Journeying To Watch Some Of World’s Best

Darrell Allen started attending FAWSL games regularly for the first time this season, making 300+ mile round-trips to Kingsmeadow. He shares his experiences from the campaign below (30/5/22).

Above: Chelsea lift the FA Cup at Wembley to cap the end of Darrell Allen’s first season watching them at Kingsmeadow. Photo: Vitality Women’s FA Cup.

That was certainly some season to be attending regular Women’s Super League games, a Chelsea league title success and turned into a cup double with the extra time success over Manchester City at Wembley. Just those two events alone come with enough memories for a lifetime.

In the heart of summer 2021 just as Covid restrictions had been lifted and society was returning to normal, despite living 169 miles from Kingsmeadow, I made the decision to journey regularly through the season to watch some of the world’s best players.

The first trip would be for Chelsea’s game with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday 2nd October. In hindsight, probably not the greatest of decisions with kick off moved to Saturday at 11.30am for television and weather conditions were also as dire as they could possibly be.

Above: Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion players await a corner at Darrell’s first Kingmeadow match. Photo: Ben Gilby.

My first experience of seeing Chelsea live was just incredible and seeing all the names you associate with greatness in front of your eyes was a moment to behold. It wasn’t Chelsea’s best performance but a 3-1 win with Sam Kerr and Beth England adding to Guro Reiten’s opener made it a memorable afternoon and a good start to my trips to Kingsmeadow.

My second trip of the season came in February when I attended the Friday night game against Arsenal billed as arguably the FAWSL title decider. This was a day that will live long in the memory as I had the privilege of meeting Emma Hayes and see the players arrive. 

Above: Darrell with Emma Hayes prior to Chelsea’s huge clash with Arsenal at Kingsmeadow. Photo: Luca Mangili.

The game itself was something special, with fans of both teams rammed into the stands together with only enough room to just stretch your arm. A closely fought 0-0 with both sides denied a stonewall penalty was my second offering.

Just two weeks later I returned for the Fifth Round FA Cup tie with Leicester City. Chelsea took care of business with a stunning 7-0 win thanks to braces from Pernille Harder and Kerr with Ji So-Yun, Aniek Nouwen, and England adding a goal each to complete the success.

Above: Pernille Harder and Sam Kerr celebrate during Chelsea’s 7-0 FA Cup win at home to Leicester City. Photo: Ben Gilby,

Two weeks later and the league game against Aston Villa. This was a surreal day as the ground was bare and no programmes or merchandise for sale due to the restrictions imposed by the government. However, it was a privilege to be there to see Hannah Hampton produce one of the greatest goalkeeping displays I have ever seen but Sam Kerr eventually found a way through with a dramatic stoppage time winner to spark wild scenes on the terrace. Another trip certainly well worth it.

This day I particularly thought was the decisive one in the direction of the title race, Chelsea had Hannah Hampton in the way of everything in the Aston Villa net, a crowd limited due to the aforementioned restrictions, and this game was heading for two dropped points until Sam Kerr found a way and got the stoppage time winner. Kerr was continuously trying to raise the crowd, as well as continuing to remain calm when opportunities were squandered but the incredible movement in behind Villa’s defence was going to catch them out eventually and so it proved.

Above: Sam Kerr scoring Chelsea’s stoppage-time winner against Aston Villa. Photo: Ben Gilby.

A player who is priceless, a goal that was priceless and a day that I believe gave Chelsea the forward momentum to that would eventually see them go on to win the FAWSL title.

My final visit of the season was for the final day clash against Manchester United. Chelsea knew a win would guarantee them the title and what followed was an extremely enjoyable afternoon as Chelsea came from 2-1 down at half time to win the FAWSL title 4-2 thanks to goals on the day from Erin Cuthbert, two specials from Sam Kerr and Guro Reiten with the other. The title celebrations, speeches, and trophy lift will stay with me forever.

Above: Sam Kerr celebrates after scoring THAT goal against Manchester United on the final day of the FAWSL season. Photo: Ben Gilby,

If that wasn’t enough, the following Sunday was Chelsea against Manchester City in the FA Cup Final at Wembley. Seeing Chelsea win the trophy in dramatic style thanks to a Sam Kerr extra-time winner was a special day in itself but nothing compares with the close, tight knit family atmosphere and feel that Kingsmeadow provides.

There has been a lot of talk over the season as to why Chelsea did not play any games at Stamford Bridge this season, and Sunday 8th May at Kingsmeadow for the game with Manchester United proves why.

Fans close to the pitch, a ground packed to the rafters and a great atmosphere being created. I believe Chelsea won the title because this match was at Kingsmeadow. The players needed the fans to help inspire the second half turn around and they did just at. Had it been at a likely half full Stamford Bridge at best then the Chelsea players would have found it very difficult to feed off an atmosphere that at Kingsmeadow inspired that second half comeback. Long may it continue that Chelsea use Kingsmeadow.

Above: Fans packing out Kingsmeadow – a contributing factor to Chelsea’s success in Darrell’s eyes. Photo: Ben Gilby,

Surrey Take The Spoils, Afghanistan Take The Plaudits

Surrey 4-0 Afghanistan Development

Words and EXCLUSIVE Photos By: Ben Gilby (29/5/22).

Above: Surrey and Afghanistan line up prior to kick-off. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

Whilst Surrey ran out winners against a hard-working and talented Afghanistan Development squad at Dorking Wanderers’ Meadowbank Stadium today, this was an occasion that was about far more than the action on the pitch.

Above: Afghanistan’s presence at Meadowbank Stadium this afternoon was the culmination of a long period of upheaval and uncertainty for a group of female athletes who had to flee their country last year. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

The very fact that this Afghan team were on the pitch and playing was worth celebration in itself. The squad had to go into hiding and were advised to burn all their football equipment when the Taliban took control of the country last year. In preparation for their emergency flee to the United Kingdom, they had to go into hiding and then had to run the gauntlet of a suicide bomb attack en route to Kabul Airport. This is an incredible group of young female athletes who represented their country with pride, passion, and exceptional skill this afternoon.

Above: Lola Meyer, one of Surrey’s stand-out players today, gets a shot in against Afghanistan. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

The Afghanistan team were extremely well organised, full of pace and in possession of an outstanding goalkeeper who was worthy of a player of the match award. Surrey started well with Lola Meyer threatening from the off. Meyer was another one of the stand-out players of the afternoon, probing and creating non-stop. In the early play, she linked up well with Sarah Chapman to the left of centre. The Afghan custodian was called into action several times and bravely dived at the feet of onrushing Surrey attackers to pounce on the ball.

Above: Sarah Chapman in possession for Surrey. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

Chapman was involved in another promising attack for the hosts as she saw a shot come cannoning back off of the crossbar after capitalising on a place-kick which went straight to her. Shortly afterwards, Surrey took the lead when Alice Curr of tier four side Queen’s Park Rangers gained possession and lifted a shot over the Afghan keeper and into the net.

Above: Surrey captain Lily Davis in a battle for possession today. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

With 25 minutes played, the home captain Lily Davis found Esme Parsons with an inch-perfect long pass. She in turn played in Curr on the left who put in a cross-shot that bounced narrowly wide of the far post.

Above: Esme Parsons looking to get away from an Afghanistan player. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

There was one further opportunity in the first half which fell the way of Eva Keen whose shot looked to be heading in, but a superb diving save from the Afghan goalkeeper ensured that it remained only 1-0 to Surrey at the break.

Above: QPR’s Alice Curr, who put Surrey in front. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

Two minutes into the second period, Curr hit a long-range rocket from 25 yards which went just wide. Substitute Juliet Jacques got in on the action with a powerful shot from the edge of the box which was well held by the Afghanistan goalkeeper.

Above: Eva Keen (6), scorer of Surrey’s second goal. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

With 57 minutes on the clock, Surrey doubled their advantage as Keen fired a shot into the corner of the net.

Afghanistan continued to enjoy possession and looked to work it along the right, but were never quite able to conjure up a final shot to bother Morgan Palmer in the Surrey goal.

Above: Giulia Ciarini Azzi fires in a shot for Surrey. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

As the game entered its final quarter of an hour, substitute Giulia Ciarini Azzi showed her worth with a low shot which the Afghan keeper did well to push out. However, Ciarini Azzi was not to be denied and a minute later she smashed a shot into the top right hand corner of the net from the edge of the box.

Above: Juliet Jacques powers in a shot for Surrey. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

She completed the scoring just before the end with an acrobatic effort from Jacques’ right-wing corner.

Surrey’s dominance showed on the scoreboard at the end, but Afghanistan have more than enough skill and potential in their ranks to prove tougher opponents in the future. They are an outstanding group of female athletes and deserved every bit of the wild ovation that greeted them at the end of the match.

Squads: SURREY: Palmer, McAllister, Davis, Alberts, Crook, Keen, Downes-Evans, Parsons, Meyer, Curr, Chapman, Stuart, Gillett, Marr, Ciarini Azzi, Jacques.

Scorers: Curr, Keen, Ciarini Azzi (2).

AFGHANISTAN: Squad names not released due to security concerns for family members back in Afghanistan.

Attendance: 107.

Above: Impetus are proud to sponsor Surrey Women’s coaching team’s polo shirts. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

Five More Re-Sign For Perth Glory

27/5/22

Above: Perth Glory’s squad join together – and the 2022/23 version is building nicely. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Perth Glory today confirmed that five more players have re-signed with the club for the Liberty A-League 2022/23 Season.

Sarah Cain, Aideen Keane, Demi Koulizakis, Sadie Lawrence, and Susan Phonsongkham will all wear purple again next term, taking the number of contracted players in the Glory squad to 16.

22-year-old midfielder Cain featured in each of the club’s 14 games last season, starting six of those, while Aideen Keane made seven appearances and scored twice in the final two games of the campaign.

Above: Demi Koulizakis – back in purple for another season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Demi Koulizakis played six times despite unfortunately being sidelined for two months by a knee injury, Lawrence marked her return to the Glory fold by making seven starts and three substitute appearances and Phonsongkham scored once and claimed two assists during her nine games.

Head Coach Alex Epakis believes that retaining the core of his squad from last term will prove vital in helping the club to achieve its goals in 2022/23.

“All five players played a pivotal role at key times throughout the season,” he said. “They each bring something different to the team with their respective skill-sets as well as their character.

Above: Sadie Lawrence (centre) one of five players who re-signed to Perth Glory today. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“We want to continue to progress as a team and Sarah, Aideen, Demi, Sadie, and Susan are a big part of that.”

With Morgan Aquino, Alana Jancevski, Hana Lowry, Claudia Mihocic, Sofia Sakalis, and Tijan McKenna already under contract and Natasha Rigby, Cyera Hintzen, Liz Anton, Abbey Green and Isabella Wallhead having penned new deals, the vast majority of the Glory squad is now locked in and Epakis is delighted at the way it is coming together.

“The focus has been on having consistency in the squad because we spent a considerable amount of time investing in the recruitment process last year,” he said. “It was always meant to create more stability and longevity in a squad that can play a certain style, so the fact that we’ve been able to maintain a squad that looks very similar to last year’s is certainly something that’s positive.

Above: Susan Phonsongkham – a shining light last season for Perth Glory, and back again for 2022/23. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“We’re aware of the culture we have, we’re aware of the way we like to play and we’re aware of what can be achieved on the back of what was a really big step forward last season. The squad is really taking shape and we’re comfortable with where we’re at currently. We will continue to search for players who can strengthen the team on and off the field leading into the start of next season.”

Glory CEO Tony Pignata also believes that the club is on course to enjoy a very successful Liberty A-League campaign.

“Alex has worked extremely hard to assemble a squad which we believe will perform extremely well next term,” he said. “The five players who have re-signed today, along with all the others who were already on board, served the club with distinction on and off the field last season and we look forward to them doing Glory proud once again in 2022/23.”

Above: Sarah Cain – back at Perth Glory for 2022/23. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Current Perth Glory Squad for Liberty A-League Season 2022/23

Liz Anton, Morgan Aquino, Sarah Cain, Abbey Green, Cyera Hintzen, Alana Jancevski, Aideen Keane, Demi Koulizakis, Hana Lowry, Sadie Lawrence, Tijan McKenna, Claudia Mihocic, Susan Phonsongkham, Natasha Rigby, Sofia Sakalis, Isabella Wallhead.

Above: Aideen Keane pictured with the Young Matildas. Photo: PlaymakerStats/Football Australia.

Clinical Wymondham Complete Treble

Mulbarton Belles 0-2 Wymondham Town

By Darrell Allen at Carrow Road (26/5/22).

With EXCLUSIVE photos from pitchside by Hannah Parnell.

Above: Wymondham Town celebrate with the Norfolk Women’s Cup last night. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

Wymondham Town produced a clinical and professional display to see off Mulbarton Belles and win the Norfolk Women’s Cup for the third time.

A goal in each half from Laura Nicholls and Natasha Youngs saw the favourites take the trophy home.

The game played at Norwich City’s Carrow Road in front of a record crowd, saw tier five champions Wymondham Town from the Eastern Region Premier Division play tier seven champions Mulbarton Belles of Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One.

Mulbarton started the game brightest retaining possession well in the initial phases of the contest and looking to try and find their prolific captain and goalscorer Rebekah Lake up top.

Above: Mulbarton’s Alanta Griffith (right) in possession as Chloe Newcombe looks on. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

It was remarkable that Lake was even playing after recently suffering a broken arm.

After a quiet opening few minutes, Wymondham began to get in their groove as Hannah Waters played in Kyla Love but it was superbly dealt with by the Mulbarton defence and the danger averted.

Mulbarton responded with Alanta Griffith’s superb curling effort that was saved by Chloe Pearce in the Wymondham goal.

Ellie Hunter was next to look lively with some excellent closing down as Mulbarton did well to prevent Wymondham playing how they wanted to in the first half.

Wymondham came close again when Chelsea Clarke’s corner came off the top of the bar and away to danger.

A like-for-like change for the favourites followed when they lost Hannah Waters to injury and she was to be replaced by Laura Nicholls.

It didn’t take Nicholls long to impact on the game as she received an inch-perfect pass from Katie Knights before slotting home past Cara Anderson in the Mulbarton goal.

Above: Laura Nicholls puts Wymondham Town ahead. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

The Mulbarton heads continued to stay in a positive frame of mind as Lake found her way past the Wymondham backline again but this time Wymondham’s captain got rid of any risk. 

Mulbarton missed a golden opportunity when Sophie Jermy delivered a corner and Alanta Griffith headed wide. 

Wymondham penalty appeals were then turned away by referee Andrew Wilson when Newcombe crossed and Lincoln was under suspicion but referee Wilson was content no rules had been broken.

Before the interval, there was time for Griffith to find the side netting but Wymondham held their single goal lead at the break. 

Wymondham found a second goal following a terrific team move started by Mary Croft who found Clarke on the left who found Youngs to volley home inside the box. 

Above: Natasha Youngs celebrates after putting Wymondham Town 2-0 up. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

Clarke then had a thunderous shot wide as Wymondham looked to try and add to their tally but without success.

Despite being two goals behind Mulbarton continued to stick to their job and looked to get back in the game, roared on by approximately two-thirds of the 959 crowd.

They had three half chances. First, Alice Smith had a shot from distance which Pearce dealt with well. Jermy then found Griffith but her shot was scuffed. The final opportunity saw 

Hunter got her feet in a pickle in front of goal and was unable to get her shot away.

Five minutes of stoppage time were added which saw Wymondham run the clock down through the duration of this period to run out 2-0 winners.

You have to applaud Wymondham. Their manager Alex Guy told everyone at the beginning of the season they were going for the Eastern Region Premier Division Title, the Eastern Region League Cup, and the Norfolk Women’s Cup they have delivered exactly to their targets and won all three. Guy is an astute operator and he and his players and staff have delivered in spectacular fashion this season for themselves and the town.

As for Mulbarton Belles, a season of incredible progression once more led by Martin Francis. Beaten comfortably 7-0 by Norwich City in this same final last year this time giving Wymondham from two leagues above a great game. They will be hoping to make it third time lucky next season. 

Player of the Match: Katie Knights (Wymondham Town)

Further EXCLUSIVE ACTION SHOTS FROM HANNAH PARNELL:

Teams: MULBARTON BELLES: Anderson, Mcnorton, Mungham-Gray, Smith, Belsey, Hedtke, Hunter, Lake, Lincoln  Jermy, Griffith. Substitutes: Belsey, Smith, Smith, Anderton, Ryan.

WYMONDHAM TOWN: Pearce, Kett, Newcombe, Croft, Youngs, Clarke, Waters, Russell, Love, Knights, Codman. Substitutes: Kindred, Catchpole, Nicholls, Studd, Luff.

Scorers: Nicholls, Youngs.

Referee: Andrew Wilson.

Attendance: 959.

Summer Evans: Pride Of Derbyshire

Pride Park striker Summer Evans spoke to Impetus editor Ben Gilby about her footballing journey and why she loves being a part of the tier seven Derbyshire Ladies League Division One side (26/5/22).

Above: Summer Evans on the charge for Pride Park against Mickleover Sports. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Summer Evans is a player with a superb goalscoring record. In 52 matches for Pride Park, she has scored 58 goals and is the club’s second-highest all-time scorer behind Maja Znamirowska.

Evans once scored a club record seven goals in one game back in October 2018. She is a dynamic, non-stop striker who never gives opposition defences a moment’s rest, doesn’t believe in lost causes, and isn’t afraid to go in where it hurts. Often being rewarded with goals.

Last season’s leading scorer for the tier seven Derbyshire Ladies League Division One club, Evans also tops Pride Park’s scoring chart with 14 from 11 games this season, despite missing almost half of their matches with injury. 

The striker takes up the story of how she got involved with the game. “I started at a young age training with a number of teams growing up. In the early days when teams were mixed gender, I trained with Chesapeake and Derby County Academy.

“When I was old enough and confident enough I joined Little Eaton at the age of 11/12 and developed with them right through until we were an under-18s team. 

“I then took a break, a quite big one, and decided after having my daughter I wanted to start playing again. I joined Pride Park a 2018/19 season and have remained there ever since.”

Above: Summer Evans in possession for Pride Park at Belper Town. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Whilst some players will name major sporting stars as their role model, for Evans, it is someone a lot closer to home. 

“It’s my dad. He was the one that took me down the park most weekends to practise, bought my boots, and was on that touchline rain, sun or snow. He loved and still does love football, so I guess that’s where it all comes from. Oh, and he still is there on that touchline too every weekend he can!”

Pride Park’s top scorer came back into the squad late this season after a spell injured, and it’s a period that has been immensely challenging for her. “I don’t think I’ve felt so frustrated with myself, being unable to train or get on that pitch every Sunday.

“It’s probably the biggest challenge since getting back into the game after such a long time out. Fitness and confidence being the main challenges but it was the best decision I ever made. As far as changing me is concerned, it’s just made me love the game again and I gained a lot of friends I know I’ll have forever.

“At Pride Park the girls are amazing. I have definitely gained a few friends. On the pitch, when we are on form, it is amazing and we are strong and confident. My favourite thing about us is that I believe we are a friendly team to play with and we just go out to enjoy it.  Obviously winning is a bonus and important too.

“Off the pitch, we have a good bond, we get together socially throughout the year and training is a laugh. I have a lot of respect for these girls and I’ve felt extremely welcome from day one.

Above: Summer Evans receives a moment marking her 50th appearance for the club. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

“Joining a well bonded team that has girls that have been there for years and years is scary but I never once felt out of place.”

Pride Park play their football in the seventh-tier Derbyshire Ladies League Division and Evans highlighted what an incredible league it is.

“The league this year has some crazy competition. Which makes every game exciting. You just don’t know which way the results will go. I really find it hard to say who our toughest opponents have been, you cannot rule anyone out of this league.”

With the season having one more game to go, the Pride Park striker outlined her aims for the rest of the campaign. “I’d like to say my only aim right now is to just finish a season! Between COVID and the weather, we haven’t finished many since I’ve been at Pride Park! I wouldn’t mind another season as top goalscorer too of course.”

Taking a slightly longer-term view, Evans said: “If I look back in five years’ time, I’d have like Pride Park to achieve being league winners once or twice. Continuing to win trophies in tournaments would be great too. We did really well last summer in those.” 

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

Chivas Crowned Champions In Front Of Huge Crowd

By Jorge Ceron (26/5/22)

Above: Chivas lift the 2022 Clausura title. Photo: @LigaBBVAFemenil

Mexican women’s soccer has a champion for its Clausura 2022 tournament, the Chivas Rayadas del Guadalajara.

It’s the second title in their history and concludes a brilliant season which saw them achieve several notable statistics. They had the strongest defence in the history of a regular season with only six goals conceded. They also remained undefeated throughout the regular season, and have in their ranks the two-time top scorer, Alicia Cervantes.

Monday night’s second leg was magical, and approximately 40,000 people at the Akron stadium, in Zapopan, Jalisco, witnessed Chivas seal the title after defeating Pachuca over two legs. But they didn’t have it all their own way.

The first leg was played at the Hidalgo stadium in Pachuca. This was a classic match in which both teams entered ready to strike the first blow. The first goal was scored on 27 minutes when Viridiana Salazar, after being played in via a brilliant pass Ruth Bravo pass put the hosts in front. However, home advantage was limited as visiting Chivas fans made up at least half of the crowd. They have long been the most supported men’s team in Mexico. That is transferring to women’s football now.  Before the end of the first half, both sides had opportunities to score, but the scoreboard did not move.

Above: Chivas’ Alicia Cervantes celebrates one of her goals in Pachuca. Photo: @ChivasFemenil

The whirlwind of goals arrived in the second half. Just four minutes in, Gabriela Valenzuela arrived to level the scores for Chivas. Yet, almost immediately the Gophers got back on the scoreboard with a goal from Mónica Ocampo. It was the same player who scored the next after registering an own goal in a corner kick that at first seemed to be an Olympico goal by Carolina Jaramillo after 71 minutes. Carolina Jaramillo, ten minutes from the end, then stepped up to provide an excellent pass for Alicia Cervantes to score with a good header. Things got even better at the death as Cervantes dispatched a penalty to give Chivas a two-goal advantage after their away leg.

Above: Blanca Félix makes her dramatic penalty save. Photo: @ChivasFotos

The second game was a total party, but with its moments of anguish, 40,000 people gathered to see the crowning of champions Chivas. Although the hosts of the second leg were the team with the better opportunities, it was the visitors who went ahead, reducing the aggregate difference to just one on the hour mark. Lizbeth Angeles scored the goal that gave hope. Things got even better for the visitors when they were awarded a penalty. Charlyn Corral prepared herself, but goalkeeper Blanca Félix became a legend by saving the penalty and causing huge delight to all the fans. Nothing happened in the final minutes, which allowed Chivas to secure the title, the second in its history.

Above: Post-match celebrations for Chivas. Photo: @ChivasFemenil.

Perth Announce Two-Year Deals For Local Pair

Above: Western Australian Abbey Green in action for Perth Glory against Melbourne City last season. She joins fellow local product Bella Wallhead in signing a new two-year deal at the club. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

26/5/22.

Highly-rated teenage duo Abbey Green and Isabella Wallhead have both re-signed with Perth Glory for the next two Liberty A-League seasons.

19-year-old Green, who debuted in purple during the 2018/19 season, enjoyed a breakout campaign last year, making six starts and adapting superbly having been moved to a previously unfamiliar role at full-back.

Those performances earned the Perth local a place in the Young Matildas squad earlier this year.

Wallhead, also 19, has been with the club since 2019 and currently has ten Liberty A-League appearances to her name, four of which were starts.

Above: Bella Wallhead in action for Heidelberg United in the NPL Victoria this season. Photo: Gold Leaf Creative.

A former Junior Matildas representative, the composed and uncompromising central defender is currently playing for Heidelberg United in the NPL Victoria.

Both Green and Wallhead are relishing the prospect of continuing their respective football journeys with their hometown club.

“I’m very excited and grateful to sign with Perth again for the next couple of years,” said Green. “The team has a really positive culture and I’m determined to work hard and cement myself in the starting eleven. I think the main goal for this season is to make Finals after coming so close last year.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Wallhead. “I’m really excited to have signed for another two seasons with Glory,” she said. “We have such a young team that’s improving and developing as the seasons go on and I’m beyond excited to see what the future holds for us.

Above: Bella Wallhead training with Perth Glory last season. Photo: Estybs Photo via Perth Glory FC.

“Last season we came so close to the Finals with all the hurdles we had to face, so this coming season I believe we can do it. The team culture and morale with these girls is absolutely amazing and I think we can achieve anything.”

Head Coach Alex Epakis, meanwhile, is confident that Green and Wallhead will continue to progress and fulfil their undoubted potential.

“To secure both Abbey and Bella for the next two seasons is a really great outcome for the club and for the two players respectively,” he said. “They are WA locals who have spent time at the club, developed, and are now ready to play a bigger role within the team over the next few seasons.

“Both players have shown over recent seasons that they have the ability and mindset to compete at the A-League Women level and their character and commitment to the club is strong. My role will be to support their development further and give them and the team the best chance to keep progressing forward. I am excited by what they can both offer.”

Above: Abbey Green captured in training last season. Photo: Estybs Photo via Perth Glory FC.

Glory CEO Tony Pignata is similarly enthused by the way the club’s Liberty A-League squad is taking shape ahead of next season.

“The club is committed to providing opportunities for young WA players to play at A-League level and both Abbey and Bella have seized the opportunities they have been given,” he said.

“They have the potential to be major players for Glory going forward and securing their services for another two years helps further enhance the quality and balance of the playing group. Our Members and fans love seeing local players representing their hometown club and we look forward to Abbey and Bella doing exactly that in the coming seasons.”

Today’s announcement follows yesterday’s news that Cyera Hintzen and Liz Anton have renewed their contracts for a further season in addition to Tash Rigby who was secured on Tuesday. The vast majority of the squad that played for the club last season is now under contract for 2022/23. The club are expected to make further squad announcements will be made shortly.

Artwork: Perth Glory FC.

NPL Victoria Women Round Eight Wrap

Kieran Yap provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Victoria NPL Women’s competition. (25/5/22).

Above: Calder United (white) take on Box Hill United during Round Eight. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819 

South Melbourne backed up their first win of the season with a 3-3 draw with Bulleen Lions FC in Round Eight. A see-sawing contest saw Bulleen take an early lead through Alana Burn’s 14th-minute strike before South Melbourne’s winger Francesco Iermano levelled the scores soon after.

In a boost for Bulleen, star striker Alana Jancevski put in her best performance of the season. The 20-year-old starred for Perth Glory in the A-League Women season, and has slowly returned from injury in the NPLW. She scored in the 45th and 50th minutes to put the Lions two goals ahead, underlining her quality in front of goal.

Caitlin Picket pulled one back for South Melbourne in the 69th minute, and Bulleen looked set to hold on for a close win before Janna Lawson equalised in injury time.

The goal, combined with other results took South Melbourne off the bottom of the table for the first time this season. Bulleen slipped to third but can bounce back against Box Hill on Friday night.

Calder United’s strong season continued with a 2-0 win over Box Hill United. Only goal difference separates them from league leaders Heidelberg United. Emma Robers and Stacey Papadopoulos scored in each half to record their fourth win in a row. Mark Torcaso’s side have not conceded in that winning streak and have only been scored against three times so far.

Bayside United and Heidelberg United produced the second shootout of the round. The home side had struggled to score for much of the first seven weeks but found the net twice against the league leaders. Unfortunately, they also conceded five, but this was an encouraging performance from Bayside.

Danielle Wise struck first for Heidelberg and Keely Lockhart doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime.

Coco Parker pulled one back for Bayside on the 49th minute, but Stephanie Galea answered with a brace for Heidelberg to make it 4-1.

Above: Dramatic airborne action as Calder United took on Box Hill United. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.

Julia Budiongo scored Bayside’s second in the 72nd minute to give her side a lifeline. Substitute Sophie Papalia scored late to secure a 5-2 win for Heidelberg who sit atop the table on goal difference.

A single goal from Elaina Vatcky was enough for Alamein to defeat FV Emerging on Saturday. The fifth-minute goal keeps Alamein in fourth place, and clear of Box Hill United.

FV Emerging will turn their attention to Calder United next week which promises to be an interesting clash between two youthful sides. Fourth will play first when Heidelberg travel to face Alamein who are still awaiting the debut of star signing Amy Jackson.

Box Hill United will be no easy task for Bulleen Lions FC. Both sides usually find the goal, but Box Hill are one of only two sides to win against Heidelberg United. The meeting between fifth and third promises to be one of the best contests of the week.

Table From: Victoria NPL Gameday.

Two More Key Perth Players Re-Sign

25/5/22

Above: Liz Anton leaps to win a header for Perth Glory against Wellington Phoenix last season. The NZ international joined Cyera Hintzen in re-signing with the club today. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Perth Glory have confirmed that international duo Liz Anton and Cyera Hintzen have re-signed with the club for the Liberty A-League’s 2022/23 Season.

Anton, who won the Most Glorious Player Award in what was her debut campaign for Glory in 2020/21, took her appearances tally for the club to 24 last term while also establishing herself as a regular member of the New Zealand squad.

Former US Under-19 international Hintzen, meanwhile, scored five times in eight starts in what was her maiden A-League campaign to claim Glory’s 2021/22 Golden Boot.

The pair are both confident that the club can build on the positives from last year and make a major impression in 2022/23.

Above: Cyera Hintzen was a key part of the Perth Glory squad last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to re-sign with Perth Glory,” said Hintzen. “We had an incredible group last season both on and off the field. With COVID, we didn’t get much time in Perth, so this year I’m looking forward to getting that full experience and joining the girls again to build on last season!”

Anton was equally delighted to join up for another season in Western Australia. “I’m super excited for the upcoming season,” added the Football Fern.

“We have a great mix of young talent and experience in our group and I can’t wait to be back working hard and getting ready for the season ahead. Last season we took a step in the right direction and I’m looking forward to playing my role in helping the team to build on that.”

Head Coach Alex Epakis is thrilled that two of the Liberty A-League’s most outstanding imports are back on board with the club.

“To secure the services of Liz for next season is fantastic,” he said. “She has certainly grown and developed into being a senior player within our group over her first two seasons with us, she has been consistent and reliable and this has led to her being involved in New Zealand national team squads over the past 18 months.

“A player who thrives in difficult moments, she is someone that the team and I can always rely on. Liz will continue to be a key player for us this season and I am pleased to be able to work with her again.”

Above: Liz Anton battles with Sydney FC’s Cote Rojas last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Epakis also highlighted why he was so keen to tie Cyera Hintzen down for another season. “Cyera was a real x-factor player for us last season. She was able to score key goals in important moments for us across the season and her ability to press high, score, and link play in attack provided the team with a real outlet.

“To have her back this year is very exciting and I sincerely believe she can have an even bigger impact. Both players will provide strong foundations through the spine of our team and continue to be key players in the way we want to play going forward.”

Perth Glory CEO Tony Pignata believes that the re-signing of Anton and Hintzen provides another clear indication of the positive trajectory of the club’s Liberty A-League team.

“Liz and Cyera were a key part of the squad which performed so well under incredibly challenging circumstances last season and the fact that they are returning for 2022/23 shows how much they believe in the way Alex is driving the team forward,” he said.

“Retaining their services is a huge positive for the club and I’m sure our Members and fans will be very excited at the prospect of seeing both of them in action once again next season.”

The news comes hot on the heels of captain Tash Rigby signing a new deal yesterday. A number of the squad’s other key players are already about to go into the second year of their existing contracts.

Artwork: Perth Glory FC.