Will Boye Reviews Ashford Town (Middx)’s Historic Season

In the second of our series of articles catching up with Impetus’ sponsored players and partner clubs, Will Boye, chairman and head coach of Impetus partner club Ashford Town (Middx) talks to Ben Gilby about the team’s incredible season which included an unbeaten league campaign, promotion to the FA Women’s National League for the first time, a heroic FA Cup run, and two cup final victories.

Above: Will Boye (right) pictured with Ashford Town (Middx) assistant coach Matthew Aumeeruddy after the team’s Combined Counties Cup Final success. Photo supplied by: Will Boye.

When Will and I first spoke before the beginning of the season, just after the partnership between Ashford Town and Impetus had been announced, he hinted that the club were confident of having a successful season. What actually transpired was almost beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

“What we have done this season has been remarkable, certainly an unrivalled achievement. But I know the quality that exists in this team, whilst humble in our approach, we work incredibly hard and our open season targets were all met as a result.”

Above: Will pictured on the touchline for Ashford Town (Middx) this season. Photo supplied by: Will Boye.

Whilst Will has spoken in detail to us before about the specifics of Ashford’s FA Cup run (see https://impetusfootball.org/2022/01/20/ashford-town-middx-a-history-making-season/), the Tangerines had successes in other knock-out competitions too.

“The FA Cup as you know well was one we feel incredibly proud about. We were disappointed with our exit in the league cup, and still discuss now just how much it has left a stain on an otherwise extraordinary campaign. We take satisfaction mind you, from defeating higher league opposition to win the County Cup and the Combined Counties Cup. We came up against strong teams who finished in the top five of a league that has seen it at its largest size in years. We take satisfaction from this but realise we will need to improve to compete at the level week in, week out.”

The unbeaten season in the tier five London and South-East Regional Premier saw Ashford Town win 18 of their 20 matches, taking the title by 12 points from Dartford. With the championship comes promotion to the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) Division One South-East, a notoriously tough league with quality teams. However, the Tangerine’s FA Cup run, which saw them defeat FAWNL Southern Premier (tier three) outfit Oxford United, gives the Middlesex club a degree of confidence that they will be competitive next season.

“We’re under no illusions that we will need to improve technically, tactically, and physically to challenge in the division,” Will said, “but we’re a determined bunch, winning is in our blood. We will take it game by game and give it everything we’ve got. The teams we will be coming up against are of good quality, they have big budgets. There’s also extensive travel, exciting players, ex-professionals to come up against – we’re competing with it all, but we believe in ourselves.

Above: Celebrating another superb achievement. Will captured with Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins after the Combined Counties Cup Final victory. Photo applied by: Will Boye.

“Recruitment has been good so far, I won’t give anything away just yet but we will release information in the coming months. We need to get this right in order to perform well. It’s not just about improving our starting eleven but ensuring we have effective strength in depth.

“It also extends to all areas on and off the pitch. We are constantly striving for better and looking at ways of improving our processes as well as our performances, so all areas will need to be bolstered to compete at that level.”

Whilst he might be forgiven for having a well-earned rest after a long season, Will is in the process of releasing a book. He told us a bit more about what we can expect from it.

“It’s a self-published book I will be releasing in the coming weeks. It’s about taking Ashford from the foot of the football pyramid to the FAWNL. An achievement you just don’t see today from a club without a ‘named’ male affiliate. We pride ourselves in having done this so I have documented this for all to read. I hope it’s something people purchase when it’s released. I will be making plenty of noise on my social pages when it’s ready for release.”

Above: Will and the Ashford Town (Middx) team celebrate their Combined Counties Cup Final victory. Photo supplied by: Will Boye.

Ashford Town have come a long way up the leagues in a relatively short period of time. With the National League now reached, I ended our conversation by asking Will how much further he believes that his team can go. 

“We want to challenge for promotion again. Don’t get me wrong we are competing against some of the very best, but we have a belief in our camp. Game by game we will acquire new knowledge on the league and learn quickly enough about what can be achieved.”

Given what has happened over the past few years at Ashford Town (Middx) and the quality already in their team, it would be a very brave person to bet against them mounting yet another promotion challenge.

Artwork By: Ashford Town (Middx).

Matildas Set For Historic Match To Open New Stadium

9/6/22

Above: The new Allianz Stadium in Sydney, where the Matildas will play the first football match in September against Olympic champions Canada. Graphic: Sydney FC.

The Matildas are set to create history, becoming the first football team to play at the new state-of-the-art Allianz Stadium in Sydney when they meet Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champions and world number six, Canada on Tuesday 6th September.

This encounter will mark the first time Australia has played Canada on home soil in 14 years when the Matildas defeated Canada 2-1, at the old Sydney Football Stadium on 23rd May 2008, the site of the brand-new Allianz Stadium.

Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said: “It’s only fitting that the Matildas are the first football team to play at the new Allianz Stadium, as this state-of-the-art facility will be a host venue for the World Cup in 2023.

“Football enthusiasts, Matildas fans, and event-goers alike are in for a real treat on 6th September, when Australia’s most popular women’s national team, the Matildas host another top-quality team in Canada as we continue to play the highest calibre of nations in preparation for next year’s tournament.

Above: Action from Australia’s meeting with Canada in the 2016 Olympics, which the Canadians won 2-0 in São Paulo. Photo: Mauro Horita/REX/Shutterstock

“It will also create a genuine ‘I was there moment’, with attending fans able to experience this world-class venue and forever boast that they attended the first-ever football match at the new Allianz Stadium.

“We once again thank the NSW Government for their strong support of the football pathway, particularly our national teams, and the hugely exciting 2023 World Cup.”

This important women’s international friendly between two of the world’s finest football teams is one of three major sporting events which will headline the opening of Sydney’s new world-class sport and entertainment venue, Allianz Stadium, over a five-day period in early September.

Allianz Stadium’s festival of the codes begins with the NRL’s famous rivalry between the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday 2nd September. The following night on Saturday, 3 September, the Wallabies will host reigning Rugby World Cup winners, South Africa, with the Matildas game with Canada to round out proceedings. 

This meeting on 6th September is part of a two-match home series featuring both national teams, with the city and venue for the first match scheduled for 3rd September to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Above: Australia are heading for a return to Sydney and a historic opening football match at the new Allianz Stadium. Photo: Football Australia – Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

Commonwealth Bank vs Canada Women’s National Team Ticketing Information

Allianz Stadium – Tuesday 6th September

Tickets to the encounter will go on pre-sale for Football Account holders at 2.00pm AEST on Thursday, 23 June 2022, with the General Public tickets window opening at 1.00pm AEST on Wednesday, 29 June 2022 from www.ticketek.com.au $1 (plus GST) from every ticket sold will be donated to the ParaMatildas, Australia’s first-ever women’s CP national team for female footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms from stroke. Ticketing information is available from the official Commonwealth Bank Matildas website at www.matildas.com.au

Football Account holders able to access an exclusive pre-sale window with a 10% discount offer. To gain access to exclusive news and the pre-sale, sign up HERE.

NPL Victoria Women Round 10 Wrap

Kieran Yap provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Victoria NPL Women’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos (8/6/22).

Above: South Melbourne (blue) battle it out with Alamein at the weekend. Photo: CCP/Alamein FC.

MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:

South Melbourne 1-0 Alamein

After a slow start to the NPLW season, South Melbourne look to be truly back to winning ways. Following last week’s 9-0 defeat of Bayside United, they faced an Alamein team that competed well against league leaders Heidelberg United in Round Nine.

On paper, this was a match-up between two evenly matched sides, and that is what played out on the field at Lakeside Stadium on a freezing cold Saturday night.

South Melbourne began on the front foot. Their attacking strength has been on the flanks in recent weeks with Janna Lawson becoming the dominant winger of the competition.

Alamein defended high. It looked risky, but they dropped behind the ball quickly and trusted goalkeeper Teresa Morrisey’s pace to come off her line and mop up any long balls.

Above: Alamein goalkeeper Teresa Morrisey makes a great save at Lakeside Oval. Photo: CCP/Alamein FC.

Nia Stamatopoulos almost scored the opener for Alamein. Her corner kick curled in from the right and was on target. Only the slightest touch would have sent it into the goal, but Jenna Farrow was well-positioned to hold onto the dangerous-looking ball.

Alamein created plenty of shots from the edge of the area. They were good chances, but South Melbourne’s defenders lead by Claudia Mihocic and Holly Murray were well-positioned to block. Most shots did not make it through to the goalkeeper.

It was a battle of discipline and nerve for the entirely of a scoreless first half. Lawson and Kat Goff were lively for South Melbourne. Ashleigh Lefevre looked like the most likely avenue to goal on Alamein’s left-wing.

Lawson had the best clear chance of the first half for the home side. She latched onto a long pass and found space behind the Alamein defence. Her shot was on target but Morrisey was equal to it once again.

Kiara Bercelli looked certain to score for the visitors. She wiggled free of South Melbourne’s defence, but her shot flashed wide with the goal and Farrow at her mercy.

The arm-wrestle continued for the second half. But this was an enthralling encounter. The untroubled scoreboard was not due to any lack of quality. Both teams were defending as well as they were attacking. Any error or stroke of luck could have decided this at any point.

Above: South Melbourne get a shot away against Alamein. Photo: CCP/Alamein FC.

Alamein had the better of the second-half chances. Sidney Allen hit the crossbar after the was unmarked in the penalty box. Soon after she burst clear of Murray and found herself goal side with only Lawson to beat.

In one of the more spectacular moments of defending, Claudia Mihocic turned on the afterburners and caught up. She executed a perfectly timed sliding tackle and South Melbourne survived again.

Janna Lawson responded for the home team. She exploded into space on the right and dissected the Alamein defence with a pass into the path of Kat Goff. Her first touch took her wider than she might have hoped. She kept possession but Morrisey held her up and then scrambled back to goal. The danger was averted.

The match opened up in the final 20 minutes. Caitlin Pickett got on the end of a terrific team move and raced clear in on goal. She opened up the angle and shot, but Morrisey miraculously stopped the ball and held onto it. Pickett was left wondering how.

Morrisey had played a terrific game but was forced from the field late after claiming a cross at her own risk. Evelyn Goldsmith entered the field for her in the final minutes.

When the goal did eventually arrive, it was well worth the wait. Impressively, neither side panicked or changed to long balls to win the game or to release defensive pressure. A moment of quality decided a high-quality match.

Above: Alamein on the ball at South Melbourne. Photo: CCP/Alamein FC.

Goff embarked on another strong run down the right and cut inside. She was held up by the Alamein defenders but got the ball to Francesco Iermano. Janna Lawson arrived on the right side and the ball was shifted to her. Everything seemed to slow down for a moment as Lawson picked her spot.

The shot curled and dipped and nestled into the far corner of the net. It was an injury time winner for South Melbourne and the game that had been on a knife-edge all evening was decided.

The win takes South Melbourne to sixth on the ladder, but just two points outside of the top four. Alamein trail fourth-placed Box Hill United on goal difference.

Teams: SOUTH MELBOURNE: Farrow, Papastanis, Murray, Mihocic, Taranto, Lawson, Iermano, Hronopoulos, Goff (Stringfellow) Sandhu, Pickett.

Scorer: Lawson 90+1′.

ALAMEIN: Morrissey (Goldsmith), Hull, Heysen, Renehan, Leferve, Ayton (Michael), Storay, Vatcky, Stamatopoulos, Bercelli (Nikpour), Allen.

ROUND 10 WRAP:

Above: Calder United (green) and Bulleen Lions compete for possession at the weekend. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819

In other games, there was movement at the top of the table. Heidelberg United have been leapfrogged, with Calder United taking top spot after beating Bulleen Lions FC 1-0. Julia Sardo’s 19th-minute goal was enough to decide the clash of the NPLW titans.

Box Hill United sit in fourth spot after a 1-0 win over Bayside United. Sofia Sakalis struck in the fifth minute to secure the points for the visitors and continue her strong form this season.

Above: Jack Dilks captures a sensational shot from Calder United against Bulleen Lions. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.

In what might be the shock result of the week, FV Emerging defeated Heidelberg United in a 3-2 goal-fest. Heidelberg took an expected lead through Danielle Wise and Tijan Mckenna to go into half-time 2-0 up. Rose Curtis pulled one back for FV Emerging before Candice Kilderry levelled the scores in the 67th minute. A draw would have been surprising enough, but Kilderry had more in mind and a 93rd-minute winner meant that Senior NTC had their third victory for the season.

Table From: NPL Victoria.

Chelsea To Take On World’s Best & Announce Big New Signing

It’s been a busy day of announcements from the FAWSL champions. We hear from Blues boss Emma Hayes on her team’s summer showdowns with top European and North American sides plus the arrival of Ève Perisset (8/6/22).

Above: Ève Perisset signs on the dotted line after joining Chelsea from Paris St. Germain today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Chelsea FC Women.

Emma Hayes’ squad will take part in this summer’s Women’s International Champions Cup (WICC) in Portland, USA.

Following the Blues triumphant end to the season winning both the Barclays FA Women’s Super League for the third consecutive year and the Vitality Women’s FA Cup for the second year in a row, the squad will head to Portland, Oregon to face three champions from around the world with the aim to be named the world’s best club team.

Above: Portland Thorns – who will host the tournament. Photo: Soobum Im/Getty Images.

The tournament, organised by Relevant Sports Group will take place between August 17-20 at Providence Park in Portland, home of the Portland Thorns. The tournament will consist of four matches played as two doubleheaders. Chelsea Women will take on Champions League and D1 Féminine winners, Olympique Lyonnais in the opening European round with the NWSL Shield and Challenge Cup winners, Portland Thorns up against the Torneo Grita México Apertura 2021 winners, C.F. Monterrey in an all-North American battle.

This will set up a European vs. North American final on August 20th, as the winners of the first doubleheader meet, while the clubs that lose in the first doubleheader will play in the third-place match on the same day. Portland will be looking to defend their WICC title, after previously defeating defending champions Lyon in a thrilling 1-0 victory. 

Above: Olympique Lyonnais, who Chelsea will face in Portland. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

The WICC matches will be televised live in both English and Spanish on the ESPN networks and will be broadcast globally in over 140 territories. Tickets will go on sale on June 21st on the ICC website with updates available via @ICCWomen and Instagram and Twitter.

Emma Hayes commented on the news: “We are really excited to take part in the WICC and relish this unique opportunity for the chance to be crowned the world’s best club team following an unforgettable season and a fantastic summer of football. We can’t wait to see our Blues supporters cheering us on in Portland.

RSG CEO Daniel Sillman was equally excited about the announcement, saying: “Each year the WICC competition grows as the world’s top players circle their calendars for the chance to be crowned the best club in the world. We are honored to be hosting the stars of the game on the biggest stage and we hope to inspire the next generation of girls and boys to compete in the world’s game.

Above: Rayadas celebrate their 2021 success. Photo: C.F. Monterrey.

Earlier in the day, Chelsea announced the signing of French international Ève Perisset on a three-year deal.

Perisset will join from French D1 Arkema side Bordeaux on 1st July, the 27-year-old has signed with the Blues until summer 2025 and will wear shirt number 15.

The versatile defender started her professional career at Olympique Lyonnais in 2012 where she stayed until the end of the 2015/16 season before making the move to Paris St. Germain in 2016. While at Lyon, she won the league and the Coupe de France Feminine four times while also lifting the latter at PSG for the fifth time. Perisset signed for Bordeaux in June 2020 where she has played both full-back positions and in midfield with 45 appearances for the Girondins and over 125 D1 appearances across her career.

On the international stage, Perisset brings a wealth of experience to Kingsmeadow with 34 caps to her name since her senior debut against Brazil in 2016, most significantly representing Les Bleues in the UEFA European Championship in 2017 and the FIFA World Cup in 2019. With her home nation, she has won the Tournoi de France and the She Believes Cup. The French national has been selected for this summer’s Euros and is currently training with the squad in France.

Above: Ève Perisset in action for France. Photo: FFF.

The experienced international also has significant European experience, having played in the last nine UEFA Champions League tournaments representing Bordeaux, Paris Saint-Germain, and Lyon where she went on to take the winners medal in the 2015/16 season.

Upon signing Perisset said: “It’s a fantastic honour to join Chelsea and to be the first French female player to become a Blue. I am very thankful for the opportunity that has been given to me.

“The time was right for me to make this big move to London and join the Super League and I cannot wait to meet the team and the fans later this summer at Kingsmeadow and at the famous Stamford Bridge!”

Commenting on Perisset’s move to the Blues, Emma Hayes said: “Eve brings a wealth of experience and is a versatile player who is able to play in both full-back positions and midfield.

“A tenacious defender, with her mentality and professionalism we have no doubt she will complement the group well. We really look forward to welcoming Eve to the team later this summer as we head into the new season.”

The Swedish Scene

Ben Gilby rounds up all the action from a hugely important week of action in the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan action (7/6/22).

Above: Sensational action from Djurgården‘s game with IFK Kalmar in Round 12. Photo: DIF. 

DAMALLSVENSKAN

The top two went head to head on Friday night with second-placed Linköping hosting leaders Rosengård in front of a bumper crowd of 2,609. It was a game full of action at the Linköping Arena.

Artwork: OBOS Damallsvenskan.

Fresh from their Svenska Cupen Final success last week, Rosengård hit the front on the half-hour mark as Loretta Kullashi netted. However, the lead lasted just four minutes as Nellie Karlsson levelled for the hosts. Just before the break, the goal momentum shifted back to the defending champions as Kullashi grabbed hers and Rosengård’s second.

The key breakthrough came 20 minutes from time as Guðrún Arnardóttir headed home Jelena Čanković’s corner to put the visitors 3-1 ahead. Once more though, Linköping hit back almost immediately as Therese Simonsson gave the home side renewed hope. The pendulum swung back towards the visitors with 11 minutes remaining when Mimmi Larsson supplied the pass for Olivia Schough to re-establish her team’s two-goal lead. There was the potential for late drama when Linköping got back to 4-3 when the assistant referee ruled that the ball had just gone over the line off of Rosengård goalkeeper Teagan Micah, but the visitors had done enough to earn a vital win in the race to retain their title.

Above: Joy for Djurgården during their 4-0 win over IFK Kalmar. Photo: DIF.

The round got underway on Wednesday night with Djurgården gaining an important 4-0 win over IFK Kalmar as they continued their positive run of form in front of 431 happy fans at Stockholm Stadium. The game was ultimately decided with three goals in an 11-minute spell in the early stages of the action. With just eight minutes of the clock, Tilde Lindwall supplied the ball for Stinalisa Johansson to put the home side ahead. Within 120 seconds, Tove Almqvist played in Hayley Dowd to double Djurgården’s lead. On 19 minutes, Lindwall was involved again as she fed Almqvist to make it 3-0. Sara Vidlund found Luva Lundin to make it 4-0 in stoppage time at the end of the game.

Above: Mille Gejl Jensen, who played a key part in BK Häcken’s 5-1 win at IF Brommapojkarna, Photo: BK Häcken.

BK Häcken took advantage of Linköping‘s defeat to Rosengård to move back into second with a 5-1 win at IF Brommapojkarna in front of 142 fans. Three goals in a 24-minute spell ultimately settled matters. Anna Csiki found Mille Gejl Jensen to put the visitors ahead just after the quarter of an hour mark before Jensen turned supplier for Pauline Hammerlund to make it 2-0. Jensen was back on the scoresheet with 36 minutes played after being played in by Stine Larsen. There was another flurry of goals in the final 12 minutes which started with Diljá Ýr Zomers extending Häcken’s lead to four. Mathilda Splendor got one back near the end for the home side before Molly Johansson restored Häcken’s four-goal advantage in second-half stoppage time.

Above: Vittsjö (red) battle it out with Eskilstuna United on Sunday. Photo: @ahlerup.

Eskilstuna United and Vittsjö, two of the sides battling to make it into the top four faced off at Tunavallen on Sunday, with neither team being able to advance their cause for potential Champions League qualification after a 0-0 draw in front of 840 fans.

Above: Piteå show what it means to defeat rivals Umeå to win the Norrland derby. Photo: Piteå IF Dam.

Piteå came from 1-0 down to defeat Umeå IK 3-1 in the Norrland derby. It was a result which continues their fine recent form. Vilma Koivisto gave the visitors the lead on 12 minutes to the chagrin of the 721 home crowd. It was a lead that lasted for just under a quarter of an hour before Cecilia Edlund found Hanna Andersson to level. Katrina Guillo was next for the assist as she played in Anam Imo to give Piteå the lead. Imo completed the scoring with two minutes remaining as she converted a penalty.

Artwork: OBOS Damallsvenskan.

Kristianstads are fourth after a 3-0 win at home to KIF Örebro in front of 549 fans. The hosts are finding goals easy to come by this season and in Tabby Tindell and Evelyn Viens, have two of the stars of this season’s Damallsvenskan. Michaela van den Bulk put Kristianstads ahead with 12 minutes played before Viens got in on the act on 51 minutes after being found by Mia Carlsson. Tindell maintained her position at the top of the league’s scoring charts with her ninth of the season to settle matters 12 minutes before time.

Above: Goalmouth action in Hammarby’s clash with AIK.

Hammarby moved up to seventh as they condemned rock bottom AIK to another defeat after seeing them off 2-0 at home in front of 2,634 fans. Australian international Courtney Nevin continued her run of scoring when she was found by Emilia Larsson with 36 minutes played. Nevin turned provider three minutes later for Emma Jansson to make it 2-0. Savage Hasund missed a penalty late on for the home side.

Table From: Svensk Fotboll.

Round 13 Fixtures (Midweek): BK Häcken v Eskilstuna United, Djurgården v IF Brommapojkarna, IF Kalmar v Rosengård, KIF Örebro v Hammarby, Umeå IK v Linköping, Vittsjö v Kristianstads, AIK v Piteå.

Above: Presentation time for Vittsjö’s Katrina Gorry after her side’s 0-0 draw with Eskilstuna United. Photo: @ahlreup.

ELITETTAN

Going into the weekend, Alingsås FC United were the competition’s league leaders, but that came to an end after defeat at home to newly-promoted Gamla Upsala in front of 186 fans. Initially, there was no sign of that surprising outcome as Tove Lorén gave the hosts the lead with only two minutes played. Yet, Gamla replied just three minutes later as Thea Barkfeldt levelled. The winner was struck by Sanna Öhlund after 68 minutes.

Above: Celebrations for Gamla Upsala. Photo: Gamla Upsala SK.

That result meant that there is a log jam once more at the top of the Elitettan. The new leaders are IK Uppsala who, as expected ran out comfortable winners over bottom side Älvsjö AIK FF. Uppsala got a boost to their goal difference, which, at present is vital at the top of the table, with a 6-0 win success in front of 168 supporters. Two first-half goals from Wilma Thörnkvist and one from Rosa Ossoria set Uppsala on their way with Hanna Persson’s brace and Ella Gunnarsson’s strike at the death completing the rout.

Above: A battle for possession between IK Uppsala (black) and Älvsjö AIK FF. Photo: Peter Bohlin.

Växjö who ran out 3-2 winners against fellow promotion hopefuls Lidköpings FK in front of 271 fans at their Visma Arena home. Växjö’s prolific scorer Evelyn Ijeh put the hosts ahead with 17 minutes played. It remained that way until 10 minutes into the second period when there was a burst of two goals in as many minutes. First, Jenny Stadin levelled ahead of Ijeh grabbing hers and Växjö’s second. Ijeh completed her hat-trick with fifteen minutes to go. There was a tense finale as an own goal gave Lidköpings renewed hope, but Växjö got over the line and are second by just goal difference from IK Uppsala. Indeed there are just two points separating the top five.

Artwork: Elitettan.

Ifö Bromölla IF won a vital game at the bottom, 4-1 away to fellow newly-promoted side Rävåsens IK Karlskoga. There was drama in the opening period as Karlskoga’s Rebecka Mannström missed a penalty but then made amends seven minutes later by putting her team ahead. The second half was dominated by Bromölla who took the lead thanks to two strikes from Milla Larsson. Jindra van Reeden extended their lead to 3-1 before Vilma Hansson completed the scoring two minutes from time to the disappointment of the 108 fans. This result moves Bromölla out of the relegation zone

Above: Ifö Bromölla IF celebrate their vital win at Rävåsens IK Karlskoga. Photo: Ifö Bromölla IF.

Round 10: Team TG FF 2-1 Bergdalens IK, IK Uppsala 6-0 Älvsjö AIK FF, Jitex BK 3-1 Mallbackens IF Sunne, Växjö 3-2 Lidköpings FK, Rävåsens IK Karlskoga 1-4 Ifö Bromölla IF, IFK Norrköping 3-0 Sundsvalls, Alingsås FC United 1-2 Gamla Upsala SK.

Table From: Svensk Fotboll.

Round 11 (Fixtures): Gamla Upsala v IK Uppsala, Sundsvalls v Alingsås FC United, Bergdalens IK v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Ifö Bromölla v Växjö, Älvsjö AIK FF v Jitex BK, Lidköpings FK v Rävåsens IK Karlskoga, Team TG FF v IFK Norrköping.

Irish National League Round-Up

Post To Post Sport‘s Ciarán Duffy provides us with his weekly round-up of the action in Ireland’s top domestic league as the competition reaches Round 13 (7/6/22).

Above: Emma Doherty en route to her winning goal for Sligo Rovers against Wexford Youths. Photo: James Fallon.

Coming up to the midseason break there was plenty of drama in the Women’s National League.  Here’s how round 13 shaped up.

Galway Hold Champions At Tolka Park

Photo: Mick O’Shea.

Shelbourne remain top of the table despite Galway becoming only the second team to take points off them this season.  They are also the first team to avoid defeat against Shels at Tolka Park. 

The game had the look of being business as usual as the champions controlled the action.  Shels took the lead early on when Saoirse Noonan got on the end of Chloe Mustaki’s ball.  The league leaders went into the break with a 1-0 lead. 

The second half was more even with Galway coming into the game.  Jenna Slattery scored an equalizer to remember as she chipped Amanda Budden to draw the game level.  The two sides tried to find a winner, but it would end all square. Shelbourne 1-1 Galway.

Mahon & Doherty Heroics Seal Win For Sligo

Above: Emma Doherty and her Sligo Rovers teammates celebrate her stunning winner. Photo: James Fallon.

Emma Doherty will remember this visit of Wexford Youths for some time.  She scored a super winner to give Sligo a famous victory against the cup holders.

It was a back-and-forth game early on with Wexford having the better chances through Orlaith Conlon and Ciara Rossiter.  It was Sligo, however, who nearly went ahead towards the end of the opening 45, they had the best chance of the game when Lauren Boles shot just over. 

Two sides attacked early in the second half, and just after the hour mark, the winning goal was scored when Emma Doherty sent a sensational shot past Maeve Williams.  Amy Mahon was called into action in the Sligo goal late on to save a penalty of Youths captain Kylie Murphy. Sligo Rovers 1-0 Wexford Youths.

Ruthless Peamount Return To Winning Ways

Artwork: Peamount United.

Peamount had had a few weeks without a win in what must have been an unusual feeling for a squad used to challenging for silverware.  The 2019 and 2020 champions had dropped to fifth in the league but would return to regular form in dominant fashion.  Danny Murphy was taking charge of Cork City for the first time and had a difficult start to WNL life. 

It was all Peamount throughout the game with first-half goals from Stephanie Roche, Áine O’Gorman, and two from Sadbh Doyle that had Peas well in control at the break.  Peamount continued the pressure and O’Gorman, who has over 100 caps for Ireland, bagged two more to seal her hattrick.  Super-sub Michelle Doonan made it seven late on.  Peamount were comfortable in a difficult start for new Cork boss Murphy. Peamount United 7-0 Cork City.

Athlone Edge Past Bohs

Above: Róisin Molloy, scorer of Athlone Town’s second goal against Bohemians. Photo: Athlone Town.

Having seen their winning streak come to an end last week, Athlone Town returned to winning ways with victory in a tight affair against Bohemians. 

Emily Corbet scored the opener in the 70th minute having seen an early penalty go over the bar.  Róisin Molloy was the provider, and it was her shot that found its way past Rachel Kelly to double the lead. 

Bohs were still very much in the game, and late on Erica Burke turned the ball past Niamh Coombes who had just kept Burke’s penalty out. Athlone Town 2-1 Bohemians.

Waves Bounce Back In Limerick

Above: Carla McManus, back on the scoresheet for DLR Waves. Photo supplied by: DLR Waves.

DLR had had a rough patch of form recently, but they were the better team against struggling Treaty United.  Avril Brierley broke the deadlock just before halftime with the assist coming from Rachel Doyle.  Brierley got another in the 67th minute when her volley found the net.  Carla McManus had struggled with injury this season but got a well-deserved first goal of the campaign with just over 10 minutes to go.  Another player returning from injury, Mia Dodd, made it four with a cool finish having come on as a substitute.  Waves play a couple of days before the teams above them in the next round, so a win against Bohemians would see them go level on points with Peamount for at least a couple of days. Treaty United 0-4 DLR Waves.

Table

PosTeamPLDWDLGD +/-Pts
1Shelbourne1311113134
2Wexford Youths138231026
3Athlone Town138141325
4Peamount United137242223
5Galway13643522
6DLR Waves136251120
7Sligo Rovers13517-616
8Bohemians13346-513
9Cork City132011-406
10Treaty United130112-411

Upcoming Fixtures

Thursday June 9th

DLR Waves vs Bohemians (19:45)

Sunday June 11th

Galway vs Athlone Town (14:00)

Shelbourne vs Wexford Youths (14:00)

Sligo Rovers vs Peamount United (14:00)

Cork City vs Treaty United (17:00)

After the upcoming game round, there is a midseason break.  The following round of fixtures begins on July 2nd.  Remember to follow @PostToPostSport on Twitter and Instagram for coverage of football from the Republic of Ireland.  This season we are raising money for Ireland’s National Autism Charity As I Am, you can view our fundraiser page and donate here

Alice Curr: Building On Good Foundations With QPR & Surrey

Queen’s Park Rangers’ attacker Alice Curr was part of the Surrey team that played in the landmark game against Afghanistan Development last weekend. After the match, she spoke to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about her footballing journey, life at QPR, and why she loves representing Surrey (6/6/22).

Above: Alice Curr in action for Queen’s Park Rangers this season. Photo: Ian Randall via Alice Curr.

Alice Curr has been playing football for almost as long as she can remember. “So I started playing whilst at school with a group of boys when I was around four or five years old,” she reveals. “I come from quite a sporty family and I have always loved PE and any sport.

“I continued to play football at school for the school team and then I joined a local team (Woking Cougars) when I was 10. I played there until I was 15 and then the team folded. So I moved across to Abbey Rangers. Within that first year, I was scouted for Fulham’s first team. I made my debut at 16 in the fifth tier of women’s football.

“I spent four years at Fulham and then spent a year at AFC Wimbledon in the FA Women’s National League before moving to Queen’s Park Rangers last August. Alongside this, I have played for St Mary’s University and The English Universities Squad.” 

Above: Alice Curr raises her arm in recognition for QPR. Photo: Ian Randall via Alice Curr.

Whilst Alice has had some memorable times in her career with representative honours, her footballing journey has also come with its challenges.

“I did have one tough season at Fulham where I was injured for a long time. But I’m really lucky to have a good network of people that push me every day to get me back on the pitch and keep spirits high.”

Alice’s first season at Queen’s Park Rangers in the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East was a success, as she highlights: “We’ve had a great season as a squad, and finishing fourth was a testament to a lot of hard work from everyone at the club.

“Personally I’ve had a good first season at the club and I have really been enjoying it. The hat trick against Bromley was a personal highlight. The final game of the season being played at Loftus Road (the QPR men’s team’s home stadium) was a great way to end the season and we put in a great performance for the fans that have supported us this year. 

“I’ve always wanted to play in the FAWNL and I love that I have had the opportunity to fulfill that dream. Alongside that, I always just try to enjoy my football, that way I tend to play better.”

Above: Alice Curr in action for Surrey against Afghanistan Development last weekend. Photo: Ben Gilby.

Shortly after the season ended, Surrey announced their squad for their two post-campaign matches, with Alice being the sole FAWNL player called up. She explains the selection process.

“I heard about Surrey through social media. As a kid, representing Surrey was a big deal to me but I never had the opportunity. So to see this opportunity arise, I knew I had to get involved. Danny Clarke works really hard behind the scenes to advise on social media and then last summer they hosted trials.  

As with any representative team selected within a lead-up time to the match in question, it can be a difficult process to get the squad to gel, but Alice saw the experience as overwhelmingly positive.

“The women’s football circuit is quite a small one so I have met and played with many of the girls before. However, there are occasions on the pitch where things don’t always sync up. I think as a squad we understood from the get go that would happen. We just worked hard and trusted that the opportunities would come.”

Whilst Surrey originally had two matches scheduled for June, in the end only one took place, but it was a momentous encounter with Afghanistan’s Development team. The Afghan 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.

Alice was proud to play in the match and clear about its wider significance. “Obviously we knew that the match was more important than football. The fact that the Afghanistan team were here and able to play is amazing. They did themselves proud. I think before the game we prepared well and focused on our game plan going forward as a squad. I think that we played well and executed the game plan well. I was happy with my performance. I also thought their goalkeeper was outstanding.”

Above: Alice Curr celebrates with her QPR teammates. Photo: Ian Randall via Alice Curr.

Whilst Surrey doesn’t have another game scheduled for a number of months, the QPR attacker is keen to pull on the yellow and blue of her county again soon.

“Surrey has provided me another opportunity to play and enjoy football over the summer months. It also allows me to represent my county whilst playing with old friends. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity.” 

Alice then looked ahead to next season. The FAWNL Division One South-East looks to be as tough a league as ever with some very strong teams coming into the league in the form of Ashford Town (Middx) and Wymondham Town.

“I think the division has always been a tough league and it’s always been hard to predict who will finish near the top,” Alice admitted. 

“But at QPR we will continue to work hard as a squad and play our football. I know that this will put us in a good place going into next year. I personally want to build on the good foundations built last year and continue learning and growing.”

Above: Alice Curr (second row, second from right) pictured with her QPR team-mates at Loftus Road where they played Norwich City in their final FAWNL Division One South-East match of the season. Photo: Ian Randall via Alice Curr.

Scotland’s Top League Structure Changes For 2022/23

4/6/22

Above: Inverness Caledonian Thistle, one of the clubs in the SWF Championship for next season. Photo: P&J Sport.

Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) has unveiled the structure of its top leagues for the 2022/23 season.

With the highest two leagues in the country, the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) One and Two being administered by the Scottish Professional Football League from next season, SWF’s top tier will become the Championship, a competitive national league made up of eight teams, the membership of which is determined by specific criteria, such as commitments to youth pathways and player wellbeing. Under that, a national League One will be made up of 14 teams.

There will be no relegation from the Championship after the first season, with two teams who have met minimum requirements promoted from League One to create a Championship League of ten criteria-compliant teams.

The new criteria will require clubs to provide sanitary products at games and work to support the well-being of players. A meeting of the new league structure will take place on the 4th July.

Above: Aileen Campbell, Scottish Women Football CEO, Photo: Colin Poultney/Scottish Women’s Football.

Commenting, Scottish Women’s Football CEO Aileen Campbell said: “Women’s football in Scotland is growing and reaching every part of the country.

“Our new Championship will represent an exciting and competitive contest among eight teams from right across Scotland, culminating in a prestigious trophy in its own right. I’m delighted that participating clubs have shown a commitment to the wellbeing of their players – things like ensuring sanitary products are available at training facilities – and providing player pathways, to give girls opportunities to play at a grassroots level.

“League One will also be a fiercely competitive league, with the prize of two places in the Championship up for grabs. As professionalism grows at the top of the game we need to ensure a route is there for every woman in the country to have the opportunity to participate and reach the top, and I’m confident the new structure will showcase the best our clubs have to offer.”

Above: Grampian Ladies – members of the new SWF League One.

The new SWF Championship participating clubs: Ayr United, Dryburgh Athletic Women, Hutchison Vale WFC, Inverness Caledonian Thistle WFC, Livingston WFC, Morton FC Women, Rossvale FC Women and Renfrew Ladies FC

The new SWF League One participating clubs: Airdrie Ladies FC, Bishopton FC Ladies, BSC Glasgow Women, Buchan Ladies FC, Dundee City West WFC, Edinburgh Caledonia FC, Edinburgh City Women, Falkirk FC Women, Giffnock SC, Grampian Ladies FC, Gleniffer Thistle Ladies, St Mirren Women, Stenhousemuir Women FC, and Westdyke Ladies FC.