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I Wouldn’t Want To Support Any Other Team

Above: It’s time for the Matildas to come together and deliver at the Asia Cup which starts today. Photo: Football Australia.

Kieran Yap previews Australia’s Asia Cup campaign which kicks off against Indonesia tomorrow (20/1/22).

As fans, it is a little bit different before an international tournament. There are nerves, excitement and a slight change in perspective, but there is much to be excited about as the Asian Cup kicks off.

When it comes to the national team, club allegiances give way to the common cause. A loss for our ‘Dub’ team can be tempered by the excellence of a national team prospect.

For Victory fans, it was not fun watching Holly McNamara dismantle their defence in a 5-1 win. But in the context of 2022, imagine if she did that to Indonesia or even Japan.

Nobody likes watching their team be beaten by Sydney FC. They have swept aside all opposition in the first seven rounds, only being temporarily paused by Western Sydney Wanderers in a 0-0 draw.

But we do like watching Cortnee Vine in career-best form and Remy Siemsen scoring regularly. The two Sydney attackers have been in irrepressible form so far and have been rewarded with call-ups to the final squad for India.

**Above:** Cortnee Vine – a picture-perfect season in the A-League Women season for the new Matilda. **Photo:** Football Australia

This feels weird to say as a Victorian and I needed to take a deep breath before typing this but on the eve of a major Matildas tournament… I am glad that Sydney FC has played so well.

Australia was undone in the 2018 tournament by committed and organized defences. Thailand proved difficult to break down in the semi-final and Japan shut down hopes of regaining the title.

The likes of Vine and McNamara have the skill to unlock packed defences, they are both fast, tricky, and unpredictable. You can research what Vine does, but that has not helped any A-League Women defenders stopping what happens when she has the ball.

It is not just the new faces, the build-up to this tournament feels like a risky yet deliberate plan by the new manager. Even in poor team performances in exhibition matches, something useful has been learned each time.

Tony Gustavsson has prepared for the 2022 Asian Cup very differently than any other Australia coach before him.

He has sought out the most difficult opposition to play in warm-up matches. The score-lines have been far from perfect, but they have yielded some good long-term results.

**Above:** Courtney Nevin who has become a solid international footballer over the past few months for the Matildas. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Courtney Nevin was uncovered as a senior international footballer. Over the course of the post-Olympic friendlies, she justified Gustavsson’s faith in her. Her performance in central defence against the USA could be a pivotal moment in her career and Australia’s fortunes.

Kyra Cooney-Cross was revealed to be adept as a deep-lying or defensive midfielder. Her command of the role against Ireland and in the first game against Brazil unlocked new midfield possibilities.

Clare Wheeler immediately impacted any game she was brought into to. Against each opposition, in very different circumstances, she flourished.

Charli Grant was impressive against Brazil, showing some excellent footwork in tight spaces. Against the USA she displayed her trademark explosive pace to race past the defenders and cross perfectly for Sam Kerr.

Grant has the potential to be another option at right-back or left-back. Gustavsson has shown a willingness to use Ellie Carpenter more defensively and when the Lyon defender was missing in the Bronze medal match in Tokyo, it showed.

Grant’s rapid improvement in the post-Olympic friendly matches gives Australia more possibilities and depth in that position.

**Above:** Charli Grant – who has improved at a rapid pace and is worthy of her place in the squad. **Photo:** Kris Goman.

The loss to Ireland and the 3-0 defeat to the USA were hard to watch. But as the Asian Cup squad is announced, it is clear that they were not a waste.

The Asian Cup has been a strange tournament for Aussie fans. The fact that it doubles as a World Cup qualifier has often meant that success is judged on two separate criteria and there literally were prizes for finishing second.

This time, they go to India with one goal in mind, to win the trophy.

The Matildas have come close repeatedly in the history of this cup, but things feel different this time.

The expectations are more defined, the preparation has been more rigorous and the squad feels more flexible and versatile.

It is easy to be nervous before a major tournament. Anything can happen and we have no right to success, but Aussie fans should be optimistic.

**Above:** The Matildas are a team with players with plenty of top-level experience. **Photo:** Football Australia.

The team has had rigorous preparation, has players at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, a World Cup-winning manager, and the best players from the A-League Women.

They have a manager who revels in tournament football and working out the permutations of each match. He has chosen young players who are breaking through and experienced campaigners playing at their peak.

The Matildas have options at left-back and right-back for the first time in years and Caitlin Foord, who missed the 2018 cup is back and playing at a higher level than ever.

Oh, we also have the top striker in the world.

The Matildas kick off on Friday night. Until that first goal goes in, it will be stressful and if a game goes to penalties, it may be unbearable on our health, but Australia goes into this tournament in a strong position to win it.

All we can do as fans now is enjoy the ride.

Adelaide Out To Stop Phoenix Rising

Above: Isabel Hodgson pictured during the press conference ahead of Friday night’s game against Wellington Phoenix. Photo provided to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Round Eight of the A-League Women season gets underway tomorrow night with Adelaide United hosting Wellington Phoenix at Coopers Stadium. Ben Gilby heard from the Reds’ Isabel Hodgson and Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis ahead of the game (20/1/22).

Adelaide United star Isabel Hodgson will make her 50th appearance for the South Australian club tomorrow night. She reflected on her career and spoke of her pride and excitement in making the milestone.

“When you think that we only play 14 games a season, it’s quite a long time (that I’ve been going). It’s always good to get out and play, getting consistent seasons under your belt and now I’ve got to the 50th appearance.

Being one of the club’s more experienced players, Hodgson highlighted some of the biggest changes that she’s seen at Adelaide United.

“Back when I started, the club wasn’t professional, so that’s a massive change between a professional league and a non-pro one.

“As a club, we’re now looking to make Finals and win the league. Eight years ago we were struggling to be competitive, so that’s the biggest change I’ve seen here.”

Hodgson then turned her attention to Friday’s opponents Wellington Phoenix, who at present are bottom with only a point from their maiden season.

“The thing with playing a lower team on the table is they have nothing to lose so they can go into every game just putting everything out there. We know that their results don’t match with how they have played. Last week they were 2-0 up against Brisbane Roar who are a great team.

“It’s easier going into games as the underdogs. You know you’re not going to make Finals. We’ve been in that place before. We were losing games, but we’d pick up the odd win. I want to make sure we’re not one of those teams that are beaten. Games like this are the ones that we have to absolutely get the three points from especially as we didn’t get anything last week.

“We know it’s a winnable game and we want to go out and put on a show to get the three points.

“We need to put in a 90-minute performance. Last week we played well for 45. We know we dropped off in the second half. When we have a good run of play, we need to make sure that we put goals away. If we can play at our best, we can beat any team.”

**Above:** Gemma Lewis, the Wellington Phoenix head coach who spoke about the “honest conversations” she has had with her side this week. **Photo:** Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis says her players were “really gutted” after the loss to the Roar and had a few honest conversations about why it felt worse than a 5-0 defeat.

“Once we addressed that and had a bit of an open conversation about it and then looked to Adelaide, the mood in the camp has been good since. They’re bouncing back quicker than I thought they would have.

“I think as a group we have to find that confidence and belief to know that in those games we can compete and we can still get a result out of it.

“The worst thing that could have happened to us, happened to us and we didn’t even get a single point out of it.

“Now it’s that experience, growth and learning opportunity that hopefully when we’re in it again, we’ve experienced it, it’s not unusual to us, it’s not so scary to us anymore and hopefully they’ll have a lot more belief and confidence to finish off a game.”

The Phoenix have just one point to show for their endeavours at the halfway stage of the regular season, but Lewis doesn’t want her players to be results focussed.

“Not focusing on the result is hard to do but that game (against Brisbane) showed how purposeful it was.

“As much as they haven’t been in that situation where they’ve been 2-0 up and winning before they also started to focus too much on it.

“I think it made them panic. We moved away from our game plan, we started to play ourselves into trouble, we started to play frantically (and) we turned over so much possession. I think it caused us problems.”

Instead, Lewis wants the players to focus on the way they want to play, execute and improve from game to game.

“I think if we do that the outcome of the game should come, but we’re trying not to solely focus on the score, or the win, or the loss, or the draw because from our first half of the season that’s where we’ve struggled in the motivation.”

Gemma Lewis concedes they are still trying to strike the right balance with their aggressive playing style.

“We’re still figuring it out. I’m not going to lie.

“We want to encourage the side to play, but…sometimes we overplay and we get ourselves into trouble.

“Sometimes we’re too calm in the moment when we need to move the ball a little bit quicker or react a little bit more quickly. Sometimes we go too far down the other end and we panic and start to get chaotic.

“The way we defend is with an intensity that can be chaotic…so when we defend with that intensity and that almost chaos it’s then being able to shift into possession of now you have the ball and can settle things down.

“I think that’s why we fade in games because we don’t strike that balance well. We defend at hundred miles an hour and we try and play at a hundred miles an hour. We struggle for an in-between.”

Lewis says they have been preparing “for living in the chaos” as Adelaide have a similar aggressive mindset to the Phoenix and are successful at it.

“They live in chaos, they love it. How they press, their counter-press, their defensive transition, their counter-attacking ability, I find they actually thrive in the chaos so they’re going to want to put us under the pump, press us and force us to turn over possession high.

“We’ve done sessions on trying to figure out how to live within that panic and how to not get in that space of letting them dictate the game.”

Forward Kelli Brown will miss her second successive match for the Nix because of concussion, while centre-back Mackenzie Barry remains in doubt with an ankle injury.

“We don’t know how long Kelli’s going to be out for. She’s still got symptoms so she’s not going to be cleared anytime soon, I don’t think.

“To be completely honest we’re being really stretched at the moment.

“Mack is still very much 50/50 right now and then we’ve also got another two players on limited minutes. We’re getting down to the bones of what we’ve got.”

Ashford Town (Middx): A History Making Season

Above: Ashford Town (Middx) 2021/22. Photo: Ashford Town (Middx).

It’s been an incredible season for Impetus partner club Ashford Town (Middx). Chairman and head coach Will Boye spoke about his team who are top of the tier five London & SE Premier and have also enjoyed a historic FA Cup run (20/1/22).

Ashford Town hit the headlines in the late autumn with a sensational FA Cup win at home to FA Women’s National League Southern Premier side Oxford United. Despite being two divisions below their opponents, Will knew his team had a chance.

“Heading into every game, we are always confident of a result as long as we’re able to effectively apply our game strategy. The players were excited about the game, the spectators were bouncing from the first whistle and our home venue gave us that extra edge.

“Oxford are a great side, inform, playing some really good football and posed a constant threat to us on the pitch. We needed to maintain concentration and take our chances when they arrived and I am delighted that the players were able to execute that. Three well-worked goals and a clean sheet left me delighted with what was easily the performance of the season.

It was not just his team’s performance that pleased the Tangerines’ head coach, it was the vibe in the stands on the day as well.

“It was a result that will live long in the memory for many. The match-day preparation was smooth which saw us witness the biggest attendance The Robert Parker Stadium had experienced for some years.

**Above:** Spectators gathered at the Robert Parker Stadium, home of Ashford Town (Middx). **Photo:** Europlan

“It was an unusually sunny afternoon and everyone arrived in such a jovial mood. Excited for the game, aware of the challenge that lay ahead of us but determined to put Ashford on the map, making people aware of just how strong we are as a squad.

“Everything that transpired on the pitch did not surprise us one bit. We worked very hard in studying Oxford’s threats and nullified that effectively on the pitch. Of course, this included our goalkeeper, Sophie Shults, pulling off a number of outstanding saves too.”

That victory over Oxford United set up another plum home tie in round three when Ashford was paired with the second-highest Championship side that they could have drawn, London City Lionesses.

“We knew that we were in for a tough game. The organization around the game to ensure we were COVID compliant and the opposition we were to welcome appropriately was a mammoth task. We got there in the end and I must praise the coaching staff, secretary, and of course our phenomenal volunteers at the football club who are nothing but supportive.

“There was so much to prepare for around the game it never really felt like we could sit back, soak it all in and enjoy the day and occasion, which was history in the making for this football club. In saying that it was an enjoyable game to be part of and one we’ll remember for a long time.”

Despite going behind to the Championship side, in true Ashford style, the tier five league leaders managed to equalize. Will spoke about all the hard work that aided this.

**Above:** Will Boye – Ashford Town (Middx) Chairman and Head Coach. **Photo:** Ashford Town (Middx).

“The mental strength of this team is a huge asset of ours, which our mental performance coach, Tia Prior, works very hard in developing on a weekly basis. This is so apparent in how we approach games, how we guard against, and just how we recover when faced with adversity.

“We knew we should have been 1-0 up after missing a golden chance a few minutes before going behind. Our goal was a deserved one and certainly sent shockwaves through the opposition, who returned after the break more determined, and arguably more domineering.

“Ultimately, it was a pleasing first-half performance on the field, yet a frustrating one from the dugout as we felt we deserved more.”

Whilst London City Lionesses added more goals in the second half, there was so much to be proud of for Will and his team.

“We are disappointed to have lost the game, we’re winners here at the club, and losing is simply not part of who we are, we don’t know how to lose. We’ve looked back at the game and identified the areas of our game that need improvement and we’re working hard to fix that. But as I say, there’s so much to be proud of here at the club and plenty to be positive about for the future, it’s important we don’t lose sight of that and positively strive to be better every week.”

The community support that the club received as a result of the Cup run saw almost 300 people in the ground for the London City Lionesses tie. With Ashford Town homing in on promotion to the FA Women’s National League, Will outlined how he is hoping that support can be mobilized for league games.

“The hope is to consistently get numbers through the gate so that we can continue to grow as a football club. Hopefully the entertainment we provide on the pitch can support this. We’re not the biggest name in football, so climbing up the football pyramid is the best way in attracting, guarding, and keeping this support.”

With the Cup run now over, 2022 sees focus on continuing the club’s hugely impressive league form. These matches now come with an additional challenge as Ashford’s results prior to the New Year including the Cup run makes Will’s team even more of a “target game” for the opposition.

“We always have been that team everyone targets as the one to beat and that’s down to our success over the years. Of course, we’ve had interest in our players too and that won’t change. What I am delighted about is that players want to be at this football club and continue to play with such passion every week.”

Ashford Town is a club that Will emphasizes “are constantly looking to better ourselves every time we take to the football pitch.”

An example of this is the return of Ruby Linton a player that Will is “delighted to welcome back on a permanent basis “as she will add much-needed firepower to our front line and provide us with lots of quality going forward.”

With the club currently top of the table on goal difference from Dartford, albeit with three games in hand, the forthcoming game between the two sides on 30^th January at the Robert Parker Stadium is looming large. You would not back against the Tangerines on present form.

The official matchday programme from Ashford Town (Middx)’s FA Cup Second Round victory over Oxford United can be read here: https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.pitchero.com/clubs/51537/VxXURVqfRvWqEW2lvObu_Matchday%20Programme%20(28.11.21).pdf

Kate Taylor: Maturity Beyond Her Years

Above: Kate Taylor (right) battles against Sydney FC’s Australian international Remy Siemsen earlier this season. Photo: Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: Wellington Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix’s 18-year-old vice-captain Kate Taylor has been one of her side’s stand-out players in their first-ever A-League Women season. The defender spoke exclusively to Impetus for our #MidweekDub feature about her footballing journey and what life is like as part of New Zealand’s first professional women’s football team (19/1/22).

Kate Taylor is one of the young players to watch in the A-League Women competition this season. Whilst she is exceptionally young and has no previous professional footballing experience, the Kiwi reads the game in a way that a player twice her age would be proud of. She opened our conversation by outlining her footballing journey so far.

“So, I started at my local club in my region which was Nomads United (based in Casebrook, Christchurch). It was definitely a boys’ club or a male-dominated club. That helped me. I started with my sister in the team and my Dad coaching. That changed as both are nowhere near the sport now!

“I stayed there until I was 13, playing in the boys’ comp and I never really played any age group tournaments until a later coach picked me up and that was for an under-14s competition. If that coach hadn’t have done that then I don’t think I’d be where I am today.

“From there I started at the Canterbury United Pride Youth set up and played in some junior international programmes. I spent the last year going up and down to Auckland and playing with boys again, and that’s all helped me to get to where I am now at the Phoenix.”

Being part of the Under-14s national competition was the beginning of a realization for Taylor that football could be something she could pursue long term.

“Up until then, I wasn’t sure that football would be my main sport as I always wanted to play any sport I could. Touch (rugby) was a sport I played a lot of as well as Futsal, Cross Country, and Athletics. Being part of the Under-14’s comp was the point I finally realized that football could be something that could take me further than New Zealand and I could earn money playing.”

**Above:** Kate Taylor (left) in action for Canterbury United Pride. **Photo:** Warwick Taylor Stuff

Taylor was part of a hugely successful Canterbury United Pride team who have won New Zealand’s Women’s National League six times in the past nine years. The teenage defender has no doubts as to why the team has had continued success.

“Ah, that’s down to Gunny (Alana Gunn, head coach). She’s been involved for a number of years now and the core group of girls who have been there for six or seven years. New players have come in and changed the playing style in small ways, but those are the reasons, definitely.”

Whilst the defender’s career is still in its embryonic stages, she has still had to overcome challenges. “Having to juggle football and travelling for it whilst still being at school was hard. I was training with boys as well which made it extra hard. They were a bit younger than me and less mature, so that was tough, but it was football and where I wanted to be, so that helped me.

“I had lots of teachers who helped me through because I wasn’t at school much. Knowing I was working towards something bigger helped me to overcome those things. I was trying to push for something in football, so that helped to fix itself.”

With school now over and continuing developments in her game, once Wellington Phoenix’s entry into the A-League Women was announced, it wasn’t long before they came knocking on Taylor’s door. She explained to us how it happened.

**Above:** Kate Taylor (left) tussels with Newcastle Jets’ Tara Andrews in early December. **Photo:** Ashley Feder/Getty Images supplied to *Impetus* by: Wellington Phoenix.

“At the start of 2021, I was in touch a lot with Gemma (Lewis – now Phoenix head coach) and Nat (Lawrence assistant) through the U20s and U17 National Team and the national team’s pre-Olympic camp. It helped me to get to know them better. That is a big reason why I am here.”

Phoenix’s late entry into the competition meant that players were arriving in small numbers throughout the short pre-season period that the club had. Taylor reflected on that situation and admitted that it was hard.

“When we first got together in Wellington, we had up to 12 players. Not many, and that was tough. It was enjoyable as we were doing it together, but hard. When we came over to Australia we were a little bit nervous about meeting the Australian players in our squad for the first time, but it was fine. It was really helpful that all the Aussies knew each other already before they joined us. We all came together really nicely. It just felt normal in the end.

“There was definitely a difference between how Aussies play and how Kiwis play. They are quite transitional in their play and are getting used to how Gemma and Nat want us to play. The Aussies are physical, they like to keep the ball. I think you can see that we play a lot differently to the other teams in the competition and that’s why.”

There were some raised eyebrows when Gemma Lewis announced the 18-year-old as Wellington’s inaugural vice-captain, but her assured and commanding displays in the opening weeks of the campaign marked Taylor out as a player who is wise beyond her years.

“I don’t model my game on other players. I like to watch football but I don’t change my game or do things differently just because I see other players doing it. I haven’t really done too much so far from a vice-captain’s perspective so far. There’s just been a focus on the opening games of the season, which have been hard enough in themselves. I think it will be a fun role. At the same time, extra responsibility comes with added stress and I want to try and relieve that. I’m looking at how I can help Lily (Alfeld – captain), the coaches, and any players that need it.

**Above:** Kate Taylor (right) battles against Brisbane Roar’s Larissa Crummer last weekend. **Photo:** Wellington Phoenix.

As our conversation moved towards its conclusion, the Phoenix defender outlined her personal aims for the season. “Consistency is a big one for me. It’s hard to play the same and hit the same heights every week, so I want to try and bring that across the season.

“I want to improve on the small, little things that I have identified. It’s hard in a team, especially one that is new to improve on those sorts of things. Oh, I want to win some games!”

Taylor also highlighted what, for her, a successful maiden season for Wellington Phoenix would look like: “For us to score more goals, whether they are scrappy or a nicely constructed goals. To get a couple of wins or upsets to build confidence. We’re new and trying to adapt to everything. It’s all an unknown for us still.”

With the 18-year-old in such good form at the start of her A-League Women adventure, international recognition is something that cannot be too far away.

“Playing for the Football Ferns is something I’ve dreamed of since I was young, so I’m pushing for that now and I’d love to go on a tour or to the World Cup or Olympics. But also the U20s, and the U20s Women’s World Cup in August 2022 is getting close now, and I’d love to be part of that.

“I definitely think that playing in the A-League Women with Phoenix puts me in a good place for international recognition. I know that where I am now puts me in the best possible place for me and anyone else who wants to aim higher.”

Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter-Final Review

Darrell Allen provides us with an in-depth report of the tie between Thetford Town and Wymondham Town and rounds up the other three quarter-final ties (18/1/22).

Above: Thetford Town celebrates their equalizer against Wymondham Town. Photo: Hannah Parnell.

Thetford Town 1-6 Wymondham Town

A town full of pride on a day full of joy.

Excitement was the word of the morning as Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter Final day arrived and the prospect of the superbly talented Wymondham Town visiting Mundford Road was enough to get the adrenaline going.

I love my trips to Thetford Town which are always done on a lovely train trip which is 35 minutes from Norwich. It was a glorious day as I arrived in Thetford at 11.35am ahead of the 1.30pm kick-off and made the short walk across to Mundford Road.

Emma and Steve, two brilliant volunteers at Thetford Town who run the clubhouse were already in and the Wymondham Town squad arrived shortly before midday.
Head coach Alex Guy as ever was taking the Norfolk Women’s Cup extremely seriously bringing all of his available talented squad to Mundford Road.

This is a man who treats his match preparation the same whatever the opposition and whatever the occasion and Sunday was no different which you can only applaud and say thanks to Alex Guy and his team for which showed Thetford Town incredible respect.

The Thetford Town squad arrived in an equally upbeat mood and looked forward to the occasion ahead. After recent COVID and illness in both camps, it was fantastic to see both teams back to reasonably full strength and an exciting contest awaited as Step Seven Thetford Town took on Step Five Wymondham Town. An impossible task on paper.

Wymondham Town went as full strength as possible with Becca Russell their free-kick specialist the most noticeable absentee. Otherwise, it was all the usual stars who are strolling towards winning the Eastern Region Premier Division with relative ease, captained by Rachel Cossey.

The game got underway in bright blue skies with an excited crowd. The veo camera towering over everyone and Hannah Parnell who is a respected local photographer positioned on halfway to capture this big occasion.

**Above:** Katie Knights, who scored Wymondham Town’s opening goal. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell.

The first half was a special 45 minutes of football as Wymondham came out of the blocks firing from the off. Natasha Youngs danced and glided her way down the wing before firing a stunning ball across which was cleared.

Wymondham Town continued to turn up the pressure and got a deserved lead when Katie Knights came through the park as confident as ever on the ball with her dancing feet and finished well to give the visitors the lead.

There was fear it could be a difficult afternoon for Thetford but the response that was to come was absolutely extraordinary.

The home side went immediately on the attack and forced a corner. Melissa Boulton took it but it came to nothing. Natasha Youngs then went on the break for the visitors but was stopped in her tracks by Sausha Levy-Twomey, the Thetford captain.

Joy followed for Thetford Town as they continued to believe in themselves and the ball fell to Chelsea Page who slotted well into the bottom corner. Mundford Road erupted as the scores were level after eight minutes.

**Above:** Chelsea Page, Thetford Town’s goal scorer. **Photo:** Hannah Purnell.

Thetford Town believed and grew in confidence as Becky White got control of the ball but the chance went wide.

Wymondham Town needed to get matters under control and Alex Guy knew as he could be seen barking instructions from the touchline as a confident start had turned into a challenging situation for the talented visitors.

Thetford Town continued to hold their own very little happened in the next phase of the game and 20 minutes passed with a big tick so far for David Skipp and his team. The next target was to get in level at half time but that was going to take a performance of incredible courage and determination from Thetford and they duly delivered.

Wymondham Town went up the gears after finally getting back into their rhythm with Katie Knights and Hannah Waters going close in a period of relentless pressure. Half an hour came, Wymondham was the better side but Thetford Town continued to stall their illustrious opponents and began to believe again.

Abbie Corbyn was running up and down all over the place and trying her best to make things happen all over the pitch. Ellie Mae-Davies made an amazing tackle to deny Wymondham Town a goal in the best piece of defending I’ve seen for some time.

Laura Nicholls tried to get in on things but she was met by Lydia Ward in the Thetford goal who was on a mission to keep Wymondham out for as long as possible. Katie Knights went close again but it wasn’t to be and Thetford Town got to the interval level thanks to heroic leadership from Sausha Levy-Twomey and Rachel Lynch. It was an incredible first half and one to remember for the hosts.

The second half got underway with a spirited start from Thetford but the greater fitness and experience of Wymondham Town was expected to prevail.

Thetford Town’s brave resistance was broken on the 53rd minute when a Chelsea Clarke corner was diverted in by the unfortunate Chloe Webb into her own net. Abbie Corbyn was re-introduced and went close from a free kick as Thetford responded well again to going behind.

**Above:** Wymondham Town’s Francesca Catchpole is embraced after scoring by teammates. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell.

Wymondham Town went through the gears again and half-time substitute Francesca Catchpole scored a stunning goal to make it 1-3 and put the visitors in command for the first time in the game. Laura Nicholls was on hand to add the fourth and Francesca Catchpole made it 1-5 a few minutes afterward.

A brave and spirited Thetford Town continued to play their game and give everything against a talented Wymondham Town. It was however super-sub Francesca Catchpole who had the final say and completed her hat trick and a fine individual performance.

Thetford bravely battled on guided by David Skipp and Stuart Terry from the bench as they proudly did the town and themselves proud.

Verdict – A rare Football match where every single person is smiling at the end. Wymondham Town was absolute class before, during, and after the game in their respect for Thetford Town. Rachel Cossey came to the Thetford bench before doing anything else at full time to congratulate the Thetford team on their performance. The whole Wymondham Town team then stayed behind after the game and enjoyed a drink in the clubhouse and helped support Thetford Town FC which was much appreciated.

From a Thetford perspective, this was a proud day, a great moment when Chelsea Page equalized and held the talented Wymondham until the 53rd minute before an unfortunate own goal saw Wymondham on their way and an inspired Francesca Catchpole hat trick and Laura Nicholls was the difference.

Everyone enjoyed the day. It was a wonderful sporting occasion and everyone connected to Thetford Town and Wymondham Town should be very proud of themselves. A great advert for the Norfolk Women’s Cup.

Teams: THETFORD TOWN: Ward, Webb, Mae-Davies, Hardie, Lynch, 6: Levy-Twomey, Corbyn, Musgrove, White, Boulton, Page. Substitutes: Richardson, Skipp, Smith.

WYMONDHAM TOWN squad: Pearce, Newcombe, Croft, Cossey, Youngs, Clarke, Catchpole, Waters, Nicholls, Hawkins, Knights, Stretch, Codman.

Referee: Jaden Lister.

**Above:** Mulbarton Wanderers celebrate their superb win at Norwich City. **Photo:** Mulbarton Wanderers.

In the days three other ties, it was a day to be proud for the Norfolk Women’s and Girls League as Step Seven Mulbarton Wanderers ripped up the script of the competition by drawing 2-2 at Step Four Norwich City and winning 4-3 on penalties in a dramatic afternoon at The Nest. The team will now be hoping to reach the final for the second consecutive season. Martin Francis showing his cup pedigree once more on another famous day for the growth and development of Mulbarton Wanderers.

**Above:** Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers pictured at Wroxham yesterday. **Photo:** Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers.

That wasn’t the end of shocks as Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers also from Step Seven bravely held Step Five Wroxham to a 0-0 draw before winning on penalties 3-1 at Trafford Park.

**Above:** King’s Lynn Town’s Rachel Skinner (left) in action at Caister. **Photo:** Neil Dady

In the day’s other tie it was Step Five King’s Lynn Town who progressed with a professional and quality display winning 6-0 at Step Eight Caister. Ella Gavagan and Amy Cropley with a brace each and other goals from Amy Magnus and captain Tiffany Forshaw.

Congratulations to Wymondham Town, Mulbarton Wanderers, Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers, and King’s Lynn Town. Good luck to all four teams for the Semi-Finals!

Pride Park Back At Last

Wirksworth Colts 5-2 Pride Park

By ‘Boot Room’ (18/1/22)

Neither team had played in a month before Sunday’s Derbyshire Ladies League Division One (tier seven) game – and Park’s last game in the first half of December was the only game we’d played since before the end of October.

After an overnight frost caused the pitch to freeze, the morning’s fixtures were postponed and although the pitch had thawed in time for the afternoon kick-off, the playing surface was very soft underfoot.

Wirksworth got the game underway and started well, with some good passing and movement. Pride were not quite clicking, as too many passes were hit short, or askew, and this was frustrating our efforts to build any real momentum.

Nevertheless, we had the earliest opportunities, as Summer Evans had a shot blocked, and Tash Allderidge and Maja Znamirowska had a couple of attempts – each with one off-target and one forcing the keeper to work, although Wirksworth also created a couple of openings in the opening fifteen minutes. We were just falling short in the final third, as our final pass was too often underhit, or misplaced and attacks broke down.

The game settled down with both teams more or less cancelling each other out up to just after the half-hour, when Wirksworth scored three goals in a six-minute spell, after 31, 34, and 37 minutes – all of which were poor goals to concede from the visitors’ point of view.

As the half drew to a close, Rachel Weaver read a pass and intercepted inside the Wirksworth half, advanced and hit a good shot, saved by the ‘keeper. The last action of the first half was a Wirksworth rising shot from the end of the area which Jade Howell parried, and did well to recover and smother the ball. At half-time it was 3-0 to the hosts.

Pride Park needed to shake things up in the second half, play with more intensity, and find their passing rhythm if they were to retrieve anything from the game. The visitors made a better start and began to look more threatening, forcing Wirksworth onto the back foot. Summer Evans had a couple of early attempts and this set the tone for a better second half, as Park started to find each other with their passes, and get into better positions. They couldn’t afford to neglect defensive duties, however, but a collective lapse of concentration in defence allowed a simple diagonal ball to catch them all standing and watching allowing Wirksworth to run through unchallenged to score.

Despite this, the Pride reacted well and from an attack down our right flank the ball was centred and broke from the crowd to Maja Znamirowska, and although she didn’t quite connect cleanly, her shot evaded the attempts of the ‘keeper and defender to keep it out. It’s unlikely to be a contender for goal of the season, perhaps, but they all count, and this one was particularly important – after having so many attacks frustrated, finally scoring put a different complexion on the game.

Within three minutes the deficit had been further reduced, as Beth Thompson laid the ball infield to an advancing Beth Jones who struck her shot from distance. The dynamic of the game had noticeably changed and with over twenty minutes still to play, a comeback wasn’t out of the question as Wirksworth was now finding it difficult to contain Pride Park’s attacks.

The visitors now at least had hope of a comeback, but (so the saying goes) it’s the hope that kills you – with twenty minutes left Summer Evans was played through on goal and she and the goalkeeper stretched for the ball and collided. Evans came off worst and although it initially looked worse than it was, she was in considerable pain and after lengthy treatment was unable to continue.

The injury took a little of the steam out of our resurgence and Park lost some of the momentum that they had built up as players noticeably tired on the heavy pitch. With Ward off, they had all 11 available players on the pitch, whilst Wirksworth was able to freshen up from a well-stocked bench.

The game was heading to its conclusion when Wirksworth countered and in a melee in the six-yard box a hand deflected the ball and a penalty was awarded. Although goalkeeper Jade Howell went the right way, she was unable to reach the shot and Wirksworth had a fifth goal with six minutes left. It was particularly hard on Howell who had made a number of good saves in tricky conditions for a ‘keeper.

Maja Znamirowska had a golden opportunity in stoppage time when through one-on-one with the keeper but she didn’t get enough height on her attempted lob and the keeper was able to gather the ball.

It had been a much improved second-half performance, but for the injury breaking up the play and depriving us of our leading scorer, the last twenty minutes could have been interesting. Disappointing as it was to lose the opening game of the New Year, it was something of a relief to get back to playing after such a long break, and the second half performance showed some promise, but there are plenty of things to work on in the weeks ahead.

The Pride are keeping their fingers crossed that at least some of our ill, isolating, and injured are able to at least return to training this week, and perhaps for Sunday when they host Borrowash Victoria at Moorways (1.30pm).

Impetus Achievers Awards

With Round Seven done and dusted, all that remains is for Impetus’ A-League Women writing team of Kris Goman, Ben Gilby, and Kieran Yap to hand out their plaudits for Player, Coach, and Event of the Week. For the first time this season, there was quite a bit of diverging opinion (17/1/22).

PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

**Above:** Chilean magician Cote Rojas caught Kris and Kieran’s eye this weekend. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Kris Goman: It’s got to be Cote Rojas this week with her hat trick and pure joy at scoring. She was able to start and let rip.

Ben Gilby: In any normal week, I’d be naming Cote Rojas as my winner as she did what she does best with that idiosyncratic big smile on her face. Yet this wasn’t a normal week. Perth Glory was missing five regular starters through a mixture of COVID and injury. Their front line was particularly impacted with Cyera Hintzen, Susan Phonsongkham, and Alana Jancevski all out. Two youngsters stepped up in particular. Deborah-Ann de la Harpe was a menace along the right and also hit a rocket of a free-kick. But, nudging ahead to take the award was Hana Lowry. The 18-year-old local product was hugely influential, showing maturity and passing vision beyond her years. On top of this, she scored a wonderful goal.

Kieran Yap: It’s got to be Cote Rojas. I was wondering how effective a replacement for Remy Siemsen she might be but three goals, including a very stylish chip answered that question. Another big Sydney win was largely due to her impact.

COACH OF THE WEEK:

Kris Goman: I think Ante Juric this week for the dominant performance of Sydney. Even without Siemsen and Vine, they didn’t miss a beat. It’s a squad where everyone knows their role and what they’re supposed to be doing.

Ben Gilby: He might have missed the match due to being diagnosed with COVID that morning, but Alex Epakis more than earns the award this week. He had spoken all week about working with his depleted team to cut down on conceding set-pieces and matching Newcastle Jets’ physicality. They achieved both targets. He has instilled such belief and desire in his young side that to be disappointed not to get a win when without at least five key players shows what a tight team he has built in the West.

Kieran Yap: It’s Jeff Hopkins for me. Victory was without three of the best players from their opening games plus Melina Ayres. Alex Chidiac was returning from COVID and had to have game time managed. This was a challenging prospect against a Western Sydney Wanderers side in improving form. Hopkins reshuffled his lineup and trusted in the young players in his squad. It was a deserved win in difficult circumstances.

EVENT OF THE WEEK:

**Above:** Alyssa Whinham pictured after scoring for Wellington Phoenix against Brisbane Roar. One of the moments of the season. **Photo:** Wellington Phoenix.

Kris Goman: Alyssa Whinham‘s goal and more precisely her facial expression after the goal. Pure joy and euphoria. It’s what the game is all about.

Ben Gilby: No question it’s Alyssa Whinham‘s wonderful reaction after scoring Wellington Phoenix’s opening goal against Brisbane Roar. One of my moments of the season so far.

Kieran Yap: Alyssa Whinham‘s celebration. After scoring an impressive opening goal against Brisbane Roar we saw an outpouring of joy and amazement from the midfielder. It was this week’s instantly shareable moment on social media.

Gorry Has Brisbane Roaring With Delight

Wellington Phoenix 2-3 Brisbane Roar

By Kris Goman (16/1/22)

Above: Katrina Gorry (centre) celebrates after hitting the penalty which sealed Brisbane’s win. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

It was a stunning day at a stunning stadium right by the Pacific Ocean in Wollongong.

Wellington start off the match quite aggressively and keep the ball in their attacking half initially. They get an early chance as Katrina Gorry is beaten and a ball comes through, into the box for Isabel Gomez.

Roar retaliate with Mariel Hecher bringing the ball into the box but is also unable to do anything meaningful with it.

A Wellington free-kick outside the box goes straight to Georgina Worth.

**Above:** Midfield battle for possession at Wollongong yesterday. **Photo:** Brisbane Roar.

Fourteen minutes in and Hecher is making another run towards goal when Talitha Kramer pulls her down just inside the box as they both struggle to get to the ball. There’s a yellow card for Kramer and a penalty kick for Hecher. Larissa Crummer steps up to take it. She does a bit of fancy footwork and goes to the right but Lily Alfeld has anticipated it beautifully and gets a hand to it. Katrina Gorry rushes the rebound but it hits Alfeld again.

Norrie gets to that rebound but once again it hits defending players and just won’t go in and ends up rebounding out for a corner. Wellington is jubilant at stopping the penalty and deservedly so. The corner goes to Hecher but her control is lacking and it ends up near the sideline and being cleared.

Brisbane are dominating possession with over 70% but despite this, haven’t got out of their half much in the first fifteen minutes

A miss-hit sends the ball into the Wellington box from the right sideline. Brisbane wasn’t expecting it and Alyssa Whinham seizes the opportunity, taps the ball into space, and aims for the left post with a left-footed shot. It curls around Worth who gets a hand to it but can’t stop its trajectory and Whinham can’t believe her luck as Wellington take the early lead with just their second goal of the season after 20 minutes.

The goal has given the Phoenix a spring to their step, and just four minutes later their second corner produces another goal. Chloe Knott directed it from the left corner to the middle of the goalmouth and Grace Jale used her height to get up unopposed and glance the ball into the goal.

**Above:** Wellington Phoenix’s Alyssa Whinham shows her disbelief after scoring. **Photo:** Wellington Phoenix.

Two minutes later and Knott crosses from the right to Jale in the box. She’s able to shoot once more and goes to the right of the goal, but Annabel Haffenden is able to stick her foot out to deflect it safely. Worth was beaten though and that was another close look at the goal for the Nix. Roar must be wondering what is going on. The resulting corner goes straight out over the goal.

Jamilla Rankin brings the ball down the left and passes to Shea Connors. She’s off on her own into the box but her shot is straight at Alfeld who has no problems catching it.

Roar is now back on the attack and Gorry releases Larissa Crummer. She shoots but it’s wide to the right and she’s offside anyway.

Te Reremoana Walker loses the ball to Crummer just outside the box. Crummer slips the ball to Hecher who knows exactly what to do. She heads for goal and draws Alfeld out before slamming the ball past her to the right post and into the back of the net. Brisbane was showing their experience with that goal and there were no mistakes this time. They get one goal back and we’re at 2-1 with the Nix still in front ten minutes out from halftime.

Leading into half time, the Roar embark on a concerted press. There’s a lot of ball movement around the top of the box and even through the box until Gorry gets a bit of space and goes for the long-range strike that she’s famous for. Alfeld is able to punch it out for a corner but it was on target and a great shot.

Within the first minute of the second half, Gorry plays a ball down the right flank and Clough runs onto it and crosses. It’s badly controlled by Wellington right in front of goal before Crummer is able to find some space and slam it in for the equalizer. We’ve got a whole half left to play and the Nix have relinquished their lead.

**Above:** Brisbane celebrations after Larissa Crummer’s equalizer. **Photo:** Brisbane Roar.

Gorry continues to menace with her long-range shots. Out of nowhere, she launches a missile that hits the crossbar and bounces back into play for Hecher to head the rebound just to the left of goal and out.

Towards the end of the match, Brisbane steps up the intensity. There’s pressure through a couple of corners and then Shea Connors finds some space down the left side. She’s able to cross to the feet of Clough who shoots but it’s close range and Alfeld gets it immediately.

Alfeld has made seven saves to Worth’s nil at this stage of the game and while it’s a telling statistic, possession has evened up a lot and Wellington are playing well. They just aren’t getting any more shots on target.

At 86 minutes, there’s a corner for the Roar. Ava Pritchard comes out and clips Jessie Rasschaert who goes down right in front of goal. The referee awards a penalty to Brisbane. Gorry will take this one and goes low and hard to the left. Alfeld goes that way but it goes under her. 87 minutes in and Brisbane finally take the lead. It’s 3-2 with Brisbane in front.

There’s four minutes of extra time added. There are no further chances and, at the whistle, Brisbane is victorious and gets the much-needed three points sending them above the Western Sydney Wanderers on the table and into seventh place.

While Brisbane must be relieved to win their second game, there are still questions to be asked about the lapses in defence that allowed the Nix to get two goals ahead, Brisbane looked the better team but Wellington had their moments of glory and looked well organized with their early press and managed to keep ahead and then level for the bulk of the game.

**Above:** Brisbane Roar’s Larissa Krummer (left) battles with Wellington Phoenix’s Kate Taylor. **Photo:** Brisbane Roar.

Wellington can be proud of this match and will rue a couple of unlucky decisions that saw penalties awarded against them. Hopefully, this gives them the confidence to know they can win and we’ll see such a result soon.

Speaking after the game, Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis said: “A couple of the girls are really upset by it, feeling responsible, feeling like they lost the game for the team.

Lewis admitted that she was surprised by how her players reacted to being ahead: “I think at halftime they looked more petrified than when they were 5-0 down at halftime. They’re still learning and they haven’t experienced being up and the expectation to get something out of this game.

“When we went 2-0 up the playing started to get a little bit more tense, it started to get rushed, it started to get hectic. It didn’t feel like we were 2-0 up. It felt like we were down almost.”

Phoenix’s first goal was a beauty from Alyssa Whinham whose reaction was one of sheer disbelief: “It’s probably the most authentic reaction I’ve ever seen from somebody scoring a goal,” Lewis admitted, “I don’t think she could quite believe it herself!”

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (4-3-3): Worth, Margraf, Rasschaert, Haffenden, Rankin, Kitano, Norrie (c), Gorry, Hecher, Crummer, Connors. Substitutes: Bailey, Stamatopoulos, Tathem, Palmer, Clough.

Scorers: Hecher ’34, Crummer 46′, Gorry (pen) 87′.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): Alfeld, McMeeken, Walker, Taylor, Kramer, Whinham, Gomez, Wisnewski, Pritchard, Knott, Jale. Substitutes: Edwards (GK), Vosper, Jasnos, Jones, Martin.

Scorers: Whinham 20′, Jale 24′.

Referee: Rebecca Mackie

Attendance: 247.

Markovski Seals Victory From The Spot

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-1 Melbourne Victory

Report by Ben Gilby. Exclusive pitchside photos by Kris Goman (16/1/22)

Above: Tussle for possession on the by-line in the game between Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

A single goal from the penalty spot settled a disappointing game played in temperatures that topped 33c in Parramatta.

Melbourne Victory were dominant from the start with Francesca Iermano popping up on the left making a particularly prominent start along with the hugely influential Alex Chidiac. Options out wide were giving the visitors plenty of opportunities against a Wanderers side who struggled to get out of their own half for the opening quarter of an hour.

On one of those rare offensive sorties from the home side, Erica Halloway earned the first corner of the game after Lia Privitelli put her ball-in out of play. The set-piece was met by Clare Hunt’s header which went wide of the far post.

Victory responded four minutes later as Catherine Zimmerman got free along the right and played in a tempting low ball across the box but no-one in a white shirt was able to get on the end of it.

Western Sydney’s Caitlin Cooper got a shot on target which was a comfortable hold for Casey Dumont.

With half an hour gone, Halloway got through down the right once more and cut back towards Bryleeh Henry, but Zimmerman got back to put in a superb tackle at the cost of a corner. Hunt got up highest once more, and again put it wide of the same far post.

Chances remained at a premium with each side. Indeed there were only three opportunities in the opening 25 minutes of the second period.

**Above:** Bryleeh Henry tries to break through for Western Sydney Wanderers against Melbourne Victory. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Two minutes in, Hunt gave a free-kick away just outside the box. Victory’s Mindy Barbieri stepped up left of centre, just over 20 yards out, but the 21-year-old never quite got power into her effort and the ball bounced harmlessly wide.

Halloway, who continued her eye-catching performance, put another dangerous low ball in from the right towards Henry, but Claudia Bunge slid in ahead and almost scored an own goal in putting the ball out for a corner

With an hour gone, it was Victory’s turn to go close. Chidiac was given space on the right-hand side which allowed her to hit a long-range stunner that came off the left-hand post with Wanderers keeper Sarah Langman as an on-looker.

As the clock ticked towards 73 minutes, the goal that the game was desperately crying out for finally came.

Iermano’s cross into the box from the right-hand side clearly came off the arm of Western Sydney’s Rosie Galea. Referee Rachael Mitchenson awarded a corner, which drew a wry smile from the Wanderers player to reveal her guilt. Whilst Mitchenson missed an obvious offence, her assistant Amber Morris did not and eventually advised her colleague that a penalty was required. 20-year-old forward Maja Markovski stepped up and dispatched her effort cooly into the top left-hand corner.

There was no further scoring which led to Victory finally ending their disappointing run with a vital win.

Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from CommBank Stadium:

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS: Langman, Apostolakis, Hunt, Cooper, Matos, Copus-Brown, Crofts, Price, Halloway, Henry, Gallagher. Substitutes: Whitton (GK), Collister, Galea, Steinmetz, Allan.

MELBOURNE VICTORY: Dumont, Doran, Bunge, Jackson, Iermano, Barbieri, Chidiac, Murphy, Privitelli, Markovski, Zimmerman. Substitutes: Varley (GK), Eliadis, Robers, Zois.

Scorer: Markovski (pen) 73′.

Referee: Rachel Mitchenson.

Attendance: 458.

Honours Even In Newcastle Thriller

Newcastle Jets 1-1 Perth Glory

By Ben Gilby (16/1/22)

Above: Newcastle Jets jump for joy after Liz Eddy’s equalizer. Photo: Newcastle Jets.

Perth went into the game on the back of the most challenging week possible as a 4-0 loss to Sydney FC was followed by three players plus head coach Alex Epakis testing positive for COVID and key attacking threats Susan Phonsongkham and Cyera Hintzen suffering injuries.

Consequently, the Western Australians made six changes with Morgan Aquino coming back in goal, 19-year-old Abbey Green played her first A-League Women game for a year after a successful WA NPL campaign with Murdoch University Melville. Her fellow Murdoch team-mate Sadie Lawrence also started after scoring 10 times in the state competition. Hana Lowry was back along with Lisa De Vanna and Deborah-Ann de la Harpe. New signing Leena Khamis was on the bench with teenager Aideen Keane also appearing there.

The Jets, playing their first game due to a COVID outbreak in almost three weeks saw Marie Markussen miss out altogether and Emily van Egmond’s short-term deal is now at an end.

The visitors were tidy and comfortable on the ball, putting on a high press with De Vanna looking full of pace in the early stages. Yet the real Glory star in the opening exchanges was Deborah-Ann de la Harpe. The 21-year-old was getting plenty of space on the right-hand side and used her pace well to get plenty of crosses into the box.

From one such run, the Caringbah-born player put in a high ball which came off the back of De Vanna’s head at the far post with the ball bouncing just over the bar. Hana Lowry also had an opportunity with a curling free-kick from some 20 yards which bounced into the midriff of Claire Coelho in the Jets goal.

**Above:** Perth Glory’s Sofia Sakalis on the ball at Newcastle today. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

Lowry’s performance during this game highlighted the different skill set she is bringing to the Perth Glory side this season. She is playing a deeper role to showcase her passing vision and movement and is growing with every week.

For all their early industry, Perth couldn’t convert and the Jets, backed by a typically vocal No. 2 Sportsground crowd edged their way back into the encounter.

A first real chance for the hosts came via Liz Eddy’s corner from the right. Tara Andrews got up highest to head goalwards, Liz Anton miscued her attempted clearance which allowed Kirsty Henton to flick a header back to Sophie Harding to get a shot in which Morgan Aquino dived upon. Nine minutes before the break Harding had another chance when she got a powerful effort away which stung the palms of Aquino.

Jets tested the Perth goalkeeper once more shortly afterward as a long ball forward bounced between visiting defenders for Ash Brodigan to slide in, but Aquino came out and made a superb block with her legs to deny the Broadmeadow Magic NPL star.

Perth started the second half on the front foot and finally took advantage of their increased possession to take the lead with 54 minutes on the clock.

Danish international Mie Leth Jans played a perfectly judged ball over the top which Lowry instantly brought under control in the box, turned, and fired a low shot into the far corner. It was a real moment of magic by the 18-year-old locally produced Perth player. It was the fourth senior goal of her career, two of which have come in Newcastle.

**Above:** Perth Glory’s goal scorer Hana Lowry celebrates with her team-mates. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

Two minutes later, De Vanna broke through the centre of the Jets defence and fired in a shot which Coelho did well to push away from a corner. The resulting flag kick from Lowry was met by the head of captain Tash Rigby who saw her header come back off the bar.

Jets replied as Eddy looped a ball through for newly arrived Lauren Allen whose effort came back off the bar, although the sub was flagged offside.

Past the hour mark there was another sign of vintage De Vanna magic when the 37-year-old Western Australian put in an outrageous turn to get away from Tiana Jaber.

Sakalis earned a free-kick in a central position in the ‘D’ brought down by Beth Gordon. Up stepped de la Harpe to fire in a rocket of a set-piece that was destined for the top right-hand corner of the net until Coelho pushed onto the bar with a sensational save.

With 20 minutes to play, Jets had a rare, but golden opportunity. Harding pulled a tempting low ball across the box, but Jemma House coming in at the far post couldn’t get on the end of it.

This buoyed the home side and they went on to take firm control of the remainder of the match.

Six minutes later, they had better luck as Eddy was found in the box by Allan to slide the ball into the left-hand corner under the diving Aquino. Given the run of play in the second half, it was a painful lesson for Perth to take.

Jets were denied a famous comeback when Allan played in Harding on the left. Her cross was met by the head of House, but the ball came crashing back off of the bar.

Eddy came close in the dying stages for Newcastle, beating Kim Carroll and putting a shot agonizingly wide of the far post.

**Above:** Conflicting emotions from both goal scorers as Newcastle Jets’ Liz Eddy (right) celebrates with Hana Lowry looking to the sky in frustration. **Photo:** A-League Women.

One final chance came in stoppage time when the Jets were awarded a questionable free kick on the right-hand side. Eddy clipped it into the near post where it was met by Allan, but her effort was over the top.

This was a game that Perth Glory had more than enough chances to win, however, given the context of their week and the number of key players they are missing, there was a lot of positives for the visitors.

Deborah-Ann de la Harpe reflected: “We have a strong squad of 23. We have united together and put on a good performance. We needed a few more numbers in the box, be relentless and back ourselves a bit more after the first half, (and it worked).”

Hana Lowry was pleased with the team’s overall performance, but frustrated with only taking a draw: “We need to be more clinical, we had more chances that we could have converted. There was a slip-up for their goal. We need to win, so it’s disappointing.

“It’s been a tough time. We’ve been away from our families for five weeks, there’s girls and Alex (Epakis, head coach) in lockdown with COVID plus injuries. But there is real resilience in our squad. The players that we brought in did well and they should be proud of themselves.

Speaking from his team’s North Sydney hub about his views of the game from afar, Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis said: “If you remove the scoreline and just talk about the performance within the context of our week, it is so difficult to fault the players today.

“They were excellent in their attitude, excellent in their focus and they really had a point to prove. Today’s performance was more about what we’re building towards and what we are as a team.

“We’re disappointed with the scoreline and we’re disappointed that we didn’t take our chances, but we need to balance out where we are at. When you walk away feeling you were the dominant team but you don’t take the three points, it’s frustrating.”

Talking about the six changes made to the team today, Epakis highlighted: “I was really happy with all those who came in. Sadie Lawrence spent her whole tank for the team. Abbey Green did well in an unfamiliar position. Sofia (Sakalis) and a few others had to do jobs in positions that are not familiar too.

“We needed to get some belief back that we can compete with teams in this competition and we did that tonight. We can go into the second half of the season and, if we can get our best 11 on the field consistently, I wouldn’t rule anything out.”

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS: Coelho, Fenton, Davis, King, Jaber, Johnson, Gordon, Eddy, Harding, Andrews, Brodigan. Substitutes: House, Allan, Franco, Gooch, Boric (GK).

Scorer: Eddy 77′.

PERTH GLORY: Aquino, Green, K.Carroll, Anton, Rigby, Jans, Lawrence, Lowry, De Vanna, de la Harpe, Sakalis. Substitutes: Cain, Keane, Craine, Khamis, Newbon (GK).

Scorer: Lowry 54′.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: 713.