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Irish FA Mark International Women’s Day

Above: Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey with Northern Ireland international players Nadene Caldwell, Toni Leigh Finnegan, and Julie Nelson after announcing she has made £100,000 available to help promote female sport through football. Photo: Irish FA.

With thanks to Irish FA (8/3/22).

Northern Ireland’s Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced funding of £100,000 for the Irish Football Association to help promote female sport through football.

The announcement was made ahead of the Northern Ireland senior women’s team playing at their first major tournament – the European Championship finals – in England this summer.

After meeting with players from the team, the Minister said: “I am delighted that on International Women’s Day, I can announce financial support for women’s football.

“This will help to ensure that initiatives are undertaken that will encourage young girls, the disabled and those from socially deprived areas to get involved in sport.

“The initiatives will provide access to players, coaching sessions and to games, all of which are recognised as important when it comes to encouraging those from under-represented groups to get active and to take up a sport, regardless of their ability.”

The Minister said she was keen to ensure there is a lasting legacy from the Northern Ireland senior women’s team’s “fantastic achievement” in reaching UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and competing against the best teams in Europe in England in July.

“Maximising exposure of women’s sport and the players, who are role models to our young girls, will help promote participation in the years to come,” she added.

Angela Platt, Director of Women’s Football at the Irish FA, said: “On behalf of the association, and every young girl, and boy, dreaming of pulling on that famous green jersey, I would like to thank the Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey, and the Department for Communities for their support.

“We have an important job in encouraging more women and girls into participating in football, at all levels, right across the country. This funding will help us amplify this by widening out our ambassador programme of players visiting schools, clubs, grassroots and community settings, increase our fan engagement levels, plus further building our capacity of volunteers to support the delivery of programmes for girls’ and women’s football.

“We all know how pivotal 2022 will be for the women’s and girls’ game and this partnership will help us maximise this real spike of interest in the women’s and girls’ game even further.”

DfC said the funding provided highlights the importance of recognising the progress that has been made in women’s sport and how success can act as a catalyst and be used to create greater opportunities for women and girls to get involved in football or other sports.

Recreational Women’s League Launched

The Irish FA Foundation is kicking off a women’s recreational football league for former players and those new to the game.

Aimed at women over 30, the 5-a-side league is set to run on the following dates: 20 March, 24 April, 29 May, 26 June, 31 July, 28 August

Solitude, home of Cliftonville FC in north Belfast, will host the matches.

Clare Carson, Girls’ Participation Officer at the Irish FA, said: “The aim of the over 30s league is to get females back in the game, to keep fit and active, be social with friends and meet new friends while looking after your health and wellbeing.

“We know how important being active is and helping to create opportunities for women to participate in football is a big focus of ours.

“The Irish FA Foundation hopes to make the league a regular fixture and we look forward to welcoming everyone.”

The cost per team to register for the monthly fixtures is a one-off payment of £30 per team. Registration and payment should be completed via the form below.

For further information contact clare.carson@irishfa.com

Dussindale Take Dominant Victory Over Stratton

Long Stratton 0-4 Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers

Above: Calista Tink one Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers’goalscorers at Long Stratton. Photo: Darrell Allen.

By Darrell Allen (8/3/22)

Bright and breezy conditions greeted both Long Stratton and Dussindale and Hellesdon for this Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One clash at Manor Road.

Both teams represent good quality step seven outfits having both impressed in the league so far.

Long Stratton were without four key players including star striker Luci Middleton which meant captain Samantha Walker had to play in a more forward position than usual.

It was the Long Stratton captain Walker that got the afternoon underway and a good start from Stratton saw a cross intercepted by Dussindale and Hellesdon keeper Tyla Cole.

Dussindale went on the attack and a good move saw Tallulah Bell spurn a chance into Jody Todd’s hands in the Long Stratton goal.

A feature of the afternoon was the long throws by Stratton’s number 11 Harriet Hunwicks-Rush. A real tool in the Long Stratton box and a threat all afternoon.

Bell then had a half-chance for Dussindale who went on the attack but it was wide. Theycontinued to press hard, Megan Vincent and Jody Todd communicating well to prevent consequences. Bell then found Abby Hutchin who fired over the bar via a deflection as Dussindale continued to knock on the door.

**Above:** Long Stratton’s Samantha Walker (left) and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers’ Calista Tink. **Photo:** Darrell Allen.

Dussindale and Hellesdon then took the lead, a trademark finish as a corner came in and Calista Tink scored.

Shanice Sutton doubled the visitors advantage when she rounded the keeper after a good move and slotted in.

Emma Allsopp was then put in the sin bin for alleged foul language which saw the hosts down to 10 players for the next 10 minutes.

A Dussindale free-kick was then erratically saved by Todd, Chelsea Brister then delivered the ball back which hit the post but the danger was cleared, and Dussindale and Hellesdon led by two goals to nil at half time.

The second half began with Dussindale and Hellesdon on the ascendancy, Bell played in Sutton but nothing came of the opportunity.

A Shanice Sutton penalty was then superbly saved by the legs of Todd in the Stratton goal but unfortunately for the hosts, it was cleared away and then into the path of Sutton who finished well into the bottom corner for Dussindale’s third and her second of the game.

Long Stratton grew into the game, a difficult afternoon up top for Samantha Walker but she conducted herself superbly all afternoon with a smile on her face and didn’t stop running and trying to make things happen for the hosts.

**Above:** Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers’ hat-trick hero Shanice Sutton. **Photo:** Darren Gilham.

Bell then forced Todd into a good save shooting across the goal but the Stratton keeper did well.

A couple of positive Lomg Stratton balls forward were chased down by Walker but the Stratton captain continued to have a frustrating afternoon up top alone. Several cheap decisions were understandably causing Long Stratton to be annoyed but they continued to try and make things happen.

Todd was out to the feet of Bell quick enough to deny Dussindale another goal. Walker then had a chance for Stratton, beautifully turning Belton but hit the side netting.

Stratton had their best spell of the match from an attacking sense and Walker spun the Dussindale defence superbly but shot wide.

Dussindale got the final goal of the game when Shanice Sutton completed her hat trick with a super shot and finish in and off the post. Bell continued to be a star for Dussindale as Todd had to superbly save with her legs again.

The game finished with a Dussindale corner that captain Calista Tink fired over the bar before a chance was volleyed over.

It was Dussindale who claim the three points with a comfortable four-goal victory but Long Stratton deserve credit for their excellent attitude and effort and Adam Race’s team will be a match for anyone once they have all their players back.

Player of the match – Shanice Sutton (Dussindale)

Teams: LONG STRATTON: Todd, Farmer, Wilkinson Cawcutt, Vincent, Bird, Stratton, Ransome, Allsopp, Walker, Hunwicks-Rush. Substitute: Harvey

DUSSINDALE AND HELLESDON ROVERS: Cole, Belton, Humphries, Kennett, Leigh, Nobbs, Bell, Tink, Sutton, Hutchin, Brister. Substitutes: Rusted, Homes, Weatherall.

Scorers: Tink, Sutton (3)

Impetus Achievers Awards

With the final full round of matches for the regular season, our A-League Women writing team of Kieran Yap, Ben Gilby, and Kris Goman outline their player, coach, and event of the week (7/3/22).

PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Kieran: For me, it’s Rhianna Pollicina. She’s been one of the league’s best players all season and when City absolutely had to win, she was dominant. They fell short of top spot, but Pollicina is surely one of the signings of the season and this game was a perfect example of why.

Ben: It had been an incredibly difficult period for Brisbane Roar – with the Queensland floods impacting players and staff greatly in all sorts of different ways. Larissa Crummer‘s hat-trick was the catalyst for their win over Newcastle Jets on Friday. That they overcame all these challenges to achieve this needs to be recognized.

**Above:** Melbourne City’s Rihanna Pollicina (left) – Kieran Yap’s choice as Player of the Week. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

Kris: It is tempting to go for Paige Satchell for her Premiers Plate-winning goal and some other great attempts, but Annalee Grove made some extraordinary saves and really minimized the scoreline against Sydney.

COACH OF THE WEEK:

Kieran: Garrath McPherson. Brisbane have basically been unable to train properly due to the floods and one player lost their house in the disaster. It was a miracle they were even able to play. A win would have been great. A 5-1 win was amazing given the circumstances. It’s a team that clearly is there for each other despite a tough year.

Ben: Ante Juric. Sydney FC had to travel to the competition’s most in-form side needing a win to take a second straight Premier’s Plate. They were successful, as they have been for much of this season.

**Above:** Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric – Kris and Ben’s choice for Coach of the Week. **Photo:** Kris Goman.

Kris: Ante Juric. He’s played the long game with Sydney and come up trumps. The team has been well drilled, disciplined, agile, and just always seems to know what they are doing. Juric has their respect and has adapted over the season to get the premiership. He gets the nod this week.

EVENT OF THE WEEK:

Kieran: Hollie Palmer’s amazing goal being dedicated to her recently passed grandfather.

Ben: Sydney FC’s celebrations after defeating Adelaide United 1-0 at Coopers Stadium to lift the Premier’s Plate again.

Kris: Obviously can’t go past Sydney winning the premiership this week. And I do love some crazy champagne in the dressing room scenes.

We’re now tallying up all the votes over the season. On Friday we’ll be announcing our A-League Women Player and Coach of the Season based on all the weekly votes.

During the Finals, we’ll be naming a Player of the Week.

Hincks’ Hat-Trick Propels Dons To Final

Sporting Khalsa 1-4 AFC Wimbledon

Above: Hitting the target – AFC Wimbledon at Sporting Khalsa in the FAWNL National Plate Semi-Final yesterday. Photo: Glyn Roberts.

By George Jones – AFC Wimbledon Ladies (7/3/22)

AFC Wimbledon made history on Sunday by reaching their first national final since being reformed.

The journey in their FA Women’s National League Plate competition has been a long one with the Dons have already beaten Norwich City, Chesham United, Portishead Town and Portsmouth so far this season in the competition and went into Sunday’s game knowing only Sporting Khalsa stood in the way of reaching their first national final since 1994.

With Plough Lane hosting the Continental Cup Final on Saturday, the Wimbledon players were guests at the game before making their way up to the team hotel just outside Wolverhampton. Despite the late arrival at the hotel, the team were in good spirits determined to make more history in what has already been a historic season for the Dons.

The game itself got off to a scrappy start with Sporting Khalsa having the first chance as they were carrying a real threat from set-pieces. On the 15th minute mark, there was a lengthy delay after a collision between the Dons ‘keeper Lauren Allen and a Sporting Khalsa forward which forced the hosts into making a substitution thankfully Lauren was able to carry on. The rest of the first half had few clear-cut chances for either side in what was a very scrappy and physical first half.

However, the second half was a different story, and less than 60 seconds into the second half the Dons found themselves in front after Ashlee Hincks headed the Dons in front after some brilliant play from Katie Stanley out wide.

Wimbledon doubled their lead on the hour mark as Katie Stanley finished from close range with Hincks claiming the assist. With a little over 20 minutes remaining, the Dons further extended their lead as Hincks got her second and the Dons’ third goal of the game.

With 15 minutes remaining the Dons went 4-0 up with Hincks completing her hattrick and in the process scoring her 35th goal in only 27 games this season. Sporting Khalsa was able to get a consolation goal with five minutes remaining.

The Dons stayed composed and ended up deserved 4-1 winners and booked their spot in the FAWNL Plate Final where they will face Nottingham Forest who beat Cheltenham Town 3-0 in the other semi-final.

Before that the Dons are back at Plough Lane tomorrow as they face Enfield Town with a 2pm kickoff. Tickets are now available via: https://tickets.afcwimbledon.ltd.uk/selection/event/seat?perfId=101585413271&ot=0&gtmStepTracking=true

Dons manager Kevin Foster said: “In the first half we were not at our best. We made it quite scrappy and didn’t pass the ball as well as we could. We spoke to the players at halftime and changed a few things in the way that we do this and to be fair in the second half they have taken on board a lot of what we said and that’s probably one of the best second-half displays I’ve seen from us.”

Ashlee Hincks said: “It was a game of two halves, how we started the second half just put the game to bed early doors and from there we could enjoy the game a little bit more.”

Teams: SPORTING KHALSA: Garnham, Gallagher, Cann, Anderson, Howard, Smith, Stirrup, Morley. C.Wright, Austin-Short, Hazell. Substitutes: Parsons, Tsiga, McQuilkin, Cooper.

Scorer: Smith 82′.

AFC WIMBLEDON: Allen, Russell, Highman, Sargent, Billingham, Mann (Fowler), Donovan (Sampson), Taylor (Lewry), Hincks, Stanley, Carter (Siber).

Scorers: Hincks 46′, 69′, 75′. Stanley 60′.

Brisbane Roaring Home As Depleted Jets Crash

Brisbane Roar 4-0 Newcastle Jets

Above: Brisbane Roar’s two-goal Shea Connors takes on Newcastle Jets’ Tiana Jaber. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

By Kris Goman (7/3/22)

Brisbane are coming home strong as they play out their catch-up matches, unfortunately, too late to have any impact on the Finals, but at least restoring some pride to the team.

This was your proverbial match of two halves with Brisbane in control, despite less possession, and seemingly scoring at will in the first half. Newcastle tightened up the defence in the second half as well as stepping up on the attacking. This resulted in a lot of near misses but very little on target.

Brisbane opened their account very early, in just the fourth minute, when Katrina Gorry did what Gorry does best and took a pot shot at goal. She found herself in a bit of space and had a crack from the top of the box. The rocket launched to the left of goal and Claire Coelho had no chance of stopping it. Brisbane take the early lead at 1-0.

Not long after, Shea Connors broke clear and chanced another long shot. This wasn’t as well directed and went out to the left.

Holly Palmer got a similar opportunity shortly after and took quite a considered shot to the top right but Coelho anticipated it beautifully and glided across to capture it.

The continued pressure found the cracks eventually. Gorry set this up with a pass for Mariel Hecher to run onto in the box. She rounded Coelho after drawing her out, headed for the byline, and cut back to Larissa Crummer who had the easy tap in for Roar’s second goal, scored in the 13^th minute.

Newcastle instigated a fightback when Sophie Harding took the ball down the right and centred it to Elizabeth Eddy. She turned and flipped it into the right-hand side of the goal but was called offside and the goal was disallowed leaving the score at 2-0.

Once again, Gorry found some space, performed some magic, and passed out to Connors who was unmarked on the left. She got a clear shot as she touched it into the box and Coelho had it covered with a jump but didn’t quite catch the ball and it bounced out of her hands, rolled behind her, and limped into goal as Coelho scampered towards it but not before it crosses the line. At 29 minutes Roar suddenly have a commanding lead of 3-0.

**Above:** Katrina Gorry (left) of Brisbane Roar takes on Bethany Gordon today. **Photo:** Brisbane Roar.

Gorry tried another long-range shot that was caught safely by Coelho. Then it feels like the floodgates opened as Gorry started off another movement that ended in a goal when she sent the perfect pass through to Connors. Coelho came out again and was rounded again. Tiana Jaber got back to defend the goal but she was easily sidestepped too and the ball went past and into the right side of goal. We’re at 4-0 to Brisbane with just over five minutes left in the half.

Bethany Gordon tried to retaliate with a long shot but it flew just a little high and over the crossbar. The shots are 11-2 to Brisbane despite the Jets having slightly more possession.

Coming back from halftime, Brisbane are straight back onto the attack. A Gorry corner gets cleared by the Jets and Lauren Allen, who’s just come on to replace Lucy Johnson, took a little breakaway run up the field. The defence recovered to swamp her and it went nowhere.

Connors was found offside three times in front of a virtually open goal each time. Some poorly timed runs which probably cost some extra goals.

The rest of the second half is marked by the Jets stepping up the attack but just being off-target constantly. At half time the shots are 11-2 in favour of Brisbane but on target shots are 8-0, By full time the shots are equal at 14 all but on-target shots are 9-1 in favour of Brisbane. Never has the much-used term, “Need to be more clinical in front of goal” been more apt.

Harding was in the clear and got a shot from the top of the box but sent it just over the crossbar.

A bad clearance by Isabella Shuttleworth went straight to Eddy who was also in open space but she was closed down quite quickly by the defence and her shot sailed over the crossbar.

Hannah Brewer took a long shot that was cleared by Hecher on the edge of the goal. Harding later found Kirsty Fenton and her shot is just high again. Gooch tried a very ambitious shot from 30 meters out that’s easily gathered by Shuttleworth.

**Above:** Brisbane Roar’s Jamilla Rankin is held off. **Photo:** Brisbane Roar.

Jaber sent a lovely cross over to Eddy but her header isn’t quite directed to the right spot and goes just wide of the goal.

A Fenton header from an Eddy corner went close to goal but once more, it’s just to the right and does not require a save from Shuttleworth who’s had a light shift today.

A Harding cross went begging as it flew past the far post. She was involved again with a shot from the left that required a dive from Shuttleworth but she’s wrapped it all up safely and the Jets can’t crack the defence.

In the final play of the match, Gooch skips through the midfield and executes a nice pass to Allen who entangles with Shuttleworth and got a shot away but it’s also wide.

In the post-match interview, Gorry mentions that she’s proud of the girls and that it was so good to get some wins on the board. The season is not too long and they got there in the end and will come back bigger and stronger.

Cass Davis said that Newcastle had been struggling with numbers and it was a disappointing way to end the season. It was tough on the girls with so many injured.

Connors was awarded player of the match. She said they wanted to make the most of the match and the last game. It means everything to them and Queensland has had it rough and they wanted to bring some joy to QLD and northern NSW post the floods.

Garrath McPherson said the win was down to the adaptability of the team. Their mindset and positivity. What’s changed is a real attitude of the players to work for each other. Together is better. They are trying to help others on the field and wanted to see Mini off with a big win.

Brisbane play Canberra in their final match of the season at 7.05 on Thursday night. The finals have been decided and Sydney will play Melbourne City and Adelaide will be playing Melbourne Victory over the weekend.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR: Shuttleworth, Margraf, Rasschaert, Rankin, Norrie, Hecher, Crummer, Gorry, Connors, Haffenden, Palmer. Substitutes: Symes, Stamatopoulos, Kitano, McDougall, McElligott

Scorers: Gorry 4′, Crummer 13′, Connors 29′, 38’.

NEWCASTLE JETS: Coelho, Jaber, Davis, Brewer, Fenton, Morley, Gordon, Johnson, Brodigan, Harding, Eddy. Substitutes: Magus (GK), Allan, Gooch.

Referee: Caitlin Williams

Attendance: 1,000.

ParaMatildas Launched

Above: The ParaMatildas players and coaching staff today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia (Getty Images).

Football Australia today announced the launch of the ParaMatildas, Australia’s first national team for women and girls with cerebral palsy (CP), acquired brain injury (ABI), and symptoms of stroke.

A first in the Asia-Pacific region, the ParaMatildas become the 10^th member of Australia’s national teams’ family and the first new senior national team in 22 years.

Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, is delighted to welcome the ParaMatildas to the fold.

“Today is a momentous occasion for Football Australia as we celebrate the inclusion of the ParaMatildas in the Australian football family,” he said.

“With the launch of the ParaMatildas we are closing the gap in Australian football and ensuring that women and girls have the same pathways as men and boys in our game. This announcement is the result of years of incredible commitment, hard work and belief from many people in our football community, and it will be transformative for our All Abilities programs.”

“With Australia co-hosting the Women’s World Cup 2023 in 500 days, and as a global leader in women’s football, we now plan to leverage this milestone event to develop a sustainable, world-class ParaMatildas program. This will demonstrate to women and girls with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms of stroke that football is a game which they can enjoy and excel, and that their achievements will be celebrated by an Australia that embraces diversity.”

More than 2.2 million women and girls live with disability, with 700,000 Australians living with an ABI and one in six Australians set to have a stroke in their lifetime.

**Above:** Members of the inaugural ParaMatildas squad pictured today at their launch in Sydney. **Photo** **provided to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia (Getty Images)

CP football is a seven-a-side sport with smaller goals, 30-minute halves, and no offside. Players are classed as FT1, FT2, and FT3 depending on how their disability affects a player, with at least one FT1 player and a maximum of one FT3 player required to be on the pitch at all times.

A long-standing All Abilities coach and program coordinator, ACT’s Kelly Stirton will be the ParaMatildas inaugural Head Coach. Stirton expressed her pride at being named Head Coach and how the potential impact of the ParaMatildas cannot be understated.

“As a Head Coach in the All Abilities space, this has been a dream of mine to be able to take a team at the national level,” Stirton said. “Being able to say I’ve coached an Australian team has been a dream because we now have a pathway created from young children to adults and the ability to say to players that they can represent their country.”

“This team will stand proudly alongside their Commonwealth Bank Matildas teammates as iconic female footballers and that is an incredible visual that we are portraying as a sport.”

ParaMatilda and London 2012 Paralympian, Georgia Beikoff, said: “This will be an absolute dream come true for all of us. Knowing this will create opportunities to break barriers around the stigma of disability is something that we are all ecstatic about.”

“The girls and I have all faced all sorts of challenges growing up, living with a disability that has been incredibly tough. To platform what we bring as women with CP, ABI, or with symptoms of stroke as a national football team, I believe will help pave the way for young girls and boys living with a disability in Australia to face life with a determined and fierce spirit.”

“We are so stoked to be able to don the green and gold and join that national team family at Football Australia. In launching a team like the ParaMatildas, I truly believe we will represent and further contribute to the values of diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging that our sport upholds.”

The ParaMatildas will hold their first camp in April as they prepare to compete in the inaugural IFCPF Women’s World Cup in Spain. The tournament will take place from 8-18 May 2022.

Australians can get behind the ParaMatildas’ World Cup campaign by making a tax-deductible donation to the team here. Every donation over $2 made to the squad is tax-deductible and will go directly to supporting national team training camps, coaching, sports science, and tournament costs to ensure that the ParaMatildas have the best possible chance to represent Australia on the world stage.

Another way to support the ParaMatildas, while also supporting the Commonwealth Bank Matildas, is to purchase a ticket to Australia’s upcoming international friendly against New Zealand at Canberra’s GIO Stadium. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the ParaMatildas. Tickets to CommBank Matildas v New Zealand are on sale

Sydney Success As Premier’s Plate Is Retained

Adelaide United 0-1 Sydney FC

Above: Sydney FC celebrate winning the Premier’s Plate after defeating Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium today. Photo: Sydney FC.

By Kieran Yap (6/3/22)

The title would be decided in Adelaide. Sydney FC travelled south in need of a draw to finish top of the table. A chaotic first half yielded few clear-cut chances and neither team could impose themselves on the contest.

Reona Omiya had a chance that she should have buried in the opening minutes. Fiona Worts’ high, looping cross was not cleared and the ball fell to Omiya.

She hit her shot well but directly at Jada Whyman who got down low to block it and hold onto the bobbling rebound.

Worts almost got in on goal again and appealed for a penalty as Charlize Rule looked to have fouled the striker. The referee did not consider the contact to be enough and waved play on.

Sydney FC are normally a team that dominates in midfield. Although all of their midfield trio were involved heavily they were unable to control the pace of the game. Adelaide prefer the match played at a frenetic pace and turnovers for both sides were common.

With final passes often cut off by Kayla Sharples and Matilda McNamara, Rachel Lowe decided to skip that and go direct for goal from long range. Annalee Grove scrambled back to stop it but it over overhit and sailed beyond the goal.

**Above:** Adelaide United’s Ella Tonkin (right) keeps her eyes on the ball under pressure from Sydney FC’s Rachel Lowe. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

Mackenzie Hawkesby was dynamic in midfield and attempted to knit play together but the Adelaide back four played with a low-risk mentality, clearing any first-half attacks with either a solid boot to safety or running the ball out individually.

Chelsie Dawber almost added to her 10 goals for the season with an attempt to hook the ball over her shoulder. The shot was on target but Whyman was well placed and held onto it firmly.

The half ended with a rare passing move involving Princess Ibini, Hawesby, and Paige Satchell. The New Zealand winger shot well at the near post but Grove was equal to it

Remy Siemsen had the first opportunity after the break, her half-volley from a tight angle swung wide but it was the first sign that Adelaide’s defence could be penetrated.

A slick passing move by Sydney FC involving Ally Green and Siemsen put Ibini in space and within range. Her curling effort looked good off the boot but did not dip in time to trouble Grove.

Mackenzie Hawkesby continued to threaten with long-range shots as Sydney started to find some momentum. Adelaide United remained dangerous on the counterattack but could not find any easy openings in attack.

**Above:** Sydney FC’s Ally Green in possession (right) under the watchful eye of Adelaide United’s Isabel Hodgson. **Photo:** Sydney FC.

On the hour mark, the deadlock was finally broken. Paige Satchell teed up Siemsen for a shot that Grove did well to block. The resulting corner kick fell to Satchell who clipped it up and over Grove with a terrific finish.

That goal put Sydney FC in a strong position to retain to the Premiership. Adelaide would need to score twice to hand the title to Melbourne City.

Fiona Worts lined up a shot from 20 yards out, it was blocked at close quarters by Nat Tobin who took the pain to save a goal.

As the game wore on Adelaide started to rest players with an eye on finals. Matilda McNamara had already been withdrawn and skipper Isabel Hodgson joined her on the bench.

The Reds could go neither up nor down on the ladder, but they continued to attack. A classy flick by Dawber put Amelia Murray through on goal but she scuffed the shot.

**Above:** Sydney FC’s Remy Siemsen (left) competes with Adelaide United’s Ella Tonkin for possession. **Photo:** Sydney FC.

Grace Taranto on for her second appearance of the season almost levelled the scores but her shot was deflected wide. From the corner kick, Emma Stanbury looked to have been fouled from behind by the referee was unable to see it clearly from her angle.

Satchell went right up the other end and rocketed a shot toward goal. Grove stretched athletically to tip it over.

Adelaide looked suddenly energized by the missed penalty shout and lifted in injury time, the game opened up momentarily but Sydney FC held out to win and be crowned Premiers for another consecutive year.

Adelaide would not be too troubled by the loss. They have finished third, their best ever position, and will play finals with players rested and returning from injury or suspension. They should add Nanako Sasaki and Emily Condon to this side with Paige Hayward possibly joining them too.

Sydney FC are the 2021/22 A-League Women’s Premiers. They have only lost one game and been held to a draw only twice. They have dominated most games and broken defensive records. Two of their attackers became capped Matildas and they have a young, talented squad that deserve to be crowned premiers once again.

Speaking after the game, Sydney FC’s Nat Tobin spoke of her initial reaction to claiming the Premier’s Plate. “I almost cried there, it’s just so exciting, we’ve had the best season and to be rewarded for it is incredible and I’m so, so proud of the girls.

“We’ve got a young team and we lost some really good players last season and I think we had that expectation to win because we did so well, so it’s really overwhelming.”

Head coach Ante Juric was a proud man after the game: “It’s been a fantastic season by the squad. We have worked hard and deserve this Premiership.

“We have been consistent in our levels of performance, which is a credit to the attitude of these girls. It is hard to continually be successful and always be at the top, as everyone steps up against us and wants to beat us. We embrace this and know it’s a privilege to be in this situation.

“For the club to win the Premiership for a second straight year is a great achievement and a rare achievement. We know there is more to do and more to achieve as we prepare for Finals, but we are focussed and driven to keep working hard to succeed.”

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Grove, I.Hodgson, McNamara, Sharples, E.Hodgson, Tonkin, Holmes, Omiya, Dawber, Stanbury, Worts. Substitutes: Beaumont (GK), Mullan, Murray, Taranto, Templeman.

SYDNEY FC (4-2-3-1): Whyman, Green, Tobin, Mclean, Rule, Hawkesby, Lowe, Ibini, Ray, Satchell, Siemsen. Substitutes: Hunter, Johnson, Nash, Offer (GK), Rojas.

Scorer: Satchell 61′.

Referee: Casey Reibelt.

Attendance: 1,173.

City Get The Win But Will It Be Enough?

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-2 Melbourne City

Above: Flying high – Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson (right). Photo: Melbourne City.

By Kieran Yap (6/3/22)

Melbourne City travelled to play the Wanderers with a chance to jump into first place place in the league. A win against Western Sydney would mean that Sydney FC would need at least a draw against the in-form Adelaide United to retain the title.

Although the hosts were out on finals contention and still without Byrleeh Henry or Sarah Gallagher, they had pride to play for. A loss to City could potentially result in them finishing bottom of the ladder, an unthinkable result for the club in a season that began in optimism.

Melbourne City began with Caitlin Karic upfront. The 16-year-old NPLW star was playing as the centre-forward with Rhianna Pollicina in support and Hannah Wilkinson roaming the flanks for much of the game.

The Wanderers welcomed back Alex Huynh to the bench and began with Ashlie Crofts up front who was looking for score for the third game running.

City were in a precarious position. They needed to win, but also had to rest players as the “Football Frenzy” came to a conclusion.

Tyla-Jay Vlajnic and Rebekah Stott began on the bench but Rado Vidosic’s team has developed significant depth during the campaign and were solid favourites to take out the three points.

The first real chance of the game came in the 20^th minute. Rhianna Pollicina took possession outside of the area and cleverly created space with a shift of her feet and a slight change of direction. Her shot from outside the box was low, hard, and beat Sarah Langman. It was the playmakers’ seventh goal of the season and as usual, it was done in some style.

**Above:** Melbourne City celebrate Rhianna Pollicina’s goal. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

Crofts almost pulled one back for Western Sydney but her shot crashed off the woodwork. She has been one of the good news stories to come out of a tough season. Crofts is a confident, unpredictable, and powerful forward and has given the Wanderers fans something to cheer for.

The goal aside, the first half was relatively even. City were in control at the break but Wanderers were not out of the contest. Crofts had a second half chance to level the scores again after some good team build-up play, but uncharacteristically mistimed her effort from directly in front of goal.

For all of City’s dominance, clear chances on goal were hard to come by. Tori Tunmeth had the best effort when she met a corner kick at full pace but her header flew over the bar.

Hannah Wilkinson entered the match two goals behind Fiona Worts in the race for the Golden Boot. In the 73^rd minute, she took a step closer to catching the Adelaide star with she received the ball wide with only Caitlin Cooper to beat.

Wilkinson sized up her options, knocked the ball ahead, and surged past Cooper to finish beyond Langman and bring her season tally up to 12 goals.

With the result seemingly secured, the mission to catch Worts became the focus of neutral and City fans. Wilkinson was played in on goal by Pollicina but she unselfishly returned the pass instead of shooting. Pollicina’s curling shot glanced agonizingly off the bar when it looked likely to bounce in.

**Above:** Melbourne City’s Chelsie Blissett (left) battles with Western Sydney Wanderers’ Alexia Apostolakis. **Photo:** Western Sydney Wanderers.

The New Zealand striker had another chance to score a second when she headed well toward an empty net. Somehow the woodwork denied her again and it looked it like it was not meant to be.

The match ended 2-0. It was an unfussy, expected win by City. They took the opportunity to not only rest some players but to give others some much-needed minutes.

Sally James was brought on for Melissa Barbieri and responded with an encouraging display. Her close-range stop from Rosie Galea’s effort was a highlight of the second half.

Leticia McKenna entered in place of Karic and did well to forge an opportunity to score but Sarah Langman responded with what is likely the save of the round. The Wanderers keeper dove the wrong way but managed to stick a foot out to prevent a third goal.

With Adelaide United and hosting Sydney FC a few hours later, City’s players had done all they could, not they could watch the next match in support of The Reds who had every chance of beating the reigning premiers at home.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-4-2): Langman, Matos, Cooper, Ralston, Apostolakis, Collister, Galic, Price, Halloway, Copus-Brown, Crofts. Substitutes: Abdul-Massih, Galea, Huynh, Khamis (GK), Steinmetz.

MELBOURNE CITY (3-5-2): Barbieri, Heatley, Checker, Tunmeth, Blissett, Westland, Pollicina, Davidson, Torpey, Katic, Wilkinson. Substitutes: James, McKenna, Malone, Vlajnic, van der Meer.

Scorers: Pollicina 21′, Wilkinson 73′.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 220.

Second Half Blitz Sees City Lift Conti Cup

Chelsea 1-3 Manchester City

Above: Manchester City lift the Conti Cup at Plough Lane last night. Photo: FAWSL.

By Darrell Allen (6/3/22)

For the first time ever Chelsea and Manchester City went head to head in a major final. The 2022 Conti Cup final was played at a sold out Plough Lane, the home of AFC Wimbledon.

Both teams came into the game in form but Chelsea were without Fran Kirby who was ill and Jessie Fleming who tested positive for Covid.

Chelsea started the game much the brighter with an early Harder cross missed by Kerr. The cup holders continued the pressure. Ji played the Australian in once more, but it was covered well in the Manchester City defence by Alex Greenwood.

Chelsea kept up their excellent press in search of an opener and it was Ellie Roebuck in the Manchester City goal who had to punch clear to further deny Kerr.

City then went on the attack, Jess Carter intercepted but played a ball back to Berger who took a big touch and almost played herself into trouble but it was just cleared away.

**Above:** Lucy Bronze (left) battles with Guro Reiten at the Conti Cup Final last night. **Photo:** FAWSL.

That was a wake-up call Chelsea needed, as they then went up the other end. Again, there was great movement from Ji who found Pernille Harder, but the move was read well by Roebuck who dealt with the pressure.

A Guro Reiten cross was cleared by Greenwood. Chelsea then had a penalty appeal turned down when Kennedy handled but the referee was unsighted.

The game was end to end as Raso then found White but it came to nothing. Stanway had a half chance which fell to White who fired over the bar but the flag was up for offside.

City were getting in the groove, A Stanway ball in and it was Lauren Hemp who fired against the post. City then had their penalty appeal turned down as Hayley Raso’s shot hit the arm of Sophie Ingle but penalty appeals were waved away.

Action then switched to the other end of the pitch. Greenwood and Roebuck were very causal. Harder intercepted but no finish.

Chelsea then took the lead, an instinctive finish from Sam Kerr after a Reiten cross and mix-up between Roebuck and Demi Stokes allowed Kerr was to finish.

**Above:** Sam Kerr celebrates with Millie Bright after putting Chelsea ahead. **Photo:** FAWSL.

Niamh Charles had an opportunity to double Chelsea’s advantage with a great chest down and control but she fired over the bar. Half Time arrived with Chelsea deservedly leading 1-0.

An inspired half time team talk from Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor saw them come out for the second 45 minutes with their heads up.

The equalizer soon arrived, Georgia Stanway to Caroline Weir who was in acres of space following Charles being off the pitch after colliding with an advertising hoarding. Weir took a touch before firing into the corner.

It was a good reply from Chelsea, a strike from Charles but Roebuck saved. However, this would prove to be the last serious chance that Emma Hayes’ side would fashion.

City then took the lead, Hemp danced around the Chelsea defence before drilling the ball across, Berger spilled and Ellen White was there to finish.

**Above:** Ellen White’s delight after putting Manchester City in front. **Photo:** FAWSL.

A series of Manchester City corners by Stanway followed, the best of which saw Kennedy head wide.

City increased their lead after a Stanway corner was headed down by Bronze, Ingle cleared into the path of Caroline Weir who fired into the top corner to make it a personal brace and three goals in 20 minutes from City.

The Sky Blues continued to press. Stanway’s corner was played in, Bronze headed on but Raso couldn’t finish after Berger spilled.

Chelsea were in a mess as Manchester City dominated. Gareth Taylor’s side were able to see the clock down with relative ease and without fear with a two-goal cushion.

Chelsea did look brighter after Bethany England was introduced but they never really looked like getting back into it. It was Manchester City who take England’s first silverware of the domestic season.

Teams: CHELSEA (4-4-2): Berger, Nouwen, Bright, Ingle, Andersson, Reiten, Ji, Kerr, Carter, Harder, Charles. Substitutes: Musovic (GK), England, Eriksson, Mjelde, James, Spence, Abdullina.

Scorers: Kerr 34’.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3): Roebuck, Bronze, Kennedy, Greenwood, Stokes, Raso, Walsh, Stanway, Weir, Raso, White, Hemp. Substitutes: Keating (GK), Coombs, Beckie, Angeldahl, Park, Shaw, Blakstad.

Scorers: Weir 49’, 70’. White 58’.

Referee: Lisa Benn.

Attendance: 8,004.

Sunday A-League Women Preview

Sunday sees two huge matches which will decide the destination of the Premier’s Plate. Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard the pre-match views of Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic whose team face Western Sydney Wanderers, along with Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta and defender Kayla Sharples ahead of their game with leaders Sydney FC (5/3/22).

**Above:** Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic at today’s pre-game media conference. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

Melbourne City go into their game at Western Sydney Wanderers knowing that if they can win and third-placed Adelaide United defeat Sydney, then his team will win the Premier’s plate.

Preparations for the game have been impacted by the match in Parramatta being pushed back to Sunday to aid with pitch drainage after heavy rain in the area. Vidosic believes that extra day will benefit his team.

“We’ve had an extra day to rest. We had a day off on Friday. That is good for us. Physically we are ready. They could have played our game and the Sydney one simultaneously as that was good when Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory’s ones were (on Friday when both sides were contesting the final spot in the top four), but I’m not privy to the decisions of the APL, Paramount and Channel 10. They make decisions for the good of the game.”

In terms of injuries and availability, City’s head coach had good news to report. “There are no major concerns going into the game. We will finalize our squad and starting 11 when we arrive. We want to give the girls as long as possible, it’s been a disrupted build-up and we need to ensure no one is exposed to risk, but we are needing to win.”

In terms of how his team perform tomorrow, Vidosic does not see any danger of complacency taking on a struggling team in Wanderers. For him, it will be all about mental attitude having played a game on Tuesday night.

“We have tried to refresh them as much as we could over these past few days. If we can play to our best, we expect to win the game. Our we play will depend on how mentally focussed we are. If we get that right, we will have a good performance and every chance to win the game.”

**Above:** Kayla Sharples speaking to the media this week at Marden. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

Adelaide United defender Kayla Sharples spoke of her excitement at the team’s achievement of making their first W-/A-League Women’s Finals berth. She also warned the other teams in the top four – including Saturday’s opponents Sydney FC – that Adelaide United want to do some serious damage in the Finals.

“Last week’s game was crucial, to get that win (over Melbourne Victory) and lock in Finals. It’s my first season, but I know how much it means to the team and the club. I just wanted to make an impact and I’m loving my time here. But, we’re not done yet!”

Reflecting on game with Victory last weekend, Sharples was pleased with how the team grew into the match. “We did have a slow start, but we knew they would press high, so we just had to ride that wave, which we did.

“Scoring three goals against them was massive. We also wanted redemption after losing a lot of goals against them. We’re really connecting and being relentless right now. There are no limits to what we can do. After the final whistle, we were so excited, but there was an element of relief. For us, this year to lock in the Finals with a game ahead was important.

“We’re very hungry. We’re not content with where we are. I don’t think we’ve hit our peak yet. When we play our best, there are no limits. We can definitely make it to the last game and win a championship for the first time.”

Whilst Adelaide United’s goal-scoring prowess has taken the headlines this season, Sharples was keen to shine a light on their backline, which she has been a crucial part of.

“I’ve loved working with the girls at the back with me – Matilda (McNamara), Izzy (Hodgson). We’re a relentless unit. We put our bodies on the line and will do everything we can to prevent the ball going into the net. We have a crucial relationship and it’s part of our success.”

The American believes that the time is right to be facing league leaders Sydney FC. “I’m happy to play Sydney last as we’re hitting our stride. It’s the best time to play them. They are a great team with a lot of talent, they are well-coached. But we’re getting better and better. At the end of the day, we want to win and get more goals so we’re in good form going into Finals.”

**Above:** Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta speaking to the media on Friday. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta opened his discussion with the media on Thursday by placing his team’s Finals qualification in context.

“Its significant because of our club’s history. It’s been a long time to play in a competition without making Finals. We’re really proud to represent the club in the Finals and everyone who has played for and represented the club down the years on the journey.”

Stenta knows that his team are playing consistently well at present, and as such he feels that they are capable of going a long way in the Finals.

“I’m extremely confident and the players’ confidence is growing. We are in good form coming into Finals and it’s good to play Sydney on Sunday as it is a good indicator as to where we are coming into the Finals.”

Looking back at the win over Melbourne Victory last weekend that clinched his team’s place in the top four with a game to spare, Adelaide’s head coach was pleased about his team’s ruthlessness when chances came their way.

“It was an interesting game. There were times when we didn’t have a lot of the ball, so Victory probably shaded us in terms of possession, but I thought we were clinical with the ball and did well with the ball in possession. We scored goals. The goal at the start of the second half was important.

“We’ve got multiple avenues to goal. It doesn’t bother me who scores them, it’s about just scoring. It does though make it difficult for the opposition knowing we have so many avenues to scoring. I’ve been so pleased with Chelsie (Dawber) and Fiona (Worts)’ contributions all year.”

Stenta also highlighted the importance of his team’s defence and pointed to continual improvements throughout the campaign.

“Keeping clean sheets is something that we focussed on after we conceded quite a few at the start of the season. I thought our structure was positive last weekend against Victory. They had a fair bit of the ball, so to defend as well as we did and deny them goalscoring opportunities was very pleasing.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Adelaide’s head coach knows his team will have their hands full, but is confident that they can win.

“Playing Sydney is always a difficult game. They are a side that has kept their playing staff and coaching staff very consistent. We know what to expect. One of the quirks of the draw this season is that we’ve played some teams twice and yet we haven’t met Sydney until the last day of the season. We’ll see how it stacks up and we’re keen to have a go at them.”

When it comes to team selection, Stenta was clear – there will be no resting players ahead of Finals. It’s all about going for the win.

“I’m a simple guy. I don’t look at ‘what ifs’ or resting players. I’ve made it clear to the players that I want to win whether it’s games in training or actual matches. We’ll go into the game putting out the strongest team we can possibly field.”