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The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the sixth round of the 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season and provides EXCLUSIVE photography from Olympique Lyonnais’ game with Fleury (1/11/22).

Above: An aerial challenge as Olympique Lyonnais host Fleury. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Paris FC won away from home 3-1 against Montpellier. This game between Paris FC in third and Montpellier (fourth) promised a good match, but Montpellier had the first 30 minutes before they let Paris FC score twice. Montpellier tried to push harder at the beginning of the second half and got a goal back after 72 minutes, but were not able to do better despite their opening and the very good performance of Inès Belloumou for the second half. Red cards (90+1) for second yellow card: Marion Torrent, Montpellier, and Eseosa Aigbogun, Paris FC. Goals for Paris FC from Mathilde Bourdieu (30), Ouleymata Sarr (43), Théa Gréboval (82). Goal for Montpellier from Océane Deslandes (72 penalty).

**Above:** Mathilde Bourdieu, Paris FC’s opening goalscorer. **Photo:** Paris FC.

Dijon at home won 1-0 against Soyaux. Dijon stopped their series of two losses while Soyaux lost their second game in a row. Goal for Dijon from Roselord Borgella (78).

Bordeaux won at home 3-1 against Guingamp. Guingamp lost their sixth game and stay bottom without a point. It seems that it will be a very long and difficult season for them. Bordeaux stay in midtable. Goals for Bordeaux from Mickaëlla Cardia (6), Maëlle Garbino (17, 34). Goal for Guingamp from Héloïse Mansuy (15).

**Above:** Laura Rueda, who scored both of Le Havre’s goals in their win over Rodez. **Photo:** Le Havre web site.

Le Havre won 2-1 at home against Rodez. This game between the two teams promoted this season into D1 Arkema saw Le Havre continue to surprise everyone with another win. Le Havre now have 10 points and are only four points adrift of Paris FC in the final Champions League qualification spot. Silke Demeyere, Le Havre came onto the field at the 65^th minute and got two yellow cards in a 10-minute spell leaving her teammates at ten players. Still Rodez continued to struggle with only one win in six games; another team for which it will difficult all season. Red card after second yellow card: Silke Demeyere, Le Havre (75). Goals for Le Havre from Laura Rueda (12, 61). Goal for Rodez from Alexandria Lamontagne (86).

**Above:** Kheira Hamraoui in action in Reims on her return to the Paris St. Germain squad after five months out this weekend. Photo: LPestel/PSG.

Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 away from home against Reims. Reims counted once more on their young players, who have scored 21 goals since they came back to D1 Arkema in 2019, but it was too difficult against a more mature Paris SG team, even if Paris SG players were not efficient enough to score more. Praise must go to Emily Alvarado, Reims goalkeeper who prevented PSG from scoring more goals on several opportunities, particularly in the 16^th, 38^th, and 52^nd minutes.

**Above:** Emily Alvarado, Reims goalkeeper. Photo: Reims.

Reims could have scored thanks to Kessya Busy’s effort at the 52^nd minute with a shot from 20 meters that finished on the crossbar and by Kethna Louis with a shot from almost 30 meters that finished also on the crossbar. Goals for Paris SG from Kadidiatou Diani (42, 47).

Olympique Lyonnais won 1-0 at home against Fleury. After the traumatic Champions League game against Arsenal which ended in a 5-1 defeat at home and the not-so-good draw 1-1 against Juventus, Lyon needed to show a more successful performance. In fact, it was a very long and difficult game for Lyon who found it challenging to transform their opportunities (25 shots) into goals due to a huge lack of efficiency. They had to wait until the end of the game to see Lindsey Horan provide a wonderful ball above Fleury’s defence for Wendie Renard to score.

**Above:** Wendie Renard celebrates after scoring Lyon’s winner against Fleury. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset for *Impetus*.

To be noted: a good performance of Marie Levasseur, international with Canada squad and Fleury defender. It was also the first game with Lyon for Vanessa Gilles, international for Canada squad too. A draw would have been fairer for Fleury. I had the opportunity to speak to several Fleury players at the end of the game and they were disappointed with this result especially since they played with only 10 players for more than an hour after Rosemonde Kouassi got her red card for a second yellow card at the 25^th minute. Goal for Lyon from Wendie Renard (90+2).

**Above:** A battle for possession as Lyon (white) host Fleury. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset for *Impetus*.

Welsh Weekend Wrap

Impetus’ Martin Townley rounds up all the weekend’s action in the last 16 of the Welsh Cup. (1/11/22).

Above: The facial expression says it all as Swansea City bow out of the Welsh Cup to Cardiff Met. Photo: Swansea City.

It was the last 16 of the FAW Welsh Women’s Cup this weekend with teams looking to book a place in the quarter-finals. Holders Cardiff City booked their place with a 5-0 win over Pontypridd Town in an all Adran Premier clash.

Cardiff Met knocked out Swansea City in another all-topflight affair. The big shock of the round came at Park Hall as Adran North side Wrexham beat The New Saints. Elsewhere there were wins for Briton Ferry Llansawel, Abergavenny, Cardiff Wanderers, Llandudno, and Aberystwyth.

The New Saints 1-2 Wrexham

**Above:** Wrexham get a shot in against The New Saints. **Photo:** Wrexham Ladies

Wrexham made a flying start to the game taking a 2-0 lead after 25 minutes. Rebecca Pritchard opened the scoring sliding in at the far post after a ball across from Tonicha Dickens.

After a good spell of Wrexham pressure, Libby Mackenzie was brought down in the box. Rosie Hughes stepped up and hit a powerful spot kick past TNS keeper Libby Rubin.

TNS tried to get back into the game in the second half but Wrexham held them out until the 89^th minute when Lexie Harrison pulled a goal back.

The comeback came too late for TNS, and Wrexham held on to make it to the next round.

Swansea City 0-0 Cardiff Met

(Cardiff Met win 5-3 on pens)

It was a tight game between the two-chasing side in the Adran Premier at Llandarcy.

Katy Hosford went close twice for the Swans hitting one effort just over the bar and soon after hitting just wide. In the second half, Hosford went close again but Met keeper Amelia Forkings got a hand to the ball to turn it away.

After ninety minutes the sides couldn’t be separated, and the match went to penalties.

After seven scored penalties Erin Murray, Emily Allen, Robyn Pinder, and Jessica Westhoff for Met. Stacy John-Davis, Katy Hosford, and Emma Beynon for Swans, Jessica Wiliams missed for Swansea and allowed Stephanie Turner to win the tie for Met.

Connah’s Quay Nomads 0-2 Aberystwyth Town

Aberystwyth overcame Adran North side Connah’s Quay Nomads with a 2-0 win.

It took Aber until the 64^th minute to break the Nomads’ defence with Gwenllian Jones getting their first. In added time Amy Jenkins made sure that the Green and Blacks would be in the quarter-finals.

Abergavenny 3-1 Carmarthen Town

Abergavenny may be struggling in the Adran Premier, but they continued their Welsh Cup run with a 3-1 win over Carmarthen.

Lucy Boyd got their first from the spot after 34 minutes and Eliza Atkins added a second before halftime.

With 64 minutes played Carmarthen were back in the game as they pulled a goal back. Keeper Ffion Ashman scored from the spot. Despite Carmarthen coming back into the game Abergavenny added a third to book their place thanks to a goal from Gracie Grosvenor.

Cardiff City 5-0 Pontypridd United

**Above:** Delight for Cardiff City against Pontypridd. **Photo:** Cardiff City.

Holders Cardiff City made it through what could have been a tricky tie putting five past Pontypridd.

City captain Siobhan Walsh headed in after eight minutes from Seren Watkins corner. On the half-hour mark the Bluebirds extended their lead. Rhianne Oakley finished off from a pass in from Phoebie Poole.

In the second half, Oakley added two goals in two minutes to complete her hat-trick as Cardiff took a four-goal lead. Phoebie Poole added a fifth with two minutes remaining as the holders went safely into the quarter-finals.

Briton Ferry Llansawel 9-1 Llanelli Town

Briton Ferry continued their 100% winning start to the season as they hammered Llanelli Town.

Lucy Powell smashed a fifth minute penalty before two stunning goals from Lowri Baker gave the hosts a 3-0 lead.

Before half-time, forward Mollie Jones added a fourth with her 11^th goal of the season.

In the second half Ferry’s dominance continued as Jessica Denscombe helped herself to four goals and Lowri Baker added one for her hat trick. Charmian Martin got a goal for Llanelli but a strong performance from the home side sees them go into the next round.

Llandudno 10-0 CPD Rhyl 1879

Llandudno had far too much quality for Rhyl as they run out 10-0 winners.

Mari Gibbard was the star of the game scoring five. Louisha Doran with two, Maddie Williams and India Hassell with the other goals.

Pencoed Athletic BGC U19 1-4 Cardiff Wanderers

Rachel Beare, two from Jade Croft, and an Erin Jones own goal gave Cardiff Wanderers a 4-1 win over Pencoed.

Pencoed had got off to a good start with Amber Thomas giving them the lead. It wasn’t to be for the young hosts however as the Wanderers ran out winners and will be the only team outside the Adran Leagues in the next round.

Welsh Cup Quarter-Final Draw

Cardiff Wanderers v Briton Ferry Llansawel

Cardiff Met v Llandudno

Cardiff City v Abergavenny

Wrexham v Aberystwyth Town

Matches will be played on Sunday 11^th December.

Adelaide Welcome Back Dawber, Nix Bag Ferns Star & Jets Sign American

1/11/22

Above: Chelsie Dawber was unveiled earlier today by Adelaide United – a huge signing for the South Australian club. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

It was a busy day of A-League Women signings as some big names were unveiled as being on the roster for the 2022/23 season, which gets underway in two and a half weeks time.

Adelaide United announced that forward Chelsie Dawber has returned to the club on loan from Chicago Red Stars.

Having departed United in April for the National Women’s Soccer League outfit, signing a two-year deal in the States, Dawber re-joins her hometown club off the back of her first experience overseas.

Prior to departing South Australia, Dawber had her best season for the Club, scoring 10 goals in 15 matches, which brought her overall tally for Adelaide to 17 goals in 42 games.

Speaking about returning to Adelaide United, Dawber said: “I’m very happy to be coming home and playing for the Reds again.

“Last season we were able to achieve our maiden finals appearance and we’re in a very good position to progress even further this season. The squad Adrian (Stenta) and the club have assembled is one of the strongest I’ve seen and I’m excited to be part of it this season.”

Adelaide United Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “It’s a fantastic acquisition for the club to be bringing Chelsie back to Adelaide for the 2022/23 season.

“The impact Chelsie had on our team, alongside our other forwards, was crucial in securing our first finals appearance and we’re expecting much more of the same from her and our team this year.

“The foundations we’ve laid right across the playing group are as strong as they’ve ever been and we have high hopes for the level of success we’ll enjoy throughout this season.”

**Above:** Emma Rolston unveiled by Wellington Phoenix today. **Photo:** Hagen Hopkins.

New Zealand international Emma Rolston has signed for Wellington Phoenix after almost a decade away from home.

The Football Ferns forward has signed on for the 2022-23 A-League Women season, completing the women’s professional squad.

Rolston, 25, left the capital to prepare for the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup before pursuing a career abroad.

She made her professional bow for Sydney FC in the old W-League before heading to Europe where the 12-cap Fern played in Germany and most recently Norway.

“I haven’t lived in Wellington for nine years so playing for the Phoenix women’s team is pretty cool,” Rolston said.

“It’s pretty amazing to have a professional football club in New Zealand. It’s been a long time coming and it’s great to finally have that here to give opportunities for girls coming through.”

Rolston is the third established New Zealand international to join the Phoenix this season, following the signings of Betsy Hassett and Paige Satchell, while returning Nix players Lily Alfeld, Kate Taylor, Mackenzie Barry, and Alyssa Whinham have all been part of national team squads this year.

“It’s really good to have quite a few Ferns involved in the Wellington Phoenix and lift the standard a little bit more. We’ve all got high standards and we’ll push the girls to win games, move up higher on the table and potentially win [the league].

“It’ll be cool to have home games as well. I think that’s a really big driving factor to help rally support for the girls and get in behind the team.”

The Tokyo Olympian has had more than her fair share of injury setbacks since being forced to take a year out of football after the U-20 World Cup in Canada but hopes they’re “behind me now”.

**Above:** Emma Rolston (16) holds off Ellie Carpenter during the Football Ferns’ games with the Matildas. **Photo:** Matt King.

“It all stems from my back. I wasn’t able to run, walk, go to the gym or do anything and there wasn’t a load of support around me. When I came back that’s when I started to get injuries.

“I think my back is probably going to be a problem for as long as I play football, because it’s nerve damage down my leg.

“I think that’s something we have to learn to manage…but I’m not going to give up football, especially with the World Cup and Olympics coming up.”

Emma Rolston believes Wellington is the best place for her, with the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the horizon.

“I’m getting into an environment where I’m surrounded by friends and family, and my boyfriend’s moving down so I have good support around me.

“To be playing in my hometown is incredible and to be pushing for World Cup selection is a great spot for me to be.”

Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence was able to offer Rolston a contract after moving young fullback Zoe McMeeken into their fifth and final Australian quota spot. The club recently learned McMeeken, a Junior Football Fern, was born in Melbourne.

“Having spoken to Rollo and Jitka (Klimková) we felt it was a really good opportunity for her and the team,” Lawrence said.

“She’s a player we were missing. She can score goals, she’s technical, and can create a lot. She can play anywhere across the front line and even as an attacking midfielder.

“When you’re filling those last spots, if you can get players that play a number of positions then you’re winning.

“Having somebody like Rollo come in with her experience and her ability on the ball was an opportunity we didn’t really want to miss.”

Newcastle Jets have added Chicago Red Stars attacker Sarah Griffith for the upcoming A-League Women season.

Griffith joins the Newcastle Jets from the National Women’s Soccer League side and can play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or striker.

Newcastle Jets head coach Ash Wilson is pleased to have secured Griffith and is excited about what the American can bring to the Jets.

“I’m excited for Sarah to be finally joining our squad. She is coming to us from Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL where she played in her rookie season after a successful College campaign with Purdue University. Her attitude, work ethic, and quality with the ball were key aspects we looked at when deciding she was someone we really wanted to bring into our environment.

“Sarah is a player who is hard-working, versatile, and has a capacity to score goals. She has great drive and motivation and I know she is going to bring a lot to the team both on and off the pitch with her mentality, resilience, and character and I am looking forward to working with her.”

Griffith is looking forward to the season ahead with the Jets, saying: “I am super excited and honoured to be a Newcastle Jet for this upcoming season. Having met the girls and staff already, I can tell how unified and welcoming this group is. I am excited to get to work and give everything I have for this club.”

Magnificent Seven From Dons As QPR Downed

Queen’s Park Rangers 1-7 AFC Wimbledon

by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon Women

Above: AFC Wimbledon (red) get in another shot on goal in their FA Cup tie at QPR yesterday. Photo: Glyn Roberts.

AFC Wimbledon marched into the first round proper of the FA Cup with an emphatic win at Hanwell Town FC against Queen’s Park Rangers on Sunday.

Ashlee Hincks led the charge with a hat-trick in the 7-1 victory with the other goals coming from Billie Brooks, Ellie Dorey, Emily Donovan, and Gloria Siber.

On paper this had looked to be a tough tie for Wimbledon with QPR the only team to defeat them all season in the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East. But, determined to put this right, The Dons got off to the perfect start when Brooks headed home from close range with less than 10 minutes on the clock and Ashlee Hincks doubled the advantage with a long-range stunner.

With Wimbledon continuing to dominate, it was all looking so good, but a setback followed when goalkeeper Lauren Allen suffered an ankle injury and had to be replaced. Faye Baker came on and was forced into a good save to ensure that the Dons went into the break two goals up.

The second half was one of total dominance for Wimbledon and Ellie Dorey struck the third goal 10 minutes after the break. With an hour gone, Gloria Siber replaced Impetus sponsored Mia Lockett for her first appearance of the season after returning from international duty and she made an instant impact by winning a penalty, which was converted by Hincks.

Emily Donovan slotted home to make it five after a brilliant run and pass from Siber, before Hincks completed her hat-trick, and Siber got in on the act herself to complete the scoring.

There was a late consolation goal for QPR from Blodgett, but that failed to sour a superb display that earned a trip to Selsey FC in the first round on 13 November.

Speaking after the game, a delighted Dons coach Andy May said: “The performance was really pleasing. We spoke about what we expected from the players, working on a few patterns of play and a style of football, which was implemented really well on Sunday.

Before then, the Dons are back at Carshalton Athletic with an FAWNL Cup tie on Sunday 6th November at home to Watford, who were a tier two Championship side last season. Kick-off is 2pm.

Teams: QUEEN’S PARK RANGERS: McLean, Leys, Serle, Jordinson, Grieve, Gunn, Blodgett, Hennessey, Petit, Hall, Moore. Substitutes: Curr, Parsons, Bishop, Pope.

Scorer: Blodgett 90′.

AFC WIMBLEDON: Allen (Baker), Sampson, Brooks, Highman, Billingham, Mann, Donovan, Bath (Taylor), Lockett (Siber), Hincks, Dorey.

Scorers: Brooks 7′. Hincks 17′, (pen) 71′, 89′, Dorey 56′, Donovan 87′, Siber 90′.

Portland Thorns Down Current To Win NWSL Championship

by Blaise Ogutu (31/10/22).

Above: Portland Thorns players lift the championship trophy in DC. Photo: @ThornsFC/Twitter.

An easy 2-0 win over the Kansas City Current gave the Portland Thorns the NWSL Championship at Audi Field in Washington DC on Saturday night. It was Kansas’ first trip to the championship final as the relatively newly-revamped Current but their exploits were not enough to win the ultimate prize.

The league’s M.V.P Sophia Smith put Portland ahead only four minutes into the game with her 15th goal of the season. Pouncing onto a long pass from Yazmeen Ryan in midfield, Smith found herself one on one with Adrianna Franch before rounding her to easily slot into the net.

The game gradually drifted into Portland’s hand and Smith again had a sight at goal in the 26th minute. She dribbled well into Current’s box while taking on defenders and her attempt to curl a shot could only go wide.

Kate Del Fava could have leveled matters in the 33rd minute but her header following a quick freekick did not dip in time to trouble Bella Bixby in Thorns’ goal. The teams went into the break with a single goal between them.

In the second half, Portland dictated play for large swathes of the game as they stifled every Kansas City attack. The Thorns doubled their advantage 11 minutes into the second half through an own goal by Addisyn Merrick.

**Above:** Sophia Smith celebrates after opening the scores against Kansas City Current. **Photo:** @ThornsFC/Twitter.

After failing to track Ryan’s run down the right flank, Portland’s winger drove in a sharp cross and a moment of miscommunication by Merrick and Franch led to the ball ricocheting off Merrick and trickling ever slowly across the goal line.

Morgan Weaver could have made it 3-0 two minutes later with a left-foot shot. Finding herself unmarked, Weaver tried to bend one past Franch but her effort was pushed onto the crossbar and over by the slightest of touches.

French was again called to action in the 71st minute to deny Hina Sugita from adding a third. The Japanese midfielder was again left unattended and she took the opportunity to test Franch and the shot-stopper met the shot with equal zeal and kept the scores respectable.

Portland would see off the game in the remaining minutes as the wind was blown out of Current’s sails securing their third NWSL Championship after a tumultuous year off the pitch for the north-western side.

Scottish Weekend Review

31/10/22

Above: Ayr United celebrate Rachel Scott’s goal at Westdyke which put them 2-0 up. Photo: Jill Runcie / Sportpix.

Championship cup holders Dryburgh Athletic have been knocked out by league rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle in their home quarter-final as part of a dramatic weekend of cup ties across Scottish Women’s Football.

A goal from Caley Thistle favourite Natalie Bodiam and a Dryburgh own goal secured a place in the semi-finals for the Highlanders.

However, it was reverse fortunes for the two clubs in the youth cups. Inverness Caledonian Thistle saw their U18s side miss out on the final of the Scottish Youth Challenge Cup, narrowly losing 2-1 to Drumchapel Utd at the Oriam.

Drumchapel will face Musselburgh Windsor 18s in the final, who had beaten Dumbarton Utd 6-2 earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, Dryburgh can take consolation from their 14s side, who had reached the final of their age group’s Scottish Youth Challenge Cup on Saturday. The Dundee Girls will now face Glasgow City Pink in the final, while the 16s final will be contested by Giffnock SC and Penicuik after they beat Glasgow Girls and Central Girls respectively at the Oriam.

SWF League One leaders FC Edinburgh join Caley Thistle in the Championship and League One Cup semi-finals after beating Grampian Ladies 3-0 in the northeast, while their league rivals Westdyke suffered their first defeat of the season at home at the hands of Championship side Ayr United to conclude a hat-trick of away victories in the cup.

The remaining semi-finalist will be decided on Tuesday night, when a thrilling tie between the current top two in the SWF Championship – Livingston and Rossvale – will take place under the Tony Macaroni Stadium floodlights. The game kicks off at 7:45pm.

In the only SWF League One fixture of the weekend, BSC Glasgow beat Dundee West 3-1 at home to climb to seventh in the table.

Chelsea v Aston Villa Photo Gallery

Justine Burch was pitchside at Kingsmeadow for Impetus yesterday to capture all the best action EXCLUSIVELY as Chelsea hosted Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League (31/10/22).

Above: Joyous scenes as Sam Kerr, Lauren James, and Pernille Harder celebrate. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.

**Above:** The Chelsea starting team line-up before kick-off. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Guro Reiten dances along the wing. Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Millie Bright looks to get away along the flank.Photo: Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** All eyes on the incoming set-piece. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Erin Cuthbert looks to get away. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Magda Eriksson crosses. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Pernille Harder joins Lauren James’ celebrations. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** And celebrations start. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Pernille Harder looks to get forward. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Sophie Ingle and Lauren James celebrate. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Celebrations. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** More joy for Lauren James. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Lauren James looks to get a shot away. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Sam Kerr shows her joy. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Sam Kerr gets away. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Sam Kerr shoots. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Happy days for Sam Kerr. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Eyes of the predator. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Guro Reiten looks to escape. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Guro Reiten attacks in front of a packed West Stand at Kingsmeadow. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

**Above:** Johanna Rytting Kaneryd powers forward. **Photo:** Justine Burch for *Impetus*.

Nix ALW Stars In NZ Squad As Ferns Return Home At Last

From Wellington Phoenix (31/10/22)

Above: The Football Ferns are heading home to play internationals for the first time in four years. Photo: Friends of Football.

Five Wellington Phoenix players have been named in the New Zealand squad for the two homecoming internationals against South Korea during the November international window.

Betsy Hassett, Paige Satchell, Kate Taylor, and Mackenzie Barry have kept their places in the 24-strong national squad, while Junior Football Ferns midfielder Grace Wisnewski has been selected for the first time.

Wisnewski was an integral member of the Phoenix women’s side in their inaugural season, playing the full 90 minutes in each of the 11 matches she started.

She missed three games for mental health reasons, cutting short her stay in Wollongong to return to New Zealand when the borders opened.

Wisnewski returned to football after a mental health break and started all three of the Junior Football Ferns’ group matches at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica in August, scoring their opening goal of the tournament against Mexico.

“Grace has been a consistent performer in the A-League and at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. I always saw her as an aggressive defender, but in the World Cup environment she also showed how dangerous she is going forward, especially against Colombia,” Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimková said.

“I also want to commend Grace on her bravery in talking about her challenges at the end of the A-League season.

**Above:** Wellington Phoenix young star Grace Wisnewski has received her first call up to the senior Football Ferns Squad. **Photo:** Wellington Phoenix.

“After taking a few months out before the World Cup in Costa Rica she has come back so much stronger, and can be a great role model for other young players coming through.”

Off-season recruits Hassett and Satchell have been first-choice players since Klimková took charge and both started the recent friendly against Japan.

Hassett is the country’s fourth most-capped international footballer, with the midfielder having represented New Zealand at three Olympic Games and the last three FIFA Women’s World Cups.

Pacy forward Satchell has played more than 30 times for the Ferns and has established herself in Klimková’s starting XI over the past year.

Taylor and Barry both broke into the national squad this year after being mainstays at the heart of the Phoenix defence in the 2021-22 A-League Women.

Taylor made her Football Ferns debut against Norway in June before going on to lead the Junior Football Ferns at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Costa Rica. Barry had to wait to make her senior bow, but did so against Japan earlier this month.

The two matches against South Korea are the Ferns’ first in Aotearoa in four years.

Both internationals are in Christchurch, with the first on Saturday, November 12, and the second three days later on Tuesday night.

Nobbs Rocket Propells Arsenal To WSL Record

Arsenal 3-1 West Ham United

by Ben Gilby at Meadow Park (31/10/22)

Above: Stina Blackstenius runs away in celebration after putting Arsenal 2-1 up last night. Photo: Arsenal Women.

Arsenal came from behind to claim victory over West Ham United in front of almost 4,000 fans at Meadow Park, in doing so breaking the record for consecutive WSL wins.

This victory, the Gunners’ 13th league win in a row, came despite the Hammers offering stubborn and impressive opposition, particularly in the first half, which saw their captain, Icelandic international Dagny Brynjarsdottir put in an outstanding shift.

After her goalscoring return to action in the club’s midweek win over FC Zurich in the Champions League, Jordan Nobbs was on the bench, joined by the likes of Vivianne Miedema, Jen Beattie, Lina Hurtig, and Mana Iwabuchi. Long gone are the days when the Gunners relied on teenagers to fill their quota of substitutes.

Arsenal started by maximising possession, looking to build patiently from the back. That ploy had its first reward as Stina Blackstenius cut along the left only for Grace Fisk to head clear. Fisk was in action at the other end linking with captain Brynjarsdottir who angled a powerful header that Gunners keeper Manuela Zinsberger gathered at the second attempt.

**Above:** Caitlin Foord, seen here in action against Brighton and Hove Albion, had an influential opening to last night’s game. **Photo:** Arsenal Women.

The task of trying to rein in Caitlin Foord, arguably in the club form of her life, was given to Lisa Evans, but the Matildas star had the freedom to drift across the centre and out to the left, pulling the Hammers’ attacker around with her at will in the early exchanges. To make a difficult experience for Evans worse, Foord’s pace left the Scot struggling in this spell.

Arsenal turned up the pressure with 13 minutes on the clock as Beth Mead and Frida Maanum combined with menace to earn a corner which Wubben-Moy headed goalwards but the visitors cleared. Maanum advanced once more shortly afterwards and forced the Hammers into a sliced clearance at the cost of another corner.

The visitors looked to respond and after a move starting on their left, Evans fired a powerful effort which did not bother Zinsberger, but it was enough to remind the home side that the EastEnders posed a threat.

Five minutes later and, after a corner from the right, Brynjarsdottir rocketed a header into the net, only for her effort to be ruled out for a foul as she made contact with the ball. It was yet another warning sign for Arsenal that despite all their possession, West Ham’s efforts were giving them a serious foothold in this game. Their ability to play quick balls across the Gunners’ 18-yard area and looking to make incisions into the box were causing problems at the back for the hosts.

**Above:** West Ham United celebrate Dagny Brynjarsdottir’s goal as in the background Arsenal rue their indecision in the build-up.
**Photo:** Barclays Women’s Super League.

With 34 minutes played, West Ham earned their reward. Viviane Asseyi played a ball through towards Brynjarsdottir which Steph Catley angled back towards her own goalkeeper. As Brynjarsdottir honed in on the ball, Zinsberger didn’t know whether to stick or twist, and the outcome was a slow agony for Arsenal as the ball rolled gradually towards the goal only to hit the post, with Brynjarsdottir getting the last touch as it was redirected over the line. Both she and her side deserved it for their respective efforts. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded in almost 15 and three-quarter hours of WSL football.

The Gunners tried to respond, and with Asseyi out of the action on the right flank, Mead broke through. As she did so, Kim Little went down. Mead advanced and powered an effort in which earned a corner. Little was forced from the pitch, bringing a return to action for Nobbs with five minutes remaining of the half.

With the hosts earning back-to-back corners, they levelled the scores as the ball made its way to Nobbs on the edge of the box to fire an absolute rocket to mark her arrival in style.

**Above:** Jordan Nobbs shows her glee after hitting a superb equaliser. **Photo:** Barclays Women’s Super League.

The Gunners ended the first half on the front foot, but West Ham deserved parity for their superb work-ethic and stubborn probing of the home side.

Arsenal created the second period’s first opportunity within six minutes of the re-start as Blackstenius found Foord out on the left, but the Australian’s shot hit the side netting as Hammers keeper Sophie Hillyard cut down the angle.

The momentum remained with the hosts, and within two minutes, Arsenal were ahead as Steph Catley curled in a free-kick for Blackstenius to head home.

West Ham found it hard to respond from an attacking prospect as the match developed into a battle for control of the midfield. However, they had worked hard to counter the threat of Foord with Risa Shimizu backing up Evans in containing the Matildas star’s threat.

This move did have a major negative though in allowing for space for Katie McCabe on the left, and the Irish international had an ever-increasing influence on the match as it entered its last half-hour.

Shots on target were rare in this period, with the sole opportunity coming from Mead who worked her way onto the left-hand side of the box and fired a powerful effort across goal which Hillyerd got a hand to in order to direct away for a corner.

McCabe was revelling in the space afforded her on the left and she got away to deliver a pinpoint cross for Maanum to head in Arsenal’s third with 20 minutes remaining.

**Above:** Katie McCabe (top) who played a major role in Arsenal’s second-half performance. **Photo:** RTE.

Buoyed by this, Arsenal flicked the switch and played their most fluent football of the evening. Whilst Eidevall rang the changes, mindful of players’ minutes after two successive midweek Champions League games, it did not lessen his side’s intensity. It merely set West Ham another puzzle.

Hurtig and Miedema were in tune from the moment they entered the field with the Swede looking in full penalty box predator mode. Arsenal were quicker and more incisive, and the Hammers were hanging on for dear life in the final 10 minutes.

Miedema laid off a ball to Nobbs who, in almost a repeat of her stunning strike before the break, crashed in a shot that Hillyerd repelled.

West Ham earned a rare chance in stoppage time when Brynjarsdottir hit a powerful effort that needed Zinsberger to push away to the right for a corner.

There was still time for one last Arsenal effort as Maanum combined with Hurtig to force Hillyerd into a save.

Whilst it took Arsenal some time to get up to full speed in this encounter against dogged opposition, this was another impressive win from Eidevall’s team. To come through successive weeks of WSL and Champions League football and still win games comfortably is no mean feat.

They look the real deal this season. At their best, the Gunners can move the ball around and offer movement off the ball that is at a level virtually almost unequalled in the WSL. Arsenal might be second at present, but with current leaders Manchester United their next home opposition, we will soon see just how good the Gunners are.

Teams: ARSENAL: Zinsberger, Maritz, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe, Little, Walti, Maanum, Mead, Blackstenius, Foord. Substitutes: Marckese (GK), Beattie, Nobbs, Miedema, Hurtig, Iwabuchi, Weinroither, Agyemang, Reid.

Scorers: Nobbs 42′, Blackstenius 53, Maanun 70′.

WEST HAM UNITED: Hillyerd, Shimzu, Stringer, Fisk, Smith, Brynjarsdottir, Longhurst, Hayashi, Kyvag. Substitutes: Filis, Walker, Atkinson, Flannery, Houssein.

Scorers: Brynjarsdottir 35′.

Referee: Abi Byrne.

Attendance: 3,998.

Carla Ward: Villa Can Take Confidence Into Chelsea Clash

Impetus’ Nathan Edwards was in Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward‘s media conference ahead of today’s visit to Chelsea (30/10/22).

Above: Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward is in a buoyant mood ahead of today’s trip to Kingsmeadow. Photo: Aston Villa Women.

Carla Ward believes Aston Villa “are playing some of the best football she has seen from this group” as they sit seventh going in their Women’s Super League game against Chelsea.

Despite back-to-back defeats against Everton in the space of a week, in the WSL and Conti Cup, Ward doesn’t want her players to get too down on past results. The Villa coach said, “They (Chelsea) are a good side, but so are we and that’s what I told them this morning, and we can take a lot of confidence from the position we are in.

“The pressure will not be on us. Everyone will expect Chelsea to win the game, so we will go there and be competitive. We are playing a top, top side. We have to make sure we can compete and cause them some problems.

“We need to remind the players that we did that against Manchester City, and I know they are at different stages. We are up against one of the best teams in the country, so we have to enjoy going up against these players and these staff, to show what we are about.”

Throughout their losses to the Toffees and against West Ham United, Villa have struggled to find the cutting edge to convert chances, with their penalty shootout defeat on Wednesday a prime example.

“We have dominated our games this season, we have dominated chances and had more final third crosses than any team in the WSL. We are showing we aren’t a little club, but a team that is playing with purpose this year and I think we have shown that.”
Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward on why her side should be confident going to Chelsea.

“If anyone watched Wednesday night, we could have been up 4-0 up by halftime, which was frustrating.”

But despite the strong start, which included that win against Manchester City, Ward is expecting an even more difficult task at Kingsmeadow.

“We know we will be without the ball for large parts of the game and it will be a different test, and manage the moments when we don’t have the ball.”

The game also sees Hannah Hampton available, but after the performances that Anna Leat has put in whilst Hampton has been injured, Ward has got a difficult decision to make.

Ward said “Leat has been outstanding. There has been a lot of talk about when Hannah (Hampton) is coming back, but I think that is highly disrespectful to Leat. We now have two exceptional keepers, that are pushing each other every day and we know we can rely on them, but they will have to fight it out.”

To hear the Chelsea opinion on the match, Nathan Edwards was in Blues General Manager Paul Green’s media conference – click here to read the article: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/10/28/chelsea-know-how-tough-villa-are/