(no title)

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Impetus’ Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (8/11/22).

Above: The game at College Meadow between Beccles Town and Thetford Town was played in atrocious conditions. Kamile Omeleviciute (left) on the ball for Thetford. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.

Main Match of the Week

Beccles Town 1-5 Thetford Town

Thetford Town continued their fine form with a convincing win at Beccles Town in the Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One. A brace each from Kamile Omeleviciute and Chelsea Page plus a goal from Rachel Lynch saw Thetford Town go second in the table.

The game at College Meadow, the only Division One fixture and one of very few involving Norfolk teams to survive the inclement weather was held due to applaudable proactiveness from Beccles by switching from their usual grass pitch to their 3G facility across the road. Thetford Town should also be applauded for accommodating a later kick-off at 3.30pm.

It was Beccles who started brightest on the narrower-than-normal 3G surface and they should have had a penalty early on only for referee Ryan Starkey to wave loud appeals away to the relief of Thetford Town.

Despite that decision, both teams appreciated and enjoyed having Starkey in the middle for this tier seven fixture. Starkey himself is used to refereeing in tier three so this was seen as a privilege for both clubs to be in his presence for this fixture. Starkey is an excellent communicator and offered great insight and explanations to both teams and the watching supporters as well and offered praise to both teams for their superb attitude to the afternoon.

It didn’t take long for Thetford to get into their stride and Rachel Lynch was first to force a save out of Gemma Hamilton in the Beccles goal.

Lynch, the ever reliable Town centre back was an attacking threat all afternoon and was heavily involved in the opening goal as Lynch and Chelsea Page linked up well to find Kamile Omeleviciute who blasted home to give Thetford the lead.

**Above:** Kamile Omelevicuite (claret shirt) scored a brace for Thetford Town at Beccles. **Photo:** Hardy Scott Photos.

From here, it was never again a contest. Thetford manager David Skipp had the luxury of having his three most potent attackers available to him for this fixture with Hannah Rogers, Rebecca White, and Chelsea Page all playing significant parts in this game.

As the rain lashed down and the wind got stronger, both teams were looking forward to a break from the elements at halftime and Chelsea Page made life easier for Thetford with a superb chip over Hamilton to double the visitors’ lead before the break.

**Above:** Chelsea Page scored twice and was Player of the Match for Thetford Town at Beccles. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.

Conditions eased for the second half and Thetford continued in the same bright attacking light. It took Omeleviciute all of six minutes after the re-start to double her tally and in the process increase Thetford’s lead to three.

The visitors had the game won but were hungry for more as Skipp changed the team’s formation to 4-3-3 allowing Rogers, White, and Page all to go for goals in the remainder of the game.

Thetford peppered the Beccles goal as Rogers missed an easy header which would have further increased the lead.

When Thetford did finally make it four, it was down to Lynch to provide the afternoon’s most memorable moment when she finished a free kick from 35 or more yards out with pinpoint accuracy into the top corner.

**Above:** Thetford Town’s Rachel Lynch who scored a wonderful fourth from 35 yards out. **Photo:** Hardy Scott Photos.

Thetford were disappointed to lose their clean sheet late on when Megan Sergeant scored for Beccles, but Page had time to get her second goal and make it a five-star victory for Thetford.

This was a stunning win for David Skipp and his team to continue their fine run of confidence and momentum. Second in the league with 10 points from a possible 15 is proof of the hard work going into this season from everyone on and off the pitch at Thetford Town.

With back-to-back home fixtures against Bungay Town and Caister up next, the hope will be this fine run can continue.

Teams: BECCLES TOWN: Hamilton, Wilson, Collins, Tiffin, Rose, Heaney, Bell, Sergeant, Barber-King, Robbens, Storey. Subs: Bower, Bowen, Nicholson.

Scorer: Sargeant.

THETFORD TOWN: Askins, Bambury, Davies, Howard, Klimcke, Levy-Twomey, Lynch, Musgrove, Omeleviciute, Rogers, White. Subs: Corbyn, Page, Parker.

Scorers: Omeleviciute (2), Page (2), Lynch.

Referee: Ryan Starkey.

Attendance: 50.

Norfolk Wrap:

Eastern Region Premier Division

Wroxham suffered a heavy defeat losing 9-0 to newly promoted AFC Sudbury. Alex Penny scored four goals, Kate Edwards got a hat-trick with the remaining goals coming from Evie Creaton and Tyeonae Smith.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two:

Thorpe St. Andrew were the days’ headline writers with a stunning 4-0 victory over Freethorpe. Abi Simmons scored a brace with Rebecca Sutton and Poppy Le-Beau also getting on the scoresheet to make it a memorable day for Tony Allen and his team.

In the day’s other game, Bulldogs recorded a fine 1-0 home win over Horsford thanks to a goal from Lauren Roberts.

**Above:** Match action from Thorpe St Andrew (sky blue)’s 4-0 win over Freethorpe. **Photo:** Thorpe St Andrew FC

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the 7^th round of 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season (8/11/22).

Above: Gaëtane Thiney scores Paris FC’s equaliser at home to Bordeaux nine minutes from time. Photo: Paris FC.

What a very surprising and strange set of results there were in the seventh round of the competition. Only two games ended in wins – these went the way of Reims and Fleury.

Supposedly the two best teams of D1 Arkema were not able to win. Paris Saint-Germain at home scored twice but let Montpellier leave with a point. Olympique Lyonnais’s poor run of form continued as they failed to find the net against bottom-of-the-table Guingamp – a team who have not won all season.

These results are especially very worrisome for Lyon after finding it so hard to break through against Fleury in a game where a draw would have been fairer. Furthermore, if we remember their results in UWCL, a terrible loss 5-1 at home to Arsenal and a draw away from home makes the defending champions’ form a real concern. They will hope to find solutions during the international break.

**Above:** Bordeaux’s Mélissa Gomes. Photo: Bordeaux website

Bordeaux obtained a 1-1 draw away from home against Paris FC. Bordeaux provided a very serious threat and put a lot of pressure on Paris FC even if Paris FC dominated this game. Several game facts which need to be pointed out: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Paris FC goalkeeper, hurt her left thumb after 15 minutes of play and was replaced at halftime by Camille Pecharman. The referee received a blow to her nose from the ball at the 35^th minute and was replaced in the second half because she suffered a broken nose. The game restarted 15 minutes late after the break as a consequence. Goal for Paris FC from Gaëtane Thiney (81). Goal for Bordeaux from Melissa Gomes (61).

**Above:** Rodez captain Laurie Cance. **Photo:** Rodez RAF web site.

Dijon earned a 1-1 draw at Rodez. This was an enjoyable game between two teams that tried to play their game despite the heavy rain and wind, with the consequence that the goalkeepers were able to show their talent. Particularly impressive in this match were Laurie Cance, Rodez’s captain, and Lisa Lichtfus, Dijon’s Belgian international goalkeeper.

**Above:** Reims celebrate a goal. Photo: Reims website.

Reims won away from home 4-1 against Soyaux. There was no real contest in this game which Reims dominated. With this win, Reims are now fifth, only a point behind Montpellier ahead of them. Melchie Dumornay was impressive, scoring two goals and adding a decisive pass, as was Kessya Busy with contributed a goal and decisive pass. Goals for Reims from Melchie Dumornay (17, 82), Kessya Busy (56), Sonia Ouchene (90). Goal for Soyaux from Laura Condon (48).

**Above:** Marie Levasseur, Fleury defender, during the game against Lyon last week. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset for *Impetus*.

Fleury won 3-0 at home to Le Havre. Fleury dominated this game, and their victory is very well deserved. Fleury stopped their run of two straight defeats, and in doing so ended Le Havre’s record of two wins in a row. As usual, Fleury defender Marie Levasseur provided a good performance. Goals for Fleury from Julie Piga (45+2), Marine Dafeur (47 penalty), Ode Fulutudilu (57).

**Above:** Paris St. Germain’s former Manchester United player, Jackie Groenen celebrates after scoring against Montpellier. **Photo:** PSG Feminines.

Paris Saint-Germain could do no better than a draw 2-2 at home against Montpellier. Kheira Hamraoui started again the game for Paris SG but was replaced after 15 minutes due to injury. Montpellier scored first after a hesitant clearance by PSG keeper Sarah Bouhaddi; the ball was gathered by Montpellier midfielders and Nérilia Mondésir received the ball from Dominika Slorvankova to scored. Paris SG should be happy not to have lost this game as there could have been two penalties for Montpellier, the first as a result of Léa Khelifi after 41 minutes and the other by Melchie Dumornay after 72 minutes. Sarah Bouhaddi did have the best performance, and she may have done partly culpable for the second goal of Montpellier for which she was lobbed. Goals for Paris SG from Sandy Baltimore (32), Jackie Groenen (49). Goals for Montpellier from Nérilia Mondésir (24), Celeste Boureille (87).

**Above:** Vicki Becho in action for Olympique Lyonnais against Rodez on October 1st. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset for *Impetus*.

Olympique Lyonnais was again not able to score and came back from bottom side Guingamp with only a 0-0 draw - the first time all season that Guingamp have avoided defeat. Lyon are struggling to make progress since the beginning of this season. The European Champions' defence is still fragile in the face of counterattacks and their attack lacks accuracy and efficiency. Whilst a few key players are missing due to injury, this does not explain everything, and fans are concerned. On the positive side, two young players of 19 years old, Vicki Becho and Inès Benyahia, who started the game shown that they are ready even if they still need to progress. On the bad side, Lyon forwards could only place eight of their 20 shots on target.

Guingamp's Cindy Perrault produced a good performance to help her team to obtain a clean sheet. Luckily for Lyon, Paris SG did not win either and the European Champions are still two points clear at the top.

Dons Heartbreak At The Death

AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Watford

by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon

Above: A battle for possession yesterday as AFC Wimbledon (blue) took on Watford. Photo: Tom Smeeth.

AFC Wimbledon bowed out of the FAWNL League Cup, despite a valiant display against a very strong Watford side, who were in the second tier of the women’s game last season. Ultimately, it would take extra time and a last-minute wonder shot to decide the winner.

Just like the Dons, top-of-tier three Watford came into this game with plenty of confidence, having scored 13 goals in their last three games. The Wimbledon defensive unit, Rosie Russell, Billie Brooks, Kelly Highman, Hannah Billingham, and goalkeeper Faye Baker, rose to the occasion and kept Watford at bay, preventing them from creating any clear cut opportunities.

The best chance of the first half fell to Dons’ captain Hannah Billingham, who hit the inside of the post after heading a perfectly placed Billie Brooks free kick.

Watford made a double substitution at half time, and came out with renewed energy. Wimbledon continued to deny the opposition any chances. The visitors rattled the post with a long-range effort. Amy Taylor came on for Becki Bath, who had taken a knock, and at 80 minutes, returning from injury, Emma Plewa made her first competitive appearance for the club, as she replaced Ellie Dorey. A few minutes later, the Dons made their final substitution for the day, with Megan Stow coming on for Steph Mann.

As the referee blew the full-time whistle, the teams prepared themselves for extra time. Watford were close to stealing the show just a minute after restarting, but were denied by a goal-line clearance from Billingham. On the other end, Gloria Siber forced the Watford ‘keeper into making a fine save.

In the last minutes of extra time, Emma Plewa was sent off. The 10 remaining Wimbledon players battled to reach a penalty shoot-out, but it wasn’t to be. In the dying seconds of the game, Watford’s Grace Garrad won the ball 30 yards out and fired an unstoppable shot in the top far corner of the goal.

Despite the defeat, it was a performance to be proud of for the Dons, as they pushed the best side a division above all the way.

After the game Dons goalkeeper Faye Baker said “I’m really proud of everybody – the subs, the starting XI, the bench, everybody associated with Wimbledon. We’ve just competed for more than 90 minutes and extra time against the team top of the division above.”

Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Brooks, Highman, Billingham, Mann, Donovan, Bath, Dorey, Hincks, Siber. Substitutes: Taylor, Stow, Plewa, Sampson.

WATFORD: Ferguson, Gibson, Wallace, Davison, Ward, Head, Georgiou, Mehmet, Chandler, Palish, Garrad. Substitutes: Rossiter, Baptiste, Fatuga-Dada, Wilson, Fyfe.

Scorer: Garrad 120′.

Scottish Weekend Review

7/11/22

Above: Glasgow City take on Hibernian (green) in yesterday’s Sky Sports Cup Semi-Final. Photo: SWPL / Photographer.

SKY SPORTS CUP SEMI-FINALS:

Hibernian and Rangers will face off at Tynecastle on 11th December in the Sky Sports Cup Final after winning their semi-final ties yesterday.

At Petershill Park, it was a meeting between two sides with a historic rivalry in the Semi-Final as Glasgow City took on Hibernian. City have had the better of the Edinburgh side in recent times but Hibs have enjoyed success, especially in cup matches.

That success returned for Hibs as they have put themselves one victory away from lifting the cup for a record eighth time. Former City forward, Krystyna Freda with both goals either side of the half-time whistle before City made it a dramatic finish. Mairead Fulton got the goal to make it 2-1 but it wasn’t enough.

**Above:** Kayla McCoy dispatches a penalty for Rangers in their win over Spartans in the Sky Sports Cup Semi-Final yesterday. **Photo:** SWPL / Photographer.

Over in Edinburgh in the other Semi-Final, Rangers reached their first ever SWPL Cup Final with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Spartans. The away side took an early lead with Chelsea Cornet scoring with a wonderful chip from just inside the box. Kayla McCoy doubled their lead before half-time, slotting home the penalty for her first goal in the competition this season.

Finnish international, Jenny Danielsson, started the second-half scoring. Brogan Hay with her second assist of the game putting it on a plate for the forward. Lizzie Arnot got the final goal of the game, tucking the ball into the net from close range to secure Rangers’ place in the Final on the 11^th December.

SWF CHAMPIONSHIP:

**Above:** Ayr United (black) battle it out at Rossvale yesterday. **Photo:** Kelly Nielson.

Rossvale took advantage of league leaders Livingston having their game with Hutchison Vale called off due to an unplayable pitch. The Glasgow side closed the gap at the top of the table, beating Ayr United 3-0 at home, with a goal from Joss Fletcher after only three minutes and a Lauren McCulloch penalty. Louise McJacobs added a third on 78 minutes.

Renfrew Ladies were 3-0 up against Morton, but had to hold on for the second half with a player down after Sophie Laird saw red. It finished 3-1, with rookie Gracie Cairney scoring a consolation for the home side.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle put cup heartbreak behind them to hold off a late surge from Dryburgh, with a Kayleigh Mackenzie double and one from Rhea Cossack, before a great free kick from Dryburgh’s Rachel Robbie and a late goal by Chelsea Lownie set up a nail-biting finish, but the Highlanders held on.

**Above:** Joy for Rossvale against Ayr United. **Photo:** Kelly Nielson.

SWF LEAGUE ONE:

FC Edinburgh have gone clear at the top of the Women’s League One after a 3-0 victory over the only other team who had been unbeaten in the division, Westdyke.

Utilising a high-tempo press and expansive passing, Edinburgh controlled large parts of the game, with goals from the league’s joint top scorer Emma Mitchell, Hannah Markley and Jayden Simmons sending them top.

Speaking afterwards, Edinburgh captain Danielle Forsyth said her team had “dug deep and put in the work” against an unfamiliar opposition.

She praised head coach Andy Enwood for setting high standards “from day one” this season. She said: “The team have a lot of respect for him and his vision to push the team forward. We look forward to the semi-final next week, as a team we want to challenge in this cup.”

At the start of the season, FC Edinburgh had not met the criteria to enter the SWF Championship, which requires teams to have a youth pathway to the senior team, and Forsyth said this had spurred her side on.

**Above:** FC Edinburgh have lots to celebrate at the present time. **Photo:** Alex Todd / Sportpix.

“We believe we deserve to be challenging at a higher level, so the cup is a great opportunity for us to do that. We have worked hard from the start of the season to get to where we are now. The semi-final is our chance to so step it up a gear and prove to everybody this is where we should be competing.”

The win lifts the capital side onto 25 points, three points ahead of the Aberdeenshire club and six points ahead of Falkirk and Stenhousemuir, who won comprehensive victories over Giffnock and Airdrie Ladies respectively.

Grampian Ladies beat BSC Glasgow 3-0 at home to remain fifth.

St Mirren won the Paisley derby against Gleniffer Thistle 4-2, while Edinburgh Caledonia put recent disappointments behind them to sweep Dundee West aside 7-2 and climb back up to seventh in the table.

Van Egmond And The Matildas Open Preparations For Sweden

Impetus hears from Australia‘s Emily Van Egmond from the Matildas’ Melbourne training camp as the build-up starts to the game against Sweden on Saturday, whilst Kieran Chea‘s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery captures the best action from Monday’s training (7/11/22).

Above: Emily van Egmond speaks to the media earlier today. Image: Football Australia.

Emily van Egmond joined teammates Alex Chidiac, Chloe Logarzo, Larissa Crummer, Cortnee Vine, and Jada Whyman in the first batch of arrivals to the Matildas camp in Melbourne.

As the group began small-scale training ahead of the arrival of the overseas-based squad members later this week, van Egmond spoke to the media about her return to the national squad after injury.

“It’s great to be back in Australia. I’ve recovered from the quad injury and played in some of the playoffs for San Diego (in the NWSL). We’ve had a long season, a tough one. I’ve felt it a bit, but I’m happy to be back with the Matildas and can’t wait to see the rest of the girls when they come in.”

With Van Egmond battling to claim a spot in a fourth Australian World Cup squad, the former West Ham United star reflected on the draw by saying: “We’ve got Ireland, Canada, and Nigeria, so we’ve played them before. They all pose different challenges for us, but we’ll take it one game in a row and focus on ourselves to get out of the group.

Looking ahead to the challenge posed by Sweden, regular opponents over the past three years, van Egmond observed: “They are a physical team and have some of the world’s best players. It will be a challenge. It’s the first time they’ve travelled here (for a while). To get as many home games as possible, and get the Australian public behind us is so important.”

Australia’s midfield is strong with both Katrina Gorry and Alex Chidiac putting together a persuasive argument to be part of the World Cup squad in the last international window. Van Egmond sees the large potential cohort of players in this position as a motivating factor for herself: “Every team you are a part of you want healthy competition. It drives you to be the best you can be. Consistency is what I’m looking for.”

KIERAN CHEA’S EXCLUSIVE PHOTO GALLERY FROM MELBOURNE FOR IMPETUS:

**Above:** Alex Chidiac warms up in training today. **Photo:** Kieran Chea for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Larissa Crummer dodges and weaves. **Photo:** Kieran Chea for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Chloe Logarzo warms up today. **Photo:** Kieran Chea for *Impetus*.

**Above:** The outfield group of players gathering today. **Photo:** Kieran Chea for *Impetus*.

**Above:** The outfield group warming up. **Photo:** Kieran Chea for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Step training warm-up for Alex Chidiac (far right) and Larissa Crummer. **Photo:** Kieran Chea for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Emily van Egmond begins ball work. **Photo:** Kieran Chea for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Emily van Egmond prepares for her media interview today. **Photo:** Kieran Chea for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Cortnee Vine warms up. **Photo:** Kieran Chea for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Cortnee Vine shoots. **Photo:** Kieran Chea for *Impetus*.

Eidevall On Leicester Coaching Change And ‘Team Maturity’

Impetus’ Kris Goman was in Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall‘s media conference for us as the red-hot Gunners travel to a struggling Leicester City side who are under new management (6/11/22).

Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall spoke to the media on the challenge he expects from Leicester City later today. Photo: Arsenal Women.

As Arsenal prepare to travel to Leicester City today, the unexpected news that the East Midlands club’s head coach Lydia Bedford and assistant Nicola Williams were both sacked and replaced by Willie Kirk surprised Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall as he discussed in his pre-match press conference.

Eidevall clearly has a lot of respect for Bedford and thought she was doing a good job. “I was surprised to see that they changed. From the outside, just purely looking at the results, I think we all know it’s a result-based business, so there’s not a surprise if you don’t win any games that they might change the coach, but I was surprised, given that when you prep for playing them, I think Leicester was one of the better-coached teams in the league.

“They looked very well structured with all players trying to make the most of that idea. When we have been preparing for them, I think that I’ve seen a lot of development of the Leicester side, so for me, I was very surprised when I got the news yesterday and I hope that Lydia, as a fellow coach, can see that progress even if she didn’t get the reward from it points-based but I think she has improved them performance wise. I think that’s the nature of the game.”

The Arsenal chief went on to hint that Willie Kirk may have been waiting to take over the role. “If I was giving any young coaches any advice, I’d say that when your boss also is a head coach, that usually never leaves you a lot of margins in this game. So that’s something that I would always be watching out for a little bit, being a head coach myself.”

The coaching change has impacted the preparation for the match and he had a clear history of them playing under Bedford.

“What I have seen from Leicester before was a very organised, structured team, very hard working. When we look at the underlying numbers, it’s one of the best defensive teams in the whole league.”
Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall on the difficulty of breaking Leicester City down.

“We have seen that in the recent games both against Manchester United and Reading, they are a very hard team to break down so we’re prepared to be very good on the ball to be able to create enough scoring opportunities to win.”

When asked if he could research Willie Kirk’s managerial style and maybe look back at when he was in charge of Everton and particularly Bristol City, a team that were in a similar situation to where Leicester are now, he replied, “You’re thinking like a good coach right now. That’s what you do. You try to get all the information; you try to apply it for what the current environment is. It still doesn’t mean that you can predict the future. You can have a good idea of what has been happening before at least.”

What came through very strongly was the concept of ‘Team Maturity’ and being able to handle any situation and adapt on the fly. “That’s what we’re trying to build. I think, one of the most underrated things we speak about as a team is the concept of team maturity.

“Team maturity is how many different situations can you give a team and you need some time together to build that experience. You also, of course, have to be effective with time. For us, we’re building that all the time. All the experience that we have and we try to recreate in training, it goes towards games like this. So we can’t say what we’re going to expect, we have to trust the team maturity to say how many different situations and formations that we know that we can deal with, and hopefully that’s enough.”

This was reiterated when asked if it was similar to playing Birmingham City last year when they were bottom of the table and had a fairly new manager and whether to expect that new manager bounce you sometimes see in teams, which resulted in Birmingham taking all three points in that match.

**Above:** Birmingham City celebrate during their win over Arsenal last season. Jonas Eidevall is out to ensure his team avoids a similar outcome at this season’s WSL strugglers Leicester City. **Photo:** Sky Sports.

“When you’re playing against a team that is not that predictable, the maturity of the team will play out. I think if we are comparing this game to, for example Birmingham away, it’s a measurement of our team maturity – how far we have come, and I trust our team that we are taking steps and we are developing but we need to call that into action in Sunday’s game.”

Questioned as to whether playing a team sitting on the bottom of the table presented an opportunity to get clear of the other teams at the top of the table by increasing the goal difference. Eidevall made it clear that was never the primary aim. “I would never start with the goal difference. Our mindset is we need to be 100% and we need to do that in every situation and every game.

“We do not let the score affect our efforts. So that means we should, even if we are losing, we should never give up. And if we are winning, we should always try and push and do our very best. So, by doing our best in every moment, that will ultimately lead us to the best possible outcome. That’s the challenge but each game starts nil nil and we have to lead from that moment and don’t think that we can jump ahead in our thoughts.”

He was quizzed, as usual on the injury status of players but wouldn’t be drawn on any timelines other than to say that things are progressing well with all three, Leah Williamson, Kim Little, and Rafaelle Souza and that they’re doing their best every day. He did confirm however that Kim Little’s injury was to her knee.

On the topic of giving Vivianne Miedema some time off and how he’d done that before with the Australians last year and how the form of Frida Maanum and Jordan Nobbs may have given him the confidence to do this, he said, “I prefer not to go into detail about it but, like I answered on the question before, I think it’s the balance between short term and long term, the balance between what’s best for the individual and what’s best for the club and in this situation, this was the best decision.”

Brighton: It’s Time To Stand Up And Be Counted

Impetus’ Ellie Ramsauer was in Brighton and Hove Albion’s media conference with interim head coach Amy Merricks as the club prepare to overcome last weekend’s 8-0 defeat to Spurs and Hope Powell’s subsequent departure (6/11/22).

Above: Amy Merricks leading training for Brighton this week. Photo: Brighton & Hove Albion Women.

Brighton and Hove Albion look ahead to a trip to West Ham United today following the recent departure of manager Hope Powell after last Sunday’s 8-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Amy Merricks, who will lead the team for the foreseeable future, led this week’s media conference, and was reluctant to reflect on Hope Powell’s departure and the circumstances, stated that she wanted instead to “focus on [the] right here, right now and the game coming up.”

Merricks did, however, reflect on Powell’s “incredible legacy” and was keen to put on record her appreciation for the former Lionesses’ head coach personally, saying that Powell was “terrific with me as an individual and I’ve learned so much from her.” Further, the interim head coach added that she hopes “we can continue to really drive that diversity and inequality aspect that she’s led on.”

In terms of the players’ reaction to Powell’s departure, Merricks stated that

“We know that Sunday’s performance (against Tottenham) was miles away from where we need to be, the players recognise that, and it’s time to stand up and be counted for this weekend; there has been some real intent in training. The team are clear on what we’re going after which is a real professional performance.”
Amy Merricks, Brighton & Hove Albion interim head coach

When asked whether she had thoughts about taking on the managerial role full-time Merricks stated that her “focus is really on the next three days, getting the team in the best place for a good performance and a professional performance at the weekend.”

In terms of the challenge that West Ham pose on Sunday, Merricks stated that “every game in this competition is a real challenge” so the team are “approaching this game no different to any other” which means the team have to “do the work properly, with intent and be really focused on making sure we cover every corner we can to ensure that we get the performance that we want.”

Merricks stated that, like Tottenham last Sunday, it’ll “be a tough challenge” and that they “are known to be a physical team […] so we need to be on it from the start and that’s what we’ll aim to do”.

In terms of the players’ reaction to Sunday’s huge reversal against Spurs last Sunday, Merricks stated that she thinks “they’re focused, they’re ready to put on a display that the fans [and] the club can all be proud of.”

Unfortunately for Brighton, Kayleigh Green remains a doubt for this Sunday after taking a knock early on in last Sunday’s game against Tottenham. Merricks provided an update on Green saying “she’s okay, she’s recovering [and] just going through the process of trying to get her back so she feels sharp and fresh at the moment.”

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/