Above: Canberra United’s Grace Maher, who made her 50th appearance for the club in Tuesday’s 5-0 win at Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Ahead of Canberra United’s game at Brisbane Roar tomorrow, Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from the Greens’ Grace Maherand some news from the Roar camp (17/2/22).
Canberra United’s Grace Maher previewed tomorrow’s game at Brisbane Roar as well as revealing the importance that a strange atmosphere of calm in the dressing room pre-game had on recording their first win of the season at Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday.
“It was a fun bus journey home from Sydney. It was a lot louder than any we’ve had this season. Getting that first win had really been eating away at us, but there was something interesting yesterday. Myself, Michelle (Heyman) and Vicki (Linton, head coach) all noticed a sense of calm before the game between the players and we didn’t know how that would translate onto the pitch but we didn’t say anything as we just wanted to see what happened.
“Lo and behold, in the first 20 minutes, everyone was taking time to find the players and keeping the ball. We kept Wanderers on the back foot and got a goal. We took control from there and went on for the whole 90 minutes.”
With that first win under their belt, Canberra are back in action almost immediately, something that Maher is excited about.
“No matter whether you come off a win or loss, games in quick succession is good. You can put things behind you or build momentum. We love playing lots of games, that’s why we train every day and turn up. As much as its tough on our bodies, and this week we have double travel (Sydney on Tuesday is followed by Brisbane tomorrow), we’re super glad we got the result and we want to keep the momentum going.”
The impact of the Western Sydney game on Canberra bodies was particularly brutal as Canberra’s star revealed: “I don’t think I’ve ever had so many bruises in a game that were not self-inflicted! The body is sore, but we train for this. We have great staff and people around us who make sure we’ll be ready to go on Friday. The win makes the sore spots that bit more sweeter.”
Also making the win that bit sweeter was the fact that it came on Maher’s 50th appearance for Canberra United and she was wearing the captain’s armband.
“I was really emotional when I found out that I was going to be captain. The club means a lot to me, coming up from the juniors and playing in the W-League for eight years. Caps don’t come so quickly when we have such short seasons. All I could say to the team was how proud I was of the for the performance they put in bearing in mind how tough it’s been this season.
“We have a series of games in quick succession now. We want to get as many wins as we can now as we know we haven’t played well in some games and then in others we did play well but the results didn’t come.”
Tomorrow’s game now takes on added importance as Canberra travel to another team around them in the table as they look to close in on fifth spot in the table.
“Brisbane have just come off a really heavy defeat (8-2 to Adelaide United) and we’ve just come off a big win. We know they are quality as we had a 3-3 draw with them at Christmas. They’ve got Katrina Gorry who will jump on us if we have a bad game. We have to back it up.”
In this first of a two-part feature, Caister manager Sophie Gillett and captain Hayley Muir, speak to Darrell Allen (17/2/22).
Caister FC manager Sophie Gillett has been involved in the sport since the age of four, and has had some truly memorable experiences she takes up the story.
“I then went on and played youth football at the age of eight. I was scouted by Norwich City and from the age of nine to 16 I played for the Norwich City Centre of excellence girls programme. At the time if I’m honest I didn’t really appreciate what I had but looking back now the opportunities to travel the country and parts of Europe on tour was fantastic we had a quality side and beat everyone.
“My favourite memory was going to Manchester and playing at United’s old training ground, and as a United fan respectively scoring against Liverpool in a tournament was up there as my favourite goal! With my time as a youth player I represented Gorleston Girls for eight years and also played for Norfolk girls for four.
“I gained many sport coaching badges and now because of that I am coach and manager of not only Caister Ladies, but also Gorleston Rangers u15s girls too.
Captain Hayley Muir is a legend of the local game in Norfolk with a career which began over 40 years ago.
“At the age of about nine, I got my first ever minutes playing in a proper match for the team my brother played for as there were no opportunities for girls wanting to play and the ‘no girls allowed in football’ was in those days ‘normal’. In order to be on that pitch I had to pretend to be a boy and my team mates were told to call me ‘Harry’. I loved it and as I ran on to that pitch my Dads’ words of “Get Stuck in!” rang loud and clear and I certainly did just that!
“When I was almost 13 (Back in the day women’s team did exist, but you needed to be 13 years old to join), my mum saw an advert in the local paper , an Ex Women’s England footballer was starting a new team called Norwich Ladies and trials were being held in Earlham Norwich, for any girls 13 and over and women looking to play.
“My dad took me and I got offered a place, I had four-five seasons with Norwich, we were very successful. We won all our local leagues, before joining the Chiltern League (lots of traveling) and if my memory serves me right we won that too! Our team was extremely strong. I played alongside three England internationals and one Welsh. We played our way into the W.F.A Cup Final, our opponents were Doncaster Belles.
“It’s such a long time ago, I missed out on the final due to illness, but I am sure we won! (They did, 4-3, and below is the photo to prove it!) I do remember our team being invited to the City Hall to collect our medals. I won league honours at U16, but can’t remember many games concerning that.
Above: Linda Curl lifts the FA Cup for Norwich City after their 4-3 win over Doncaster Belles in 1986 at Carrow Road. Hayley was part of the Norwich team that season but missed out on the Final due to illness. Photo: Women’s FA Cup.
“Illness, two operations for a swollen kidney saw me stop playing at the age of 18/19. I didn’t then return to football for some 20 years, I joined the newly started Sprowston Ladies. I enjoyed several seasons there before moving to Gorleston Ladies and finally now onto Caister Ladies, for whom I’m very proud to be captain of”
After incredible careers, both now find themselves spearheading operations at the newly formed Caister, The Step eight club are in their first season. Sophie was quick to praise the work of her assistant coach Matthew.
“It is our first season at Caister and although many outside the club may see me as the Manager, I lead and am the head coach for the ladies too. So I do everything from match preparation, admin after the game, to training and wouldn’t want any part of my role to change. Matthew assists with the running of the team and has been a great coach in leading sessions to support the goalkeepers”
Hayley’s role is very much one of leadership. “It’s our very first season as Caister Ladies, my role as captain is to lead by example and to support our management and squad in all they need or do”
In the Norfolk scene much a much talked about story is how the bulk of the former Gorleston squad are now at Caister just a few miles up the road, whilst Gorleston now have a new team and are going well in Step eight themselves to, Sophie told me her group are very happy to have made the move.
“I think it’s fair to say that publicly its been brought to people’s attention that we weren’t happy at our previous club, as a team lots had said they wanted to leave or were looking elsewhere and despite what some may say, this team is built on a foundation of friendship and to keep that together was more important than anything else.
“There were a few things mentioned from a third party on social media and at the time I was approached by four different clubs about going over as a team. However, the one thing that stood out for me with Caister was the one club motto, how approachable they were, how, yes football is about success but it’s the foundation of the club from youth through to the first team.
Above: Hayley Muir (left) and Sophie Gillett (right). Photo: Caister FC.
“We would be treated as part of the Caister ‘family’, on board with all decisions and given the same opportunities as the men. It was also lockdown and had club representatives checking in on players they’ve never met to check they were OK, that to me spoke volumes, being at a club who genuinely cares about the club as a whole and the interests of their players.
“So with all this in mind and a meeting with myself, Matthew and Hayley and a tour of the facilities we spoke to the girls about wanting to keep together and it went from there and I’d go as far to say best decision we’ve ever made.”
Hayley was also quick to support Gillie in confirming the right decision to join Caister was made. “Caister happened because of 21 squad players feeling frustrated, let down, dictated to and filled with false promises at Gorleston. Our manager Gillie, a green since a child whose life was Gorleston and who’s family have been involved in the club all her life had the strength of character and the guts to listen to her players and take the appropriate steps to keep her well established squad together by moving us to Caister.
“Had she not have done that the team would have folded, of that I am sure. Gillie, myself and Matthew were invited for a tour at Caister and within seconds I felt at home. Gillie put all the blood sweat and toil in!”
The Norfolk Women’s Football scene was going to include divisions at Steps seven to nine of the pyramid system, but this was reduced to eight close to the start of the season, I asked Gillie if she was happy with the decision.
“Personally, I’m pleased about if I am honest, People and teams moaned that we should be in Division One let alone Division Three. I think being in Division Three would have been hard. It would mean two seasons of promotions back to back before we got to the stage of Division One.
“Division Two was where the league respectively placed us despite other options and from the lack of of confidence, results from the previous year I think it was the right call. Others may disagree and looking at the results I wouldn’t blame them. However they’ve not walked in our shoes or been through the experiences we have had as a team, set back, knock backs, lack of respect for us individually and as a team and comments on social media.
“For me the fresh start, rebuilding, re grouping and attracting new players has been a blessing and I am so proud of our journey to get to this point, so yeah Division Two for me was the right call. At the end of the day you have to enjoy what you do, we don’t get paid for this, and to be enjoying our football again and growing as a team in confidence is more important than others opinions.”
Hayley also supported the decision to play at step eight. “Personally, I was very pleased on finding out we were to start in Division Two, the girls are more than worthy at competing at this level, although I know their confidence took a knock at Gorleston. The season so far for this squad has been brilliant, not only because of results but because of the team atmosphere, the improvement in players’ confidence, all working to better themselves, individually for the sake of their team. Couple that with brilliant, well organised training sessions from Gillie and Matthew working with our goalkeepers too and the easiness of Caister Football Club as a whole, things are going really well.”
Part Two of the article will be published on Sunday morning when Sophie and Hayley reflect in detail on Caister’s first season so far and look ahead to the day’s big England v Spain match just up the road from them in Norwich.
Above: Action from Plough Lane last night. Photo: Glyn Roberts.
From George Jones, AFC Wimbledon Ladies
AFC Wimbledon extended their unbeaten run to 13 games with an incredible win under the lights at Plough Lane against a very well-drilled QPR side in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East last night.
The Dons went into the game against a Rangers side who were unbeaten in 2022 knowing a win was required to stay within touching distance of the top two as Hashtag and Billericay both had winnable games against London Seaward and Kent Football United respectively.
Wimbledon had the best of the early exchanges with Chloe Sampson and Katie Stanley linking up well either side of Ashlee Hincks who went into the game having scored her 30th goal of the season on Sunday. However despite some good build up play from the Dons a lack of quality in the final third, lead to a scrappy first half and the half-time scoreline of 0-0 was a fair reflection of that.
The second half however was a different story with the Dons growing into the game and building more and more pressure in search of the opening goal. The feel of the game was very much of if the Dons got the first goal the game would open up allowing the hosts to increase their lead.
The first clear chance of the second half fell to Chloe Sampson but her shot went just wide of the keeper’s left hand post. With 25 minutes remaining, Molly Childerhouse replaced Chloe Sampson to add more steel into midfield to allow Megan Stow to play a more advanced role.
The Dons kept applying the pressure and came agonizing close with 15 minutes remaining as Rebecca Sargent got onto the end of an Ashlee Hincks corner however the header was just wide. With 10 minutes remaining it was looking like the Dons would not get the goal they so deserved.
Then, the ball fell to centre-back Kelly Highman just outside the QPR penalty area, and what followed can only be described as a goal of the season contender as the ball flew into the keeper’s top right-hand corner.
After the Dons took the lead the game did open up and sure enough this favoured the hosts as Ashlee Hincks finished off a brilliant solo counter-attack to double the lead by scoring her 31st goal of the season in only 25 games.
Results elsewhere did not go the Dons way as Hashtag United and Billericay both won their games meaning that AFC Wimbledon still need them to slip up between now and the end of the season to have a chance of claiming the sole promotion spot to enter the third tier of women’s football.
With the FAWNL Plate Semi-Final still to come, it is sure to be an incredible end to the season for the Dons. Before all of that though the Dons are back in Capital County Cup action on Sunday when they face Ashford Town (Middx) at Carshalton Athletic FC.
Speaking after the match, El Sueno Tequila Player of the Match Megan Stow said “It was a tough game, the first 45 we were forcing a lot, didn’t take our time and they sat in and moved side to side but in the second half we picked up some momentum were more patient and ground out two goals, unbelievable finish from Kelly Highman it was goal of the season for me already and nice little one from Ashlee (Hincks) one on one with the goalkeeper so class all round that we kept going and were patient and got the win.”
AFC Wimbledon manager Kevin Foster said “We were slow to start, to be fair to QPR they set up in a way to make it difficult for us to break them down and they did it really well. We had to stay patient and in the second half we started putting things a bit better and patterns started coming in a bit more and we started growing into the game and fortunately out of nowhere Kelly Highman has put one in the top corner which is unbelievable from her.”
Above: Gema Simon looks to escape from Cortnee Vine at Number Two Sportsground last weekend. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Kris Goman is Impetus’ A-League Women photographer. She’s been around several grounds over the past week for us. Here are her superb action shots(17/2/22).
Above: Scenes of joy for Melbourne Victory at their late comeback. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory 2-2 Sydney FC
By Kieran Yap at the City Vista Recreation Reserve (17/2/22)
Sydney FC made a rare trip outside of New South Wakes to face Melbourne Victory in a rematch of last season’s Grand Final and a possible preview to this season’s.
The league leaders have become accustomed to not only winning but winning without conceding goals. Sydney FC had a full-strength starting 11 and were missing only Paige Satchell and Maria Rojas who were both away on international duty.
Melbourne Victory were coming off their best performance of the season so far. The 5-0 defeat of Western Sydney Wanderers last week was on the foundation of them having key players in their preferred positions, and Kyra Cooney-Cross returning to an attacking role after Matildas duty and serving a suspension for a red card.
For this clash, Jeff Hopkins was back to plugging gaps in the team. It is something that he has become very good at this season and it should not be taken for granted. Claudia Bunge’s absence meant that Amy Jackson returned to central defence. This would be a test for Victory against one of the league’s most dangerous attacks.
Sydney started the match on the front foot. They dominated early possession and Victory seemed rushed in midfield. Alana Murphy was dominant for Melbourne against Newcastle two rounds prior, but up against Taylor Ray, Rachel Lowe and Mackenzie Hawkesby there much was less time and space for the youngster to direct play.
Lowe had the first real chance of the game, Hawkesby found her with a perfect chipped pass over the backline. She remained onside but the shot skimmed wide of the post. Casey Dumont was quick off her line to restrict the angle but Lowe would have expected to score.
Princess Ibini was next to try. The winger scored one of the goals of the season last weekend, but her trademark move did not have the same result in this game. She created the space well but hit it off target.
Above: Sydney FC’s Princess Ibini (right) looks to race away from Melbourne Victory’s Maja Markovski. Photo: A-League Women.
Nat Tobin hit the side netting with a well-struck effort on the turn and Siemsen’s attempt was on target but straight at Dumont.
Victory’s best chance of moving the ball was through Alex Chidiac, the playmaker was deployed in a deeper role than usual, although she may have just been following the play. Chidiacs ability to control instantly and carry the ball into space immediately relieves pressure on her side and it was important in a first half in which Victory were hanging on.
Kyra Cooney-Cross spent an anxious few minutes on the turf following a collision with multiple Sydney FC players. She was able to continue but looked restricted and dropped into midfield from the wing.
The game was an arm wrestle in the first half but roared into life in the second. Sydney opened the scoring with Ibini’s second goal in as many games. Polly Doran had the pace to match her and covered her favoured right foot as the Sydney FC winger dribbled into the area. With everybody expecting a cross or shot, she shifted the ball to her left and slide it past Dumont.
Ibini was the only player on the field to know what was going to happen. The goal was another brilliant individual effort and in its own way as good as her screamer against the Jets.
When Remy Siemsen scored Sydney’s second it looked for a moment like the floodgates might open. Charlize Rule received the ball in space and sent in a perfect cross. Siemsen was not exactly unmarked. She has a defender in front of her and behind her but the quality of the ball created an open header which she buried emphatically.
Above: Sydney FC celebrate what at the time appeared could be a match-defining lead. Photo: Sydney FC
Things got tougher for Victory with Amy Jackson suffering an ankle injury. Tiffany Eliadis was brought on to replace her in her first defensive appearance since the loss to Melbourne City earlier in the year.
She performed well in trying circumstances. She played with a no-nonsense style when the ball was there to be won and her passing from the back helped drive Melbourne forward as they looked for a lifeline.
It arrived from the boot of Lia Privitelli. After Hawkesby and Lowe combined again with some neat, stylish passing, Melbourne went on the counter-attack. Courtney Nevin hit in a brilliant low cross that caused chaos in the Sydney penalty area.
Privtielli was on hand to force the ball over the line for her third goal of the season and her first since round one. It was the first goal that Sydney FC had conceded for 901 minutes.
Melbourne continued to press, Kyra Cooney-Cross tried her luck from long range but it dipped over the bar. As the game wore on, there was a feeling among the home support that a goal was coming.
It arrived in injury time, but was worth waiting for. A Chidiac corner bounced around a crowded defence until Catherine Zimmerman volleyed home on her left foot.
It was terrific technique and great composure to keep from skying it over the bar.
Above: Melbourne Victory celebrate their superb comeback from 2-0 down. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Chidiac and Paige Zois almost found a way to a winner when they combined on the left. The resulting corner fell to Nevin but it was too high for her to direct her header on target.
From 2-0 down to the league leaders without their starting centre-back, and then without their backup centre-back, Victory had clawed a result against the best team in the competition.
Sydney’s nine-game streak of clean sheets is over, but they still remain unbeaten this season and are the most likely to finish on top.
Victory play again on the weekend, where they meet Perth Glory. There will be concerns over the fitness of Cooney-Cross and Jackson seems an unlikely inclusion.
Above: Isabel Hodgson speaking at a recent club media conference. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Isabel Hodgson, Adelaide United’s captain, spoke to Kieran Yap for this week’s #MidweekDub feature. They discuss the Reds’ superb season to date and their high hopes for Finals football(16/2/22).
Say it quietly but Adelaide United are one of the best sides in the A-League Women competition.
This is not just based on ladder position, The Reds are currently in the top four with their destiny in their own hands, but they are also capable of playing some scintillating football.
After a tough start to the season that began with a 5-1 loss to Melbourne Victory and a 3-1 loss to Melbourne City in the opening month. Things eventually began to click, and they returned to the form that they ended the previous season in.
Their turnaround on field coincided with the return of their new captain. Isabel Hodgson battled injury early in the campaign but has been on hand as Adelaide climbed the table.
Although happy with the place on the table, the right back remains grounded and focussed on what lays ahead.
“Obviously it’s a really good start to our season,” she told Impetus.
“We’re in a pretty decent position.
“Obviously, we can always be doing better and playing better but for my first year as a captain I’m really happy with my side and how we’ve been going so far.”
Above: Isabel Hodgson in action for Adelaide United against Melbourne Victory this season. Photo: Adelaide United.
Hodgson has spent her entire senior career at Adelaide United. The club embarked on a long-term strategy to build the team for success. The core of the side remains committed to the team, chief among them is their captain.
“We have a lot of loyalty to the club and a lot of loyalty to Adelaide itself,” she says of the players.
“I think we’ve been building this for a couple of years, and we’ve put in the work to get to where we are.
“I would hate to put all these years in and move on from the club as they do well and make finals.”
Hodgson was forced to watch from the sidelines as the season got off to a less than perfect start. For the incoming skipper, it was a difficult few weeks.
“It was really hard,” she reflects
“I got an injury quite early, and I had to watch the team, which is really hard in my first year as captain.
“I was really looking forward to the season and doing the best that I could.”
Hodgson is a popular player amongst the Adelaide faithful. She is a skilful and tenacious fullback who is also capable of driving upfield and setting up goals. In the last match of the 2020/21 season she was thrust into an attacking role as The Reds needed to increase their goal difference.
She responded with a sensational goal in front of a record crowd.
Above: Isabel Hodgson in action for Adelaide United last season at Marden. Photo: Adelaide United.
This season she has largely remained in defence although her crossing ability has been a valuable asset for Adelaide’s strikers.
“I love playing up front,” she says emphatically.
“I used to play there when I was younger and its somewhere I like to venture up to when I can. Last year I did it a couple of times due to personnel on the field.
“I’m pretty secure in my right back position, but if I get the chance I’m definitely saying yes to going further up the field.”
She is relatively new to the captaincy at A-League Women’s level. However, she has not had to change much of her game style to befit her new role.
“Probably just trying to lead a little bit more on the field,” she says, describing her approach to wearing the arm band.
If the game isn’t going the way we like just to keep things positive, but I think the way I play has stayed pretty much the same. Just asking for a little more of a leadership role from myself.”
Adelaide is certainly not lacking in leadership. The team’s midfield stocks received a huge boost when former captain Dylan Holmes returned. It is safe to say that everybody was glad to welcome her back to the line-up.
But was there any chance of a leadership challenge from the prodigal star?
“Absolutely not,” laughs Hodgson
Above: Isabel Hodgson (far left) celebrates with her team after a goal against Newcastle Jets. Photo: Adelaide United.
“I didn’t have to stamp my authority.
“It was really good it was obviously different for her to come back into a different position. But the good thing about our team is that we’ve got leaders everywhere.
“We’ve got three girls in the leadership group and obviously Dylan as an ex-captain, it helps us. The more leaders you have, the better the team does.
“Even if it’s not the captain role she had last year, she’s still very much a leader.”
Adelaide United have played some of the league’s most eye-catching football recently. They defend with composure and attack with intensity and unpredictability.
The passing is often direct, fast and without hesitation. A brilliant Fiona Worts goal against Newcastle Jets ended a move that began at centre back and involved seven players all constantly moving the ball forward.
That on field chemistry is something that has developed with patience says Hodgson.
“It’s something we’ve definitely been building towards.
“Obviously, a lot of us have played a few years together and even Fiona (Worts), this is her second year, and we’ve had that season with her to know what she likes and where she is going to be and, people like myself and Dylan Holmes have played together on and off since we were 11.
“I think finally now it’s clicking at that higher level and that’s showing in how well we’re playing as well as winning.”
Above: Isabel Hodgson supporting Adelaide United’s Pride Game initiative. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Another rising star in red is striker Chelsie Dawber who rose quickly to find herself in a position to challenge for the Golden Boot. She sits two goals behind Hannah Wilkinson who will miss matches due to national team duty.
According to Hodgson, the team is using their leading scorer much better than in previous years.
“I think she’s getting the ball a lot more. Last year she scored a lot of goals as well but I think we’re utilizing her a lot better than we did last year.
“She’s that year old now, she had a pretty good season last year… that confidence just keeps getting better and better every week.”
Adelaide enters the “football frenzy” of high frequency matches in a strong position. But Hodgson is as composed about the situation as she is with the ball at her feet. It really is just one game at a time to achieve that coveted top four spot.
“You’ve got to be a little bit switched on with recovery. We’ve got three away games in a row. We’re not scared we’re not worried. We know we can go away and do our job.
“That’s what it’s about, it’s about playing games and that’s what we do so the only thing to think about is the first game. Once you’ve done that you can think about the rest
“Play each game the best you can and recover as fast as you can after that. Just make sure we keep getting the three points.
“For us, every game is a must win, it’s a short season. If you drop points anywhere it really does affect you, we learned that last year with goals difference.”
While a top four finish would be a historical first for the club, the players have higher goals. Considering the football that they can produce, they are justified in dreaming big.
After missing out by a single goal last season, they are eager to make amends and to go one step further.
“I think that was our main focus. We were heartbroken last year to get so close, in the end that was out goal to make finals and we didn’t reach that so there’s that bitter taste in our mouths.
“But I think this year we went into this season wanting to win it. It wasn’t even just about just making finals. It was ‘we want to be competitive enough to win the whole thing…anything less than a Grand Final game is going to be disappointing for us.”
Above: Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta is proud of his team’s current form but know they face a tough challenge against Wellington Phoenix tomorrow. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Round 12 of the A-League Women gets underway tomorrow with the two teams who produced last weekend’s most eyecatching results going head to head. Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from both head coaches, Adrian Stenta of Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix’s Gemma Lewis(16/2/22).
Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta was unsurprisingly in a positive mood ahead of his side’s trip to Wollongong to face Wellington Phoenix tomorrow.
He first gave his assessment of his team’s 8-2 win at Brisbane Roar last weekend. “It was a really pleasing response to what was a disappointing performance on the Thursday (when Adelaide lost 1-0 to Perth Glory). It was great to score multiple goals. If I’m being honest, I’d rather we didn’t concede two, but it was great to see the girls follow through on what we wanted to execute.”
Whilst Fiona Worts claimed the headlines in that match for scoring five goals, Stenta wanted to recognize her all-round efforts for the team.
“She’s worked really hard for us as a team this year. She’s been involved in a lot of team goals and hadn’t quite had the rewards herself up until the weekend. Credit needs to also go to the playing group around her with some fantastic balls from Dylan (Holmes) and Chelsie (Dawber) too.”
Turning attention to Wellington Phoenix, Adelaide’s head coach knows that his team are going to face a serious challenge. “It is going to be tough. They made life really difficult for us when we played them over here. They’ll be really buoyed by that first win and now have an opportunity to get off the bottom of the table.
“I’ve been so impressed by what I’ve seen from Wellington this season, not just on the pitch and tactically, but they have a good mentality.”
Adelaide United have emphasized their desire to go one better than last season and make Finals this time round, and that is firmly in Stenta’s thoughts: “This group has a real want and desire to achieve something this year. We haven’t put any limits on ourselves and we’re mentally strong.
“The girls really want to make the most of this opportunity. We know what we need to do to be at our best, we just need to make sure we unlock that on a weekly basis.”
Finally, Adelaide United’s head coach revealed that he is likely to be without Paige Hayward due to scans on an injury and potentially Emily Condon who is nursing a leg issue.
Above: Wellington Phoenix boss Gemma Lewis speaking to the media today. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis opened her media conference by speaking of her frustration at not getting a reply to daily contact attempts with Football Australia with regard to getting permission to bring in an emergency goalkeeper.
With Lily Alfeld away on international duty at the SheBelieves Cup, Phoenix will field Brianna Edwards in goal, but league rules state that a second keeper must be named on the bench.
As the Phoenix have had to response to their request to bring in another goalkeeper, they will have to name an outfield player as sub goalkeeper.
Edwards will make her first start against Adelaide United tomorrow, and Lewis outlined how the 19-year-old is feeling about her debut. “She’s a mix of nerves and excitement. Sometimes she seems really nervous and sometimes she’s just raring to go. I think it’s a positive thing. I think it’s a good mix.
“She really cares. She’s come in and doing the extra work with us and going through footage. She’s making sure she knows everything that she needs to be doing which shows her added professionalism and the fact that she really wants to do well for this team. I’m really excited for her. I’m really excited to see how she goes.
Lewis revealed her players’ response to being asked after their maiden win against Canberra United last week if they were satisfied with one win in their maiden season.
“Everyone was like ‘nah’. They’re not just happy with that one win. They’re hungry for more. We feel like these next three games there are definitely opportunities. I’m not going to sit here and say we’ll get all three wins…but I think we can definitely get one or two.
“Based on how we’ve been playing I don’t think we’d be happy coming away from the season with just a win, which is funny because if you asked me that before the start of the season I’d probably be extremely, extremely happy. We’re trying to hold ourselves to higher standards now.”
The Phoenix also now have the added incentive of trying to avoid the wooden spoon. “Okay we’ve got our first win but now actually as a team, they want to get off the bottom of the table and they feel like it’s achievable,” Lewis said.
Above: Wellington Phoenix celebrations during their historic win over Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United.
“I think we’ve proved we’re not pushovers for the whole season and…now we’re not going to be the definite team to come last.”
However, tomorrow’s opponents Adelaide United come into the game after putting in one of the performances of the season having demolished Brisbane Roar 8-2 on Sunday, with Fiona Worts scoring five goals.
“This game will be really interesting. Two teams that are coming off a high and I’m really hoping we’ll see both teams at a really good standard. I think that it’ll be an exciting game to watch if Adelaide come out really strong and if we come out really strong in the things that we are known for then I think it will really be a battle. It’s definitely a game that we’re targeting. We feel like it’s a good match-up.”
The Phoenix will have a new captain on Thursday night, with vice-captain Kate Taylor out with a back injury in addition to regular captain Lily Alfeld’s international responsibilities.
“The game’s come around a bit too soon for Kate, which is a really disappointing for one for us,” Lewis said. She hasn’t trained all week. We probably could get her on the field, but we feel like it’s too much of a risk on this tight turnaround. This is an 18-year-old girl and this is her back. We definitely have to err on the side of caution before we start taking crazy measures with huge painkillers or any local anaesthetics.”
On a positive note forward Kelli Brown is a possibility of returning against Adelaide, after missing the team’s past five matches with concussion.
“If she gets through today then technically she would be cleared to play. But we just want to really, really make sure with her so we’re definitely leaving it till very much last minute.
“She trained this morning and a lot of this morning she was doing headers and set plays and things like that so we just want to make sure she gets through the day symptom free.”
Defender Cushla Rue is a chance of making her debut after being cleared to return from an ankle injury which has side-lined her for three matches.
Above: Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson captured during today’s media conference. Photo: FA.
by Ben Gilby (16/2/22)
England head coach Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson met with the media today ahead of tomorrow’s Arnold Clark Cup match with Canada at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.
Wiegman goes into the game in unique circumstances under her tenure. It is the first game in charge for her where England are not the overwhelming favourites. In terms of squad and availability, Wiegman revealed that everyone goes into the opening match with Canada fit and healthy.
When asked by Impetus about what she wants to see from her team over the coming week bearing in mind the Lionesses have found it hard to get consistent results against the top nations in the world, England’s head coach was brutally honest.
“I’m aware of the situation England were in with these teams before I came in. The pressure is high in these upcoming games. I want to see what we’re like in possession, out of possession, and in transition against the best. We’ll see where it goes. We have a technical plan and want to develop a new style of play.
“We have a way of doing things on and off the pitch – creating clarity wherever we can and focusing on growth – being better each day. I want every member of staff to facilitate that to the players so they can grow.”
Wiegman went on to highlight the importance of playing these three nations in particular. “They each have very different styles of play and for me, that is an important challenge in our growth and how we best approach them and then evaluate.
“We need these games because we want to be exposed to every aspect of the game – defense, possession, and transition. After this tournament, we’ll know better about where we are in terms of preparing for the Euros.
Above: England manager Sarina Wiegman highlighted the importance of the team’s three matches over the next week in preparations for the European Championships. Photo: FA.
“We want to try out things in these three matches but also be aware that we need to manage player loads within developing our style. Three games in six days is a lot, along with the schedule that players have with their club sides.”
England’s head coach knows that despite being the host nation, there are a whole host of countries who are capable of lifting the European Championship trophy at Wembley this July. She believes that being able to compete with the best such as the three sides competing at the Arnold Clark Cup can help to see England over the line.
“There are lots of teams who will go into the Euros thinking they should win it. More and more countries are favourites for this competition. Far more so than the previous tournament and from the European sides’ perspective in the World Cup. I’m convinced that we will be ready for 6th July when the Euros start.
“The players and myself like the fact that we play across the country so that we can connect with our fans in different parts of the country. They can be the 12th woman for us which can be exciting for them and for us. We can play well with that with energy and be dynamic from the crowd.”
Whilst hosting the Euros is a big positive for the country and team, Wiegman also knows it will not be without its difficulties.
“It’s all about pressure, decision making under pressure. In terms of everything all around the team. That pressure coming from outside, we’re talking about it already to prepare for it. We are turning around every stone to be prepared to ensure the less new things we come across during the tournament the better.”
Finally, asked specifically about the strengths of tomorrow’s opponents, Wiegman said: “Canada are a team… they are a real team. They have lots of structure both in possession and out of possession. They are able to use their strengths which is quality.”
Above: England captain Leah Williamson speaking to the media today. Photo: FA.
Leah Williamson spoke of her joy at being back in the Lionesses squad as well as highlighting the changes in the camp since Sarina Wiegman took over.
“I’m very happy to be in the squad, fit, and to pick up where I left off having missed the November international camp. It’s not about the captaincy, more about being here and in the team.”
That November international window included England’s 20-0 win success against Latvia. Whilst the headlines surrounded the Lionesses’ ease in winning, Williamson highlighted the positives in terms of the relentless nature of the performance.
“In terms of the 20-0 win, it offers a challenge as you have to keep that focus and standard. However, these games now will allow us to see where our real strengths are and what we need to tighten up in.”
Impetus asked the Arsenal star how to reflect on the differences she has noticed in camp since Wiegman and her staff took over.
“The dynamic of the team has changed. We have realized that we have underachieved in the last few tournaments. We want to turn that around and that’s a collective push to reach a higher standard and need to bring out the best in everyone.
“This is the most competitive training that I’ve been involved in for a long time here and the fight for positions, to reach your potential is all tying in nicely. We get an opportunity to learn more about ourselves which is a gift ahead of the Euros in the summer.”
Tomorrow’s match sees a reunion with Bev Priestman, who was Phil Neville’s assistant under a previous Lionesses regime. Williamson identified the Priestman’s qualities and what she is expecting from Canada.
“Bev was involved in a lot of our defensive traits when she worked with us previously. Looking at Canada now you can really see that with her and she has lots of pace in the squad and she’s utilizing it. Bev has them playing a very efficient style which wasn’t really the case when she was with us.
Talking about the feeling of being awarded the captain’s armband for Thursday’s game, Williamson said: “I didn’t think I could ever be prouder of playing for England, but this gives it something even more special. We come together as a team from different places, different clubs and have a chance to bring people together and as captain, I have a part to play in that.
“I’ve been really lucky in terms of playing under lots of different captains and different types of captain. Some just lead on the pitch with their performance, some are very vocal. Having the exposure to those different styles is a big help.”
Above: Margot Robinne shows what it means as her late goals put the icing on the cake for Canberra’s first win. Photo: Canberra United.
By Ben Gilby (16/2/22)
Western Sydney Wanderers crashed to their second 5-0 defeat in three days as previously winless Canberra United swept them aside at Wanderers Football Park.
The loss of Clare Hunt due to injury has been a major part of turning what was a pretty sound defensive until into one which is leaking goals at an alarming rate. This, plus the team’s record of only scoring three goals all season is causing an alarming end to the campaign for Wanderers fans.
Canberra were on top, but it took 22 minutes for the first goal to arrive. Grace Maher stepped up with a corner on the right and Michelle Heyman got up at the near post to head home.
Five minutes later United doubled their lead. Ash Sykes took on Caitlin Cooper along the left. Sykes looked to be winning the physical tussle as she advanced well into the box but lost her balance just as she tried to get a shot away and Sham Khamis gathered. The danger looked to have been averted.
However, Khamis’ resulting throw-out went straight to Laura Hughes and the Canberra midfielder was able to supply Chelsee Washington to advance into the area and slot home with ease.
Above: That winning feeling at long last for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United.
A rare first-half attack was launched by Western Sydney as the period reached its denouement. Libby Copus-Brown escaped along the left and played a centimetre perfect ball into the path of Bryleeh Henry, but superb covering by Allyson Haran swept away Wanderers’ hopes.
Canberra’s response to Henry’s opportunity was a dangerous breakaway along the same wing with Sykes leading the charge. She played in Heyman who linked to Washington. The American turned to create space and lofted an effort was just kept out with Khamis on tip-toes to claim.
One final chance fell the visitors way as Heyman linked up with Sykes 30 yards from goal. The 30-year-old was forced wide by Cooper as she advanced into the right hand side of the box to get a shot away which Khamis claimed.
Wanderers needed to come out firing in the second half in a bid to try and wrest the game away from the capital city side. It was Canberra who created the first chance. Washington out muscled Cooper and turned away from traffic in the centre of the field to play a low, long ball into the stride of Heyman. The competition’s record scorer accelerated away from Alex Huynh but her effort was gathered up by Khamis.
With 25 minutes to go, Canberra added a third which effectively wrapped up the points. Margot Robinne got away down the left and pulled a ball across which Cooper headed away, but only into the path of Chloe Middleton who took two touches and fired a glorious effort around Galic and into the net from 20 yards.
As hard as Western Sydney tried, opportunities were never really looked like being taken. Rosie Galea created two chances that were virtual carbon copies. The first saw her cut in from the right and sent a 30-yard effort goalwards, the second from slightly closer range, but on both occasions, Chloe Lincoln’s goal was never seriously under threat.
Wanderers profligacy was further punished in the closing stages. With six minutes to play, Allira Toby lifted a pass through the middle to fellow substitute Robinne who advanced one-on-one with Khamis who smothered the shot, but the ball came loose, but despite some pressure on her from the nearest defender Alexia Apostolakis, Robinne was able to smash home Canberra’s fourth.
Above: Sasha Grove, Margot Robinne and Allira Toby celebrate. Photo: Canberra United.
It got worse still for Catherine Canniuli’s side as on the brink of stoppage time at the end of 90, Lincoln’s long clearance bounced clear for Robinne to gallop through comfortably to slot home her second and Canberra’s fifth.
For Canberra, their first win and the promise of four games to play means that their season could take on a very different look after such a frustrating spell.
Wanderers need to lift quickly as their next two games are against teams immediately around them in the table as they face Newcastle Jets and then Wellington Phoenix. If they can’t take at least four points from those two, their campaign will be finishing on a worrying note.
Above: Lots for Western Sydney Wanderers to ponder ahead of their next two games. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Above: England star Lucy Bronze speaking to the media yesterday ahead of the Lionesses game with Canada. Photo: FA.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from both Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway ahead of the Lionesses opening Arnold Clarke Cup game against Olympic champions Canada at the Riverside Stadium(15/2/22).
England’s Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway both spoke of the confidence in the Lionesses squad and the difference in camp since the arrival of Sarina Wiegman as head coach ahead of the Arnold Clark Cup competition which will see them face three of the world’s top sides in Canada, Spain, and Germany over the next week.
At the media conference in the North-East ahead of the competition opener against the Olympic champions, Bronze told Impetus that despite the Canadian head coach Bev Priestman and a number of their players knowing the Lionesses’ well, England will pose them a very different challenge at Middlesbrough.
“Bev knows a lot of our players well, but we have changed since then, both in terms of personal and the way we play. There will be players that they don’t know as well – our younger players who have been performing well this season. We know that where we were back then is very different to where we are now.
“This is the first time we’ve played a really high-ranked team with Sarina (Wiegman) as our manager and a new way of playing, whereas Bev was part of the England team over a year ago and things are very different now.
“The team is a lot more settled and we’re in a much better place as a squad now. It’s also a different dynamic for Canada now as they go into the game as Olympic champions.”
Bronze went on to note that it was her first international camp for quite some time due to injury and remarked how noticeable the number of new faces there are among the squad under head coach Sarina Wiegman. “Yeah! There are still a few old faces around though, which is nice. We had a good catch-up yesterday and so far things are going well.
Above: Lucy Bronze pictured during the 2019 FIFA World Cup. Photo: SIPA USA/PA Images
“I’m still trying to get to know what this team is about, what our strengths are, and what we can improve on. Once I know that I can help feed that back into the team.”
The defender admitted that whilst it was hard to be on the sidelines for both club and country over recent months, it was important to put herself first and get better. “I had been impacted the previous season by it in my play, and so whilst it was frustrating to be out this season, it was something that I needed to get right for myself.”
Having games in three different parts of the country – after Thursday’s game in Middlesbrough, the Lionesses go to Norwich and then Wolverhampton is vitally important in growing the fanbase and giving youngsters the chance to see their heroes close up.
“It’s massively important,” enthused Bronze. “Growing up in the North-East, the chance of watching England internationals was few and far between, so it’s nice to give people the chance to see us play and build that support network. Particularly as we missed so many games during COVID.”
Focusing specifically on the game with Canada, Bronze is expecting a tough game. “It will be an exciting match-up, with Canada being off the back of the Olympics. A lot of the girls know Bev (Priestman, head coach, and formally Phil Neville’s assistant with the Lionesses) really well and what she has achieved is great.”
Whilst a home European Championships are on the horizon, the Manchester City star is only interested in the here and now. “Whilst there is excitement and having played in major tournaments and seeing the boost the host nation gets, for now, I’m now just focusing on what is in front of now with these three games rather than looking ahead to the Euros.
“We’re super excited for this competition. It’s nice to play in England against top nations playing big games and match ourselves against the best players in the world. We were dead set on (facing) these teams. They all offer something different. Canada have a lot of energy, Spain will look to possess the ball a lot, and Germany are so well organized. It will be all about how we match up to that, but I’ll back our players. We’ve got a strong squad.”
Above: Georgia Stanway discussed the development of England under Sarina Wiegman and her preferred position when she faced the media today. Photo: FA
Manchester City’s Georgia Stanway highlighted to Impetus‘ Ben Gilby the differences that she has noticed in the Lionesses set up since the arrival of Sarina Wiegman as head coach.
“We have had a lot of change. It is nice to know that the future is set in stone and we can build relationships with staff members as a team. For me, the massive aspect I’ve found with Sarina is the support. She wants the best for every single player and will go out of her way to make sure that every single one of us is comfortable and happy in the environment.
“If you score one goal, if you score 10 goals, or if you don’t score at all, everyone is treated the same and everyone is valued in the squad which is very important. Everyone has a purpose and has a reason to be here.”
The 23-year-old Barrow-born star spoke about the difficult period she’s had this season having to play in so many different positions for her club. She is clear where she wants to be located long term.
“I want to be able to master a position and call it my own. It’s hard being versatile. It can work in your favour when you talk about tournaments and in small squads when someone is injured. I have hit a point now where I want to knuckle down in one position and be the best I can be in that position.
“For me, it’s midfield where I want to be. I played as a youth coming through age-group football and I started there at Manchester City.
“It’s been a difficult 15 months for me at Manchester City having to fill in for people. Whether it be me playing full-back, the nine, the back three, second choice goalkeeper. I need to be able to knuckle down now and master one position and focus on the things I want and need to get better at in that position.”
Looking at the Arnold Clark Cup, Stanway was excited about the challenges that she and the Lionesses face. “It’s an opportunity to play world-class opposition and with our focus on the Euros, that’s really important. It feels like part of the Euros preparation and we need to be ready to perform from 6th July for the Euros.
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