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Skinner On United’s Clash With Chelsea: “It’s Like A Heavyweight Boxing Match”

Holly Wright was in Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner‘s media conference ahead of today’s huge game with Chelsea and heard him outline why he believes things will be different this season (6/11/22).

Above: Manchester United boss Marc Skinner. Photo: Martin Rickett.

Manchester United have had a perfect start to the WSL campaign so far and are yet to concede a goal, but their first major test of the season comes against the defending champions Chelsea today.

Head coach Marc Skinner is looking forward to the clash and is confident his team can get a result from this game.

“The girls have been brilliant so far. To score 14 and keep clean sheets in every one is credit to them. The whole squad. The whole staff. These games you should enjoy, and we have to be very clear and be confident not complacent which is the key message here.

“We know how good Chelsea have been. Historically they are the best team in this league. We have respect for them but it’s about making sure we impose ourselves on this game like we know we can.”

Two of the joint three top highest goal scorers will be on show this weekend with United, Arsenal, and Chelsea having contributed to 45 out of the 99 goals scored in the WSL so far this season an open and attacking game from both teams is expected.

“The defences of both teams are going to be tested,” Skinner observed, “and these are the types of games where we have to make this into a mature performance. What that means is we have to break at the right times. Score at the right times. Have possession at the right times and show that real maturity because if you can try in games like this to have as much control as possible although how difficult that is you have the best chance of getting results. The attacking quality that is on show makes it promise to have goals.”

After a strong 3-0 win against Everton last weekend with three different scorers on the score sheet, United go into today’s game with a different type of preparation as they face a tougher opponent in terms of the quality and dangers, they can cause Skinner’s side.

“Its like a heavyweight boxing match if you duck your guard for one moment you can be knocked out and that’s the reality of playing against a team like this, and hopefully, they will feel the same against us that if they give us a moment, we can take it.”
Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner on the threat posed by Chelsea.

“It’s about finding the rhythm of the game. Trying to disrupt their rhythm when they have possession, but I know for sure resilience is going to be key in this game. Energy and resilience are going to be key for us to take a positive result.

Skinner will have the luxury of a strong squad to choose from and could possibly be boosted by the return of Ona Battle who hasn’t featured since the 4-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion early this season due to concussion whilst Aiofe Mannion is also close to returning after rupturing her ACL way back in March of this year.

“Ona has trained again with the squad on the edges of the training session today. She has gone through all her fitness aspects that she needs to do. She’s looking positive and only really now Aiofe who is gearing up time to ramp up what she is doing now so we are in a really good space with the squad.”

Players in good form is a great position to be in for any manager, but the focus is on showing progress since the last two sides met last season in a game where Chelsea ran out victorious in a 4-2 win and with it retained the WSL title.

“More importantly we have got players that can come into the game and make a difference which I don’t believe we had last year. Nothing to do with the quality of the player, more to do with the experience of certain moments. The reason they are performing so well is that they know behind them is someone that is ready to take their place or at least to put pressure on them for that place. What I love about this team is they are willing to give to each other. They are willing to perform for each other and that’s what I want to build here. A team that is collective from goalkeeper all the way through to the forwards and the players coming in will make a key difference.

“We aspire to be that title challengers. We like to be talked about in that space but I’m a big believer in evidence of that. We want to be talked about up there, but we have to earn that right. We have a lot more to do. We want to win things. “Sometimes you have to take those punches to know where you’re at. We’re a different team now but I want us to show that. It’s all well and good me talking about that here but I want my team to show their maturity in this game.”

**Above:** Alessia Russo in training ahead of today’s big game with Chelsea. **Photo:** Manchester Untied Women.

This WSL season is proving to be one of great unpredictability with some shock results already this campaign. It is too early in the season to suggest this game will decide anything yet but could go a long way in determine who will be title contenders come the end of the season. Skinner recognises this.

“This game is huge. It’s important in these games we stamp our level of maturity and progression, and we see that. I don’t want to say we are just looking for the performance in these games you’ve got to find a way to get the result which is probably the most difficult task. We have to be ready, and we have to give absolutely everything. In moments we are going to have a bit of luck, but I want us to be prepared for that. I want to see that growth in the psychology in managing moments because its not going to be as smooth as we would like it to be. We have to be aggressive and ready to take our moments when they come.”

Ticket sales have been excellent with 8,000 already being sold for this highly anticipated fixture. “United fans are the best. Honestly, I’ve watched a lot of football but in women’s football specifically, the crowds that we get are firing and we are going to need them. This is a tough tough game, and we are going to need them to make sure they are the 12^th player and get right behind us. I ask that every week, but they always deliver that.

“With a potential 8,000 possibly more that’s like another 8,00 voices that is going to help lift us when we need it. What I need from them is energy and a spark to get right behind us and I’m looking forward to them helping try and get the result for us.”

Lastly, a huge topic around the WSL in recent weeks is the decision for teams to move away from white shorts to aid women’s individuality whilst on their menstrual cycle, and this is something United as a club will be looking to implement in the future and a decision that Skinner is 100% behind. “It is a huge area. We need our players to feel comfortable to perform. We are absolutely in discussions to do that. I’m absolutely certain that it will happen.”

To hear the opposition view, Impetus’ Nathan Edwards was in Chelsea General Manager Paul Green’s media conference: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/11/04/green-chelsea-hail-lauren-james/

KK Signs On For Victory In Major Deal

6/11/22

Above: Elise Kellond-Knight (right) in celebratory mood for the Matildas. Photo: ESPN.

Melbourne Victory today announced the major signing of Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight for the 2022/23 A-League Women season.

The 32-year-old joins the Club from Swedish top-flight club, Hammarby, and returns to the A-League Women’s competition where she has previously represented Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City.

Kellond-Knight has represented the Matildas over 100 times, featuring at the 2011, 2015, and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and has been selected in the Matildas most recent squad to take on Sweden and Thailand.

Melbourne Victory Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said Kellond-Knight’s addition will add quality and another level of experience to his strong midfield group.

“We’re thrilled to have KK join the Club for the upcoming season and she will clearly be an important member of our squad,” Hopkins said.

“Her experience at Club and international level is second to none and her leadership on and off the pitch will help us in our journey to lift silverware again this season.”

Kellond-Knight is also excited to be joining Melbourne Victory. The star said: “I’m excited to be returning to the A-League with Melbourne Victory and helping the team lift their third consecutive Championship,” Kellond-Knight said.

“Jeff and the team have created an environment that looks to push for success every season and that is something I want to be a part of.”

Kellond-Knight will join the squad after the Matildas friendlies in November and be available for selection ahead of the Club’s Round 1 clash with Western United on Saturday 19 November.

Taylor: City Trusting The Process At Heart Of Getting Back To Form

Impetus’ Johnathan Stack was in Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor‘s media conference ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Reading (5/11/22).

Above: Gareth Taylor points the way ahead for Manchester City. Photo: Manchester City.

Manchester City will be going into this Sunday’s game against Reading at the Madejski Stadium looking for their fifth consecutive win in all competitions.

It has been a good week at City as Manager Gareth Taylor has been nominated for October’s Barclays Women’s Super League manager of the month award with Lauren Hemp and Bunny Shaw have been nominated for October’s goal of the month award.

After a tough start City is getting back on track and climbing the table nicely as another international break begins after the weekend. Taylor has been saying over the last few weeks to be patient and trust the process. He believes that viewpoint has potentially vindicated.

**Above:** Manchester City in training ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Reading. **Photo:** Manchester City.

“Maybe, I think the team have done really well, in this period coming back from the last international break. We identified these games as a good period for us, to get rhythm and continuity and the players have done that really well. We have scored a lot of goals in that period; we have edged it in that situation of scoring goals.

“I think a big part of that has been strong contributions from players within the team, and no more so than Bunny Shaw she is really playing at a high level at the moment. We are still challenging her to potentially improve on some areas where we think she will get even more goals, but I think there have been really strong contributions from key players and everyone is involved in that within the team.”

Australian international Mary Fowler has yet to start a WSL game so far this season, coming off the bench three times. Her only starts being in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying round against Real Madrid and in the League Cup against Blackburn Rovers. Taylor outlined what Fowler needs to do to gain a regular starting spot in the City side.

“Mary is doing really well, she is working hard, she is training hard she is contributing to team performances whether that be from the side or from starts. It’s a big transition from her, similar to Bunny Shaw coming from the French league but you are talking about a younger player.”
Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor on Mary Fowler.

“I think we have got a different option to what Bunny gives us (in Mary), but she will be completely aware of the contribution that Bunny is making at the moment. But Mary is making her contribution to the team as well, like I have said before I think she is a very talented player who has got high levels of ability, she is a player who has the potential to go very, very far in the game.”

Taylor gave an injury update on Ruby Mace and Matildas star Alanna Kennedy saying: “Ruby Mace is getting that little bit closer. Alanna as well, but they won’t be considered (for this weekend). “Alanna had a good check-in with the surgeon who is happy with everything that’s going on with her shoulder. She will join up with the Matildas in the next camp, not to partake in any games but it will be good for her to be around that environment. We’re probably looking at after the international break to potentially step up and get possible minutes for games.

“Outside of that, everyone else is looking sharp and fresh. There’s some good competition going into the games. With Ruby, she had a slight setback in her thigh injury but we’re pretty confident she’ll get a good level of training under her belt albeit in slightly smaller numbers in the international break. We try to promote the academy players, but they are away too, so we lost that opportunity at times, but it’ll be good for Ruby. She’s maybe a week or so ahead of Alanna but both players in this next period when we do come back are getting closer to seeing them back on the pitch.”

To hear the opposition opinion of the game, Holly Wright was in Reading head coach Kelly Chambers media conference for us. Click here to read the article: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/11/04/chambers-we-need-to-be-more-ruthless-trust-the-process/

Green & Chelsea Hail Lauren James

Impetus’ Nathan Edwards was in Chelsea’s media conference today and heard the club’s General Manager Paul Green praise Lauren James highly ahead of her return to the LSV to face previous club Manchester United (4/11/22).

Above: Lauren James after scoring against Aston Villa last weekend. Chelsea General Manager Paul Green recognised her huge efforts this season when speaking to the media today. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.

Chelsea General Manager Paul Green says Chelsea are “seeing the real Lauren James” after the striker’s early season form has seen her called up to the England national team for the second time.

James scored her first two goals of the season, in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory against Aston Villa last weekend.

Shortly after the 21-year-old’s brace, Sarina Wiegman picked the youngster in her 25-women squad as the Lionesses prepare for friendlies against Japan and Norway.

Talking about James’ start to the season, Green said, “I think Lauren James had a tough season last year, coming here off the back of a lot of injuries she had with Manchester United.

“She may have had to play in certain games when she wasn’t 100 percent fit, and we had to do a lot of work off the pitch to get things right because she didn’t arrive fit and healthy.

“We had to take it slowly and I think we are reaping the rewards this season. The way she has started, even in preseason.

“She scored against Lyon and has taken that into the season. Her form has been really good and she has gotten into the senior England squad.

James made the switch from Manchester to west London last year and joined a Chelsea side that is stacked with attacking quality, which Green thinks will help her grow.

**Above:** Chelsea General Manager Paul Green. **Photo:** Chelsea FC Women.

He said, “Last year was a learning curve for her and show her what it takes to be an elite professional.

“She is able to learn from some of the senior players we have, like Sam Kerr, Pernille Harder, and Millie Bright.

“We have a very experienced squad and I think she has absorbed all that information like any young player needs to do, and we are really seeing the real Lauren James and the quality she has.

“I think we are all excited to see what will come from her in the present and future.”

James will be looking to score in two consecutive games, something she is yet to manage in her Chelsea career when the Blues face her old side Manchester United on Sunday.

Green believes that their weekend opponents will be one of his side’s strongest challenges come to the end of the season.

The Chelsea general manager said, “There is a long way to go but Arsenal and United, as well as Manchester City.

“But it is no different to every year, where those same teams will be in and around the top and it is down to us to come out on top come the end of the season.

“It is going to be tough, but we are used to that. We are used to having a target on our back, as the reigning three-time WSL Champions, we are always going to be there to be shot at.

“We like the challenge and we will be going up to Manchester and trying to get the win that will leapfrog them in the table.

To hear the opposition view, Impetus’ Holly Wright was in Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner‘s media conference: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/11/06/skinner-on-uniteds-clash-with-chelsea-its-like-a-heavyweight-boxing-match/

Chambers: We Need To Be More Ruthless & Trust The Process

Holly Wright was in Reading head coach Kelly Chambers’ media conference ahead of their game with Manchester City on Sunday as her Royals side look to build on their first win of the season last time out (4/11/22).

Above: Reading boss Kelly Chambers and her squad are buoyed by last week’s dramatic win over Leicester City. Photo: Robin Parker.

After the dramatics of last weekend for the second game in a row where the Royals have now scored four goals in the last 15 minutes of play, Reading head coach Kelly Chambers goes into the game against Manchester City with no new injury concerns.

Emma Harries and Brooke Hendrix still remain absent as they have been for the last few games, however there is optimism that they could also make a return when the league resumes after the international break.

Reading return to the Select Leasing Car Stadium for the second weekend in a row with Chambers hoping for another electric atmosphere from the fans. “To have two home games in a row is nice. Hopefully we can build on the crowd that we had last week as they have been magnificent since we have returned back to the stadium. They are just that 12th player for us as they definitely were last weekend so hopefully, everyone comes back from the Leicester game, and we can add to that.”

Following the full-time whistle on Sunday the relief on the staff and players’ face was evident for all to see but the focus now turns to City with the fight for survival not over yet. “Sunday was a big weight off our shoulders to get those points on the board. We needed that and you could see that from the celebrations of everybody on the day.

“I believe the girls deserved the points over the 90 minutes. We are going into a tough game against Manchester City to try and get something out of it. We have got points on the board and it has lifted us out of that bottom spot, but three points still isn’t enough to be safe in this league. We need that to be our focus and we need to make sure that we keep trying to add to them.”

Reading’s head coach believes consistency and ruthlessness are key to build on what they achieved last weekend. “We have wanted to start getting consistency. We have got consistency in our performances, but we need to make sure that we defend our box and we have got to be more ruthless in front of goal. We have had enough opportunities to be ruthless in front of goal, we just haven’t taken them, but we are seeing the progress.”

**Above:** Reading show their joy after a sensational comeback win against Leicester City last weekend. **Photo:** Get Reading.

There has been a lot of talk from numerous managers this season about the quality of officials in the WSL, and this is something Chambers has spoken openly and carefully about.

“We have had a frustrating start to the season. I have been quite open about some of that. It has been down to the officiating that we have had over some of the games. It’s frustrating when things like that have been taken out of our hands but we have learned from it. It’s been hard to try and take those frustrations of officials away from the players, but I have had to try my hardest to do that and just make sure that they’re focused on us.”

Two goals in added time from Rachel Rowe, her first goals of the season for her club saw her grab the headlines, but her performance has come as no shock to her head coach. “She does it in training every day, so we know she’s what she’s capable of. I think we are really starting to see the best of ‘Rowey’.

“She has had injuries in the past that have kept her out for big chunks of seasons, but she has grown in confidence. She has got a real role in the team now in terms of playing higher up the pitch. She can do what she does as we saw against Leicester. I think she has been fantastic this season. She has just got better and better as games have gone on and it’s just nice to see that part because we see it every day but it’s just nice that the whole world is getting to see that now too.”

Chambers acknowledged Manchester City’s out-of-character start to their WSL campaign, but insists they will be ones to watch as the season progresses. “They have started to settle as a group and are starting to find their feet. We know what we are going to face at the weekend. City don’t really change their style of play. They trust their processes. They trust the way that they play so we have got to make sure that we are prepared for that.

“They have got magnificent players. They have lost some over the summer and are in a bit of a transitional season, but I think they have found their feet as a team. They are starting to click a little bit and I think you have seen that in their results and performances over the last couple of weeks.

“The approach for us is no different. We prepare the same way every week and make sure that we have analysed the opposition. What do we need to do? Where do we need to be strong? How can we capitalise on opposition’s areas of weakness? There is probably no pressure on us going into this game. We go into games trying to get something out of everyone, and I’m just hoping last weekend has allowed the girls to relax mentally but not just switch off.

“If we keep putting in the performances, and we keep working hard, the results will follow. We are not hiding from the fact that we probably won’t get as many chances as what we might get in other games, but we have got to find a way to put the ball in the back of the net. My staff keep reminding me, we are in a better position now than we were last season which sounds bonkers because we have actually scored more goals now this season than we had last season so again it’s just trusting the process.”

To read the opposition viewpoint on the game, Johnathan Stack was in Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor‘s media conference ahead of the match here: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/11/05/taylor-city-trusting-the-process-at-heart-of-getting-back-to-form/

City And Adelaide Add Internationals Whilst Canberra Sign Academy Star

4/11/22

Above: Experienced New Zealand international Katie Bowen has signed for Melbourne City. Photo: FIFA.

Melbourne City today announced the major signing of New Zealand international Katie Bowen for the 2022/23 A-League Women’s season.

A defensive midfielder who is also comfortable playing in the heart of defence, her signing further increases City’s depth as the club move closer to their season opener away to Wellington Phoenix on 20th November.

Bowen joins City from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) where she has been playing for the last decade after attending college at the University of North Carolina.

A veteran of the New Zealand national team, Bowen has been capped 85 times including appearing at three World Cups and both the 2016 and 2019 Olympics.

After ongoing conversations with the club over the past few seasons, the time was now right for Bowen to make the move to Melbourne with the 2022 Women’s World Cup fast approaching.

Head Coach Rado Vidosic spoke of his delight at bringing a player of Bowen’s quality to the club.

**Above:** Katie Bowen in action for New Zealand. **Photo:** NZ Football.

“Katie brings a wealth of experience to our playing group, and we’re really excited to have her here in Melbourne. She’ll play a key role for us and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can add to our squad this season.”

Bowen said she was excited by the opportunity to join City and looking forward to getting to work.

“I’d spoken to Rado a fair bit over the past couple of seasons, but it’s always been a bit hard because the A-League Women season was in my off-season and that’s generally family time,” Bowen said.

“With the World Cup coming next year, I need to be playing consistent games, so it felt to me like the perfect time to make the move and I’m really happy to be here at City now. I always thought of City as an incredibly successful club and have admired the style of play.

“Stotty of course played here for years and Wilkie too, plus there’s been some other Kiwis on the team and they’ve always said great things so it was really enticing for me to join City.”

**Above:** Adelaide United’s new signing, Chinese international Xiao Yuyi. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Adelaide United.

Adelaide United today signed Chinese international, Xiao Yuyi, on loan for the upcoming A-League Women season.

The 26-year-old forward joins the club from Shanghai Shengli in the Chinese Women’s Super League and comes with a lot of pedigree, having scored the winning goal in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final against South Korea in additional time.

Speaking on joining the Club, Xiao Yuyi said: “I am very happy to be joining Adelaide United. This is an exciting move for me and my career and I cannot wait to start working hard with the team. We were very competitive last season and I am confident that we can have another successful year together.”

Adelaide United Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “We are very happy to bring Xiao Yuyi to the club for the upcoming season on loan.

“She is a player with many attributes that will compliment our squad, but specifically our attacking depth. Her experience at international level will be crucial as we head into the season and I’m sure many of our players will be able to learn a lot from her as we push for success this season.”

**Above:** Canberra United Academy product Sofia Christopherson speaks to the media today after signing a senior contract. **Image:** Canberra United.

Canberra United have added to their playing ranks with the signing of Canberra United Academy forward Sofia Christopherson.

The addition of Christopherson brings United’s squad for the 2022/2023 A-League Women season to 20 as kick-off to the brand new campaign edges ever closer.

Christopherson skippered Canberra United Academy in their 2022 National Premier League season and ended her Academy playing career with 50 appearances and 22 goals, highlighting her physicality, pace, and leadership abilities in a youthful Academy structure.

“I am delighted to be able to add Sofia to the Canberra United squad,” Head Coach Njegosh Popovich said. “ A player that has speed and the ability to find the goal, during her trial she has not looked out of place amongst the squad, she deserves this position within the team”

“Sofia is a perfect example of the Academy pathway in Canberra working. She is a product of the environment, being challenged consistently has provided her with the maturity to cope with being a professional player. Promotion to the Canberra United squad for 2022/2023 is a natural progression for a player of her quality.

“Our Academy is vital in this respect as we look to develop the future stars of Canberra United and the Liberty A-League.”

The young forward was in excellent form for the Academy during the 2022 National Premier League season and is ecstatic about receiving the call up to be a part of the Canberra United senior squad.

“The call up was a lovely surprise, and I am delighted to be joining Canberra United for the new season,” Christopherson said.

“Playing for Canberra United is a dream come true for me and I am thankful for Njegosh Popovich and the coaching staff for having the faith in me to make the step up from the Academy.

“The Canberra United Academy program has been a huge part of my development and I thoroughly enjoyed my football there. I can’t wait to get started with the first team squad.”

Canberra United’s 2022/2023 Liberty A-League season begins on Saturday 19th November with a home match against Perth Glory at McKellar Park.

Sophie Shults: Striving For Further Success At Ashford Town

In the latest in our series of interviews with Impetus sponsored players, Sophie Shults, Ashford Town (Middx) goalkeeper spoke to Ben Gilby about her footballing journey, last season’s successes for the Tangerines, and how the team are settling into FA Women’s National League football (3/11/22).

Above: Sophie Shults looks to make a save against Dulwich Hamlet last season. Photo: Liam Asman.
Supplied by: Sophie Shults.

Sophie Shults is a hugely talented goalkeeper who was a key part of Ashford Town (Middx)’s sensational season in 2021/22.

The club not only won the London & South-East Regional Premier championship, but had a famous FA Cup run – seeing off an Oxford United side from two leagues above them at the time, give then second-placed Championship side London City Lionesses a scare in the following round as well as making cup finals and winning further silverware.

It was the culmination of a footballing journey for Sophie Shults, who like so many began playing the game in her back garden as she explains: “I was first introduced into football when I was six and my brother had just signed up to a team. We played in the back garden every day together and ultimately this fed my fuel to continue with the game. I then signed for my local boys’ team and played there for a season until at the local tournament my dad was approached by the manager of Watford Ladies who asked me to come along and see if I liked it.

“From there I progressed to the Watford Ladies Centre of Excellence, playing there for a total of four years. The FA then stripped back on women’s licencing for Centre of Excellences, so this is when I made the move to play for Arsenal. I played there for four years also, going abroad to Lyon and Holland, and playing against some of best players I have faced. Due to injuries, I was forced to have six months out which unfortunately meant my departure from Arsenal where I moved to Milton Keynes Dons.

“This is when I first entered the women’s game and was introduced to their development team. After a season I was given the opportunity to play first team in which we won promotion from the National League Division One South East to the National League South. Again, plagued with injury, after another period out, I made the move to play for Ashford Town (Middx) and we won the treble last season.

Sophie’s path to being such a talented goalkeeper has been down to, she believes the unstinting support of four people in particular. “When I was younger, my Mum would be my personal cook, taxi, cleaner, main motivator, and biggest supporter. Obviously, she is still my number one fan, however, I have now learned to do the other necessities myself!

“My younger brother spent countless hours with me in the back garden or on the field made me into a much better player. Then there is Ben, my first keeper coach, who showed me how to be in goalie and drilled into me to have no fear. Finally, Carly, the first coach to believe in me at such a young age and pushed me to go further than I believed possible myself.”

Sophie describes herself as a “highly fearless player, usually putting myself in the line of danger when many other goalkeepers wouldn’t. Also, I am very loud on the pitch, commanding my defensive line around and making sure that we have a tight defence.”

Overcoming barriers and significant personal challenges are a key part of any developing footballer, and Sophie is no different. She identifies her own biggest period of difficulty.

“My biggest challenge must have come from breaking my femur on tour with Arsenal. I was out for the best part of six months where I lost a lot of motivation and desire to continue playing football. If it wasn’t for my brother and my mum, I probably would never have played football again. They constantly forced me back in the gym to get fitter, they got me kicking a ball again and refused to let me give up the game that I love.”

Sophie was part of a sensational Ashford Town (Middx) squad last season that achieved many outstanding results. The goalkeeper identified her own fondest memory of a stunning campaign.

“It was when we played London Seaward. who were a league above us at the time in the semi-finals of the Combined Counties Women’s Midweek Cup. It was 1-1 at the full-time whistle meaning that it would go to penalties. We had put in a massive defensive shift and all the girls worked so hard to ensure that we kept the game level during the final 10 minutes.

**Above:** Sophie Shults makes a clearance for Ashford Town (Middx). **Photo:** Ashford Town (Middx) **Supplied by:** Sophie Shults.

“This meant that it was now down to me to make sure that I gave our team the best opportunity in the penalty shootout. The final score was 2-1 to us after five penalties. I saved three out of the five with one going past the post and the other beating me on my left. The euphoria of winning the game in such a dramatic style and ultimately winning this cup at the end of the season makes this my fondest memory.”

Asked about the key reasons for last season’s successes, Shults highlights the club ethos. “We play as a team and work as a team constantly. Whether this be in the changing rooms after a loss, on the pitch during the game, or even on the occasions when we go for a team bonding session. Every player holds the values of the club and acts within them accordingly. We work hard for each other, we are always polite, and show everyone involved at the club (players, coaches, staff, supporters) respect. Ashford Town is an open welcoming family that you feel proud to be part of.

“The key messages we get are to work hard for each other and try your best. When we come off that pitch, make sure that we have left everything that we possibly could, on there. We are a team which means that we win together and we lose together. The players next to us are who we are playing for and as long as we play as a team we know that our football speaks for itself.”

Those achievements from the last campaign led the club to a first-ever place in the FA Women’s National League. Sophie outlines the major differences she has noticed in the step up the pyramid.

“So far this season has been full of challenges. We are playing well as a team, but the step up from tier five to four has shown an increase in oppositional challenges. The pace of the game is the main difference. The game flows so much quicker meaning that there is less room for error. Further to this, your concentration can never slip in this league, a lesson we learned the hard way. In tier five if you were 3-0 up against a team this usually means that the game was over and would be quite a comfortable win, however in tier four the game is never over until the final whistle.”

With the club now settling into tier four football, Sophie outlined both the team’s and her own personal goals for the campaign.

“My main personal goal is to concede less than 30 goals this season in all competitions, alongside developing confidence in claiming crosses under pressure (as I feel this is the main area to improve in my game). This will help the team as our main goal for the season is to be top three at the end of the season. We are a team that strives to keep progressing through the leagues knowing that we can reach higher.”

Alex Epakis: Perth Glory Are Strong, Firing And Focussed

In the first of this season’s Midweek Dub features, Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis spoke EXCLUSIVELY to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about his club’s pre-season preparations, the qualities his new signings bring to an already impressive squad, and developing the game in Western Australia (2/11/22).

Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis leading pre-season training at Fremantle Oval. Photo: Estybs Photo via Perth Glory FC.

“They are players I would enjoy watching if I wasn’t the head coach of Perth Glory.”
Perth Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis on his squad ahead of the new season.

Perth Glory were one of the major success stories of the 2021/22 A-League Women season. Forced to spend all bar the opening weeks of the season outside of their own state and based 2,440 miles away in the process, Alex Epakis’ team of exciting young talent with the added experience of the likes of Kim Carroll, Lisa De Vanna, and Tash Rigby came within touching distance of earning a Finals place.

With the vast majority of that squad still together, topped up by additional players adding further talent and depth, plus the ability to play a whole season of home games in Perth for the first time in three seasons, excitement is building in Western Australia.

Alex Epakis is positive about what is in prospect after working closely with his squad during the pre-season period: “It’s been very good,” he told me. “This time last year, we were still getting players out of a two-week quarantine. We are like we were at the end of last season – well-conditioned and exactly where we left off.”

**Above:** Alana Jancevski – the hugely talented young star was one of several key players that Perth Glory have on multi-year deals. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

The Perth Glory head coach emphasised the crucial factor of going into a new campaign with a largely settled group of players from last year.

“Having consistency across the squad is really important. Teams who have done well in this competition are those who have good stable and consistent squads – Sydney, Melbourne Victory. When we did our big rebuild last year, this was always the plan having a core of players for following seasons. We have a much deeper understanding of our players in terms of ability and mindset in terms of going into year two, three, and four with them.”

Among the crop of new players who have come across to Western Australia are an eye-catching number of talented attackers. Epakis knew he already had strong options in those areas in Alana Jancevski and Cyera Hintzen, but he was looking for strength in depth and players who offer further qualities to drive his team into the top four.

“In terms of players coming in, we knew Lisa (De Vanna) stepped aside, so we had to replace her,” Perth’s head coach explained. “We wanted more attacking creativity in terms of output, a different type of profile in an attacker in terms of being aggressive and running those lines. We needed more direct options. Game by game, opposition by opposition, certain players will fit in depending on what the other teams bring.”

**Above:** Alex Epakis overseeing training at Fremantle Oval. **Photo:** Estybs Photo via Perth Glory FC.

“All the attackers that we have signed have the capacity to play anywhere in the front four of our system. Central, out wide, or as a 10. I love being able to work with these amazing attackers who really excite us.”
Alex Epakis, Perth Glory Head Coach

“There is competition, and that is what we want. Having a deep squad this season is what we want. The players are relishing this challenge. They are all saying ‘OK, I have this quality that I can bring to the table.’ Together as a group, we are a lot stronger and we are embracing that.”

Glory also had the added bonus of returning players coming back to training at the club’s Fremantle Oval base having experienced hugely successful campaigns in various NPLW competitions or over seas. Epakis cannot emphasise enough how important that is to his team.

“They all finished the last A-League Women season with momentum, both personally and collectively. Some of the players went to NPL – Sarah Cain and Sofia Sakalis won Most Valuable Players awards in Victoria. That’s a huge achievement. Susan Phonsongkham had a great season in Iceland as did Cyera Hintzen. Morgan Aquino and Abbey Green had great seasons in New South Wales, and there are players who had great seasons in the NPLW WA – Tash Rigby (at Fremantle City), and Kim Carroll (at Perth RedStar). I was really pleased to see everyone continue with the level of performance and effort that we had here.”

A number of locally born and produced young players have left WA to play their NPLW football on the east coast. One of whom is Bella Wallhead who moved across to Heidelberg United in Victoria and put in a number of impressive performances. After making her senior Perth Glory debut at the age of 16 and playing a further nine games, the youngster didn’t make an appearance last season. Despite this, and with the defender’s subsequent growth at Heidelberg, Epakis is confident that Wallhead has plenty to offer her hometown A-League Women side this season.

**Above:** Local WA product Bella Wallhead has had an excellent NPLW campaign with Heidelberg United in Victoria. **Photo:** Gold Leaf Creative.

“Bella is a player who went through a steep learning experience over the past two years. She played a lot in that first season and we probably exposed her too soon due to the way the squad had been shaped before I arrived. But Bella really stood up despite it being unfair on her at times. She has hit the ground running this season. Knowing that we have her here for the next two seasons shows the club and myself have faith in her.”

Both the Perth Glory head coach personally and the club collectively have faced criticism for the number of WA-produced players going inter-state to play. Whilst Epakis recognises this, he pointed out some of the potential benefits for the next generation within WA, and also highlighted his club’s own plans to develop young female talent.

“The reality is we have to understand there are other programs set up by Football Australia to aid and develop players. Players have the right to do that. Does it have a knock-on impact in WA? The opportunist in me would say that it means younger players are getting an opportunity to be exposed to senior (NPLW) football in WA as a result of other players going over east to play. That is something that cannot be understated or ignored.”
Alex Epakis, Perth Glory head coach.

“Ultimately, we will hear in the near future that there are moves from our end to set up an official pathway and academy on top of those that are already in operation in the state and are doing a fantastic job. I think we will bare the fruit of that in the future.”

Looking ahead specifically to the new A-League Women season, Epakis is genuinely enthusiastic about what his team can do.

“I am really excited to see what this group can achieve. I am really excited to watch this team play. There is some real attacking quality. I think we have some of the best young technical talent in the country. Who wouldn’t want to watch a Sofia Sakalis or Alana Jancevski or a Susan Phonsongkham in that front third area? They are players I would enjoy watching if I wasn’t the head coach of Perth Glory.”

The Western Australia club’s head coach pointed to some names who, at present may be lesser known who will have a real impact in the purple and orange this season.

**Above:** Perth Glory new signing Rylee Baisden, who Alex Epakis describes as “class”. **Artwork:** Perth Glory FC.

“We have some players from the WA NPLW and NTC who are training with us. Rylee Baisden is class. Class on the field and off it. She has competitiveness and experience. We’re happy, super happy.”

He also believes that his team has players who are more than capable to make the step-up to potential World Cup selection should the Matildas’ coaches look to Perth for players at last again. “All the Matildas staff and talent identification group should be looking at keeping the widest possible pool of players for as long as possible. They have their processes, but I will put my hand up for the players we have here.”

In terms of how he sees the battle for silverware going, Epakis believes that whilst many people will be looking to a third successive Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory Grand Final, there are other teams capable of breaking that monopoly.

“All the teams have strengthened. I genuinely believe it will be a very close and tight competition and it will come down to fine margins in matches. I believe that someone else is capable of winning, and we’ll certainly be in a place to push the best sides.”

**Above:** Sofia Sakalis (centre) returns to Perth Glory having had a stellar NPLW Victoria campaign and looks set to be a real star this season. **Photo:** Mark Evans/Getty Images provided by Perth Glory FC

Pride Progress At Second Attempt

Shirebrook Rangers 1-9 Pride Park

by ‘Doug Outt’ (2/11/22).

Above: Pride Park’s pair of hat-trick heroes Beth Jones and Summer Evans. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

The Pride only had 11 players available for Sunday’s Challenge Cup Preliminary Round Replay – one of which, striker Summer Evans, wasn’t ready for a full 90 minutes after four months out, but it was a welcome sight to see her back on the pitch. Pride also welcomed back ‘keeper Jade Howell, Sophie Ayton, and Beth Jones, who had all missed the original game two weeks ago.

The Pride had the kick-off and found themselves playing into a stiff wind but immediately set the tone for the game as Jones played the ball back to Annie Laight, who played a pass upfield to Evans who played it round the corner to Jones, and she helped it on behind the full-back for Tash Allderidge to run onto. Allderidge took a touch and shot across the ‘keeper, who saved, but after a brief scramble in which Evans and Jones had efforts blocked, Allderidge stroked the ball home for a 1-0 lead after only 16 seconds.

Shirebrook tried to respond and apply pressure to the Pride back line, but the team defended well from the front throughout the game and the defence read the hosts’ attempts to get behind them very well – limiting them to a few speculative shots from distance, before the dark clouds that had been threatening burst and the heavens opened with quarter of an hour played.

The conditions rapidly became extremely difficult, with rain coming in horizontal and the wind so strong that at one point, an attempted clearance by the Pride’s Sophie Ayton went 20 metres upfield, only to return on the wind to her for another go.

Inevitably, this gave Shirebrook an advantage but Pride managed the conditions well, the defence in particular stood up to the challenge and despite the conditions kept Shirebrook away from goal – limiting them to one shot on target, safely held by Howell, and three shots off target – whilst continuing to mount regular attacks, looking particularly dangerous on the break. The wind gradually abated (becoming merely strong) and the rain eased off a little, and two further goals – both scored by Evans on her return, gave Pride a 3-0 lead at the break.

**Above:** Summer Evans, Beth Jones, and Tash Allderidge (5) celebrate yet another goal for Pride Park at Shirebrook Rangers. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick.

The sun was out, the rain had stopped, and although the wind had eased off the Pride still had the benefit of a tailwind as the second half got underway. The playing surface was now slick and cutting up, making the conditions particularly difficult for the goalkeepers. Jones, Evans (for a hat-trick), and Allderidge direct from a free kick added to the score in the first quarter of an hour of the second half, at which point Evans was withdrawn with Pride 6-0 to the good, continuing with ten players.

There was no real let-up for Shirebrook, however, as Jones scored her second – Shirebrook pulling one back from their only shot of the half, before completing her first hat-trick at open age, and Rachel Weaver completed the scoring, latching on to an Allderidge ball across the penalty area that the keeper could only parry for a simple finish.

It was an impressive performance under very difficult conditions. The players’ attitude, quality on the ball, and work ethic in and out of possession was first class from front to back and the defence and ‘keeper Jade Howell stood up extremely well to deal with Shirebrook’s attacks – to avoid conceding in the first half gale and downpour was exceptional, as was limiting the opposition to five shots over the course of the game.

Overall, the team managed the conditions really well and there were a number of eye-catching pairings – not just up front with Evans and Jones bagging six goals between them, but Allderidge and Eliot Sayavong forming a formidable barrier in midfield, breaking up attacks and driving Pride forward, Ella Key and Rachel Weaver combining really well down the left, while Sophie Roberts and Millie Holmes did the same on the right, and in the centre of defence Sophie Ayton and Annie Laight were like sponges, soaking up Shirebrook attacks – and in the worst possible conditions for a goalkeeper, Howell displayed good handling and anticipation, and showcased her kicking to good effect.

The Pride now progress to the First Round in which they will host Amber Valley at Moorways on 13th November, but first, they return to league action next week with a road trip to Stanton Ilkeston (kick off 1.30pm)

Roar Add Swedish Defender

From Brisbane Roar (2/11/22)

Above: Kajsa Lind, pictured during her time at Vittsjö. Photo: Nelli Persson.

Brisbane Roar’s A-League squad has been strengthened defensively with the signing of Kajsa Lind for the upcoming season.

The central defender has been playing in the Damallsvenskan, the highest division of women’s football in Sweden, with Vittsjö GIK since 2018, making 153 appearances.

Lind, who will be arriving in Brisbane this month, can’t wait to get started at her new club.

“I’m very excited to have signed for Brisbane Roar and can’t wait to join the team,” she said.

“It’s going to be a totally new experience for me to play in Brisbane in Australia and I really hope I can help the team win games and bring some positive energy to the squad both on and off the pitch.”

The 26-year-old plays her Swedish club football alongside two players who know the Roar very well – Matildas and Brisbane midfielder Katrina Gorry as well as the Queenslanders’ former captain Clare Polkinghorne. It was from Gorry that Lind first heard about the club.

**Above:** Kajsa Lind in action for Vittsjö. **Photo:** Norra Skåne

“I first heard about the Brisbane Roar through my teammate Katrina Gorry, and I have heard great things about the team,” she said.

Liberty A-League Head Coach Garrath McPherson said that the re-opening of international travel presented him with the opportunity to strengthen his Queensland-based roster.

“The opening up of international travel this year has provided scope for us to strengthen our Queensland-based roster and to support the development of our home-grown talent,” he said.

“We have incredibly talented defenders here in Queensland that have recently emerged from pathway programs, and we had an opportunity to see them grow with experience across the last A-League season.”

Playing in one of the strongest women’s competitions in the world, McPherson is looking forward to Lind playing a mentor role for Roar’s defensive line.

“She is an experienced central defender that will provide a role model and mentor for our defensive unit,” he said. “Katrina and Clare have both spoken highly of Kajsa both as a footballer and a person and I don’t believe you could find two better personal referees on a CV. She has already started some heat acclimatisation protocols to help the transition into our summer,” McPherson added.

The Brisbane Roar Liberty A-League squad is continuing their preparations for their season opener against Newcastle Jets on Saturday 19 November.