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Heroic Thetford Take Point From Fakenham

Fakenham Town 2-2 Thetford Town

By Darrell Allen (4/5/22)

Above: Becky White floats in a free-kick for Thetford Town at Fakenham. Photo: Darrell Allen.

Less than 72 hours after their 5-0 win over Bungay Town, a Thetford Town squad and management team that had since been ravaged by Covid, injury, and illness made the 70-mile round trip to face Fakenham Town.

Thetford had a playing squad of 12 and some of those were carrying injuries. Norfolk Women And Girls Football League Division One’s second-placed side Fakenham had the full 16 available so Thetford went in firmly as the underdogs.

A positive for Thetford was the game was moved from the main pitch due to a veterans game and played on a smaller sized pitch which pleased the Thetford manager David Skipp ahead of kick-off.

It was Thetford who came out of the blocks fastest. A quick break saw Rebecca White find captain Melissa Boulton whose shot was saved by Tilly Betts in the Fakenham goal.

The subsequent corner by Hannah Rogers was cleared by Amie Hutchinson before a series of Thetford throws ins saw the early pressure continue with Dayna Howard forcing Betts into a save.

Fakenham began to get a foothold and a great ball through to Vicky Lubbock who then caught the Thetford defence off guard but could only slot past Lydia Ward to see the ball hit the post and go wide.

The game turned into more of a midfield battle with the Town defence working hard but Fakenham were on top, but found Dayna Howard in the way every time.

Thetford got back into what then became a stunning end-to-end contest. Good play from White, Melissa Boulton, Abbie Corbyn, and Courtney Musgrove saw an incredible amount of passes but ended up being cut out by Fakenham.

**Above:** Hannah Claughton takes a corner for Thetford Town. **Photo:** Darrell Allen.

Thetford opened the scoring when Melissa Boulton struck brilliant and the ball hit the bar before coming back out to top scorer White who finished superbly over the keeper.

The visitors should have doubled their lead before the break. White floated in a wonderful free-kick and Abbie Corbyn fired over the bar when it looked like a certain goal. It remained 1-0 at the break.

Thetford started with the second half with the same work rate and intensity as the first. A great Boulton break found White but it ended up in the keeper’s hands.

Fakenham had some more good moves but Klimcke and Dayna Howard were in the way of all of them. However, the visitors’ defence could not hold out.

Fakenham levelled the scores when Sophie Lubbock hit a great finish first time across Ward and in.

Nicole Costin floated in a beautiful free-kick for Fakenham but it was dealt with well by Ward.

Disaster struck for Thetford when Captain Boulton had to come off and Erin Lloyd was reintroduced to the pitch.

Fakenham broke brave Thetford resilience in the 70th minute when Olivia Barker found the corner to give the hosts a 2-1 advantage.

**Above:** Charlotte Howard on the ball for Thetford Town at Fakenham. **Photo:** Darrell Allen.

Thetford would now require every inch of team spirit and togetherness to get something out of this, they delivered.

You could forgive Thetford if they went on to collapse at this point. They had given everything for 70 minutes.

Somehow, somewhere the Thetford squad found a new burst of energy, a new feeling of togetherness and with the same great attitude, Corbyn, Rogers, and White were still getting joy in behind.

The reward came when great work from Musgrove saw the ball fall to Corbyn who smashed it beyond Betts to level the scores and spark wild scenes of celebration.

Thetford enjoyed the final stages of the game and Rogers had a shot into the keepers’ hands before Amy Skipp fired over the bar and Musgrove fired wide.

The scores ended level but this felt like a win for Thetford. This is right up with Thetford’s best days of the season, to come away with limited numbers to second place Fakenham and get a fully deserved point. It took bravery, guts, team spirit, and determination of huge proportion.

The result was made even more impressive by the fact Fakenham had a free week and Thetford played less than 72 hours previous against Bungay Town.

With only one point needed from the final two games to finish fourth, this was a huge achievement for the club.

Thetford players of the match: Dayna Howard and Zoe Klimcke.

Teams: FAKENHAM TOWN: Betts, Pooley, Riches, Smith, Hutchinson, Sands, Dilling, Lubbock, Lubbock, Woods, Spurrell. Substitutes: Baker, Costin, Davies, Wright, Marjoram.

Scorers: Lubbock, Baker

THETFORD TOWN: Ward, Musgrove Klimcke, Howard, Lloyd, Howard, Corbyn, Rogers, White, Boulton, Claughton. Substitute: Skipp.

Scorers: White, Corbyn.

The Swedish Scene

Ben Gilby rounds up all the latest action in the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan with some big games played (3/5/22).

Above: Rosengård and Hammarby mount an aerial battle on Friday night. Photo: Hammarby.

DAMALLSVENSKAN:

Round Six kicked off on Friday night with Rosengård hosting a revived Hammarby at Malmö Idrottsplats in front of 1,225 fans. The match was of big interest to fans of Australian women’s football with the defending champions naming Teagan Micah in goal and Charli Grant on the bench. Hammarby fielded fellow Matildas star Courtney Nevin in their starting line-up.

The match burst into life with two goals in three minutes either side of the quarter hour mark. Stefanie Sanders put the hosts ahead, but the visitors hit back shortly afterwards thanks to Emilia Larsson’s equaliser. However, Olivia Schough restored Rosengård’s lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

**Above:** Rosengård celebrate Olivia Schough’s goal. **Photo:** FC Rosengård

Hammarby remained well in the match until the final exchanges. However, it then fell apart for them. Substitute Bea Sprung put the defending champions 3-1 up and another stoppage time goal from Schough clinched Rosengård’s win which keeps them top of the table.

**Above:** AIK have much to ponder ahead of next week’s big derby clash. **Photo:** Gabriel Gustavsson.

AIK remain bottom after a 2-0 defeat at newly-promoted Umeå IK. The Solna-based side once more paid the price for a slow start. Two early for Umeå clinched the points. Emma Zingmark put the hosts ahead with just two minutes on the clock. The prolific Henna-Riikka Honkanen settled matters with just 17 minutes played to the delight of the 472 crowd.

BK Häcken’s title hopes hit a snag after they could only draw 0-0 at seventh-placed Vittsjö, who fielded both their Matildas stars Clare Polkinghorne and Katrina Gorry from the start.

**Above:** Vittsjö’s Clare Polkinghorne (4) battles for possession against BK Häcken. **Photo:** Hemmamatch.nu

The home side have proved to be very tough to beat this season with just one defeat in their opening games, although three of these have been drawn. The 607 home crowd would certainly have been the better pleased of the two sets of fans with this outcome.

Piteå took advantage of Häcken’s failure to win by going second just a single point behind leaders Rosengård after a 1-0 win at IF Brommapojkarna. The only goal came five minutes before the break when Katrina Guillou played in Hlin Eiríksdóttir to score.

**Above:** Action from Eskilstuna United’s win over IF Brommapojkarna. **Photo:** Eskilstuna United.

Eskilstuna United moved up to fifth after edging IFK Kalmar 1-0 at Tunavallen. The only goal came just over 20 minutes into the second half. Noor Eckhoff provided the assist for Elin Rombing to score the winner to the delight of the crowd of 611.

**Above:** Djurgården celebrate Stinalisa Johansson’s winning goal. **Photo:** DIF.

Struggling Djurgården gained an impressive 1-0 win at home to a Kristianstads side who had started the season in good form. The visitors had only lost once all season and scored 10 goals in five games going into this encounter. The ever-impressive Tove Almqvist set up Stinalisa Johansson to score the only goal of the game three minutes before the break. This result is the perfect confidence boost for Djurgården as they travel to deadly rivals, rock bottom AIK next Sunday.

The final game of the round was played last night and Linköping maintained their strong start with a 1-0 win over KIF Örebro. The only goal came ten minutes from time thanks to Saori Takarada to the joy of the 516 crowd.

**Above:** Linköping on the ball against KIF Örebro last night. **Photo:** Linköping Football Club

ROUND SEVEN FIXTURES: BK Häcken v Linköping, Hammarby v Vittsjö, Umeå IK v Rosengård, AIK v Djurgården, KIF Örebro v IFK Kalmar, Kristianstads v IF Brommapojkarna, Piteå v Eskilstuna United.

ELITETTAN

SELECTED MATCH DETAILS:

It’s as tight as a drum at the top of the Elitettan with the top three only separated by goal difference and fourth-placed Gamla Upsala only a further point behind.

**Above:** Action from Lidköpings win at Bergdalens IF – a result that sent them top of the *Elitettan*. **Photo:** Lidköpings

Lidköpings FK went top on goal difference after a 3-0 win at newly-promoted Bergdalens IK. Tilde Ahlén opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour. It remained that way until the final stages when two goals in as many minutes at the denouement clinched top spot for the visitors. Jenny Stadin made it 2-0 with 89 on the clock. Ida Pettersson completed the scoring in stoppage time at the end of the game which was played in front of 129 spectators.

Växjö dropped down to second after being held 1-1 at home to Sundsvalls in front of 171 fans. Both goals came in a 10-minute spell after the fifteen-minute mark when Dessislava Dupay put the home side ahead. Olivia Wänglund levelled matters for Sundsvalls who are now in the chasing pack, just three points behind the leaders.

**Above:** Dessislava Dupuy (red kit) – scorer for Växjö. **Photo:** Hammarby.

Alingsås FC United are third after a 1-1 draw at home to IK Uppsala. Nicole Robertson’s goal put the visitors ahead eight minutes into the second half. Stina Jensen’s strike seven minutes from the end delighted the majority of the 145 fans at Mjörnvallen Idrottsplats. Such is the tight nature of the top of the Elitettan table, had Uppsala remained in front, they would have gone top of the table themselves. Instead, they drop to fifth.

**Above:** Stine Jensen – scorer for Alingsås FC United. **Photo:** Rudy Alvard.

Their cross-city rivals Gamla Upsala continued their impressive start to life in the Elitettan after promotion following a 1-0 win over Mallbackens IF Sunne. Mathilda Henriksson scored the only goal with less than 15 minutes left in front of 205 fans.

Next week’s matches will be fascinating with four of the top five playing each other.

Full Results Round Five: Bergdalens IK 0-3 Lidköpings FK, Älvsjö AIK FF 0-1 Team TG FF, Alingsås FC United 1-1, Växjö 1-1 Sundsvalls, Rävåsens IK Karlskoga 0-2 Jitex BK, Ifö Bromölla IF 1-5 IFK Norrköping, Gamla Upsala SK 1-0 Mallbackens IF Sunne.

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

NPL Victoria Women Round Five 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 (3/5/22).

Above: Calder United (white) on the charge against Bayside United. Photo: Jack Dilks 171819.

Bayside United 0-6 Calder United

Calder United recorded another impressive result as they put Bayside to the sword in a 6-0 thrashing.

Bayside were looking for a response after losing 7-0 to Bulleen Lions in round four. But their task was made more difficult by injuries in the squad. Alisa Chechelnitskiy make her second appearance for the senior team

Despite the score, the Under 19’s goalkeeper was among her side’s best players and made some stunning saves throughout the afternoon.

Calder United started with Harriet Withers for the first time this season. The winger has returned to the club as an A-League Women’s champion after her first campaign with Melbourne Victory.

The visitors were on the attack early with Stacey Papadopoulos’ pace and intent causing issues early for Bayside.

**Above:** Calder United looking to create once more against Bayside Untied. Photo: Jack Dilks 171819.

The first goal arrived in the 30^th minute, after the two Calder attackers combined. Withers received the ball at halfway and launched a long, direct pass to Papadopoulos.

Spotting Chechelnitskiy only slightly off her line, the Calder United forward produced an incredible chip from the edge of the box. It was the first goal of the season for Papadopoulos and she could have hardly done it in better style.

Montana Mathews sparked the next Calder attack. She embarked on a long, powerful run that began inside her own half. Papadopoulos got on the end of the eventual pass and should have scored a second. Withers almost turned the ball in from the scramble but Bayside survived.

The second goal arrived just before halftime. A free-kick 20 yards from goal was played short by Adriana Taranto. Alana Cerne’s shot was directed through the defenders and into the bottom corner. It was well placed and powerfully hit. Chechelnitskiy was unsighted by the wall and crowded penalty area and had little chance of saving it.

Withers continued to test the home defence. Her cross fell to Elle Talevski, but Chechelnitskiy was able to dive, stretch and tip the ball onto the post.

**Above:** There was plenty to celebrate for Calder United at Bayside. **Photo:** Jack Dilks 171819.

Bayside defended well and counterattacked for much of the second half. They held out until the 76^th minute before another well-worked free-kick added a third for Calder United.

With Bayside set up to defend a shot. Taranto slid the ball wide to her left. Papadopoulos crossed the ball in low into the six-yard box and Raquel Deralas forced the ball home to make it 3-0.

With 10 minutes left of regular time, Calder United could have been forgiven for taking the foot off the pedal. However, they were effectively just getting started.

Against a tiring Bayside, they embarked on a relentless series of attacks to end to game and added another goal after Papadopoulos and Julia Sardo combined to set up Tiarna Stella for her first goal of her NPLW career.

Her first touch took her around the defender and her second was a perfectly hit shot into the top left corner. It was a goal created through composure and she struck it venomously. It was a memorable way to open her account for the club.

**Above:** All action between Calder United and Bayside United. **Photo:** Jack Dilks 171819.

A fifth was added soon after when Withers and Stella set up Sardo to strike from distance. The shot flew past Chechelnitskiy and crashed off the underside of the bar before crossing the line.

Deralas was finding pockets of space in attack and pulled two brilliant saves from Bayside’s young goalkeeper. After a clever turn and dangerous strike, Chechelnitskiy dove spectacularly to tip it over the bar. The pair repeated the scene moments later, Deralas was somehow denied again.

Papadopoulos had started the scoring an hour earlier and in the 90^th minute, she added her second and Calder’s sixth. After trying to dissect the defence with a probing pass, the ball deflected back to her. She raced through to finish from point-blank range.

The win took Calder United up to third on the table, they are playing with confidence and have multiple avenues to goal. They play bottom-placed South Melbourne in round six and will be confident of another win.

Bayside face Alamein next. After conceding 13 goals in two games, they will be eager to make amends and show improvement. Alamein were impressive against league leaders Bulleen on Monday night. Bayside will have to be at their best to get a result.

Squads: BAYSIDE UNITED: Chechelnitskiy, Mclure (Gaudry 45+1) Shearing, Baker, Budiongo, Fogartry, Gilbert (Sata 89), Jowett, Parker, Ramsay (Anvari 45+1), Sousa (Porter 73)

CALDER UNITED: Dal Oste (GK) Matthews (Deralas), Sardo, Dakic, Robers (Eicke 52), A Taranto, (M Taranto) Cerne, Withers, Groba (Stella 69), Papadopoulos, Talevski (Cain 52).

Scorers: Papadopoulos 30′, 90′. Cerne 42′, Deralas 76′, Stella 86′, Sardo 88′.

Referee: Danielle Anderson

ROUND FIVE ROUND-UP:

**Above:** Heidelberg United celebrate a fine win against South Melbourne. **Photo:** Heidelberg United.

Elsewhere around the competition, Heidelberg United defeated South Melbourne 3-0 thanks to a brace from Stephanie Galea, including an incredible free-kick. Danielle Wise was the other scorer in a comfortable win.

FC Bulleen Lions and Alamein faced off on Monday night. Bulleen took a second-minute lead through Tiffany Eliadis before Emma Runnalls levelled the scores in the second half.

Bulleen looked set for their second draw of the season, but Alana Burn secured the points in the 82^nd minute and return the Lions to the top of the table.

Box Hill United’s match against FV Emerging was postponed.

Norfolk Wrap

Darrell Allen brings us his ever-popular round-up of all the action in the Norfolk Women’s Football scene (3/5/22).

Above: Norwich City pictured on the Loftus Road pitch after their game at Queen’s Park Rangers. Photo: Norwich City Women FC.

Tier Four Norwich City ended their season in defeat, their final FA Women’s National League Division One South-East fixture. They went down 2-1 at Queen’s Park Rangers.

The game was landmark occasion for QPR with the hosts playing the game at the men’s team home ground Loftus Road in front of a crowd of 502.

Norwich City fell behind when Vicky Grieve opened the scoring for the hosts, Natasha Snelling levelled it up for the Canaries on 48 minutes before the hosts won it in the 88 ^th minute with a goal from Sue Kumaning. Always disappointing to finish the season in defeat, but Norwich City got their business done prior to this fixture, having won their previous four matches to secure safety with a game to go and they can look forward to FAWNL Division 1 South East football again next season.

It was also the final round of games in the tier five Eastern Region Premier Division, with Wymondham Town already finished and promoted as champions.

**Above:** All smiles at the finish for Wroxham. **Photo:** Wroxham FC.

Wroxham took centre stage and they won their final league game of the season 4-1 at home to AFC Dunstable. Due to the lack of availability of their home stadium at Trafford Park, the fixture was played at the nearby FDC Open Academy. The change of venue did not distract the Yachtswomen as Lauren Bullard opened the scoring early on, before Becky Russell made it 2-0 and continued her scoring form for the week having netted for Thetford Town in their 5-0 win for Bungay Town on Thursday night.

Lauren Bullard then made it a brace for herself to give the Yachtswomen a 3-0 lead at the break. Dunstable got a goal back from the penalty spot before Grace Birchall scored the fourth to complete a comfortable win for Wroxham. It’s a victory that sees manager Rebecca Burton end her fantastic tenure at the club on a high and they will be hoping to have one last success and win silverware when they play Wymondham Town in the Eastern Region League Cup Final next Sunday.

**Above:** King’s Lynn Town celebrate Tiffany Forshaw’s goal. **Photo:** Tim Smith.

King’s Lynn Town finished their season with a 2-2 draw at home to Royston Town at The Walks. King’s Lynn led this game 2-0 thanks to goals from Aime Ford and a long-range blast from Tiffany Forshaw. However, Royston secured a point thanks to a penalty from Natalie Richardson and a late equaliser from Becky Charter. Royston finish the season second and the seventh placed finish for King’s Lynn Town also represents a very successful first season in step five. The club have earnt many friends on and off the pitch this season, and have been helped by their home games being played at The Walks. They will be hoping to continue their upward momentum in 2022/2023.

In the Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One, it was second-placed Fakenham Town who took centre stage with Mulbarton Belles already having completed their season and promoted as champions. Fakenham Town were frustrated and held at home 2-2 by fourth placed Thetford Town. Thetford took the lead late in the first half with a goal from distance from Becky White. Fakenham levelled it up through Sophie Lubbock before Olivia Barker gave them the lead. Thetford equalised late on thanks to Abbie Corbyn to take home a point and cause a shock result.

That result good news for third placed Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers who stormed past Stalham on the road 13-0. Seven of those goals came from Vicky Leyer. There was also ahat trick from Shanice Sutton, a brace from Tallulah Bell and the other from captain Calista Tink. Dussindale therefore continue their relentless pursuit of second placed Fakenham Town. Fakenham have now finished their league games and face an anxious wait to find out where they finish as Dussindale sit 10 points behind but still have four matches to play. For a full report of this game, see Impetus tomorrow (Wednesday).

In arguably the day’s biggest game, Sprowston and Bungay Town shared the spoils in an entertaining 1-1 draw. Lucy Eagle opened the scoring for Bungay before the hosts equalised late on thanks to a goal from Keira Braithwaite. Bungay now must beat Thetford Town on Sunday to stand any chance of finishing in fourth place.

**Above:** Harriet Hunwicks-Rush being applauded off the pitch after her final game, 12 years and 280 appearances for Long Stratton. **Photo:** Long Stratton FC.

In the day’s final game, Long Stratton hosted North Walsham Town at Manor Road, in what was an emotional occasion for Long Stratton’s Harriet Hunwicks-Rush who played her final game after 12 seasons with the club making 280 appearances along the way. Long Stratton sent her out in style winning 6-4 thanks to a hat-trick from Luci Middleton, a brace from Samantha Walker, and the other goal coming from Emma Allsopp. North Walsham were very proud of their performance running a good Long Stratton side close with just a squad of bare 11.

In Division Two, the story of the day in Norfolk saw Caister win the title with a superb 11-0 victory over Shrublands. There were five goals from Bethany Turner, a brace from Molly Simms, and strikes from Ellie Hills, Samantha Hunn, Hayley Muir, and Enya Tooke. The result saw Sophie Gillett’s team crowned champions in style with a game to go. They can also look forward to the upcoming NWGFL plate cup final against Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers.

**Above:** Caister FC celebrate winning the Norfolk Women & Girls’ Division Two title. **Photo:** Caister FC.

In the only other Division Two game on Sunday, King’s Lynn Soccer Club rounded off their season with a 5-0 win over Freethorpe thanks to four goals from Jordan Turner and the other from Kelsey Ramm. They now face a wait to see what the University of East Anglia do in their two final matches to see if they hold on to second place.

Polished Pride

Pride Park 4-0 Borrowash Victoria

By Doug Outt (3/5/22)

Above: Pride Park’s Summer Evans with her commemorative shield marking her 50th appearance for the club. Photo via: Pride Park FC.

Pride Park moved into second in the Derbyshire Ladies League Division One with a polished and composed performance against a depleted Borrowash Victoria on Sunday.

It was third against fourth at Moorways, with both sides in the hunt for second place. Prior to kick-off, Pride’s striker Summer Evans was presented with a commemorative shield to mark her reaching 50 appearances at the beginning of April.

Vics made a lively start but there weren’t many chances early on. Pride Park gradually grew into the game and started to enjoy the better possession, although the first shot on target came from the visitors after 15 minutes, but was comfortably caught by Jade Howell in the Pride Park goal. The home side were building play up well, but the final ball wasn’t quite finding the intended player.

Nevertheless, The Pride started to build some momentum and there were chances for Beth Jones, Lottie Bryan, and Summer Evans, before two goals in three minutes for the hosts around the twenty minutes mark put the hosts in control.

The first came after some slick build-up play as Evans played in Bryan who smartly squared it for Sophie Ayton on the right, who made no mistake from inside the box for her first goal of the season.

Three minutes later, again after good build-up play, Bryan provided another assist as she unselfishly squared the ball to Evans who, with her back to goal, allowed the ball to run across her before turning and placing a smart finish wide of the keeper.

After 30 minutes Park were awarded a penalty after a free-kick was lifted into the box and the ball hit a defender’s raised hand as she challenged for a header. Tash Allderidge stepped up and drilled the spot-kick home to give Pride Park a 3-0 lead on the half-hour

**Above:** Sophie Ayton, scorer of Pride Park’s opening goal against Borrowash Victoria. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick.

There were a couple more chances, for Beth Jones and Rachel Weaver, but at the break, it remained 3-0 to the home side, who were good value for their lead.

It was important for Pride Park to maintain the performance level in the second half, and they started well, with early chances for Sophie Ayton, Eliot Sayavong, and Lottie Bryan.

A few more half chances were created that couldn’t be converted, but shortly after the hour, The Pride extended their lead. A good passage of play culminated in an inviting ball into the area from Ayton which was met at the far post and smashed home by Eliot Sayavong

The first good chance of the second half for the Vics – a header from a speculative ball forward – came with just under twenty minutes to play, but Jade Howell collected comfortably.

With ten minutes to go, a goal-bound shot from Beth Thompson was diverted into the net by Sophie Ayton but the goal was ruled out for offside. There were no further chances for either side and Pride Park saw the game out for a valuable win.

Defensive solidity set the foundation for the performance – it was particularly pleasing to get a third clean sheet of the season – and with some excellent build-up play added in for a fully deserved three points in a polished performance. It was good to see Eliot Sayavong and Sophie Ayton cap good displays with goals, and for Lizzie Pacey to get some playing time under her belt in her first outing since the start of the season, but there were good performances from all twelve players involved.

The win takes Pride Park into second, behind champions Draycott, with two games to play; at Mickleover in two weeks (15th May, ko 1.30pm) and the final game of the season away to….Borrowash Victoria, again (29th May, ko 1.30pm), who have four games left.

**Above:** Eliot Sayavong, who completed the scoring for Pride Park. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick,

Dons End The Season On A High

AFC Wimbledon 8-0 Cambridge United

By George Jones – AFC Wimbledon Ladies (2/5/22).

Above: Another shot on goal for AFC Wimbledon yesterday at home to Cambridge United. Photo: Glyn Roberts.

AFC Wimbledon ended their season in style yesterday, running out 8-0 winners against Cambridge United at Carshalton Athletic FC in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.

The Dons went into the game looking to end the season in a strong fashion and put last weekend’s FAWNL Plate Final defeat to higher league Nottingham Forest behind them. Before the game, there was a touching tribute to long-standing player Katie Stanley who will retire from football at the end of the season.

The game itself saw Wimbledon get off to the perfect start as Rebecca Carter’s cross was deflected in off a Cambridge defender to give the Dons the lead with less than five minutes on the clock.

Five minutes later, Wimbledon doubled their lead with Rebecca Carter again involved as her shot hit the post before Emily Donovan scored the rebound. Just before the 30-minute mark, it was 3-0 as Gloria Siber scored after a brilliant run beating several defenders in the process.

With Wimbledon 3-0 up at halftime, manager Kevin Foster took the opportunity to make a double change with Amy Taylor coming on alongside Angel Fower who was making her farewell appearance for the Dons before going to America.

Less than five minutes into the second half, Dons further extended their lead as Hannah Billingham scored an incredible lob from over 30 yards whilst close to the touchline. With 55 minutes on the clock the moment all connected to AFC Wimbledon been waiting for happened as Ashlee Hincks scored her 40th goal of the season in all competitions by scoring her side’s fifth goal of the afternoon.

With 30 minutes left it was 6-0 as Emily Donovan converted from close range to get her second of the game. Ten minutes later, Molly Childerhouse got in on the action scoring her first goal for the Dons with an excellent finish from close range. With five minutes left, there was a fairy tale ending for Angel Fowler who scored an excellent header after a brilliant flick on by Amy Taylor to ensure Fowler signed off from the Dons in perfect fashion.

As the final whistle blew with the Dons 8-0 winners, there was confirmation that Ashlee Hincks had won the league golden boot award adding to the club player of the year award she had won the previous day. There was also confirmation that Faye Baker had kept the most clean sheets in the league meaning she would win the Golden Glove award.

After yesterdays emphatic 8-0 victory against Cambridge United we spoke to the @ElSuenoTequila player of the match Emily Donovan on her thoughts on our final game of the season#AFCW #AFCWimbledon pic.twitter.com/kdjwdjuWmP
— AFC Wimbledon Ladies (@afcw_ladies) May 2, 2022

El Sueno Tequila Player of the Match Emily Donovan said “We didn’t quite get the end to the season that we wanted. No lie, we wanted promotion at the very start of this year, but we finished off as strong as we could and that is testament to the group, the people behind the players, and the whole set up at the club so we are happy today.”

First-team coach Andy May said “It’s a really pleasing positive result. We said earlier in the week we were going to take it seriously even though we know that the promotion push is not there, so it’s really pleasing because there are elements there that we have been working on for months, and its really good to see them in that performance today so we finish on a high which is so important to us.”

Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Allen, Oliver, Highman (Fowler), Sargent (Childerhouse), Billingham, Mann (Taylor), Stow (Sampson), Donovan, Siber, Hincks, Carter (Russell).

Scorers: Carter, Donovan (2), Siber, Billingham, Hincks, Childerhouse, Fowler.

CAMBRIDGE UNITED: Webb, Bennett, Otten, Burt, Fox, Jenkins, Stojko-Down, Rouse, Griffin, Fraser, Marden. Substitutes: Waygood, Davies, Pamplin, Hodgson, Barker.

Attendance: 143.

FA Women’s National League Division One South-East Final Table:

Lyon Success Sets Up Mouthwatering Final With Barcelona

Jean-Pierre Thiesset reviews the UWCL semi-final second leg Paris Saint-Germain against Olympique Lyonnais (2/5/22).

Above: Wendie Renard celebrates after clinching Olympique Lyonnais’ place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final. Photo: OL Feminin.

Olympique Lyonnais won 2-1 away from home against Paris Saint-Germain to complete a 5-3 win on aggregate to set up a place in the final against FC Barcelona.

In front of 43,254 fans in the Parc des Princes, a record crowd for a game between two French women’s teams in France, Lyon put in a great performance to clinch their place in a tenth UEFA Women’s Champions League final on May 21 in Turin.

The game was dominated by Lyon even if it was Paris SG which had more of the ball with 62% of possession. Lyon stayed solid in midfield and defense, and were able to play their game providing several opportunities to their strikers (12 shots with four on target), while Paris SG created almost equally as well (11 shots with four on target).

Lyon opened the scoring after 14 minutes from the head of Ada Hegerberg after a perfect cross from Selma Bacha to lead 1-0 at halftime.

**Above:** Ellie Carpenter making a typical surging run in the Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg. **Photo:** OL Feminin.

After forcing a save from Christiane Endler in the Lyon goal, PSG came back to level after 62minutes thanks to a goal from Marie-Antoinette Katoto. There was a confusing situation in the build-up in front of Lyon’s goal when Endler and Ellie Carpenter cleared a ball which finally came back to Katoto who put it in the net. PSG pressed and Endler needed to pull off another great save from Sakina Karchaoui at the 76^th minute to prevent the hosts from taking the lead.

Then in the 83^rd minute, Selma Bacha delivered another perfect ball on a free kick with her magic left foot to Wendie Renard who scored with a trademark header to put Lyon ahead once more on the night and complete the victory.

Goals for Lyon from Ada Hegerberg (14), Wendie Renard (83). Goal for Paris SG from Marie-Antoinette Katoto (62).

NPL WA Women’s Round Five Wrap

Ben Gilby provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Western Australia 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 (2/5/22).

Above: Balcatta Etna take a throw-in at Grindleford Reserve, venue for their game with Curtin University. Photo: JASP Photography.

MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:

Balcatta Etna 4-1 Curtin University

Balcatta produced a strong performance to record their first win of the season at home to Curtin in a match that produced four of its five goals in a dramatic 10 minute spell at Grindleford Reserve.

The teams went into the match without a win and occupied the bottom two positions in the NPL table. However, as a slight caveat, they had also had tough fixtures to open the campaign. Balcatta were also still looking for their first goal of the season.

A warm day welcomed the teams to the pitch. It took both sides a while to settle with the opening quarter marked by promising build-ups which petered out around the box. Cass Harvey was busy for the home side and it was Balcatta who fashioned the first real chance. Monique Godding pulled an effort back across from the right which was brilliantly cleared off the line.

Shortly afterwards, the hosts came close once more as Godding found Monique Prinsloo outside the box. The ball was played into Alanah Veroni but Bolton Yangi cleared the danger at the last gasp for the visitors.

**Above:** Monique Prinsloo, scorer of two of Balcatta Etna’s four goals. **Photo:** JASP Photography.

Balcatta Etna were beginning to take charge with Carys Davis’ dancing feet a continual danger. Harvey combined with Prinsloo and the move progressed to allow Tayna Campos to try and force the ball home, but another sensational clearance at the last possible moment from Curtin, this time from Suria Varatharaja, denied Etna.

Campos was looking to get shots in all afternoon, and she let fly with a rocket from long-range a minute later, but Stacey Cavill in the Curtin goal managed to palm down and hold.

Whilst Varatharaja was continuing to impress defensively for the visitors, they still had chances coming forward. Dakota Van Vugt offered a threat and powerful outlet.

**Above:** Balcatta’s Monique Prinsloo goes in with Curtin University goalkeeper Stacey Cavill. **Photo:** NPL.

The final opportunity of the first half fell the way of Balcatta. Prinsloo broke through, with Cavill coming out to meet her but the striker managed to get the ball free from the keeper’s challenge which allowed Campos to get a shot away but again, Varatharaja dealt with the danger creditably.

Balcatta Etna continued on the front foot after the break with Prinsloo combining with Aaliyah Jorquera who stretched everything to get a header in which just went over the bar.

However, not taking chances when they come means there is always the threat of going behind, and that is exactly what happened just before the hour mark.

Taylor Reid put in a deep cross which found Preston at the far post. She had time to turn and play in Danielle Suckling who drove a superb effort into the top left-hand corner with 59 minutes played.

This was the start of an incredible ten-minute flurry of four goals. Less than a minute later, Balcatta were level. Georgia Cawley played in Harvey who in turn found Godding. The final ball to Prinsloo allowed the Etna striker to round the keeper and score her team’s first goal of the season.

Balcatta hit the front just two minutes later. Cawley’s free-kick bounced high in the box which allowed Monique D’Opera to slot the ball under Cavill and into the net.

**Above:** Balcatta Etna’s Mia Yeo, who had a superb cameo performance from the bench. **Photo:** JASP Photography.

It got even better for the hosts with 69 minutes on the clock as substitute Mia Yeo beat Yangi down the left before advancing towards the by-line where she got past Varatharaja to play in a low cross for Prinsloo to sweep home at the near post.

Curtin hit back with Van Vugt pushing forward with purpose once more along the left. She cut inside and forced Balcatta keeper Gabby Dal Busco to come out and deflect her shot away.

Yeo continued to create danger at every opportunity for the home side. Another rampage down the left supplied a great opportunity for Prinsloo, but Cavill pounced on the ball.

Into stoppage time at the end of the match, Hannah Seerden conceded a throw for Balcatta on the right, in line with the edge of the box. Substitute Tahlia D’Opera took and the ball floated in high. Emily Englebert got a touch and the ball ended up in the net off Yeo for the hosts’ fourth.

Curtin had a chance for a consolation at the death as Van Vugt got forward once more, but Dal Busco made a great save with her legs to the delight of the home fans.

Balcatta’s season is up and running. They face a stern test at Fremantle City next weekend in what looks to be a fascinating clash. Curtin have shown real improvements in their opening games from their performances of last season. They next face a home game with Hyundai NTC, and will feel it is a game they can get their first points out of.

**Above:** All smiles for Balcatta Etna. **Photo:** JASP Photography.

Teams: BALCATTA ETNA: Dal Busco, M.D’Opera, Harvey, Campos, Godding, Davis, Jorquera, Prinsloo, Doust, Veroni, Cawley. Substitutes: T.D’Opera, Continibali, Yeo, Englebert, Murray, Hayes.

Scorers: Prinsloo 60′, 69′. M.D’Opera 62′, Yeo 90′.

CURTIN UNIVERSITY (From): Cavill, Seerden, Connop, Preston, Boorman, Waycott, McLernon, Varatharaja, Reid, Hazledon, Riches, Downing, Van Vugt, Suckling, Yangi.

Scorer: Suckling 59′.

Referee: Stephen Knight.

ROUND FIVE ROUND-UP:

Fremantle City earned another three points on Friday night with a 3-1 win at defending champions Murdoch University Melville (MUM).

Freo imposed themselves on the game from the start to build an impressive early lead. They went ahead with four minutes on the clock as Laura Waltman took advantage of MUM losing possession. The move ended with a clinical finish by Jessica Darmago.

Fremantle doubled their lead from the penalty spot four minutes later. Darmago confidently dispatched the kick into the right-hand corner. The Fremantle City player has been in magnificent form in the early stages of the season – highlighting herself as one of the starts of the competition.

**Above:** Murdoch University Melville celebrate after Samantha Mathers scores against Fremantle City. **Photo:** NPL

With less than 15 minutes on the clock, Murdoch hit back. Charli Wainwright gained possession and found Elysse Shore on the left. Shore got free and crossed in for Samantha Mathers to slot home.

Yet, Freo restored their two-goal cushion just after the half-hour mark as Jamie-Lee Gale was played in and let fly with a powerful effort that MUM goalkeeper Monique Todd had no chance of stopping.

Whilst MUM’s new-look team went down to another loss, there remain positive signs that once they gel, their results will move in the right direction.

**Above:** Subiaco’s Frankie Murray shapes up to hit the free-kick that put her side ahead over the NTC yesterday. **Photo:** NPL.

Subiaco continued their impressive recovery from last year’s tough campaign after defeating Hyundai NTC 2-0 at Rosalie Park. But there was controversy over Subi’s second goal which was allowed to stand despite being aided by a bizarre set of circumstances.

The home side went ahead with 26 minutes played. Awarded a free-kick out on the left around 25 yards from goal, Frankie Murray stepped up to lift the shot high into the net.

The NTC hit back forcing a series of corners, but the moment that decided this match came in the 52nd minute and it was one of the most unfortunate goal concessions that you will see all season.

NTC lost possession and a ball through by Subiaco released Phoenix Brownlie who raced in on goal. However, visiting goalkeeper Lily Bailey was clearly distracted during the move by the presence of a stray dog on her goal line. Bailey frantically tried to attract the officials’ attention, but Brownlie continued to advance and then lift a shot into the net despite the dog still being in the goalmouth and impeding Bailey’s concentration. The goal was allowed to stand.

**Above:** The dog on the goal line (visible near right-hand post) which distracted NTC goalkeeper Lilly Bailey, as Subiaco’s second goal by Phoenix Brownlie flew in.. **Photo:** NPL.

The game between Perth RedStar and Perth SC was postponed.

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
Perth RedStar	4	4	0	0	23	3	12	+20
Fremantle City	5	3	1	1	11	5	10	+6
Perth SC	4	2	1	1	6	3	7	+3
Murdoch University Melville	4	1	2	1	3	4	5	-1
Hyundai NTC	4	1	1	2	4	10	4	-6
Subiaco	4	1	1	2	3	13	4	-10
Balcatta Etna	3	1	0	2	4	4	3	=
Curtin University	4	0	0	4	2	14	0	-12

Round Six Fixtures: Curtin University v Hyundai NTC Women, Perth RedStar v Murdoch University Melville, Perth SC v Subiaco, Fremantle City v Balcatta Etna.

Emma Hayes on Sam Kerr, Ji, And Birmingham

Impetus’ Kieran Yap was in the Chelsea head coach’s media conference for us yesterday and heard her talk about her Football Writers Player of the Year Sam Kerr, departing star Ji So-Yun and overcoming the threat of a Birmingham City side fighting for their FAWSL lives (30/4/22).

Above: Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes who spoke of the huge influence of Sam Kerr and Ji So-Yun on her team. Photo: Yui Mok PA Images.

There are no quiet news weeks at a club like Chelsea FC and coach Emma Hayes had only hours to bask in the 2-1 win over Tottenham that inched them closer to the title.

Speaking to the media ahead of another must-win game against Birmingham City, Hayes spoke glowingly about two of her best players, for very different reasons.

Star striker, Sam Kerr has been announced as the Football Writers player of the year. She receives the award alongside Mohammad Salah of Liverpool who was voted the best men’s player.

Kerr has so far scored 18 times for Chelsea in the league this season, including a vital matchwinner against Tottenham. Her strike rate is even more remarkable considering that she does not take penalties for Chelsea. Hayes estimated that 16 of her goals came from what she called the “golden zone” around the six-yard box.

The other player that everybody was talking about was midfielder Ji So-Yun. The South Korean star will depart Chelsea as a legend of the club after announcing her departure. She remains one of Haye’s most influential signings and favourite players to coach.

“She’s watched this club grow from semi-pro status to full-time status to champions league finalists and serial winners domestically,” said Hayes.

**Above:** Ji So-Yun in typical action for Chelsea. **Photo:** Ben Gilby for *Impetus*.

“I know I will miss her, I have a great relationship with Ji and we’ve had some tough conversations over the last few months.

“It’s important to remember that Ji has been without doubt the best international player into the WSL ever.

“She’s been an important cog in this team but she’s also going to pass on vital knowledge to the next generation coming through in Jessie Fleming and Lauren James.

“Ji goes with our blessing, and I think the time is right for her to live another challenge. I know that we leave each other in the best possible place. She is very much and always will be a part of this family

Hayes is optimistic that the younger players in her squad will be able to step up in Ji’s absence. They are impossibly huge boots to fill, and Chelsea will not be shopping for a direct replacement, simply because none exist.

“You can’t replace Ji. What I’ve learned is you can’t replace people with like for like. That’s not something I like to do. I think Ji is unique, special, one-off, and been instrumental in our success up to this point.”

**Above:** At the peak of her powers – Sam Kerr. **Photo:** Ben Gilby for *Impetus*.

On the subject of Kerr, Chelsea have the world’s best striker in at the peak of her powers. When she arrived at Chelsea she was already the record goals scorer in Australia and The USA. However long-term fans of Kerr’s saw further improvement in the FAWSL.

Most notably her off-the-ball work rate and ability to lose defenders or break offside traps has made her an even more deadly threat.

“The timing of her movement, I have never seen a forward with that quality before,” said Hayes of Kerr’s quality.

“I think she gets penalised, if I’m brutally honest with you… I think the officials need to be better at recognising that Sam’s timing is really really good and perhaps theirs is not.

“I think she gets penalised for offside when she isn’t, and that’s a gift. That is something that you can’t teach. She’s got a natural ability to make the right runs and time the right runs and be in the right areas. There’s no question that Sam Kerr is one of the best players I’ve ever coached.”

Since arriving at Chelsea, Kerr has scored 40 goals in 44 matches. It may be a frightening thought for defenders around the world, but according to Hayes, she is still constantly looking to improve.

**Above:** Penalty box predator – Sam Kerr. **Photo:** Ben Gilby for *Impetus*.

“I do think there’s more to come. I think there’s little details all the time we’re asking her to work at. As I told her this morning, it’s a prestigious award, and one that she should be so proud of. I know how important it is in this country and I think she’s completely deserving.

“She’s really produced goals in really key moments, especially the second half of the season but we’ve all come to expect that from Sam. She lives with the privilege and that pressure really really well. She copes with it and thrives on it to be honest with you.

“She’s one of the coolest customers there is come game day. The bigger the opponent the bigger the game I think the better she gets.”

Kerr adapted relatively quickly to the FAWSL, despite some frustrating misses at the start of the 2020/21 season, she soon started scoring with incredible consistency. Hayes signed a star, but Kerr has worked hard at becoming a Chelsea player to the benefit of club, country, and the footballer.

“I think it’s a combination of things,” reflects Hayes. “I know what she needs and what she doesn’t need, I figured that one out. Sam is a hard worker in training and that’s where the magic happens.

“She’s applying all the details and diligence on the training ground and the league had for sure improved Sam but the credit is all her. That’s what makes her the player and the person she is. She’s committed to making herself the best possible player in the world.”

**Above:** “Coping and thriving” with the pressure – Sam Kerr. **Photo:** Ben Gilby for *Impetus*.

With all of the fanfare about Kerr’s award and Ji’s impending departure, it would be easy to forget that Chelsea still have a game on Sunday. Two more wins will guarantee the title remains at Kingsmeadow.

Birmingham City are no easy task and Hayes is is not taking them lightly. “I think everybody has to pay a bit more respect to Birmingham and the fact that they aren’t out of the division…They’re fighting for their lives. They certainly won’t be underestimated by us.

“We know that they are confident about their abilities to stay in the WSL. We’re going to have to find something else again this time against a very different opponent to Tottenham but one that is nonetheless going to do everything they can to take points off of us.

“They’re going to make it difficult like Tottenham did. We have to be better, we’ve conceded two goals from set-pieces that we haven’t conceded all year. That’s not good enough from us. It’s the way that we’re conceding the corners or the free kicks that are the concern for me. You have to stop it at its source.”

For the second season in a row, Chelsea’s title hopes are down to the wire. It is an exciting end for neutrals and the Chelsea boss relishes the contest for the trophy, whether that be against Arsenal or Manchester City like it was previously.

“I always enjoy the process of competing to win, I like that we’ve found some real consistency in our performances, especially in the second half of the season.

“I like that we’ve developed depth within the squad again. I think Chelsea’s future is bright, and I’ve been here so many times to know that nothing is won yet. We need to keep grinding every day because we’ve got another important game this week.”

Master Magician Ji To Depart Chelsea

Impetus brings you news of the imminent departure of one of the FAWSL’s outstanding players. Ben Gilby ends the article with his own personal tribute to the South Korean star – one of his stand out players in three years covering Chelsea Women (29/4/22).

Above: Ji So-Yun pictured hitting a trademark shot from outside the box. Photo: Ben Gilby.

Following an outstanding eight years with the club, Ji So-Yun will leave Chelsea at the end of the season to head back to South Korea.

The Chelsea midfielder will continue with the Blues for the remainder of the season aiming to clinch a third successive FAWSL title and second consecutive FA Cup win. After these games, Ji will head back to South Korea.

As one of the club’s longest-serving players, Ji has been a pivotal member of Emma Hayes’ side, scoring an impressive 68 career goals at the club across a total of 208 career appearances so far, with three matches left this season. The 31-year-old has 37 WSL goals to her name, ranking her among the top scorers in WSL history.

Remarkably, Ji has been a part of each of the 11 major trophies the club has won in the WSL era, becoming a champion of England five times including the Spring Series, taking home the FA Cup three times, and also securing two Continental Cup wins and one Community Shield.

Ji was initially spotted by Hayes and general manager, Paul Green when Chelsea Women played Japanese side INAC Kobe Leonessa in the final of the 2013 International Women’s Club Championship in Tokyo. A two-year contract was signed, a landmark deal at the time for an international player to be heading to the WSL.

**Above:** Ji So-Yun – a fan’s favourite at Kingsmeadow. **Photo:** Ben Gilby.

Ji became the first South Korean to play in the FA Women’s Super League in her debut campaign for the club in 2014 when she scooped FA WSL Player of the Year and PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards. She also went on to become the first non-British player to reach 100 and 200 league appearances respectively.

Ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, the Blues No.10 extended her stay for the final time for three years until 2022, with further accolades following with the South Korean shortlisted for FIFA’s Best Women’s Footballer and the FIFPRO World 11. Throughout her time at Chelsea, Ji has become renowned for her technical ability and brilliance on the ball, scoring some of our most memorable, big game goals, as well as her infectious personality and endless quirks and positivity that she brings to the team daily.

Away from Chelsea, Ji was appointed Co-president of the Korean Pro-Footballers’ Association in 2020, becoming the first female to occupy that role. She has also had a glittering career with Korea on the international field with over 125 caps for her country, most recently taking her team to the AFC Asian Cup Final. Ji has also been named South Korea’s Women’s Footballer of the Year an impressive six times and remains their top all-time goal scorer.

On Ji’s departure, Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes commented: “What an honour and a privilege it’s been to coach one of the most amazing players the WSL has ever seen. There’s no question she’s been the most successful player from outside our league.

“Ji’s helped the club grow on and off the pitch and she’s a fabulous character who will be sorely missed. I will miss her terribly and I’m so grateful for everything she’s done for everyone at the football club. We are in a much better place because of it.”

On a personal level, it has been an absolute pleasure and privilege watching Ji at Kingsmeadow and other FAWSL grounds over the past three seasons. The midfielder is a true creator of the highest quality and a fun figure that exudes love of life and the game. Ji is always one of the last to leave the pitch, posing for photos and autographs each week. Her departure leaves a huge hole at Chelsea both on and off the pitch.

As the fans’ song goes – Ji So-Yun: She’s Unbelievable.