Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from the Matildas assistant coach Mel Andreatta and returning star Chloe Logarzoas the team prepare to face Denmark tomorrow evening (10/10/22).
Above: Chloe Logarzo speaking earlier today. Image: Football Australia.
The early hours of Sunday morning saw the Matildas arrive in Skive to prepare for their fixture against Denmark at Viborg Stadium on 11th October 2022 (local time).
After a day of recovery on Sunday, the team hit the training pitch at the venue of Tuesday night’s match for a familiarisation session.
Assistant Coach Mel Andreatta said the recovery day has been one of the key components of getting ready to take on the world number 17.
“First of all, our preparation has been all about recovery,” said Andreatta. “After the game [on Saturday], we left late at night and arrived here in Denmark at about 2am.”
“It was a long travel day, but it was good for us to get here early to settle in so that we could have that Sunday as a day off for full recovery – mentally and physically.”
“The main message has all been about to keep doing what we did really well. You won’t see too many changes, some tweaks, obviously, because Denmark pose some different challenges.”
“They’ve got some world-class players and they play different systems. We’ve taken that into consideration in our preparation and in our planning.”
Above: Mel Andreatta, Australia assistant coach speaking today. Image: Football Australia.
For Australia midfielder Chloe Logarzo the short turnaround, while always challenging, is not unfamiliar to the team. Monday’s pre-match session saw the focus centered on ensuring they were set for the Danish test.
“I think we’re all used to it,” said Logarzo. “We’ve had shorter turnarounds at the Olympics before so it’s just another day at the office.”
“The Match Day -1 session was really good. We focused on everything that we normally focus on. We had a good headspace so it’s going to be a really good game.”
Logarzo was part of the squad that played Denmark a little over 18 months ago and since that match in 2021, the Danes have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2007.
“They are very structured in their formation. The last time we played them, I think we played well so we’ll be able to do the same things and hopefully get a better result.”
“We know that their transition game is a threat and they’re very good on set pieces,” Andreatta followed up.
“If we allow them to control the game that could be dangerous. For us, it’s been about how we nullify those threats, but also focus on our principles and our strengths, the qualities of the individuals, and the way that we want to play to hurt Denmark.”
The Matildas and Denmark clash will be exclusively live in Australia on Paramount+ with kick-off at 3.00am AEDT.
Above: Sam Kerr in training today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.
Above: AFC Wimbledon celebrate Ashlee Hincks’ (9) opening goal at Cambridge City, including Impetus sponsored Mia Lockett (21). Photo: Glyn Roberts.
Ashlee Hincks led the way once again with her two-goal blast sparking an impressive victory at Cambridge City on Sunday.
A double by last season’s top scorer took her tally to nine goals in just four games as the Dons secured a 2-0 league win with Faye Baker keeping her third clean sheet at the other end. The victory moved Wimbledon up to fourth place in FA Women’s National League Division One South East.
The Dons got off to an encouraging start as Ellie Dorey’s long-range effort had the Cambridge City keeper scrambling, but it ended up on the roof of the net inside the opening five minutes. This was a sign of things to come as the Dons dominated much of the game, creating several chances inside the opening half hour.
All the pressure paid off on the half-hour mark as Hincks finished from close range after a fine pass from Emily Donovan. However, the next chance of the game fell to City, who forced Faye Baker into a fine save to ensure the Dons went into the break with the lead that was very much deserved.
Wimbledon started the second half on the front foot with Becki Bath having a great chance, but she could not quite get on the end of a cross by Donovan, who then came close herself with a shot that flashed narrowly wide. The Dons continued piling on the pressure with Remmi Gardner having a shot well saved by the City keeper.
With just a slender 1-0 lead heading into the latter stages, the Dons still hadn’t killed off the hosts, but that all changed with five minutes remaining with Hincks striking home emphatically to ensure all three points for Wimbledon.
“It was a pleasing result as we produced a really professional performance, dominating most of the game in and out of possession.”
Andy May, AFC Wimbledon Women First Team Coach.
There is little rest for the Dons with Kevin Foster’s side hosting London Seaward on Wednesday night (7.45 pm kick-off at Carshalton Athletic FC).
Looking further ahead, there will be an exciting match for Wimbledon next month with the Capital Cup game against Fulham to be played at Craven Cottage on Sunday 20th November.
Above: Lynne Jackson celebrates after hitting Rossvale’s goal at Stenhousemuir. Photo: Kelly Neilson.
The last eight in the Women’s Championship and League One Cup have been revealed after a thrilling Sunday of ties in rainy conditions across Scotland.
Holders Dryburgh Athletic defied their league position by putting out Renfrew with a 1-0 victory at home, the only goal of the game coming from the scorer of last year’s winning goal in the final, Megan Robb. Dryburgh Goalkeeper Chantelle Mackay produced a penalty save for the second week in a row against a strong Renfrew side to ensure a clean sheet.
Livingston saw off a challenge from Falkirk to win 2-0, with goals from Ashley Fish and Gemma Mason, who floated one in directly from an audacious corner.
A deft free kick by Clare Docherty for Ayr United was enough to knock out Hutchison Vale in Edinburgh, while Rossvale also put out Stenhousemuir with a single goal from Lynne Jackson.
Above: Rossvale (black) get a challenge in at Stenhousemuir. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Kelly Neilson.
In the North East, Grampian beat Giffnock 3-1 and free-scoring Westdyke put eight past Dundee West to reach the next round.
Both Edinburgh sides were also at home and produced thrilling ties. A goal late into extra time by Hannah Markley saw FC Edinburgh beat Morton 2-1 and avoid a looming penalty shootout, while Edinburgh Caledonia gave visiting Inverness Caledonian Thistle a scare, going 2-1 up through new signing Eva Steele, before the Highlanders hit back through Julia Scott and Tina Kelly to finish it 3-2 to the away side.
The cup draw for the quarter-finals will take place this week.
In the only game of the day in League One, St. Mirren defeated Airdrie Ladies 1-0 thanks to the Paisley side’s top scorer Ceara Macintyre.
Above: Mixed emotions and facial expressions in the game between Stenhousemuir and Rossvale. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Kelly Neilson.
An exhibit focusing on the history of women’s football in Northern Ireland has been officially launched at the Education and Heritage Centre within the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.
The display contains several pieces of memorabilia linked to women’s football here and the Northern Ireland senior women’s international team, including match programmes covering a 40-year period.
And it also features a pair of match-worn boots and a shirt from Rachel Furness, Northern Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Northern Ireland internationals Sarah McFadden and Jackie Burns helped to officially launch the exhibit.
The pair popped along to the stadium during a special VIP Tour which was the prize in a competition designed to unveil the collection of memorabilia.
Niamh Keough (13) from Bangor Swifts Juniors in County Down was the winner of the competition, which encouraged kids to send a message to the Northern Ireland senior women’s team on a postcard.
Her message to the team urged the players to show young girls that football is “not just a boys’ sport but for everyone, and we are just as good, if not better”.
Niamh’s prize was the VIP Tour for her and her teammates. It included a visit to the Education and Heritage Centre – arriving at the stadium in style – on the official Northern Ireland team bus.
The Bangor girls got to take photos and have a Q&A session with Northern Ireland internationals Sarah McFadden and Jackie Burns. The players talked about their experiences at the UEFA Women’s Euros back in the summer and offered some advice about how players can improve their game.
Afterwards Sarah said: “Whenever we finished at the Euros, we all went back to our clubs and didn’t get to see the impact of what we’d actually done. It was great to be able to see these young girls and to realise that we did inspire.”
Irish FA tour guide Noel Keenan said the new display “will do a great job at showcasing the history of women’s football and also inspiring the young players that are coming in to view the display, as well as the tour itself”.
Noel felt going on the tour would “do wonders” for the confidence of the Bangor girls and encourage them to work hard, enjoy their game, keep developing and “be part of this journey that women’s football is on in Northern Ireland”.
Mark McAlister, the Visitor Experience Co-ordinator at the Irish FA, explained: “We hope that visitors on the tour can find out some facts about the women’s game which they did not know beforehand.
“For example, the first ever women’s international football match was held at Grosvenor Park in Belfast on Boxing Day 1917 in front of 20,000 spectators between teams from Ireland and England.
To celebrate the launch of the new women’s football display, Irish FA Tours is offering a 15% discount on all public tour bookings made throughout this month (October) via http://www.irishfa.com/tours when the discount code ANEWDREAM15 is used at checkout.
Above: Rachel Daly embraces Georgia Stanway (8) after her penalty, with Chloe Kelly (11) also showing her delight.Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
It was a night of celebration on Friday at Wembley as an amazing tribute was paid to the women who paved the way for the European Champions.
The USA were the visitors in a European v World Champion Showdown as both teams joined forces in solidarity in light of the report findings that were published this week into the abuse scandal that has rocked the US Soccer Federation as well as the country’s top division. the National Women’s Soccer League.
Before the game, Wembley Stadium had special guests for the evening, in attendance under the arch were the 1972 Lionesses as well as all former players, and they were celebrated by The FA marking the 50th anniversary of the England Women’s Senior National Team.
Jill Scott was then presented with a framed shirt with 161 on the back to acknowledge her retirement as well as the number of appearances she made for England. The Lionesses legend proceeded to bring the European Championship trophy out to get the crowd going just before the players emerged from the tunnel.
Above: Lionesses legends from the past were introduced to the crowd before the game and at half-time to mark the 50th anniversary of the first official England Women’s team. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
At half-time, all former Lioness players in attendance were invited to the pitch, to take part in a lap of honour and receive an appreciative round of applause from the Wembley crowd in acknowledgement of the part these Lioness legends played in England women’s footballing history.
As for the game, it was billed as a blockbuster, it did not disappoint with it being as action-packed as you would expect. England got the ball rolling by breaking the deadlock with a great move down the right-hand side as they took a 10th-minute lead. The move was started by Lucy Bronze and finished by Lauren Hemp after Alana Cook failed to deal with Beth Mead’s cross.
The USA got back on level terms when Georgia Stanway was bodied off the ball by Lindsey Horan as Millie Bright put her own team-mate under pressure with a soft pass on the edge of her box, with the ball falling to Sophia Smith, who slotted the ball into the bottom right corner past Mary Earps.
One of the controversial moments of the game in the first half saw Lucy Bronze kicked in the face by substitute Hailie Mace inside the penalty area, despite protests from England players the referee Riem Hussein wasn’t interested and waved play on as the USA began to start an attack, only for action to be halted as VAR stepped in and asked the official her to take a look at the incident on the pitchside. The result was a penalty to the Lionesses and Bayern Munich midfielder Stanway made up for her earlier error from the spot to restore the lead.
Above: Two of the greatest players their respective nations have produced face-off as Lucy Bronze looks to get away from Megan Rapinoe. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
The USA thought they had drawn level for a second time in the match four minutes later only for VAR to step in once again. Smith was involved once more as she was deemed to be offside from a long pass out from the back which she latched on to, with her cross flicked on by Megan Rapinoe to Trinity Rodman, who rifled into the bottom right corner.
Ten minutes from full-time VAR was needed once more as the US were awarded a penalty as Hemp was adjudged to have handled in the box. Rose Lavelle’s shot had hit her bottom and the decision was correctly overturned.
Both sides played with high spirits and intensity despite both missing key players and Sarina Wiegman will be very happy with picking up a victory over the USA although VAR came to save the day three times. In my opinion, the presence of it in this game was a major plus as it put right some poor decisions by the referee. If VAR wasn’t in use, this game could have been a different outcome entirely – and a highly controversial one at that.
After the game, England Head Coach Sarina Wiegman gave her reflections on beating the World Champions saying: “It was very intense, very open, and very competitive. It’s what you can expect from the USA and us too.
Above: Fran Kirby on the ball with the USA’s Sofia Huerta looking to get in a challenge. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
“We can take lots of things from this. We don’t win a World Cup now but it’s really good to have this moment and this game, in this environment with all the people around cheering for us. The top countries have developed very much. The whole women’s game is developing but it’s good to have a test against the USA as they have won so many things over so many years. But it’s now October and not July yet.”
The Lionesses head south to Brighton on Tuesday to face the Czech Republic.
Justine Burch was pitchside at Kingsmeadow yesterday for Impetus yesterday to capture all the action from Australia’s game with South Africa. Here’s a selection of her outstanding work (9/10/22).
Above: Caitlin Foord hits Australia’s impressive fourth goal against South Africa yesterday. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Alex Chidiac, who had an impressive late cameo from the bench. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Teagan Micah flying through the air in the warm-up. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Captain for the day, Steph Catley was influential in the first half. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Showing an outstanding ability to read the game and snuff out danger before it develops, Charli Grant had a good shift. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Caitlin Foord attacks the box from the left before firing in The Matildas’ fourth goal. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Illness prevented Sam Kerr from coming on before the 83rd-minute mark. Here she takes on Ntsako Makhubela, Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Sam Kerr competes for the ball with Ntsako Makhubela (14) and Bambanani Mbane (13). Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross looking to create in the midfield. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: All smiles for Chloe Logarzo on her return to the Matildas. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Teagan Micah dives at the feet of an onrushing South African attacker. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Hayley Raso looks on as her opponent flies through the air. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: A trademark Hayley Raso run, as she looks to escape from Bongeka Gamede. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Another battle between the pair. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: The sensational Banyana Banyana fans. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Cortnee Vine grabbed her first two international goals… Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: …and was full of smiles in the post-match press conference talking about it. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson makes a point in the post-match press conference. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: The Matildas line up before kick-offat Kingsmeadow. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
In My View
by Ben Gilbyat Kingsmeadowfor Impetus
Whilst the four goals may take the headlines, there were still a number of familiar issues which reared their head throughout the game. Whilst Australia dominated the match and scored four times, there was still a lack of a relentless sharp threat in front of goal.
With Sam Kerr missing due to illness apart from a seven-minute cameo at the end, once more there are question marks about what happens when she is not around – or when she is smothered by the opposition. Remy Siemsen remained on the bench, and against stronger opposition, the Matildas would have been made to pay.
Too often the passing was not as crisp, accurate, or pacey as it should have been on a consistent basis, and this is a bugbear that returns with alarming regularity. Yes, Australia were missing players once more, but to compete at the highest table next July and August, Gustavsson’s side will need to change these habits and tighten up.
In terms of positives, Charli Grant’s tracking ability in defence was excellent during the first half in particular. She offers a quick read of the play and goes to put out defensive fires almost as soon as they begin to blaze.
Alex Chidiac was, for me, hugely impressive when coming on in the second half. ‘Chids’ was lively, offered herself, and looked to link play excellently. The Racing Louisville midfielder is worthy of more game time. There was also the welcome return, late in the second half for Chloe Logarzo ahead of her A-League Women switch to Western United.
Just as everyone in green and gold was breathing a sigh of relief at an absence of defensive errors, there was an uneasy moment at the end which gave South Africa a goal. Clare Polkinghorne got caught, there was no one home, and Hildah Magaia was able to run in and lob Teagan Micah.
The win and four goals are welcome, but there is still so much to do, and a step up is needed on Tuesday against Denmark.
Match Report
by Johnathan Stack at Kingsmeadow for Impetus
The Matildas got their international mini tour in Europe underway with a 4-1 victory over South Africa at Kingsmeadow Stadium in South-West London.
It took five minutes for the deadlock to break, as the Matildas captain Steph Catley’s corner was turned in by Cortnee Vine who pounced on a mistake from South African keeper Regirl Ngobeni whose lapse in judgment at gathering the ball from Mary Fowler’s initial header.
Vine doubled her tally on the day in the 25th minute. as quick thinking from Catley saw her capitalise on a loose South African pass on the edge of the box, she then flicked it through to Caitlin Foord who squared it across for Vine to slot home as Australia took a two-nil lead.
Catley was causing South Africa all kinds of problems down the left wing as five minutes later she crossed for Vine who was free in the 18-yard box but failed to hit the target when the Sydney FC player looked destined to score a first-half hat-trick.
The Matildas did make it three on the stroke of half-time as Catley was once again involved as her corner was headed home by Claire Polkinghorne as Australia asserted their dominance in a one-sided first half and led 3-0 at the break.
It was more of the same in the second half as Foord got onto the scoresheet nine minutes after the restart as the Arsenal forward received the ball from her Gunners’ team-mate Catley who claimed her third assist of the day, great skill from Shellharbour native to beat Bambanani Mbane to fire the ball home for the Matildas fourth goal.
The Matildas kept pushing for more as the second half wore on as Katrina Gorry’s superb strike from outside the box forced Ngobeni into a great save with 15 minutes left.
South Africa got a late consolation goal as they broke through and caught Australia off guard, especially Teagan Micah who was positioned outside of the penalty area and couldn’t backpedal quick enough as Hildah Magaia lobbed her from about 30 yards out.
After the game, Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson spoke about the importance of playing this game in London: “We love playing on home soil, especially in a World Cup year, get that connection with the fans and the football community back home. In that sense it is important we play in Australia, from a football preparation standpoint in massive that we get these camps in Europe.
“We had five training days here compared to the last camp in Australia, where we had two and a half days. Also, we had four players coming in not playing games this weekend so they were fresh from Monday so we can play five training sessions straight just football which was massive.”
Cortnee Vine also faced the media after bagging her first goals as a Matilda, “The first was the easiest goal you can get but I’ll take it as my first one, it was you want I just want to score as a striker coming into the Matildas, hopefully, I can score a few more. A brace is always nice as well, a bit disappointed how I didn’t get a hat-trick.”
The Matildas now head to Scandinavia to take on Denmark on Tuesday in Viborg.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Perth Glory’s latest arrival, striker Rylee Baisden, along with head coach Alex Epakis(7/10/22).
Perth Glory today announced the arrival of American striker Rylee Baisden, who joins an already strong-looking group of attacking players in Western Australia.
The 28-year-old arrives following a successful season in the NWSL with North Carolina Courage and is no stranger to the Liberty A-League having scored three times in 11 appearances for Brisbane Roar during the 2019/20 campaign.
Originally from California, Baisden enjoyed a stellar collegiate career at Pepperdine University and following her spell with Roar, debuted for North Carolina in September 2020.
She is excited to be returning to Australia and confident that Glory can make a major impression in the ALW this year.
Above: Rylee Baisden (centre) pictured during her previous spell in the competition with Brisbane Roar. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
“I am beyond thrilled to be joining Perth Glory this season,” she said. “In speaking with [Head Coach] Alex [Epakis], it sounds like I share the same mindset and attitude towards football and winning as him and the rest of the club.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully being a worthy addition to the team and I’m excited to share the field with some amazing players in a country I have so much love for. After finishing my first season in the league back in 2020, I was excited to get back, but COVID derailed that plan.
“I feel like I have a bit of unfinished business and I’m grateful for this opportunity to come back.”
Epakis, meanwhile, believes Baisden’s signing represents a major coup for the club. “To secure Rylee for the upcoming ALW season is really special and exciting,” he said.
“She is exactly the type of player we are looking to have in our attacking play; quick, dynamic and with the capacity for repeat efforts with and without the ball.
Above: Rylee Baisden in action in the NWSL. Photo: Portland Thorns.
“Rylee is very direct and exciting when she is on the ball and moreover, she brings a strong level of experience from some of the top competitions around the world, as well as previous experience in the ALW.
“I am really looking forward to welcoming her to the club and I am sure she will have a strong impact for us in the competition.
“Finally, her professional mentality and demeanour is something that certainly stood out to me during our conversations and I believe the team will benefit a lot from having Rylee here this season.”
Epakis’ team already boast the attacking talents of Susan Phonsongkham, Sofia Sakalis, Cyera Hintzen, Alana Jancevski and Abbey Green amongst others. They will certainly pose a real threat to defences across the A-League Women this season.
The club are expected to be making further squad announcements shortly.
Perth Glory’s Current ALW 2022/23 Squad:
Morgan AQUINO, Kim CARROLL, Tash RIGBY, Tijan McKENNA, Liz ANTON, Hana LOWRY, Demi KOULIZAKIS, Susan PHONSONGKHAM, Rylee BAISDEN, Sofia SAKALIS, Sarah CAIN, Cyera HINTZEN, Bella WALLHEAD, Abbey GREEN, Sadie LAWRENCE, Sarah LANGMAN, Ella MASTRANTONIO, Claudia MIHOCIC, Alana JANCEVSKI, Milan HAMMOND, Gabriella COLEMAN.
Impetus‘ Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (7/10/22).
Above: Samara Nche (9), scorer of a hat-trick for King’s Lynn Town in their FA Cup Second Qualifying Round win at Thetford Town. Photo: Richard Brown.
Main Match of the Week
Thetford Town 1-4 Kings Lynn Town
King’s Lynn Town progressed to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup with an eventually comfortable win at Mundford Road.
A Hat-trick from Samara Nche and a goal from new signing Chelsea Clarke was enough to send King’s Lynn through although they were made to work for it.
Thetford had their best-attacking chances early in the first half as Laura Martins forced an early save from Lynn goalkeeper Alice Collins after being brought down by Lily Porter to win the free kick.
There was a further chance for the hosts when Melissa Boulton found herself with the ball after the referee played a good advantage following Laura Martins being fouled but Boulton could only fire her shot over the crossbar.
Martins looked lively all afternoon for Thetford as she has done all season since her arrival in the summer and she fired over the bar from a corner.
Thetford paid for not taking an early chance when on the half-hour mark Nche fired past Amber Browne after a fine individual run to open the scoring and give King’s Lynn the lead at the break.
Above: Thetford Town line-up before their Fa Cup Second Qualifying Round Tie vs Kings Lynn Town. Photo: Richard Brown
Kings Lynn started the second half slowly and Thetford sensed their opportunity when Zoe Klimcke fired a shot which came off both posts and this then found its way into the net to spark wild scenes at Mundford Road.
Thetford Town of the Tier Seven Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One, making their first-ever appearance in the FA Cup were roared on by a three-figure crowd in the sunshine as the players did the club proud against their opponents King’s Lynn from two tiers higher in the Eastern Region Premier Division.
The Thetford goal seemed to spark the visitors into life as super sub Chelsea Clarke on her debut after signing from Wymondham Town, hit a rocket past Browne a minute later from the edge of the box to restore the visitors’ lead.
Above: Chelsea Clarke (far right) second Kings Lynn Towns second goal within a minute of coming on as a substitute. Photo: Richard Brown.
With 20 minutes left on the clock, Nche then was found a delightful through ball and slotted calmly past Browne to put the game beyond Thetford.
Nche completed her hat trick with three minutes remaining after linking well with Amy Magnus and then firing past Browne into the net to round off the scoring.
King’s Lynn Town with an eventual safe passage into the third qualifying round, will now host Hitchin Belles to The Walks on Sunday 23rd October.
For Thetford Town, this was the defeat they expected, but they can be proud they made a club from two divisions higher work so hard for their win and this will only provide encouragement for the future league matches.
FA Women’s National League Division One South East
Above: Norwich City’s Ellie Smith in action against Hounslow, against whom she scored twice. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.
Norwich City maintained their unbeaten start to the season in Tier Four with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Hounslow. Braces from Kathryn Stanley and Ellie Smith as well as strikes from Megan Todd, Olivia Cook, and Ella Gambell saw the Canaries take a comfortable three points.
Wymondham Town‘s trip to AFC Wimbledon was postponed due to lack of player availability for Wymondham Town.
FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
Above: Wroxham were 4-1 winners at Lawford on Second Qualifing Round day. Photo: Wroxham FC
Tier Five Wroxham from the Eastern Region Premier Division negotiated a tricky-looking trip to Tier Six Lawford winning 4-1 thanks to goals from Jess Horn and a hat trick from Hannah Waters. Annalise Ryan with the goal for Lawford.
Tier Six Fakenham Town were made to sweat by Tier Seven Beccles Town with Fakenham running out eventual 3-2 winners. A brace from Chloe Gravett and a goal from Nicole Costin saw Fakenham Town progress.
Tier Seven Mulbarton Belles were 5-1 winners at Stanway Rovers from the Essex County League thanks to a brace from Rebekah Lake and goals from Ellie Hunter, Molly Ryan and Analise Smith.
Tier Seven Bungay Town were comprehensively beaten 10-0 at home by Tier Five AFC Sudbury, Four goals for Holly Kennard, a hat trick for Alex Penny, a brace for Sophie Jeffers and Caitlyn Charles with the other completed an emphatic away win.
In the day’s final FA Cup game, Sprowston and Brett Vale played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Rosie Milligan and Anais Winney scoring for Sprowston with Tarnya McKew and Kirby King scoring for Brett Vale. The game went to penalties with Sprowston winning 6-5 with, 16-year-old Lois King the hero sending Sprowston into the third qualifying round.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Long Stratton were the day’s headline makers in Tier Seven with a stunning 4-2 win at Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers. Luci Middleton netting all four goals for Long Stratton with a Shanice Sutton brace for the hosts.
Due to the FA Cup action, there was only one other Tier Seven game which saw the University of East Anglia beat Caister 7-1. Braces from Ella Burnley and Freya Fuller and further goals from Rachel Lawrence, Cassandra Piejko, and Lucy Wright saw UEA claim a big win. Bethany Turner was on target for Caister.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Blofield United won a thrilling game 4-3 over FC Viking Valkyries. A Lola Eadie Hat-Trick and further strikes from Lucy Schug secured the points with Molly Howes, Cerys Nicholas, and Chloe Ward replying for Valkyries.
King’s Lynn Soccer Club claimed an impressive 3-0 away win at Mulbarton Wanderers Reserves thanks to a Jordan Turner hat-trick.
North Walsham Town beat Horsford 7-0 thanks to a brace from Rio Dobbie and other goals from Ella Cattermole, Charlotte Hardingham, Rhiannon Holt, Paige Samwell, and Lucy Taylor. In the day’s final game, Thorpe St Andrew beat Bulldogs 7-1 at home thanks to a hat-trick from Abi Simmons with Jennifer Brown, Jennifer Brown, Tabitha Mileham, Sarah Rooke, and Rebecca Sutton scoring for Thorpe St Andrew with Niamh Underhill getting the goal for Bulldogs.
Above: Thorpe St Andrew recorded their first win of the season beating Bulldogs 7-1. Photo: Thorpe St Andrew FC
impetusfootball.org 