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NWSL Semi-Final Round-Up

by Blaise Ogutu (25/10/22).

Above: Portland Thorns players celebrate Crystal Dunn’s last-minute winner against the San Diego Wave. Photo: @ThornsFC.

Crystal Dunn’s 92nd-minute rocket sealed a win for the Portland Thorns at Providence Park as they came from behind to beat the San Diego Wave and in the process, secure their Championship final spot.

San Diego broke the deadlock in the 9th minute through Taylor Kornieck. The tall midfielder was in the right position to nod in Alex Morgan’s well-angled cross from the right flank.

The Thorns had their work cut out for them and piled the pressure on Wave’s defense. They got their reward 21 minutes in when Raquel Rodriguez fired in a shot from the edge of the area to restore parity. Portland’s pressure yielded a corner and San Diego were unable to clear their lines and the ball fell kindly for the Costa Rican to rifle the volley onto the roof of the net.

Both teams ended the half with good chances to grab the lead. Sophia Smith on a counter-attack couldn’t sort out her feet fast enough off a pass from Morgan Weaver which led to Kailen Sheridan easily smothering the chance. Bella Bixby was forced into a reaction save to deny Kornieck’s half-volley close range in stoppage time of the first half meaning they had to go into the changing rooms at the break level.

The second half was dominated by Portland having the lion’s share of possession but Wave’s defence, marshalled by Naomi Girma was up to the task. The Thorns had a couple of pops at Sheridan but none of them came close to beating the Canadian.

Casey Stoney’s side conceded ground which allowed Portland numerous chances to grab the winner in a tense match. The final 20 minutes of the match saw chances falling for both Weaver and Smith, but neither could ripple the net.

Second half substitute Crystal Dunn was the hero however with a minute of injury time remaining. Rhian Wilkinson’s charges earned a corner from their pressure and Wave couldn’t get rid of danger convincingly and for the second time in the game, the ball landed on a Portland player. Dunn made no mistake in finding the net in spectacular fashion sending over 20,000 home fans into pandemonium and handing her side the first play-off win since 2018.

**Above:** Kansas City Current players after the final whistle in their win against OL Reign. **Photo:** @thekccurrent.

Meanwhile, in Seattle, Kansas City Current ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against regular season shield-winners OL Reign at Lumen Field to book a ticket into the final.

OL Reign went down in the opening five minutes when Alexis Loera poked home for Kansas City. Lo’eau LaBonta and Cece Kizer combined well inside the box and Kizer’s initial shot was blocked but Reign couldn’t sort themselves out and Loera popped up in the box to put her chance away below Phallon Tullis-Joyce in goal.

Jordyn Huitema had a good chance to draw OL Reign level in the 31st minute with her header but Adrianna Franch made herself big enough to deny the Canadian. Jess Fishlock also came close twice within a minute when she rattled the crossbar with a fierce shot and when a second chance came from a corner, she wrapped her foot around the ball with a smart volley but it was straight down Franch’s throat for a comfortable save.

The Current doubled their lead just after the hour mark when a long ball from the back was not dealt with sufficiently by Sam Hiatt and Kristen Hamilton pounced on the loose ball. Running into space vacated by two defenders, Hamilton pulled her shot wide enough away from Tullis-Joyce to make it 2-0.

Reign had to find a way back and thought they had pulled one back when Huitema saw another header not go in as Loera cleared off the line emphatically in the 73rd minute.

Laura Harvey’s side attacks eventually fizzled out as Matt Potter and his team put on a defensive clinic to see out the remainder of the game condemning Reign to another play-off loss and securing their first final as Kansas City Current.

Portland Thorns and Kansas City Current will face off at the Audi Field in Washington DC on Saturday October 29th.

Chelsea Welcome Back Kirby As European Adventure Continues

Impetus’ Ben Gilby was in Chelsea’s media conference this afternoon as captain Magda Eriksson and General Manager Paul Green looked ahead to tomorrow’s Champions League tie against Albanian side Vllaznia at Kingsmeadow (25/10/22).

Above: Chelsea star Fran Kirby looks set to play some part in tomorrow night’s Champions League tie with Vllaznia at Kingsmeadow. Photo: Harriet Lander.

Chelsea General Manager Paul Green has confirmed that Lionesses star Fran Kirby is a strong contender to play a part in the Blues’ Champions League game with Vllaznia at Kingsmeadow tomorrow night.

Speaking to the media this afternoon, Green said: “Things are looking good. Fran Kirby has come back into the squad. She’s been in training the last couple of days and will be an addition to the squad. Fran is a quality player and to have her back for tomorrow night is a big boost.”

Whilst Kirby’s return will be met with joy from the fans, the news was less positive on Serbian midfielder Jelena Čanković, as the club General Manager admitted that “her injury hasn’t settled down as we would have hoped.”

Turning attention to the task at hand tomorrow, whilst Vllaznia may be an unknown quality to many, Green is more than aware that they showed more than enough quality against Real Madrid in last week’s group game to prove they will be stubborn opponents at Kingsmeadow.

“They will be very well organised, very structured defensively. They did very well against Real Madrid last week. It was only two late goals that got Madrid the win, they were very difficult to break down. We are expecting them to come to Kingsmeadow with a similar tactical approach to the game.”
Paul Green, Chelsea General Manager on what he expects from Vllaznia.

“They have a mixture of Albanian internationals and American players as well. They did well in their league last year and are doing so again this year, but we know that if we perform, we are good enough to get the result that we all want.”

“They are in the competition for the first time in their club’s history, so it’s a massive achievement for them to play against some of the best teams in Europe. They will be playing with a lot of freedom, there is not much expectation for them to get out of the group. We need to build on last week’s win at PSG, it’s important for us to go to six points from six in the group.

“We have to look for a fast start, but it’s all about patience and follow the same process with good ball speed to open them up.

“We have to be at our best to break down their low block. We have the players to do it but have to perform at our best level to break down the block and get the goals. If we all perform at our highest level we can get the win we need to build on last week, otherwise going to PSG, getting the win, and not following it up with the bread-and-butter home game against the lowest-ranked team in the group would put us back to the drawing board.”

**Above:** Albanian champions Vllaznia proved to be stubborn opposition for Real Madrid last week, and Paul Green is not expecting it to be any different tomorrow night at Kingsmeadow. **Photo:** UEFA.

Whilst some teams may become frustrated by the sort of defensive approach that the Albanian side are likely to set up tomorrow night, Green doesn’t see it being an issue for Chelsea, saying: “Unless we are playing the top teams in the WSL, we are coming against 5-4-1 or 4-4-1-1 all the time. We have to be patient.”

Green provided an update on Ann-Katrin Berger’s health situation after the news recently that her thyroid cancer had returned by saying: “Ann is fit and healthy. She has kept a couple of clean sheets. The way she has handled herself over this period in such difficult circumstances is a real credit to her.

“She is immensely tough and is a real inspiration to all her teammates as someone to look up to. We’re delighted to her coming back on the pitch and she has showed that with her performances.”

Finally, the Blues General manager detailed the latest situation surrounding Emma Hayes’ recovery from major surgery by saying: “Emma is making good progress. We’re in full dialogue on a daily basis. I’m sure she is itching to get back and is probably suffering cabin fever after being homebound for so long.

“She’ll be back before long, but it has to be right for her. The timing will be crucial as her health is the most important thing. There is still no timeline, but I’m sure she’ll be asking her doctors for the green light to come back as soon as she can.

**Above:** Magda Eriksson – Chelsea’s captain spoke of the contrasting fortunes that her side have experienced in the Champions League over the past two seasons and how they can build on it to have a successful 2022/23 campaign. **Photo:** @MagdaEricsson Twitter.

Chelsea captain Magda Eriksson began her section of the media conference by reflecting on last week’s superb win away to Paris St. Germain to open their Champions League campaign.

“It was a very tough first game. All we really wanted to get was the three points to prove ourselves, considering last year when we had a tough group and a tough start. We nullified their attacking threats and were clinical going forward. Tomorrow we just want to keep the momentum going. That’s all we are focussed on.”

The Blues’ recent Champions League campaigns have had major ups and downs as the team went from being runners-up in 2021 to failing to navigate the group stage last season. Eriksson highlighted the lessons that have been learned from those contrasting experiences.

“Reaching the Final we learned that we have it within us to go all the way. We know we have the quality to get there. Last year, we discovered the difficulties that come with the group stage where it is six games, a very hectic schedule, and focusing on getting everything right. I’m just glad we got off to a good start with three points in a tough game last week (away to Paris St. Germain).

“Getting those three points was massive, it was a really big win (in the context of the group outcome) and we are really pleased for that. Being Chelsea and having the quality we have, we always put pressure on ourselves to win every single game we play in every single tournament.”

The Swedish international star pointed out that whilst the benefits of Chelsea’s strength in depth are well recognised, what is perhaps not so often highlighted is the benefits that come from having players from so many different players in the squad.

“We have so many different nationalities, players who have played in many different leagues, so we share that knowledge among each other. When we played PSG last week, there were so many of us who had played them before, or played in France. You know you can go and ask these players for information and details.
Magda Eriksson, Chelsea captain, on the benefits of having so many top overseas players in the squad.

Chelsea’s superb win in Paris last week was one of a pair of eye-catching successes for WSL sides in France after Arsenal’s stunning demolition of European Champions Olympique Lyonnais. For Eriksson, it is proof that the standards ot the English domestic game and the importance of having big squads is finally making itself felt in the continent’s top club competition.

“It is good for the league that the English teams are doing well in Europe. It means we have a very competitive league. Every game we play is tough. Those things show their result in Europe eventually. We have big squads because we have to (with all the competitions we have to play in here). Things are moving in the right direction and we look strong.”

Canberra Re-Sign Middleton & Sydney Announce First Venue

25/10/22

Above: Chloe Middleton in action for Canberra United last season. Photo: Illawarra Mercury.

Canberra United today announced that they have re-signed midfielder Chloe Middleton for a second season in green.

Middleton made her debut for the Capital City side in the opening game of last season at home to Melbourne City, and went on to make fourteen appearances during the year, starting eight matches. The midfielder netted her first career A-League goal during Canberra’s 5-0 win over her former club Western Sydney Wanderers.

Speaking about the news, Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich said:“We are pleased that Chloe has agreed to join us for a second season in the Liberty A-League. Chloe enjoyed a good first season with the club, providing excellent cover in the centre of midfield as well as showing versatility to play elsewhere when required. She has a positive attitude and is eager to learn and we are looking forward to working with her throughout the year.”

The midfielder was equally pleased to be pulling on a green shirt for a second season: “I am delighted to be able to sign for Canberra United for a second season and am very much looking forward to joining up with the group again,” Middleton said of the announcement.

“I loved my first season with the club. It’s a fantastic place to be and we have some of, if not the best supporters in the league. They always get behind us and make playing at home such an occasion.

“We have a tremendous set of players here and I have really enjoyed playing for Canberra, exploring the City, and seeing what it has to offer. It’s a brilliant environment to learn in and I am excited to get going.”

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

**Above:** Sydney FC lift the Premier’s Plate last season. Their Grand Final rematch with Melbourne Victory on the opening day of the season will take place at Manly United FC. **Photo provided by:** Sydney FC.

Sydney FC‘s opening home match of the A-League Women season – a Grand Final replay against Melbourne Victory – will take place in front of a bumper crowd at Manly United’s Cromer Park on Saturday 26th November at 3pm.

The game pits the Sky Blues as reigning Premiers against the Champions in a repeat of the fixture where Ante Juric’s team secured the Premiers Plate in 2021.

Fans on Sydney’s Northern Beaches have regularly turned out in large numbers and produced an equally large amount of noise to support the Sky Blues Women’s squad and another good turn out is expected at Cromer Park for the first match of the season.

Head Coach Ante Juric said: “We’ve always been extremely well supported when we play in Manly and I expect this will be no different for the home season opener. It’s a massive match and one in which we are determined to put on a show for the big crowd. There are a huge number of families in the area and a great interest in football so it will be nice to see a sell out for the game.”

In other fixtures news, Sydney FC’s Christmas Eve Sydney Derby clash with Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League Women will kick off at 2.20pm AEDT, ahead of the men’s match with Macarthur FC at 5pm in an Allianz Stadium doubleheader.

Meanwhile, Sydney’s New Year’s Eve A-League Women’s match away to Brisbane Roar has been scheduled for AJ Kelly Park at 3pm AEDT.

Laura Blindkilde: Villa’s Newest Star

Impetus’ Nathan Edwards was in the pressbox for us at the Bescot Stadium to watch Aston Villa take on Everton in the Barclays Women’s Super League. He saw firsthand the super talent of Laura Blindkilde – one of the country’s top teenage talents (24/10/22).

Above: Laura Blindkilde – Aston Villa’s young gun. Photo: Aston Villa Women.

Ahead of Aston Villa’s opening game of the season, boss Carla Ward revealed that there was a player that wasn’t a consideration to start, against Manchester City, at the beginning of the week, but come the day before they played, she had done “sensationally well” and had forced her manager into a decision.

Ward kept the name sealed, as her side went on to stun Women’s Super League giants Manchester City and in her catch-up with the media, a week later, she did bare the name. That player was Laura Blindkilde.

Above: Striding purposefully forward – Laura Blindkilde. Photo: Aston Villa Women.

And this isn’t the first time the 19-year-old has had to fight her way to the top, as her footballing dream nearly came to an abrupt end. Blindkilde was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, a condition that causes sudden, faster heartbeats.

But after keyhole surgery, and not having a pacemaker fitted, Blindkilde has quickly put that past her and has gone from strength to strength starting every WSL game this season for the Villans, and featuring heavily for England’s under 19s.

Playing Style:

During Villa’s loss against Everton on Saturday, you could see Blindkilde’s talent. The Villa youngster played just behind Rachel Daly in a midfielder three, which allowed her to utilise her strengths. Blindkilde is an intelligent and creative midfielder who often picks up the ball in all areas of the attacking third, with the aim to find a killer pass or a shooting position.

And throughout the game, she found positions to do both. In the eighth minute, the midfielder had the best chance for her side. Blindkilde sneaked into the box unmarked to meet Kirsty Hanson’s low cross but flashed her effort off the post.

Above: Villa’s youngster has a big future ahead of her. Photo: Aston Villa Women.

That passage of play highlighted both her ability and areas to improve. As a midfielder late runs into the box add a different threat to Villa’s attack, which is something Blindkilde will only get better at, but once in that position, she lacks the lethal instinct to really make it count.

The former Birmingham player is yet to score in the WSL for Villa, but at only 19 she has shown the foundations that could make her a vital player for Ward’s side.

Although more of an attacking midfielder, her most significant improvements, which have come from her rise to the first team, are her tactical and off-the-ball traits. With her playing against better players and stronger squads, as seen this season against Manchester City, she has been tasked with a lot more defensive responsibility which she has managed well, reading people’s movements and tracking a run, that she is often wanting to make when Villa attack, has only made her a more well-rounded player.

Next Steps:

Above: Laura Blindkilde in action for Aston Villa against Leicester City last season. Photo: Shutterstock.

It is only the start of what looks to be a promising career for young Blindkilde, and she is at a great club to help her continuously improve.

Blindkilde is one of many youth products that Ward is trusting this season, and with players such as Daly and Kenza Dali, the midfielder is able to learn how to compete at the top level and can look to them during difficult periods in the season, first-hand.

It is a healthy environment at Villa, and with the strong start the Villans have made with her in the team it looks to be a breakout season for the England star, both international and at the domestic level.

Red Hot Arsenal Extend Winning Run At Liverpool

Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal

by Shannon Cookson at Prenton Park for Impetus (24/10/22)

Above: Friida Maanum hits Arsenal’s second goal at Prenton Park yesterday. Photo: Arsenal WFC.

Arsenal went top of the Barclays Women’s Super League table thanks to goals from Lia Walti and Frida Maanum in front of Liverpool’s biggest-ever crowd at Prenton Park.

This success was Arsenal’s 12th successive WSL victory – equalling the all-time record, and the North London side went ahead with just 16 minutes played as Walti found the back of the net from a corner kick. Liverpool had failed to clear the set piece which allowed the Swiss international to strike from inside the box.

**Above:** Arsenal celebrate Lia Walti’s opening goal. **Photo:** Arsenal WFC.

Six minutes later, the Gunners doubled their lead as Matildas star Caitlin Foord fed Maanum who dispatched the ball into the net.

Liverpool found chances hard to come by, which was emphasised by the events of the 37^th minute, The Reds gained a half chance from a quick freekick. The Arsenal defenders panicked, and it was headed out for a corner which was taken by Hinds, but visiting keeper Manuela Zinsberger comfortably gathered.

Just before the break, it could have been three. Niamh Fahey made initially made a great challenge but possession was picked up by Kim Little, but his misplaced effort saw the ball fly over the top.

**Above:** A battle for possession as Liverpool took on Arsenal yesterday. **Photo:** Liverpool Women.

Liverpool had a penalty shout soon after as Foord miskicked the ball with the consequence that it hit her hand in the penalty area. Referee Anthony Backhouse was unmoved.

Home keeper Rachael Laws made some fantastic saves during the match as the visitors could have easily increased their lead.

One such effort from Laws came after Maanum played the ball out to Foord who fed Stina Blackstenius but the Swede’s chance to increase the visitor’s advantage was denied.

**Above:** Yana Daniels in possession for Liverpool against Arsenal. **Photo:** Liverpool Women.

With just over 15 minutes remaining, Laws kept her side in the game once more as Beth Mead fed Foord who was denied by the home custodian who made herself big to prevent the Australian from scoring.

Liverpool were not without chances. They earned a free kick with a foul on Taylor Hinds. Ceri Holland took the freekick, and found Melissa Lawley who fired over the top. Megan Campbell fed Hinds from a short throw, but Arsenal defended well. Steph Catley also saved her side with a clearance from near the line as the Reds pressed the Gunners.

With four minutes remaining the hosts had one final chance to get on the scoresheet as Missy Bo Kearns found Katie Stengel who just misplaced the ball.

This was a routine win in the end for Arsenal, and all the more impressive as it comes just days after their trip to European champions Olympique Lyonnais. It has been quite a week for Jonas Eidevall’s team. For Liverpool, their season will not be defined by their matches against the big three. Matt Beard has his team set up well and the Reds will be confident of finishing well clear of the drop zone.

Teams: LIVERPOOL (3-4-3): Laws, Flaherty, Fahey, Campbell, Koivisto, Matthews, Holland, Hinds, Daniels, Stengel, Lawley. Substitutes: Robe, Roberts, Kearns, Furness.

ARSENAL (3-4-3): Zinsberger, McCabe, Catley, Wubben-Moy, Wienroither, Maanum, Walti, Little, Foord, Blackstenius, Mead. Substitutes: Beattie, Nobbs, Miedema, Maritz, Iwabuchi.

Scorers: Walti 16’, Maanum 23’.

Attendance: 3,348.

Referee: Anthony Backhouse.

Scottish Weekend Review

All the action from the third and fourth tiers of the Scottish women’s game (24/10/22).

Above: Emma McFadyen celebrates Hutchinson Vale’s seventh goal against Morton yesterday. Photo: Ger Harley/Sportpix

Livingston won comfortably against Ayr United to stay top of the Scottish Women’s Championship, while rivals Renfrew were held to a goalless draw in the Highlands by Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

A double from recent signing Erin Burns and a goal apiece from strike duo Ashley Fish and Jennifer Dodds secured the win for Livingston at Ayr United, after Rachel Scott scored her ninth league goal of the season for the hosts.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle enjoyed good possession against Renfrew Ladies at home, but the visitors looked like taking all the points when a free kick from the centre circle dropped into the net, only for the ref to call for a retake as an injured player was still leaving the field when the ball was kicked. At the other end, Kayleigh Mackenzie saw several chances in the final stages but failed to make the breakthrough.

**Above:** Rossvale celebrate Melissa Porter’s winning goal against Dryburgh Athletic. **Photo:** Kelly Nielson.

Hutchison Vale’s young side, who have struggled to find the net in recent weeks, put seven past Morton at home, with captain Angyl Learmonth scoring four including two penalties, a double from Emma McFadyen, and one for Niamh Naysmith, with a Hickey double merely a consolation for the Greenock side.

A first-half goal by Melissa Porter against Dryburgh Athletic in rainy Glasgow was enough to send Rossvale into second place, three points behind Livingston.

In the Scottish Women’s League One, FC Edinburgh kept Grampian at bay while scoring six at the other end to keep themselves top.

Westdyke in second had to dig deep to beat Edinburgh Caledonia 3-2 in the North East, to keep them level on points with FC Edinburgh at the top of the table.

Airdrie Ladies came back from two goals down to claim a point against Falkirk at home, BSC Glasgow’s Sam McManus scored a hat-trick to brush aside Gleniffer Thistle and Giffnock came from behind to beat Dundee West 2-1 in a close game.

In the battle for fourth, Stenhousemuir’s Helen Templeton cancelled out Ceara Macintyre’s opener then scored a free kick from 35 yards out in the dying minutes to take the points.

**Above:** Rossvale celebrate after their win over Dryburgh Athletic. **Photo:** Kelly Nielson.

**Tables From:** Scottish Women’s Football.

Canberra Land Young Canadian Starlet

From Canberra United (24/10/22).

Above: Canberra United signing Kennedy Falknor speaking to the media today. Image: Canberra United.

Canberra United has today announced the signing of Canadian centre-back Kennedy Faulknor for the 2022/2023 Liberty A-League season.

Faulknor, a commanding performer who is currently playing for the UCLA Bruins in the American College system, was the youngest centre-back to be selected for her country when she debuted for her home nation at just sixteen years of age in a 3-0 win over Mexico.

Having been a Canadian international at age-grade levels, playing in the under-15 and under-17 teams, Faulknor is experienced for a young footballer.

“I am excited to be coming to Australia and joining Canberra United for the new Liberty A-League season,” Faulknor said of her signing.

“I have heard wonderful things about the league, the club, and the coaching staff and can’t wait to get started with one of the league’s great names. Playing abroad has always been a goal of mine and this is a wonderful opportunity to do that. I am grateful to Njegosh Popovich, his coaching staff, and everyone associated with the club for allowing me this challenge.”

**Above:** Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich was delighted with the acquisition of Kennedy Faulknor. **Image:** Canberra United.

In 2021 Faulknor scored three times for the UCLA Bruins, from only six efforts on target, proving equally adept at both ends of the park, something that might come in extremely useful during the frenzied Liberty A-League campaign.

“Kennedy is a top-class international defender who is strong in the tackle, quick across the ground, and excellent in the air,” United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich said of the Canadian import.

“Her consistency is a major asset and, as with any defensive player, her timing in the tackle is immaculate.

“We also have the added bonus that she can be deployed elsewhere if required and possesses a great shot. I have no doubt that she will become a firm favourite with the Canberra United fans and will be a terrific addition to our squad.”

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

Moneyfields: Revelling In Much Deserved FAWNL Position

by Stuart Barker (23/10/22)

Above: Moneyfields in possession against Exeter City earlier this season. Photo: DnP Sports Photography.

After two frustrating seasons lost to COVID, Moneyfields FC Women were able to finally secure a much-deserved promotion into the FA Women’s National League South West Division One, the fourth tier of women’s football.

They were previously denied with the whole 2020/21 season being cancelled and all results voided. The following season was also cancelled however the Football Association recognised that it was essential for the growth of women’s football that movement between divisions needed to take place.

However, after an application process, AFC Bournemouth were awarded promotion over Moneyfields due to them being able to get their hands on significantly more investment. Something which seemed unfair given Moneyfields’ superior record on the pitch. At the time the club’s boss, Karl Watson said, “‘Nobody in football could fathom out how Bournemouth could be promoted instead of us. It was the FA choosing a more marketable brand.”

Despite the setbacks, Watson and the club were able to refocus and secure the Southern Regional Women’s Football League Premier Division title with a 6-0 victory over Woodley United, meaning Moneyfields went unbeaten for the whole league campaign.

**Above:** Moneyfields head coach Karl Watson. **Photo:** Sheena Booker.

Over the summer Watson was able to retain many of the side that earned promotion but also added a number of experienced National League players, including, Sophie Phelps (Selsey FC), Lavinia Nkomo (AFC Fylde), Tamsin de Bunsen, Bekah Tonks and Jade Widdows (Portsmouth), as well as Beth Burgess (Loughborough Lightning) returning after completing her studies.

After Moneyfields’ opening game of the season against Maidenhead United was postponed they began their campaign against Exeter City at the PMC Stadium, a temporary home while their home ground undergoes redevelopment. Former Portsmouth and Chichester City forward, Jade Widdows scored the opening goal shortly after coming on as a substitute. While the visitors came back into the game thanks to a goal from new signing Rebecca Dandridge.

The fixture generator threw up another challenging match-up against pre-season promotion favourites, AFC Bournemouth. The match ended as another 1-1 draw after Katie Shorter’s late equaliser for Moneyfields in response to Lucy Cooper’s eightieth-minute opener. This result left many within the club frustrated as they felt that three points were there for the taking.

After a promising start to the season, the club were able to secure their first win in the National League 5-0 against Larkhill Athletic. Four first-half goals from Jade Widdows and a second-half goal from Kim Whitcombe helped Moneyfields cruise to a victory.

Another win on the road against Portishead Town lifted the team into fifth place in the league, two points off AFC Bournemouth who occupy top spot. The heroes on that day were two of the mainstays of the promotion season, Emma Pinner (two) and Charley Wilton-Wilson.

**Above:** Action from Moneyfields’ game with Exeter City. **Photo:** DnP Sports Photography.

Last time out, Moneyfields made it five unbeaten in the league, a feat matched by only four other clubs throughout the whole National League, with a 3-1 win away at Selsey. It was a reunion of sorts for some of Moneyfields’ squad as Jade Widdows, Sophie Phelps, new signing Gemma Simmonds, and first-team coach Hannah Humphries visited their former club, although for most this was under their former identity of Chichester City.

Moneyfields got off to a wonderful start with Kayleigh Tonks opening the scoring in the first minute. The lead was doubled thanks to Roxy-Lee Stewart’s shot making its way into the back of the net through a crowded penalty box. Top scorer, Jade Widdows, found herself on the scoresheet in first-half injury time with her seventh goal of the season.

Selsey came into the game more in the second half and pulled one back through Nicky Lake in the fifty-fifth minute. While first-team manager Karl Watson might be frustrated knowing that the opening draws could have been more based on the talent available within the club, I am confident that if he was offered the chance to be unbeaten in the league in the first five fixtures he’d have taken it.

While the first team’s successful start to the season is something to be enjoyed by those within the club, Watson will be most proud of the expanded women’s and girl’s section of the club that he has overseen over the summer. Prior to this season, outside of the first team, there was only one girls’ youth team within the club but now there are seven from U9s to U18s. Not to forget a reserve team that competes in Hampshire League Division Two.

The only blots on the season so far are 1-0 defeats to Keynsham Town and Portishead Town in the FA Women’s National League Determining Round and Plate Trophy respectively. This weekend the club will be looking to reverse their cup form when they host an in-form Hastings United team to the PMC Stadium in the FA Cup.

**Above:** Togetherness ahead of Moneyfield’s game with Exeter City. **Photo:** DnP Sports Photography.

Gustavsson Reacts To World Cup Draw

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard the Australia head coach give his reactions to yesterday’s World Cup draw (23/10/22).

Above: Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson speaking yesterday from Auckland. Image: Football Australia.

Australia will commence their World Cup campaign against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, 20 July 2023 at Sydney Football Stadium, following the completion of the Official Draw on Saturday evening at the Aotea Centre in Auckland.

The Matildas will then face 11-time African champions Nigeria and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medalists Canada in the group stages after the three nations were drawn together in Group B.

**Above:** Australia open their home World Cup campaign against the Republic of Ireland – a nation they faced in Dublin back in September 2021. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Head coach Tony Gustavsson joined over 800 attendees to see the 29 qualified nations learn their group fate for next year’s global showcase.

Following the opening day fixture, Australia will then meet Nigeria on Thursday 27th July in Brisbane, and complete the group phase against Canada on Monday 31st July in Melbourne. Kick-off times for the three group stage fixtures will be communicated in the coming days.

Speaking after the draw, Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson said: “Now we know what we’re facing. We know what the opening game looks like. Now, it’s all about preparation.

“If you look at the tournament, there’s no easy games. It’s all about knowing who you’re facing and preparing the best way possible. The type of games (we play over the coming months) is definitely going to be key. That we target the right type of opponents, we have some scheduled already based on what we thought the draw was going to look like.”

**Above:** Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson speaking yesterday. He believes the draw has vindicated the tough schedule of friendlies that his team has had. **Image:** Football Australia.

Gustavsson knows his side have got some potentially tough opponents and was busy during the draw communicating with his coaching staff. “I was texting them throughout the draw. It’s not the easiest, we have got the top-ranked side from Pot Two (Canada), the third-ranked side in Pot Three (Republic of Ireland), and the top-ranked opponent in Pot Four (Nigeria). It’s now about knowing who you face and preparing as best as possible. Right now, it’s all about the opening game. We want to start the tournament as well as possible.”

One of the positive outcomes of the draw is that the Matildas have faced both Canada and the Republic of Ireland in the recent past, and the Australian head coach pointed to the benefits of playing so many top-ranked sides recently.

“We have had one of the toughest schedules that this group have had in terms of games. All that investment we have done, we can see how important that was now in this draw. We also see how important it will be from now on. The type of games we have between now and the World Cup is also important. We have some already scheduled.”

Gustavsson highlighted his priorities between now and the tournament in terms of preparations by saying: “We need to check some boxes for things we haven’t done yet and need to collaborate with clubs as the players spend most of their time there. Both the clubs and ourselves want the players to be available and fit. Right now, we have a lot of players injured, so we need to get them back on the park.”

He concluded by emphasising the importance of having big, loud support at all Australia’s games: “I say to the people out there – buy the tickets now. It is one of those moments you can talk to your Grandchildren and say ‘I was there.’ High octane, high pressing football that we play, if we can get that carried by the support we will get big energy.”

Spurs At Brisbane Road: First Impressions of Their New Home

by Rachel Lara Cohen (22/10/22)

Above: Tottenham Hotspur take on Liverpool last weekend – their first match at new home Brisbane Road. Photo: Rachel Lara Cohen.

On Sunday, four weeks after the start of the season (five weeks after the season was initially scheduled to start), Spurs Women played their first game at their new home stadium, Leyton Orient’s Brisbane Road.

It felt like we’d been waiting for ages for this, having heard about the move in the early summer. But without a pre-season game or other events to get used to the new ground, some Spurs fans were a little anxious about how it would pan out.

Below is a quick take on the upsides; some things fans may have to get used to; and the not quite sorted bits of life at our new home in Leyton.

The Upsides

**Above:** The pitch is an upgrade and the view is great from the West Stand. **Photo:** Rachel Lara Cohen.

The Pitch: It looks like it’s a significant upgrade on The Hive (Barnet’s stadium and our home ground since promotion to the WSL). If that is maintained and there is less mud and fewer divots it should help minimise slipping, reduce player injuries, and allow Spurs to achieve a more controlled and technical playing style. It may also mean we have to hear less moaning from visiting managers (yes, looking at you for this one Jonas). And that’s good for all of us.
The View: The West Stand at Brisbane Road, the area in which fans were seated for Sunday’s game, is steeply ramped. This means there’s no worry that the tall person wearing the weirdly big hat seated in front of you will obstruct your view. It also means you’re properly on top of and close to the action. Lots of people commented on how good the views were – the sunny Sunday weather helped here too.
The Location of the Stands: In contrast to The Hive, the dug-outs at Brisbane Road are on the same side of the pitch as the home fans. That means we get to see players warming up, managers giving players instructions, and managers (yes, we’re looking at you Matt Beard) getting amusingly angry – in his case with his own players. It also means that pre-game players line up facing the fans and that fans are at all times closer to what’s going on on-pitch.
The Flats: Okay, this is kind of by-the-by but how great is it that blocks of flats overlook the stadium at each corner? On Sunday there were people on some of the balconies enjoying perhaps their first taste of live women’s football. Perfect – and a truly unique way to grow the Spurs Women fanbase. It’s a proper urban stadium for a proper urban team.
The Proximity of Other Season Ticket Holders: For the first time Spurs, season ticket holders are clustered all together, and as the season goes on we’re likely to see this having some clear upsides, as our more hardcore fans get to know one another and (hopefully) build a stronger community of Spurs Women’s supporters.
The Local Area: As compared to The Hive, Leyton is a mecca for pre- and post-match activities, including better public transport and a local pub that welcomes Spurs Women (and away) fans, shows football, and has decent food and a wide selection of beers.
The Win: Goes without saying that the most important thing about a home stadium is that the home team is at an advantage in playing there. Starting with a win is the first step towards building what will hopefully become a fortress for Spurs Women.

**Above:** Fans are well-positioned to see Spurs boss Rehanne Skinner giving instructions to her players. **Photo:** Rachel Lara Cohen.

The Things We’ll Get Used To:

The Scoreboard: There does not seem to be either a clock or a scoreboard. This is just weird. So, if there are any Leyton Orient fans reading this: Why?
The Vertigo: The West stand is steeply ramped which (as above) is great for the view, but a bit dizzying. Maybe not the stadium to come to wearing heels or after a heavy night.
The Perspective: The advertising hoardings are close to the pitch with little room beyond the backline. That means the goals are quite shallow (no billowing nets) and it’s a little harder to judge the angle when play is in the far corner. That left some fans confused when the only goal of Sunday’s game against Liverpool went in from a tight angle at the far corner (this was partly because the goal itself was ridiculous, providing lots to be confused about, but the close angles on the pitch added to that). In the moment of hesitation before the eruption of full-on-celebrations, you could tell fans weren’t quite sure what had happened. But every pitch is a bit different, and the sightlines at Brisbane Road are something we’ll get used to – indeed the more goals Spurs score the better we will get at judging when one has gone in!
The Plushness: Season ticket holders have been given seats in the Legends area of the West Stand. This what in football parlance is known as a ‘premium experience’ area. That means no turnstiles and a very different feel as you enter the ground. Lots of upsides including a bar with windows that overlook the pitch, and cushioned seating. But for those of us used to time spent in cavernous concrete concourses it is a bit different.

The Not Quite Sorted Bits:

The Red: There is a lot of red at Brisbane Road, from the signage to the seats. Not an ideal look for Spurs. Obviously, this is an issue with sharing a stadium and not something the club can change permanently but a few massive flags strategically laid across empty red stands would make a big difference and go a long way to making it more of a ‘home’.
The Seat Allocation: The move to Brisbane Road has also been a move from unallocated to allocated seating. While allocated seating is normal in the men’s game and exists for some women’s clubs, it’s a change and has brought a few teething problems. These have especially affected Season Ticket holders, who were not given a choice of where to sit, but were randomly allocated a seat, only finding out about where these were located on arrival at the stadium for Sunday’s game. Some lucked out with a seat that was in the position we might anyway have selected, but others were sat closer to the pitch or higher up than we wanted – in some cases in seats that felt less good than those people had been able to get when we chose our own seats at The Hive. Providing options for any fans unhappy with their seats to swap seats with one another or to move their season ticket to another area might be the only answer available for this season. Learning from this year, assigning seats earlier in the summer, and listening to the views of season ticket holders before next year’s allocation is the longer-term fix.
The Ability to Sit With Friends: If Spurs Women is looking to grow support, it has got to make it easy for existing fans share their passion and bring friends and family to games whenever possible. The introduction of allocated seating and the fencing-off of season ticket holders in a separate section complicates this. The club did respond to early questions from fans and has created a process whereby season ticket holders can fill out a form to request that for one game their seat is moved outside of the season ticket block, allowing them to sit with a non-season ticket holder who’s purchased a ticket. It is, however, quite a complicated process (requiring booking references and everyone’s Customer Reference Numbers) and does not seem like it can be done on the day of the game, should a friend be able to come last minute. It also doesn’t work for groups like Proud Lilywhites who in previous seasons have publicised the area of the ground they’ll be sat in, encouraging others to come find them. There must be a way to make all of this easier, especially at a time in the game’s development when stadium attendances remain well under capacity, and the priority should be encouraging more people to come to games and supporting them to feel welcome.
The Player Access: One of the joys, and USPs, of the women’s game is fan access to players, especially post-game. At Brisbane Road on Sunday fans in most sections were able to come to the hoardings to talk to both sets of players. The exception was fans in the season ticket stand, which because it was behind the dugouts and was fenced in, did not have a route to the hoardings. At least, not one that did not require hopping over a fence. Given that season ticket holders are among the more enthusiastic fans of the team, creating a mechanism for player access from this area has to be on the club’s to-do list.
The Away End: Talking about away ends has become a perennial issue in the women’s game. There is not yet a clear plan for where the away end at Brisbane Road will be. Or at least, if there is one, it hasn’t yet been communicated via the ticketing website. Clearly, away fans don’t have to sit in an away end, but lots of us like to know that we’ll be sat with other people cheering for the same team. On this occasion, it seemed like most Liverpool fans had organised themselves and were clustered in Stand B. But making this clearer would help for future games and create a better atmosphere for both Spurs and away fans. Plus, it would help Spurs fans make a case for an away end to other teams when we are the away fans.
The Empty Stands: The West Stand was quite full but there were still lots of gaps and the other stands remained empty. The attendance of 2,105 was decent and almost double the average we achieved for games at The Hive last year (1,179). But it is below the numbers other WSL clubs have attracted this season in the aftermath of the Euros glow, and leaves lots of room for improvement. Pre-season the club focused most of its energy on promoting the game against Manchester United, scheduled for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and it appeared that good numbers had bought tickets for that, before it was cancelled along with all football when the Queen died. But the longer-term issue has always been getting fans to come week-in-week-out. Now we’ve got a new stadium, that’s closer to Spurs’ main support-base, and one that provides a great fan experience, we should aim to do better.

**Above:** Post-game player fan interactions, when players come to the sidelines, are important to fans. **Photo:** Rachel Lara Cohen.

This article was originally published on Rachel’s own website, https://spurswomen.uk/