Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard Amy Sayer speak about an unexpected change to her summer plans which saw her go from holiday mode back into the national side after a gap of a year (20/6/22).
Above: Amy Sayer speaking about her unexpected return to the international set-up. Photo: Football Australia.
As unexpected international recalls go, this one is well up there. Amy Sayer was on her way to Australia to be reunited with her family for almost two months of rest and recuperation. Then she got the call from Tony Gustavsson.
“To get the call up again was really exciting, but unexpected,” Sayer said. “I was in San Francisco Airport, heading back [to Australia] from Stanford for the summer holidays, expecting to get about seven weeks at home with my family.
“It was pretty quick turnaround, about a week at home and then I’m back again. I’m so excited to be back.”
Since making her debut for Australia against Japan in 2018, the Sydney native has made four appearances for the senior national team with her last outing a little over 12 months ago against Germany. Since that appearance, Sayer believes she enters the camp with increased growth and confidence to express her attributes as a player.
Above: Amy Sayer in training with the Matildas in a previous camp. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“I think in these next 10 days I’m really looking forward to just putting my best foot forward, doing my best, having fun, coming in and trying to really compete against some of the best teams in the world.”
“Against a team like Spain, I’m really looking forward to seeing how I match up against some of the best players in the world and one of the best teams in the world. I’m aiming to see the areas that I need to improve in as we come out of the game and seeing how well we can do with the new philosophy that’s trying to be reinforced in the national team.”
With the squad for the June FIFA Window averaging 25 years of age and with 15 members of the squad having 10 or fewer caps, the move back into the national team environment has been made a little easier for Sayer with the inclusion of many former teammates from the Young Matildas or Sydney FC.
“I think it’s great to have a lot of familiar faces, Sayer enthused. “It’s very comfortable, especially in these first few days. I’ve come in and just settled right in. There’s only a few of us here at the moment.”
“It’s very easy to just settle back into our old routines. [To] joke around at the lunch table and feel comfortable enough to be ourselves and just putting the work on the field as well.”
The squad has seen the addition of another emerging player with the defender Jamilla Rankin called in to replace Angie Beard who has withdrawn for personal reasons.
Above: Amy Sayer in action on her previous international game for Australia in Germany. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Catherine Gilby, the FA’s Head of Para Performance spoke to Impetus’ Ben Gilby(no relation) about the launch of the newest Lionesses team,how the game is played and the existing aims for the squad as they look ahead to their first international competition(19/6/22).
Above: The Lionesses inaugural Blind Team. Photo: Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: FA.
Last month it was announced that the latest addition to the Lionesses national women’s football teams would be an England Blind team. Catherine outlined the key moments in the journey of the squad.
“The formation of the England Women’s Blind team was a key commitment from The FA’s Football Your Way plan, which launched in October 2021 and pledged to develop, improve and raise awareness of Disability Football in England.
“The Women’s Blind team is one of many para football teams that train and compete at St. George’s Park, but the first to launch specifically as part of the Football Your Way plan. This was a priority for us ahead of the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham, where the team will be competing as part of their developmental journey.”
The squad is one that contains some players who are quite to the new to the game and shaping a team from these developing players is the initial focus.
“In terms of hurdles, it’s been crucial to find the right players with the right levels and skillsets to establish a team and ultimately be able to perform internationally,” Catherine said.
Above: All smiles during the first England Women’s Blind Team training camp at St. George’s Park. Photo: Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: FA.
“Some of these players have only played Blind football for just over a year. They have clear natural potential, but it’s been a clear focus of our coaching team to now turn them into a competitive and winning team. From a global perspective, there is also a need to develop knowledge and understanding of the women’s blind game.
“It was important for us to build a team based on skillsets. A mainstream football example would be that you wouldn’t win anything if you just had 11 great wingers – you have to have balance. So it’s been crucial for us to find players that complement each other and offer different attributes to the team.
“The players have been scouted through a variety of different ways – these include open trials and activity days that have been run by The FA – and then we’ve also scouted some players directly through activities in their club environments.
“Women’s Blind football – and Blind football in general – is still very much a growing sport, but there are an array of regional clubs and leagues that we were able to look to for the team. We hope with the formation of the England Women’s Blind team that this encourages even more players to go out and play locally, and one day they may be with us as part of the international setup.”
Above: The first ever England Blind Women’s team arrive at St. George’s Park on 21st May. Photo: Getty Images supplied to Impetus by:FA.
Catherine then talked through the inaugural Lionesses Blind squad. The team is currently made up of Katie Christopher, a sighted goalkeeper, Molly Ripley, Kaitlyn (under 18), Lucja (under 18), Alice Hopkins, Samantha Gough, Natasha Mead, and Nell Doubledee. There is a real mix of ages and experiences, with some younger players and some players who have represented other para teams internationally previously, such as Natasha Mead.
“We are really pleased with the inaugural squad and all of their individual qualities that they have brought so far – and we will learn more about each of the players as we play more competitive games. With each camp, we are looking to build up their individual games to help the group, and as we are very much at the start of the team’s performance journey, it’s a really exciting time to help these players develop and grow.”
These first members of the Lionesses blind squad have had to overcome their own individual challenges as well as more wider societal hurdles as Catherine outined.
“Historically, the answer to this would be a lack of opportunities as well as knowledge of where blind footballers can play competitively and safely with other blind players. It is challenging for schools to offer appropriately accessible sporting opportunities, football or otherwise. In relation to football, it can be difficult for a blind player to play with sighted players, for example in the playground, from both a performance and safety perspective.
“Now, we are seeing more and more teams and leagues form, and more opportunities arising for blind footballers – both men and women. The FA’s Football Your Way plan is looking to drive the growth of the game and the opportunities that can help the players.
Above: The team pictured during training at their first camp at St. George’s Park. Photo: Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: FA.
“In terms of the actual physicalities of the game, there are many considerations for the players to be aware of. For some of our players who were born blind, they have never seen running, so they have to learn the techniques for that before then incorporating a ball.
“Blind football is five-a-side and played on a five-a-side pitch. The pitch has two metal sideboards that help keep the ball in play, but also are shaped in a way to help with audio cues.
“Each team has a fully-sighted goalkeeper but they are restricted to a small box. They are also there to help communicate cues to the players to inform them of what is happening on the pitch and where.
“The ball has metal panels built into it and ball bearings that rattle as the ball moves – this allows the team to know where the ball is, and to help with elements of the game like dribbling.
“The game also has a number of communication methods that mainstream football doesn’t have. For example, when a player approaches another player to tackle, they have to shout ‘Voy’ or it’s deemed a foul.
Above: The goalkeeper in Blind football is the only sighted player on the pitch. England’s is Katie Christopher. Photo: Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: FA.
“Although all players have to wear eyeshades, for some of the players who have a degree of eyesight still, they have to play in eyeshades which give them a complete black-out. As each team has players with different levels of eyesight, this acts as a leveller to ensure the game is fair.
This brings its own challenges, for example running into an opposition player, or just, in general, finding your bearings on the pitch. However, the skills and experiences from playing blind football can have a hugely positive impact on daily living.
“These are all things we are helping to coach the players with individually based on their own backgrounds and performance needs.”
The squad have recently been in Italy taking part in development sessions ahead of their first tournament next year.
“We’re working towards the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham,” Catherine said. “Here, the team will be competing against an array of other Women’s Blind international teams from across the world. Obviously, this will be a great opportunity to assess where the women’s team is in relation to the rest of the world and identify the key developmental needs for the future.
Above: On the ball and heading forward. Photo: Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: FA.
“However, we will also be looking at building in other competition opportunities, relevant to the performance level of the team, in order to ensure we are providing the right level of competition at different times on the developmental journey.
“Women’s Blind Football is still a relatively new offering internationally, so the levels will vary but we will build a team to go and compete as well as possible in every tournament they perform in, regardless of history or rivalries across countries. The top teams in the world at the moment include Argentina, Colombia, Japan, and Germany.
With the squad still in its early stages in terms of development, we closed our discussion by examining both short and medium-term goals for the Lionesses Blind team.
“Short term, we are delighted to have officially launched the team and are pleased this is the first team to come off the back of The FA’s Football Your Way plan. We want to now develop a team capable of winning matches and tournaments, but in the first instance getting the team to perform to the best of their abilities when competing at the highest level. We also want to help coach our players to be the best in the world and to showcase everything they are capable of on the pitch in competitive scenarios.
“Medium-term, we hope to inspire the next generation of Women’s Blind footballers to see that there is a pathway to playing at the highest level and to represent your country on the international stage. We hope this in turn helps unlock the game to be performed at the Paralympics as the Men’s game is. Women’s Blind Football is ready and it’s our time.”
Glasgow side Harmony Row face Linlithgow Rose in both sides’ first ever Scottish Women’s Football League Cup final at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld on 26 June 2022.
The teams were formed in 2019 and 2021 respectively and have each reached a cup final for the first time, in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Harmony Row go into the Final top of the SWFL West/South West League with Linlithgow Rose second in the SWFL Central/South East League.
Above: Harmony Row FC. Photo: Harmony Row FC.
Looking ahead to the game, Harmony Row captain Nicola Robinson said: “I am so proud to captain this team; to make history as the first Harmony Row Women’s team to reach a final, we have worked tirelessly in training to create not only a successful way of play, but also build unity and togetherness in our well-blended squad.
“Being recognised as a leader on and off the pitch amongst such remarkable talent, has been a real pleasure to me. I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a supportive and hard-working team. I have also enjoyed sharing my experience from well over 300 games with our incredibly talented under 16s team who I help coach.
“They inspire myself and the rest of the women’s team to go out on big occasions like this – fearless and prepared to give our all. We want to show them that anything can be achieved with hard work and application.
Artwork: Scottish Women’s Football.
“We look forward to a competitive match against a well-organised outfit in Linlithgow Rose and hope we can bring back the team’s first silverware to our small community club.”
Linlithgow Rose captain, Laura Hopwood also spoke of her pride ahead of next weekend’s match. “I am really looking forward to leading out the team out on the 26th June at Broadwood. I am from Linlithgow and being the captain of my hometown football team is a real honour.
“Linlithgow Rose Ladies were only formed in February 2021 and for us to reach the League Cup final in such a short time is amazing. We were proud last year to get as far as the Semi-Final but when we set our team goals at the start of this season we were determined to get to the Final.
“We are a community team and have been very clear from the start that we are all inclusive and that everyone is welcome. This has made sure the atmosphere within the team is relaxed and enjoyable and it seems to be working as we are winning games and more importantly having fun.”
Above: Linlithgow Rose FC. Photo: Linlithgow Rose FC.
The SWFL League Cup began with group stages, with those failing to qualify getting an opportunity to compete for the SWFL League Plate. The Plate final will precede the Cup final at Broadwood on Sunday 26 June and will see East Fife’s Development side face Motherwell’s Development side.
The Plate final kicks off at noon, with the League Cup final kicking off at 4:30pm. Spectators can watch both games for only £5, with pensioners and other concessions gaining entry for £2. Under 12s are free.
Above: Chloe Kelly celebrates her first Lionesses goal with Manchester City teammate Keira Walsh. Photo: Griffters World Photography.
The Lionesses dominated Belgium 3-0 in their first European Championships warm-up fixture which saw Chloe Kelly get her first England goal on her return to international duty.
Kelly continues her remarkable injury comeback with an energetic second-half performance for the buildup of her first major international tournament. Her strike to the near post took a slight deflection from Belgium defender Amber Tysiak to put England in the lead in the 62nd minute.
Speaking after the game, Kelly said: “Each day was so tough in my rehab and I think looking back, you appreciate those moments that get you here. The blood, sweat, and tears really.
“It was such a tough time but you appreciate those moments so much more because of the hard work that you have put into it in this past 12 months.”
Above: Celebrations for the Lionesses at Wolverhampton. Photo: Girls on the Ball.
From kick-off, the Red Flames looked lethargic and struggled to keep up with the Lionesses’ high-tempo, two-touch play, yet denied the home side until the hour mark.
Rachel Daly doubled England’s lead just four minutes behind Kelly’s strike with a top right-hand corner volley. And after countless creative efforts, Leah Williamson finally reaped the reward. Her first international goal as England Captain. Her strike kissed the crossbar and deflected off Belgian Goalkeeper Nicky Evrard’s head into the back of the net. Game over.
England manager, Sarina Wiegman, explained that it was patience that won them the game, although she’s after more ruthlessness in the final third moving forward, saying: “Of course, we want to score the chances, but as long as you don’t concede one, you have time. You have to have patience, the chance will be recreated”.
Despite the 24-degree heat, constant pressing, and attacking chances, fitness is still a cause for concern throughout the England camp.
Fran Kirby struggled to exert the level of intensity of those surrounding her despite having trained with Chelsea from the end of the Women’s Super League season. Her 30-minute stint up top aroused speculation for the returning striker.
Wiegman said: “We take it day by day, and so far it has gone really well. We see how she recovers from training every day and adjust where needed, but we haven’t had to adjust yet.”
Jess Carter was left out of the action completely with recovery concerns from her WSL season, she is slowly building up to full fitness, although featured on the team sheet. But former captain Steph Houghton did not make the final 23 squad due to Achilles surgery earlier in the year.
England’s defence did not miss centre-back Houghton. Arsenal’s Lottie Wubben-Moy started beside Millie Bright and provided a solid back line.
She said: “The competition in this team is really high, and we have opportunities from many players now and are just looking for connections. We can use different qualities and different positions.
“We have a squad of 23 and actually we could bring in all the players. I hope I don’t get a headache but in this case, I will get lots of headaches.”
Impetus will continue its coverage of the Lionesses build-up to their home European Championships with Darrell Allen at Elland Road for us next Friday for the match against the Netherlands.
Above: The England starting line-up against Belgium. Photo: @Lionesses
Above: The Thetford Town team promote the Her Game Too initiative. Photo: Thetford Town.
Tier Seven Thetford Town achieved their highest ever finish of fourth place in the Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One in their first-ever season at this level.
Spearheaded by manager David Skipp and assisted by Stuart Terry, with Sausha Levy-Twomey captaining the side, with Darrell Allen and Amber Browne joining at other points in the season, the team embarked on their 20-game league adventure and various cup competitions with enthusiasm. Here we look back at how they achieved fourth in this month-by-month guide.
September
Thetford Town began their season on the final Sunday in September with a tricky-looking trip to Long Stratton. Thetford came out on top in a physical and tough encounter winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Melissa Boulton and Rebecca White.
October
Thetford contested three games, beginning with an 11-1 win over North Walsham coming in their first home game of the season. A display of high-quality football saw Rebecca White get four goals, Abbie Corbyn and Shannon Richardson secure a brace each. Rachel Lynch, Dayna Howard, and Melissa Boulton weighed in with the other goals.
The following weekend, Thetford were at home again and completed the double over Long Stratton with a 3-1 win with goals from Rebecca White and a Hannah Rogers brace.
Above: Thetford Town head coach David Skipp (baseball cap facing camera) and Stuart Terry (burgundy top). Photo: Richard Brown.
Thetford’s 100% winning start ended the following week when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Sprowston with a Rebecca White goal ensuring the team remained unbeaten.
November
Thetford made it 13 points from 15 with a convincing 6-1 home win over Stalham thanks to a brace from Shannon Richardson and goals from Rebecca White, Chelsea Page, Dayna Howard, and Rachel Lynch.
The first cup game of the Thetford season followed as local rivals Thetford Bulldogs visited Mundford Road. A convincing 12-0 win thanks to hat tricks from Hannah Rogers, Rebecca White, and Melissa Boulton with Shannon Richardson, Courtney Musgrove and Abbie Corbyn adding a further goal each, saw Thetford Town progress into the next round of the Norfolk Women and Girls League Challenge Cup.
December
During this month, Thetford Town played two league games, first a 5-1 home win over Thorpe St. Andrew with Shannon Richardson and Melissa Boulton getting braces and Hannah Rogers with the other.
The final game before Christmas saw Thetford win 3-1 at Beccles. Abbie Corbyn, Rebecca White, and Chelsea Page getting the team’s final goals of 2021. This was a win that saw the team head into the Christmas break unbeaten in all competitions.
Above: Thetford Town celebrate Chelsea Page’s equalising goal against Wymondham Town in the Norfolk Women’s Cup. Photo: Hannah Parnell.
January
2022 began with a massive cup tie at Mundford Road as Tier five Wymondham Town visited in the Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter Final. Despite falling behind early, Chelsea Page levelled for Thetford as the team held their illustrious visitors with a terrific display until the 55th minute when their quality shone through and Wymondham ran out 6-1 winners with a display of clinical finishing.
The following weekend saw Thetford Town travel to Bungay Town in the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup Quarter Final. Thetford had a squad of 11 but that became 10 when Rachel Lynch was forced off early through injury. Despite this, it took an 88th-minute penalty from Bungay to win as Thetford were beaten 2-1. Chloe Bentick with the Thetford goal as her team exited their second cup competition in as many weeks.
The final weekend of January saw Thetford’s unbeaten league run end as Fakenham Town scored two goals at the death – 88 minutes and 90+1 to take the three points away after an Abbie Corbyn opener.
February
February opened with Thetford beaten 7-0 by runaway league leaders Mulbarton.
The second game of the month saw a 5-4 win on the road at bottom of the table North Walsham. A brace from Chelsea Page with an own goal and strikes from Shannon Richardson and Rebecca White secured the points. This game was to be the last game temporarily for club captain Sausha Levy-Twomey who began her maternity leave from football after this game, Melissa Boulton took over the captain’s reins for the remainder of the season.
Above: Melissa Boulton in action for Thetford Town. Photo: Hannah Parnell.
March
A disappointing month for Thetford saw two defeats. The first on the road 1-0 at Stalham before Sprowston visited Mundford Road and took all three points with a 2-1 win. Melissa Boulton the Thetford scorer on the afternoon.
April
A busy but brilliant April saw Thetford resurrect their tricky spell with nine points from a possible 15 in the month.
The month began with a 6-0 win at Thorpe St. Andrew with Rebecca White getting a brace and further goals from Melissa Boulton, Hannah Rogers, Chelsea Page, and Sophie Burr-Walpole making it a comfortable win for Thetford.
The following weekend, the good form continued with Hannah Claughton getting a hat trick and Chelsea Page the other in a comfortable 4-0 win over Beccles Town.
Back-to-back home defeats followed against the division’s best teams Mulbarton and Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers both by 4-0 but that didn’t spoil a brilliant April for Thetford.
Above: Thetford Town’s young star Abbie Corbyn leaps for a header. Photo: Richard Brown.
The month was rounded off with a 5-0 win under the lights in their final home game of the season at Mundford Road thanks to goals from Melissa Boulton, Hannah Claughton, Hannah Rogers, Rebecca Russell, and Rebecca White.
May
The season rounded off with three games in May as the team claimed a brilliant 2-2 draw at Fakenham Town thanks to goals from Abbie Corbyn and Rebecca White.
Thetford then secured fourth place and made it a double over Bungay with a stunning 3-1 win at Maltings Meadow thanks to goals from Abbie Corbyn, Charlotte Howard, and Rachel Lynch.
The season ended with a 4-0 defeat in their final game of the season away to Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers.
A brilliant season for Thetford Town and the aim will be to finish even higher next time round.
Impetus‘ Jonathan Tay heard from England head coach Sarina Wiegman as she announced the Lionesses squad for next month’s European Championships (16/6/22).
Above: Fran Kirby – back to her best and in the Lionesses’ Euros squad. Photo: Lionesses.
England head coach Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-player squad for the upcoming European Championships.
There is a blend of youth and experience, with an average squad age of 26-years-old. Nine players will be taking part in their first major international tournament; Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton, Jess Carter, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, and Beth England.
A short film, “Our England”, was released in conjunction with the squad announcement. Singer-songwriter Joy Crookes provided the voiceover for the piece, with cameos from David Beckham, Alex Scott, Ian Wright, Fara Williams, Sky Brown, and Rio Ferdinand.
Wiegman made the difficult decision to exclude from selection former England captain, Steph Houghton, who has been recovering from Achilles surgery in February.
Having not played in a match since January, and with the solid form of other centre-back options during the domestic season, it was always going to be an uphill battle for the 34-year-old Houghton.
She had also handed over the armband on a full-time basis to Leah Williamson in April, having held the captaincy since January 2014.
“Yeah, that was a hard decision, but I think she’s just not ready to compete” Wiegman conceded.
“We set a plan in place with her and for her, and she did everything [that] she could do, and we supported her as good as possible, but…it’s just a matter of time, and we don’t have that time.”
She sympathized, “It’s hard for every player that we had to disappoint, but of course for her, such a big player, who’s had such a big impact on the England game.”
Above: England head coach Sarina Wiegman made the tough call in leaving out Steph Houghton. Photo: Sky Sports.
Though Houghton did not make the squad, 20 out of 23 players did come from the top three of the FA Women’s Super League: Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City.
One of those who did make the cut was the Blues’ Fran Kirby, who had been out action since February due to fatigue-related issues. The star forward has represented England at the last four major international tournaments, as well as Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics.
Asked why Kirby was included despite her prolonged absence, Wiegman stated, “Because she’s doing well. She has been in training for a while, playing games, playing training games, and she’s ready to compete tomorrow.”
The other exclusions from the provisional 28 players named in May were Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Lucy Staniforth (Manchester United), Katie Zelem (Manchester United), and Sandy MacIver (Everton).
England play their first friendly in preparation for the Euros tomorrow against Belgium, 8:00 pm at Molineux. Impetus will have Louise Wilks in the press box at Wolverhampton for the match bringing us dedicated coverage.
Full 23-player Squad:
Above: Hannah Hampton is rewarded for an outstanding season for Aston Villa by making the final squad for the European Championships. Photo: Ben Gilby.
In the latest of our series reviewing the season with Impetus’ sponsored players and partner clubs, Brighouse Town’s Leah Embley spoke to Ben Gilby about her superb first season at the Yorkshire club who flourished in their maiden Tier Three campaign in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier(16/6/22).
Above: Leah Embley (left) in action for Brighouse Town in their superb draw at eventual National League Northern Premier champions Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. Photo supplied by: Leah Embley.
Leah came into Brighouse Town from Championship side Blackburn Rovers ahead of their first ever campaign in the third tier of the women’s game, and the season went about as well as it could have done both for her personally, and her team.
“I think we’ve had a great first season in tier three. We’ve taken points off a lot of the top teams in this league and I think that just shows how good a group we’ve got,” the star attacker enthused.
As well as an excellent league campaign, Brighouse Town lifted the County Cup with a dramatic victory over Leeds United in the Final. Brighouse were leading before Leeds levelled in the dying moments of the second half, which took the final to a penalty shoot out. Leah was of those who stood up to dispatch a penalty to win the trophy. She looks back on the game with real pride.
“I thought first half we dominated, we were comfortable on the ball and Leeds didn’t really trouble us. I thought we had a few chances where we could have killed the game off early doors. In the second half, we lost our way a little bit and it became a battle, we didn’t really keep hold of possession and Leeds threatened us.
Above: Leah Embley pictured with the County Cup after Brighouse Town’s dramatic win over Leeds United in the Final. Photo supplied by: Leah Embley.
“Luckily we won on penalties otherwise it would have been a very disappointing night. I really enjoyed playing in it, the crowd was amazing and when I walked out from the changing rooms to the pitch I couldn’t believe how many people had come down to support. It was a great occasion for women’s football and we topped it off by bringing the trophy home.”
As well as a successful campaign results-wise, Leah sees the season as one which was hugely positive personally on a more fundamental level.
“I think a big thing for me was getting my confidence back and enjoying my football. I’ve scored goals this season and put myself in a position where I knew the team could rely on me to put the ball in the back of the net. I think 26 goals in one season is a massive achievement and one I am proud of.
“From a team perspective, we’ve had some really good performances, everybody wants to work hard and put a shift in and I think you can tell that in some of our results against Wolves and Derby County. I was welcomed into the team from the start and I was made to feel part of it from the staff and players straight away which I think is massive.”
Above: Leah Embley in possession at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Photo supplied by: Leah Embley.
Leah touched on her goal scoring record, but among those 26 were a fair number of absolutely sensational strikes. That is something that the Brighouse star puts down to getting her confidence back since moving to the club for this season.
“Haha! Yes, I’ve scored a few good ones. I think I went through a spell when every goal I scored was a special one. I think it goes back to having the confidence to shoot from them kind of areas. Finishing is something I know is one of my strengths, even though I’m not an out-and-out number nine, I always felt like I could score in every single game. The confidence I had in myself this season was top class and I think some of my goals showed that. This is probably the best goal-scoring season that I’ve had.”
As always, there were challenging moments during the campaign, and Leah specifically found the number of midweek games her team had to play towards the end of the season was tough.
“They were a struggle not physically but mentally. When you get the win you feel like it’s worth it but they are hard games.”
Above: Leah Embley in action for Brighouse Town – she can see nothing but more good times ahead for the club next season. Photo supplied by: Leah Embley.
With the club comfortably securing another season in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier, the Brighouse attacker sees more positive times ahead next season. “I think with another pre-season together gelling as a team, we can punishing opponents more when we get in the final third. It’ll be another great season next season.
“Before we finish, I want to make clear how much I’ve really appreciated all the support I’ve received from Impetus this season and it has really driven me to keep performing. A massive thank you for everything this season and hopefully you’ve enjoyed being part of the journey.”
We certainly have, and everyone connected with the site is really excited to see what comes next for both Leah Embley and Brighouse Town.
In the latest of our WA On Wednesday interviews featuring players from the NPL WA Women’s competition, Subiaco‘s Keziah Burgis talks to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about the tough first year for the club in the competition,her pride in her team’s continual growth, and the difficulties that women’s football needs to overcome in Western Australia(15/6/22).
Above: Keziah Burgis (left) – a key part of Subiaco’s growth in the NPL WA. Photo: Fotoenzo, supplied by Keziah Burgis.
Whilst Keziah Burgis has been a key part of the Subiaco team for several years now, she came to football quite late, as she explains.
“I was introduced to soccer in my last few years of high school. I did soccer as a subject to make friends and have a run around at school. I didn’t join a club until after I graduated high school. This will be my fifth year playing for a club, my fourth year at Subiaco, and my third year in the NPL.”
Keziah describes herself as “a very physical player. As a wingback, I love one on one challenges, where my strength and speed can be utilised. I compete in CrossFit during the off-season so I am always working on fitness and strength. Since being at Subiaco, I have been lucky to partake in additional technical sessions and receive lots of constructive criticism. My technical ability has improved a lot since being in the NPL, but is definitely something I want to continue to improve on.”
With this being the third season of NPL competition in Western Australia, Keziah has been part of a Subi team who has made the jump from State League to the new level. It’s been a challenge, with players making real sacrifices for their club. It shows that there is huge pride in the shirt and a desire to grow. The consequence is now that Subiaco are bridging that gap with signs of real progress, particularly this season. Keziah reflected on the experience.
“The first year in the NPL, it’s well known Subiaco finished bottom of the ladder without a win. The gap between the state league and NPL was more than I think any of our team could have anticipated. Our squad also suffered numerous injuries, including our goalkeeper, Marissa Pigeon, breaking her finger early on in the season.
“As a result of injuries, a lot of players, including myself, would play back-to-back games to ensure we could field both a U23s and first-team each week. While not much went our way the first year, we had a dedicated coach in Iain Jolly and a great captain in Jennifer Walsh, who both pushed our team to work harder and develop our skills.
“Subiaco finished last again in the second year of the NPL, but that result, in no way, reflected the exponential improvement. Our coach, captain, and countless other important players and staff stayed on to ensure that we continued to head in the right direction.
Above: The Subiaco team that won their first-ever NPL game against Fremantle City. Photo via: Keziah Burgis.
“We also managed to get a few new players which helped out with the depth of the squad. Subi won its first game against one of the top teams, Fremantle City. Our squad went on to win another game against NTC, and were very unlucky not to have had other wins. To top it off, our goalkeeper, Marissa Pigeon, won goalkeeper of the year. While the end result was not ideal, and perhaps unlucky, the hard work everyone put in did not go unnoticed.
“While finishing on the bottom of the ladder was a hard blow, I strongly believe Subiaco developed over the last season more than any other team. We worked a lot on fitness outside of training and the club organised for players to have access to additional technical sessions. I think our development and club culture has been a significant factor in attracting a number of new players this year.”
That continued development has continued this season as Subiaco won plaudits for performances in the opening weeks, including a superb effort against unbeaten league leaders Perth RedStar last weekend. Keziah is delighted in the way things are going but sees the potential for further growth.
“This year in the NPL, Subi has continued to improve. The goal of Subiaco has always been to play possession-based football and our new coach, Greg Farrell, has been an ideal fit to continue on from the foundations that our former coach laid down.
“We also are very lucky to have Chelsie Winchcombe join our team this year, who has made team of the week numerous times already. She has been an amazing role model and provided the team with a wealth of experience and guidance. With the amount of new players on the squad, there have been a few growing pains, but I have no doubt that Subiaco will only get stronger and stronger.
“Subiaco started the campaign with, barring a few players, a completely different squad from the previous season. The Night Series was a challenge with the squad not having had much of a chance to play together. With the start of the regular season, after Greg Farrell stepped in as coach, the squad really started coming together.
“Playing a possession-based game, we have had a few games we have conceded easily from making mistakes. However, we have shown numerous times this season, that we are capable of putting pressure and holding the ball up against top teams. We have a squad that’s very capable as individuals, with young players such as Zara Board, who has been selected for the Junior Matildas.
“The task now is to gel together as a team, and with the guidance of Greg and our captain Chelsie, this has started to come together. As we continue to develop as a squad and learn from mistakes made, I see no reason why Subiaco can’t push to be in the top four.”
Above: Keziah Burgis (left) in possession against Perth SC. Photo: Fotoenzo, supplied by Keziah Burgis.
Every team in the NPL WA has had to overcome the challenges of COVID this season, which has seen numerous postponements and clubs needing to play midweek games to catch up. Keziah outlined the difficulties it has imposed.
“It can be difficult when almost every week a different starting team takes the field. Building momentum and consistency is hard when COVID has left many uncertainties about the team that will be playing each week, or whether there will be a game at all. One positive about COVID is that it has given a number of the under-21s a chance to step up and play for the first team. Our first team and under-21s coach have worked together to develop the whole squad so that players are ready to play when they get called up and thus far have done a great job.”
On a personal level, this season has been a real challenge for Keziah who suffered serious injury. “My biggest challenge in football has come this year in the form of a dislocated knee cap. Having started every game for Subiaco over the previous two seasons, it has been really hard to sit back and not play. However, watching my team play, I can see how far we have come since we first started in the NPL, so I am really keen to get back out there and play again.”
“My overall aim for the season is to become a more well-rounded player. Sometimes my lack of experience shows in my decision making and it has been something I have consistently tried to work on. For Subiaco as a team, the aim is pretty straightforward, to play possession-based football. We want to continue to hold the ball up and pressure teams, while working towards minimising the mistakes. Subiaco has been developing as a squad since we started in the NPL and this year it’s no different, we always want to do, and be better, than the last game.
Looking more widely, Keziah shares the commonly held view around the competition that NPL in WA looks a lot different this year than it did last year. “One of the only teams that has shown a lot of consistency is Perth RedStar. It feels like every game you don’t know what to expect. I believe this is largely due to COVID as well as the departure of a number of players from last year. It has been said time and time again that there are not enough pathways for females in Western Australia to move up from the NPL. Playing soccer in WA, I think you have to sacrifice a lot of time with not as much reward as players would like.”
The most prominent theme that cropped up time and time again in our discussion was Keziah’s sheer passion and pride for her club. She ended our chat by outlining why this was so prominent.
“It’s hard to sum up the best thing about playing for Subiaco. For me, what’s kept me coming back to play has been the culture. Since the beginning of the NPL, there has been a strong focus on player development and learning. Part of the learning process is making mistakes, but rather than playing the ‘blame game’, our team has worked together to improve and stop making the mistakes.
“Especially in the first year of the NPL, which was undoubtedly the toughest year, the players in the squad were the reason I kept coming back to training and giving 100% in games. Being surrounded by players that genuinely want to see you do well and help you improve is something I have always valued with Subiaco.”
Kieran Yap provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Victoria NPLWomen’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos (15/6/22).
Above: Alana Jancevski who put Bulleen Lions in front ahead of Bayside United. Photo: Gold Leaf Creative.
MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:
Bulleen Lions 3-2 Bayside United
Bulleen Lions FC would have been confident going into this game with Bayside United. Caitlin Friend’s team had gone three games without a win. Although the only defeat in that run was 1-0 to fellow title contenders Calder United, they needed to reverse that form.
The last time these two teams met, Bayside was subjected to a 7-0 loss. After starting the season relatively competitively, they began losing by huge margins culminating in a 9-0 defeat away to South Melbourne. A 5-2 loss against Heidelberg United showed that they could still cause problems, but they sat at the bottom of the table with the league’s worst defensive record.
Things looked to be going as planned for Bulleen early on. Coco Parker may have given them an early scare when she almost scored in the opening minutes, but Bulleen were 1-0 up after 11 minutes.
Alana Jancevski created some space for herself on the edge of the penalty box. Once she gets on to her left foot, it usually spells trouble and her strike was too powerful for Kelsey Quinn. The Bayside goalkeeper was well positioned but after a deflection, the ball squirmed beyond her and into the net.
That chance had come from a Bayside turnover. A short goal kick quickly succumbed to the Bulleen press and the mistake was punished. It was not one that Bayside would make again. For much of this season, they have struggled to control the midfield. After that goal, they started to bypass it with longer, more direct balls towards Parker and Maryam Anvari up front.
Above: Coco Parker, who was influential for Bayside United at the weekend. Artwork: Bayside United.
Jancevski almost scored a spectacular second. Receiving the ball on the wing, she tried to catch Quinn by surprise with a curling effort from almost 40 yards. The keeper had to get down low to block it, but it was another example of what the Bulleen attacker can do without hesitation or warning.
Somewhat surprisingly, Bayside turned their effort into an equaliser. An intercepted pass on the flank led to a cross from Molly-May Ramsay. Anvari lifted the ball onward where Parker rose highest and levelled the scores with a close-range header.
Parker continued to cause problems for the Bulleen defence in her best performance of the season, but the next clear chance fell to the Lions and Melbourne Victory skipper Lia Privitelli.
Emily Dolzan passed the ball inboard from the right and Privitelli raced clear of the defenders. She composed herself before placing the ball past Quinn but unfortunately not the post.
Quinn had done very well to come off her line and close as much space as possible, Privitelli’s search for a first goal this season continued.
Above: Lia Privitelli, two goals for Bulleen Lions from the Melbourne Victory A-League Women star. Photo: Sam Anfield
She made no mistake with her next chance. After running onto a bouncing ball, she shimmied around Quinn to finish and give Bulleen a 2-1 lead.
Bayside almost restored parity after another chance was created by Parker’s persistence. Her ball across the face of goal was dangerous but Kirstie Shearing’s shot was saved by Emily Shields.
Jancevski continued to search for second. Her movement from a set play created an opening but her shot curled away from the goal.
Bayside kept attacking. They had a newfound confidence and purpose in their play. Substitute Julia Budiongo charged down the right-wing and slipped an excellent pass through to Anvari. The striker shot first time and Shields was able to get a touch to it, but it was not enough to stop it from bobbling over the line and making it 2-2.
Budiongo’s impact continued. Late in the game, she had a claim for a penalty after trying to wriggle through Bulleen’s defence. The referee was well placed to make a quick decision and called for play to continue.
The winner eventually came late, heartbreakingly so for Bayside United. Fittingly it was Bulleen’s captain who did the job. Rosie Rodger turned cleverly in midfield and played a good pass into the path of Privitelli. She surged into the penalty box from a wide area and finished off on her right foot for an 88th-minute goal.
Bayside did enough to deserve a draw against a highly fancied opponent, but they should be buoyed by their ability to relieve pressure on themselves and put it directly on the opposition. Bulleen will be relieved to win, but they had the polish and composure when it mattered.
Artwork: Bulleen Lions.
Their dip in form is not all that surprising. They have plenty of Melbourne Victory and City players in the squad. The problem is that they have plenty of Melbourne Victory and City players in their squad. Both of these teams had exhausting, intense A-League seasons that ended late into the finals. Fatigue may be an issue. The other is losing high-quality players to international camps like Zois.
Caitlin Friend still has them playing winning football and they still sit comfortable third with only two losses so far.
Above: Caitlin Pickett’s South Melbourne saw their winning run come to an end at the weekend. Photo: Gold Leaf Creative.
In other games, South Melbourne’s momentum was halted by FV Emerging’s 2-0 win. Two wonder strikes by Ellie Vlarminck and Isabella Sewards were enough to lift the NTC side to fifth on the table. It was Sewards’ 100th NPLW game and she celebrated in style.
Above: Calder United (green) in action against Heidelberg United. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
Calder United continued their winning ways with a 1-0 win in the top-of-the-table clash with Heidelberg United. Adriana Taranto’s first-half goal was all that separated the two teams. Calder now have a five-point lead in first place.
Above: Alamein (red) in possession at Box Hill United. Photo: Box Hill United.
Box HillUnited and Alamein met on the Friday night, with Alamein coming away 2-1 winners over the home side. Nia Stamatoploulos opened the scoring for Alamein in the 27th minute, with Elaina Vatcky doubling the lead before halftime. Melinda Barbieri pulled one back for the home side in the 83rd minute but Alamein held on for a win to keep them in fourth place on the table.
Ben Gilby rounds up all the action fromboth the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan as their mid-season break draws ever closer (14/6/22).
Above: In-form Hammarby celebrate after their latest victory – 4-0 against IFK Kalmar. Photo: Hammarby IF.
DAMALLSVENSKAN
Above: Vittsjö’s Clare Polkinghorne keeps her eye on the ball against BK Häcken on Sunday. Photo: BK Häcken.
BK Häcken‘s poor run, which has seen them lose their last two and take only four points from the last 15 available continued as they went down 3-2 at home to Vittsjö in front of 1,028 fans.
Matildas star Clare Polkinghorne started for Vittsjö with international teammate Katrina Gorry on the bench, and their side went ahead just before the half-hour through Sandra Adolfsson, yet the lead only lasted eight minutes as Mille Gejl Jansen levelled. It remained level until the 59th minute when the visitors re-took the lead thanks to Jutta Rantala and a decisive 3-1 scoreline was earned when Linda Sällström fed Clara Markstedt to score. Marika Lundin gave BK Häcken hope within two minutes, but the visitors earned the points which put them up to fifth, just behind Häcken on goal difference.
Above: Rosengård celebrate during their win over Umeå – they are now five points clear at the top. Photo: FC Rosengård.
Rosengård moved five points clear at the top, and are now 10 ahead of perennial title rivals BK Häcken after a 5-2 win at home to Umeå IK in front of 1,181 fans. Teagan Micah continued her form in goal, with Charli Grant not selected for this encounter. The defending champions were 2-0 up at the break after goals from Katrine Vejle and Olivia Schough. Two further strikes in four minutes at the start of the second half sealed the outcome as Sofia Bredgaard and Loreta Kullashi netted. An own goal six minutes from time further increased Rosengård’s advantage. Umeårallied with two goals in the final three minutes thanks to Lisa Dahlqvist and Villemo Dahlqvist which will frustrate the hosts. However, it looks hard to see anyone stopping Rosengård from adding another Damallsvenskan title to the Svenska Cupen that they have already put in the cabinet this season.
Above: Hammarby celebrate during their 4-0 win against IFK Kalmar. They are in red hot form right now. Photo: Hammarby IF.
Hammarby‘s sensational run continued with a fifth successive win as they comfortably saw off IFK Kalmar 4-0 in front of 983 ecstatic fans. In-form Courtney Nevin started, with Kyra Cooney-Cross listed on the bench, without coming on. Hammarby also has former Chelsea star Jonna Andersson to come into the team – so this exciting side will get even stronger after the break for the European Championships.
Nevin’s fine form continued as she supplied Emma Jansson for the opening goal after just two minutes. Adelina Engman doubled the Stockholm side’s advantage just ahead of the half-hour mark. Jansson made it three right on half-time from the penalty spot. Eva Nyström completed the scoring sixteen minutes from time. Hammarby are now up to sixth – five points outside the top three and have a massive game against out-of-form BK Häcken in their final game before the break.
Above: Evelyn Viens (right) – scorer of both Kristianstads goals at IF Brommapojkarna. Photo: Mathilda Ahlberg.
Kristianstads are third after a 2-1 win on the road at IF Brommapojkarna – a fifth straight win. Canadian star Evelyn Viens continued her red-hot form with both goals. They came either side of Vaila Barsley’s goal for the hosts, a strike which came courtesy of an assist from Daniella Famili in front of 137 fans.
Above: Olga Ahtinen, who put Linköping ahead against AIK. Photo: Linköping.
Linköping remain Rosengård’s closest title rivals after a 2-1 win over bottom club AIK. Olga Ahtinen strike on the quarter-hour mark put the hosts ahead with Amalie Vansgaard doubling the advantage four minutes into the second half. Australian international Remy Siemsen provided hope for the Solna-based side when she supplied the assist for Linda Hallin. However, to the delight of the 542 fans, Linköping ran out 2-1 winners.
Eskilstuna United are sixth after a 2-0 win at home to KIF Örebro in front of 902 fans at Tunavallen. Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene put them on the way to the three points with a goal after just six minutes. Noor Eckhoff’s free-kick decided matters five minutes before the break.
Above: The scene is set for Piteå’s home game with Djurgården. Photo: DIF.
Piteå returned to winning ways after a midweek loss to AIK when they saw off Djurgården 3-0 at their Lombia IP home. It was goalless at the break, but an own goal put the hosts ahead eight minutes into the second half, with Hlin Eiríksdóttir continuing her good goalscoring form by making it 2-0 with just over 20 minutes remaining. She grabbed her brace just three minutes to the delight of the crowd of 932.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
Round Fifteen Fixtures: Hammarby v BK Häcken, AIK v Rosengård, IF Brommapojkarna v Eskilstuna United, Kristianstads v Piteå, Linköping v Umeå IK, IFK Kalmar v Djurgården, Vittsjö v KIF Örebro.
ELITETTAN
Artwork: Elitettan
There was huge drama in the Uppsala derby as league leaders IK Uppsala gained a sensational 5-4 win at Gamla Upsala on Friday night in front of a bumper crowd of 613. Mathilda Henriksson put the home side ahead with 17 minutes gone, but two goals in eight minutes turned the game on its head. Johanna Renmark and Taryn Ries put IK Uppsala ahead with the prolific Nicole Robertson making it 3-1 six minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half.
Above: Sanna Öhlund, whose second-half strike brought Gamla Upsala back into the game. Photo: Elitettan.
The drama took hold early in the second period as an own goal brought Gamla back into the game at just 3-2 down. However, there was another twist involving two goals in quick succession – this time two in four minutes as Rosa Ossorio and Robertson pushed IK out to a 5-2 advantage. The crowd, royally entertained all night were treated to yet another rally of goals. Sanna Öhlund and Josefin Lindström brought Gamla Upsala back into the game at 5-4. There were still 20 minutes remaining on the clock at this stage, but IK Uppsala remained in front on the scoreboard by the odd goal in nine at the final whistle.
Above: Ifö Bromölla IF’s Amanda Olsson who earned her side a superb point against promotion-chasing Växjö. Photo: Elitettan.
Växjö lost vital ground at the top after being held 1-1 away to Ifö Bromölla IF. The newly-promoted team are now in their best form of the season and looking to pull away from the lower reaches of the table. Hannah Stokki put the visitors ahead just before the half-hour mark, but Amanda Olsson delighted the majority of the 154 spectators by levelling 11 minutes later.
Above: Alexandra Roholt, who hit the winner for Alingsås FC United at Sundsvalls. Photo: Alingsås Tidning.
Alingsås FC United continued their promotion push with a 1-0 win at Sundsvalls in front of 65 spectators . The only goal came from Alexandra Roholt with 20 minutes played.
Above: Minnie Asperot – who grabbed a hat-trick in IFK Norrköping’s 5-0 win at Team TG FF.
IFK Norrköping moved up to third with a comprehensive 5-0 win at Team TG FF. The game was pretty much over within the first half-hour when the visitors built a three-goal lead. Minnie Asperot netted after both two and 28 minutes with Sabina Ravnell scoring in between. Asperot completed her hat-trick just before the break. Thilde Alvberger grabbed Norrköping’s fifth with 11 minutes remaining.
Round 11: Gamla Upsala 4-5 IK Uppsala, Sundsvalls v Alingsås FC United, Bergdalens IK 2-7 Mallbackens IF Sunne, Ifö Bromölla 1-1 Växjö, Älvsjö AIK FF 0-4 Jitex BK, Lidköpings FK 3-2 Rävåsens IK Karlskoga, Team TG FF 0-5 IFK Norrköping.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
Round 12 Fixtures: Ifö Bromölla v Sundsvalls, IK Uppsala v Team TG FF, Jitex BK v IFK Norrköping, Mallbackens IF Sunne v Lidköpings FK, Växjö v Bergdalens IK, Alingsås FC United v Rävåsens IK Karlskoga, Gamla Upsala v Älvsjö AIK FF.
impetusfootball.org 