In the latest of our WA On Wednesday interviews featuring WA NPL Women players, Murdoch University Melville’s Meghan Hulsman had a quick chat with Impetus’ Ben Gilby about her career so far, life at the reigning NPL WA Women’s champions, and the current campaign (25/5/22).
Above: Megan Hulsman (left) in action for Murdoch University Melvilleagainst Balcatta Etna. Photo: JASP Photography.
BG: Can you tell us a bit about your footballing journey from how you got into the game to the present day at Murdoch University Melville (MUM)?
MH: I have loved the game since I was very young, always wanting to play at the highest level possible. Seeing the team spirit at MUM is a great personal motivation.
BG: How would you describe yourself as a player?
MH: I like to challenge myself, always looking to play smarter and harder next game.
BG: It’s often said that “you can’t be who you can’t see”. Who were your sporting/soccer idols growing up?
MH: As a junior I watched many players (female and male) always pushing themselves to the next level, which taught me “the harder I work, the luckier I get!”
Above: Meghan Hulsman (right) in NPL WA Women action for Murdoch University Melville this season. Photo: JASP Photography.
BG: You represented Western Australia (WA) during your school days, and were selected to the Australia shadow squad in 2018. Can you tell us a bit about that period and what it was like?
MH: It was before I started working, so I was lucky enough to spend most of my spare time training and pushing myself to the highest level I could achieve.
BG: How do you feel last season went for you and your club?
MH: It was a tough season, but I was always looking to improve and challenge others for a regular spot in the first team.
BG: There’s been a bit of a change in personnel at Murdoch University Melville ahead of this season. What was the pre-season and Night Series competition like this year?
MH: Change is always good; you must embrace new thinking and realise the opportunities that are available for younger players like myself and others. The night series was enjoyable, but at the same time disappointing as we never brought home the cup. Murdoch University Melville exited at the group stage, finishing third behind Northern Redbacks and Balcatta Etna.
Above: Meghan Hulsman (far right) in a tussle with Balcatta Etna’s Mia Yeo. Photo: JASP Photography.
BG: How do you see this season going for Murdoch University Melville? What are the aims of both yourself personally and the club?
MH: Many words may describe our team, but I think both “developing and positive” are an accurate descriptivist for both the playing and coaching staff.
BG: More widely, how do you view the NPL comp this season in WA?
MH: It’s reassuring to see the positive change in women’s football in WA, rapidly approaching equality with the men’s competitions.
BG: What is the best thing about playing for Murdoch University Melville?
MH: The ability to make my opinions heard without repercussion and feel as if I have been given the opportunity to grow as a leader at MUM and the WNPL.
Kieran Yap provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Victoria NPLWomen’s competition. (25/5/22).
Above: Calder United (white) take on Box Hill United during Round Eight. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819
South Melbourne backed up their first win of the season with a 3-3 draw with Bulleen Lions FC in Round Eight. A see-sawing contest saw Bulleen take an early lead through Alana Burn’s 14th-minute strike before South Melbourne’s winger Francesco Iermano levelled the scores soon after.
In a boost for Bulleen, star striker Alana Jancevski put in her best performance of the season. The 20-year-old starred for Perth Glory in the A-League Women season, and has slowly returned from injury in the NPLW. She scored in the 45th and 50th minutes to put the Lions two goals ahead, underlining her quality in front of goal.
Caitlin Picket pulled one back for South Melbourne in the 69th minute, and Bulleen looked set to hold on for a close win before Janna Lawson equalised in injury time.
The goal, combined with other results took South Melbourne off the bottom of the table for the first time this season. Bulleen slipped to third but can bounce back against Box Hill on Friday night.
GOALS
Check out all six goals from tonight's epic 3-3 draw away to Bulleen at a very foggy Veneto Club.
After falling behind 3-1, our girls showed plenty of heart to equalise in extra time. pic.twitter.com/GpZVotMV3O
Calder United’s strong season continued with a 2-0 win over Box HillUnited. Only goal difference separates them from league leaders Heidelberg United. Emma Robers and Stacey Papadopoulos scored in each half to record their fourth win in a row. Mark Torcaso’s side have not conceded in that winning streak and have only been scored against three times so far.
Bayside United and Heidelberg United produced the second shootout of the round. The home side had struggled to score for much of the first seven weeks but found the net twice against the league leaders. Unfortunately, they also conceded five, but this was an encouraging performance from Bayside.
Danielle Wise struck first for Heidelberg and Keely Lockhart doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime.
Coco Parker pulled one back for Bayside on the 49th minute, but Stephanie Galea answered with a brace for Heidelberg to make it 4-1.
Above: Dramatic airborne action as Calder United took on Box Hill United. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
Julia Budiongo scored Bayside’s second in the 72nd minute to give her side a lifeline. Substitute Sophie Papalia scored late to secure a 5-2 win for Heidelberg who sit atop the table on goal difference.
A single goal from Elaina Vatcky was enough for Alamein to defeat FV Emerging on Saturday. The fifth-minute goal keeps Alamein in fourth place, and clear of Box Hill United.
FV Emerging will turn their attention to Calder United next week which promises to be an interesting clash between two youthful sides. Fourth will play first when Heidelberg travel to face Alamein who are still awaiting the debut of star signing Amy Jackson.
Box Hill United will be no easy task for Bulleen Lions FC. Both sides usually find the goal, but Box Hill are one of only two sides to win against Heidelberg United. The meeting between fifth and third promises to be one of the best contests of the week.
Above: Liz Anton leaps to win a header for Perth Glory against Wellington Phoenix last season. The NZ international joined Cyera Hintzen in re-signing with the club today. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Perth Glory have confirmed that international duo Liz Anton and Cyera Hintzen have re-signed with the club for the Liberty A-League’s 2022/23 Season.
Anton, who won the Most Glorious Player Award in what was her debut campaign for Glory in 2020/21, took her appearances tally for the club to 24 last term while also establishing herself as a regular member of the New Zealand squad.
Former US Under-19 international Hintzen, meanwhile, scored five times in eight starts in what was her maiden A-League campaign to claim Glory’s 2021/22 Golden Boot.
The pair are both confident that the club can build on the positives from last year and make a major impression in 2022/23.
Above: Cyera Hintzen was a key part of the Perth Glory squad last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to re-sign with Perth Glory,” said Hintzen. “We had an incredible group last season both on and off the field. With COVID, we didn’t get much time in Perth, so this year I’m looking forward to getting that full experience and joining the girls again to build on last season!”
Anton was equally delighted to join up for another season in Western Australia. “I’m super excited for the upcoming season,” added the Football Fern.
“We have a great mix of young talent and experience in our group and I can’t wait to be back working hard and getting ready for the season ahead. Last season we took a step in the right direction and I’m looking forward to playing my role in helping the team to build on that.”
Head Coach Alex Epakis is thrilled that two of the Liberty A-League’s most outstanding imports are back on board with the club.
“To secure the services of Liz for next season is fantastic,” he said. “She has certainly grown and developed into being a senior player within our group over her first two seasons with us, she has been consistent and reliable and this has led to her being involved in New Zealand national team squads over the past 18 months.
“A player who thrives in difficult moments, she is someone that the team and I can always rely on. Liz will continue to be a key player for us this season and I am pleased to be able to work with her again.”
Above: Liz Anton battles with Sydney FC’s Cote Rojas last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Epakis also highlighted why he was so keen to tie Cyera Hintzen down for another season. “Cyera was a real x-factor player for us last season. She was able to score key goals in important moments for us across the season and her ability to press high, score, and link play in attack provided the team with a real outlet.
“To have her back this year is very exciting and I sincerely believe she can have an even bigger impact. Both players will provide strong foundations through the spine of our team and continue to be key players in the way we want to play going forward.”
Perth Glory CEO Tony Pignata believes that the re-signing of Anton and Hintzen provides another clear indication of the positive trajectory of the club’s Liberty A-League team.
“Liz and Cyera were a key part of the squad which performed so well under incredibly challenging circumstances last season and the fact that they are returning for 2022/23 shows how much they believe in the way Alex is driving the team forward,” he said.
“Retaining their services is a huge positive for the club and I’m sure our Members and fans will be very excited at the prospect of seeing both of them in action once again next season.”
The news comes hot on the heels of captain Tash Rigby signing a new deal yesterday. A number of the squad’s other key players are already about to go into the second year of their existing contracts.
Ben Gilby rounds up all the latest action in the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan (24/5/22).
Above: Hammarby celebrate Elsa Karlsson’s dramatic late winner in the Stockholm derby with Djurgården.Photo: Hammarby.
DAMALLSVENSKAN
Above: Eskilstuna United captain Matilda Plan. Photo: Kenta Jönsson/Bildbyrån.
Round Ten opened on Friday night at Tunavallen where Eskilstuna United hosted unbeaten league leaders Rosengård in front of an excellent crowd of 1,970.
It took an hour for the first goal to arrive, and it fell the way of the visitors as Olivia Schough played in Stefanie Sanders to score. Fifteen minutes later, Jelena Cankovic provided the assist for Emma Berglund who doubled Rosengård’s advantage. Matters were settled at the death with an own goal. It was yet another clean sheet for Rosengård’s Australian international goalkeeper Teagan Micah.
Above: IFK Kalmar celebrate their win over Umeå. Artwork: Damallsvenskan
IFK Kalmar gained a vital win against fellow newly-promoted side Umeå IK – with both sides positioned just above the drop zone. There was an explosive start at the Guldfågel Arena with three early goals. Alyssa Walker fed Juliette Kemppi to put the hosts ahead with just four minutes on the clock. Henna Riikka Honkanen levelled for Umeå, but just a minute later, Kemppi grabbed her and Kalmar’s second after being played in by Charlotte Novotny. Lisa Björk levelled just after the half-hour mark. The game was ultimately decided from an own goal which sealed Kalmar’s 3-2 win.
Above: Yuka Momiki strikes for Linköping at IF Brommapojkarna. Photo: Linköping.
Linköping are third, two points behind leaders Rosengård after a comprehensive 5-1 win at IF Brommapojkarna. Alice Ahlberg put the hosts ahead after just two minutes from the penalty spot to the delight of the 129 supporters. However, it was one-way traffic on the scoreboard after that. Therese Simonsen levelled just eight minutes later, and just before the break grabbed her second to put the visitors ahead at the interval after Yuka Momiki played her in. Seven minutes into the second half, Olga Ahtinen was the provider for Amalie Vangsgaard to put Linköping 3-1 ahead. Just after the hour mark, she also grabbed her brace. The scoring was completed with just over 20 minutes to go when Heidi Ellingsen fed Momiki to seal the 5-1 win.
Above: Piteå pointing the way to a superb draw. Artwork: Damallsvenskan.
BK Häcken slipped two points behind Rosengård at the top after conceding a late goal at Piteå which saw the game end all square. The visitors went ahead just before the break as Stine Larsen’s assist allowed Mille Jensen to score. Three minutes before the end, up popped Hlin Eiríksdóttir to earn Piteå a notable point to the delight of the excellent crowd of 1,392.
Above: Kristianstads hot shot Tabby Tindell (centre) celebrates yet another goal against AIK. Artwork: Damallsvenskan.
AIK’s tough season took another turn for the worse after a 5-1 drubbing at Kristianstads ensured they are three points adrift at the bottom of the Damallsvenskan. The home side’s pair Evelyn Viens and Tabby Tindell took advantage of AIK’s troubles to contribute four of their team’s goals to the joy of the 567 spectators. Gabrielle Carle found Viens to put Kristianstads ahead with only six minutes played. Tindell doubled the home side’s lead just before the half-hour mark. AIK got a goal back with 22 minutes to play as Chinyelu Asher netted. However, this only spurred the hosts to go up a gear. Tindell grabbed her second eight minutes after Asher’s goal to re-establish Kristianstads’ two-goal lead. The star has now scored eight goals in 10 league matches this season. Less than two minutes later, Emmi Alanen made it 4-1. Alice Nilsson fed Viens to complete the rout in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes. For the Solna-based side, and their Australian international striker Remy Siemsen, it is looking like a long season of struggle ahead.
Above: Katrina Gorry strikes the winning goal for Vittsjö. Artwork Damallsvenskan.
Vittsjö are fifth after an excellent 1-0 win at KIF Örebro. A tense battle that saw the visitors rack up five yellow cards was only decided in the final three minutes when their Matildas star Katrina Gorry hit a superb shot that curled into the net. The goal can be seen here during the match highlights: https://www.facebook.com/vittsjotjejer/videos/550140300061027
Above: Hammarby’s band of 300 travelling fans get behind their team at Djurgården yesterday. Photo: Hammarby.
The final game of the round took place yesterday with the Stockholm derby between Djurgården and Hammarby. In front of a crowd of 1,854, it was a tense game with a dramatic ending. Emilia Larsson found Vilde Hasund to put Hammarby ahead nine minutes into the second half. Yet, with just over a quarter of an hour remaining, Hayley Dowd provided the assist for Tilde Lindwall to level matters for the home side. Then came the dramatic ending as in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes, Elsa Karlsson fired the winner for Hammarby.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
ROUND ELEVEN FIXTURES: KIF Örebro v Eskilstuna United, BK Häcken v Djurgården, AIK v Linköping, IFK Kalmar v Hammarby, Vittsjö v IF Brommapojkarna, Rosengård v Piteå, Umeå IK v Kristianstads.
ELITETTAN
SELECTED MATCH DETAILS:
Above: Ida Pettersson, one of Lidköpings scorers in their win at Team TG FF. Photo: Nya Lidköpings-Tidningen.
Lidköpings FK are two points clear at the top after a 4-0 win at newly-promoted Team TG FF. Two goals in 10 minutes in the opening quarter of an hour from Ida Pettersson put Lidköpings in the driving seat. Just after the hour mark, Dorothea Greulich put the visitors three-up with Emma Gabrielsson sealing the win with 11 minutes remaining in front of 120 fans.
Above: Nicole Robertson’s hat-trick contributed to a 8-1 win for IK Uppsala. Photo: IK Uppsala.
IK Uppsala continued their promotion push with a dominant 8-1 win over Sundsvalls. There was drama from the off for the 200 gathered spectators as Johanna Renmark put the hosts ahead with five minutes played. Yet within four minutes, the visitors were level thanks to Michelle Flores. Three goals in an 18-minute spell ultimately settled the game in Uppsala’s favour. Renmark re-established their lead before two strikes from Nicole Robertson. Wilma Thörnkvist made it 5-1 at the break. Robertson completed her hat-trick in the second half in addition to another strike from Thörnkvist and Taryn Ries’ goal to make it 8-1.
Above: Mimmi Strömgren who scored two of Växjö’s seven goals at the weekend. Photo: Växjö.
Växjö also produced a goal glut in a 7-1 destruction of Gamla Upsala SK. Hanna Stokki put the hosts in front, to the delight of the 102 fans on just four minutes. Yet there was no sign of the scoreboard domination that followed as Thea Barkfeldt levelled eight minutes later. Evelyn Ijeh’s strike put the home side ahead at the break. It was three goals in 15 minutes in the second half that firmly decided this encounter. Dessislava Dupuy made it 3-1, before Ijeh’s second and an own goal confirmed the home side’s win. Two goals in the final ten minutes from Mimmi Strömgren were the icing on the cake.
Above: IFK Norrköping celebrate a goal during their 2-0 win over Älvsjö AIK FF. Photo: IFK Norrköping.
Älvsjö AIK FF remain bottom after a 2-0 loss at IFK Norrköping. Strikes from Minnie Asperot and Lovisa Gustavsson’s penalty sealed the win for the hosts.
Round Eight: Alingsås FC United 3-0 Mallbackens IF Sunne, IFK Norrköping 2-0 Älvsjö AIK FF, IK Uppsala 8-1 Sundsvalls, Jitex BK 2-1 Ifö Bromölla IF, Växjö 7-1 Gamla Upsala SK, Team TG FF 4-0 Lidköpings FK, Rävåsens IK Karlskoga 1-5 Bergdalens IK.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
Round Nine (Fixtures): Lidköpings FK v Alingsås FC United, Mallbackens IF Sunne v Team TG FF, Sundsvalls v Jitex BK, Bergdalens IK v IFK Norrköping, Ifö Bromölla IF v IK Uppsala, Älvsjö AIK FF v Växjö, Gamla Upsala SK v Rävåsens IK Karlskoga.
Darrell Allen rounds up all the action from the women’s game in Norfolk over the past week (24/5/22).
Above: Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers FC, whose win over North Walsham clinched second place in the NWGFL Division One. Photo: Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers FC.
There was one game on Sunday in Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One which saw third placed Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers face North Walsham Town.
This was a match that Dussindale and Hellesdon were due to host, but there was a switch and so the fixture took place at North Walsham’s Greens Road.
Following their midweek win over Thetford, Dussindale went into this game knowing they needed just a single point to finish above Fakenham Town in second place.
Dussindale didn’t waste time going about accompanying their mission. A brace from Vicky Leyer within the first five minutes saw them off to the perfect start. Shanice Sutton got her first of the afternoon on 14 minutes before Leyer completed her hat trick and got Dussindale’s fourth on 16 minutes. Tallulah Bell was next to find the net to get the fifth, and before the interval, there was time for Sutton to complete her hat trick and get Dussindale to a 7-0 lead.
Above: Vicky Leyer (right) – scorer of seven goals for Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers in their 18-0 win over North Walsham Town. Photo: Richard Brown.
It only took a few minutes into the second half for the next goals to arrive as captain Calista Tink made it eight and that was followed by Charlie Head further adding to the tally. Leyer was back amongst the scoring to make it double figures before Chelsea Brister made it 11. Leyer and Sutton were having their own goalscoring competition on the afternoon and for the season’s golden boot with Sutton adding the 12th and making it 4-4 between Leyer and Stutton for the afternoon. The 13th arrived when Captain Tink does what she does best rising highest to head home into the corner.
Sutton became the highest scorer on the day with her fifth and Dussindale’s 14th. Leyer then decided she wanted to be the star of the day scoring a further hat trick to take the lead to 17-0. The final goal of a thumping 18-0 win was an own goal.
A stunning win and exhibition of clinical finishing saw Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers leapfrog Fakenham Town to finish second.
Table From: FA Full-Time
Above: University of East Anglia, who clinched promotion to the top tier of the NWGFL with victory over Caister at the weekend. Photo: UEAWFC.
There was also one game to finish the season in Division Two as University of East Anglia (UEA) hosted already confirmed champions Caister.
The game was played at FDC Open Academy on a 3G surface. The first act of the afternoon was a penalty to UEA which was emphatically converted by Lucy Gooding and UEA had a single-goal lead at halftime.
Rachel Lawrence doubled UEA’s lead very shortly after the interval before Caister halved the advantage thanks to a goal from Bethany Turner. The best goal of the game was next when Kirsten Spooner curled a brilliant finish into the top corner. Caister replied again through Ellie Hills but Ella Burnley had the final say when she made it 4-2. There was time for Burnley to be denied a brace when she had an effort cannon off the underside of the bar in stoppage time.
This was a really good win to end the season for UEA. With Caister winning Division Two and UEA finishing as runners-up, both will play Division One football next season replacing Thorpe St Andrew and North Walsham in Norfolk’s Premier League.
A big thank you for all your support for my Norfolk Wraps this season, one of my most popular features and they will return in the new season.
Above: Tash Rigby in action for Perth Glory last season at Sydney FC. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
24/5/22
Perth Glory confirmed earlier today that Liberty A-League skipper Tash Rigby has re-signed with the club for the 2022/23 season.
The 29-year-old, who made her club debut in 2016, was an ever-present again last term, taking her tally of appearances in purple to 77 and claiming the Players’ Player of the Year Award.
Despite being forced to play all but one of their games away from home in 2021/22, Alex Epakis’ side only missed out on a Finals berth on goal difference, and Rigby is bullish about their prospects for the forthcoming campaign.
“I am so excited to sign on again for the upcoming season,” she said. “We made some fantastic progress last season and I am so looking forward to building on that in 2022/23. I am really looking forward to getting back on the field with the coaching staff and players; it certainly feels like we have got something to prove and I am excited to see what we are capable of.”
Above: Tash Rigby battles against Melbourne City’s Rebekah Stott last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Epakis, meanwhile, is thrilled that one of the most dedicated and passionate players in Glory’s history is set to play on for a seventh year.
“Myself and the club are very proud to have Tash back for the upcoming season,” he said. “She has been a pivotal player for many years at the club and last season was a consistent stand-out player on and off the field. This was highlighted by her recently being named Players’ Player for the 21/22 season.
“She is wholeheartedly invested in the team, plays a key role in defining our culture, and always leads by example with her actions on and off the field. It is very clear that the team can trust and rely on Tash during difficult moments and she certainly never lets anyone down. She bleeds purple and I can’t wait to work with her again this upcoming season.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Glory CEO, Tony Pignata who said: “Tash is a wonderful ambassador for the club and for women’s football in general and we are extremely proud that she will be representing us once again next season,” he said.
“We know that she will continue to play a key role on and off the field in what we are confident will be a very successful Liberty A-League campaign.”
Ben Gilby provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Western Australia NPLWomen’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos(23/5/22).
Above: Abbey Meakins is held aloft by Jessica Byrne after scoring the winning goal for Perth SC at Balcatta Etna yesterday. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:
Balcatta Etna 0-1 Perth SC
Perth SC took the honours in the ‘Italian derby’ as they closed the gap on Fremantle City in the race for second-place on the ladder.
In very wet conditions at Grindleford Reserve, it took the visiting Azzurri just four minutes to create the first opportunity of the afternoon. From a move that started in the centre with Cameron Barreiro, the ball eventually found its way into the box via a cross from the left. Zoee Spadano met it with a shot which Balcatta keeper Gabby Dal Busco saved well. The follow-up from Ella Lincoln went over the bar.
The early exchanges saw the two number fours prominent. Cass Harvey was busy and creative for Balcatta with Barreiro was continuing to be influential for Perth SC on the right.
The Azzurri were having the lion’s share of possession, looking to spread the ball at every opportunity, but despite excellent build-up play, and putting dangerous crosses into the box, they couldn’t get the shots in on goal. This was down to the hard work and organisation of the Balcatta defence, with the influence of goalkeeper Gabby Dal Busco a key part of their strong rearguard action.
The hosts came close with 19 minutes on the clock. Tayna Campos’ free-kick from 30 yards out bounced off of the wet turf in front of Perth SC keeper Rebecca Bennett and needed to be pushed out for a corner at the foot of the right-hand post.
Above: Perth SC on the ball at Grindleford Reserve yesterday. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
However as the half wore on, the more the visitors gained in territory and possession. On 25 minutes a sustained period of pressure saw them come close. The ever-dangerous Barreiro curled in a free-kick from the left which the hosts only partially cleared. Jaime Duncanson recycled the ball in from the opposite flank for Spadano. Balcatta averted the danger at the cost of a throw parallel to the 18-yard box on the right which led to a corner for the visitors. Duncanson pulled the flag-kick in for Abbey Meakins to get a shot in as the ball rebounded off the back of Cass Harvey. Dal Busco saved well.
Balcatta had a half-chance shortly afterwards as Tayna Campos headed on a free-kick that Rebecca Bennett dealt with in the visitors’ goal.
The Azzurri finally got the goal that their hold on the game deserved six minutes before the break. Barreiro’s throw-in on the left found Meakins just outside the box. The in-form Perth SC attacker played an intelligent one-two with Jessica Byrne before being brought down on the edge of the ‘D’ in a central position.
Meakins picked herself up, gathered the ball for the free-kick, and sent a curling shot into the bottom left corner of the net to put the Azzurri ahead.
In stark contrast to how the opening period ended, the second half opened in bright sunshine. However, in terms of the first chance, it was more of the same. A ball in from the left found Meakins who got a shot away which was repelled superbly at point-blank range by Dal Busco. Byrne’s follow-up trickled wide.
Above: All eyes on the prize as Balcatta Etna take on Perth SC yesterday. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Yet Balcatta dug in well and showed heightened energy. Their creative force Mia Yeo was more prominent, linking well with Alanah Veroni and Campos. Veroni was on hand with a half-chance for the hosts as she poked a shot just wide of the right-hand post.
As the heavy rain returned on the hour mark, the Azzurri returned to the offensive with substitute Liana Cook probing with purpose along the right flank, and Jaime Duncanson created on the opposite side and got a shot away which went over.
The hosts continued to work hard and introduced the threatening attacker Monique Prinsloo with 17 minutes to go. Shortly after this, Perth SC had the ball in the net again, but it was ruled out for offside.
Above: Perth SC’s Liana Cook goes down after the tangle with Balcatta Etna’s Monique D’Opera (2). Photo: Rob Lizzi.
The sunshine returned for the closing stages, and with two minutes to go, Cook looked to have escaped and was clean through on goal. Monique D’Opera got back and across Cook who went down. Referee Arvin Shanmuganathan adjudged it to be a foul and displayed a red card. It was one of those incidents that if a player on your side is sent-off you feel it is harsh, but if you are on the attacking team, it is the right decision.
Whatever the rights and wrongs, Meakins stood over the resulting free-kick just outside the box, but the set-piece went wide.
A characteristic marauding run down the left from Yeo brought a corner for Balcatta at the death but it brought no reward and the home side’s last chance had gone.
Above: A corner is about to come in for Curtin University in the second half of their game against Fremantle City on Friday night. Photo: NPL.
The action started with a bang on Friday night as Curtin University hosted Fremantle City at Edinburgh Oval.
Freo wracked up five shots on target and led the corner count 5-1 at half-time, but the scoreboard remained 0-0. But it didn’t take long in the second period for that to change.
Just five minutes in fact, as from a throw for the visitors on the right-hand side, in line with the penalty area, a great ball inside found the path of Matilda Boyle to sweep home.
The match was then turned on its head as Curtin, looking for their first win of the season, scored two goals in as many minutes to hit the front. First, from a corner on the left, Taylor Reid got a flick shot in at the near post in front of Freo keeper Dayle Schroeder to score. Then, from Keilin Fagan’s corner, Dakota Van-Vugt’s header was deflected onto the post and Natarsha Smith’s attempted clearance ended up in her own net.
Above: Jamie-Lee Gale (7) breaks down the left for Fremantle City. Photo: NPL.
Yet Curtin’s lead only lasted two minutes as the visitors hit back thanks to Mikayla Lyons’ penalty. Freo regained their lead on 74 minutes as they cleared a Curtin free-kick and broke upfield with Jamie-Lee Gale rounding advancing home goalkeeper Stacey Cavill and hitting a shot that deflected into the net.
With 12 minutes to go, the visitors extended their advantage to 4-2 in a move that started from Schroeder’s release of the ball at the back. Two eye of the needle passes in the midfield eventually found Gayle, who once more beat Cavill who came out of her goal to slot home.
Fremantle grabbed a further two goals in the last four minutes, and for the first of them, the move was started by Schroeder once more. Her goal kick bounced high just outside the opposing box. Curtin’s attempted clearance went straight to a Freo shirt. The ball in found Jessica Darmago who brilliantly controlled and lifted a shot into the goal.
The scoring was completed in the final minute when Gale got free along the left and played in a cross to the back post for an effort that went high over Cavill and bounced at the near post for Erin Siah to tap home.
Above: Sarah Carroll (2) prepares to curl in the free-kick that put her side 4-1 up against the Hyundai NTC yesterday. Photo: NPL.
The remaining game on Sunday afternoon saw Perth RedStar continue their outstanding start to the season with a 5-1 win away to Hyundai NTC.
In another dominant display, the league leaders went ahead with only six minutes on the clock. Sarah Carroll’s corner from the right saw Larissa Walsh look to have got a touch at the near post and the ball agonizingly trickled between the legs of NTC keeper Lilly Bailey with Jay Coleman getting the final touch.
It was another corner that brought about RedStar’s second goal half hour later. Again, from the right, it came in high. Coleman got a touch and Walsh pounced to score.
The story of set-pieces from the right causing untold damage for NTC continued into the second half. Ten minutes into the period, a corner came in which was met by the head of Shawn Bilham for 3-0.
Above: Sarah Carroll is poised over the ball about to make it 5-1 from the spot for Perth RedStar. Photo: NPL.
Four minutes later, the teenagers of the NTC showed their danger as Sophie Meaden found Georgia Cassidy. She in turn found the ever-sharp Tanika Lala who advanced in on goal and showed great skill to poke home.
However, NTC hopes were shortlived and, again, Perth RedStar profited from a delivery on the right. Sarah Carroll curled a free-kick in and the unfortunate Bailey could only help the ball into the net with 64 minutes played.
The scoring was completed when Sarah Carroll dispatched a penalty high into the right-hand corner of the net with eight minutes left.
The scheduled match between Subiaco and Murdoch University Melville was postponed.
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
GD
Perth RedStar
7
7
0
0
34
4
21
+30
Fremantle City
7
4
2
1
19
9
14
+10
Perth SC
6
3
2
1
12
3
13
+9
Hyundai NTC
7
1
3
3
7
17
6
-10
Murdoch University Melville
5
1
2
2
3
7
5
-4
Subiaco
6
1
2
3
7
22
5
-15
Balcatta Etna
6
1
1
4
4
8
4
-4
Curtin University
6
0
1
5
8
24
1
-16
Round Nine Fixtures: Murdoch University Melville v Balcatta Etna, Perth SC v Hyundai NTC, Perth RedStar v Curtin University, Fremantle City v Subiaco.
Above: Southampton celebrate after their win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, securing Championship football next season. Photo: Saints FC Women.
Southampton secured promotion to the Tier Two FA Women’s Championship with a narrow victory over a Wolves side reduced to ten players in the FA Women’s Championship Play-Off Final at Stockport County FC’s Edgeley Park.
In a game that was labelled Judgement Day by the league and with a prize of a place the second tier of a pyramid, the stakes could not be higher.
The early action saw Sophie Pharoah find Lucia Kendell who tried to lob the keeper but Shan Turner in the Wolves goal got her fingers to it to turn the ball away for a corner. The subsequent corner was delivered well but then cleared away by Wolves.
Southampton continued their early dominance of the game with Alice Griffths shooting from long range before Emma Cross brought down Pharoah but the penalty appeals were waved away by referee Lauren Impey.
Above: Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers battle it out for possession at Edgeley Park yesterday. Photo: Saints FC Women.
Wolves began to get a foothold in the game after surviving an early onslaught but were restricted to a few half shots that were blocked by a strong Southampton defence.
In a fast and frenetic Championship Play-Off Final both teams were very watchable with Wolves next to roll the dice, Amber Hughes had two shots followed by an initial third terrific curling shot into Kayla Rendell’s hands.
Despite the end-to-end nature of the match, Southampton continued to look more prominent as Kendall floated a delightful free-kick into the box before Pharoah headed wide.
The deadlock was broken when Pharorah cleverly rounded Turner and slotted the ball into the net to spark wild scenes amongst the large contingent of Southampton supporters who had made the very long trip from the South Coast.
Above: Joy for Southampton. Photo: Saints FC Women.
The Saints attacking three of Alisha Ware, Sophia Pharoah and Alice Griffths seemed to have communication on point all afternoon as their awareness of each other and timing of runs, and good link-up play was a key element of why Southampton were so successful.
The Saints had a golden chance to double their lead when Kendall’s free-kick found Griffiths, the net was waiting to bulge but she put what looked a certain goal wide.
Tensions began to flare and what was on the line in this game was evident when Amber Hughes and Megan Collett clashed with some then verbal exchanges but the brilliant match officials did well to calm everything down.
Wolves ended the half well with a good spell of pressure although disaster did strike just before half time when Kelly Darby fouled Ware and was shown her second yellow and dismissed. It was a silly challenge and the disappointment etched across her face when she left the pitch and some water bottles received the brunt of her anger as she left the field the play.
Southampton led at the break and it was theirs to lose in the second 45 with the player advantage.
Credit to Wolves they came out for the second half and were the better team with some confident passing and early corners and free kicks showing sign of their second-half intent.
Southampton nearly put themselves into trouble when a sloppy goal kick by Rendell found Merrick but she fired wide. Indeed, the South Coast side were leading a dangerous existence despite the player advantage as both teams reached for reinforcements from the bench to add fresh legs to this contest.
Above: Wolverhampton Wanderers in possession as they search for a way back into the contest. Photo: Wolves Women FC.
Substitute Katie Rood headed wide before having a curling shot wide.
The Wolves behind the goal gave their team a rally making terrific noise as they sensed there was time to force extra time. Their team created late pressure but Jade Cross missed the best chance to draw level.
Late rallies of the famous song ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’ rang out from the 700-strong travelling contingent from the South Coast as they helped see their team over the line.
This was a fantastic contest ended with Southampton securing promotion after only one season in the Southern Premier and next season they will play Tier 2 football in the FA Women’s Championship.
Credit to Wolves who were outstanding in that second half period but Southampton stood strong, defended well, and got themselves the promotion they deserved over the course of the season effort and these 90 minutes on Judgement Day.
Above: Wolverhampton Wanderers gather after the match. Photo: Wolves Women,
Above: Olympique Lyonnais celebrate their win over Barcelona in Turin last night. Photo: OL Feminin
Barcelona had scored 148 goals and conceded just 11 this season. They were the holders of the trophy, having dismantled a star-studded Chelsea side last time. The Ballon D’or winning Alexia Putellas was in the line-up and in form. The Nou Camp had packed out to watch them repeatedly and public perception was that they were unstoppable.
Nobody told Olympique Lyonnais.
This fixture was infused with recent history. It was a defeat to the French power club in the 2019 final that promoted Barcelona to create one of the most frightening teams in modern football.
Lyon themselves, so long the benchmark, had been overtaken by Paris Saint Germain domestically in 2021. Yet Lyon still had a team of world-class players, a coach with winning experience as a player, and a Ballon D’or recipient of their own in Ada Hegerberg.
This was Lyon’s eighth Champions League triumph. Players as talented as Wendie Renard and Catarina Macario do not like to be written off, and Amandine Henry took only five minutes to set the tone for the game.
Above: Amandine Henry celebrates her stunning opening goal. Photo: UEFA Women’s Champions League.
After winning a 50/50 ball with Putellas, the field seemed to stop. On both sides, for a few seconds, everybody waited. Perhaps in disbelief that Putellas had been beaten, perhaps in anticipation of what Henry would produce next.
Her opening goal was scored from almost 30 yards. It was a truly vicious strike of the ball into the top right corner of the net. Barcelona were suddenly in the unfamiliar position of being a goal down.
Lyon did not try and beat Barcelona at their own game, they beat them on their terms. The defence stayed deep, and absorbed pressure. Getting caught too high up the field in a press would have given the Barcelona forwards the space to exploit. This was the patient, controlled performance of a well-drilled team that are comfortable on the big stage.
When Lyon did win the ball, they rarely cleared it hurriedly. They moved it quickly or carried it out to relieve pressure and put the opposition on the defensive. They found space between Barcelona’s midfield and back four.
A counterattack resulted in a second goal in the 23rd minute. Hegerberg was somehow left unmarked at the back post and the record scorer for the competition gave Lyon some breathing room. They would need it, Barcelona are never kept goalless.
Above: Ada Hegerberg after her goal. Photo: UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Crucially, Lyon did not attack with numbers committed forward. They have the talent to do that, not many teams do.
Hegerberg turned provider in the 33rd minute. Her initial shot was blocked but she curled a pass to the far post where Macario was on hand to tap into the bet.
Barcelona played the way they usually do, what reason would they have to change? They have been so dominant for so long that altering tactics would have looked like panic. Caroline Graham Hansen got on the ball consistently on the right flank, but was closed down quickly. She does not need much room to accelerate, but she was given none. Her delightful quick feet were nullified.
Putellas delivered as she always does. On the occasion that Graham Hansen did not try to dribble and crossed the ball early, Putellas ghosted in from outside of the box and met the ball with a stunning low volley. It was 3-1 at half time.
Bareclona had opportunities in the second half, but Lyon’s defence, marshalled by 100 game Champions League veteran Renard remained solid. Their closest opportunity came from a spectacular effort from near half-way. Guijarro’s amazing display of technique and vision deserved a goal and only the woodwork would stop her.
Above: That incredible lob from the half-way line which nearly produced another stunning goal in this final. Photo: UEFA Champions League.
A cagey second half ended with the same score line as the first. 3-1, Lyon are champions of Europe.
In a strange way, this eighth Champions League victory signals a slight equalisation of the competition. Barcelona are not unbeatable. Significantly, neither are Lyon. These two teams may still be the benchmark but at this level, both have challengers, and Lyon are not guaranteed a domestic title this season. Expect the English sides to work hard to close the gap and the professionalisation of Italy will increase the opportunity for teams like Juventus to perform.
This competition will grow, DAZN has built a worldwide viewership online and stadiums are beginning to be filled as a matter of routine.
The Champions League, like the men’s competition is growing into the pinnacle of club football. These two teams delivered campaigns and a final worthy of it.
The Australian view
Above: Ellie Carpenter post-match with the trophy. Photo: Football Australia.
For a second year in a row, Aussie football fans had a reason to wake up at 3am. Last year Sam Kerr started for the defeated Chelsea. This time, it was Ellie Carpenter in Lyon’s colours. The results were different, this time there was a winning medal for a Matilda, but this was a sadder occasion.
In the 12th minute, Carpenter had to be subbed out with what looked to be a serious injury. 13 months out from a home World Cup now means a nervous race against time for one of the world’s best fullbacks.
We know nothing about the injury at the time of writing. But it was non-contact and she celebrated on crutches then by being piggy backed around the ground. What we do know is that Carpenter is a consummate professional, with the mental strength to overcome. She will do everything she can to be fit again.
From a national team perspective, this loss is huge. She can play in a back four, five or three. Carpenter offers attacking impetus and defensive flexibility.
What this does do is show that Tony Gustavsson was correct in exploring options and giving opportunities to young players in the Matildas. Charli Grant and Charlize Rule have both spent time in the national team setup. Grant in particular is well suited as support to Carpenter or Steph Catley. She has all the physical and technical gifts, but not the experience yet.
There are potentially tough times ahead for The Matildas and for Ellie Carpenter. If it is a long-term injury, she has the silver lining of being a European Champion. She deserves it, Australia is proud of her.
Above: Thetford Town look to defend a corner against Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers. Photo: Hardy Scott.
Thetford Town were beaten in their final Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One game of the season at Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers on Wednesday night.
Thetford made the 84-mile round trip to the multi-million pound ‘The Nest’ facility just north of Norwich next to the airport. The game took place on the venue’s 3G surface under the floodlights.
Above: A plane over The Nest, which is near to Norwich Airport. Photo: Hardy Scott.
Having secured fourth place in their first season at Step 7 with a 3-1 win at Bungay Town last time out, Thetford travelled with another limited squad of just 12 and knowing they had nothing to lose in this final game.
The game was played with a three-figure crowd with many high-profile people from other Norfolk teams and the County FA in attendance. It was a super tribute to both clubs and to the profile of the Norfolk Women and Girls League.
To the on-pitch action, and lone Thetford striker Rebecca White floated an early free-kick into the box which was comfortably collected by Tyla Cole.
Dussindale began to get into their stride which before this game started had seen them score an incredible 108 goals in 18 games. Shanice Sutton headed their first chance of the game wide before having her next chance saved by Lydia Ward.
Thetford had chances of their own Abbie Corbyn had a cross-shot that was cleared by Maddy Goodenough.
The visitors also made life difficult for their hosts with excellent closing down with Ellie-Mae Davies and captain on the night Dayna Howard particularly influential in ensuring danger was kept to a minimum in the first half period.
However, despite Thetford’s best efforts, Dussindale took the lead shortly after the half-hour mark when Sutton dispatched a penalty beyond Ward in the Town goal.
Despite a further chance for Sutton, the lead remained singular at the break.
Dussindale utilised their great options from the bench in the second half with Tallulah Bell and Charlie Head coming on to have starring roles.
Above: The battle between Ellie-Mae Davies of Thetford Town (left) and Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers; Shanice Sutton was one of the most prominent features of the match. Photo: Hardy Scott.
In a stop-start second half due to injuries, the game struggled to get any momentum going but a key battle was developing between the influential Sutton for Dussindale and Town defender Ellie-Mae Davies.
Rovers doubled their lead when Bell tapped in Sutton’s cross.
The game’s controversial moment came when the Sutton v Davies battle came to blows in front of the main stand and saw the Dussindale player receive a few knocks in the back before unnecessarily retaliating by pushing Mae-Davies in the face to the floor to be booked by referee Thomas Macleod.
Sutton then missed a penalty by firing it wide of goal.
A lengthy stoppage time period at the end of the contest saw time for Dussindale to comfortably seal the game. Chelsea Brister finished well beyond Ward before Charlie Head slotted in a fourth.
Dussindale were denied a fifth goal when Lucy Wetherall saw her penalty saved by Lydia Ward.
This was an important three points for Rovers which sees them well on course to finish second. They need just a point from their season finale against struggling North Walsham on Sunday to make sure of the runners-up spot.
For Thetford, this was a game that was just there to be enjoyed on the final day of a brilliant season. Fourth spot was secured prior to this match. Thetford’s great team spirit ensures that Dussindale had to sweat for more than an hour before their second went in. David Skipp and his team will look forward to try and build on these achievements in 2022/2023.
Above: Rebecca White, Thetford Town’s joint player of the match. Photo: Richard Brown.
Thetford Players of the Match: Ellie-Mae Davies and Rebecca White.
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