Above: The Matildas team that faced Thailand in the AFC Asian Cup at the start of this year. Photo: Football Australia.
28/9/22
Australia will complete their 2022 international calendar in Gosford as they meet Thailand in the second match of the Seven Consulting International Series on 15 November at Central Coast Stadium in New South Wales.
Two-time defending Olympic silver medallists, Sweden, have already been locked in for a Saturday afternoon classic at AAMI Park on 12 November with Thailand rounding out the calendar.
It is a welcome return to Gosford after 11 years for the women’s national team with the last time being as part of a two-match FIFA Women’s World Cup farewell series against New Zealand in 2011.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said: “We are pleased to be able to bring the Matildas to another strong football region of Australia. Hosting the final match of 2022 at Gosford is a wonderful chance to highlight the world-class facilities at Central Coast Stadium and the strong support for our national teams in the region.”
Above: Central Coast Stadium, venue for Australia’s game with Thailand. Photo: Facebook.
“This year we have seen an exciting mixture of teams in the schedule with nations covering Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania, and facing Thailand is a key component of the Matildas’ preparations for the World Cup.”
“We are appreciative of the collaboration from the Football Association of Thailand and look forward to hosting them ahead of their World Cup inter-confederation play-off.”
A two-time World Cup participant, Thailand are one of ten teams to have qualified for the World Cup inter-confederation play-offs to be held in February next year.
Australia and Thailand last met at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup earlier this year with the Matildas continuing their undefeated streak.
Above: Kingsmeadow Stadium, in Kingston-Upon-Thames, South-West London will host Australia’s game with South Africa next weekend. Photo: Chelsea FC Women.
Meanwhile, Australia announced this morning that the venue for their friendly with South Africa next Saturday will be Kingsmeadow Stadium in South-West London. Tickets are on sale from the home club, Chelsea Women’s website as Australia’s all time leading scorer Sam Kerr will don the green and gold on her club stadium.
Tickets for the game against Thailand encounter will go on pre-sale for Football Account holders on 6 October 2022 with the General Public tickets window opening on 7 October 2022 from www.ticketek.com.au.
$1 (plus GST) from every ticket sold will be donated to the CommBank ParaMatildas, the 2022 IFCPF Women’s World Cup silver medal-winning women’s national team for female footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, or symptoms from stroke. Ticketing information is available from the official CommBank Matildas website at www.matildas.com.au.
Impetus’ Johnathan Stack was at St. George’s Park for us and heard England head coach Sarina Wiegman unveil her latest Lionesses squad and explain reasons for selections and those who missed out (28/9/22).
Above: England head coach Sarina Wiegman has announced her latest Lionesses team. Photo: Sky Sports.
Lionesses Head Coach Sarina Wiegman has named her squad for the games against the USA and the Czech Republic.
There are five players named in the squad that was not in the last time round. Fran Kirby is recalled alongside golden girl Chloe Kelly to the squad following injury, Esme Morgan of Manchester City gets her second call-up, and there are also first-time call-ups for West Ham’s Lucy Parker and Everton’s Jess Park. Plus, four drop out of the squad Jordan Nobbs, Beth England, Nikita Parris, and Lottie Wubben-Moy.
England faces a tough test in the form of the World Champions USA at a 90,000 sell-out at Wembley Stadium, then four days later the Lionesses head down south to Brighton to face the Czech Republic at the American Express Community Stadium.
Above: Esme Morgan is back in the England reckoning. Photo: Lynne Cameron / FA.
Speaking at the squad announcement press conference, Wiegman gave her thoughts to the two players brought into the Lionesses fold for the first time.
“We have 10 months to prepare for the World Cup. There are talented players knocking on the door,” Wiegman said. “We have followed Jess Park for a while. I think she can play up front but also in midfield. She is a little more dropping inside now. It is exciting for her. We made the final decisions after the last match. We didn’t have lots of opportunities, so we wanted to use those games to finalise our decisions.”
England’s head coach also explained what caught her eye about Lucy Parker’s game: “Lucy Parker is very athletic. She has had some injuries but has had good preparation and good games. It will be good to see what they can do compared to some more experienced players.
Above: Maya Le Tissier – no place for the new Manchester United signing. Photo: Manchester United Women.
“There were hard conversations and hard choices. When you look at the team it is very competitive in the different positions. We look at quality, talent, being fit and having playing minutes with your team, then winning the competition for ones you are in the same position as.”
There was no room this time round for Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier despite her impressive start to the WSL season. Wiegman gave her reasoning behind the decision.
“Maya did very good, it’s really nice that she scored, but her main job is not scoring, it’s defending, it’s the build-up, she did very well but the other players did a little bit more. “We are watching her, she’s in the U23s, there are lots of very good players in the U23s ready to come in and at the moment these are the players we picked.”
England Squad to face USA & Czech Republic:
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Sandy MacIver, Ellie Roebuck
Impetus’ Nathan Edwards heard from Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes ahead of tonight’s Women’s Super League clash with West Ham United at Kingsmeadow(28/9/22).
Above: Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes is expecting her team to build on Sunday’s second half performance against Manchester City when they take on West Ham United tonight. Photo: Sky Sports.
Emma Hayes has said Chelsea’s victory against Manchester City is “just the beginning” as they face West Ham United this evening in the Women’s Super League.
Chelsea fell to a shock defeat to newly-promoted Liverpool on the opening day, but bounced back against title rivals Manchester City the following weekend.
Fran Kirby and Maren Mjelde scored either side of the interval to set Chelsea up with their first three points of the season.
Talking about that victory, Hayes said “I think you have to realise that was our second game of the season.
“We haven’t developed any momentum and the two games were sandwiched between two international camps and game cancellations so, for us, we want to build on the momentum.”
Above: Chelsea celebrate after overcoming Manchester City in front of a packed Kingsmeadow on Sunday. Photo: Chelsea FC Women.
During the early stages of the season, Chelsea have failed to stamp their authority onto the matches, with it taking late into the first half to gain control of the match against the Citizens on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the West Ham game at Kingsmeadow, the Chelsea head coach reflected: “We had a good second half performance (against City) and I think I will be looking for the good things we developed in the second half and most importantly the things we are working on in training.”
As for the Blues’ opponents, they have had an indifferent start but despite heading to east London on the back of a home defeat to Manchester United, Hayes is expecting a strong response.
“They had some good form throughout pre-season and on the opening day, but it is about us focusing on ourselves and executing our strategy.”
Ahead of the kick-off against the Hammers, both teams will pay respect to Chelsea groundsman, Dave McKnight, who passed away last Sunday.
Hayes said, “Everyone is really devastated. Those close to him know what an incredible man he was, and he did everything he possibly could for our football club, and we send our condolences to his family.
“It is important we pay our respects and put in the best possible performance for him.”
Impetus’ Johnathan Stack heard from Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall ahead of today’s Champions League Qualifying Round 2nd Leg tie in Amsterdam against Ajax (28/9/22).
Above: Jonas Eidevall speaking to the press. The Gunners’ head coach is looking to secure his team’s place in the group stage tonight. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall will be looking for improvements ahead of his side’s second leg tie in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League against Ajax later this evening.
The first leg at Meadow Park last week ended in a frustrating 2-2 draw for the Gunners, that was despite twice taking the lead, meaning only a victory will secure their place in the group stage of the competition.
Above: Caitlin Foord training in wet Amsterdam. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
A win for Arsenal will see them join fellow Women’s Super League side, Chelsea, as the only English sides in the competition after Manchester City were knocked out by Real Madrid in the first qualifying round.
Speaking ahead of the crucial clash in the Netherlands, Eidevall spoke about his team’s ambition. “Of course, we want to play in the group stage of the Champions League. We want to go as far as possible. This is the game we need to win in order to get there so of course, it’s very important.”
Eidevall also spoke about the threat posed by his side’s opponents: “I thought they played with a lot of confidence when we played them last week, and I’m under no illusion that this game will be anything else. Like, it will be a hard game. We will need to be very good.
Above: Steph Catley all smiles in the black shirt that Arsenal will wear tonight. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
“Away games in Europe are tough, especially when we’re playing against a good team like Ajax, so, we will need to be good in all aspects of the game. We will need to defend well; we will need to attack well. We need to be good at set pieces and good in transition. So, for us, it’s up to us to be the best that we possibly can be, and if we can be that I believe we can go through. But it’s up to us to reach that level.”
Arsenal will be hoping to at least equal last season’s run when they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Wolfsburg.
Impetus‘ Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (27/9/22).
Above: Katie Knights (grey kit) in action for Norwich City at Watford. Photo: Norwich City Women FC.
FA Women’s National League Cup
Sunday marked the Determining Round stage of the FA Women’s National League Cup.
Tier Four Norwich City suffered their first defeat anywhere this season as they were comprehensively beaten 6-0 away to a very strong Watford side who were playing Championship football last season. Watford captain, Wales international legend Helen Ward scored a hat-trick and the other three goals were scored by Ellie Head, Nicola Gibson, and Flo Fyfe.
Wymondham Town’s tie at Chesham United was postponed and the game was awarded to Chesham as a home walkover.
Eastern Region Premier Division
Above: Wroxham’s Lauren Bullard reaches for the ball against Bedford. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.
It was a fantastic day for Norfolk teams in the Tier Five Eastern Region Premier Division.
After two consecutive defeats, Wroxham stormed back by beating Bedford Town 5-1 at Trafford Park. Zara Carroll gave Bedford a surprise lead within the opening minute but then the Yachtswomen shined.
Captain Jess Horn headed home a Holly Walker cross to get Wroxham level before two quick fire goals from Holly Connell and new signing Hannah Waters on her debut gave the hosts a comfortable 3-1 lead at half time.
Lauren Bullard, back in the team after missing the two consecutive defeats scored on 50 minutes before Keela Olive rounded off the scoring to give Wroxham an outstanding 5-1 win.
This was a big win for Joe Simpson’s team, and a landmark day with Lauren Bullard back in the side and scoring. When Bullard has played this season Wroxham have won both times with the opposite occurring when she hasn’t. Bullard is a key player at this level who will only get better as the season goes on.
It was also a good day for King’s Lynn Town as they picked up a superb point in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Haringey Borough. The game played at Coles Park, always a long and challenging away assignment for any Norfolk team, was goalless at the break but sprang into life in the second half.
Tori Campbell opened the scoring for Haringey before the visitors’ captain Jodie Hopkins levelled it up with a stunning effort from distance. King’s Lynn then took the lead with a penalty through Tilly Sands. Campbell got her second of the afternoon in injury time to get Haringey Borough a share of the spoils.
Above: Jodie Hopkins, scorer of King’s Lynn Town’s opening goal. Photo: Richard Brown.
Eastern Region Division One North
In Tier Six, Fakenham Town were beaten 6-2 at home by Biggleswade United.
A brace from Halie Richards, plus further strikes from Kayleigh Gray, Nicola Henman, Tashai Simms, and Tayla Murray were enough to give Biggleswade the victory. The hosts’ goals came from Megan Spurrell and Shelley Woods.
Fakenham are still without a point this season but encouragement remains in performances, especially a fantastic goalkeeping display in this game from Ciah-Lilly Rudkin and belief that results are not far away is still very much alive at Clipbush Park.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
After not playing on the opening day, Mulbarton Wanderers started their season as they mean to go on with an emphatic 7-0 home success over Stalham Town. Melissa Belsey scored a brace with other goals by Laura Hedtke, Ellie Hunter, Rebekah Lake, Rachael Wall, and Charlotte Groves.
Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers maintained their 100% start with a 4-1 home win over Beccles Town. A Betty Booker brace was the highlight with other goals from Bethan Taylor and captain Calista Tink. The Beccles goal was scored by Elisha Bower.
In the game of the day, Long Stratton and Thetford Town shared the points in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Manor Road. Thetford Town goalkeeper Amber Browne heroically saved a Long Stratton penalty from Samantha Walker before Laura Martins scored twice in quick succession to give Thetford a 2-0 halftime lead, the second of which was a stunner from 30 yards.
Long Stratton, determined to get something for their captain Samantha Walker who they lost in the third minute of the game to a fractured elbow, rescued a point thanks to a brace in the second half from Luci Middleton who has eight goals in two games after her double hat trick against Stalham on the opening day last week.
In the day’s final game in tier seven, Bungay Town recorded an impressive 3-1 away win at newly promoted Caister. A Lauren Goulder brace and a Porsha Renwick strike was enough to get Bungay the victory. Ellie Hills scored for Caister.
After this game, albeit unconnected to the result, Caister manager Sophie Gillett announced she would be stepping down to take time for herself and her personal life. Gillett leaves a wonderful team and great foundations for the next chapter in Caister history.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Above: Action from KLSC against Thorpe St. Andrew. Photo: Thorpe St. Andrew Women.
In Tier Eight, Aylsham made it two wins from two with a 5-0 victory over FC Viking Valkyries with a brace from Sophie Lubbock and other goals from Hannah Claughton, Captain Jordan Arnoup and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor.
Blofield United won 8-0 at Thetford Bulldogs thanks to four goals from Bailey Duffield, a brace from Lucy Schug and further goals from Scarlett Royden and Lola Hallam.
Shrublands got their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory at Freethorpe thanks to goals from Rachel Adams and Brianne Dyer, Eden Simmonds with the goal for Freethorpe.
King’s Lynn Soccer Club beat Thorpe St. Andrew 6-1 with braces from Chloe Edwards and Jordan Turner plus other goals from Kelsey Ramm and Trinity Tokaji. Jennifer Brown with the goal for Thorpe St. Andrew.
Mulbarton Wanderers Reserves beat Horsford 5-0, Megan Anderton hit two with strikes from Natalie Merry plus Lucy Kean and a own goal securing the points.
In this week’s final game, Gorleston won 8-1 at North Walsham Town, A brace each from Megan Bartlett, Sienna Saunders and Joana Patricia da Cunha Teixeira, plus goals from Kelsi Adams and Nyah White gave Gorleston a brilliant away day success with Kiera Brown getting the goal for North Walsham.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Melissa Barbieri and Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic as the goalkeeper comes back for a 26th year (27/9/22).
Above: The legend returns again – Melissa Barbieri at Melbourne City. Artwork: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City announced today that Melissa Barbieri will once again return to the club as a playing Assistant Coach for the 2022/23 A-League Women’s season.
Barbieri will enter her 26th year as a professional footballer, continuing a career that has seen her lead the Matildas to Olympics and World Cup campaigns amongst numerous personal and team accolades.
Injury saw Barbieri thrust into the role of City’s number one goalkeeper at the start of last season, a spot that she grabbed with both hands and held onto tightly.
She would prove that age is nothing but a number, ending the season voted by her peers into the PFA Team of the Season. Barbieri has now made a total of 92 A-League Women’s appearances, with 20 of those coming after first joining City in 2017.
Head Coach Rado Vidosic said it was “fantastic” to have Barbieri once again returning to the club.
Above: Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic is understandably delighted to have Melissa Barbieri back for another season. Photo: Melbourne City.
“The experience and leadership she brings to our group is invaluable and she’s really just a great person to have involved as part of our program,” Vidosic said.
“She clearly showed last season that she can still contribute to a very high level on the pitch when called upon, so we expect her to again challenge to be our number one goalkeeper this season.”
Barbieri described City as her ‘home’ and said there was never any doubt in her mind that she wanted to be back for season 2022/23.
“A professional environment with good people who make working hard easy is what keeps me coming back,” Barbieri said.
“Helping to add silverware to the trophy cabinet is a big motivating factor for me, and I’m excited to see the group grow from 2021/22 and the disappointment we felt after not coming away with any trophies.”
When asked about the season being extended, Barbieri said she was “very excited” about the prospect of playing more. As a goalkeeper, you’re never guaranteed games, but reaching 100 (currently 92 total ALW appearances) is a big goal of mine coming into the new season.”
Confirmed 2022/23 Squad: Melissa BARBIERI, Chelsea BLISSETT, Emma CHECKER, Naomi CHINNAMA, Leah DAVIDSON, Bryleeh HENRY, Darcey MALONE, Leticia McKENNA, Holly McNAMARA*, Rhianna POLLICINA, Kaitlyn TORPEY, Tori TUMETH*
Tori Tumeth and Holly McNamara currently recovering from ACL injuries.
Above: The Matildas gather together once more ahead of two friendlies in the coming weeks. Photo: Football Australia.
A 23-player Matildas squad has been named to take on South Africa and Denmark for two international friendlies in London and Viborg, respectively.
Australia will host a ‘home’ match against the reigning Women’s African Cup of Nations champions on Saturday, 8 October at an as yet-to-be-confirmed venue with a local kick-off time of 12.30pm, before jetting to Midtjylland for a clash with Denmark on Tuesday, 11 October 2022 (kick off 6.00pm local).
Forwards Kyah Simon and Hayley Raso are available for the roster after injury and rehab saw them miss the series against Canada, as consistency is the theme with 21 players featuring in the last assembly. However, defender Alanna Kennedy has been ruled out due to injury, while midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight continues to be monitored upon her return from long-term recovery.
Above: Hayley Raso’s return is a boost for the Matildas. Photo: Football Australia.
With two matches in Europe, all but two members of the roster ply their club trade in Europe or the United States including nine in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Head coach Tony Gustavsson said: “With only four international windows until the World Cup, every match has meaning, and every training camp is vital for us to continue building understanding and chemistry in our game plan.
“Maintaining the core of the squad is still our focus but unfortunately, there are still a couple players that we will make a call on once we have further medical updates closer to the camp.
“Last window we saw encouraging periods of how we want to play as a team, and we hope to have more players available for this window to give us the opportunity to get the consistency we are working towards. We understand the task ahead of us as a team to prepare for the World Cup and we are all committed to keep progressing every window.”
Above: Chloe Kelly, seen here after her winning goal in theEuropean Championship Final, is back in the squad for the first time since the summer. Photo: Lionesses.
England head coach Sarina Wiegman has announced her squad for forthcoming games against World champions the United States and the Czech Republic next month.
Euro winners Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly are back in the fold after missing last month’s final FIFA World Cup qualifiers through injury, while there are first senior call-ups for West Ham United’s Lucy Parker and Jess Park who is on loan at Everton. Manchester City’s Esme Morgan – yet to make her senior international debut – returns to the squad following her call-up in September 2021, which she missed due to injury.
The Lionesses are returning to two venues that were the backdrop for major moments in the summer success. Firstly, the US will be welcomed to a sold-out Wembley Stadium, the scene of the memorable July final when a 2-1 victory against Germany clinched the trophy, on Friday 7 October.
Above: Jess Park, currently on loan Everton, gets her first call-up for England. Photo: James Gill.
Then, the Czechs will travel to Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday 11th October, with England having played two significant Euros matches at the south-coast stadium – winning 8-0 against Norway in the group stage and defeating Spain 2-1 after extra time in the quarter-finals.
Reflecting on her selection, Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman said: “Our focus is now firmly on the FIFA Women’s World Cup next summer, all of our time together is vitally important and this is an opportunity for those selected to apply themselves to the best of their ability on and off the pitch.
“The challenge of facing the world champions is one we look forward to and it is another tough fixture to measure our progress as we look to continue to make the next step forward. We are so excited to be able to go back to Wembley after our incredible experience in July.
Above: Lucy Parker – a first call-up for the West Ham United player. Photo: West Ham United Women.
“It will be a special evening and a great celebration for our fans, but we also know it will be a challenging game against very strong opposition. We are working hard towards next summer and this will help us understand where we are in our preparation.
“It would also be wrong to underestimate how good the Czech team is with our next match. We saw them draw 0-0 away to the US earlier this year and they drew twice with the Netherlands in World Cup qualifying.
“As it will be at Wembley, we want to be able to say ‘thank you’ to the fans at Brighton. They were such a special part of what we all achieved and we will always have good memories of the stadium. They created a brilliant atmosphere that helped inspire us on the pitch.”
Above: There’s a return to the Lionesses set up for Fran Kirby after she missed the final two World Cup qualifiers this month. Photo: Lionesses.
The US date has an extra significance with The FA marking 50 years since the first-ever Lionesses match on 18 November 1972. More than one hundred former players from across the years are expected to be in attendance as guests of The FA while many of those who appeared in that maiden match, a 3-2 win away to Scotland, will be involved in the pre-game ceremony.
England Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ellie Roebuck, Mary Earps, Sandy McIver.
Above: AFC Wimbledon hat-trick hero Ashlee Hincks in action at Cheltenham Town yesterday. Photo: Glyn Roberts.
A dominant display got the Dons off to the perfect start in their FAWNL Cup campaign with victory away to higher league opposition with Ashlee Hincks continuing her hot streak in front of goal.
Last season’s top scorer hit the jackpot again with a stunning treble as AFC Wimbledon earned an impressive 4-2 win at Cheltenham Town from the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier on Sunday.
There was an ideal start for the Dons as Ellie Dorey gave them the lead inside the opening five minutes. This set the tone as the visitors set out to dominate the game against a team doing well in a higher division.
However, Cheltenham hit back to level when Izzy Crook’s cross was fired home by Emma Congrave to score against the run of play on the 20-minute mark. However, Wimbledon edged themselves back ahead as Hincks continued her fine form with half an hour gone.
The Dons still needed goalkeeper Lauren Allen to produce a number of fine saves in the final stages of the first half to ensure that they went into the break ahead. The second half started with Cheltenham coming out with a point to prove as they dominated the opening 10 minutes However, the cutting edge came from the Dons once again as Hincks once again showed her finishing prowess with a fine finish.
Cheltenham refused to give up though and Lauren Allen was forced into saves on multiple occasions. On the hour mark, Mia Lockett was taken out inside the penalty area, resulting in Hincks completing her hat-trick from 12 yards. Despite a late consolation goal for Cheltenham as Maisy Collis netted.
This was a dominant display from the Dons, comprehensively defeating a team currently sitting seventh in the division above.
Speaking after the game, Dons coach Andy May said: “It’s a really pleasing result as we came up against a team from a higher level. We tweaked the formation to a 3-5-2, so we’re really happy with the outcome.”
The Dons are back in action on Sunday at The Cherry Red Records Stadium, Plough Lane with a 2.00 pm kick-off against Wymondham Town in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.
The AFC Wimbledon online ticket page is selling tickets for that game now with prices at £5 for adults, free for Under-18s.
Tom Freeman provides a round-up of all the action beneath the top two tiers of the Scottish game (26/9/22).
Above: Lots to celebrate for Renfrew after they won the battle between two of the Championship’s top sides at Rossvale. Photo: Eddie McDowell.
Giffnock, Westdyke, FC Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Caledonia have progressed in the Championship and League One Cup after recording victories in the first round.
Giffnock beat Airdrie Ladies at home 4-1, Westdyke won 4-0 at Gleniffer Thistle, FC Edinburgh saw off St. Mirren at Meadowbank and Edinburgh Caledonia beat BSC Glasgow 3-0 at Meggetland.
The sides will now face Grampian Ladies, Dundee West, Morton, and Inverness Caledonian Thistle in round two respectively.
In the battle for the top of the Women’s Championship, Renfrew Ladies claimed the initiative with a hugely impressive 5-0 victory against Rossvale in Glasgow, putting the Lanarkshire club clear ahead in the table for the first time this season.
Above: Iona MacArthur, who netted for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in only her second senior start as they went down 2-1 to Livingston. Photo: ICTWFC.
In a hard-fought match in the Highlands, Livingston beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3-2 with goals from Mason, Hendry, and Dodds.
Jacqui Seagrave rescued a point for Morton with a late equaliser to make it 3-3 against a Dryburgh Athletic side who had looked in control for much of the game.
And Ayr United capitalised on Hutchison Vale losing a player to a red card to run out 5-2 winners at Oriam, with captain Clare Docherty grabbing a first-half brace after the sides had traded penalties, and Taysum also grabbing a brace in the second half.
In the day’s only Women’s League One fixture, Jude Connolly secured an impressive 3 points on the road for Stenhousemuir with a brace against a Grampian Ladies team with a formidable home record, her second goal coming after Sarah Stout had levelled for Grampian.
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