Above:The announcement of Canberra as the venue of the Matildas’ second April international with New Zealand was supported by the local football community. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Football Australia CEO James Johnsonand Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson as Australia’s plans for the April international window were revealed(1/3/22).
Australia today announced a two-game series with New Zealand during the April international window.
The second match in the two-match series will see the Commonwealth Bank Matildas in action on Tuesday, 12 April 2022 at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
It marks a long-awaited return of the women’s national team to Canberra after a nine-year absence. The last time the Matildas were in the nation’s capital saw a penalty shoot-out victory over New Zealand in the 2013 Centenary Cup.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said: “As Canberra and the ACT Government have been long-standing supporters of women’s sport and the Matildas, it’s exciting to return to the capital for an international fixture.”
Above: Football Australia CEO James Johnston announcing Canberra as the venue for the Matildas’ second international with New Zealand today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“The ACT has a strong history of producing women’s national team players including names like Lydia Williams, Caitlin Munoz, Amy Wilson, and Julie Murray, and watching in the stands could be the next generation of Matildas to follow in their footsteps.
“We want to provide the football community and as many Australians as possible the opportunity to watch the Matildas on home soil while we continue our preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We appreciate the support of the ACT Government in partnering with us to bring the Matildas back to Canberra – a city that has long embraced women’s football and Australian football as a whole.”
The last time the two sides met was at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with Australia coming out on top with a 2-1 victory in the opening group match.
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson said these matches will present a different type of opponent for the team as they continue to build towards 2023.
Above: Canberra’s GIO Stadium, venue for the Matildas’ second match with New Zealand in April. Photo: Canberra Times.
“With only the FIFA Women’s World Cup on the horizon, the complete focus for the next 12 months will be building a squad to compete on home soil,” Gustavsson said. “That preparation starts with these matches against our fellow co-hosts New Zealand, and we know they will provide a challenge that will help us learn more about the playing group.
“The April window is an opportunity for us to return to the pitch together in front of home supporters. We, as staff and players, are looking forward to playing before a new set of Australian fans in Canberra who I am sure will welcome us warmly.”
Tickets to the encounter will go on pre-sale for Football Account holders on Friday, 4 March 2022, with the General Public tickets window opening on Wednesday, 9 March 2022.
$1 (plus GST) from every ticket will be donated to the women’s CP national football program for female footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, or symptoms from stroke. Ticketing information is available from the official Commonwealth Bank Matildas website at www.matildas.com.au.
The venue for the opening match of the two-match international series will be announced shortly.
Above: Adelaide United and their Coopers Stadium home set up ready for the competition’s first Pride Game at the weekend. Photo: Adelaide United.
As the A-League Women season heads towards its final round of the regular season, our writing team covering the competition Ben Gilby, Kieran Yap, and Kris Goman reveal their player, coach, and event of the week(28/2/22).
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Ben: Unquestionably Fiona Worts. She is in the goalscoring form of her life. A positive NPL season in a struggling Fulham United side set up the English striker, who formerly played with Coventry United, into red hot form. As Adelaide head into the Finals, they have the competition’s deadliest striking duo.
Kieran: Has to be Fiona Worts. In a must-win game on a huge occasion, she delivered a hat trick to make history. What a season from the striker.
Kris: Fiona Worts. Hat trick. Do I need to say anything else? But she’s been getting better and better as the season’s gone on and this match was critical moving Adelaide into the A-League Women Finals for the first time ever.
Above: Fiona Worts of Adelaide United – the undisputed choice as player of the week. Photo: Adelaide United.
COACH OF THE WEEK:
Ben: For his history-making achievement with Adelaide United this season and having his team peak at the right time, it’s Adrian Stenta. Outstanding work.
Kieran: Adrian Stenta. Adelaide have had their best W-/A-League Women season, making the competition’s finals for the first time and swept away all opponents since losing to Perth. It’s a massive achievement and the result of a few seasons of work.
Kris: For the same reasons, had to be Adrian Stenta. To take Adelaide to the W-/A-League Women Finals for the first time ever, to keep the belief, to raise them up. Definitely gets the gong this week.
Above: Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta – outstanding achievements. Photo: Adelaide United.
EVENT OF THE WEEK:
Ben: Can’t go beyond the competition’s first-ever Pride Game. Adelaide United have been a club that just “get it” for some time now and this showed exactly their united cause. Incredible scenes at Coopers Stadium. Where Adelaide led others now need to follow.
Kieran: Sydney have wrapped up the Premiership, you can’t get much better than that. Two seasons in a row but with a very different team and in some style against Perth Glory.
Kris: Has to be the Adelaide v Melbourne Victory Pride round game. Victory came to the game in their pride socks too. So proud of these teams to make this history. Truly groundbreaking.
We’ve been keeping the tally of our votes for Player and Coach of the Week Awards and will reveal who has gathered the most votes across the season to be crowned Impetus’ inaugural A-League Women Player and Coach of the Yearahead of the first week of Finals.
We are all on the same team, but women’s football fans need to know what the game plan is.
The priority this season as it was last, is to keep the league running against unprecedented challenges. For this the APL and Football Australia deserve commendation.
However, with good reason, the fans are getting restless. Australia’s A-League Women’s community wants a plan for the future, and so far, they have only seen the implementation of things they explicitly do not want.
In the simplest terms, A-League Women’s fans want:
As few double headers as possible
A full home and away season
Full time pay for the players and coaches.
The same eagerness to invest in the league as they show when a 30 something men’s striker from Europe suggests that maybe he might consider thinking about playing in Australia.
The doubleheaders are contentious. From the perspective of a fan on matchday, five hours at a stadium is too long to expect men’s fans to show up for the women, and ALW supporters resent paying for tickets to men’s games they have no interest in, or in some cases actively avoid.
From a broadcast perspective, it makes sense for the same journalists and commentators to be in one location. The possibilities for better camera positioning and the ability to promote sponsors on the sidelines are far better.
From a footballing perspective, players always want and deserve access to the best facilities and pitches. The doubleheader provides this. Currently, there is no easy solution to this question.
In any case, this conundrum will not entice crowds. The men’s fans generally do show up, although not until well into the second half. In the worst cases, doubleheaders have been played with completely unaffiliated men’s teams playing afterward.
Speaking to The Ladies League Big Dub Podcast, Sydney FC CEO Danny Townsend was not convinced that doubleheaders or early kick-off times were a crowd factor. He referred to what was basically a title decider between Melbourne City and Sydney FC.
“You could point to doubleheaders,” he responded,
“But you could point to AAMI Park on a Sunday afternoon between the two top teams in the competition. That argument’s not quite accurate when you point to that game Sunday afternoon.”
This game took place as the curtain-raiser between Western United and Western Sydney Wanderers.
The problems with doubleheaders aside, why would Western Sydney fans want to arrive early to watch Sydney FC play in the ALW? Western United have struggled to attract their own fans let alone any to support Melbourne City’s women.
These are two passionately opposing supporter sets. This game was never going to draw a crowd unless it was a separate women’s fixture, as a title decider should be.
The incoming league chief likely forgot this or never knew it. Either explanation is forgivable, mistakes happen.
But neither reason instils faith in the supporters that the league is being paid proper attention.
In any case, with crowds at men’s games struggling, is relying on them to save women’s football really the best idea?
Townsend also expressed frustration that the Matildas routinely break records with crowds but that does not transfer to the league.
“Where are all these Matildas fans?” he ponders.
“Why are they happy to put on a Matildas shirt one day yet won’t turn up and watch their local A-League women’s team play?
“There seems to be this real fair-weather commitment to Matildas as being this great brand and it is, but why aren’t those fans turning up to watch Sydney FC vs Melbourne City or others?”
Aside from the reasons already covered, one reason is blaringly obvious.
Ticketing links.
The A-League Women Twitter account is 99% great. They provide highlights, lineup, interviews and updates. They announce fixture changes and game times. However, to this date, they do not include links to buy tickets on their posts.
Above: A typical tweet from the A-League Women account advertising games. Source: @aleaguewomen
Fans are forced to tweet into the abyss or wander the deserts of Google aimlessly to find out which outlet supplies the tickets.
Sometimes the tickets are listed online and on club websites under the men’s fixtures only. There are also at least two ticketing outlets, (Ticketmaster and Ticketbooth) who might be handling the game.
The individual clubs social media do provide links, but if the aim is to gather new supporters, ones that may not have chosen a team yet, the central communication hubs need to post them too.
It is a constant mystery that even experienced football fans have struggled to decipher. That often referred to game between Sydney FC and Melbourne City had ticketing links that could not be found through any search engine. They were on the Western United website but could not be found searching “Melbourne City, Sydney FC or A-League Women tickets.”
Contrast this with The Matildas social media and marketing team. Every post from the account that refers to an upcoming game has a link to buy tickets, many mention the costs, or any potential offers and discounts.
They do this almost daily leading up to game day. If you are a football fan and they are playing in your town it is almost harder NOT to go to the game.
The effort is put in, it has been over years, they hustle, and they once even offered free entry for children named “Matilda.” They build crowds, not just expect them, and they make it easy for fans to attend.
For A-League games, there is only broadcast information. Which is fantastic and satisfies commercial partners but does nothing to get people to the ground.
Include a link for tickets.
Above: An example Tweet from the Matildas account with links to buy tickets. Source: @TheMatildas
Expand outside the bubble
Another reason that crowd figures are vastly different between national team games and league games is that they appeal to different demographics.
There exists a large and growing population in Australia that want to attend, promote and enjoy women’s sport. Some of these people do it to the exclusion of men’s sport for their own valid reasons (I have mine).
So far, the A-League marketing is focussed on combining men’s and women’s supporter bases. To grow the women’s game by appealing to fans of men’s football instead of fans of women’s sport.
This is more likely to work for broadcasting. The game is the game, and football is football. But the atmosphere at the ground is different, in some cases deliberately so.
As relative newcomers to the Australian sporting scene, women’s football supporter culture has been able to take what they like from existing football support and leave behind what they do not.
When the men’s active support does show up, they can change the vibe, often unintentionally. Because they are not familiar with how things usually are.
If you have ever been enjoying a night out and then a buck’s night or footy post-season group shows up, you will know the atmosphere changes. The attitude seems to be “lets show them how we do things” rather than any effort to integrate with the existing vibe.
Learning some of the women’s active support chants instead of using slightly altered men’s chants would go a long way to harmonizing support.
This is not the fault of the League, but even when they do show up, it is not quite enough.
Regarding women’s sports fans, those that might go to the netball, WBBL or ALFW to grow A-League crowds, the league seems unaware a market exists.
“It’s not something we’ve talked about,” said Townsend to Rose of the Ladies League.
“It’s an interesting one to consider.
“We’ve typically operated in a football environment when we think about how to recruit fans.”
As the crowds at other events (and Matildas games) has shown, this is something that really needs to be looked at. It is surprising that it has not been considered or at least researched already.
That’s football environment referred to consists of eight million fans of the game in Australia. This takes in a whole lot of different people. Some play, some watch European leagues, some just check out the World Cup.
It is a huge, but diverse demographic to target when compared to something that has established social media communities like ‘Women’s Sport.’
Surely you both the existing football community and the women’s sport community can be reached out to.
A family may have three children and one parent who play. They are registered participants and football fans. But after paying registration and game day costs for four people and spending hours at the ground on a Sunday morning, do they really have enough time to attend a match or two?
Women’s sport fans will make the time, they have already told you they will by devoting so much of it to setting up watch parties, podcasts, websites, and travelling groups of supporters for various sports.
Active support of A-League women’s teams was granted an audience with the league in the pre-season, but surveys of women’s football fans or women’s sports fans have not been attempted since the APL took control of the league.
Their marketing strategy is not guesswork, but without talking to those who do show up, how can they work out how to attract more?
For a crude analogy, if you want to decide to go to a restaurant, do you listen to people who love it or those who long ago decided never to try it?
Above: Links for tickets and inspirational quotes. The Matildas show how to build a crowd. Source: @TheMatildas
Nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd
This is not to say that there is no potential within the football bubble.
Trading cards, Food trucks, and more women’s specific merchandise are all things that the AFLW has explored to build numbers in the stands. As a personal experience, I had watched AFLW on the TV but was also convinced to attend by the presence of a Pancake Parlour van at the ground.
Nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd, however, due to decades of often unfair bad press, few things deter casual fans like a soccer crowd. It is time to expand the bubble outside of football.
The main thing that supporters want is a full home and away season and for players and coaches to be paid a living wage for at least the duration of that season.
The league has yet to set a timeframe on this. It remains an ambition but not a target.
Meanwhile, the AFL player association has stated that 2025 is their goal for full-time pay for women’s players.
The APL has overseen the league for only months, nobody is expecting this to happen instantly, but fans do expect a timeframe to show some ambition and dedication to the players and the sport.
One concern from the league about an extended season is that it will overlap with the American NWSL. From what the fans are saying, they simply do not care about that, and nor should they.
In the absence of U.S imports last season, the league’s younger players stepped up. Experienced players like Dylan Holmes and Clare Wheeler became Matildas and Kyra Cooney-Cross became a star.
For the players that have ambitions to play in the US, clubs have shown themselves to be flexible, and the fans excited for them.
Lynn Williams was accommodated to potentially season-defining effect and Emily van Egmond was able to switch between the Newcastle Jets and the NWSL with mostly appreciation for what she did in her time here.
Player movement happens, the fans are OK with it. It is a compliment to the league and Australian football. In the end, a strong, flourishing competition exceeds the benefits of matching up with the US league.
Coordinating with the NPLs is a different matter, but not an insurmountable challenge.
Fans remain patient, but increasingly frustrated. Those entrusted with the game are not expected to change it overnight, especially when the priority is completing the season in a pandemic.
Fans largely understand that challenges exist, but they need to be able to trust these problems are being addressed
Women’s football fans and players deserve tangible, measurable aims for the game, they deserve a timeframe, and they deserve to be told what it is.
Above: Cortnee Vine celebrates after scoring against Perth Glory today. Photo: A-League Women.
By Ben Gilby (27/2/22)
At University of Tasmania Stadium, Launceston, Tasmania.
Sydney FC gained an important victory over Perth Glory which puts them back in the driving spot for top spot in the end-of-season ladder.
Going into the first W-League/A-League Women’s match to be played in Tasmania, both head coaches named unchanged starting line-ups from the previous round. For Perth, Demi Koulizakis and Sadie Lawrence came in on the bench for Alana Jancevski and Leena Khamis. Sydney had just the one change among their substitutes with Cote Rojas coming back from international duty with Chile to replace Mary Stanic-Floody
Sydney’s four goals in the January encounter between the two sides came as the result of outstanding wing play. The Sky Blues looked to repeat the process from the start, looking to get crosses into the mix and forcing turnover ball. It was relentless from Ante Juric’s side in the first 12 minutes.
It was also clear that the Sydney head coach has studied the influence of Cyera Hintzen on Perth’s attack. Her surging runs through the midfield have been a source of many Glory goals since the New Year. Every time the 24-year-old American gained possession, she was quickly swamped by at least one defender showing close attention.
Above: Cyera Hintzen was well marshalled for much of the game by Sydney. Photo: Perth Glory.
Hintzen’s importance to Perth is multifaceted as an outlet as well as a potential scorer or creator. Therefore the smothering effect of her at the start only served to enhance the domination of territory and possession for Sydney.
Whilst Sydney continued to dominate with Tash Rigby kept particularly busy on the right-hand side, it took 34 minutes for it to finally be reflected on the scoreboard.
More pressure on the right led to a corner from Mackenzie Hawkesby who aimed for Nat Tobin in the middle of the box. The defender, who was originally going to play for the Glory this season, flicked a volley over Courtney Newbon in the Perth goal and into the net.
Perth responded well after the goal and earned several corners with Hana Lowry bending some dangerous efforts into the box. It remained 1-0 to Sydney at the break.
The second half, like the first, opened with torrential rain which, like the opening period eased off within 15 minutes.
Lowry had a golden opportunity to equalize within five minutes of the action resuming. Hintzen got away and fed sub Lisa De Vanna on the right. The Matildas legend returned the favour to Hintzen who played in a low pass towards Lowry who was closed down by Ally Green at the cost of a corner.
The resulting flag kick was another de la Harpe special curled into the six-yard box. A series of goalward headers were eventually dealt with.
Above: Sydney FC celebrate after Cortnee Vine puts them 2-0 up. Photo: A-League Women.
Within two minutes, Sydney made Perth pay for missing that opportunity. It came from a move that brought them so much success in the first encounter between the two sides in January. Hawkesby lifted the ball through to Vine, who was allowed far too much space. Despite Kim Carroll’s attempts to backtrack, there is only going to be one outcome as she took a touch forward and comfortably lifted the ball home.
Seven minutes later, Sydney confirmed the win. Princess Ibini beat de la Harpe along the left and played a cleverly positioned low ball in from the right which bisected Perth’s defence for Vine to slide home the third.
Cote Rojas came off the bench and was immediately involved along the left to feed Ibini whose effort was well held by Newbon.
Rojas continued to attempt to use her magic wand to break through, but Claudia Mihocic was, again working exceptionally hard to deny the Chilean.
Cortnee Vine had to leave the pitch with ice applied to her knee, and there will be concerns with Finals up and coming, especially after she missed the denouement of last season with an ACL injury.
Perth kept knocking on the door in the closing stages and they were rewarded for their efforts with four minutes remaining. Rigby played a square ball to De Vanna who had taken up a central position just over 30 yards out. The Western Australian played a beautiful pass through the Sydney defence for Aideen Keane to run onto and lift the ball over the diving Whyman. It was the 20-year-old’s first A-League Women goal.
There was a concerning clash between Keane and Whyman in stoppage time as both competed for a ball with the Sydney goalkeeper taking a knock to the head and Keane falling awkwardly.
Both players resumed play although Whyman also took another hit shortly afterwards when she rose AFL style to take a ball over the back of her own defence.
Above: After finding victories hard to come by in Victoria, Sydney FC returned to winning ways against Perth today. Photo: Sydney FC.
Sydney FC now take back the clear favourites tag for ending the home and away season on top of the ladder after Melbourne City’s slip up to Brisbane Roar. Perth will be hoping that Canberra United can do them a favour against Melbourne Victory next weekend with their Finals hopes now out of their own hands.
Speaking afterwards, two-goal Cortnee Vine said: “I’m absolutely stoked, it was a really important game and I think we came out there and showed everyone what we can do and why we are at the top.
“I’m really proud of the girls. It’s good to get back on the scoresheet for me and get back in my stride with the team. I’m really happy I put two away today and hopefully, I can put some more away in the next few games.”
Mackenzie Hawkesby felt: “We stuck to our style of play and got the job done. We knew we had to bounce back this week and it was a huge game with Perth looking for Finals. We stayed together.”
Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby said: “It was a really tough game. Sydney were class today. We asked all we could of the girls, but Sydney were too good for us. We had a lot more chances than we did last time against them and we’re still fighting for Finals.”
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis rued his team’s slow start: “We knew we started a bit flat in the first 15-20 minutes and that made it hard to find our place in the game. We then started to play more our style, but we conceded a goal. We tried really hard in the second half, but they had some more quality than us.
“The second half we at least threw some punches, we tried to attack them and we scored. Last time we played them we were very flat. From that point of view, it is an improvement. We could have been better. It didn’t show what we are capable of.”
“The performance this week wasn’t what we wanted in terms of the result. We now focus on the performance against Wellington. We have to make sure we follow process, review the game plan, and do our best to win the match. If things go in our way, great.”
Above: Sydney FC are marching on together towards another Premiers Plate. Photo: A-League Women
Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-2-1-3): Newbon, de la Harpe, Mihocic, K.Carroll, Rigby, Leth Jans, Cain, Lowry, Phonsongkham, Hintzen, Sakalis. Substitutes: Aquino (GK), Koulizakis, De Vanna, Lawrence, Keane.
Above: Stella Zampognawheels away after scoring Perth SC’s winner against Curtin University as the WA NPL Women’s Night Series got underway. Photo: Rob Lizzi
This season Impetus’ coverage of the women’s game in Australia will step up even further as we begin focusing on the NPL (state leagues) in several states. To open our coverage, Ben Gilby, who will be covering the scene in Western Australia (WA) thisseason, summarizes the opening round of matches in the WA NPL Women’s Night Series – a pre-season tournament that sees teams play each other once in a round-robin before progressing to knock-out(27/2/22).
Group A
Above: High rise action between Northern Redbacks (Red and black) and Balcatta. Photo: Fotoenzo
Northern Redbacks are WA’s leading female-only club, with Matildas alumni such as Lisa De Vanna and Kim Carroll playing for the club in the past. The Redbacks recently announced a merger with ECU Joondalup and will be known as Perth RedStar once the main NPL season gets underway.
They began their final few games under their historic name with a 3-0 win over Balcatta. Olivia Wood, a header from Bronwyn Studman and Jayna Ridley earned the points.
Above: Eyes on the prize as Subiaco FC (left) take on Murdoch University Melville. Photo: Fotoenzo.
Murdoch University Melville as expected, also gained maximum points with a 5-0 win over Subiaco. Tia Stonehill was among the goals.
Group B
Above: Perth SC look to build against Curtin University. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC opened their campaign with a 1-0 against Curtin University at Dorrien Gardens. Stella Zampogna was on target.
Elsewhere, Fremantle City dispatched Hyundai NTC Women 4-0.
Above: Celebration time for Fremantle City against the NTC who they beat 4-0. Photo: Fotoenzo
Above: Luci Middleton in action for Long Stratton. Photo: Darren Gilham.
Long Stratton attackers Samantha Walker and Luci Middleton speak to Darrell Allen about (27/2/22).
Sam wears the number 10 shirt and joined Long Stratton from Bungay Town in 2018, she began our chat by introducing herself. “I’ve been with Long Stratton for four seasons now, but always knew of them prior to that as a decent up and coming team in the area.
I took over as captain from the famous Jenny Head (now Nichols) when she retired her at the end of the 2018/2019 season. Adam Race took over as coach for the 2019/2020 season and as they say, the rest is history.”
Luci’s football career is one of over 20 years and has an impressive CV. “I have played football for 21 years. I was involved with Norwich City from the age of four until 14 when I moved to Hethersett to begin playing ladies’ football. I moved to Norwich after a County Cup Final at 16 then followed my manager to a newly formed North Walsham before retiring at 24 with a head injury that I had suffered with since 16. Three years later and I went to watch Long Stratton in a friendly, ended up playing and signing that day! I only became a striker when I was 16, playing on the right side of midfield for 12 years.”
The pair agreed that, on the whole it has been a successful campaign for the club so far. “I think it’s fair to say we’ve had a good share of success this season, but we’ve also had a few knockbacks in fixtures we would have liked to have won to secure a more solid position in the top half of the table.
As a squad, I think we are working hard to cement a winning mentality in order to finish the season on a high. I think we have some really fabulous players and a group of ladies who can grind out some tough results when we face difficult fixtures so I have high expectations for the team going forward.”
Luci agreed.”‘We train hard regularly with good numbers and a fantastic management team. We’re challenging technically with some of the top teams in the league but have had some unfortunate results. At the beginning of the season, I was just happy to be back on the pitch and told myself I wouldn’t let results or performances bother me but, after playing one game, I could see I was surrounded by determined, talented players and I wanted to win. I think with the talent within our squad, we should be challenging amongst the top half of the league but results haven’t gone our way at times.”
Back in January, Long Stratton controversially exited the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup on penalties after a 3-3 draw at Fakenham Town but the cup rules were not followed as the tie went straight to penalties when extra time should have taken place.
Above: Sam Walker scores for Long Stratton. Photo: Darren Gilham.
Luci revealed that the situation has been remedied. “The match is being replayed on Sunday 27th February. We had a few players out with injuries and some carrying some so I’m excited for the replay. It’s anyone’s game as both teams will be determined to win and will be really up for it. I love a gritty, leave everything out there kind of game, it suits me perfectly so I am really buzzing to get out there and do the club proud. We are of course really happy with the decision to replay and hopefully, we get the result we want.”
Sam also gave her thoughts on what has been a really difficult situation for all involved. “This was a really difficult situation, but as a squad and with the backing of the wider club we fought and campaigned for what was right. We went toe to toe with Fakenham in the original fixture, and I don’t think anyone can say what would have happened if the game went to extra time, obviously, there was a lot of controversy around the rules being broken and what the right course of action should be, but fortunately, the league and the FA worked together to decide a replay would be the most fair option.
“Obviously, both sides will be going out for a win, and I think it’s anyone’s game at the moment, but we’ll leave everything out there and we’re just thankful that a replay in line with the rules of the league cup has been granted’
Sam then went on to talk about stars of the season so far. “Special mentions have to go firstly to Jody Todd, our goalkeeper, she broke her radius in pre-season and was out of action for a large part of the season. However, she has come back fighting, works harder than ever in training, and has pulled out some incredible saves to keep us in some big fixtures since her return.
“Secondly to Luci Middleton, although she is a Rangers fan which is shocking from her, she really has come on leaps and bounds with the team this season. From missing about 15 sitters in her first game to hitting the back of the net nearly every week, she’s a real asset to the squad. Finally, to Kayleigh Gallant, who is just a top-tier club person, she washes the kit every week, she runs the bar on home games, always the first in and the last out.
“On top of that, she’s an NHS nurse and has had a couple of the roughest years, but throughout, she has remained the most kind-hearted and cheerful person. In all honesty though, I could say something exceptional about all the girls I share a pitch with, they really are a fantastic bunch.”
Luci also acknowledged some of the club’s heroes. “Kate Ransome-Farmer for me has been excellent. She is consistent, strong, creative and has been a key asset for us. Also our captain, Sam Walker. Sam has scored 30 goals so far this season and assisted most of mine! She causes opposition defences issues each game, I’d say she’s the most clinical striker in the league, the stats speak for itself.
Above: Kate Ransome-Farmer – a key part of the Long Stratton team this season. Photo: Darren Gilham.
“We also have Kayleigh Gallant and Harriet Hunwicks Rush who contribute so much on and off the pitch. They do so much behind the scenes and ensure the successful running of the club from working behind the bar on match days to fundraisers to putting in a shift on the pitch. They’re incredible!”
Luci identified her stand-out moments of the season so far starting with “…our 15-1 cup win in December. It was the best we’ve played as a team and the scoreline reflects how dominant and clinical we were. Nothing can top Milly Cawcutt’s bullet header against Thorpe though. Highlight of the season for me. I don’t think I’ve ever celebrated a goal quite like that! I honestly just love every second. Training is always so much fun and I’m grateful for every minute I get on the pitch, especially with my injury.”
Sam didn’t have a specific moment but just wanted to emphasize her love of the game. “I’ve just enjoyed being back out playing normal football. I’m a fan of all things football so I’m so happy to see it back and thriving. Long may it continue.”
One of the highlights all round is the ethos at Long Stratton. Sam said: “I think all football clubs are finally seeing a shift in the way their women’s teams are viewed, however at Long Stratton we have always had the backing of the club and the support of our club committee.”
Above: Sam Walker tries to get away from a defender for Long Stratton. Photo: Darren Gilham.
Luci agreed. “Long Stratton is one club. Something I really love is how united all the teams are. Everyone supports everyone. We have some of the youth team players regularly attending our matches which is so lovely to see.”
Luci also highlighted her connections to Norfolk’s most famous women’s football product, Lauren Hemp. “I’ve been fortunate enough to know Lauren since she was an academy player at Norwich alongside my sister, Hope and I also played with Lauren’s sister, Amy, when I was at North Walsham so I know how much hard work and dedication Lauren has put into her career and it’s amazing to watch her play professionally and see her succeed.”
The pair concluded our conversation by outlining targets for the campaign. “I want to see us finish strong in the top half of the table,” said Sam. “I’d also like to see us progress to the next round of the cup after our replayed fixture. On a personal note, as a striker I just love to score goals, so I’d like to finish in the top five of the Division One’s top goal scorers chart.”
Luci is also aiming high and gunning for goals. “I’d like to score 30 goals. My Year Five class set me a target of 20 goals this season so I’m happy to have reached that, however, I think I’ve got a few more in me! I’d like to assist more too. I’ve always been that typical number nine, but not sure how many more years of pace I have left so I’m definitely looking to improve my creativity and assist a lot more.
“As a team, I want to keep winning. We’re currently undefeated in 2022 and it would be incredible to keep that good form up. We also recently managed back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since February 2019 which just shows you how solid our defence is. Regular clean sheets are definitely something we’d like to aim for as a whole team.”
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis. Photo: Perth Glory.
Ahead of tomorrow’s match Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis, and defender Claudia Mihocic as the Western Australiansprepare to face Sydney FC in Tasmania (26/2/22).
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis remains totally focused on his own team’s performances rather than working out potential mathematics for Finals qualification.
“For me, two solid performances in our last games, attacking the matches in the way we want to would please me. Whether that leaves us where we want to be in terms of Finals is secondary. We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved so far. We want to perform at our best and then we have to see what happens and see where we are.”
Epakis’ team travel to Launceston to take on leaders Sydney FC, looking to show how far they have come since going down 4-0 in the Harbour City in early January.
“I actually look back to the last time we played them (a 4-0 defeat) and see it as a turning point in our season. It was our third game in seven days and were a bit flat. We learned a lot about ourselves as a team and where we were at. We’ve matured and improved from then,” he said.
“We also know a bit more about them, and more prepared about what we can do. We’re not going out to take a backward step. We’re going to attack the game and we’re going to put on a performance to get a result. I have big faith in what the players can do. After the game against Victory, they should have that faith too.”
With Glory still based in Sydney, the head coach explained the itinerary that his team face over the coming days.
“We’ll have our matchday minus preparation here in Sydney early tomorrow morning before heading to the airport for 10:30am to fly over to Tassie, play the game on Sunday, and back to Sydney on Monday.”
Whilst the relocation of the game to Tasmania as part of a doubleheader with Perth’s men’s team came pretty late in the day, Epakis doesn’t see it as a problem. Rather as yet another hurdle to clear this season.
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis speaking to the media this week. Photo: Perth Glory.
“We haven’t had a routine. It’s been much of a muchness. It’s not a disruption. It’s the job, it’s what we have to do. We’ve had to do it the hard way for two years now. It is what it is.
Perth’s excellent win at Melbourne Victory last weekend saw defender Claudia Mihocic turn in an impressive debut performance. Glory’s head coach rates the 18-year-old highly.
“Claudia was a really important signing for us. Due to her Final Year 12 exams in Melbourne and border closures, she wasn’t able to join us until we moved to Sydney. She’s only been with us now for eight weeks. She connected with the group. She is a very intelligent and social person. I’m glad everyone got a chance to see what she was capable of (on debut at Melbourne Victory).
“She has fantastic ability, leadership, and character. She has the mindset to be the best she can. The fact she is here this year and next year excites me and I’m looking forward to working with her.
“Claudia finished Year 12. She was happy to move to the other side of the country to test herself. She had been involved with Melbourne Victory for a while. She really backed herself to see what was out there. Full credit to her for that, it’s not easy.”
Mihocic’s performance last weekend eased the pain of Liz Anton being away on international duty with New Zealand at the SheBelieves Cup. At the present time, it is not confirmed whether Anton will play any part in tomorrow’s match.
“Liz has had some good experiences in the USA. She will get in very early tomorrow morning (Saturday). We’ll see how she trains. Obviously, she is an international player, so it is great to have her in the squad. She’s very honest so if she is right, she’ll be in the team.
Epakis revealed that, apart from Anton’s potential return, selection remains generally settled. “The squad will remain pretty similar to the one involved last weekend with Melbourne Victory. The only one not available is Leena Khamis. She has an important personal commitment that she can’t get out of. That’s totally fine as we knew it was the case when we signed her as an injury replacement.
Above: Claudia Mihocic speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s game with Sydney FC. Photo: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory defender Claudia Mihocic spoke of her huge pride in making her debut in front of her family at AAMI Park.
“Mum asked for 10 tickets, but I think there were at least double that at the game!” Mihocic laughed.
“I had a lot of support from Kim (Carroll), Tash (Rigby), and Mie (Leth Jans). Being surrounded by those players was great. Tash let me know how much she believed in me and how much faith she had. It really helped to calm me down. The whole team had that confidence in me. That, in turn gave me belief.
“The quality and intensity is a big jump. I think it was eight months since I last played in the Victoria NPL so I had forgotten what it was like, so to come into the A-League Women was a big step up, but I felt like I could adjust during the game and get into the swing of things.”
“My last game was pre-lockdown in Melbourne back in July. I have done lots of running and got all the programs I needed. There were one on one sessions with a coach in Melbourne which helped me retain my ball skills. By the time I got to finally train with the team was a huge relief. It took a little while to get used to it and get match fitness, but it feels good to be at that level.”
“It was hugely helpful having Alana (Jancevski) and Sofia (Sakalis) already here at the club. It was so great that I could come in having players that I was close to, along with Sarah Cain who I had played NPL with really eased me in. They helped me get to know everyone. But the girls that I didn’t know were lovely too and helped me.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Mihocic said: “They are very technical with a fast front three who have chemistry together. However, I have so much confidence in our back line. We know what they can do, but we also know what we can do. We know we can stop their attacks. Coming off a clean sheet last week is a real confidence booster. Everyone is coming in with a good mindset. Defensive work across the whole team can help defuse their attack.”
Above: Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder, who both scored twice, celebrate after Chelsea overcame a difficult start to defeat Leicester City 7-0 at Kingsmeadow. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Chelsea eased their way past Leicester City to make the FA Cup Quarter-Finals with five goals in 25 second-half minutes.
Australia’s record scorer Sam Kerr and Danish star Pernille Harder both grabbed a brace, but the scoreline doesn’t exactly tell the full story.
When Leicester visited Kingsmeadow in October, they parked the proverbial bus and defended for their lives. Despite mustering almost 80% possession, it took Chelsea 73 minutes to break the deadlock that day.
This time round, City were well organized across the pitch and had the best of the opening 20 minutes. What ultimately changed the momentum was Sophie Howard’s sending off after 17 minutes after going into a tackle studs first on Jonna Andersson. Whilst the Leicester supports correctly claimed Howard took the ball, the fact is you cannot risk going in to tackles like that without receiving a card.
Chelsea gradually asserted control as the half concluded and scored two good goals through Pernille Harder.
The second half was a slow burner until Sam Kerr’s first goal on the hour mark opened the floodgates. The East Fremantle-born star added a second with Ji scoring a cracker from the left-hand side of the box before Aniek Nouwen and Beth England completed the rout.
Ben Gilby’s Photo Gallery From Kingsmeadow for Impetus:
Above: Adelaide United celebrate clinching their first-ever spot in the Finals. Photo: Adelaide United.
By Kieran Yap (26/2/22)
Perfect weather and Coopers Stadium was the stage for Adelaide United to host Melbourne Victory in a match that for all intents and purposes was a final. The Reds sat in third position and a win would guarantee a first-ever finals spot. Melbourne Victory had Perth Glory breathing down their neck in fourth position.
Victory were buoyed by the announcement that Alex Chidiac’s contract was extended until the end of the season. The playmaker was making a return to her hometown for the first time this season in a must-win game against her former club.
The setting was the first Pride Game in Australian football history. The match was a celebration of the LGBTQI+ community, and the league and Adelaide had strongly promoted the concept midweek. The only smoke in the sky was from a series of rainbow flares from behind the goal. All of the ingredients were in place for the perfect football event.
Catherine Zimmerman had the first chance of the game. Courtney Nevin received the ball in space on the left and whipped in the sort of ball that has become her trademark. The header was wide but Victory earned a corner via a deflection that Analee Grove handled easily.
Both sides had difficulty making passes stick early. Chidiac was incisive with her balls into the final third, but it was the home side that scored first.
Dylan Holmes held up the ball well then flicked a pass to Chelsie Dawber on the wing. The low cross found Fiona Worts who took a touch to open up space, then on the second attempt scored past Casey Dumont.
Above: Scenes of joy after Fiona Worts doubled Adelaide United’s lead. Photo: Adelaide United.
Once Adelaide score, they almost always get another. Worts doubled the lead barely five minutes later. Shay Evans carried the ball on the right and played a terrific ball across to Omiya. She was tackled well by Polly Doran but Emily Hodgson recovered the ball and fed Worts.
Dumont saved the first shot but once again, Worts reacted quickly and tucked it away to make it 2-0.
Adelaide kept the pressure up for the remainder of the half but Victory almost pulled one back. Brooke Hendrix met a corner at the back post and it forced the best out of Grove. She was equal to it, and then again straight after when Hendrix almost scored again from the opposite side.
Grove must be one the league’s most improved players this season. Adelaide United have not boasted the run of clean sheets that Sydney has but in their all-out attacking style, she has been essential and excellent.
Victory found themselves 3-0 down within minutes of the second-half kick-off. If fans were late to their seats they would have missed it. It was that combination again, Dawber to Worts, and this time she only needed one strike to put the ball away after another cross from the right.
Victory’s best chances came from set-pieces, Corners and free kicks always posed a threat but none could be put away. Catherine Zimmerman was removed after a rough tackle which made the uphill climb much steeper.
Above: Adelaide United’s Matilda McNamara (right) challenges Melbourve Victory’s Maja Markovski. Photo: Adelaide United.
Chidiac was as industrious and creative as ever. Kyra Cooney-Cross was involved box-to-box and Polly Doran was as consistent as ever. However, the Adelaide midfield was relentless in their pressure and decisive with the ball. Matilda McNamara and Kayla Sharples seemed impassable in defence and Dylan Holmes was tireless in midfield.
Perhaps the biggest compliment that could be paid to Adelaide United is that none of Victory’s players had a particularly bad game. The home side were just ruthless, confident, and clinical.
In a final moment of heartbreak for Victory, fan favourite and star goalkeeper Casey Dumont was stretchered off after a collision for a 50/50 ball. Maja Markovski moved into goal. It was a worrying end to a tough day for the goalkeeper.
One caveat for Melbourne is their schedule that can be best described as punishing. They have played almost every three days, fatigue, injuries and an international tournament have played a part in recent poor results.
Jeff Hopkins’ players have done extremely well to be in with a chance of another top-four position. But now they find themselves in the odd position of barracking for Sydney FC to beat Perth Glory.
Above: Fiona Worts’ goalscoring run has helped to cement Adelaide United’s spot in the top four this season. Photo: Adelaide United.
Should they make the finals, they will be a threat, they have the attacking talent to deliver on any given day and the tactical nous to grind out wins against the odds. But their destiny has slipped from their own grasp for now.
This day was all about Adelaide United, on-field and off. They achieved this win minus Emily Condon and Paige Hayward, two of their best creative player this season.
Adrian Stenta has outperformed last season, which was to that point their best on record, without Charli Grant and Mallory Weber, who were two of their best players in 2020/21.
Whatever happens next, they have guaranteed finals. They have done it in style and they will fear nobody in the coming weeks.
Above: A battle for possession at Viking Park yesterday. Photo: Anthony Caffery Photographyvia Canberra United.
Canberra United 3-0 Newcastle Jets
By Ben Gilby (26/2/22)
Canberra United continued their fine run of results in the final weeks of the season by sweeping Newcastle Jets aside in wet conditions in the national capital.
Eleven minutes were on the clock when Canberra hit the front. Lauren Keir’s corner on the left was originally headed away by Sophie Harding. Possession was recycled back via Jets’ Bethany Gordon to Keir who returned the ball back into the mix for Michelle Heyman.
The league’s all-time record goalscorer managed to extricate herself from the close attentions of Cassidy Davis and lay off for Allira Toby to fire home from close range.
Jets had a half-chance to reply within three minutes when Sasha Grove lost possession to Lauren Allan who hit a long-range effort that lacked the power needed to bother Chloe Lincoln in the Canberra goal.
Just before the half-hour mark, another Keir corner from the left led to Canberra doubling their lead. It came in high into the mix. Ally Haran got up highest to nod across the box towards Heyman who flicked a header into the net at the left-hand post.
There was still time for things to get even worse for the Jets as they were swamped by a Canberra high press in stoppage time when trying to play out from the back. It was Heyman once more with the finish as she robbed Tiana Jaber of the ball, rode off an attempted challenge from Kirsty Fenton, and slotted the ball calmly past Claire Coehlo for her sixth goal of the season.
Jets came out after the break and claimed the first chance of the second half on 50 minutes. Liz Eddy hooked a ball through on the half volley to Ash Brodigan, who beat Emma Ilijoski in a footrace, but as Lincoln advanced out of goal the forward put her shot well wide of the far post.
Ten minutes into the half, Ilijoski was given too much space on the left to advance before finding Toby inside. The former Sydney FC star was unmarked and able to hit an effort from almost 30 yards which narrowly cleared Coelho’s crossbar.
Above: Alirra Toby celebrates her goal that put Canberra United 1-0 up. Photo: Anthony Caffery Photography via Canberra United.
Shortly afterwards, Coehlo’s clearance was nodded back from where it came from by Chelsee Washington who found fellow substitute Margot Robinne who advanced before lofting an inch-perfect ball into the path of Caspers whose shot was smothered by the Newcastle keeper.
Canberra were pushing hard for a fourth with Washington being determination personified to persist with her challenge on Eddy, eventually succeeding to get away and win a corner. Heyman was also looking for her hat-trick, and with Jets still affording Canberra too much space, the 61-cap Matilda was able to escape down the left and cut into the box where were effort at the near post was repelled by Coelho’s foot.
After waiting for so long to pick up their first win of the campaign, Canberra have now won two of their last three, recording seven points and scoring ten goals in the process. The Viking Park faithful may well be contemplating a far different ending to the season had those wins started racking up a few weeks earlier.
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