Above: AFC Wimbledon look to get away against Queen’s Park Rangers on Sunday. Photo: Glyn Roberts.
It took a special strike to defeat AFC Wimbledon on Sunday, as Chloe Gunn’s overhead kick was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for QPR at Colston Avenue – a result which leaves the Dons still searching for their first win of the campaign.
Speaking afterwards, first-team coach Andy May said that he felt that Wimbledon fell below the standards set last season when they finished third in the National League Division One South East table at the end of 2021/22.
“We really struggled to get a foothold in the game of football. We didn’t reach our standards with the intensity and tempo that we’ve come to expect. We allowed them to dictate what happened in that game.”
Andy May, AFC Wimbledon First-Team Coach.
Aiming to build on the encouraging opening day draw versus Hashtag United, the Dons started on the front foot at Carshalton with Emily Donovan forcing QPR keeper Katie McLean into a save inside 10 minutes. However, what turned out to be the winner followed as the West Londoners struck in style through Chloe Gunn, who produced an emphatic overhead kick goal after the Dons failed to clear a corner.
After taking the lead, QPR sat back with 10 behind the ball and set about being difficult to break down. Chances still followed for the hosts though with Becki Bath hitting the roof of the net and Ashlee Hincks forcing a superb save. With half an hour on the clock, shouts for a penalty to the Dons were waved away by the referee, who then booked Mia Lockett for simulation. Becki Bath twice came close before the break, but the visitors took a two-goal lead into the half-time interval.
Following the break, Wimbledon struggled to build any momentum until the final 10 minutes when Bath got on the end of substitute Rebecca Carter’s cross, but headed agonisingly wide. In stoppage time, the Dons came even closer when McLean pulled off an absolutely stunning save to keep out a long-range effort from Donovan.
“It was a frustrating game, credit to them. They scored a goal, then sat back and defended. They came away with three points and that is how football is sometimes. It was not pretty, but they took the three points and we look forward to playing them later in the season.”
Emily Donovan, AFC Wimbledon
Teams:AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell (Sampson), Brooks, Highman, Billingham, Taylor (Mann), Donovan, Bath, Lockett (Carter), Dorey, Hincks.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Australia star Mary Fowler inside the Matildas’ training camp ahead of the forthcoming friendly with Canada in Brisbane. Image: Football Australia(30/8/22).
Queenslander Mary Fowler, her Manchester City teammate Alanna Kennedy and Sydney based forward Princess Ibini were the latest three players to join the Matildas camp in Brisbane.
Fowler made the trek to Australia from her new home following her off-season move to Women’s Super League powerhouse Manchester City.
Both Fowler and Kennedy enjoyed light sessions first up with the striker enjoying the opportunity to shake out the legs following almost 24 hours of travel.
“I feel fresh. I slept all the way on both my flights and I’m buzzing right now,” Fowler said.
“It’s nice to be back and my family’s going to come over and watch me. Even just to be with the girls, it’s been a while since I’ve been in camp. I think for quite a few of us as well. It’s nice to be back together.”
Above: Alanna Kennedy sees the funny side during the Matildas latest training session in Queensland. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.
The second day in Brisbane also saw members of the Matildas welcomed by the Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, multiple government Ministers, and dozens of the local football community at a reception held at Parliament House.
“I am very excited that this weekend we will be seeing the Matildas go against Canada and we are expecting thousands of fans to come out,” Palaszczuk said.
“When you see our mighty Matildas, it goes to show each one of you that you can follow your dream and your dream can be to be a Matilda one day. I am incredibly proud that sport in this state is going from strength to strength.”
Above: Matildas and Sydney FC team mates Princess Ibini (left) and Cortnee Vine during a gym session in camp. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.
Western United have added former Melbourne Victory player Francesca Iermano to their squad for the 2022/23 season.
After debuting in the A-League Women last season with three appearances for Victory, Iermano will return to the competition on a full-year deal for the first time.
A versatile player with equal qualities on both sides of the ball, Iermano said she is delighted to join the Green and Black and continue to develop her game in the A-League Women.
“The Club has worked so hard to get the approval to have a team in the A-League Women and to know that I’m going to be a part of the Club’s history is unbelievable,” she said.
“The club was very successful last season with the men’s and to achieve this in a few years is a testament to the club’s ambition. Hopefully, we can replicate that and continue to add to the club’s success.”
Western United Head Coach Mark Torcaso has witnessed Iermano’s development firsthand when coming up against her in NPLW throughout the years and sees a player that is ready to make an impact if given the opportunity at the top level.
Above: Francesca Iermano in action for Melbourne Victory against Wellington Phoenix last season. Photo: A-League Women.
“Francesca’s development has really taken big strides forward in the last couple of years in particular and I’m really excited to bring her in,” he said.
“She’s another young talent from Victoria that we’re excited to work with and nurture, but I also know that she is ready to make an impact immediately for us.
“Her versatility will be key for us throughout the season, because I know I can depend on her in any number of positions wherever I need her to play.”
Iermano made two starts for Victory last season, each in wins against Western Sydney Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix before coming off the bench against Adelaide United.
The 22-year-old has played a starring role for South Melbourne in NPLW Victoria this season having previously represented FV Emerging and Bulleen Lions.
Impetus‘ Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (29/8/22).
Above: Rebecca Russell (second left) celebrates after scoring Norwich City’s winner against Actonians. Photo: Norwich City Women FC.
It was another Sunday of top-class action across Norfolk with Norwich City and Wymondham Town having their latest Step Four contests, King’s Lynn Town and Wroxham having Step Five encounters, and Fakenham Town once again representing Norfolk in Step Six.
Norwich City made all the headlines in Step Four with an impressive 1-0 victory over Actonians in FA Women’s National League Division One South East. The game was played in front of an impressive 389 supporters at their home ground The Nest – a record crowd since they moved there in 2020.
Ellie Smith went closest for Norwich City in the initial phases of the contest but fired her shot wide from the edge of the box. Actonians came into the game and it required brave goalkeeping from Bryony Williams and great resilience from the defence in front of her to withstand the pressure that the visitors were applying although the London side were not able to make anything count and the scores remained level at the break.
Above: Norwich City fans get behind their team at The Nest yesterday. Photo: Norwich City Women FC.
The Canaries played superbly together as a team throughout the afternoon and restricted their visitors to nothing more than long-range efforts from distance that Williams had under control. The game’s golden moment came on 70 minutes when Rebecca Russell fired in a rocket from more than 25 yards out which went into the top right-hand corner of the Actonians net to spark wild scenes at The Nest and it proved to be the decisive moment of the contest.
For Russell, this was the moment that gets her time in Yellow and Green off to a perfect start, in just her second game since joining from local rivals Wymondham Town. It sent the near 400 crowd home happy and kept Norwich City near the top of the league after winning both matches so far.
In the day’s other Tier Four encounter, Wymondham Town were beaten 10-0 on the road at title favourites Hashtag United. A hat-trick from Malika Apindia Gillie and further goals from Amy-Leigh Abrehart, Brooke Mya Cairns, a brace from Grace Gillard, plus strikes from Katherine Nutman, Emma Samways, and Hailey Elaina West saw the hosts to an expected comfortable win against the newly promoted Norfolk outfit. The outcome of the afternoon was not a surprise to anybody, but despite missing key players due to holidays Wymondham Town battled through the afternoon and gave everything for their club and the shirt.
Next up for both clubs is the local derby as Wymondham Town entertain Norwich City on Tuesday Night (30th) at the Football Development Centre in Bowthorpe, Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
Above: King’s Lynn Town’s Lily Porter (right) gets free from a Royston Town player yesterday. Photo: Tim Smith.
In the Tier Five Eastern Region Premier Division, it was King’s Lynn Town who were the heroes of the day beating Royston Town 2-1 at The Walks Stadium to respond brilliantly to their opening day setback at Luton Town. King’s Lynn were roared on by mascots from Norwich Wildcats, took the lead when Royston put through their own net around 20 minutes into the contest. In a first half where the visitors dominated possession but failed to carve out any clear-cut chances, King’s Lynn did force the Royston goalkeeper into some great saves in the first half period.
During the second half, the hosts battled hard whilst playing some lovely football and having increased levels of possession which led to Oksana Imanlijeva doubling their advantage. Gemma Croucher got a goal back for Royston but King’s Lynn defended well in the closing stages and ground out the result.
For Alex Cook and his team, this was a huge victory against Royston who finished runners-up last season.
Above: Jo Brawn gives Needham Market the lead at Wroxham yesterday. Photo: Ben Pooley.
In the day’s other Tier Five contest, Wroxham were beaten 2-0 at home by newly promoted Needham Market at Trafford Park. Wroxham started brightly and forced some early good saves from Emily Cockrill in the Needham Market goal on her debut. The visitors stayed in the game and got their reward on 37 minutes when Jo Brawn rounded Megan Lightfoot in the Wroxham goal and gave Needham Market the lead. Wroxham continued to put pressure on the Needham goal as the clock headed towards half time, but Eleanor Catchpole made a stunning clearance off the line to keep Needham ahead at the break.
Needham Market defended well through the second half and clinched the game when Abbie Fisher crossed to find the head of Lois Balfour who flicked it in to double the advantage in second-half stoppage time and secure Needham’s first-ever victory at this level.
In Eastern Region Division One North, Fakenham Town had their first away game of the season travelling north to face Yaxley Phoenix. Fakenham battled hard but lost the game 4-1. Milly Ramm opened the scoring on 10 minutes for the hosts before Vicky Lubbock found Sophie Lubbock with a delightful through ball to equalise for The Ghosts.
Yasmin Green put Yaxley back in front on the half-hour mark and that’s how it stayed at half time. Green added her second on 51 minutes before Emily Johnson finished the scoring just after the hour mark giving Yaxley the 4-1 win.
For Fakenham Town this was another experience of tier six football and their first away day at this level, as they learn and grow, you can be sure points will arrive.
Above: Hlin Eiríksdóttir celebrates her match winner for KIF Örebro. Graphic: Damallsvenskan.
Round 18 opened on Friday night with Piteå IF gaining a 1-0 win at KIF Örebro in front of 354 fans thanks to Hlin Eiríksdóttir’s strike with 20 minutes remaining. Eiríksdóttir had earlier missed from the penalty spot.
Above: Matilda Vinberg (right) celebrates her goal for Hammarby with teammate Emma Jansson. Photo: Hammarby.
Hammarby game away from Umeå IK with a 3-0 victory in front of 1,428 fans. Fielding three Matildas in their starting line-up – Elise Kellond-Knight, Courtney Nevin, and Kyra Cooney Cross along with former Chelsea star Jonna Andersson, the Stockholm-based side went ahead after 13 minutes thanks to Swedish international Madelen Janogy. Matilda Vinberg added the second shortly before the hour mark with Savage Hashish completing the scoring in stoppage time.
Above: IF Brommapojkarna celebrate Frida Thörnqvist’s goal against AIK. Photo: IF Brommapojkarna.
The battle of the bottom two ended in a 1-1 draw as AIK came from a goal down at IF Brommapojkarna. The hosts went ahead just after the break when Tempest-Marie Norlin found Frida Thörnqvist to score. The team from Solna earned a point thanks to Emma Engström.
Vittsjö – with three Australian internationals in their squad – Clare Polkinghorne and Katrina Gorry started, and Charli Grant came on from the bench with 10 minutes remaining – were held to a 1-1 draw by IFK Kalmar in front of 450 fans. Polkinghorne’s goal with 56 minutes played was cancelled out four minutes from time by Alyssa Mae Walker, after an assist from Fanny Nilsson.
Above: Aivi Luik, whose BK Häcken team earned a vital win away to Kristianstads. Photo: BK Häcken.
The battle of two of the chasing pack went BK Häcken‘s way with a 2-1 win at Kristianstads in front of 632 fans. Häcken built a 2-0 lead thanks to Pauline Hammarlund’s goal after 16 minutes, and Elin Rubensson doubled the advantage 10 minutes into the second half. Kristianstads’ prolific striker Tabby Tindell gave the home side hope as she found the net for the 11th time in 17 games. Despite there being 23 minutes remaining, Kristianstads couldn’t get any closer. BK Häcken remain 10 points adrift of leaders Rosengård in fourth.
Above: Rosengård players celebrate with their fans after a vital win in the battle of the top two against Linköping. Photo: Rosengård.
Rosengård won the battle of the top two with a 1-0 win at home to Linköping in front of 1,184 fans at Malmö Idrottsplats. Loretta Kullashi had the chance to put the hosts ahead 10 minutes into the second half from the spot, but Linköping keeper Cajsa Andersson produced a save. However, with 15 minutes to go, Olivia Schough fed Mia Persson to grab the winning goal. It was yet another clean sheet for Matildas’ keeper Teagan Micah in the home team’s goal. This victory extends Rosengård’s lead at the top of the table to five points.
Above: Eskilstuna United (blue) and Djurgården battle it out on Sunday. Graphic: Djurgården IF.
Eskilstuna United may be in strife off the pitch (see DandalBs’ News Round-Up below), but they were able to gain an excellent 1-0 win at home to Djurgården to remain sixth in the table. The only goal came after 37 minutes from Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene to the delight of the 831 fans.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
Round 19 Fixtures (9-12 Sept): BK Häcken v Umeå IK, AIK v Kristianstads, Hammarby v Rosengård, IFK Kalmar v KIF Örebro, Linköping v Eskilstuna United, Piteå v IF Brommapojkarna, Djurgården v Vittsjö.
Elitettan News:
Above: IFK Norrköping celebrate their superb win at IK Uppsala. Photo: IFK Norrköping.
Leaders IK Uppsala went down to their first defeat all season after IFK Norrköping defeated them 1-0. This home loss came as a result of reversal at home to a Lovisa Gustavsson goal after 67 minutes to the disappointment of the 228 supporters. IFK Norrköping are now five points behind top spot themselves in fourth place as the ever-tightening race for promotion to Damallsvenskan grows.
Uppsala’s defeat allowed Växjö to go top by a point after a 1-0 win at fifth-placed Lidköpings FK. Emma Pennsäter’s strike 10 minutes before the break sealed the win in front of 242 fans.
Above: Action from Jitex’s (purple) game against Alingsås FC United. Graphic: Elitettan.
Alingsås FC United maintained their pursuit of top spot with a 3-1 win at Jitex BK. Lisa Johansson gave Alingsås the lead after 14 minutes. However, Jitex levelled just six minutes later thanks to Ida Jacobsson’s goal. The ‘you score, we score’ sequence continued as Stina Jensen restored the visitors’ advantage shortly afterwards. Olivia Sultan sealed the win for Alingsås early in the second half in front of a crowd of 287. This result puts them third, just two points behind new leaders Växjö.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
Round 19 Fixtures (10th Sept): Gamla Uppsala v Jitex BK, Alingsås FC United v Sundsvalls, Ifö Bromölla v Lidköpings FK, Mallbackens IF Sunne v Bergdalens IK, Team TG FF v IK Uppsala, Växjö v Älvsjö AIK FF, IFK Norrköping v Rävåsens IK Karlskoga.
News Round-Up
by DandalBs
Above: Eskilstuna United’s Halimatu Ayinde – off to Rosengård. Photo: SVT.
Eskilstuna United’s 27-year-old Nigerian midfielder Halimatu Ayinde leaves the club for FC Rosengård. Eskilstuna need to find €200,000 to survive 2022. Players are calling presumptive sponsors, asking for contributions. Coach Bernhardsson says it is likely a further players will be sold within a week.
BK Häcken‘s Danish defender Luna Gevitz has joined D1 Arkema side Montpellier. Gevitz has been a regular starter for Häcken since she joined the club a year and a half ago. A potential replacement is USA U23 defender Emily Maldril who is expected to fly to Sweden for a try-out next week.
Kristianstad‘s Canadian forward Evelyne Viens, who has been a major success for them says she will not return to the NWSL. The 25 year-old, on loan from Gotham FC, has 10 goals and eight assists in 17 matches. The club wants to keep her, but will face competition from a large number of clubs both within Sweden and outside.
Above: Pablo Piñones-Arce, Hammarby head coach. Photo: Fotboll Skanalen.
Hammarby‘s head coach Pablo Piñones-Arce, who was on the last year of his contract, has signed a new deal with the club. Piñones-Arce, who has a long history as a Hammarby player, has coached the women’s team since 2020.
New Zealand goalkeeper Erin Nayler has extended her contract with Umeå IK until the end of the 2024 season. “It’s been a fantastic experience so far,” the Football Fern said.
Sweden U19 fullback Evelina Duljan has joined Juventus from Kristianstad.
Above: Charli Grant – signed a new deal with Rosengård before going on loan to Vittsjö. Photo: FC Rosengård.
Australian international Charli Grant has extended her contract with FC Rosengård for a further two years. Despite being a regular in the Matildas squad, Grant has had limited game time with the Damallsvenskan champions. The young defender has a huge future ahead of her, and the former Adelaide United defender has gone out on loan to Vittsjö for the rest of the season.
AIK have signed 26-year-old American winger Allison Abbe on a deal for the rest of the season. Abbe comes from Nea Salamis Famagusta in the Cypriot League.
Ben Gilby provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Western Australia NPL Women’s competition as the final week of the regular season plays out. As always there is an in-depth report from one game and a full wrap of all the other matches along with action shots from the games(29/8/22).
Above: Perth SC’s Abbey Meakins – scorer of yet another superb goal on Friday night. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Murdoch University Melville 0-3 Perth SC
Murdoch University Melville’s (MUM FC) hopes of Top Four Cup qualification were dashed on Friday night as Perth SC ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Besteam Stadium.
Going into the game, the permutations were simple for MUM FC. They had to win to have any chance of qualifying for the Top Four Cup. Failure to do so would hand Hyundai NTC a free pass into the post-season tournament regardless of how they got on in their own final game of the regular season against already qualified Fremantle City.
Murdoch went into the match with the confidence of taking four points from the six available from their previous NPLW WA matches against The Azzurri this season, having beaten Perth away at Dorrien Gardens and gaining a draw in their first encounter.
For their part, Perth SC knew that barring a freak mix of results on the final weekend, they were guaranteed second place. They were able to welcome back Perth Glory star Caitlin Doeglas, always an impressive creator, into their ranks for this match.
Above: The hugely influential Caitlin Doeglas (14) was back for Perth SC on Friday night. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
A large crowd gathered at Besteam Stadium as MUM FC ran a special night for all their club volunteers, on top of spectators attracted to the encounter due to its huge importance.
It was The Azzurri who were out of the blocks quickest with Jaime Duncanson flying up the right on two occasions. Their best opportunity came just before the quarter-hour mark as Alyssa van Heurck fed Abbey Meakins in midfield and the Perth star played a gorgeous pass through with the outside of the foot for Doeglas to advance and hit a shot just wide of the far post. Sophia Papalia later hit an effort from 20 yards which was easily claimed by Murdoch keeper Monique Todd.
Whilst MUM FC were largely restricted to counter-attacks in the first quarter of this clash, they were not without their chances. A perfectly weighted long ball into the path of Andrea Preiato saw her run through and lob Rebecca Bennett in the Perth SC goal, but the ball went just wide of the right-hand post.
With Elysse Shore battling hard, Nikita Strickling looking to spray passes to her teammates, and the pace of Meghan Hulsman, the home side began to gain more of the possession and territory.
Above: Meghan Hulsman (left) – an impressive evening from the Murdoch University Melville player. Photo: JASP Photography.
Strickling got down the right and played a cross-shot into the box towards Hulsman, but Bennett claimed the ball.
Murdoch had one further chance eight minutes before the break as Rachel Gillies curled a free kick in outside of the area on the left, but Bennett held on.
Whilst Perth SC had ultimately nothing to play for on the night as they had already pretty much wrapped up second spot and with it the double chance in the Top Four Cup, they came out firing at the start of the second period and laid down a real statement of intent for the post regular season action.
When their attackers are all firing, The Azzurri are an absolute joy to watch, and they produced a powerful 20 minutes of football. Jessica Byrne beat Wainwright and found Doeglas who slid a pass through to Duncanson on the right. The classy attacker sped into the box and let fly, but to no avail. Shortly afterwards, Doeglas was involved again with her shot claimed by Todd.
Above: Jaime Duncanson (right) – hit Perth SC’s opening goal at Besteam Stadium on Friday night. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth were in no mood to ease up, and within 60 seconds hit the front. Meakins lifted through a pass for Duncanson in the box. She took a touch and smashed home just inside the box from a central position.
The visitors remained on top and full of creativity, although it would take a further 17 minutes to increase their lead.
Doeglas showed her influence once more as she got away down the right and squared for Maya Spatafore parallel with the left-hand post. Her touch saw the ball roll across to Ella Lincoln who fired the ball into the net.
The Azzurri‘s third goal was yet another example, if we needed one, of what a superbly gifted finisher Abbey Meakins is. Doeglas was involved yet again as she played a ball across from the right for Lincoln. The Perth youngster played a ball back to Meakins who hit an absolute rocket shot to clinch the three points for her side.
Above: Abbey Meakins who added to her collection of great strikes on Friday night. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Murdoch rallied in the closing stages with Strickling hitting a shot wide of the right hand post, and Hulsman won a superb battle with Alyssa van Heurck before hitting an effort narrowly wide – but they could not find the goals they needed.
The outcome means that regardless of the outcome of their match against Fremantle City on Sunday, the talented teenagers of Hyundai NTC will take the last spot in the Top Four Cup.
It has been a rollercoaster ride of a season for Murdoch University Melville, who lost a large number of the squad that delivered them silverware last term. The new, and largely young side that Luke Thompson put together has got better and better as the season went on. If they can keep this team together, and add a couple of exciting new faces, then a return to previous glories is not out of the question.
For Perth SC, they have finished second every year that the NPLW WA has been in existence. Now is the time to take the next step and claim silverware. They have the team to do it and have twice taken points off of Perth RedStar this season. Having said that, Carlos Vega Mena’s side remain the absolute red hot favourites to complete a clean sweep of this season’s trophies.
Above: All eyes on the ball as Hyundai NTC (yellow) take on Fremantle City yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetusby: Denyse McCulloch.
After Murdoch University Melville’s loss on Friday night, Hyundai NTC‘s clash with Fremantle City at E&D Litis Stadium took on the status of a dress rehearsal for their elimination tie in next weekend’s first week of Top Four Cup action.
It was Freo who came out on top 3-1 in this Sunday afternoon encounter thanks to a spell of three goals in a 10-minute period either side of the half-hour mark. City keeper Dayle Schroeder’s long goal-kick was inadvertently flicked on by the home side which fell perfectly for Jamie-Lee Gale to gather possession and run in on goal. The former Perth Glory player drew NTC keeper Lilly Bailey and tucked the ball into the net.
Above: Tash Rigby in action for Fremantle City yesterday afternoon – her header put the port city side 2-0 up at E&D Litis Stadium. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Five minutes later, Freo doubled their advantage as a corner out on the left was recycled into the box for an unmarked Tash Rigby to head home at the back post. Not long after, the visitors hit their third when, from a throw-in on the right, near the corner flag, Matilda Boyle was allowed to turn and dribble her way along the by-line and square for Nina Boorman to score.
The NTC gave themselves a lifeline within two minutes of the second-half opening. A long ball down the right led to a cross into the box which was met first time superbly by Natalia Vega Mena to score. It was a quality finish, but the closest the teenage side could get to Fremantle on the scoreboard.
Above: Midfield tussle between Balcatta Etna and Perth RedStar yesterday. Photo: JASP Photography.
Balcatta Etna completed their campaign at home to NPLW WA champions Perth RedStar side who needed to avoid defeat to complete an unbeaten league season.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon at Grindleford Reserve, a campaign that has been a ‘what might have been’ one for Balcatta ended with them denying RedStar a win in an NPLW WA match for only the third time all season, as the game ended goalless.
For Perth RedStar, all focus now is on the Top Four Cup as they go all out to complete a clean sweep of all the trophies available this season having already won the pre-season Night Series Cup, the State Cup, and the NPLW WA title.
Above: Two goals in 54 seconds from Lisa De Vanna set Subiaco on the way for another win in a record-breaking season for the club. Photo: JASP Photography.
Subiaco‘s historic season ended with another victory, as they dismissed Curtin University 6-0 at Rosalie Park – a result that ensured that Curtin went winless for the entire campaign.
It took Subi just five minutes to take the lead. Curtin coughed up possession playing out from the back under little pressure which allowed Frankie Murray to profit and find Lisa De Vanna outside her. The former Matildas legend played a delightfully weighted through ball for Marianna Tabain on the left of the box to slot home.
Any hopes Curtin had of avoiding another defeat were swept away by two De Vanna goals in 54 seconds before the quarter-hour mark. The first came as a Curtin goal kick went straight to the hosts in the midfield, and two simple passes got De Vanna away to lift a peach of a chip from the edge of the box into the net. Her second came straight from the resulting kick-off as Curtin lost possession. Ella Mastrantonio was found and Subiaco’s other Matilda instantly released De Vanna who advanced into the box, rounded Gabriele Maluga in the visitors’ goal, and slotted home from an acute angle.
Above: Marianna Tabain – two goals for Subiaco in their 6-0 win over Curtin University yesterday. Photo: JASP Photography.
It was 4-0 just before half-time. Subi won a throw just inside the Curtin half. Keziah Burgis released Tabain along the right. The right-sided attacker who played nine seasons with Perth Glory, got away from two would-be tacklers and pulled a cross-shot into the far corner of the net from the right.
The icing on the cake of a historic season for Subiaco came with two further goals in the last quarter of an hour. Annie Leyland gathered possession in the centre and released Murray outside her, who was able to advance at will along the right before cutting inside and hitting a low shot into the net.
With a minute of regulation time to play, the rout was completed as a Curtin goal kick went straight to the hosts on the right wing and the ball eventually was laid back to Murray who lifted a shot into the box which rebounded back off of the crossbar into the path of Megan Shepherd to tap home.
Above: Keziah Burgis – part of the Subiaco squad for a number of years – a player who has been part of the club’s continued development since entering the NPLW WA. Photo: Fotoenzo.
Curtin have ended a poor season in a particularly painful way, as they conceded 13 goals in their final two matches, failing to score in the process. A lot of work needs to be done in the close season in a bid to make this team more competitive. With their U21 side having experienced similar results this season as well, that rebuilding work needs to begin immediately.
For Subiaco, this has been a truly sensational campaign. Prior to this season, the club had only ever won two matches in their NPLW WA history. This campaign has seen six victories for Greg Farrell’s team. Whilst the likes of De Vanna, Tabain, and Ella Mastrantonio have taken the headlines in the last two months of the campaign, the development of the team this season was palpable before the arrival of that trio.
Players like Keziah Burgis and Lizzie Wallwork who have been at the club for a number of seasons spoke about the progress the club has been making – and now it is evident for all to see. The challenge for Subi now is to keep that going in 2023.
Final NPLW WA Table 2022:
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
GD
Perth RedStar
21
18
3
0
76
9
57
+67
Perth SC
21
12
4
5
45
14
40
+41
Fremantle City
21
11
4
6
50
33
37
+17
Hyundai NTC
21
8
5
8
35
41
29
-6
Murdoch University Melville
21
8
3
10
25
28
27
-3
Balcatta Etna
21
8
2
11
26
31
26
-5
Subiaco
21
6
3
12
34
61
21
-27
Curtin University
21
0
2
19
19
93
2
-74
TOP FOUR CUP FIXTURES – Week One:
Major Semi-Final: 3rd Sept: Perth RedStar v Perth SC
Winners progress to Top Four Cup Final. Losers play winners of Second Semi-Final for a place in the Top Four Cup Final.
Semi-Final: 4th Sept: Fremantle City v Hyundai NTC
Winners play losers of the Major Semi-Final for a place in the Top Four Cup Final. Losers are eliminated.
Above: Chelsea’s Maren Mjelde looks to block Spurs’ Nikola Karczewska at Kingsmeadow this afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
A Chelsea team without a host of international players overcame Tottenham Hotspur in a largely lacklustre pre-season friendly in the warm late summer sun at Kingsmeadow.
With a FIFA window in the coming days, Emma Hayes left out the likes of Millie Bright, Fran Kirby, Magda Eriksson, Jessie Fleming, Niamh Charles, Sam Kerr, and Kadeisha Buchanan. Lionesses Jess Carter and Beth England were selected and there was a chance for fans to see new signings Ève Périsset and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd on home soil for the first time.
Above: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd – an impressive Kingsmeadow debut this afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
This was a typical pre-season friendly – pretty flat with occasional explosions of action. One of the real positives for the Blues was the presence of Swedish international Rytting Kaneryd who offered a glimpse of the bag of tricks she has at her disposal. Her jinking runs, ability to turn on a five-pence piece and beat defenders, marks her out as a player who will be a real handful in the WSL this season.
Chelsea dominated the possession and territory in the first half. The approach play was far more ponderous than we will see once the regular season is underway. The home side did have two goals for their efforts thanks to Pernille Harder and a welcome return to the scoresheet for newly called up Lioness Lauren James.
Just before the break, Carter allowed Nikola Karczewska to get through into the box, her effort beat Zećira Mušović in the Chelsea goal, but a superb piece of chasing back from captain for the afternoon Maren Mjelde was rewarded with a sensational goalline clearance.
Above: Nikola Karczewska – her performance was a positive for Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Spurs offered more after the break. Karczewska needed close attention and substitute Kyah Simon was a creative force, but the North London side will need to improve their final ball once the real action gets started.
With a break for international action, the WSL gets underway on the weekend of 10th September. Chelsea will welcome West Ham United to the men’s Stamford Bridge stadium with Tottenham Hotspur hosting Manchester United at their men’s 62,850 capacity home.
Above: Stenhousemuir midfielder Erin Wilson (left) and Falkirk winger Eva Rule (right) line up before Sunday’s huge derby match between the clubs. Photo: Ger Harley/Sportpix.
Falkirk Stadium will host a Scottish Women’s Football League One top-of-the-table clash on Sunday, with local rivals Falkirk and Stenhousemuir both having taken maximum points from the first two games of the season.
Stenhousemuir come into the game having defeated Giffnock SC 3-2 on the opening day then Dundee West 5-1 at home last weekend. Falkirk beat Dundee West in week one and followed it with a 2-0 victory at home over Edinburgh Caledonia, setting up a six pointer for their local derby this Sunday.
Speaking to club media, Stenhousemuir coach Jack Cameron said: “We go in with the same intention we do every week. We know it will be a tough match, of course. We respect them… but we’ve got a good group here and we’ll go in with the intention of winning every game.”
The game kicks off at 3pm at the Falkirk stadium on Sunday, with entry by donation.
Elsewhere in League One, the other team on maximum points, Westdyke, travel to face an Airdrie team looking to make amends for a heavy defeat at Grampian Ladies in week two. Edinburgh Caledonia host BSC Glasgow, Grampian Ladies visit Giffnock SC, St Mirren host FC Edinburgh and Dundee West welcome Gleniffer Thistle to Baldragon Academy in the City of Discovery with both teams looking to claim their first points of the season.
In the SWF Championship, just three points separate top from bottom meaning that any team could end Sunday at the summit. Current leaders Livingston welcome Ayr United to the Tony Macaroni Stadium, Morton host Hutchison Vale, Inverness Caledonian Thistle travel to Renfrew Ladies, and Dryburgh Athletic host Glasgow club Rossvale in Dundee.
Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United will set aside their rivalry, coming together to celebrate LGBTI+ inclusion in football, as they compete for the A-Leagues Pride Cup at AAMI Park on Sunday 26th February 2023.
This historic community partnership with Pride Cup Australia will see Victory host a spectacular double-header event at AAMI Park, with the Men going head-to-head at 3pm while the Women face-off at 6pm.
Pride Cup Australia represents a national movement changing sporting culture and uniting communities through education and events. Working with all levels of sport, Pride Cup is helping clubs to create environments where every LGBTI+ person feels included, accepted, and proud to be who they are.
Since 2018, Pride Cup has worked with over 450 clubs in more than 15 sporting codes across Australia.
Pride Cup began working with Adelaide United in October 2021, following Josh Cavallo’s brave decision to come out as, at the time, the only openly-gay, active professional male football player in the world.
Together, the inaugural A-Leagues Pride Cup was born; hosted by Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium and involving Melbourne Victory’s Women’s team in February 2022.
Above: AAMI Park – location for this year’s Pride Cup match between Melbourne Victory’s and Adelaide United’s men’s and women’s teams. Photo: AAMI Park.
Pride Cup Chief Executive Officer, James Lolicato (he/him), said: “We are so thrilled to be partnered with Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United to celebrate LGBTI+ inclusion in football.
“Working with two clubs so enthusiastic and dedicated to creating meaningful change in the culture of sport is very special, and we couldn’t be prouder to deliver this event.
“With 78% of LGBTI+ people not feeling safe as spectators at sporting events, this is a huge opportunity to show LGBTI+ people that football can be a safe and welcoming place for all.
“Through the 2023 Pride Cup, we have a fantastic opportunity to both celebrate the wonderful LGBTI+ players, fans, and officials of the game, deliver important education, and highlight how sport can change hearts and minds.”
Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie (she/her), said: “We’re incredibly proud to be hosting the A-Leagues Pride Cup in 2023 after the success of last season’s launch and we’re looking forward to working with Adelaide United and the Pride Cup to make this fixture a mainstay in the A-Leagues calendar.
“Melbourne Victory was established as a Club for everyone and the chance to celebrate LGBTI+ inclusion in football with both our Men’s and Women’s sides on the same day truly reflects this.
“Pride Cup will be a celebration of all that is great about our game and how the football field is a place that only differentiates sides by the colour of their shirts.”
Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Kosmina (he/him), said: “Following last season’s monumental Pride Game at Coopers Stadium, we’re extremely proud to continue supporting the work of Pride Cup Australia alongside Melbourne Victory.
“This annual fixture will ensure LGBTI+ inclusion is a consistent theme raised amongst A-Leagues supporters and will aid in helping those from the LGBTI+ community feel safe and welcome in football.
“We saw tremendous support for our Pride Game last season and we’re confident that will only continue to increase for many years to come.
“Our appreciation goes to Pride Cup Australia for assisting us in developing this event and want to thank Melbourne Victory for aligning with our Club for this important cause.”
Impetus’ Ben Gilbybrings us the latest news from Australia ahead of the new A-League Women season (26/8/22).
Graphic: Western United.
Victorian football icon Aleksandra Sinclair has signed her first ever Liberty A-League Women contract, joining her local side Western United’s inaugural team for the 2022/23 season.
A Melton local, Sinclair has become a popular figure in NPLW Victoria for her exploits on and off the pitch, and she said she is humbled by the opportunity to represent Western United.
“It feels amazing (to sign for Western United). It’s something I’ve been working hard for many years, so to have the opportunity to play for Western United and my community is amazing,” she said.
“To represent Western United is an honour in itself, but to then represent your community where you’ve grown up and lived your whole life – it’s an opportunity that I’m so grateful for.”
Having worked with her over a number of years at Calder United, Mark Torcaso heaped praise on Sinclair and said bringing her with him to Western United was an easy decision.
“Everyone knows what Aleks is about as a footballer, but more importantly as a person, and that’s why this is so special,” he said.
Above: Aleksandra Sinlair (left) pictured after winning the Premiers Plate with Calder United last weekend in the NPLW Victoria. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
“She has given so much to the game and brings so much joy and passion every time she steps out on the pitch and she has built such a reputation in the game in Victoria.
“Added to that she’s a local talent, born and bred in the West, and has given absolutely everything to get this opportunity. I’m really honoured to give that to her and I’m excited to see what she makes of it.”
Sinclair has captained Calder United throughout much of its success in recent years, winning the NPLW Victoria Players’ Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019.
After bagging 26 goals in 29 games in 2019, Sinclair produced a remarkable best-on-ground performance in the Grand Final as Calder defeated Bulleen Lions at AAMI Park to claim the Championship.
Earlier this month, Sinclair scored in the NIKE F.C. Cup Final for the second year in a row, helping Calder to win a fifth consecutive title.
Sinclair signs as Western United’s inaugural A-League Women team continues to take shape ahead of the commencement of the season in November.
Adelaide United Reveal New Home Kit
Above: Adelaide United’s Dylan Holmes shows off her team’s new kit. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Adelaide United revealed its new home kit for the 2022/23 season earlier today.
The jersey is inspired by the structural elements of Coopers Stadium’s Western Grandstand and newly redeveloped Eastern Stand. Utilising scarlet red, the 2022/23 jersey incorporates an intricate, layered triangular pattern woven into the jacquard, depicting the cantilever roof space trusses.
Subtle transparent yellow and navy trimming around the sleeves and inside collar, plus the inside of the neckline including the Coopers Stadium’s coordinates completes the design.
Adelaide United’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Marius Zanin, said: “We’re really proud of the overall design and bolder colour choice of the kit by reverting back to a darker shade of red, in this case scarlet sage.
“We know our fans will be proud to represent our Club and the state of South Australia with this kit, but also the others that we will be releasing soon.”
Kite will feature on the front of the Liberty A-League kit for the first time after becoming the new Co-Major Partner of the Women’s team. Fans can now purchase the new 2022/23 home jersey at the Adelaide United Store in Hindmarsh and online via the Adelaide United Online Store.
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