Darrell Allen rounds-up the weekend’s action which saw the shock result of the season at St. Andrews(11/1/22).
Above: Birmingham City celebrate their sensational win over Arsenal. Photo: Birmingham City Women.
Another depleted programme in the FAWSL saw just 50% of the weekend programme take place. Impetus was due to be at Kingsmeadow for the Friday night match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Unfortunately that will have to wait for another day as it was postponed due to COVID alongside the games between West Ham United and Manchester United as well as the clash between Aston Villa and Everton.
That just left three games that were all played on Sunday, the bottom versus top clash between Birmingham City and Arsenal at St Andrews, Brighton and Hove Albion against Manchester City at The People’s Pension Stadium in Crawley and Reading entertained Leicester City.
Sky Sports re jigged the schedules due to the postponed games and decided to screen the Birmingham City versus Arsenal clash at St. Andrews as part of their on going commitment to women’s football and enhanced coverage this season. It was certainly a wise move as Birmingham produced the shock of the weekend by shattering Arsenal’s unbeaten start and getting their first win of the season themselves.
Libby Smith got the opener scoring a superb goal after a superb pass from Lucy Quinn she fired home after just three minutes. Veatriki Sarri doubled the Blues advantage shortly before half time and the home side were in dreamland.
The second half required all their effort and outstanding game management and they did so superbly well seeing out the game and preserving their two goal advantage to claim an historic three points. It’s a result that gets Birmingham City off the FAWSL basement as well as blowing the title race wide open.
In East Sussex, it was Manchester City who were the heroes of the day against Brighton and Hove Albion. After a goalless first half, they produced a rampant second half with six goals in 28 second half minutes.
Above: Hayley Raso, Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh celebrate for Manchester City in their big win at Brighton and Hove Albion. Photo: Manchester City Women.
It was an own goal in the 48th minute that opened the scoring after Lauren Hemp’s cross was turned in by Victoria Williams. Lauren Hemp got on the scoresheet herself two minutes later when she chipped the ball over Megan Walsh. The visitors made it four goals in seven minutes when Georgia Stanway buried the third in stunning fashion and Laura Coombs thundered the ball in from around 20 yards and after all that only 55 minutes had been played.
Two further goals were added when Matildas star Hayley Raso and Vicky Losada scored in the 73rd and 76th minutes respectively to make it a 6-0 win for City. It’s a result that sends a big statement as closes the Sky Blues in on a top three pursuit as we head into the second half of the season.
In the day’s final game it was a calmer affair as Reading claimed a hard fought three points beating bottom club Leicester City 1-0 with a super lob from Natasha Dowie enough to get the Royals all three points.
The win sees Reading on 16 points in sixth place and Leicester City go bottom following that win for Birmingham City over Arsenal.
The FAWSL continues this coming weekend with a full programme scheduled with Aston Villa vs Manchester City and Manchester United vs Birmingham City taking place on Saturday lunchtime and a quadruple bill on Sunday with Reading going to Arsenal, Emma Hayes’ Chelsea are at Everton, Leicester City host Brighton and Hove Albion and in the final game of the weekend, Tottenham Hotspur entertain West Ham United.
With Round Six done and dusted on the pitch, all that remains is for the Impetus A-League Women writing team of Kieran Yap, Kris Goman, and Ben Gilby to hand out their awards forplayer, coach, and event of the week(10/1/22).
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Above: Jumping highest to take the prize – Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine caught the eye of both Kieran and Ben. Photo: Kris Goman
Kieran: Cortnee Vine she’s unstoppable at the moment. Vine is playing with absolute confidence and it’s hard to choose between her goal or her brilliant assist for Sydney as her best highlight of the win against Perth.
Kris: This week I’m going with Sarah Langman from Western Sydney Wanderers. She stopped eight shots, had a great game and won it for the team. It was very close between her and Clare Hunt though.
Ben: Another sensational performance from Cortnee Vine makes her the obvious choice for me. She’s the gun player in the competition right now and deserves to make the final 23 for the Asia Cup.
COACH OF THE WEEK:
Above: Two votes this week for Adelaide United’s Adrian Stenta as Coach of the Week. Photo: Adelaide United.
Kieran: Adrian Stenta. It was an impressive win for Adelaide United. Stenta has built a well-balanced team and after a rough start, they’re starting to find form. This was their best 90-minute performance so far.
Kris: Cath Cannuli. Despite their position on the table, Western Sydney Wanderers have the second-best defensive record in the league, only behind Sydney. They have problems scoring but no problems keeping other teams out. They are the only team to take points from Sydney and have only lost one game – against table toppers, Sydney. They just need to work on finishing but Cannuli has the defence well sorted.
Ben: Hard choice this week with Cath Cannuli well worth the nod, but Adelaide United’s form over the past two rounds puts Adrian Stenta narrowly ahead for me. It took a while for the team to settle after the loss of several key players, but the Reds are now well organized at the back and looking so dangerous in attack. Is this their year for Finals…?
EVENT OF THE WEEK:
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers’ Bryleeh Henry (right) – two nominations for Moment of the Week. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Kieran: Bryleeh Henry’s penalty. She took responsibility for a crucial spot-kick to deliver Western Sydney’s first win of the season. It was a really well-taken penalty and it’s great to see a young player step up at the moment.
Kris: The announcement of the Matildas squad and seeing all the A-League Women players getting their call up. I was especially stoked to see Cortnee Vine get the nod after coming back to form from her ACL injury last year.
Ben: Bryleeh Henry’s comprehensive dispatch of Western Sydney’s penalty to clinch their first win of the campaign which put them in touching distance of the top four.
Above: Bryleeh Henry (centre) celebrates with Sheridan Gallagher and Libby Copus-Brown after scoring from the spot. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
We’re at the part of the season where wins are becoming crucial and both Brisbane and the Wanderers are desperately needing a win to have any hope of making the finals.
While the Wanderers have been rock solid in defence, their lack of goals has seen them draw three times but only record one loss. Brisbane on the other hand, have had one win, one draw but three losses, having played one more game than the Wanderers. They’ve certainly scored plenty of goals – ten goals to Wanderers one.
That is most certainly how this match played out. Roar attacking with all they’ve got and Wanderers, stoic in defence, taking their chances when they could. Roar wasted no time getting down to business with two early on target shots on goal by Katrina Gorry and Larissa Crummer, both saved by Sarah Langman.
Above: Brisbane Roar’s Larissa Crummer (right) escapes from the attentions of Wanderers’ Alexia Apostolakis. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Bryleeh Henry retaliated with a shot from a headed pass from Caitlin Cooper but it was too high and sailed over the bar.
After a series of fouls and free kicks, Libby Copus-Brown lobbed a ball through the centre to Henry. Her shot goes to the bottom left corner and was saved by Georgie Worth. Roar made a fast break and were back on the attack again. Crummer, Gorry, and Mariel Hecher all have a crack. Crummer and Gorry are close but off-target. Hecher’s shot required another save by Langman.
Clare Hunt is all over the field in both defence and attack and when she sends a ball through for Libby Copus-Brown, it goes across goal and out to the right.
Around the 30-minute mark, both teams step up to launch a wave of attacks. Teigan Collister starts it off with a shot that’s high and wide to the left for the Wanderers. Rie Kitano’s long-range shot from outside the box is blocked.
Back up the other end and Cooper goes high. Then Shea Connors brings the ball down the left and crosses to Hecher in the box in front of goal. She gets the ball under control and slips it through to Gorry arriving on her right. Gorry shoots and Langman has to reach for it. She fumbles and it bounces down perilously close to the line and then bounces off the goal post. She’s able to gather it but Roar are protesting it went in. Would have been a good one to look at with goal-line technology as it was very close.
The next ball through from Gorry finds Connors offside. Henry gets one more attempt but that also goes out to the left of goal.
Above: Wanderers’ Bryleeh Henry (right) looks to get away from Anna Margraf. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Just before halftime, Gallagher gets a yellow for a bad foul. She’s quite an aggressive player and doesn’t back down in tackles. She’s had a couple of yellows already this season. The resulting free-kick ends with Connors shooting from the centre of the box. It’s straight to Langman though. And the half end it’s nil all.
Back on after a well-deserved break in the heat and humidity, Connors dribbles down the centre of the field, creates some space, and gets a long shot off that just clears the top bar. Kitano makes an on-target strike which is gathered by Langman. Another attack by Gorry goes left and high of goal.
Gallagher takes a rather good volley shot at the top of the box from Henry but it goes straight to Worth.
Roar are back on the attack with Gorry causing all sorts of problems. She’s back in great form and it’s obvious why she was selected in the Matildas squad despite turning it down this time.Roar are looking more impressive in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
There’s the usual raft of substitutions around the 60-minute mark with Natalie Tathem replacing Kitano for the Roar and Olivia Price coming on for Alexia Apostolakis closely followed by Isabella Habuda replacing Ashlie Crofts for the Wanderers.
Connors sent a ball through for Anna Margraf but Langman ran out of the box and got there first to clear the ball with a big boot.
Habuda brought the ball down the right and skipped around Haffenden before arriving in the box and crossing. She sent the ball behind Henry who was waiting there and Collister had to go back to pick it up. She slipped it to Olivia Price, who evaded two defenders before being tackled and brought down in the box by Hecher. A penalty is awarded.
Henry steps up to take it. She goes hard and heavy to the bottom right and Worth dives that way too but it’s too fast and she can’t reach it. Wanderers score their second goal for the season at the 65-minute mark.
Above: Bryleeh Henry celebrates with her team-mates after scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
From that point, the Roar step it up another gear and it’s one attack after another.
A ball is through for Crummer into the box but Langman dives and smothers it. Hecher kicks a long ball across from the right to Connors in the box. Her header goes to the left of goal. A nice little attack by the Roar ends with a strike by Connors but it’s deflected out for a corner.
Connors and Cooper collide and Cooper lands heavily on her shoulder but seems to be OK.
Another attack sees Clough in space and she’s able to pass to Hecher but it’s deflected for a corner. Crummer gets her head to it but it goes high. Another long ball sees Crummer surrounded as she enters the box and Langman is on it once again. The corner results in a pile on in front of goal. A free-kick is awarded to the Wanderers as the Roar are literally on top of the ball.
When Connors finally beats Langman it goes wide across goal. Roar are not giving up but nor are Wanderers. Crummer shoots again but it’s straight to Langman who’s been a brick wall.
When the Wanderers get a corner they go into time-wasting mode – also known as “game management”. It frustrates Brisbane and Connors gets a yellow at 88 minutes for a tackle on Gallagher. There’s more time-wasting in the corner and five minutes of stoppage time is announced.
Above: Jessie Rasschaert (3) looks to get away from Bryleeh Henry. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Connors crosses but Tathem can’t get to it. Connors tries a long shot but it’s straight to Langman. Another nice attack is foiled by Hunt.
Collister and Norrie fighting through the midfield ends in a pushing match and yellow for both of them as frustrations rise.
The whistle goes and Wanderers get their first three points of the season. Defence wins the game and Wanderers back four were solid as a rock. Langman saved the day on more than one occasion.
In the end, possession was pretty even with Roar marginally in front. But when you look at shots and shots on target, Roar are way out in from. 22 shots to 10. Nine shots on target to three. And two saves for Roar to nine saves for the Wanderers. When it mattered, Henry was able to step up. She said after the match that she needed to “Bury it” to get the three points.
Gorry was reflective after the match and said they needed to be clinical in front of goal. She also spoke about turning down the opportunity to join the Matildas for the Asian Cup. She said it was a very hard decision but wants to keep her baby daughter Harper safe and India was just too hard under these current circumstances.
The win sees Wanderers leapfrog Brisbane Roar on the table with a game in hand. Their next game is against third-placed Melbourne Victory and it should be interesting. Victory have had a couple of unexpected results and will be without some of their star players who will be joining the Matildas. Roar will be playing Wellington Phoenix and should be expecting to win.
Above: Northern Ireland’s European Championship preparations have stepped up a notch this week. Photo: Irish FA.
A seven-month training camp to prepare the Northern Ireland team for the UEFA Women’s European Championships this summer kicked-off this week.
The creation of the camp means players in Kenny Shiels’ squad who do not play the game professionally in England or Scotland will become full-time players in the run-up to the tournament, which is being staged in England in July.
“We will do everything we can to prepare the squad for this fantastic occasion,” said Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson.
“It has been a huge undertaking to put such an operation together over the last few months. We are, of course, used to short term international training get-togethers, but never before have we run a seven-month camp with the financial, operational, technical, welfare and medical support such a project demands,” he pointed out.
A total of 22 Northern Ireland-based players will be training under the non-residential full-time programme, which is to be based at Newforge Sports Complex in south Belfast.
Squad members who play professionally in England and Scotland will remain with their clubs to train except if selected for games in international windows in February, April and June ahead of the tournament.
Northern Ireland senior women’s team boss Kenny Shiels said: “2022 will be a pivotal year for my squad and backroom team. Having a permanent base at Newforge will help us collectively to maximise our potential in readiness for World Cup qualifiers and, of course, competing at the Euros in England.
“It will take at least six weeks until our programme begins to show effect. It’s certainly a great feeling to be part of it. Some girls will adjust quicker than others. Newforge is a fantastic setting for the girls to progress.”
Angela Platt, the Irish FA’s Director of Women’s Football, said: “Up to now many of our players have balanced studying or employment, or both, with training commitments to prepare to compete at the highest level in our sport.
“Competing with the best requires a level of commitment that makes full time employment virtually impossible. With this programme now in place it will enable our squad to fully focus on being elite athletes and give us the best chance of success in Southampton later this year.
“To the employers, education organisations and clubs we say a big thank you for their support in releasing players from their current commitments to be part of this exciting and innovative programme.”
The camp’s training schedule covers every day of the week except Saturdays; Saturday is the scheduled day off for players.
Shiels is expected to have a fluid training schedule, however each week there will be pitch sessions (both tactical and physical which will be tailored on group and one-on-one basis and will include match scenarios), individual and group strengthening and conditioning plus balanced rest and recovery sessions.
In addition there will be performance analysis sessions along with physiotherapy, massage and cryospa treatments. And there will be psychology (both individual and team) sessions, too.
Beattie Makes Step Up To Glasgow City
Above: Kerry Beattie, a new signing for Glasgow City, Scotland’s most successful club side. Photo: Irish FA.
Northern Ireland international Kerry Beattie has signed for Glasgow City
Beattie, 19, joins the Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 side on a three-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The striker makes the switch to Scotland from Glentoran Women where she played an integral part in capturing the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership title last season, scoring a brilliant 23 goals to top-score in the league. The Glens also won the League Cup and the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup.
“I feel absolutely delighted to be joining a team as prestigious as Glasgow City,” Beattie said. “I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life and the opportunity to develop my game further greatly excites me. I can’t wait to meet the team and get to work.”
Beattie has made six appearances for the Euros-bound Northern Ireland Women’s team and scored her first goal for her country in their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier victory against North Macedonia in Belfast in November.
Beattie has been handed the number 11 shirt and could feature in Sunday’s Scottish Women’s Cup game v Queen’s Park, subject to international clearance.
Above: Melbourne City’s prolific striker Hannah Wilkinson about to put her side 2-0 up over Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Melbourne City.
A spell of two goals in five minutes before half-time ultimately proved to be the difference as Melbourne City saw off Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.
City were out of the blocks fast with Hannah Wilkinson working hard to test Lily Alfeld. Newly called-up to the Matildas, 18-year-old Holly McNamara earned an early corner when her shot was deflected out for a corner on the left. Rhianna Pollicina’s delivery was dangerous, high into the mix, but Phoenix dealt with the danger.
With the game heading towards the quarter of an hour mark, Phoenix were able to build offensively with Mackenzie Barry and Chloe Knott working hard to try and create opportunities with Alyssa Whinham buzzing around impressively once more and Kate Taylor putting in some fierce challenges.
Phoenix continued to press and when Winonah Heatley gave possession away to Isabel Gomez, a dangerous cross came in towards Knott, but City defender Tori Tunmeth got in ahead to prevent a goal.
Wellington were punished for being unable to turn chances into goals when City went immediately up the pitch and took the lead just before the half-hour mark. McNamara put a ball in towards Wilkinson. Taylor’s attempted headed clearance fell straight to Kaitlyn Torpey who fired a first-time shot into the net.
Above: Kaitlyn Torpey fires home Melbourne City’s first goal. Photo: Melbourne City.
With City gradually building a head of steam coming into the break, it was important for Phoenix to hold the score at 1-0, but with two minutes of the half remaining, those hopes ended.
Melissa Barbieri’s long goal kick was headed back by Barry, but the teenage defender failed to get anywhere enough power on the ball which allowed Wilkinson to run through and lift the ball over Alfeld into the net for her eighth goal in three games.
Above: Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson lifts the ball over Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Lily Alfeld to make it 2-0. Photo: Melbourne City.
Three minutes into stoppage time, City went three-up. McNamara earned a corner after Gomez cleared the danger. Chelsea Blissett’s high set-piece caused chaos in the Wellington six-yard box as Heatley got in at the far post ahead of McMeeken and Ava Pritchard to force the ball home.
To their credit, Wellington started the second half positively but were never quite able to turn possession into shots on goal.
City almost made them pay once more after a loose pass enabled Rebekah Stott to play in McNamara. The teenage striker gave herself a tight angle which enabled Alfeld in the Phoenix goal to push the shot away for a corner.
Stott almost added a fourth with under 25 minutes to go against her fellow countrywomen when she received possession just outside the box, but her shot came back off of the top of the bar.
Above: Emma Checker celebrates her goal with team-mate Caitlin Karic. Photo: Melbourne City.
With the game entering its final 15 minutes, City completed the scoring. Torpey got away from Jordan Jasnos along the right to pull in a high cross. Possession eventually found its way to McNamara on the right of the box who earned a corner.
As the flag-kick came in from Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, Phoenix were unable to clear and City defender Emma Checker was able to twist and fire home a powerful finish at the back post.
Alfeld was called into action to deny McNamara when the pair were one on one with nine minutes to go as City ran out comfortable winners.
Reviewing the game, Wellington Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis said: “I think we played more positively today, which sucks to still walk away with a four-nil loss,” Lewis told media post-match.
“I think for the most part we had a bit more about us. We were a bit more relentless out of possession, we were turning over the second ball, we were getting in their face, we were trying to be positive going forward, we were getting our fullbacks joining up, we were trying to get attacking numbers in the box.
Above: Wellington Phoenix’s Zoe McMeeken in possession under the watchful eye of Hannah Wilkinson. Photo: A-League Women.
“I was happy with how we performed in the first-half, but three-nil down at halftime is so hard to come back from.”
Lewis saw the period on either side of half-time as key to the outcome: “I felt like we had a good first half but then we made that mistake and conceded a soft second goal and then conceded just before we go into halftime from a corner.
“We just have to really work on stopping those soft goals because that really changed the game to be honest.
“I felt like we had really good moments in that first half, where we were pushing them. Obviously, we’re still struggling with that attacking threat, but I felt like we had more attacking options.”
With an Exclusive photo gallery from Kris Goman (at bottom of the page)
Above: Eyes on the prize – Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine jumps to win the ball. Photo: Kris Goman.
Three goals in the opening 25 minutes ensured that Sydney FC stayed top of the A-League Women with a comfortable win over Perth Glory at Kogarah.
Whilst the attendance was significantly lower than usual due to a late change in venue and kick-off time, the home support created a good atmosphere.
Sydney were comfortable on the ball from the start, patiently keeping possession. Ally Green stepped up on the left to play a tempter in towards Cortnee Vine, but the striker, newly called up to the Matildas’ Asia Cup training squad couldn’t quite get on the end of it.
It didn’t take long for Sydney to have better luck. With 11 minutes of the clock, Vine beat Sarah Carroll on the right and floated a ball in towards Remy Siemsen near the right-hand post. Vine got away from the close attentions of Liz Anton and fired an effort across the box which Perth keeper Courtney Newbon got a hand on, but the ball fell into the path of Mackenzie Hawkesby who ghosted in ahead of Tash Rigby to lash home inside the six-yard box.
Above: Mackenzie Hawknesby celebrates her goal. Photo: Kris Goman.
With 66% of possession in the opening quarter of an hour, Sydney were on fire, further evidence was seen when Vine was given all the time in the world to gallop through the middle, but Anton stepped in to erase the danger.
Yet Perth hadn’t learned to keep a closer eye on the Sky Blues’ 23-year-old star and less than a minute later, a long ball across from Siemsen to Vine saw her race away from Sarah Carroll and get one on one with Newbon to smash a shot into the far corner of the net.
It didn’t take long for Sydney to assert their total dominance with a third. Once more, Vine was at the heart of the action. Charlize Rule and Rachel Lowe were involved in the build-up before Vine was found down the right-wing. She kept the ball in play brilliantly, got away from Sarah Carroll, and laid off a low ball to Siemsen at the near post who tucked a first-time effort into the net ahead of Anton.
Above: Remy Siemsen gets in ahead of Liz Anton to put Sydney FC 3-0 up. Photo: Kris Goman.
Sydney continued to press for the remainder of the half with Remy Siemsen causing the Western Australian’s further headaches. Possession was at a premium for Perth with both Gemma Craine and Susan Phonsonghkam rarely in a position to be seen offensively.
Glory needed to come out on the front foot at the start of the second half to have any hope of an unlikely comeback, yet within four minutes of the re-start, they were 4-0 down.
Hawkesby’s corner came in from the right and it was met by the head of Rule who was able to make a late run unmarked to send a thumping header into the far corner of the net.
Green went close to further extending Sydney’s lead ten minutes into the half when her cross-shot in space down the left bounced off of the top of the bar.
Above: Sydney FC’s Charlize Rule (centre) battles it out in the air with Perth Glory’s Kim Carroll (left) and Alana Jancevski (right). Photo: Kris Goman.
Chilean magician Cote Rojas came off the bench to run at the Perth defence and, after tying Kim Carroll in knots, got a shot away at the right-hand side of the box which came off the arm of Anton, giving referee Casey Reibelt no option but to point to the spot. Hawkesby stepped up and hit a powerful effort towards the left-hand side of the net, but Newbon made a superb one-handed save to push the ball away.
Rojas was centimetres away with eight minutes to go when she couldn’t quite get on the end of Rule’s cross.
Craine showed her danger towards the end when she used her pace to get through and then her upper body strength to hold off would-be challenges to get a ball away for Lisa De Vanna to hit a first time effort which fizzed just over the bar.
Rojas followed up by dispatching the ball into the net from a quickly taken free-kick, but she was adjudged to have handled it in the build-up.
Whilst Phonsongkham and Anton put in impressive shifts for the visitors, it was nowhere near enough.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis spoke of his immense disappointment after the game: “It wasn’t good enough. I think we gave them the onus and the chance to build momentum. We just gave them too much respect,” he said.
“They (Sydney) are a good team, but we allowed it to be a bit too easy. It was a timid start (from us) and that allowed Sydney to get the goals and we had to play catch up. We’re not happy. It’s one of the worst performances of the season.”
Epakis recognized the impact of playing three games in seven days on his young team: “Mental discipline, with three games in a week is really hard to keep to a high standard. I know that the players did the best they could taking on the pressure from set-pieces, corners, and deep throws, but there’s only so much that you can do to keep a quality team like that out. It’s a build-up of the last couple of days and Sydney FC had the benefit.”
“I said at half-time that we really only had our spirit and pride to play for. I would have preferred not to have been in that position and then conceding an early goal in the second half. We did show some pride, but nowhere near enough for what we are trying to do as a group. These are the performances that we just can’t accept and we don’t want to have.”
Ben Gilby brings you the news from this week’s press conferences around the A-League Women ahead of Sunday’s games(8/1/22).
BRISBANE ROAR:
Garrath McPhersonon Getting That First Win and Keeping Gorry
Above: Brisbane Roar head coach Garrath McPherson. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
The Brisbane Roar head coach has highlighted some of the off-pitch work that was done to help his team finally record their first win of the season last weekend. “We’d been very close to closing out our previous games and we’d learned a lot of harsh lessons among a squad which doesn’t have a lot of experience.
“We worked on the training pitch on how to close matches out. Beating Melbourne Victory in Melbourne was the first time we’d beaten then there for a while. If you then throw in the fact we had a player test positive (for COVID) and then had to change in the car park on white chairs, and then had to get straight on the bus afterwards in our playing kit and boots – the resilience was excellent.
McPherson also reminded the media of two other factors that impacted on his team: ”Our squad didn’t start training together until after a lot of other sides already began. Several players picked up injuries right before the season started. We’ve got a lot of local players making their starting debuts at 17 and 18-years-old. It’s exciting, but it’s also terrifying at the same time!
“We are a club with a history and we want to win games and trophies, but there is a trade-off between short-term and long-term success. It is an investment in players who will be with us for a number of years before maybe going on to America or Europe to be in a professional environment.”
Brisbane’s head coach addressed the fact that Katrina Gorry will be remaining with Brisbane during the forthcoming Asia Cup competition: “She was concerned about the medical care situation out there (in India where the Asia Cup is taking place). If (baby) Harper got sick out there it would not be ideal.
“She’ll miss out on this opportunity, but with the World Cup in 2023, I’m sure the national team will have many more meet-ups this year and I’m sure she’ll be considered again. I’m happy to have her for more games with us though!”
In terms of availability, Roar have no injuries ahead of the game against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Nat Tathem: Making A Comeback and Keeping Positive
Above: Nat Tathem pictured celebrating Brisbane’s win in her first game back after an ACL injury. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane’s defender spoke about her delight in returning to action last weekend after a year out with an ACL injury in her side’s win over Melbourne Victory.
“The girls were all so supportive which helped. It was a shame that it was an away game that I made my comeback in which meant there were no friends and family there, but also coming on the field against my old team helped as I knew what to expect.
“Melbourne helped me through my re-hab as I was still there for half the time of my recovery. The coaching squad there helped me through and they were happy for me to be back. I knew what to expect being against Victory. It was more like a training environment as I knew everyone out there.”
Despite Brisbane’s frustrating start to the season which saw them concede late goals to lose their first four games, the 26-year-old defender knew that better times would soon arrive: “Even when we weren’t getting the results, we kept together and kept positive.
“You could see a bit more nervousness on match day because we needed a result. We got around each other to support each other and fight to the last minutes. Those games we lost in the last five minutes have sucked, but it proved to ourselves that we won that way last week, we can keep going to the end.”
“When you lose games, because the season is so short, you become that bit more results-focused as you need to win games to come back and make the top four. We had only lost games by one or two and they were all things that we could fix. We were never played off the park.”
MELBOURNE CITY:
Rado Vidosicon City’s Return From COVID Inforced Absence
Above: Rado Vidosic – has the vast majority of his players back after COVID ahead of their game with Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic reflected on a difficult period for his team following a COVID outbreak at the club: “There was always a 100% chance that we would get it (COVID). Most of the girls were living in one house and they got through it easier as they were surrounding each other. Thank God all of them came back without any long-term issues. Some came back within two or three days, most came back soon after. Only one is still off.
“We only had six players training with us for the best part of the last week, it was a blessing that we didn’t play. Not everyone had COVID, but a number without COVID had to isolate. Now we are healthy, we don’t mind playing midweek games. We will probably lose some players for the national team, but we have answers for that. We have a good squad and we are injury-free, working on our principles.”
With the Matildas calling up City’s Winonah Heatley and Holly McNamara for the pre-Asia Cup training squad, Vidosic recognizes that it impacts his team, but also highlighted the fact that the Sky Blues are far from being the only team to lose players.
“Ourselves, Sydney, and Victory will lose a few players for the Asia Cup. It doesn’t necessarily put things in our favour. It will be interesting as, with corona too and injuries and a smaller number of players per squad and younger, less experienced players, it will be stressful for every club. (But), whoever we lose, we should be able to replace.”
“Today (Friday) was probably the best training session we have had all season. All the hunger and desire were there, hopefully, it will show on Sunday against Wellington too. (Tony) Gustavsson is calling up lots of young players, he has an open door for the squad, so players know they need two or three good performances and they have a chance. It is a really good thing.”
In terms of selection for Sunday’s game, the City head coach doesn’t expect there to be any surprises. “I don’t like to tinker with the squad,” he admitted.
“It is the plan that Stotty will play 90 minutes. We are still trying to manage her. She has had a few days off. It will depend on things like the intensity of the game and the weather. We would love to extend her to 90 minutes but we know it depends.”
The competition’s top scorer, Hannah Wilkinson will face her fellow country-women on Sunday, and Vidosic was effusive in his praise for her: “This is my fourth season and she is the first striker for me. Her and Holly McNamara can play in different positions. We are blessed. Hannah’s experience and work rate are second to none.
“She is a great person who is lovely to have in your team. I spoke to her at the Olympics when she was thinking of joining us. I told her she would be rewarded for hard work. Seven goals in five games is great. She is looking forward to the rest of the season and playing for her national team.
“She is fantastic in the air. We haven’t quite got our crossing game going, but we will soon. Our balls into her for her runs though are good and she has been fantastic.”
Hannah Wilkinson:Loving Life At City
Above: New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson will be facing her fellow countrywomen on Sunday when Melbourne City face Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park. Photo: Wikipedia.
The A-League Women’s top scorer opened her media conference by detailing what the situation was like at the club during the COVID outbreak. “We’re just grateful to be back together. It was a pain in the arse to happen, but now we’re all back and that’s awesome.
“A big group of girls who live together was the main problem. Slowly but surely, symptoms came from that house. Everyone got tested. I wasn’t part of that group. We just had to do what we could. It was a nightmare, but all good now.
“It was a shame that we couldn’t maintain our momentum (after the big win over Melbourne Victory). One of the cases came back positive before the game, so we knew there was a risk we might not be able to play for a while. It made us realize we had to go out there even more strongly for that game and do everything we could to do well.
Wilkinson’s partnership with Holly McNamara this season has been one of the best in the competition, and the Kiwi was full of praise for the 18-year-old striker. “I love playing with Holly. She is a very smart player. We work well, she moves off of my movement. She knows where I will be and she’s set up most of my goals. “National teams will be watching. It’s a good thing. Her being called up will be a great thing for the Matildas.
“The service and distribution that I’m getting is every striker’s dream. This sort of consistency I haven’t had for a long time. I’m so grateful to be playing with them.”
Wilkinson is also enjoying being coached by Rado Vidosic: “I love the way we play, it’s beautiful to watch and beautiful to play. We play a really nice possession-based game. We do a lot of work out of possession, pressing. That shows in our results.
“I’ve wanted to play in this league for so long. I’m really grateful to be playing with City. It’s awesome and cool to be close to home for once too!”
With Wilkinson in such good form, she is hoping to return to the Football Ferns squad in February when they will be competing in the She Believes Cup. However, as the A-League Women is playing through the FIFA international window, a choice will have to be made from a club v country perspective.
“A FIFA window is supposed to see that there are no (club) games. But that is something that we can’t control. We don’t want to miss any games, national or club. This is a massive opportunity for the national team. It is annoying and really frustrating, but what can you do?”
WELLINGTON PHOENIX:
Gemma Lewis:Re-Set Phoenix Prepared For City Test
Above: A nine-day break has helped Gemma Lewis to put right some of the defensive frailties seen in Wellington Phoenix’s last outing against Sydney FC. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Phoenix face Melbourne City this Sunday, and head coach Gemma Lewis began by revealing how she was planning on combatting the Sky Blues’ New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson, who is in deadly form.
“Ah! I’m going to push her for her Kiwi loyalties and tell her to keep (her goal tally on Sunday) to just a couple maybe!
“She’s on form and she will cause us problems. However, she is a player that Kate (Taylor) and Mac (Mackenzie Barry) like to play against as they love stepping up, intercepting and being aggressive. They are looking forward to coming up against her, being a fellow Kiwi.
“She is a weapon and we need to defend our box. It’s been an area of focus this week. We need to win first and second contact in the box. It will be hard against a unit like Wilkinson, but we’re in a much better place now after the Sydney game.”
Wellington’s last outing, that 5-0 loss in Wollongong was nine days ago, which has allowed for recovery after a period of two games in four days for Lewis’ youngsters.
“It has allowed us to give the players some days off. It’s allowed us to re-set. We’ve also been able to have a good few sessions to focus on what went wrong in the Sydney game and get better.”
In terms of availability for Sunday’s match at AAMI Park, Saskia Vosper, who had to leave the field with a groin strain against Sydney will not make it, although the prognosis is positive: “It looks like she will only miss this game, she went into that game with some tightness. One stretch and lunge and it turned into a strain.” Lewis revealed. “Grace Jale is fully cleared to play. She can start or come on, she is not restricted. Everyone else is OK.”
Looking ahead more specifically to the game against Melbourne City, Lewis revealed how impressed she has been with Rado Vidosic’s team this season: “I’ve really enjoyed watching them this season. Holly McNamara is having a great season as well. Her and Pollicina are creating well for Wilkinson. Stotty (Rebekah Stott) is growing every game. As a unit, they are great. They play very structured which helps because we know how to play against them, but they are very good at what they are doing. They set a trap well, they execute it well and everyone in their team knows what they are doing.
“City like to play out a bit more, but I don’t know if they will do that against us. Our focus is to get more possession into the opposition third. We’ve been looking at attacking out a counter and out a block. We’ve looked at different players in different positions. As City play with wingbacks we’re hoping to get our fullbacks attacking.
“The realism is we are always going to be up against the pump. Player against player, we will always be underdogs this season. We have been close in possession but still not got many shots on target.
In terms of focus for the game, Lewis recognizes that there is a fine balance between deciding whether to spend training time focusing on defending or attacking: “We normally back ourselves defending in the box, but against Sydney, it was really poor. We gave them gifts and didn’t make them earn goals. We had to address that. We have looked at our in-possession stuff. At the moment, we’re not able to press high and turnover ball as they are not playing out from the back. That takes away opportunities for us, so we need to look at how we do that.
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson, who today unveiled his training squad for the Asia Cup. Photo: Football Australia.
Tony Gustavsson has announced 25 players who will depart for the Matildas pre-Asia Cup training camp in the United Arab Emirates.
21 of the players have received final selection for the tournament, with four of domestically based stars from the A-League Women included for training which will commence on Monday.
The Melbourne City pair, Winonah Heatley and Holly McNamara are joined by Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine and Karly Roestbakken of Canberra United, with two of these players eventually being added to the final squad to make up Gustavsson’s 23 players for the tournament which kicks off for Australia on January 21 when they face Indonesia in Mumbai.
Sam Kerr will captain a squad that contains 36-year-old defender Aivi Luik who had announced her retirement from international football back in August.
Potency upfront from Kerr, Siemsen, Emily Gielnik, Kyah Simon, Caitlin Foord reflects Australia’s strength in depth in this position.
Artwork: AFC
The midfield selections caught the eye for different reasons though, with only four players listed in that position – Kyra Cooney Cross, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, and Tameka Yallop. Consequently, Mary Fowler, who Gustavsson has praised in recent press conferences for her ability to perform to a high level in several different positions, may be asked to play a little bit deeper.
The average age (26.6) of the 21 players with guaranteed selection is older than in Australia’s past seven World Cup campaigns, with the average number of caps held among this group, 59, standing higher than in any of the Matildas’s previous Asia Cup campaigns.
As he shared his squad with the media earlier today, the Matildas head coach said: “We considered a lot of factors and reflected on the experience of the Tokyo Olympics in assembling this roster.
“It was important that, with the initial 21 players selected, we found the balance between players that have been the backbone of the national team for the past decade and providing experience to a new group of players with the World Cup next year in mind.
“Having the right mix of skills to win matches is paired with the right experience on the training park and in the dressing room. Over the past six months, we have worked to examine the talent pool extensively and we think we have found that balance with this squad.”
Gustavsson also explained the thinking behind taking four additional players to the training camp before whittling his squad down to the final 23.
“With additional time before we arrive in India, we wanted to ensure players have every single moment available to them to make their case to be a part of the Asian Cup.”
Australia’s Pre-Asia Cup Training Squad:
Players in italic are part of the travelling group for the pre-tournament training camp with two of these players to be selected for the final squad.
Above: Adelaide United celebrate after sealing a second straight win which renews their hopes of a first Finals place. Photo: A-League Women.
Canberra United hosted Adelaide United in their second game in three days. The home side had fought out a tough but exciting draw with Perth Glory on Wednesday night and were still looking for their first win of the season.
Adelaide played the same Glory team last week, winning 4-2 on the back of some spectacular attacking football, and were looking to extend their winning streak over Canberra to three games.
Adelaide welcomed back captain Izzy Hodgson. She started at right-back and was directly opposed to a marauding Karly Roestbakken for the first half.
Roestbakken started in her farewell game of sorts. The Canberra favourite has been recalled to The Matildas and was expected to depart after the match.
It was a ballistic start to the game, the sort of match that commentators love, neutrals switch on to and fans watch in rotating states of excitement and stress.
Both teams attacked in the opening minutes like they were the closing minutes. It did not take long for somebody to score. Adelaide United’s returning star Dylan Holmes volleyed to take the lead in the ninth minute.
Above: Dylan Holmes celebrates her goal with Emily Condon (8). Photo: Adelaide United.
It was Fiona Worts who started the move with a twisting run into the penalty area. The chance was partially cleared by Lauren Kier but Emily Condon collected the loose ball. With quick thought and excellent skill, Condon lifted the ball over the Canberra defenders.
Adelaide’s Hayward nodded the ball square for Holmes to volley in and set up an early lead for the home side to chase.
Canberra tried to answer quickly and Michelle Heyman slipped a pass into space for Margot Robbine. The French winger had time and struck her shot solidly but Annalee Grove was well positioned and saved what looked like a certain goal.
Roestbakken, positioned on the left combined with Heyman and Allira Toby to almost set up Grace Maher, but the lunging midfielder was inches away from making good contact.
From a corner kick, Toby flashed a header wide and Heyman did almost everything right to level the scores. Her shot flew across the face of goal and bounced off the inside of the far post in a quirk of physics.
For the third game in a row, Chelsie Dawber added her name to the scoresheet. Worts long ball beyond the defence caught Canberra by surprise. Dawber sprinted clear, changed the angle of her run as she approached goal, and clipped the ball into the bottom corner in a composed finish.
Adelaide went into halftime 2-0 up but the talking point at the break was that Karly Roestbakken limped off under the cloud of an unclear injury.
She returned to the field and was joined by Ash Sykes. The returning club legend made an instant impact with a piercing run down the left flank. Her square ball was delayed just a little too long and Heyman was unable to make clean contact, but Canberra were playing with intent.
In the 57th minute, Sykes scored her first goal since returning to the top level and brought Canberra back into the game.
Toby swung in a high, early cross from the right and Sykes looped her header over Grove to make it 2-1 with half an hour to play.
Above: Ash Sykes’ Canberra United teammates salute her goal which brought them back into the match. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra continued to dominate and Heyman has another near miss. Roestbakken had moved to the right side and whipped in a perfect cross. The captain met the ball at pace and directed her header back across goal. Grove was beaten but it narrowly missed the target when the crowd were ready to celebrate.
Against the run of play, Fiona Worst nailed shut any realistic hopes of a comeback.
In the 77th minute she collected the ball on the edge of the box and dragged a composed finish into the right bottom corner. Canberra were caught on the counter attack and Worts’ finish was clinical.
The home side continued to create chances. The possibility of scoring twice in ten minutes was not beyond them, they had done the same against Brisbane Roar two rounds ago.
On that occasion, Grace Maher was able to drag them back from defeat with a brilliant free-kick. With a set piece in a similar position, the home crowd hoped for another miracle.
Her shot looked good off the boot and from many angles it looked like a goal but when the net rippled it was because her shot had skimmed off the top of it.
Above: Adelaide United’s Matilda McNamara (right) is persued by Ashlee Washington of Canberra United. Photo: Adelaide United.
This was not to be Canberra’s day and it is shaping up to be a difficult season despite them playing some very entertaining, high-octane football.
Michelle Heyman is finding herself in excellent positions but goals are evading her at the moment, however, she and her team are creating chances, they will eventually start going in.
In defence things are looking tricky. They have lost both of last season’s centre-backs and have reshuffled their defensive lineup and strategy throughout this season.
With Roestbakken departing to the pre-Asia Cup training camp, things will not get easier in their own half of the field.
Adelaide are in flying form. They have won two in a row and importantly, all of their good players are playing well. Emily Condon is creating, Holmes is linking play, Chelsie Dawber is scoring and Worts is causing problems.
With the disruption to both Melbourne teams and Sydney FC due to Matilda’s call-ups, this season presents the best chance in years for The Reds to finally crack the top four.
The game ended 3-1, Canberra have completed a taxing week and Adelaide have improved their finals credentials. What a game it was to watch.
FC United of Manchester head coach Tom Fitton spoke to Impetus editor Ben Gilby about his team’s first season in the FA Women’s National League, their large supporter base, and some exciting plans for a successful one club future(6/1/22).
Above: FC United Women 2021/22. Photo: @FCUnitedWomen
Tom arrived at the club this season for the club’s first campaign in the FA Women’s National League as they find themselves in Division One North after promotion into the competition. He opened by outlining the club’s history in brief.
“In the past ten seasons; the women’s team has been born, grown, and established to where it is today. There have been countless successes and achievements in their history in the County Leagues and Cups.”
As with every other club, the past two years have been a difficult period for FC United, both on and off the pitch.
“Lockdowns were a significant challenge for everyone in and outside of football. The team informed me that there were a lot of frustrations and so many unknowns around if the season was going to be completed, would the league standings count, and so on.
Above: FC United head coach Tom Fitton. Photo: @FCUnitedWomen
“On top of that, we are working through a significant period of change. We are in a new league which is a fantastic challenge for us as a club on the pitch and we are learning a lot each week.
“Off the pitch, it’s all about time – we are creating a ‘One Club’ culture, we have unbelievable plans, the right people involved and tremendous backing from the fans so the future is extremely exciting.”
As with every club, FC United relies on a dedicated band of volunteers to keep the wheels moving smoothly. “There are too many! I would not know where to start from Kirsty Chambers, current player – founding member of the women’s team, Chelsea Patient in the evolution to this point with Kirsty. Pat who is still ever-present and involved on every match day, previous women’s secretary Rob Fullen, our photographer Mark Lee, Marlene and the ‘Brew Crew’ to the current influencing personal now involved.”
These much-respected volunteers are part of a team who have initiated some exciting developments off the pitch. “In the short period that I have been involved at the club, we have already made significant changes to bring the women’s team aligned with the men’s. I report to Neil Reynolds, Head of Football and the Men’s First Team Manager; we have aligned training to the same evenings, we have had social evenings and joint First Team meetings staff and players.
Above: Broadhurst Park – home of FC United Women’s team along with the men. Photo: SoccerBible.
“Our Christmas club parties have been combined, we have access to the performance analysis software the men use and then most significantly we play in the stadium on the club’s first team pitch.
“The plans we aim to achieve over the next year, three years, and five years will all be made and established with both the Men’s and Women’s teams aligned.”
With the club in the midst of their first campaign in their FA Women’s National League, Tom outlined how he sees things going so far.
“We are establishing ourselves at this level, we have had strong performances, we have put the team in situations where they have had to deal with the struggle and we are certainly seeing the positives of this now.
Above: Keeley Goodwin of FC United. Photo: @FCUnitedWomen.
“We are extremely confident we will achieve many more points in the second half of the season, from this learning period we have performed well in. Working off the current league standings we would like to finish top four and still pressure the leading pack of teams.”
FC United have had consistently higher crowds than many teams in several tiers above them, but the club are not sitting back on their laurels and looking to grow their attendances further.
“We have an average of 140 fans per home fixture and are still working on further developing our matchday experience and we have some unique ideas we want to pilot and try to attract fans that may not yet have an interest in football or even sport necessarily.”
Whilst the club are finding their feet at National League level this season, Tom believes that there is scope for further growth. “Currently within the club, the pathway from girls to women’s football is very limited, this is one of the biggest priorities for us and in the meantime, we have to be clever and think outside of the box.
“Without a doubt, we want to be as successful as we can. This club is built on passion, pride, and involvement from everyone that wants to see the club progress and achieve. We have a lot to do, the personal involved are highly skilled, experienced, and motivated so we will never rest or stop looking at where we can improve.
“After being involved in the women’s game for over 10 years and seeing the growth in that time, you could only be excited about the next five seasons especially with the sponsorship of Barclays at the top and the mass variety of increased media coverage of the women’s game. At FC United, we know where we want to be and we have a number of ways in which we can get there.”
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