Melbourne Victory: One Win From A Legendary Season

Impetus’ Kieran Yap has closely followed Melbourne Victory’s fortunes this season. Ahead of their Grand Final against Sydney FC on Sunday, he reviews a challenging campaign that now looks to have all come good at the right time (24/3/22).

Above: Melbourne Victory celebrate after clinching their Grand Final place with a win over cross-city rivals Melbourne City in last weekend’s Preliminary Final. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

This is exactly where I expected this team to be, but not how I thought the season would go.

As people often remind me, before Round One of the A-League Women, I predicted that Melbourne Victory would navigate the season undefeated.

The great Casey Dumont was back, American superstar Lynn Williams was here for a short time and Courtney Nevin had signed for the season. Victory had strengthened from the previous championship-winning campaign. Melina Ayres was following from a breakout season and there were whispers that Alex Chidiac was possibly signing.

When you put all these facts together, can you blame me for thinking Jeff Hopkins had assembled a team that could manage 14 games without a loss?

Above: Lynn Williams – an important presence in the early stages of the season for the club. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Of course, my Melbourne Victory (Women’s team) fandom blinded me to any frailties in the squad. But in my defence on paper, this line-up inspired confidence.

My bold prediction came undone in the first half of the first game. I was standing behind the goal when Kayla Morrison went down. The popular captain and PFA team of the season centre-back was chasing down her own clearance from a corner. The fans were still applauding her perfectly timed leap when she fell while running in a straight line and under no contact.

We all tried to talk ourselves into believing the best-case scenario. She didn’t twist, she walked off without a stretcher, and she was wandering around after the match. To paraphrase the Victory Viking’s mascot, “She’s still good, she’s still good.”

But she wasn’t. The championship-winning defender had torn her ACL, and suddenly Victory had a problem. There was no clear backup centre-back in the squad.

Hopkins had the option of moving Nevin to centre-back. She had excelled there for the Matildas against the USA in a 1-1 draw and it looked the easiest solution. Instead, he opted to keep Nevin wide, not switch formation and shift Amy Jackson to defence.

16-year-old Alana Murphy was trusted with midfield duties, and she became one of the finds of the season. Jackson showed with a matchwinning foul against City that she had the determination and sacrificial nature that could hold the fort even if she was played well out of position.

Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross – her natural desire to attack was modified during Victory’s injury-enforced reshuffle. Photo: Football Australia.

Kyra Cooney-Cross was shackled into a more disciplined role as an almost defensive midfielder. Her natural, showstopping game was put on hold for the sake of the team for now.

Lynn Williams justified her short contract with essential contributions against Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar. Without her, it is unlikely that Victory would have made the top four in the end.

New captain Lia Privitelli played wherever she was needed, left-back, midfield, or forward. She was in career-best form. Chidiac adjusted instantly and was pivotal in keeping Victory moving forward during games.

Victory had adjusted. Hopes of an undefeated season were dashed by Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar but they had lost against the same opponents in an almost identical sequence last season. They were still going well.

Then COVID hit. Victory had an enforced mid-season break. The whole league did at some point, but when the powers that be made the decision to cram as many matches into February as possible, Victory found themselves playing seven games in 23 days.

They were exhausted. You could tell what they wanted to do, the first 20 minutes of each game showed that they were well drilled and had the talent. But fatigue started to quickly set in as the games piled up. They looked visibly aching as they walked off the field. A 3-0 loss to an Adelaide United side that needed the win to guarantee Finals was the point where they looked physically spent.

Above: The hugely influential Lia Privitelli pictured celebrating at the start of the season against Adelaide United. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Still, they got the points. A new defender has been signed in the form of American Brooke Hendrix, and she made an instant impression. It is to Jeff Hopkins’ and the clubs’ eternal credit that they did not panic without Morrison. They did not rush to replace her with any centre-back. They waited, scouted, and held on until the right option became available.

Personally, I would have loaned a COVID-stranded Claudia Mihocic from Perth Glory. But once she got on the field for them it was obvious that Perth would have been mad to give up the impressive defender to a finals rival, it was simply my dream.

Hendrix was the right choice. She immediately improved the shape of the team and was essential when Claudia Bunge was called away to the New Zealand squad.

Victory entered the Finals with a near full-strength side, with a proper week of recovery and planning for the first time in over a month, and they were about to welcome back Melina Ayres to the starting line-up.

We as fans have been waiting for Ayres return like it was some sort of Biblical fable, “Things will be OK when Melina gets here… just wait and see, when Melina returns everything will change!”

The faithful were not disappointed. Two goals in two finals have justified the reverence the striker is held in behind the AAMI Park goals.

Above: Melina Ayres’ return was a huge boost for the club. Photo: A-League Women.

Ayres is back and firing, Jackson is once again roaming her natural habitat and the defence is once again looking pretty solid.

Chidiac has just played the game of her life against City in the preliminary final. They have knocked off many pundits’ and my favourite for the title, Adelaide United and everybody is fit.

They have done things the hard way, but they are ready for this moment. Sydney are a frightening outfit with ridiculous depth. Arguably their fifth choice attacker is Paige Satchell, an Olympian and New Zealand international. In Sarah Hunter and Maria Rojas they have genuine game-changers on the bench.

They are in a better position than they were when they lost to Melbourne Victory in last season’s Grand Final. Courtney Vine did not play that day and Princess Ibini went off injured. They have also had a full weekend to rest and strategize.

Sydney FC has the best defensive record, a dominant midfield, and a killer strike force, but Victory is not here by fluke.

Despite one of the most challenging seasons in their history as a club or individuals, they are right where they planned to be at this moment.

One more win will turn this remarkable season into a legendary success.

This is the second article in our six days of Grand Final coverage on Impetus. Kieran Yap and Kris Goman will be spotlighting both finalists, Ben Gilby will be reporting on the Grand Final, with Kris Goman pitchside providing EXCLUSIVE photos from the game. Next week, don’t miss Kieran Yap’s Grand Final analysis. Yesterday, we brought you the pre- Grand Final media events from both clubs – it can be read here: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/03/23/a-league-grand-final-the-view-from-sydney-fc-melbourne-victory/

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

Reds Secure Two More Key Players

The week started with Adelaide United announcing the retention of A-League Women’s top scorer Fiona Worts. It’s ending with the South Australians securing another two key players for next season (24/3/22).

Adelaide United announced today that both Nanako Sasaki and Ella Tonkin have signed two-year contract extensions with the Club until the end of the Liberty A-League 2023/24 season.

Sasaki was a revelation for the Reds in 2021/22, making a seamless transition to the Liberty A-League after years dominating the local Women’s National Premier League (WNPL) with Adelaide City and Adelaide Comets.  

The 23-year-old Japanese midfielder made 13 starts in a total of 14 appearances while scoring two goals and registering two assists. She also received three votes in the Impetus Weekly Player of the Week Awards this season.

After putting pen-to-paper on her two-year deal, Sasaki, said: “I’m very happy to know my future lies with Adelaide United.

Above: Nanako Sasaki in action for Adelaide United this season – she’s just extended her contract by another two years. Photo: Adelaide United.

“It was an amazing season from an individual and team perspective and it’s a great group of people to be around.

“Adrian (Stenta) is a fantastic coach and hopefully next season, we can build on the progress we made this year.”

Meanwhile, Tonkin, who played for Football SA NTC in the state Women’s NPL, also experienced a breakout season, starting five times in a total of nine appearances.

The 19-year-old defender completed her third campaign as a Red having made her debut during the 2019/20 season.

Speaking on committing her future to Adelaide for the next two years, Tonkin, said: “It’s a fantastic feeling to be re-signing with the club I’ve grown up supporting my whole life.

“After getting more minutes under my belt this season it has really instilled a lot of belief in myself.

Above: Local talent Ella Tonkin has signed on at Adelaide United for another two seasons. Photo: Adelaide Untied.

“Despite making finals for the first time, it was a frustrating end to the season and hopefully we can learn from the setback and come back stronger.”

Adelaide United’s Liberty A-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “Re-signing both Nano and Ella for the next two seasons is excellent as they’re both important players for us.

“Nano was instrumental in our midfield and showed she clearly belongs at this level. She was brilliant in her debut season and I’m confident she will only continue to improve.

“Ella also made impressive strides forward this year and demonstrated she is more than capable of playing in this competition. Her versatility in defence and sometimes as a holding midfielder provides the team with not only depth but flexibility.”

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

A-League Grand Final: The View From Sydney FC & Melbourne Victory

Sunday sees the A-League Women Grand Final between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory. Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from the Sydney FC pair of Sarah Hunter and Charlize Rule along with Melbourne Victory’s Courtney Nevin, Alex Chidiac, and head coach Jeff Hopkins (23/3/22).

Sydney FC’s 18-year-old star Sarah Hunter is just days away from playing in her first Grand Final and spoke about her emotions in the build-up.

“We’re all pumped. I’m very excited and want to get the win but I also want to enjoy the moment too. The atmosphere and build-up is amazing, but I just want to help the team. This experience helps my confidence as it makes me realize that I can contribute to the team and to the Premiership and making this team better. An individual’s confidence can help lift a whole team.”

Above: Sydney FC’s Sarah Hunter speaking to the media yesterday. Photo: Sydney FC.

Hunter revealed that her team has been zeroing in on Sunday’s game from the very start of pre-season.

“We’ve been preparing for the whole season. From the very first day, Ante (Juric, head coach) said that our final game will be the Grand Final this season. We’ve looked at every little thing and in reflection we’ve worked on putting things right for a Grand Final. These last few weeks we’ve been de-loading our bodies in order to prepare. There’s been lots of light gym work and tactical tweaking.”

Sydney’s teenager emphasized how focused her team are on getting revenge for last season’s heartbreaking Grand Final loss to Melbourne Victory.

“I think the Sydney team were hard done by in the Grand Final last year after the great season they had, losing and the way they did was tough. Coming into it this year, I am focussed on helping the team right the wrongs of last season.”

Above: Sydney FC’s Charlize Rule speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final. Photo: Sydney FC.

Sydney FC midfielder Charlize Rule highlighted the importance of the game against Victory in February for providing her side with additional motivation on Sunday.

“We dominated pretty much 88 minutes of the match (leading 2-0) but they scored an equalizer right at the end. After that match, Ante said to us, ‘We’ll see them in the Grand Final and get revenge!'”

Rule outlined how she believes that her teammates can use the experience of last year’s Grand Final to help them go one better. “Our group has been together for a couple of years now and we are excited for this. Last year we stood off a bit in the Grand Final and we were nervous. This season we’ve been focussed on it from the very start to put things right.”

“The Semi-Final (against Melbourne City) was the most exciting match I’ve ever been involved in and the Grand Final will be even better. Everyone needs to come down and watch!”

Above: Melbourne Victory’s Courtney Nevin. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory defender Courtney Nevin outlined the importance of her team’s lighter load in recent weeks in putting them in the best possible place ahead of Sunday’s showdown.

“We’ve got good experience – as have Sydney – we’ve both played lots of Finals footy. We’ve had a chance to have a bit more of a rest going into this game after that spell of playing two or three games a week for a few weeks. It’s allowed us to get over the injuries and Jeff (Hopkins, head coach) has had a hard job selecting a starting eleven as we’re all doing our job.”

After a spell of defensive difficulties after the injury of captain Kayla Morrison, Nevin emphasized the importance of Brooke Hendrix’s arrival at the club.

“Having Brooke (Hendrix) come in alongside me and done a really good job. She allows us to have AJ (Amy Jackson) in front of us as well, which really helps.”

“We know that at times this season our football hasn’t been the best, but we’ve overcome that now. Lia (Privitelli) has really stepped up for us and scored some vital goals.”

Victory have had to do it the hard way to make the Grand Final – travelling to Adelaide United for an Elimination Final a fortnight ago before taking on cross-city rivals Melbourne City last weekend. Nevin feels that these tough tests could stand them in good stead.

“The last two games have been massive for us, especially coming up against City last week, but Sunday will be the biggest all season and the toughest. We know how Sydney are going to play. They are a strong team, but if we play at the same intensity that we played in the semi-final, we’ll be fine.”

Above: Alex Chidiac – focussed on another successful Grand Final. Photo: AyressPhotog

Melbourne Victory midfielder Alex Chidiac was in outstanding form in Sunday’s Preliminary Final win over Melbourne City, and admits the experience of last year’s Grand Final against Sydney FC is a major plus for her and her team.

“It’s massive. You can’t compare a Grand Final to any other game. It all comes down to who shows up on the day. Having played in one last year, I know what to expect, the nerves, and how to deal with it. We have a lot of girls who have the experience and they can help those who haven’t.”

Focussing on their opponents Sydney FC, Chidiac outlined what she believes Victory need to do to thwart the Harbour City side’s threat on Sunday.

“We know that their players thrive on confidence, so we know me just must not let them get too far forward. We have to shut them down early to prevent them from getting on the front foot and getting ahead early.”

The 17-cap Matilda reflected on the greater defensive organization that the team have now and how it can provide a foundation to a win in the Grand Final as well.

“Losing Kayla (Morrison) so early (through injury) was a massive loss. It took us quite a while to get some structure back. We spent a lot of time in training working on organization but we’ve got it together at the right time.”

“After last year, we came back focussed on wanting to do the same again. We’re so keen for that.”

Above: Jeff Hopkins – The Melbourne Victory head coach is proud of his side’s defensive structure and efforts in recent weeks. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins praised the quality that his players have shown in recent weeks, particularly defensively. “I would not swap any of our players at the moment, they’re all in such good form. The back four are so solid and have Casey (Dumont) playing well behind them.”

“Casey says it as she sees it on the pitch. She will hold people accountable around her, and I really like that in a goalkeeper. She’s come off an injury with her Achilles tendon that kept her out for a while and then got COVID. She hasn’t had much time to prepare and play. As the weeks have gone by she’s got better and better – training session after training session, game after game. The save she made on Sunday from Stotty (Rebekah Stott of Melbourne City), how she got to it, I just don’t know.

“We lost our captain (Kayla Morrison) in the first game this season. She has been around the place all season, but you do need a leader out on the field. Lia (Privitelli) has been that person and she has really taken the role on with open arms. I’m not sure if she realizes how important she has been and the way she has encouraged the players. She is very much team first and puts everyone else before her. I really admire that trait in a leader and the girls all look up to her. She’ll be vital for us.”

In terms of preparations for the Grand Final, Hopkins said: “The players have had light sessions at the start of the week and get some tactical work done later in the week. We’ll travel in the same way and at the same time, just add one or two things in terms of making the week and the game a bit more special. We want to enjoy this week, remembering what we do and how we do it.”

The former Crystal Palace and Fulham defender recognized that, despite facing a hard task on Sunday, his team has every right to be confident.

“We’re really looking forward to the game. We understand it will be a tough ask for us. Sydney are a very, very good side. I have a lot of respect for their coach and their side. If you go back a few weeks to the game against them here, it gives us a lot of confidence from the way we came back from 2-0 down and the Grand Final last year, it is something to hold onto and get a boost from.”

He also had some positive news about player availability for the game. “We came out of a very difficult and heavy period on our bodies and over the past three weeks we’ve come out with no injuries and the same again ahead of the Grand Final. There’s some stiffness as the performance last weekend against City saw them have to go to another level.

“To beat Sydney we will now have to go to a place we’ve never been before. We have a great group of players though and we’re doing it for each other.”

This is the start of six days of Grand Final coverage on Impetus. Kieran Yap and Kris Goman will be spotlighting both finalists, Ben Gilby will be reporting on the Grand Final, with Kris Goman pitchside providing EXCLUSIVE photos from the game. Next week, don’t miss Kieran Yap’s Grand Final analysis.

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

The Swedish Scene

Ben Gilby provides a round-up of the Svenska Cupen Semi-Finals and reveals the latest arrival to Vittsjö from the A-League Women in Australia (22/3/22).

Above: Rosengård’s Australian international Charli Grant (right) in possession in her team’s Svenska Cupen Semi-Final against Eskilstuna United at the weekend. Photo: FC Rosengård.

Artwork: Svensk Fotboll

BK Häcken will face Rosengård in the Svenska Cupen Final on 26th May after winning won their respective semi-finals against Hammarby and Eskilstuna United at the weekend.

Above: The colourful scenes at Hammarby’s home semi-final against BK Häcken. Photo: Hammarby Fotboll.

Häcken came from behind to claim a 2-1 win in extra time at Hammarby despite playing the last eight minutes with 10 players after Anna Cski received her second yellow card.

It started so well for the home side as Matilda Vinberg put Hammarby ahead after being fed by Emma Westin after just 12 minutes. The Stockholm-based side held their lead until three minutes before the break when Swedish international Stine Larsen levelled.

Above: Matilda Vinberg (right) celebrates her goal for Hammarby. Photo: Hammarby Fotboll.

A tight game that saw Hammarby edge the shots on target by eight to seven went into extra time. Four minutes into the second period of the additional 30, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scored the winner for Häcken. There was still late drama which gave hope to the majority of the 905 crowd when referee Lovisa Johansson showed Anna Cski her second yellow of the match. But Häcken were able to play out the final eight minutes without conceding to take their place in the final.

In Sunday’s second semi-final, Rosengård got past last year’s beaten finalists Eskilstuna United thanks to Mimmi Larsson’s goal after just 15 minutes.

Above: Rosengård celebrate Mimmi Larsson’s goal which put them through to the Svenska Cupen Final in May. Photo: FC Rosengård

Ultimately, the defending Damallsvenskan champions, who fielded the likes of Swedish national team stars Caroline Segar and Olivia Schough along with Australian internationals Teagan Micah and Charli Grant were just too strong.

Eskilstuna can take positives from another strong Cup run ahead of the new league season which kicks off next weekend.

TRANSFER NEWS:

Above: Mie Leth Jans pictured during her previous spell with Vittsjö. Photo: Pelle Börjesson / BILDBYRÅN / Cop 205

Danish international Mie Leth Jans, who had such an influential A-League Women season with Perth Glory has re-joined Vittsjö for the Damallsvenskan season. Speaking to the club website about her return, Leth Jans said: “I look forward to coming home to my Swedish football family, playing in front of our fantastic fans and fighting for good results with the team. Besides, I hope to be able to contribute even more with the things I learned during my time in Perth Glory.” The Danish star joins fellow former A-League Women players Clare Polkinghorne and Katrina Gorry in Vittsjö’s 2022 squad.

THIS WEEK’S FIXTURES: Damallsvenskan Round One: Hammarby v Eskilstuna United, AIK v KIF Örebro, Umeå IK v BK Häcken, Kristianstads v IFK Kalmar, Linköping v Vittsjö, Djurgården v Piteå, Rosengård v IF Brommapojkarna.

ELITETTAN

After the promotion of IFK Kalmar, Umeå IK and IF Brommapojkarna at the end of last season and the relegation of Borgeby FK, Morön BK and Bollstanäs SK, there are a total of six new teams in the Elitettan this season.

Coming down from the Damallsvenskan at the end of the 2021 campaign were Växjö. Promoted into the competition are Bergdalens IK, Gamla Upsala SK, Ifö Bromölla IF, Rävåsens IK Karlskoga, and Team TG FF.

ELITETTAN ROUND ONE FIXTURES (For Weekend of 2/3 April): Älvsjö AIK FF v Ifö Bromölla IF, IFK Norrköping v Lidköpings FK, IK Uppsala v Bergdalens IK, Jitex BK v Växjö, Team TG FF v  Alingsås FC United, Rävåsens IK Karlskoga v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Gamla Upsala SK v Sundsvalls DFF.

Don’t miss The Swedish Scene every Tuesday for a full round-up of every Damallsvenskan match with photos and video, plus all the top games from the Elitettan, transfer news, and all the European action both with the national team and in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Mulbarton Shock Lynn To Make Cup Final

King’s Lynn Town 0-1 Mulbarton Belles

By Darrell Allen (22/3/22)

Above: Mulbarton Belles celebrate after their superb win at King’s Lynn Town in the Norfolk Women’s Cup on Sunday. Photo: Richard Brown.

Mulbarton Belles overcame a gap of two divisions to defeat Tier Five side King’s Lynn Town to make their second successive Norfolk Women’s Cup Final.

The hosts got the game underway and started the game brightest. Rachel Skinner looked lively and played a great ball to Ella Gavaghan who could only shoot straight at Cara Anderson in the Mulbarton goal.

Lynn captain Tiffany Forshaw was noticeably a vocal presence at centre-half guiding the team through the early stages of the contest as her team got good early touches and a passing game going but without really creating much. There was one rare opportunity when Ella Gavaghan blasted across the keeper.

Mulbarton then got into their stride. A beautiful ball to Rebekah Lake who drilled it across Ellie Prentice in the Lynn goal but it was seen out of danger by the hosts.

Above: Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse in action for King’s Town against Mulbarton Belles in Sunday’s semi-final. Photo: Richard Brown.

Ellie Hunter was next to charge forward for the visitors but an inspired tackle by Shanice Burch dealt with this particular instance of danger.

Mulbarton were building and Rebekah Lake was through again but Prentice did well again coming out to deny the striker.

Lynn went up the other end thanks to a beautiful ball from Peeling to Hopkins-Duckhouse but once more there was no end product. 

Mulbarton then opened the scoring as Lake was denied by Prentice who could do nothing to prevent Alanta Griffith being on hand to give the visitors the lead with a tap in from close range and spark wild scenes on the visiting bench.

Mulbarton were in the ascendancy, their press fantastic in pushing Lynn back in their own half.

Above: Mulbarton Belles celebrate their winning goal. Photo: Richard Brown.

An incredible few minutes followed, absolutely liquid Football between Jermy, Lake and Hunter saw them breeze past the Lynn defence but there was no end product the moved deserved. 

Lynn broke again but Hopkins-Duckhouse could do nothing on a generally frustrating afternoon for the King’s Lynn star.

The home side then lost a player when Alexa Hunter was then sent to the sin bin for alleged foul and abusive language. As Hunter was making her way off the pitch, referee Cameron Saunders ran up to encourage her to get off the pitch faster, which prompted more alleged foul and abusive language from Hunter which prompted Saunders to produce a red card for Hunter in a crucial moment in the contest. 

Mulbarton with the advantage continued their great press but the warrior that is Forshaw continued to clear danger well. Lake fired a further chance over as Mulbarton looked to increase the lead.

Gavaghan had a shot clear before the half ended with Lynn penalty appeals being waved away and it was Mulbarton who held the lead at the break. 

Above: Rebekah Lake (10) attacks for Mulbarton Belles. Photo: Richard Brown.

The Belles had a chance at the start of the second period when, following a spell of pinball in the box from a Belles corner, Griffith fired a shot into the hands of Prentice. 

Lynn, a player down but not going out of the cup without a fight as Hopkins-Duckhouse had a terrific curling shot into Anderson’s hands.

Griffith went wide of Prentice’s goal in Mulbarton’s final chance of the game.

Lynn Sub Amy Cropley had a shot straight at the keeper in the final act of the contest. 

A final word for Alice Collins another Lynn substitute who had a fine second-half cameo as she continues her personal recovery from recent injury and surgery. A huge plus point on a frustrating day for King’s Lynn Town but it was Mulbarton Belles who advance to the Norfolk Women’s Cup Final with the 1-0 win.

Mulbarton will face Wymondham Town in the Norfolk Women’s Cup Final after Wymondham Town, who will play FA National League football next season. defeated Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers 2-0 in the days’ other Semi-Final thanks to goals from Laura Nicholls and Katie Knights. 

Teams: KING’S LYNN TOWN: Prentice, Forshaw, Burch, Davis, Peeling, Ford, Hopkins-Duckhouse, Hunter, Porter, Gavaghan, Skinner, Substitutes: Cropley, Collins, Magnus, Powell. 

MULBARTON BELLES: Anderson, Mcnorton, Mungham-Grey, Smith, Lincoln, Belsey, Hunter, Hedtke, Griffith, Lake, Jermy. Substitutes: Belsey, Smith, Anderson, Ryan, Smith. 

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the 17th round of D1 Arkema (22/2/33).

Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 at home against Soyaux. It was a straightforward win for PSG against the team placed 11th in the table. The hosts dominated the game with 72% possession and took the lead after 13 minutes. They were unable to increase their lead until the 84th minute. Goals for Paris SG from Sakina Karchaoui (13), Aminata Diallo (84).

Olympique Lyonnais won 3-0 away from home against Dijon. Lyon controlled the game with 67% possession, 31 shots on goal with 11 on target) while Dijon had no shots at all. Even though they played better than last week, there is still a lack of efficiency in front of goal by Lyon. Hopefully, the return of Catarina Macario and Delphine Cascarino to the squad will allow Lyon to quickly improve. Nine minutes into the game, after having winning the ball back in the midfield, Delphine Cascarino delivered a perfect cross for Catarina Macario to score.

Macario scored her and Lyon’s second goal after 35 minutes by a curling right-foot shot from 20 meters which found the right upper corner of the goal. Delphine Cascarino sent another perfect cross on the head of Melvine Malard for the third goal. Selma Bacha produced yet another good performance prior to being injured after 70 minutes. As yet, we do not know yet the severity of her injury. Lyon welcomed back Sara Björk Gunnersdottir four months after having her baby; she played the whole second half. Goals for Lyon from Catarina Macario (9, 35), Melvine Malard (62).

Paris FC away from home won 2-1 against Reims after a hugely controversial ending. In a game dominated by Paris FC with 61% possession, Reims relied on the counterattack. This was reasonably successful as the score was still 1-1 four minutes into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes. Reims had opened the scoring at the 62nd minute and they would have deserved a draw as they fought as a team during the whole game. Then arrived the fifth minute of stoppage time.

From Paris FC’s attack, a shot went out just on the right of the goal and the referee inaccurately gave a corner to Paris FC, who scored. The ball did not hit a Reims player before it went out of the field and there should not have been a corner awarded. To make matters worse, the corner was taken from the left instead of the right side as stipulated in the rules (a corner must be shot from the corner the closest to where the ball went out of the field). Reims complained and asked for the corner to be taken again and from the right corner, but the referee validated the goal. Reims’ captain wrote immediately a technical communication and the FFF (French Football Federation) commission should look at this during the week which may result in the game being replayed. Goals for Paris FC from Mathilde Bourdieu (67), Ouleymata Sarr (90+5). Goal for Reims from Kethna Louis (62). Red card for Sonia Ouchène (90+6) Reims.  

Above: Fleury celebrate in their game against Bordeaux. Photo: D1 Arkema.

Fleury won 2-0 at home against Bordeaux. In this even game, Fleury again showed a great team spirit. The whole team fought very hard to obtain this win and clean sheet. Katriina Talaslahti, Fleury’s goalkeeper, contributed largely to this new clean sheet, producing a good performance with more than 10 saves, clearances, or catches. To be noted also the great performance of Fleury’s young player Rosemonde Kouassi (just 20 years old) from the Ivory Coast who scored once and made a decisive pass to Léa Le Garrec after a run of more than 60 meters. Goals for Fleury from Rosemonde Kouassi (8), Léa Le Garrec (75).

Montpellier won 6-0 at home against Guingamp. If we look just at the statistics, this game was equal (48% possession for Montpellier) but Montpellier was far more efficient than Guingamp and scored six times. Goals for Montpellier from Faustine Robert (3, 60), Nérilia Mondésir (10, 41), Lena Petermann (28), Esther Mbakem-Niaro (88).

Issy won 4-1 at home against Saint-Etienne. In a strange game dominated by Saint-Etienne with 63% possession, Issy scored four times from their five shots on target while Saint-Etienne scored only once with 7 shots on target! Goals for Issy from Julie Rabanne (34), Roselord Borgella (46, 75), Batcheba Louis (77). Goal for Saint-Etienne from Esther Okoronkwo (13).

Pride In Performance On The Road

Wirksworth Colts 1-5 Pride Park

By Boot Room (22/3/22)

Above: Eliot Sayavong shoots from the edge of the area for Pride Park at Wirksworth Colts on Sunday. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Wirksworth’s pitch is a beautiful setting for a game of football, made all the better on Sunday by the Spring sunshine.

This fixture is one of the more unpredictable games in the Derbyshire Girls and Ladies League Division One, as although the sides are well-matched, games between them invariably feature goals and rarely end in a close score-line (although there was a bizarre 6-6 draw a few seasons ago!). It hasn’t been any different this season as both teams enjoyed wins in their respective home fixtures, 5-3 at Moorways in October, and 5-2 at Wirksworth in January. 

Pride Park were pleased to welcome back a number of players missing from last week’s game at Belper. 

In the early stages, Wirksworth settled better and were moving the ball well, although without really finding any clear openings. Both teams had a couple of sighters without testing the ‘keepers, before Wirksworth had a five-minute spell in which they threatened to open the scoring; Weaver clearing a corner off the line, a direct free-kick from the edge of the area clearing the crossbar, a shot that went wide of goal and another that ‘keeper Howell did well to get down and hold. 

Having weathered that period of pressure Pride Park responded, and after 20 minutes Bryan made a run down the left, got ahead of the defender, and hit the ball low across the face of goal for Laight to finish at the far post. 

Five minutes later, from an Allderidge corner, the ball was turned goalwards by Sayavong but was blocked and half cleared, only to fall for left-back Weaver to hit an unstoppable volley into the roof of the net from the edge of the area

The goals settled Pride Park who exercised a degree of control for the remainder of the half and almost extended their lead when Lewis-Wilson played Evans in, but her shot went wide of the post. However, there was a let-off for Pride Park with a minute to the interval, as with the defence turned and running towards goal, they attempted to play their way out and a Wirksworth striker latched on to the ball but hit her shot over, so at half time it was 2-0.

Above: Annie Laight (9) celebrates after scoring Pride Park’s opening goal. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

After the recent spell of wet and then dry weather the pitch was uneven, and the ball was not running true on the surface, the irregular bounce exacerbated by a ball that looked and sounded over-inflated. It meant that the first touch had to be perfect to keep the ball under control, and it was frequently bouncing away from the receiving player or bobbling when played on the floor. As a result, it was often frustrating the attempts of both teams to play the ball on the ground with good moves breaking down – and at the back, it demanded a safety-first approach when under pressure. 

Otty Baker had turned her ankle at the end of the first half, not seriously, but enough not to want to risk making it worse and didn’t come out for the second half. The second half opened with Wirksworth pushing in an attempt to pull a goal back, and they enjoyed a spell of good possession and pressure, during which they gradually got closer – with a shot off target, and a shot saved by Howell. Just before the hour, from a throw on the left, Wirksworth worked their way down the wing, before putting in a diagonal cross towards the near post with a Wirksworth player just getting a touch to divert the cross past Howell to get the home side back into the game at 1-2.

The goal gave Wirksworth encouragement and for a while, they enjoyed a good period of possession but without creating any further clear opportunities. Pride Park gradually reasserted themselves and responded with a series of good crosses, but were unable to fashion any clear chances from them.   

With twenty minutes to play, Pride Park’s Sophie Ayton came off with a tight hamstring, Laight dropping into the back four, and having started with three substitutes, Pride Park were now down to none. Fortunately, there were no further injuries and having rotated earlier, several players had benefitted from brief rests. 

Above: Summer Evans continued her impressive form on her return from injury and scored her 13th goal of the season. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

The Pride started to gain a degree of control again, and Kwiatek, Evans (twice), and Bryan were all foiled by the Wirksworth keeper. There was a half-chance when a Laight free-kick wasn’t held by the ‘keeper under pressure from Allderidge, but Bryan’s attempt was headed away.

Pride Park extended their lead with ten minutes left after good pressing and build-up play on the right, which resulted in Wirksworth being unable to get out or clear the ball, culminating in Sayavong winning the ball back just outside the area and hitting a shot that bounced in front of the keeper and kicked up wickedly, Bryan doing well to follow in and score from the rebound to re-establish the visitors two-goal lead at 3-1.

It was four only two minutes later, as Allderidge’s corner from the right was initially headed out but the clearance was met first time on the half-volley from the edge of the area by Weaver to send another unstoppable shot into the top corner for her second of the game.

The game was rounded off with two minutes to go with a fifth goal for Pride Park, as good patient build-up play down the right by Allderidge, Jones, Evans, Thompson, and Wilsoncroft finished with Bryan laying off for Evans to place a shot inside the post.

Above: Lottie Bryan closes in on goal for Pride Park at Wirksworth. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

It had been an enjoyable game played by two well-matched teams wanting to get the ball down and play attractive football, which they managed to do in spite of a surface that made it difficult. It was a good all-round team performance by Pride Park and although the scoreline may have been a little harsh on Wirksworth, it was another good display of efficient finishing, built on a solid defensive foundation, with the midfield providing the critical glue in the middle. 

The Pride Park squad displayed their versatility once again with enforced changes, meaning Annie Laight started the game upfront but finished at centre-back for the final twenty minutes. Left-back Rachel Weaver had an exceptional game, making countless well-timed interceptions to launch counterattacks and capped by two extremely well-taken goals. With a small squad, it’s a real bonus to have players that can contribute effectively at both ends of the pitch. 

Goalkeeper Howell continued her good form, once again showing good positioning, handling, and decision making – her recent confidence exemplified in the first half by coming out to collect a high lobbed ball into the box at the edge of her area to take the pressure off her defenders. 

There are no games in the Derbyshire Girls and Ladies League next week. Pride Park are back in action at home to League leaders Draycott Victoria at Moorways on Sunday 3rd April (1.30pm).  

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

Top Of Table Clash Ends Honours Even

AFC Wimbledon 0-0 Hashtag United

By George Jones – AFC Wimbledon Ladies (21/3/22)

Above: Action from yesterday’s game between AFC Wimbledon and Hashtag United at Carshalton Athletic. Photo: Glyn Roberts.

Wimbledon went into Sunday’s game against FA Women’s National League Division One SE league leaders Hashtag United knowing realistically that a win was required to keep their chance of promotion alive but a draw would majorly derail the away team’s chances of promotion.

The Dons had less than ideal preparation for the game with a virus spreading through the camp in the days preceding the game meaning that several players went into the game at significantly less than 100%.

The hosts were also without star striker Ashlee Hincks who was ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained in last weeks victory against Enfield Town at Plough Lane.

Hashtag United got off to a great start with Faye Baker producing a fine save to prevent the visitors from taking an early lead. The rest of the first half was a very physical affair with Dons physio Steph Cantelo being called into action on several occasions.

The second half was much more open with Gloria Siber having a lot of success including one incredible run starting inside her own half beating several players before having her shot saved by the keeper.

Wimbledon kept building pressure and came close again when Rebecca Sargent’s header from a corner went agonizingly over. With an hour played, Hashtag were reduced to 10 players as Cairns was given her marching orders by referee Lucy Clark after kicking out at Megan Stow off the ball.

The Dons looked to keep building pressure with the visitors down to 10 players coming close to getting a deserved goal on several occasions with the best chance falling to Rebecca Carter whose chip landed on the roof of the net, with the game ending 0-0.

The result leaves AFC Wimbledon 16 points behind the current league leaders with four games in hand over Hashtag. The draw has opened the door for Billericay Town to overtake Hashtag if they win their own games in hand.

Speaking after the game, El Sueno Tequila player of the match Kelly Highman said: “It was a hard-fought game and it felt like it lasted forever but we battled through it. It has been a tough week for us in terms of players that are available and players that are not feeling so great, but we put in a performance today to make it a 0-0 and take two points off of the top of the league side.”

Dons Manager Kevin Foster reflected: “It was a good point. We are proud of the girls. We have had an interesting 24/48 hours with a lot going on in terms of sickness and bits and pieces. There are players playing at 60% health and fitness and they dug in deep and put in a shift and ultimately there is also the frustration of probably missing three or four clear-cut chances to win the game.”

Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Highman, Sargent (Fowler), Billingham, Mann (Childerhouse), Taylor, Stow, Siber, Lewry (Carter), Stanley (Pickett).

HASHTAG UNITED: Lynch, Thomas, Kelly, Gillard, Apindia, Cairns, Samways, Baker, West, Adams, Nutman. Substitutes: Riches (GK), Finneran, Adamson, Wealthall, Whinnett.

Worts Signs Up For Another Year

(21/2/22).

Above: Fiona Worts applauds the Adelaide United fans at the end of their best ever W-/A-League Women season. Photo: Adelaide United.

In a major boost for the South Australian club, Adelaide United announced this morning that English forward, Fiona Worts, the A-League Women’s top scorer for 2021/22 has signed a new deal for next season.

In the meantime, Worts will join Norwegian top-flight club LSK Kvinner FK before returning for her third campaign with Adelaide.

The 26-year-old was in sensational form for the Reds this season, scoring 13 goals in 14 regular season matches, on her way to claiming the competition’s Golden Boot as United experienced the most successful season in its history.

Speaking about committing to Adelaide and her impending move to the Toppserien, Worts said: “The season just gone was the best of my career so far and I hope I can build on that.

“While we did get eliminated in the first week of the finals, we still had a really good season and one that we’re proud of.

Above: Fiona Worts in action against Canberra United this season. Photo: Adelaide United.

“I still feel there is unfinished business in the A-League and I will return to Adelaide with this incredible squad and have another go at competing for a title.

“I’m also looking forward to challenging myself and spending time in Norway during the offseason in a tough league which will only help improve my game and make me a better player when I return to Adelaide.”

Adelaide United Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “Retaining Fiona for next season was a high priority of ours because she is a very important player for us.

“Fiona had a fantastic year not just from a scoring perspective, but she was an excellent attacking outlet with her hold-up play allowing her to combine superbly with her fellow teammates.

“The opportunity to play abroad in Norway is also exciting for her and one that I’m sure will be extremely beneficial for her continued development.”

In two seasons with Adelaide United, Worts has accumulated 24 appearances, notching 15 goals and seven assists.

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

Dominant Chelsea Ease Through To Semis

Chelsea 5-0 Birmingham City

Words and EXCLUSIVE Photos From Ben Gilby at Kingsmeadow (20/3/22)

Above: Chelsea celebrate Magda Eriksson’s opening goal this afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

Chelsea gained a comprehensive victory over Birmingham City in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals, but it took a spell of four goals in seventeen second-half minutes to turn their dominance into a scoreboard lead.

The home side brought back talismanic captain Magda Eriksson for her first start after recovering from a long-term ankle injury. Sam Kerr was rested on the bench with an eye on the club’s midweek game in hand against Tottenham Hotspur which could send Emma Hayes’ team top of the FAWSL.

Chelsea dominated the first half and their one-touch passing football was a joy to behold, but 76% possession only led to one shot on target until the final minute of the half. That was Millie Bright’s sensational long-range effort which cannoned back off of the crossbar. The pressure finally told just before the break when Beth England’s ball was headed home by Eriksson to the relief of all inside Kingsmeadow.

The second half continued in a one-sided manner and Chelsea effectively made the game safe with 55 minutes played thanks to a superb long-range effort by Drew Spence. Within seven minutes a piece of genius from Spence, who backheeled delightfully to Beth England to sweep home from close range made it 3-0.

There were two further goals, a header from Niamh Charles and another low long-range effort from England which completed the scoring.

There was the welcome return to the Kingsmeadow turf of Maren Mjelde from the bench, who was back after a devastating injury in the 2021 Conti Cup Final almost 12 months and one week ago.

Birmingham had a few attacks towards the end, but Ann-Katrin Berger had only one shot to save on target all afternoon and Jess Carter put in some absolutely superb tackles to keep City at arms-length.

The final whistle saw the Blues into yet another FA Cup Semi-Final. With Arsenal, Manchester City, and West Ham United the potential opponents, it will be a tough path to another Wembley Final for Emma Hayes’ side.

Ben Gilby’s EXCLUSIVE Photo Gallery From Kingsmeadow for Impetus:

Click on the arrow on the right-hand side of the image to advance to the next photo.

Teams: CHELSEA (3-5-2): Berger, Bright, Eriksson, Carter, Charles, Spence, Ingle, Ji, Andersson, Fleming, England. Substitutes: Musovic (GK), Nouwen, Reiten, Mjelde, James, Kerr, Cuthbert, Abdullina.Scorers: Eriksson 45′, Spence 55′, England 62′, 72′. Charles 65′.

BIRMINGHAM CITY (4-5-1): Hourihan, Cowie, Lawley, Quinn, Robertson, Ryan-Doyle, Finn, Murray, Sarri, Quinn, Smith. Substitutes: Simkin, Ramsey (GK), Jenner, Jones, Wildgoose, Cole.

Referee: Lauren Impey.

Attendance: 1,869.