, Brodigan. Substitutes: Coelho, Puxty, Walandouw, Gooch, Konjarksi.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-3-3): Hancuff, Levin, Lind, Thompson, Rankin, Norrie, Gorry, Palmer, Freier, Connors, Crummer. Substitutes: Shuttleworth, Rasschaert, Kruger, McQueen, Robinne.

Scorers: Gorry 10’, 60’.

Referee: Isabella Libri.

Attendance: 987.

Olympique Lyonnais v Juventus Photo Gallery

Jean-Pierre Thiesset was pitchside at the Groupama Stadium for Impetus last night to capture all the action from the vital UEFA Champions League Group C tie between Olympique Lyonnais and Juventus (23/12/22).

Above: Selma Bacha gets away down the wing for Olympique Lyonnais against Juventus. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Olympique Lyonnais 0-0 Juventus

In a game where all statistics revealed were even, both teams lacked any sort of efficiency to score.

Sonia Bompastor, Lyon’s coach changed the squad from the one that beat Arsenal in their previous group game. She also reversed to a 4-4-2 that had never worked so far even in D1 Arkema. The decision to push Selma Bacha back into defence, which impacted the amount of attacking action along the left was certainly perplexing.

Delphine Cascarino, Lyon’s right-sided attacker, produced yet another quality performance and provided excellent crosses, but none of them could be converted by Eugénie Le Sommer.

Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, Juventus’ former Arsenal goalkeeper was kept busy all night stopping Lyon’s crosses and shots. On the Juventus side of the ledger, there were crosses from both sides of the field but none of them caused problems for Cristiane Endler, Lyon’s goalkeeper who was excellent.

Jean-Pierre Thiesset’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from the Groupama Stadium:

Teams: OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS (4-4-2): Endler, Bacha, Renard, Gilles, Sombath, Egurrola, Horan, Henry, Marozsán, Le Sommer, Cascarino.

JUVENTUS (4-3-3): Payraud-Magnin, Lenzini, Gama, Sembrant, Boattinn, Bonansea, Rusucci, Puranen, Cernoia, Hurtig, Girelli.

Referee: Jana Adámková.

Attendance: 11,212.

A-League Women Media Conferences

Ahead of three A-League Women matches over the coming two days, Impetus’ Kieran Yap and Ben Gilby report on the media conferences of Melbourne City, Sydney FC, and Western Sydney Wanderers (22/12/22).

MELBOURNE CITY

by Kieran Yap

Melbourne City travel to face Canberra United following the unfamiliar feeling of a loss. According to manager Dario Vidosic, there is not much that City needs to change to get the result. Despite the 3-1 loss to Western United, he was pleased with his team’s performance.

“I think we got a lot right to be fair,” Vidosic told the media. “I think we were excellent, and I told the ladies I was very very proud of them. When we hit the post three times, and create other numerous chances, in terms of everything that we’ve done, everything was better than our previous games.

“Their averages all went down…we know they’re a good team they’ve got some dangerous players. unfortunately, football was a little bit against us that day but there was a lot of positives.

“We’ll try and replicate a similar performance against Canberra and hopefully be on the right end of the result this week.”

Canberra United are also looking to rebound from a loss. Their excellent first half away to Perth was undone by a miraculous Glory comeback in the second.

Vidosic named Michelle Heyman, Nikki Flannery, Grace Jale, and Vesna Milivojevic as players to be wary of.

“We know they are dangerous, especially in Canberra. It’s always a hard place to go, and it’s not easy. Again, we’ll focus on ourselves.

**Above:** Leticia McKenna who could potentially start against Canberra United tomorrow. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

We’ve looked a little bit at them, we know where the threats are. We know where they could potentially hurt us, and we saw Michelle (Heyman) against Perth.

“She took the ball from halfway and set it up for a pack post tap-in. We know they’ve got their danger players and we’ll look to keep them quiet again, like we did on the weekend where we kept (Jessica) McDonald, and (Hannah) Keane and the likes a bit quiet.

“Unfortunately, Logarzo came in and scored a great goal and then it came to penalty at the end, but If we perform like that we give ourselves a great chance again to pick up the three points.”

City will face the in-form Canberra attack without their captain Emma Checker. The Matildas defender has been unwell this week and will not travel with the team.

This remains one of City’s only setbacks in a strong start to the season. Leticia McKenna continues to regain fitness and may start. Striker Hannah Wilkinson is expected to return in the next two games.

Squad rotations are a possibility. City will face Perth Glory on December 27th, and the temperature is forecast to reach 37 degrees. Vidosic was hopeful the kick-off time would be delayed and politely described the potential conditions as “a little bit dangerous.”

Before that, they must get past Canberra United in what will be an entertaining game. Neither side has gone goalless so far this season. That trend looks set to continue Friday night.

SYDNEY FC

by Ben Gilby

Sydney FC midfielder Sarah Hunter is confident that the women’s game can major role in restoring the sport’s reputation after last weekend’s appalling scenes at the men’s Melbourne derby.

“Football in Australia will keep growing with the success of the Socceroos in the World Cup and with the Matildas in the World Cup next year. I think the European Championships in England showed how big the female game is growing. We need to harness that,” the 19-year-old said.

Hunter also reflected on the decision by the APL of moving the Grand Final to Sydney for the next three seasons. Whilst her team benefit from the decision, the midfielder recognised that it is not universally popular. “The decision has had a mixed reaction from our group. The decision is based off the growth of the league. (Having said that, the female side doesn’t get as much coverage or reaction.”

Ahead of Saturday’s second Sydney derby of the campaign, Hunter gave an insight into the qualities that new signing Madison Haley has brought to the Sky Blues.

“She has been amazing, she’s a real competitor and is so classy both on the pitch and off it. She is an amazing asset. She is everything you want in a number nine. It’s good for Remy (Siemsen) to have some competition. It’s just pushed us, Remy coming off the bench and scoring in games. Madison has brought a different style, an American style to our team, and that’s really good for (us).”

“Remy came in a bit later and Maddie was here in pre-season, so Ante (Juric, head coach) was like ‘Maddie was here first, so she gets first shot.’ Remy had to deal with that. If someone is performing they stay in. She is being a great teammate and is not taking it personally.

With her team in such good form, it’s no surprise that the former Western Sydney player is confident of another win. “We played the Wanderers a few weeks ago and it was a real firey game. Our captain (Nat Tobin) getting sent off in the first half got us pumped off. We’re coming off a good win (against Brisbane) last time out.”

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

by Ben Gilby

Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Kat Smith admitted to the media today that she is well aware that her side needs to be far better in front of goal.

“We just want the players to get better. The start of the season hasn’t gone as we planned. We need to take steps to develop our performances. We want to contain the transition moments, retain the ball and make take our chances.

“(Up front) is an area of the park where we want to be creating, it’s something we’ve focused on this week. Whilst we’re creating chances, it’s about individuals and making sure they are putting a positive spin on their attacking play too.”
Kat Smith, Western Sydney Wanderers head coach on her side’s need to improve in front of goal.

Focussing specifically on the Sydney derby, Smith knows it will be tough, as she credits Ante Juric’s side as the yardstick by which to measure her team’s progress.

“It’s always a big game, on the eve of Christmas there is no better present than getting the three points. They are a team who have started well and have done so over the past few years. We see them as a benchmark for where we want to be and it’s a benchmark for us to overcome.

**Above:** Jordyn Bloomer is positive ahead of her team’s Christmas Eve showdown with Sydney FC. **Image:** Western Sydney Wanderers.

Western Sydney Wanderers goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer told the media today that she sees her team as a work in progress, and one which is moving in the right direction on a weekly basis.

“Although our performance on the scoreboard hasn’t got stronger, our performance on the field has each game. It has given us a lot of positives knowing we have come a long way as a group from our first performance to now and we all feel that we’re all on the cusp of coming through and getting a good result and goals.”

Having experienced the Sydney derby for the first time a few weeks ago, the American is eager for Saturday’s return game.

“We definitely know it will be a battle. The first game showed that. From the first whistle, the physicality and intensity were there. I’m excited for that. I love games like that. It raises the bar. People either rise to meet it or go above it. We’re ready to come through and make a statement.

“To play such a high-stakes game on such a fun day – I’ve never played on Christmas Eve before – is exciting, and for a stadium as beautiful as Allianz is, makes it even better.

Scottish Women’s Football Pyramid Launched

From Tom Freeman (22/12/22)

Above: Buchan – one of the teams who will be making up the new-look Biffa SWFL regional leagues when the competition kicks off next month. Photo: Buchan Girls/Ladies.

January will see the launch of an intense and thrilling short season for new-look Biffa SWFL regional leagues, to bring them into the Scottish Women’s Football pyramid.

Three regional leagues have become four, with several new teams entering a structure for the short season which will allow the most ambitious clubs a route to the top of the game in Scotland.

The half-season will run to the summer, allowing the SWFL to align itself with the performance game and introduce promotion and relegation from the Women’s League One at the end of the current season.

The four top-placed teams in the four leagues outwith development sides will enter play-offs to take their place in League One, with the side finishing bottom of League One relegated to their local regional league.

Commenting ahead of the new season, SWF CEO Aileen Campbell said: “This is such an exciting time for women’s football. Our game continues to grow and develop, offering up new opportunities for women and girls across Scotland to be involved.

“The current SWFL began as a way to offer regional football in a more relaxed yet structured format, but in a short period of time has developed into exciting regional competitions in their own right, lit up by stand-out players. From providing a robust testing ground for big clubs to develop their talent to an arena where new clubs and talent emerge, the regional leagues have been rich with stories of communities, sporting glory, and overcoming the odds.

“Now, with a league sponsor for the first time, the regional Scottish Women’s Football Leagues will take their place in a robust pyramid, providing a route for all clubs to reach the top of the game based on their sporting prowess and their commitment to youth development and the wellbeing of our players.”

Above: The new competition’s logo. Supplied to Impetus by: Scottish Women’s Football League.

With the introduction of new teams, the new leagues have been aligned to be roughly equal in number of teams. This means the Biffa SWFL North, West, and South each have ten teams and the Biffa SWFL East has 12 teams.

The development teams of SWPL club East Fife, Championship club Dryburgh Athletic and League One club Westdyke will be joined in the Biffa SWFL North by Buchan, Dyce, former top tier side Forfar Farmington, plus Glenrothes Strollers, Huntly, Inverurie Locos, and Stonehaven.

The Biffa SWFL East will see Livingston and Motherwell development joined by Aberdour, Bonnyrigg Rose, Central Girls, Dunfermline Athletic, Edinburgh South, Edinburgh University Thistle, Linlithgow Rose, McDermid Ladies, Murieston United, and Musselburgh Windsor.

The Biffa SWFL West has Alloa, Athena Glasgow, Bishopton, Clydebank Ladies, Cumbernauld Colts, Drumchapel United, Dunipace, Harmony Row and West Park United join SWPL club Motherwell’s development team.

Championship side Ayr United will have a development side in the Biffa SWFL South, alongside Annan Athletic, Clark Drive, Cumnock Juniors, Dalbeattie Star, FC Flip The Mindset in the south of Glasgow, Kilwinning, Nithsdale Wanderers, Queen of the South and Stewarton United.

The league commences on January 15^th and teams will play each other home and away. The top-placed team in each SWFL league (not including development sides) will then play each other in play-off finals, with the top three joining SWF League One next season. One will be relegated from League One into their local SWFL League.

In League One, the top-placed two sides who meet Championship criteria will be promoted to the Championship, growing that league to ten teams. There will be no relegation from the Championship at the end of this season to accommodate the changes.

**Above:** Alloa Athletic, who will be participating in the Biffa SWFL West. **Photo:** Alloa Athletic.

Welsh Weekend Wrap

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

Above: Action from Cardiff City’s (white shirt) game with Barry Town United at the weekend. Photo: Perry Dobbins.

Aberystwyth Town booked their place in the Welsh Women’s Cup semi-final with a 3-1 win away at Wrexham. Cardiff City maintained their good form with a win over Barry and Cascade YC moved to the top of the Adran South with a big win over Briton Ferry.

FAW Welsh Women’s Cup

Wrexham 1-3 Aberystwyth Town

The re-arranged cup fixture between Wrexham and Aberystwyth saw the Green and Blacks go through to the semi-finals.

The Adran Premier side took the lead after 56 minutes thanks to Emily Thomas. Rosie Hughes equalised for Wrexham but two more goals from Thomas saw victory for Aberystwyth. Aberystwyth will now face Adran South side Briton Ferry Llansawel in the semi-final. Click on the following link to read Carrie Dunn’s feature on the game that appeared on the site on Tuesday: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/12/20/thomas-hat-trick-fires-aberystwyth-into-semis/

Adran Premier

Cardiff City 1-0 Barry Town United

Cardiff City picked up the win after a tough game in very hard conditions at Cardiff International Sports Stadium against a very game Barry Town United side who held out until the 89^th minute.

Cardiff started quickly and Phoebie Poole fired wide of the goal before Rhianne Oakley forced a save from Erin Brennan. Danielle Broadhurst lifted an effort over the keeper only for the ball to go just wide of the target.

With the game goalless going into the second half, City continued to pressure Barry. Oakley found Poole with a cross, but Poole pulled her effort wide again. With time running out both Hannah Power and Megan Bowen fired wide from distance.

Barry however could not hold out for a point as sub-Megan Saunders found some space in the box and fired in the winning goal. Cardiff now lead the Adran Premier by eight points.

Adran South

Briton Ferry Llansawel 0-2 Cascade YC

With the pitch at Old Road being unplayable for this game between the top two was moved to Llandarcy Academy of Sport. The heavy rain made the game tricky for both sides as they struggled to gain a rhythm.

Briton Ferry pushed and saw several early chances, but Cascade keeper Kristy Lewis was on form to stop them.

Cascade opened the scoring with a cross to the edge of the box finding Annalise Lewis. Lewis managed to get some space and fired a low shot past Courtney Young.

A goal down Briton Ferry pushed further forward but this played into Cascade’s tactic to hit their opponents of the counterattack. Their second goal came from pressing the Ferry defence with Abbie Davies firing in from close range. Cascade move above Briton Ferry into first place in the table with 12 points.

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Impetus’ Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (22/12/22).

Above: Lyla Studd was instrumental with two goals as Sprowston beat Stalham Town 4-0. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.

Due to the wintry conditions and the World Cup Final, there were only two games taking place on Sunday afternoon with Sprowston hosting Stalham Town in the tier seven Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One, and Blofield entertaining Thorpe St. Andrew in Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two.

Sprowston welcomed Stalham to their home ground at Open Academy and eventually won the game comfortably 4-0. Lyla Studd was the star of the show with two goals, Anais Winney also got on the scoresheet and Sprowston’s other goal was courtesy of an own goal.

This wasn’t the comfortable win it looked on paper, as Stalham continuously caused Sprowston problems through the contest and if they continue to play to the same high standard they will pick up points before long.

**Above:** Action from Blofield United (red) against Thorpe St. Andrew on Sunday. **Photo:** Thorpe St. Andrew.

The day’s other contest was a local derby between Blofield United and Thorpe St. Andrew with the two teams’ home pitches just under half a mile apart.

Thorpe St. Andrew asserted their authority on this contest and led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals in the 33rd and 38th minutes from Poppy Le-Beau and Sarah Rooke respectively. Emily Warnes put the visitors in a commanding position when she made it 3-0 five minutes after the re-start.

Blofield got two goals back through Elsie Downer and Freya Stewart-Miles but Thorpe St Andrew did enough to hold on for the win and make it six games unbeaten in the league.

**Above:** Thorpe St. Andrew in possession against Blofield United. **Photo:** Thorpe St. Andrew.

Ella Mastrantonio: Experiencing a “bresh of fresh air” back at Perth

In the latest of our weekly Midweek Dub series of interviews with A-League Women players, Perth Glory’s Ella Mastrantonio (EM) speaks to Ben Gilby (BG) about being back in Western Australia, the priorities to further grow the league and the state of the game in WA (21/12/22).

Above: Ella Mastrantonio pointing the way forward for Perth Glory. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

BG: How are you settling back into life at Perth Glory? How do you assess both yourself and the club’s start to the season?

EM: It is both great and strange being back home. We haven’t had the best start to the season but we have also been there or thereabouts in nearly all of our games. The next few weeks are crucial in defining which way we want our season to go. We are ready for the challenge.

BG: You’ve played under many different head coaches during your career, how does Alex Epakis compare? What are his strengths?

EM: Alex is a breath of fresh air compared to my most recent coaching experiences. He’s young, ambitious and you can see he is really invested in both the project at Perth Glory and the players as individuals. He has great qualities.

**Above:** Ella Mastrantonio looks to escape from close attention against Melbourne Victory. **Photo:** Tom McCarthy.

BG: Perth have a mix of experienced players and some exciting young talent – what do you make of the team the club has put together this season?

EM: As you said the mix of young and experience is quite a new experience for me. This is the first time I’ve really been one of the senior players in a team before, so I am hopeful that I can pass on my knowledge and experience to the younger players. We have real potential this season.

BG: After being away from the competition for a few years, what major differences have you noticed already? How has the W/A-League Women improved in that time? What specific areas do you think still need to get better?

Obviously, the addition of extra games and as of next year being a full home and away season has been the main much-welcomed and overdue change to the league.

“I think we still need to get better in marketing the league in a much better and mainstream way, as I’m not entirely sure people outside the football world really know what’s going on with our game and league. If we can add that and make our games much more accessible and attend-able – ie most of our home games this season are 4pm on Sunday afternoons, quite a tough ask for people who have young families and work the next day.”
Ella Mastrantonio on improvements that she believes the A-League Women need to prioritise.

BG: Prior to coming back to Perth Glory, you had a few months at Subiaco in the NPLW. How was that?

EM: It was a good experience getting down and helping out Subiaco back on the NPLWA map. They’re a great club with a huge ambition for women’s football so they deserve to be in the limelight.

**Above:** Ella Mastrantonio (right) in action for Subiaco against her Perth Glory team-mate Tash Rigby for Fremantle City in the NPLWA. **Photo:** Denyse McCulloch.

BG: There’s been a lot of talk about WA’s young talent going to the East coast to play their NPL football. What do you think the NPL in WA needs to do to keep the best players in the state to ensure the quality of the local comp keeps growing?

EM: Unfortunately I don’t think the NPLWA stands a chance against the eastern states. There is just far more money, a higher standard of players, and professionalism that will attract the best talent there. How do we improve that over here? More investment.

BG: Having been back in the Matildas camp under Tony Gustavsson, how do you think the team has developed in the build-up to the World Cup?

EM: The team has picked up some really important wins over the last few months so I think that’s important with the World Cup only seven or eight months away.

BG: What would a good season for both yourself and Perth Glory look like this season?

EM: Making finals with Glory is definitely my main goal being back here and then anything is possible. For myself just having a positive impact with the squad to help us achieve our goals and then again anything is possible.