Above: Annie Laight in action for Pride Park – part of the Derbyshire side’s defence who kept another clean sheet. Photo: via Pride Park FC.
Another Beth Jones hat-trick and a clean sheet saw Pride Park into the quarter-final of the Derbyshire Ladies League Challenge Cup.
There was a ten-minute delay to kick-off due to traffic delays affecting the visitors’ players caused by an accident on the A38. After starting their last two games at a good tempo the extra 10 minutes of keeping warm after the warm-up seemed to affect Pride, as they were slow getting into their stride.
Despite this, Pride fashioned the first real chance of the game after three minutes – a combination in the centre between Tash Allderidge, Summer Evans and culminating in Beth Jones laying off for Hannah Kwiatek to have a close-range shot saved by the ‘keeper.
A few minutes later, Ella Kew made a terrific run down the left and put an inviting ball across the six-yard box which Beth Jones was only inches away from connecting with.
After fifteen minutes Amber Valley had a chance as a diagonal ball was hit into space behind the defence, putting their speedy winger through and cutting in from wide, beating goalkeeper Jade Howell to the ball, but Sophie Ayton had taken up an excellent covering position and was able to clear.
Above: Pride Park goalkeeper Jade Howell put in another strong performance for her team. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
Pride made the breakthrough just after twenty minutes, as Sophie Roberts won the ball back at right back, slipping it to Sophie Ayton, who played a short pass to Ella Kew. Kew took a few steps with the ball before hitting a pass into the channel for Jones to run beyond the defenders and turn in at the near post.
Five minutes later, Eliot Sayavong put Jones through but her shot was parried by the keeper who grabbed it at the second attempt as it threatened to go over the line. The goalkeeper was injured in making the save, either blocking the shot or when falling on the ball. After the game it was confirmed that the injury was a broken forearm in what seemed a really innocuous incident and terribly bad luck. We wish her a full and speedy recovery.
After a lengthy stoppage, Allderidge intercepted the stand-in goalkeeper’s clearance from the drop ball, playing a first-time pass forward to Evans who headed on to Jones, who beat the keeper but saw her shot go just wide of the post. Jones made no mistake six minutes before half-time, however, as Evans headed on Rachel Weaver’s pass and Jones finished from a tight angle for 2-0.
There was an opportunity for Amber Valley on the stroke of half-time, as Yasmin Uppal received a throw-in on the left, near the edge of the area, before beating three Pride players and hitting a shot on target, but Jade Howell had her angles right and held the shot.
Pride made a very quick start to the second half, extending their lead within a minute of the restart. A slick combination between Weaver, Evans, and Otty Baker culminated in a superb pass by Baker into the path of Jones who rounded the goalkeeper to complete her hat-trick (her third in consecutive games) from another tight angle, despite three defenders getting back.
It looked like Weaver had added a fourth after 67 minutes, bundling home Kew’s corner at the far post, but it was ruled out as the corner had curled out of play and in again.
Above: Sophie Ayton, part of Pride Park’s winning team on Sunday. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
Shortly afterwards Amber Valley won a throw-in on their left, level with the edge of the penalty area. Pride switched off momentarily, leaving the thrower unattended and able to take the return pass before stepping infield and hitting a good shot, which ‘keeper Howell watched all the way and tipped over.
With a quarter of an hour to go Pride had a good chance to extend their lead, as Sayavong won the ball back from an Amber Valley throw-in, prodding the ball to Baker who released Evans with a superb pass. Evans beat the first defender and held off a second defender but put her shot just over the crossbar.
Good build-up play created chances for Sayavong – whose shot was saved – and Kew who shot narrowly wide. With five minutes remaining an Izzy Wilsoncroft throw-in was headed on by Sayavong across the area, the bounce proving difficult for the defender but Fran Critchley-Watson’s shot was saved at point-blank range, the ‘keeper recovering well to reach the rebound first and smother the ball.
The remaining five minutes were played without incident – a third hat-trick in as many games for Beth Jones – taking her to 12 for the season – and a second consecutive clean sheet enough for the Pride to advance to a quarter-final against Wirksworth Colts on 11th December.
Whilst Jones’ hat-trick will capture the attention, it was also a second clean sheet in consecutive games, reflecting excellent work by goalkeeper Howell and the back four with excellent screening by Sayavong which limited Amber Valley to four goal attempts. Sophie Ayton seemed to get her head to everything and Annie Laight was calm and composed, reading play well to make key interceptions and both centre backs were composed in possession.
It’s more cup action next week as the Pride travel to East Midlands Regional League side Ilkeston Town in the Derbyshire FA County Cup 1st Round (KO 1.30pm).
Above: Coming together – Australia are putting the performances and understanding together heading into World Cup year. Photo: Football Australia.
The Matildas have finished 2022 off with two comfortable wins. More importantly, they have established an identifiable, repeatable, and effective game style.
Tony Gustavsson’s side has now recorded four consecutive wins, over four different opponents from three regions. They have scored 13 goals and conceded two, with clean sheets against Sweden and Thailand.
But as always with friendly matches, it is not the scoreline that matters most, it is the performances. Although both matches contained patches where Australia struggled, the two wins were exciting to watch and exhibited tactics that worked against both teams.
Gustavsson has tinkered with personnel and formations since his first game in charge. After suffering heavy losses, to Germany and the Netherlands, he switched to a back three. This setup produced a strong performance against Sweden prior to an Olympic tournament that took them to the semi-finals.
Following that, Australia changed back to the traditional 4-3-3. It meant numbers in attack, but without an experienced defensive midfielder, Australia were often left vulnerable in midfield. It was a weakness exploited in spectacular and heartbreaking fashion by South Korea’s Ji So Yun in the Asian Cup quarter-final.
In the 4-3-3, Australia looked to press from the front, but once the ball got through that first line of defence, the defenders were immediately under pressure as the midfield was forced out of position.
Above: Caitlin Foord is in outstanding form at present for both club and country. Photo Football Australia.
The 4-4-2 that Gustavsson switched to against Denmark and continued in the wins against Sweden and Thailand, had gotten the best out of a squad with depth in midfield and two world-class strikers.
Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord both are accustomed to defending from the front at Arsenal and Chelsea respectively. They do not race directly at the defenders, but stalk side to side, cutting off angles or making them pass wide or to risky areas in the middle.
As Gustavsson said after the Sweden game, they know when to move and when to pressure the ball carrier. The fact that they have played together for over a decade in the national team means that they have an on-field chemistry.
You will rarely see them take up the same space or get in each other’s way. Pairing them as a mobile strike partnership gets the best out of them defensively as well as offensively. Two goals each over the international window and multiple other chances created showed what this two-player partnership can offer.
It also means that the midfield has more players and less space for the opposition. If the ball goes wide to the left, the attackers have to deal with Cortnee Vine and Charli Grant. If it goes to the right, they are faced with Hayley Raso and either Courtney Nevin or Steph Catley.
If they go through the middle, there are now two players to contend with, where previously there was only one. Neither Katrina Gorry nor Kyra Cooney-Cross are defensive midfielders, but they are quick, relentless, and capable of winning the ball or at least slowing down the opposition.
They have developed into an exciting midfield pairing. Cooney-Cross has impressive acceleration and an eye for a killer pass. Gorry has a right foot that can be a pillow for a dropping high ball, a sledgehammer if she wants to shoot, or surgical if she wants to find a teammate.
Above: Tony Gustavsson is bringing the best out of Katrina Gorry. Photo: Football Australia.
Both players dribble, both can create, and both can score. The last two national team coaches have struggled to find a way to get the best out of Gorry. Gustavsson has made her central to his plans. She is a player who dominates games and improves those around her.
The back four is an example of the long-term project bearing fruit. Since stepping into the role of head coach. Gustavsson has been consistent in saying that building depth in the squad is important. This has long been evident in defence, and a year ago, there were few options at fullback beyond Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter.
Grant and Nevin can now step into those positions without the rest of the team needing to adjust. Nevin put in some dangerous crosses against Thailand, while Grant’s genuinely two-footed passing allows Australia to retain possession in defence, and change angles in attack.
The two matches were not perfect. Australia should have scored more against Thailand, and the visitors’ stubborn defence caused hesitation in front of goal. Kerr seemed to play a half-shot-half pass to Foord with only the keeper to beat, and Mary Fowler uncharacteristically delayed her shots in the second half.
Against Sweden, The Matildas were lucky not to concede after an early onslaught, but they found their way into the match and were clinical in front of goal against a strong opponent.
The team still remains a work in progress, as Elise Kellond -Knight, Tameka Yallop, Chloe Logarzo, and Carpenter return there may still be more tinkering. But the pieces are starting to come together, and a picture of what The Matildas look like at their best is starting to reveal itself.
It’s a good end to the year.
Above: Fireworks and positivity at the end of the Matildas’ 2022. Photo: Football Australia.
Above: The ultimate team in women’s international football at the moment? England come togetherafter their final game of 2022 against Norway. Photo: Lionesses
England played their final match of 2022 in Spain against a Norway side now coached by former Lionesses interim manager Hege Riise. The last time the two sides met, England destroyed them 8-0 in a history-making Euro 2022 group match.
However, there was no doubt Sarina Weigman was expecting a very different opponent to the one they faced four months ago with their changed style of play putting more emphasis on their defence.
The Lionesses failed to breakdown Norway’s stubborn backline who came from behind to salvage a draw despite going down to 10 players.
The European Champions’ task of maintaining their unbeaten run wasn’t made easy due to further dropouts from the squad earlier this week. Already without forwards Lauren Hemp and Fran Kirby as well as captain Leah Williamson who all pulled out last week; Lucy Bronze and Lotte Wubben Moy returned to their clubs with minor injuries whilst player of the season Beth Mead pulled out due to family circumstances.
Chelsea midfielder Guro Reiten captained Norway who were without the injured Lyon forward Ada Hegerberg with a leg injury and Caroline Graham Hansen who announced in August that she would take a break from international duty because of cardiac problems.
England Youth Seizing Their Opportunity
Above: Maya Le Tissier and Katie Robinson – two of England’s next generation got minutes this international window. Photo: Lionesses.
The absence of some of the team’s star players gave a great opportunity for the younger players to catch the eye of the Weigman to see where they’re at and how they perform on the international scene. Manchester City forward Jess Park capped off a comfortable performance in the 4-0 win on Friday against Japan after coming off the bench to score within 79 seconds of her debut. Ebony Salmon also impressed providing two assists off the bench.
Weigman gave a first international start to Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier who scored twice on her WSL debut for Marc Skinner’s side in their 4-0 victory over Reading. Rachel Daly, who has consistently been started at left-back despite playing as a forward for club manager Carla Ward finally got her opportunity in the number nine role to add to her eight goals in ten games for club and country this season. Ellie Roebuck got the nod in goal.
Norway Dangerous on the Counterattack and Stubborn in Defence
England controlled possession from as early as four minutes but Norway showed their threat on the counterattack coming close early on as the Lionesses were guilty of losing possession in the middle Emilie Haavi was denied by Ellie Roebuck at her near post after debutant Maya Le Tissier did enough to close the angle down with a crucial sliding challenge.
Norway were sitting deep with plenty of players behind the ball, although when they attacked they committed players forward but the lack of tempo meant England struggled to find a way to break them down. When Norway got forward, they looked so dangerous. Ellie roebuck was left stranded as Reiten directed a shot goalwards but lucky for the England keeper it went wide of her left post.
The Grasshoppers quickly closed down any sight of goal the Lionesses had from the edge of the box.
Emilie Haavi was a threat all half for Norway. Her crosses from the left-hand side caused England problems but on this occasion, Lisa Naalsunds shot was a poor one.
The only dampener for Norway was the dismissal of Anja Sonstevold. Two yellow cards in just over six minutes neither she can have any complaints about. First was a heavy mis-timed challenge on Nikita Paris then minutes later the same two players were involved as Sonstevold foolishly dragged the United winger back with her away down the right-hand wing.
Complacency on the Ball and Lack of Cutting Edge Up Front
Above: Millie Bright – a rock in defence for England. Photo: Lionesses.
Again, as the story has been on most international breaks England were guilty of being complacent on the ball and if it wasn’t for Millie Bright cutting out a pass straight through the middle, Norway probably would have taken the lead. Despite working hard to win the ball back with 24 minutes gone, England were yet to register a shot on target. It took until the 31 minutes for the first one to occur after a superb bit of skill by Lauren James to beat her marker her shot from distance was straight at the goalkeeper
England ended the half fairly strong as Nikita Parris put pressure on Norway’s back like as they tried to play out from defence.
Le Tissier Shines and Daly Gives Weigman a Selection Dilemma
Le Tissier put in a performance far beyond her years. She was cool and composed on the ball and worked well with fellow United teammate Nikita Parris whilst Rachel Daly’s hold-up play well was superb in the middle of the park allowing the likes of Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone to get up and support.
Probably against the run of play, Daly made the breakthrough after she met a Kelly cross nodding it into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal making it two goals in two games for England in the international break. . She can finish and knows where the goal is. She hadn’t had a sight of goal but then grabs the opener.
Change in Personnel and Tempo
Above: Rachel Daly had a superb international window for England, and finally got a chance in an offensive position. Photo: Lionesses.
Alex Greenwood was replaced by Alessia Russo at half time meaning that Rachel Daly moved back into right back with Le Tissier moving to the middle of defence alongside Esme Morgan with Niamh Charles remaining at left back.
Weigman wanted higher intensity in the second half. Although they were combining in the attacking areas there was not enough of it to satisfy the England manager although it was probably expected with the no clear indication who will start as the target up front going into next year’s world cup.
Nightmare Mistake for Roebuck After a Solid Performance
Sophie Haug took advantage of a mistake at the back and almost poked it beyond Roebuck who made a number of huge saves before greenwood cleared with Haug ready to pounce on the rebound.
Roebuck next denied Reiten as rash decisions in the defensive third saw England create their own problems. Her free kick was curled towards the left corner with roebuck diving across to push it behind.
Then out of nowhere came a major lapse in concentration and the ball was in the back of the net. Roebuck ran out of her box to clear a hopeful long ball but completely missed it allowing Arsenal midfield Maanum an open goal to tap into.
Records smashed
The group has proven what a dominant force they are going to be going into next year’s World Cup and on current form they will be considered one if not the favourite for next year’s tournament.
Played 20. Won 16. Drawn 4. Lost 0. Scored 72. Conceded 7. Won the Euros, Arnold Clark Cup and qualified for the World Cup with a 100% record having not conceded a goal.
In the latest in our Midweek Dub series of player and coach interviews from the A-League Women, Canberra United star Grace Maher speaks exclusively to Kieran Yap(15/11/22).
Above: Grace Maher in action for Canberra United at Western Sydney Wanderers last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
It only took five minutes and a few touches to change the result. Canberra United were two goals down when Grace Maher stepped up to take an 87th-minute free kick from almost 25 yards.
After the match, she modestly gave some of the credit for the goal of the round to the wind. But the technique to hit it so accurately was second only to the composure to take on the shot. The ball spun viciously into the net to give the home team a lifeline and keep their season alive.
In injury time, it was another moment of class by the Canberra number 10. Maher’s corner kick had been blocked and it look like the chance had gone. When the ball bounced back to her, she took one tough to round the defender. The next saw the ball fizzed in between the defence and the goalkeeper. Holly Caspers was on hand to net the dramatic equaliser.
This is Grace Maher at her very best, and something that A-League Women fans are becoming accustomed to. Whether it is scoring with a 40-yard rocket on the run or a full 90 minutes of quick incisive passes, she is one of the league’s most watchable playmakers.
“I’ve always been very level-headed even if we’ve only got a few minutes left,” Maher told Impetus of her composure on the field.
“My thought process and my composure stay exactly the same as the first minute.
“If you train the way you play then those things that you are doing on the training park you will start to see on the field.
“Set pieces are a unique part of the game. I don’t think they were appreciated until the last 10 years or so.
“When I was growing up I remember, when we had corners at under 10’s level or younger if a girl from my team couldn’t get it into the box it was really annoying, so I thought ‘I’ll do it,’ and it just developed like that.”
Grace Maher on how she began her superb corner-taking.
“I was left-footed as well, in the youth national teams it was also a real key component for me. You can change games with different angles.
“As I grew up doing that I got better at it. There’s a lot of decision-making that goes into it, but that’s at training, so when you step up onto the field, you know exactly what you’re going to do.”
Maher is a player of brilliant contrasts. She never looks rushed but keeps the game moving quickly, she is powerful, but precise and has had an ideal preparation for the upcoming season, despite not playing a competitive match since March 2022.
While most A-League women players have finished up NPLW seasons or campaigns in Europe or the U.S, Maher has taken a different approach. She sharpened her skills and match fitness while training with Under 17 and Under 18 men’s teams in Canberra.
“I definitely wish it (the off-season) was a little bit shorter, no more than two to three months would be great. But since covid every year in the off-season has been a little bit different for me.
“This year I took the opportunity to go do what I did when I was younger and train with the boys. I’ve always really enjoyed that and thought that it helps me reach my potential.
“I was able to keep fit and that allowed me a little bit of free time to coach at my junior club. I’m on the committee there and I coach the under-11 girls’ team, I helped with the social media and everything to do with football there.
Above: Grace Maher (left) battling it out for possession. Photo: Canberra United.
“I’ve also been doing study and was working with Capital Football, helping with the upcoming season, and doing a little bit of work behind the scenes for the Canberra region of football.
“It is a different game, there are pro’s to doing both. You have to be quicker. It really helps me work on my game defensively. They’re quicker so you have to be smarter, so it really works on decision-making.
“I play on limited touches and my passing range is what gets me out of things as opposed to just charging past. The guys are great, and the coaches are great so it’s just a really fun challenging environment and that’s what I need when I’m not playing games.”
Coaching the girls’ junior team was a rewarding experience for Maher, she says that she feels privileged to do it and that it makes her heart full to see them develop as players and fans of the sport.
“They were amazing,” she says of her team. “I saw huge growth in them from the start of the season to the end. What I was most proud of was their attitude and ability to support each other. They wanted to win but they looked after each other first.
“They loved their football. I got them into watching the Euros and following the Champions League. They’ve been learning about football not just playing it.
“It’s opened their eyes to what they could be if they want to follow a career in football. I think that’s important for the next generation because when I was coming up the w-league was present and that was the goal, but we didn’t have this global reach. You had to attend games you didn’t get to watch highlights.”
Starting the season with momentum
Above: Nikki Flannery and Grace Maher are back together at Canberra United this season. Photo: @flannery_cia
Canberra United started the 2021/22 season slowly. Like many clubs in the A-League Women, there is a high turnover of players. Although they had much of the core group that took them to the semi-finals the previous year, it took some time for the side to gel.
Maher says this is something that the team and new manager Njegosh Popovich have worked on rectifying for the new season.
“We’ve gone straight into games,” is how she describes the pre-season. “We’re working on our relationship between us as players before there’s too much information coming through the coaching staff. It’s really like, ‘lets see what we are as players.’
“It’s how we speak about picking teams based on who’s in form, it’s seeing what form’s work, what formations and players are gelling well. “A lot of our training is through gameplay, repetitive high-speed balls in and that’s fantastic for myself who has spent a lot of the off-season doing a lot of that off-field conditioning.
“I’ve already been able to link up well with new players, but in particular it’s been really enjoyable to be back with Michelle (Heyman), Nikki (Flannery) we have played for so long together and that connection hasn’t been lost it just had to be found again.”
Canberra have a number of exciting additions, Grace Jale, Grace Taranto, and Ellie Brush are just three that are tipped to make a big impact. But one of the biggest names to return is star attacker Nikki Flannery. The winger had a sensational 2020/21 season, but missed the last campaign with an ACL injury. Maher says her comeback is a huge boost for the club.
“There’s a really lovely feeling to the squad. everyone are really genuine people and down to earth. That just makes training more enjoyable because you’re all putting in but we’re all friends off the field.
“The return of my best friend is so exciting for the team because she’s loved in Canberra, she’s a hard worker. No one would have wished on her what she went through last year and missing the league.”
Grace Maher on the return from injury of Nikki Flannery.
“I’m sure she’ll find her stride throughout the season, and I’m sure you’ll see a more exciting Nikki Flannery. Off the field she’s a real personality, she’s light-hearted and known to have a joke about herself.
“It’s great for the team on the park and off it too.”
From legendary ball kid to star midfielder
Above: Grace Maher – a long-time hero of the Canberra United fans. Photo: Canberra Times.
Maher is an entertaining and essential player at the club that has regularly been competitive. Canberra United are the only A-League Women’s side without a men’s club attached, but that potential disadvantage is also a strength. There is a reason that players like her and league legend Michelle Heyman continue to return.
“I have to put it down to the fans and the culture that the club has and the relationship between the players, the staff, and the community that we have in Canberra,” says Maher
“Obviously we’re very fortunate that we are the only professional football team in Canberra, so we feel that love. The Canberra football community has given me so much.
“My first W-League contract at 15…there’s this real sense of loyalty. I think we’re very loyal players. I love playing here.
“My family are here and there’s no better feeling after games, getting that support from everyone, friends, family, and people who have become friends through their following of Canberra United.”
Maher has spent seasons away. One at Melbourne Victory and another in Iceland with KR Women’s Football. But the lure of the club she supported as a child remained. She grew up idolising players like Sally Shipard and Caitlin Munoz. The latter eventually became a teammate and mentor, although they first met under unusual and now almost mythical circumstances when Maher was a 13-year-old ball kid.
Above: Grace Maher in action for Melbourne Victory during her time there. Photo: Canberra Times.
“To this day we say it was Caitlin Munoz who missed the goal that broke my wrist,” she recalls.
“My mum is quite well known in the football community here, she organized to get me along to a signing session. It was where I got my cast signed.
“It was actually the day of my debut with Canberra United in 2014 that we were warming up at McKellar Park and Catherine Brown said, ‘do you guys remember that ball kid who broke her arm at training?’
“I was sitting there going ‘oh my god, no one knows it me.’
Maher offered to bring the cast in as proof. It’s an item that she still cherishes, although the star midfielder remains a cautionary tale around the club.
“It’s a story that’s also told to ball girls that you don’t need to be a hero to stop a shot, wait for the ball the bounce, then go get it.”
Maher is now a senior player at her hometown club. She emulates her heroes in the Canberra United midfield and plays with a calmness that belies the constant danger that she presents to the opposition.
Above: Grace Maher celebrating a big moment for Canberra United during the 2020/21 season. Photo: Canberra United.
There have been many factors in how she has developed as a player.
“I look now at the similarities in personalities with my parents. I first noticed that my dad is very analytical and calm and that’s completely in my game. And then my mum has a little bit more grunt and isn’t afraid to get stuck in so that’s been coming through as well.
“Growing up I was a big fan of futsal. I played that until I came into A-League Women, which was a summer sport, so I had to stop that. Close ball work, ball mastery is something that I’ve always been working on.”
Although her defensive abilities have improved throughout her career, it is as a midfield conductor where Maher does her best work, and where fans love to see her.
“I’ve always just loved the fact that you can pull strings on the field,” she says.
“Play smarter not harder.”
An eye on the broader future
Above: Grace Maher (centre) and Canberra United are hoping for a return to Finals football in 2022/23. Photo: Canberra United.
If you were to judge her by her passing game, you might assume Grace Maher can see slightly into the future. Off the field, she is somebody with an attentive eye on it and where the game is headed.
When the PFA announced a new collective bargaining agreement and minimum wage, it was Maher who made the public statement. It’s a role she enjoys.
“I’m naturally a confident person that always going to fight for things I believe in, things that not only affect me but the people I care about and my teammates.
“That role fell naturally to me. It’s not the easiest to have to stand up to clubs and call things out.
“As my dad used to say, the most profitable isn’t what’s best for the players sometimes you need two parties to fight so you get that fairness and happy medium that you’re starting to see in the women’s game with minimum wages and working conditions.
“It’s really amazing to see where its grown in the eight or nine seasons I’ve been a part of the league and if was a 15-year-old walking in now it’d be pretty surreal.”
One of the most significant advances in Australian women’s football is the extension of the season. although it is not a full home and away campaign yet, the longer calendar is something players and fans are happy about.
Above: McKellar Park – home once more to Canberra United this season. Photo: AtRTphotos.
Maher sees the league as more unpredictable, and that more sides will have a chance to get into the title race.
“What’s going to be cool to see this year is with an extended season, there’s going to be a little bit more fairness in the competition.
“You’ll see that the table changes as opposed to those front runners going and winning the league.
“There’s a lot of unknown, teams have swapped around so much and new players have emerged and older ones have come out of retirement. With that unknown, it’s really exciting.”
For Canberra United in particular, Maher says that they expect to be competitive in every match. They have the talent to beat anybody on their day, and are striving for consistency.
“We don’t rely on individuals, we’re just a strong team where no matter what the result, the opposition will walk off the feeling ‘that was hard, we do not want to play that again, especially at McKellar Park.
“I think we have some really talented players and if we can work towards what makes Canberra United Canberra United then we’ll hit the ground running and cause an upset or two.”
Above: Millwall celebrate after scoring against Gillingham on Sunday. Photo: Keith Gillard via Millwall Lionesses.
by Kai Bennett
Millwall Lionesses manager Jack Wheeler was extremely proud of his side after they pushed Gillingham, a team from two leagues above them all the way before eventually losing 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in extra time in their FA Cup First Round tie.
The Lionesses were ten seconds away in extra time from winning the tie before Gillingham, from the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier got their equaliser.
Millwall started well and nullified the visitors in the opening stages but halfway through the first-half Gillingham took the lead with an effort from long range from Mel Espinosa.
That wasn’t to dampen the spirits of The Lionesses and Jade Keogh’s corner that went all the way in equalised before half time.
The second half was dominated by the South London club but the Gills keeper Davies made some good saves to deny Millwall a winner in normal time.
Above: Gillingham play the pass under pressure from their London & SE Regional Premier hosts. Photo: Keith Gillard via Millwall Lionesses.
The Lionesses took the lead, however, in extra-time when Lauren Williams won possession high before teeing up Lucy Jellett who finished brilliantly.
Serena Hand made some big stops in the last ten minutes before Gillingham equalised when the ball was tapped into an empty net, in what was heartbreak for The Lionesses.
The visitors won the game on penalties, winning 5-4 to progress to Round Two of the FA Cup.
Wheeler said: “I’m really proud of the girls, we stuck to the game plan really well and they left everything out on the pitch.
“All we asked them to do at the start of the game was to try and work as hard as they possibly could and take the game to Gillingham. We’ve watched them this week so we knew the strengths and weaknesses and how we wanted to set up and we dealt with that accordingly.
Above: Millwall in possession against Gillingham in their FA Cup tie on Sunday. Photo: Keith Gillard via Millwall Lionesses.
“I’m really pleased with how we did and to concede with the last kick in extra time, those fine margins make the biggest difference.
“But we learn and we move on, I’m really pleased with the team and how they stuck together really as staff and as players.
“I’m really pleased and just making sure we continue this momentum that we’ve got in terms of good positive performances and if we can do that I would back my team against anyone in this league and anyone in the league above. It shows that today from what they’ve done, both us as staff and players should be really proud of themselves today.”
Impetus’ Martin Townley rounds up all the weekend’s action across the three Adran Leagues (15/11/22).
Above: Celebrations for Cardiff City who are now five points clear at the top of the Adran Premier. Photo: Cardiff City.
Cardiff City hold a five-point lead at the top of the Genaro Adran Premier after a 3-1 win over city rivals Cardiff Met. The New Saints and Pontypridd United drew 2-2 while Aberystwyth Town thrashed Barry Town 5-1. Wrexham retained their 100% record in the Adran North while Cascade YC keep second spot in the Adran South.
Adran Premier
Cardiff City 3-1 Cardiff Met
Rhianne Oakley opened the scoring for the Bluebirds after ten minutes after she was played in by Lil Billingham. Oakley has been fantastic for Cardiff City this season and got the second heading home from a Seren Watkins corner just before half-time.
City started the second half quickly and Danielle Broadhurst added a third. Erin Murray pulled a goal back from the spot, but the Archers were unable to come back and are now six points behind their city rivals.
The New Saints 2-2 Pontypridd United
Above: TNS’ Emily Ridge in possession. She opened the scoring at Park Hall. Photo: F28.Online via TNS.
Emily Ridge opened the scoring at Park Hall netting after 38 minutes giving TNS the lead. Just after half-time, Alison Witts equalised for the visitors and they soon took the lead. Jasmine Turner scoring after 54 minutes.
There was drama to come as TNS levelled with two minutes to play when Isobel Redding headed in from a Chantelle Teare corner. TNS stay in fifth place with 10 points while Pontypridd hold on to fourth place with 11 points.
Aberystwyth Town 5-1 Barry TownUnited
Above: Barry Town United drive away with the ball. Photo: Barry Town United.
Aberystwyth moved above Barry into sixth place after a 5-1 win at Park Avenue. Emily Thomas with the first goal just three minutes into the game. Shauna Chambers made it 2-0 after 13 minutes as Aber started well. With 19 minutes gone, Rebecca Mathias put the Green and Blacks three up as Barry failed to get going. Ffiona Evans made it 4-0 before the break.
Barry stopped the goals going in at the start of the second half, and Mackenzie Olden pulled a goal back with 74 minutes gone. Hopes of an unlikely comeback were ended three minutes later as Barry captain Lauren Harris was sent off. Amy Jenkins added a fifth for Aberystwyth on 79 minutes.
Table From: Adran Premier
Adran North
In the Adran North, Wrexham still lead the table after a 9-0 hammering of Airbus UK. Goals from Rebecca Pritchard, Tonicha Dickens, along with a hat trick for Ava Suckley and four for Amber Lightfoot.
CPD Y Rhyl 1897 move into fourth place after their 2-0 win over Llanfair United. Rebecca Bannister give Rhyl the lead and Niomi Taylor added a second as Rhyl ran out winners at Belle Vue.
Table From: Cymru Football
Adran South
Cascade YC kept the pressure on leaders Briton Ferry Llansawel with a 4-1 win over Swansea University. Cascade came out quickly in this game with Sian Rees giving them the lead after 10 minutes. Annaliese Lewis added a second after 28 minutes. Lewis completed a hat trick in the second half before Angelika Barris pulled a goal back for Swansea Uni.
Impetus’ Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (15/11/22).
Above: Ellie Smith who scored Norwich City’s opening goal and won Player of the Match in their win against Enfield Town in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup First Round. Photo: Norwich City Women FC.
Main Match of the Week
Thetford Town 7-2 Bungay Town
Thetford Town produced a wonderful display of attacking football to come from 2-0 down and comprehensively thrash Bungay Town at Mundford Road.
Bungay Town thought they were in charge of the game as Selina Rowland scored a brace to give them a two-goal lead but Chelsea Page crucially halved the deficit before the interval before second-half braces from Laura Martins and Kerby Colgan plus further goals from Rebecca White and Rachel Lynch saw Thetford claim a stunning win.
It wasn’t all plain sailing though as like in their previous home match against the University of East Anglia, Thetford started sloppily and Bungay sensed their opportunity to pounce on their hosts.
Bungay Town captain Charnelle Riggall had the first shot at goal before Selina Rowland pounced and finished beyond Millie Askins in the Thetford Town goal to give the visitors the lead inside two minutes.
It wasn’t long before Bungay did double their advantage as Rowland beat the offside trap and was one on one with Askins with only one outcome expected as the experienced Rowland calmly slotted past Askins.
Above: Courtney Musgrove, who won Thetford Town’s Player of the Match on the afternoon for a superb all-action display. Photo: Ben Cunningham
Thetford were urged by their bench of David Skipp, Stuart Terry, and Amber Browne were ordered to lift it. The team responded to the cries in stunning fashion.
Chelsea Page was first on the Thetford scoresheet as she finished emphatically on 26 minutes to half the deficit at the break.
David Skipp introduced Laura Martins to the stage at half time and what followed was poetry in motion. Laura lit up the park and produced one of the greatest individual football performances I have ever witnessed.
First, she glided brilliantly with some wonderful footwork down the left to find Rebecca White who precisely shot home to level the scores.
Above: Rebecca White scored her first goal of the season for Thetford Town in Sunday’s win vs Bungay Town. Photo: Ben Cunningham
Then, nine minutes later, a perfectly placed header from Martins that completed the turnaround to give Thetford the lead for the first time in the afternoon.
That was followed by Martins’ best moment as she danced around three defenders before curling a brilliant shot over the keeper to make the lead comfortable. It will be remembered for a while at Mundford Road.
Martins, brings an energy and enthusiasm for football that is contagious, the crowd is on the edge of their seat watching her and the other players bounce off her dynamic ability and talent.
Above: Laura Martins who scored a superb brace for Thetford Town. Photo: Ben Cunningham
Next up, Thetford defender Rachel Lynch decided she wanted to be involved in the headlines again and when a free kick was won on the left in the most impossible angle. Lynch decided to put the ball down, signal to the crowd she was going to score before curling an incredible free kick right down the centre of the goal, over the keeper’s head, and in before turning to the crowd to lap up the plaudits. This was just outrageous, the audacity, the cheek, and confidence as the centre-back made it three goals in three league starts this season.
Due to the luxurious position Thetford found themselves in, manager David Skipp was able to introduce new striker Kerby Colgan for her debut who scored two thunderous goals in the final stages of the game to add further gloss with goals six and seven to complete an incredible day at Mundford Road.
For Thetford, this was their fifth straight win in all competitions, and life is just brilliant for the club right now as they sit second in the table riding a crest of a wave however they will be aware they cannot keep allowing teams head starts every week.
For Bungay Town, a fantastic first half, followed by a calamitous second but in what is a rebuilding year for the club, they will win more games than they lose and achieve their target comfortably of staying in the league this season.
Tier Four Norwich City recorded a 2-0 victory over Enfield Town from the division below thanks to goals from Ellie Smith and Megan Todd.
Tier Five King’s Lynn Town were comprehensively beaten 12-0 by FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Divisions. Billericay Town. The team from two leagues above eased through asZoe Rushen scored four with Sophie Mcclean getting a brace with further goals coming from Jess King, Beau Parker, Charlotte O’Shea, Jay Blackie, Holly Turner, and Che Thomas.
Tier Seven Mulbarton Belles put up a brave fight but were defeated 8-1 by tier three Milton Keynes. A wonderful goal by Sophie Jermy was the highlight for the Norfolk side with MK goals coming from a Mollie Coupar hat-trick, a brace from Lucy Wood plus further goals from Nicole Pepper, Amy Mclean, and Laura Mitchell.
Eastern Region League Cup First Round
In an all-tier Six affair, Fakenham Town won a thrilling cup tie 3-2 over Lawford after extra time. The game went to an extra half hour after Chloe Gravett and Vicky Lubbock scored for Fakenham Town with Georgia Box and Sam Elliot scoring for Lawford. It was Sophie Lubbock who then won it for Fakenham Town.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
A single goal from Georgia Belton was enough to give Dussindale & HellesdonRovers an important away win at Sprowston in a game they had to work very hard to win.
University of East Anglia continued their fine start to their inaugural season in Division One by beating Beccles Town 5-1, four goals from Freya Fuller plus a goal from Cassandra Piejko secured the win with Lola Barber King scoring for Beccles.
Caister recorded a much-needed victory with a 5-0 away win at Stalham Town thanks to braces from Olivia Broughton and Beth Turner with Leanne Muffett scoring the other.
Above: Rebecca Sutton (left) on the attack for Thorpe St Andrew in their 8-2 win at Shrublands. Photo: Thorpe St Andrew FC.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Gorleston secured a fine 9-0 home win over Freethorpe thanks to braces from Hazel Saddington, Megan Bartlett, and Mary Croft with Kelsi Adams, Rebecca Waters, and Joana Patrica Da Cunha Teixeira scoring the others.
FC Viking Valkyries won a thrilling game at Horsford thanks to goals from Paige Hill, Chloe Ward, and Faye Albarn with Horsford goals coming from a Robyn Nash brace.
King’s Lynn Soccer Club were 5-0 winners over Bulldogs FC thanks to a hat-trick from Jordan Turner, a goal from Lucy Clarke, and an own goal.
Aylsham were 4-0 winners at North Walsham thanks to a brace from Hannah Claughton and Brooke Osborne and Carly Allum also finding the scoresheet.
Thorpe St. Andrew were 8-2 winners at Shrublands thanks to four goals from Abi Simmons, a brace from Poppy Le-Beau, and other goals from Rebecca Sutton and Natasha Frankland. Shrublands had Rachel Adams and Lacey Andrews to thank for their goals.
It was SWF Championship & League One Cup Semi-Final day yesterday. Here’s what happened at Airdrie (14/11/22).
Above: Dryburgh Athletic (claret and blue) battle it out with Rossvale. Photo: Kelly Nielson.
Dryburgh Athletic 3-0 Rossvale
Supplied by Scottish Women’s Football
Championship and League One Cup holders Dryburgh Athletic are through to the final once more, after a Megan Robb double and second half goal from Alma Codegoni saw off Glasgow side Rossvale in the semi-final in Airdrie.
With the ball moving quick from the off, it was Rossvale who looked brighter in the opening exchanges, with the sides trading possession in the midfield.
After four minutes, forward Joss Fletcher beat the last defender to find herself through on goal but put it just left of the post, a chance Rossvale would perhaps look back on as the opportunity which could have created some momentum.
At the other end, Rossvale keeper Rachel Docherty was alive to the threat from balls over the top for Codegoni and Chelsey Lownie to run onto.
But after 14 minutes, Dryburgh utilised the same counter attacking speed which had won them last year’s final, Megan Robb latching onto to an inch-perfect through ball from new signing Hannah Innes and made no mistake, taking her time to place a shot beyond Docherty.
Rossvale grafted their way into the box a number of times, but the Dryburgh backline led by an assured Sophie Aitken successfully crowded out first Fiona Cullie then Melissa Porter.
It was another quick counter-attack that gave Megan Robb the chance for her second, making no mistake after a solo run on the left to fire home on the 40-minute mark.
Rossvale dug in to win back initiative, and there was a scare for the Dundee side as Robb collapsed to the turf after a challenge late in the half but she was deemed OK to continue for now.
Rossvale started brightly in the second half, winning two free kicks from out on the right in quick succession, but again their forwards could not find room amongst the Dryburgh back line to get a touch on the deliveries.
Then another break by Dryburgh at the other end saw Rossvale concede a corner that they failed to deal with, leaving Alma Codegoni to slide in at the near post for Dryburgh’s third amid the maelstrom.
Rossvale responded by bringing on Rachel Ashe, Elise Weiringa and Louise McJacobs to see whether they might get more joy against the Dryburgh back line.
But as the game wore on the frustration from the Glasgow side showed. McJacobs received a talking to from the ref for an elbow in the back of Zoe Moreland, and Megan Robb was brought down with a clumsy tackle right in front of the dugouts on the 80-minute mark.
This was just after Robb had produced some trickery on the edge of the box on the hunt for her hat-trick, but it was not to be as she was unable to continue and required medical attention.
Neither side found much rhythm in the closing stages, Derrian Gollan breaking into the Rossvale box without managing to carve out a chance, and Lauren McCulloch in the Rossvale midfield cutting a frustrated figure as she tried to get the ball down and play.
Dryburgh now have another final to look forward to, with the Championship and League One Cup culminating in a showdown in Alloa on 11 December, and will be hoping their cup specialist Megan Robb recovers.
FC Edinburgh 4-2Ayr United
Supplied by Scottish Women’s Football
Above: FC Edinburgh celebrate a goal against Ayr United. Photo: Alex Todd.
FC Edinburgh are through to the final of the Championship and League One cup after a tense 4-2 victory over Ayr United in the semi-final at Airdrie’s Excelsior stadium.
In a frantic game played at breathtaking speed, it was the capital club’s midfielders Danielle Forsyth, Emma Mitchell and Hannah Markley finding the scoresheet alongside forward Deborah Mcleod, amid a spirited response from Ayr United.
From the start Ayr United were timing their tackles well, but FC Edinburgh’s ferocious pace had the Championship side on the back foot from the off, with winger Jayden Simmons causing all kind of mischief on the right. On ten minutes, McLeod drifted past a defender on the same side and sent a cross across the box, with Edinburgh’s captain Forsyth drifting in at the back post to stroke it past Ayr keeper Mollie Mackenzie. Then five minutes later Emma Mitchell latched onto a ball on the edge of the box and rifled a volley in for Edinburgh’s second.
Ayr United worked to get back into the game, but with FC Edinburgh doubling up on Championship top scorer Rachel Scott, chances were limited. Edinburgh keeper Schenai Gamrot did well to get to a dipping free kick from Clare Docherty from distance on 24 minutes, with the rebound eluding the ever-dangerous Scott who had followed the ball in. Hannah Taysum got her head to a Docherty corner on 36 minutes but could not guide it towards goal.
At the other end, a corner landed at the feet of Forsyth at the back post again, but she blasted over the bar. A well-timed lob forward by Docherty gave Scott the space she had been looking for on forty minutes, the young Ayr striker producing a good finish to Gamrot’s right but the keeper dove acrobatically to palm the shot to safety. But Docherty would find the net two short minutes later, the ball rebounding her strike off the upright right back into her path for her to lash home and set up a competitive second half.
The second half continued the frantic pace, with both teams forcing each other into errors and fouls as a sense of frustration began to build. A clash of heads between Ayr’s Jodie Barbour and Hannah Markley on the hour mark saw both leave the field but able to return to play quickly.
Ayr defender Lauren McBlain saw yellow on 71 minutes for persistent fouling after twice body-checking the Edinburgh midfielder, but both sides were showing signs of frustration, the normally composed Mitchell skying a ball over the bar when she had had more time with twelve minutes to go.
A clever one-two between McLeod and Simmons carved open a great chance for Edinburgh to seal it, the cross finding McLeod unmarked on the penalty spot but she could only head into Mackenzie’s arms. But a similar cross from Simmons found Hannah Markley shortly after and she made no mistake for Edinburgh’s third.
Ayr surged forward with urgency, and found a reply within a minute, Jodie Barbour cutting through a goal-mouth scramble to poke the ball into the roof of the net from point-blank range.
But Jayden Simmons’ pace outdid Ayr again at the death, as the winger kept the ball in play on the touchline and threaded the ball into the path of Deborah Mcleod, who had ample time to place the ball into the net and send the SWF League One leaders into the final.
Above: Rosie Russell in possession for AFC Wimbledon at Selsey. Photo: Emily Topping via AFC Wimbledon.
AFC Wimbledon’s FA Cup run continued in fine fashion, winning 5-1 at FA Women’s National League Division One South-West side Selsey. Another Ashlee Hincks hat-trick and an Ellie Dorey brace ensured progression into the second round proper.
After beating QPR 7-1 in the previous round, the Dons were full of confidence going into the game.
However, the visitors got off to a poor start with Selsey forcing Dons ‘keeper Faye Baker into a couple of fine saves. Halfway through the first half, Selsey took advantage of a defensive mix-up with Natasha Wild opening the scoring for the home side.
With 10 minutes remaining of the first half, AFC Wimbledon were forced to make their first substitution of the day, as a clash in the opposition goalmouth ended in Megan Stow replacing defender Billie Brooks. Just before the end of the first half, Emily Donovan found the feet of Ellie Dorey, who had no issue converting the chance to level the score.
There was more drama before the break when Gloria Siber was brought down inside the penalty area. The referee showed Selsey’s Maisie Guymer the red card, and Ashlee Hincks buried the shot from the penalty spot, ensuring a 2-1 lead from the first 45.
In the second half, the Dons found another gear against the 10 Selsey players, and completely dominated the game. With 55 minutes on the clock, Wimbledon doubled their lead when Dorey bundled the ball in from close range, as the Selsey keeper failed to deal with a Hincks corner.
At 71 minutes, the Dons made their second substitution of the day, when Impetus-sponsored Mia Lockett replaced Ellie Dorey on the left wing.
Wimbledon continued to pile on the pressure, with both Lockett and Siber having some great runs on the wing.
With 10 minutes to go, Hincks got her second of the day after some lovely play from Siber down the right wing.
The Dons still had more in them, and in added time a Lockett pass reached Hincks, who completed her hat trick.
“We started a little bit slower than we wanted to, struggled a little bit with the heavy pitch. But once we finally got ourselves sorted and got the tempo to where we want it we turned up and welcomed ourselves to party.”
Andy May, AFC Wimbledon coach.
The draw for the next round has been made and the Dons will host FA Women’s National League Southern Premier side Billericay Town (a league above Wimbledon) in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup 2nd round on Sunday 27th November.
Ben Gilby reports on Australiahead coach TonyGustavsson‘s media conference today as hereflected on Saturday’s superb win against Sweden and laid down his expectations ahead of tomorrow’s game with Thailand. PlusKris Goman‘s EXCLUSIVE photos from today’s training session in Gosford (14/11/22).
Above: Tony Gustavsson speaking today from Gosford. Image: Football Australia.
Matildas’ boss Tony Gustavsson is thrilled by the fact that his players and coaching staff can see the fruits of almost two years of hard work at last.
“I said in the circle (huddle) after the Sweden game that I thanked them for their belief and patience in the process that I put in place. It’s been a tough journey that we’ve been on and we needed to grow depth in the roster and bring more young players in. We needed to play more European teams, against top opposition. To do all that at the same time is tough, mentally.
“The players were really happy in their performance against Sweden as they felt as if things were (finally) coming together. I had that feeling earlier. We saw it for 45 minutes against Canada. We saw it in the October (international) window, now we saw it against Sweden.”
Tony Gustavsson, Australia head coach.
The transition from the first match of an international window to the second is rapid, and the Matildas head coach outlined the realities of that.
“It was a very good feeling after the game (on Saturday). Yesterday was a travel day (from Melbourne to Gosford) and today is preparation for a new game. The challenge is, can we get our mindset right for tomorrow?”
Thailand are familiar opposition, and whilst they are a team that Australia will be expected to beat comfortably, they have a reputation of being stubborn and tough to break down.
Above: Saturday’s star finisher Caitlin Foord was all smiles in training in Gosford today. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“We can’t be complacent against them. If we look at the last three times we played them, in 2018, it was a tie at half-time. When we played them in 2020 it was 0-0 until the 44th minute, and this year in the Asian Cup it was 0-0 until the 39th minute. We struggled to get it going in all three of those games. Tomorrow we want to get on the front foot from the start, That’s the challenge.”
That challenge is one Gustavsson is determined that his team meet from the opening whistle.
“I would love to see us flying from the beginning tomorrow with that mindset that we had against Sweden, with our transitions and runs. The danger is when you play a team like Thailand who give you less space, is that you stop running. We are a running team, and we need to run tomorrow.
“The number one key is to be patient. Not patient as being slow, but to keep confident that the goals will come. We know they are going to be organised. It’s difficult to make those clear-cut chances.
Above: Alex Chidiac training today in Gosford. There is renewed hope that the Melbourne Victory star will play some part in tomorrow’s game with Thailand. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
There was some positive news on the injury front as the Australia boss gave hope to those longing to see Alex Chidiac reprise her influential midfield role from the October matches against South Africa and Denmark.
“She fully trained today, and we will evaluate her tonight in terms of whether she is available, and if she is, how many minutes she could play. Alanna (Kennedy) is getting better each day. She had her first training session today which was fantastic. She is not available for game time, but we’re grateful to Manchester City for allowing her to come.”
More of Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE photos from training in Gosford today:
Above: Katrina Gorry. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Above: Charli Grant focuses in. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Above: Elise Kellond-Knight stretches. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Above: Smiling and back in training – Alanna Kennedy. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Above: Chloe Logarzo in training today. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Above: Amy Sayer training and hoping for some minutes against Thailand. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Above: Cortnee Vine is all smiles. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
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