Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the 21st round of D1 Arkema(31/5/22).
Above: Olympique Lyonnais celebrate their D1 title after beating rivals Paris St. Germain. Photo: OL Feminin.
Olympique Lyonnais sealed their 15th D1 Arkema title after defeating closest rivals Paris St. Germain 1-0 in the capital. Whilst PSG had more possession (59%), Lyon were very strong in midfield and defense which meant that despite creating opportunities, the home side were not able to score. The deciding goal came early for Lyon. With three minutes played, Selma Bacha fed Catarina Macario who netted. It was another impressive display from Bacha, who was outstanding in the recent UEFA Champions League (UWCL) Final against Barcelona. The same player also topped the assist charts for the UWCL with nine. Lyon’s victory in Paris sent them eight points clear, confirming the D1 title ahead of Paris SG. Lyon are able to boast the league’s best attack with 75 goals scored and best defense with only eight goals conceded from their 20 wins and one draw in 21 matches. Goal for Lyon from: Catarina Macario (3).
Paris FC won 4-1 away from home against Bordeaux. This game was slightly dominated by Paris FC (55% possession). Even if Bordeaux scored first at the 20th minute, they were never really in a position to win this game. Goals for Paris FC from: Gaëtane Thiney (35 penalty, 43), Ouleymata Sarr (45+1, 82). Goal for Bordeaux: Melissa Herrera (20). Red card for Taimara de Souza da Silva (85) for a second yellow.
Soyaux won 2-0 at home against Guingamp. In a game dominated by Guingamp (61% possession), Soyaux was more efficient and scored twice with the same number of shots on target (three). With this win, Soyaux can still hope to stay in D1 Arkema next year specially as fellow relegation battlers Issy will play in Lyon for their last game and Soyaux face Saint-Etienne. Goals for Soyaux from: Camille Colin (66), Fadimatou Aretouyap Kome (74).
Above: Montpellier players celebrate their 5-2 win at Issy. Photo: Montpellier HSC.
Reims gained a point from their trip to Dijon which ended in a 2-2 draw. In a game dominated by Reims (57% possession), Dijon twice led, but Reims responded both times. Goals for Reims from: Kethna Louis (44), Melchie Daëlle Dumornay (72). Goals for Dijon from: Léa Declercq (2, 49).
Montpellier won 5-2 away from home against Issy. With this loss, Issy remain on 13 points along with Soyaux but as they will play Lyon for the last game, they will probably be in trouble. Goals for Montpellier from: Nérilia Mondésir (7, 63), Cyrielle Blanc (12), Lena Petermann (38), Mary Fowler (90+1). Goals for Issy from: Adélie Fourré (27), Batcheba Louis (66).
Fleury won 4-2 at home against Saint-Etienne. Despite Saint-Etienne leading 2-0 after 20 minutes, it was always felt that Fleury would come back to win. Nikola Karczewska hit a hat-trick as the hosts settled matters in the final four minutes. Goals for Fleury from: Nikola Karczewska (47 penalty, 60, 86), Julie Piga (89). Goals for Saint-Etienne from: Juliette Vidal (9), Kelly Gago (23).
Above: Olympique Lyonnais fans send a message of support to Ellie Carpenter, who injured her ACL in the Champions League win over Barcelona. Photo: Damien LG/OL Feminin.
The ParaMatildas star, who earned a runners-up medal in the recent World Cup, speaks exclusively to Impetus’ Ben Gilby abouther sporting experiences, an incredible fortnight at the World Cup, and the ParaMatildas’ ability to inspire disabled children around the world (30/5/22).
Above: Tahlia Blanshard (3) in action for the ParaMatildas against Japan in the recent World Cup. Photo: Marianna Galanopoulos/Football Australia.
“My biggest inspiration has been thinking about younger me, and all the other children with disabilities across the world. I am excited and driven by the dreams of what we have the power to create – especially the new pathways and opportunities that are being created at every level of sport.”
Tahlia Blanshard, ParaMatildas World Cup silver medallist.
Tahlia Blanshard has been playing football for only three and a half years, but in that time she has gone from being an absolute beginner to a World Cup silver medallist.
Whilst football is a relatively new sport to her, she has had great success in other sports, as she explained to me.
“I have been involved in Parasports, mostly swimming, for many years but my footballing journey only began a few years ago. I had been swimming since I was 13. In 2018 I had the opportunity to represent Australia at the Cerebral Palsy (CP) World Games, where I won multiple medals in the pool, and in 2021, I trialled for the Tokyo Paralympics, where I missed the qualifying time in the 50m Butterfly by just 0.10 seconds.
“In December of 2018, a couple of my friends convinced me to attend a football ‘come and try’ day in Sydney. I was really nervous as I knew nothing about football. I didn’t have football boots or shin pads and didn’t know many people there, but they all invited me to play and I had the best time.
Above: Tahlia pictured before the tournament (left) with team-mates Georgia Biekhoff and Tilda Mason. Photo: Football Australia.
“From there, things moved really quickly. I was inspired by the Australian Pararoos (men’s team) players, so wanted to learn how to play, improve my skills and spend more time with my new friends. In the meantime, the dream to make that inaugural ParaMatildas squad only grew.
“I attended every development day, training camp, and gala day I could find in my state, which resulted in me being one of only five girls who were chosen to play with the men’s teams at the CP Football National Championships in 2019. It was at this event that I truly realised how important football was to me, and that I was determined to put in the training to be there on that first women’s team.”
Whilst Blanshard has been on a thrilling upward journey in the game, the difficulties and negativity she faced in the past still linger in her memory.
“I have faced many big challenges in sport. Exclusion and discrimination were prominent challenges through my younger years, and I believe they are major factors in why I only found my way to football at the age of 18.
“I have spent my whole life living in a small rural town on the Central Coast of NSW. This limited my opportunities in sport, and led me to have to travel long distances to pursue CP Football. Some weekends I would travel up to a five-hour round trip just to attend a training session in Sydney. I am so grateful for my parents’ support, as without them I couldn’t have attended any of these programs.”
Above: Tahlia lines-up with the ParaMatildas squad (back row, right) before a match in Spain. Photo: Football Australia.
Despite attending all those training and gala days in pursuit of a place in the inaugural ParaMatildas squad, the New South Wales resident faced a real race against time to make the World Cup.
“Leading into the World Cup, my biggest challenge was recovering after needing multiple major jaw surgeries. I spent much of the eight weeks leading up to the tournament in hospital unable to eat or walk around, rather than being on the field training, and this was really difficult for me both physically and emotionally, as all I wanted to do was make that team, but I knew how important it was for me to be at my peak performance.
I was, unfortunately, unable to attend the selection camp in Canberra as I was recovering from my surgeries. This definitely made me even more nervous as I had no idea what the coaches would decide, or if I would even be recovered in time. When I found out I had made the team, I had only just recently arrived home from hospital. It is definitely not how I imagined my first team selection to go, but it made me more motivated than ever to put in the effort to recover and prepare in the best ways I could.
“Despite everything, I never gave up. As soon as I could get up, I would do whatever I could to train and prepare. There were tears shed as I doubted my chances of making it to Spain, and even more, but out of happiness, once I was on that bus to the airport with the rest of the ParaMatildas team.”
Once her selection was finalised, it began to sink in for Blanshard that she would be following in the footsteps of her Australian football heroes who have represented the nation in the World Cup, as she explains.
Above: Tahlia in possession for the ParaMatildas in the World Cup. Photo: Marianna Galanopoulos/Football Australia.
“I’ve always loved watching the World Cup. I grew up watching videos of the Socceroos and Matildas, and in more recent years, the Pararoos too, representing Australia at the World Cup. I would be mesmerised watching them standing proud on that field, and would scream loudly at every goal.
“I envisioned myself walking out on that field for months leading up to the World Cup, but the emotions of walking out as part of the starting five in our first ever game, was something greater than I ever imagined. I will admit to tearing up a little bit when I first stepped on the field, but simultaneously you could not wipe the smile off my face. The full meaning of what we achieved in Spain is something I cannot fully describe, and I don’t think we will even know the true impact for many years.”
The buzzword around the ParaMatildas camp relating to the World Cup experience was “surreal”, and this is something Blanshard agrees with. A team who had been only officially announced as existing two months previously were playing their first match together at a World Cup.
“It was an amazing couple of weeks in Spain,” she reflected. “It featured busy days of emotional highs and lows. The environment was both exciting and stressful, but we were all in it together. It was intense making our debut at a World Cup – it is very rare for a team to play their first game together at the highest level in their sport, but that’s why it was so important we were there to support and motivate each other. We needed to make sure everyone was able to relax and have a laugh and not let that stress take over.”
The tournament schedule had rapid turnarounds which meant that the ParaMatildas played their five matches in a spell of just seven days. There were three matches in successive days at one point. Blanshard highlighted the huge impact that took on her and her teammates.
“It was not easy to back up for those games on consecutive days. The nature of my CP means that I fatigue a lot faster than other people may, and my muscles take longer to recover. For me, pool recovery after every game was the most important thing to ensure I was ready to perform my best at the next game.
Above: Talia (bottom right) with her ParaMatildas teammates ahead of the competition. Photo: Football Australia.
“I also had to ensure I was getting the correct nutrition and sleep during the tournament, and that I took time to myself to debrief and mentally recover after every game, often involving having some alone time, or talking to my family and partner who were back home in Australia.”
With the huge highs of their World Cup achievements behind her, Blanshard is not resting on her laurels. Instead, she’s ready for her next challenges and determined to become better than ever.
“From here, I’ll continue training, and work even harder to prepare for the potential opportunities to come next year and further in the future. I definitely have many areas to improve my skills before the next tournament, and most importantly, I want to enter the next competition cycle far more confident in my ability to play football. I’ll return to playing with my local team here on the Central Coast, and I will prepare for selections for the 2022 National CP Football Championships.
“While there aren’t any games planned yet for the ParaMatildas, I am hopeful there will be as we prepare for future tournaments.”
The ParaMatildas story has been one that has inspired people of all ages around the world, and Blanshard is more than aware of her role in ensuring that youngsters can see that in this team there is something to aspire to.
“My biggest inspiration has been thinking about younger me, and all the other children with disabilities across the world. I am excited and driven by the dreams of what we have the power to create – especially the new pathways and opportunities that are being created at every level of sport.
“As a young, disabled kid, I didn’t see many people ‘like me’ in media, and especially not in elite football, but I know that from now on, children across the world will be able to watch us, and know that they too can pursue football.”
Tahlia Blanshard, ParaMatildas World Cup silver medalist.
This is the latest in Impetus‘ series of interviews with the ParaMatildas. The others in the series can be viewed by clicking on these links:
Ben Gilby provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Western Australia NPLWomen’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos(30/5/22).
Above: Balcatta Etna (white) battle it out at Murdoch University Melville on Friday night. Photo: JASP Photography.
MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:
Perth SC 1-2 Hyundai NTC
Above: Perth SC prepare to take a gree-kick at home to Hyundai NTC on Saturday afternoon. Photo: NPL.
The NTC gained arguably the league’s result of the season by defeating Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday afternoon thanks to Tanika Lala’s penalty and a sensational long-range effort from Grace Johnston.
The home side went into the game having only lost once all season, a start which had only seen them concede only three goals. They also knew that a win would put them just a point behind Fremantle City with a game in hand in the race for second spot.
Conversely, despite playing some excellent football during the opening two months of the season, the NTC had only won once and conceded 17 goals.
In sunny, but breezy conditions at the home of the Azzurri, both teams created in the earliest exchanges. With just over 30 seconds on the clock, NTC’s Sophie Meaden cruised up the right-hand flank and showed great footwork to beat her marker to find Abbey Woolley. Her cross in was met by a flick header from Tanika Lala at the near post which went narrowly wide. Perth SCresponded and earned a corner a minute later, which the visitors cleared.
Above: Rebecca Bennett in the Perth SC goal stretches to reach the ball after Tanika Lala’s early flick header for the NTC at Perth SC. Photo: NTC
The teenagers from the NTC continued to focus their attack along the right-hand side with Meaden continuing to produce some teasing balls in. Yet it was the hosts who earned the better of the corner count, with four in the opening quarter alone.
Promising efforts continued for both sides. Zoee Spadano saw an effort come back off the bar after she intercepted an NTC passing movement just to the right of centre. For the visitors, Georgia Cassidy saw an angled lofted shot go just wide from 30 yards.
Whilst the NTC continued to impose their fast-paced passing movements on the game, the Azzurri were alive to the patterns and forced several turnovers in dangerous positions just outside of the box. As the game hit the 20-minute mark, the only thing missing from a Perth SC point of view was a telling final ball for their plethora of dangerous attackers to get onto in order to concern Lilly Bailey in the NTC goal. On one of the relatively few occasions that she was called in to make a direct save in this period, Bailey did well to contain an effort from Spadano atpoint-blank range.
The home side were working hard at containing the threat of the visitors’ razor-sharp young star Tanika Lala, who is capable of outrageous skill and packs a powerful punch in attacking positions.
There was one further chance to break the deadlock before half-time, but an angled shot from the edge of the box from NTC went just over.
The visitors had the best of the play at the start of the second half, but were unable to force the ball over the line. Perth responded by trying to take the sting out of the game with slower passing exchanges, however, just before the hour mark the opening goal finally arrived.
Above: Tanika Lala puts Hyundai NTC ahead from the penalty spot at Dorrien Gardens. Photo: NPL.
A ball through from the centre found NTC substitute Mia Britton, who was brought down and, to the audible disappointment of the home crowd, referee Michal Jasinski pointed to the spot. Lala stepped up to roll the ball into the net.
The dangerous NTC attacker had a chance to double her side’s lead shortly afterwards when Perth SC coughed up possession in a dangerous position just outside of their box which allowed Lala to hit a shot that rebounded off of an Azzurri defender before being cleared.
Above: Jaime Duncanson levels for Perth SC. Photo: NPL.
Perth SC looked to hit back and got on level terms with 13 minutes to go. With a home player on the receiving end of what looked to be a clear foul on the edge of the box, Jaime Duncanson didn’t wait for the referee to whistle, but instead turned and lifted a shot into the net.
An expected onslaught from the home side never quite materialised, and instead, four minutes later, the teenagers of the NTC regained the lead in sensational style. Defender Wilma Thodland threaded the ball through to her captain Johnston who turned and hit an outstanding shot into the net from over 25 yards.
The visitors game management in the closing ten minutes belied their tender years as they remained controlled in possession and looked to fizz the ball around.
Above: Grace Johnston fires home her stunning winner for Hyundai NTC at Perth SC on Saturday. Photo: NPL.
Perth SC had three chances to hit back in the final stages. Thodlana repelled the first two both for the icing on the cake of an eye-catching personal display. First she put in a perfectly timed slide tackle as the trigger was about to be pulled, and then deep into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes, slid in again to get a touch on a goal-bound effort to ensure that it went wide.
The final chance came from a corner just before the final whistle. Azzurri goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett came up and got a powerful header on the set-piece, but her opposite number Bailey saved to seal the NTC’s three points.
Above: Phoenix Brownlie (white shirt) about to put Subiaco ahead at Fremantle City on Friday night. Photo: NPL.
This was the first week of the season since Round Two that all eight teams were able to play their scheduled matches due to COVID, and Round Nine began with two games on Friday night. First, at Wauhop Park, Fremantle City hosted Subiaco.
Fremantle are involved in an arm-wrestle with Perth SC for second place on the ladder, and were therefore disappointed to go behind after only 12 minutes on the clock. Ingrid Gomez Basallo won a throw-in on the right which Lilly Bassett took. The ball found Phoenix Brownlie who danced through the middle before curling a sumptuous side-footed shot into the bottom right-hand corner.
Despite winning five corners in the period between the goal and half-time, Freo could not respond before the break. Six shots on target in the opening nine minutes of the second period set the tone, and finally, at the hour mark, the home side were on level terms. A delightful threaded pass from Kayla McCulloch found substitute Kate Nolan who took a touch, beat two defenders, and hit a low shot into the far corner of the net. This was just the start of a hugely eventful and influential evening for Nolan who would have a hand in all her team’s goals.
Above: Jessica Darmago (far left of group) celebrates with her teammates after putting Fremantle City ahead. Photo: NPL.
There was a dramatic explosion of action in the final eight minutes when the scoreboard operators were called into a flurry of duty. First, Nolan was played in down the left and her low cross in was met with a thumping finish at the back post from the onrushing Jessica Darmago.
Four minutes later, Nolan was involved once more as she eventually profited from Subiaco losing possession deep in the Freo half after the visitors earned a throw. Nolan beat her player before releasing Siobhan Longmore with a perfectly judged inside pass. Longmore took a touch and dispatched a shot across Zara Board and in for 3-1.
Above: Siobhan Longmore (left) smiles after increasing Fremantle City’s lead to 3-1 with four minutes to play. Photo: NPL.
From the resulting kick-off, Longmore dispossessed Subi and released Nolan who took the ball out onto the left-hand wing and, in a similar outcome to Freo’s second goal, put a low cross into the box for the incoming Darmago to dispatch into the net from close range. It was a frustrating outcome for Subiaco who, with eight minutes remaining were heading for what would have been an excellent point.
Above: An aerial battle in the box between Murdoch University Melville (red) and Balcatta Etna on Friday night. Photo: JASP Photography.
Also on Friday night, Balcatta Etna got their top-four hopes firing after sealing a 1-0 at Murdoch University Melville. The only goal of the game came just after the hour mark. Monique Godding got free along the left and pulled a cross into the box which evaded everyone. However, Lauren Continibali gathered and put a high ball back into the mix from the opposite flank which bounced high and over the heads of two for Monique Prinsloo to get a touch that Meghan Hulsman could only direct into her own net.
The victors are now fifth, two points behind the NTC, but with a game in hand on the teenagers who are one place above them. It’s been a challenging start to the campaign for Balcatta and after a tough start to the season fixture-wise, plus a stop-start schedule due to COVID, the side from Grindleford Reserve will be out to make sure they stay there.
Above: Balcatta Etna celebrate their winning goal at Murdoch University Melville. Photo: JASP Photography.
In the final game of the round on Saturday evening, it was top against bottom as unbeaten leaders Perth RedStar welcomed a Curtin University side that were still looking for their first win of the season.
RedStar maintained their seven-point cushion at the top with a ruthless first-half performance. They took the lead with five minutes played as they gathered possession after a Curtin throw and broke rapidly down the field for Sarah Carroll to square into the box for Larissa Walsh to finish.
Above: Sarah Carroll (2) puts Perth RedStar 4-0 up over Curtin University on Saturday evening. Photo: NPL.
With 11 minutes on the clock, the home lead was doubled when the ball was poked through for the finish under visiting goalkeeper Stacey Cavill. Within six minutes it was 3-0 as another rapid move up the right ended with a low cross into the mix which was comfortably turned in.
Curtin University were under constant pressure and with 25 minutes played, a throw on the right saw possession find its way out to Jay Coleman who played in Sarah Carroll to shoot across Cavill and in. Within four minutes, it was 5-0 with a goal that totally encapsulated the class of this RedStars team. Shawn Bilham, again on the right, cut a pass inside the box and an intelligent diagonal run from Walsh saw the competition’s top scorer meet the ball and turn it home into the net. It was almost telepathic.
Above: Despite not adding to their tally in the second half, Perth RedStar still put Curtin University under pressure. Photo: NPL.
Six minutes before the break, Cavill cleared the ball in the Curtin goal, but possession found its way back to the home side and after a display of classy one-touch passing, Coleman rolled home the sixth. From the resulting kick-off, Carla Bennett in the centre played the ball outside her to Walsh who had all the time she needed to roll a low shot into the net.
Whilst the 7-0 scoreline at the break emphasised the control that Perth RedStar had during the game, the overall shot count of 16 on target to Curtin’s zero just served to emphasise the total domination of Carlos Vega Mena’s team. Whilst there were no further goals in the second half, that first half achievement alone will be enough to give opposition coaches headaches in the weeks to come. The question remains, can anyone stop Perth RedStar this season?
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
GD
Perth RedStar
8
8
0
0
41
4
24
+37
Fremantle City
8
5
2
1
23
10
17
+13
Perth SC
7
4
1
2
13
5
13
+8
Hyundai NTC
8
2
3
3
9
18
9
-9
Balcatta Etna
7
2
1
4
5
8
7
– 3
Murdoch University Melville
6
1
2
3
3
8
5
-5
Subiaco
7
1
2
4
8
26
5
-18
Curtin University
7
0
1
6
8
31
1
-23
Round 10 Fixtures: Murdoch University Melville v Hyundai NTC, Curtin University v Perth SC, Balcatta Etna v Subiaco, Fremantle City v Perth RedStar.
Impetus is delighted to welcome back Post To Post Sport‘sCiarán Duffywho will again be providing us with a weekly round-up of the action in Ireland’s top domestic league as the competition reaches Round 12 (30/5/22).
Above: Rebecca Cook celebrates as Bohemians clinched a historic win over Peamount United. Photo: Mick O’Shea.
We’re at the stage in the season where the table really starts to take shape. Early momentum has either turned into consistent form or proven to be an early patch of form, good or otherwise. Two more rounds to go until the midseason break and the 2022 league is at the stage where onlookers can start to envision the final standings. All teams have played the same amount of games, let’s take a look at how round 12 went.
Shels Continue To March On
GOAL ⚽️ | Cork City 0-2 Shelbourne
It’s a second for Shelbourne, Saoirse Noonan with the finish to extend their lead!
— Women's National League (@LoiWomen) May 28, 2022
Having lost the reverse fixture 7-0 at Tolka Park earlier in the season, CorkCity fans could be forgiven for fearing the worst when defending champions Shelbourne got off the mark with just five minutes gone. Abbie Larkin got her first goal of the season when she turned the ball home after it came out to her from City keeper Maria O’Sullivan. Credit to Cork, their heads didn’t drop and they denied Shels many clearcut chances until former player Saoirse Noonan doubled the lead for the league leaders.
In the second half, Shelbourne would add two more goals late on through Noelle Murray who had seen her penalty hit the post earlier, and Lia O’Leary, who became the third youngest player to score in the WNL, after Joy Ralph on the opening day of the season for DLR Waves, and Ireland captain Katie McCabe when she played for Raheny, who have since merged with Shelbourne.
Shelbourne have only dropped points once this season and look like clear favourites to retain their title. Some positives from this game for Cork who were competitive in the second half. Cork City 0-4 Shelbourne.
Wexford End Athlone Winning Streak
Above: Wexford Youths celebrate against Athlone Town. Photo: Wexford Youths.
Athlone Town went to Ferrycarraig Park on a winning streak that saw them climb to third in the table. Wexford Youths have been the closest title challengers to Shels this season. This came was highly anticipated and did not disappoint.
The first half was tense and nervy with Orlaith Conlan giving the home side the lead. In the second half, Ireland’s young sensation Ellen Molloy did what she has made a habit of doing this season and found the net to double the hosts’ advantage. Athlone would reply instantly as they went down the other end and Róisín Molloy chipped the ball in. Athlone pushed for an equalizer but Wexford held out, with Maeve Williams continuing her impressive form in goal. Wexford Youths 2-1 Athlone Town.
Massive Win For Bohs
Above: Bohemians’ Rebecca Cooke, who scored both her sides goals in a historic win over Peamount United. Photo: LOIWomen.
Bohemians stunned last season’s runners-up Peamount United to earn their first-ever win against them.
Rebecca Cooke was the hero as her two goals helped Bohs come from behind in this Dublin derby.
Peamount had gone ahead early through Ireland legend Áine O’Gorman. Bohs keeper Rachel Kelly had to be on form to stop them doubling their lead through Jetta Berrill. The home side would equalize in the second half with Bronagh Kane finding Cooke with a cross. Cooke scored again late on the ensure a famous win for Bohemians at Dalymount Park. It’s a rotten run of form for Peamount United who drop to fifth having gone five games without a win. Bohemians 2-1 Peamount United.
Galway Jump Up To Fourth
Above: Galway (blue and white) in action at DLR Waves, where they earned an excellent win. Photo: Women’s Soccer Photos.
There wasn’t much to separate the sides at the UCD Bowl until a late strike from Chloe Singleton gave the away side all three points. Galway goalkeeper Abbiegayle Ronayne had an impressive game and had to work hard in the first half to deny Rachel Doyle and Sarah McKevitte, while Jenna Slattery had Galway’s best chance. The game was a back and forth affair, with Galway getting the edge in the race to finish in the top four with Singleton scoring from a tight angle. DLR Waves will be disappointed to lose a second home game so early in the season, while Galway are now just a point off third spot. DLR Waves 0-1 Galway.
Nothing To Separate Sides In Limerick
Above: Sligo Rovers gather together. Photo: Sligo Rovers FC.
Bottom of the table Treaty United could have gotten all three points from their game against new addition to the league Sligo Rovers at Markets Field, but will be happy to finally pick up their first point this season.
Amy Madden came close to putting the home side ahead, with Treaty also hitting the crossbar twice. It was an off day for a Sligo side that have been impressive for a new team, and Treaty may see this as a missed opportunity. Treaty United 0-0 Sligo Rovers.
Table
Pos
Team
PLD
W
D
L
GD +/-
Pts
1
Shelbourne
12
11
0
1
31
33
2
Wexford Youths
12
8
2
2
11
26
3
Athlone Town
12
7
1
4
12
22
4
Galway
12
6
3
3
5
21
5
Peamount United
12
6
2
4
15
20
6
DLR Waves
12
5
2
5
7
17
7
Bohemians
12
3
4
5
-4
13
8
Sligo Rovers
12
4
1
7
-7
13
9
Cork City
12
2
0
10
-33
6
10
Treaty United
12
0
1
11
-37
1
Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday June 4th
Sligo Rovers vs Wexford Youths (12:00)
Athlone Town vs Bohemians (17:00)
Peamount United vs Cork City (17:00)
Shelbourne vs Galway
Treaty United vs DLR Waves (17:00)
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)
Remember to follow @PostToPostSport on Twitter and Instagram for coverage 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.
Darrell Allen started attending FAWSL games regularly for the first time this season, making 300+ mile round-trips to Kingsmeadow. He shares his experiences from the campaign below (30/5/22).
Above: Chelsea lift the FA Cup at Wembley to cap the end of Darrell Allen’s first season watching them at Kingsmeadow. Photo: Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
That was certainly some season to be attending regular Women’s Super League games, a Chelsea league title success and turned into a cup double with the extra time success over Manchester City at Wembley. Just those two events alone come with enough memories for a lifetime.
In the heart of summer 2021 just as Covid restrictions had been lifted and society was returning to normal, despite living 169 miles from Kingsmeadow, I made the decision to journey regularly through the season to watch some of the world’s best players.
The first trip would be for Chelsea’s game with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday 2nd October. In hindsight, probably not the greatest of decisions with kick off moved to Saturday at 11.30am for television and weather conditions were also as dire as they could possibly be.
Above: Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion players await a corner at Darrell’s first Kingmeadow match. Photo: Ben Gilby.
My first experience of seeing Chelsea live was just incredible and seeing all the names you associate with greatness in front of your eyes was a moment to behold. It wasn’t Chelsea’s best performance but a 3-1 win with Sam Kerr and Beth England adding to Guro Reiten’s opener made it a memorable afternoon and a good start to my trips to Kingsmeadow.
My second trip of the season came in February when I attended the Friday night game against Arsenal billed as arguably the FAWSL title decider. This was a day that will live long in the memory as I had the privilege of meeting Emma Hayes and see the players arrive.
Above: Darrell with Emma Hayes prior to Chelsea’s huge clash with Arsenal at Kingsmeadow. Photo: Luca Mangili.
The game itself was something special, with fans of both teams rammed into the stands together with only enough room to just stretch your arm. A closely fought 0-0 with both sides denied a stonewall penalty was my second offering.
Just two weeks later I returned for the Fifth Round FA Cup tie with Leicester City. Chelsea took care of business with a stunning 7-0 win thanks to braces from Pernille Harder and Kerr with Ji So-Yun, Aniek Nouwen, and England adding a goal each to complete the success.
Above: Pernille Harder and Sam Kerr celebrate during Chelsea’s 7-0 FA Cup win at home to Leicester City. Photo: Ben Gilby,
Two weeks later and the league game against Aston Villa. This was a surreal day as the ground was bare and no programmes or merchandise for sale due to the restrictions imposed by the government. However, it was a privilege to be there to see Hannah Hampton produce one of the greatest goalkeeping displays I have ever seen but Sam Kerr eventually found a way through with a dramatic stoppage time winner to spark wild scenes on the terrace. Another trip certainly well worth it.
This day I particularly thought was the decisive one in the direction of the title race, Chelsea had Hannah Hampton in the way of everything in the Aston Villa net, a crowd limited due to the aforementioned restrictions, and this game was heading for two dropped points until Sam Kerr found a way and got the stoppage time winner. Kerr was continuously trying to raise the crowd, as well as continuing to remain calm when opportunities were squandered but the incredible movement in behind Villa’s defence was going to catch them out eventually and so it proved.
Above: Sam Kerr scoring Chelsea’s stoppage-time winner against Aston Villa. Photo: Ben Gilby.
A player who is priceless, a goal that was priceless and a day that I believe gave Chelsea the forward momentum to that would eventually see them go on to win the FAWSL title.
My final visit of the season was for the final day clash against Manchester United. Chelsea knew a win would guarantee them the title and what followed was an extremely enjoyable afternoon as Chelsea came from 2-1 down at half time to win the FAWSL title 4-2 thanks to goals on the day from Erin Cuthbert, two specials from Sam Kerr and Guro Reiten with the other. The title celebrations, speeches, and trophy lift will stay with me forever.
Above: Sam Kerr celebrates after scoring THAT goal against Manchester United on the final day of the FAWSL season. Photo: Ben Gilby,
If that wasn’t enough, the following Sunday was Chelsea against Manchester City in the FA Cup Final at Wembley. Seeing Chelsea win the trophy in dramatic style thanks to a Sam Kerr extra-time winner was a special day in itself but nothing compares with the close, tight knit family atmosphere and feel that Kingsmeadow provides.
There has been a lot of talk over the season as to why Chelsea did not play any games at Stamford Bridge this season, and Sunday 8th May at Kingsmeadow for the game with Manchester United proves why.
Fans close to the pitch, a ground packed to the rafters and a great atmosphere being created. I believe Chelsea won the title because this match was at Kingsmeadow. The players needed the fans to help inspire the second half turn around and they did just at. Had it been at a likely half full Stamford Bridge at best then the Chelsea players would have found it very difficult to feed off an atmosphere that at Kingsmeadow inspired that second half comeback. Long may it continue that Chelsea use Kingsmeadow.
Above: Fans packing out Kingsmeadow – a contributing factor to Chelsea’s success in Darrell’s eyes. Photo: Ben Gilby,
Words and EXCLUSIVE Photos By: Ben Gilby (29/5/22).
Above: Surrey and Afghanistan line up prior to kick-off. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Whilst Surrey ran out winners against a hard-working and talented Afghanistan Development squad at Dorking Wanderers’ Meadowbank Stadium today, this was an occasion that was about far more than the action on the pitch.
Above: Afghanistan’s presence at Meadowbank Stadium this afternoon was the culmination of a long period of upheaval and uncertainty for a group of female athletes who had to flee their country last year. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
The very fact that this Afghan team were on the pitch and playing was worth celebration in itself. The squad had to go into hiding and were advised to burn all their football equipment when the Taliban took control of the country last year. In preparation for their emergency flee to the United Kingdom, they had to go into hiding and then had to run the gauntlet of a suicide bomb attack en route to Kabul Airport. This is an incredible group of young female athletes who represented their country with pride, passion, and exceptional skill this afternoon.
Above: Lola Meyer, one of Surrey’s stand-out players today, gets a shot in against Afghanistan. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
The Afghanistan team were extremely well organised, full of pace and in possession of an outstanding goalkeeper who was worthy of a player of the match award. Surrey started well with Lola Meyer threatening from the off. Meyer was another one of the stand-out players of the afternoon, probing and creating non-stop. In the early play, she linked up well with Sarah Chapman to the left of centre. The Afghan custodian was called into action several times and bravely dived at the feet of onrushing Surrey attackers to pounce on the ball.
Above: Sarah Chapman in possession for Surrey. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Chapman was involved in another promising attack for the hosts as she saw a shot come cannoning back off of the crossbar after capitalising on a place-kick which went straight to her. Shortly afterwards, Surrey took the lead when Alice Curr of tier four side Queen’s Park Rangers gained possession and lifted a shot over the Afghan keeper and into the net.
Above: Surrey captain Lily Davis in a battle for possession today. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
With 25 minutes played, the home captain Lily Davis found Esme Parsons with an inch-perfect long pass. She in turn played in Curr on the left who put in a cross-shot that bounced narrowly wide of the far post.
Above: Esme Parsons looking to get away from an Afghanistan player. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
There was one further opportunity in the first half which fell the way of Eva Keen whose shot looked to be heading in, but a superb diving save from the Afghan goalkeeper ensured that it remained only 1-0 to Surrey at the break.
Above: QPR’s Alice Curr, who put Surrey in front. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Two minutes into the second period, Curr hit a long-range rocket from 25 yards which went just wide. Substitute Juliet Jacques got in on the action with a powerful shot from the edge of the box which was well held by the Afghanistan goalkeeper.
Above: Eva Keen (6), scorer of Surrey’s second goal. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
With 57 minutes on the clock, Surrey doubled their advantage as Keen fired a shot into the corner of the net.
Afghanistan continued to enjoy possession and looked to work it along the right, but were never quite able to conjure up a final shot to bother Morgan Palmer in the Surrey goal.
Above: Giulia Ciarini Azzi fires in a shot for Surrey. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
As the game entered its final quarter of an hour, substitute Giulia Ciarini Azzi showed her worth with a low shot which the Afghan keeper did well to push out. However, Ciarini Azzi was not to be denied and a minute later she smashed a shot into the top right hand corner of the net from the edge of the box.
Above: Juliet Jacques powers in a shot for Surrey. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
She completed the scoring just before the end with an acrobatic effort from Jacques’ right-wing corner.
Surrey’s dominance showed on the scoreboard at the end, but Afghanistan have more than enough skill and potential in their ranks to prove tougher opponents in the future. They are an outstanding group of female athletes and deserved every bit of the wild ovation that greeted them at the end of the match.
Above: Perth Glory’s squad join together – and the 2022/23 version is building nicely. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Perth Glory today confirmed that five more players have re-signed with the club for the Liberty A-League 2022/23 Season.
Sarah Cain, Aideen Keane, Demi Koulizakis, Sadie Lawrence, and Susan Phonsongkham will all wear purple again next term, taking the number of contracted players in the Glory squad to 16.
22-year-old midfielder Cain featured in each of the club’s 14 games last season, starting six of those, while Aideen Keane made seven appearances and scored twice in the final two games of the campaign.
Above: Demi Koulizakis – back in purple for another season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Demi Koulizakis played six times despite unfortunately being sidelined for two months by a knee injury, Lawrence marked her return to the Glory fold by making seven starts and three substitute appearances and Phonsongkham scored once and claimed two assists during her nine games.
Head Coach Alex Epakis believes that retaining the core of his squad from last term will prove vital in helping the club to achieve its goals in 2022/23.
“All five players played a pivotal role at key times throughout the season,” he said. “They each bring something different to the team with their respective skill-sets as well as their character.
Above: Sadie Lawrence (centre) one of five players who re-signed to Perth Glory today. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“We want to continue to progress as a team and Sarah, Aideen, Demi, Sadie, and Susan are a big part of that.”
With Morgan Aquino, Alana Jancevski, Hana Lowry, Claudia Mihocic, Sofia Sakalis, and Tijan McKenna already under contract and Natasha Rigby, Cyera Hintzen, Liz Anton, Abbey Green and Isabella Wallhead having penned new deals, the vast majority of the Glory squad is now locked in and Epakis is delighted at the way it is coming together.
“The focus has been on having consistency in the squad because we spent a considerable amount of time investing in the recruitment process last year,” he said. “It was always meant to create more stability and longevity in a squad that can play a certain style, so the fact that we’ve been able to maintain a squad that looks very similar to last year’s is certainly something that’s positive.
Above: Susan Phonsongkham – a shining light last season for Perth Glory, and back again for 2022/23. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“We’re aware of the culture we have, we’re aware of the way we like to play and we’re aware of what can be achieved on the back of what was a really big step forward last season. The squad is really taking shape and we’re comfortable with where we’re at currently. We will continue to search for players who can strengthen the team on and off the field leading into the start of next season.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata also believes that the club is on course to enjoy a very successful Liberty A-League campaign.
“Alex has worked extremely hard to assemble a squad which we believe will perform extremely well next term,” he said. “The five players who have re-signed today, along with all the others who were already on board, served the club with distinction on and off the field last season and we look forward to them doing Glory proud once again in 2022/23.”
Above: Sarah Cain – back at Perth Glory for 2022/23. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Current Perth Glory Squad for Liberty A-League Season 2022/23
Liz Anton, Morgan Aquino, Sarah Cain, Abbey Green, Cyera Hintzen, Alana Jancevski, Aideen Keane, Demi Koulizakis, Hana Lowry, Sadie Lawrence, Tijan McKenna, Claudia Mihocic, Susan Phonsongkham, Natasha Rigby, Sofia Sakalis, Isabella Wallhead.
Above: Aideen Keane pictured with the Young Matildas. Photo: PlaymakerStats/Football Australia.
With EXCLUSIVE photos from pitchside by Hannah Parnell.
Above: Wymondham Town celebrate with the Norfolk Women’s Cup last night. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
Wymondham Town produced a clinical and professional display to see off Mulbarton Belles and win the Norfolk Women’s Cup for the third time.
A goal in each half from Laura Nicholls and Natasha Youngs saw the favourites take the trophy home.
The game played at Norwich City’s Carrow Road in front of a record crowd, saw tier five champions Wymondham Town from the Eastern Region Premier Division play tier seven champions Mulbarton Belles of Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One.
Mulbarton started the game brightest retaining possession well in the initial phases of the contest and looking to try and find their prolific captain and goalscorer Rebekah Lake up top.
Above: Mulbarton’s Alanta Griffith (right) in possession as Chloe Newcombe looks on. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
It was remarkable that Lake was even playing after recently suffering a broken arm.
After a quiet opening few minutes, Wymondham began to get in their groove as Hannah Waters played in Kyla Love but it was superbly dealt with by the Mulbarton defence and the danger averted.
Mulbarton responded with Alanta Griffith’s superb curling effort that was saved by Chloe Pearce in the Wymondham goal.
Ellie Hunter was next to look lively with some excellent closing down as Mulbarton did well to prevent Wymondham playing how they wanted to in the first half.
Wymondham came close again when Chelsea Clarke’s corner came off the top of the bar and away to danger.
A like-for-like change for the favourites followed when they lost Hannah Waters to injury and she was to be replaced by Laura Nicholls.
It didn’t take Nicholls long to impact on the game as she received an inch-perfect pass from Katie Knights before slotting home past Cara Anderson in the Mulbarton goal.
Above: Laura Nicholls puts Wymondham Town ahead. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
The Mulbarton heads continued to stay in a positive frame of mind as Lake found her way past the Wymondham backline again but this time Wymondham’s captain got rid of any risk.
Mulbarton missed a golden opportunity when Sophie Jermy delivered a corner and Alanta Griffith headed wide.
Wymondham penalty appeals were then turned away by referee Andrew Wilson when Newcombe crossed and Lincoln was under suspicion but referee Wilson was content no rules had been broken.
Before the interval, there was time for Griffith to find the side netting but Wymondham held their single goal lead at the break.
Wymondham found a second goal following a terrific team move started by Mary Croft who found Clarke on the left who found Youngs to volley home inside the box.
Above: Natasha Youngs celebrates after putting Wymondham Town 2-0 up. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
Clarke then had a thunderous shot wide as Wymondham looked to try and add to their tally but without success.
Despite being two goals behind Mulbarton continued to stick to their job and looked to get back in the game, roared on by approximately two-thirds of the 959 crowd.
They had three half chances. First, Alice Smith had a shot from distance which Pearce dealt with well. Jermy then found Griffith but her shot was scuffed. The final opportunity saw
Hunter got her feet in a pickle in front of goal and was unable to get her shot away.
Five minutes of stoppage time were added which saw Wymondham run the clock down through the duration of this period to run out 2-0 winners.
You have to applaud Wymondham. Their manager Alex Guy told everyone at the beginning of the season they were going for the Eastern Region Premier Division Title, the Eastern Region League Cup, and the Norfolk Women’s Cup they have delivered exactly to their targets and won all three. Guy is an astute operator and he and his players and staff have delivered in spectacular fashion this season for themselves and the town.
As for Mulbarton Belles, a season of incredible progression once more led by Martin Francis. Beaten comfortably 7-0 by Norwich City in this same final last year this time giving Wymondham from two leagues above a great game. They will be hoping to make it third time lucky next season.
Player of the Match: Katie Knights (Wymondham Town)
Further EXCLUSIVE ACTION SHOTS FROM HANNAH PARNELL:
Teams: MULBARTON BELLES: Anderson, Mcnorton, Mungham-Gray, Smith, Belsey, Hedtke, Hunter, Lake, Lincoln Jermy, Griffith. Substitutes: Belsey, Smith, Smith, Anderton, Ryan.
Pride Park striker Summer Evans spoke to Impetus editor Ben Gilby about her footballing journey and why she loves being a part of the tier seven Derbyshire Ladies League Division One side(26/5/22).
Above: Summer Evans on the charge for Pride Park against Mickleover Sports. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
Summer Evans is a player with a superb goalscoring record. In 52 matches for Pride Park, she has scored 58 goals and is the club’s second-highest all-time scorer behind Maja Znamirowska.
Evans once scored a club record seven goals in one game back in October 2018. She is a dynamic, non-stop striker who never gives opposition defences a moment’s rest, doesn’t believe in lost causes, and isn’t afraid to go in where it hurts. Often being rewarded with goals.
Last season’s leading scorer for the tier seven Derbyshire Ladies League Division One club, Evans also tops Pride Park’s scoring chart with 14 from 11 games this season, despite missing almost half of their matches with injury.
The striker takes up the story of how she got involved with the game. “I started at a young age training with a number of teams growing up. In the early days when teams were mixed gender, I trained with Chesapeake and Derby County Academy.
“When I was old enough and confident enough I joined Little Eaton at the age of 11/12 and developed with them right through until we were an under-18s team.
“I then took a break, a quite big one, and decided after having my daughter I wanted to start playing again. I joined Pride Park a 2018/19 season and have remained there ever since.”
Above: Summer Evans in possession for Pride Park at Belper Town. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
Whilst some players will name major sporting stars as their role model, for Evans, it is someone a lot closer to home.
“It’s my dad. He was the one that took me down the park most weekends to practise, bought my boots, and was on that touchline rain, sun or snow. He loved and still does love football, so I guess that’s where it all comes from. Oh, and he still is there on that touchline too every weekend he can!”
Pride Park’s top scorer came back into the squad late this season after a spell injured, and it’s a period that has been immensely challenging for her. “I don’t think I’ve felt so frustrated with myself, being unable to train or get on that pitch every Sunday.
“It’s probably the biggest challenge since getting back into the game after such a long time out. Fitness and confidence being the main challenges but it was the best decision I ever made. As far as changing me is concerned, it’s just made me love the game again and I gained a lot of friends I know I’ll have forever.
“At Pride Park the girls are amazing. I have definitely gained a few friends. On the pitch, when we are on form, it is amazing and we are strong and confident. My favourite thing about us is that I believe we are a friendly team to play with and we just go out to enjoy it. Obviously winning is a bonus and important too.
“Off the pitch, we have a good bond, we get together socially throughout the year and training is a laugh. I have a lot of respect for these girls and I’ve felt extremely welcome from day one.
Above: Summer Evans receives a moment marking her 50th appearance for the club. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
“Joining a well bonded team that has girls that have been there for years and years is scary but I never once felt out of place.”
Pride Park play their football in the seventh-tier Derbyshire Ladies League Division and Evans highlighted what an incredible league it is.
“The league this year has some crazy competition. Which makes every game exciting. You just don’t know which way the results will go. I really find it hard to say who our toughest opponents have been, you cannot rule anyone out of this league.”
With the season having one more game to go, the Pride Park striker outlined her aims for the rest of the campaign. “I’d like to say my only aim right now is to just finish a season! Between COVID and the weather, we haven’t finished many since I’ve been at Pride Park! I wouldn’t mind another season as top goalscorer too of course.”
Taking a slightly longer-term view, Evans said: “If I look back in five years’ time, I’d have like Pride Park to achieve being league winners once or twice. Continuing to win trophies in tournaments would be great too. We did really well last summer in those.”
Above: Chivas lift the 2022 Clausura title. Photo: @LigaBBVAFemenil
Mexican women’s soccer has a champion for its Clausura 2022 tournament, the Chivas Rayadas del Guadalajara.
It’s the second title in their history and concludes a brilliant season which saw them achieve several notable statistics. They had the strongest defence in the history of a regular season with only six goals conceded. They also remained undefeated throughout the regular season, and have in their ranks the two-time top scorer, Alicia Cervantes.
Monday night’s second leg was magical, and approximately 40,000 people at the Akron stadium, in Zapopan, Jalisco, witnessed Chivas seal the title after defeating Pachuca over two legs. But they didn’t have it all their own way.
The first leg was played at the Hidalgo stadium in Pachuca. This was a classic match in which both teams entered ready to strike the first blow. The first goal was scored on 27 minutes when Viridiana Salazar, after being played in via a brilliant pass Ruth Bravo pass put the hosts in front. However, home advantage was limited as visiting Chivas fans made up at least half of the crowd. They have long been the most supported men’s team in Mexico. That is transferring to women’s football now. Before the end of the first half, both sides had opportunities to score, but the scoreboard did not move.
Above: Chivas’ Alicia Cervantes celebrates one of her goals in Pachuca. Photo: @ChivasFemenil
The whirlwind of goals arrived in the second half. Just four minutes in, Gabriela Valenzuela arrived to level the scores for Chivas. Yet, almost immediately the Gophers got back on the scoreboard with a goal from Mónica Ocampo. It was the same player who scored the next after registering an own goal in a corner kick that at first seemed to be an Olympico goal by Carolina Jaramillo after 71 minutes. Carolina Jaramillo, ten minutes from the end, then stepped up to provide an excellent pass for Alicia Cervantes to score with a good header. Things got even better at the death as Cervantes dispatched a penalty to give Chivas a two-goal advantage after their away leg.
Above: Blanca Félix makes her dramatic penalty save. Photo: @ChivasFotos
The second game was a total party, but with its moments of anguish, 40,000 people gathered to see the crowning of champions Chivas. Although the hosts of the second leg were the team with the better opportunities, it was the visitors who went ahead, reducing the aggregate difference to just one on the hour mark. Lizbeth Angeles scored the goal that gave hope. Things got even better for the visitors when they were awarded a penalty. Charlyn Corral prepared herself, but goalkeeper Blanca Félix became a legend by saving the penalty and causing huge delight to all the fans. Nothing happened in the final minutes, which allowed Chivas to secure the title, the second in its history.
Above: Post-match celebrations for Chivas. Photo: @ChivasFemenil.
impetusfootball.org 