(no title)

Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter-Final Review

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

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

Thetford Town 1-6 Wymondham Town

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referee: Jaden Lister.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pride Park Back At Last

Wirksworth Colts 5-2 Pride Park

By ‘Boot Room’ (18/1/22)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impetus Achievers Awards

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

PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

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

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

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

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

COACH OF THE WEEK:

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

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

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

EVENT OF THE WEEK:

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

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

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

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

Gorry Has Brisbane Roaring With Delight

Wellington Phoenix 2-3 Brisbane Roar

By Kris Goman (16/1/22)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scorers: Whinham 20′, Jale 24′.

Referee: Rebecca Mackie

Attendance: 247.

Markovski Seals Victory From The Spot

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-1 Melbourne Victory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from CommBank Stadium:

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

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

Scorer: Markovski (pen) 73′.

Referee: Rachel Mitchenson.

Attendance: 458.

Honours Even In Newcastle Thriller

Newcastle Jets 1-1 Perth Glory

By Ben Gilby (16/1/22)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scorer: Eddy 77′.

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

Scorer: Lowry 54′.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: 713.

Steph Catley On Resting And Preparation

By Ben Gilby (16/1/22)

Above: Steph Catley in action for Australia last year. Photo: Football Australia.

Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley spoke yesterday from Australia’s pre-Asia Cup training camp in Dubai about her preparations for the competition.

The Arsenal defender highlighted the importance of having to manage the load of playing so many games with regular UEFA Women’s Champions League matches on top of FA Women’s Super League action throughout December. “It’s been a very heavy schedule for me. I have though had some time at home, special time to spend with family and that was refreshing and I can start on the next chapter now and I’m excited for the Asia Cup tournament.

“It had been a long time since I was able to stop and relax. I’ve been able to get that love and home support, but also to rest my legs too.

“The off-season this year I will have that break. I’m getting older, so I need to break things up every now and then.

“This preparation time is important. There are lots of games in a short space of time, so every player needs to be able to step into different roles. We’ve been working hard for the last four days, doing walk-throughs and getting the tactics right. It seems like everyone is on the same page and ready to go. We’ve spent two days each on attacking and defending. We’re ready to go.”

**Above:** The Matildas pictured in training yesterday. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter-Final Preview

By Darrell Allen (16/1/22)

Above: Norwich City lift the Norfolk Women’s Cup last season. They face the team they beat in the final, Mulbarton Wanderers in the Quarter-Finals today. Photo: Pink ‘Un/Archant.

This weekend sees the return of the ever-popular Norfolk County FA Women’s Cup as the competition reaches its Quarter Final stage.

The draw has been set up beautifully with a potential of four upsets and some real David against Goliath ties as the four Step Seven and Eight clubs from the Norfolk Women’s and girls league were drawn against Step Four and Five opposition. We take a look at each tie and the potential for an upset. These are previewed in order of which the games were drawn out by Norfolk County FA.

Norwich City vs Mulbarton Wanderers

The first tie sees a repeat of the 2021 final at The Nest as Step Four Norwich City from the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East face Norfolk Women’s and Girls League Division One leaders Mulbarton Wanderers.

This tie is fantastic because both clubs have superb mutual respect for each other and will both be looking forward to the afternoon ahead.

Norwich City goes into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw at home to London Seaward in the league and they were disappointed not to take all three points.

Norwich City also are currently in a position with a great bill of health with experienced heads like Millie Daviss, Anna Larkins, Kathyrn Stanley, Jodie Drake, and Natasha Snelling all involved.

Norwich head coach Shaun Howes is a man who takes the County Cup seriously and will want to retain the trophy.

Mulbarton will be up for it though and they will fight, scrap and play for each other and the shirt. You can never rule out Rebekah Lake for a goal either.

Expect entertainment but this should be a comfortable home win by the end.

Prediction: Norwich City 4-1 Mulbarton Wanderers

Caister vs King’s Lynn Town

**Above:** King’s Lynn Town face a tricky trip to Caister today. **Photo:** Neil Dady.

Possibly the tie of the round is set to take place at The Allendale. I’ve been laughed at in private conversations for saying this but I genuinely believe that this will be a close game.

It has all the ingredients for a fantastic cup tie with Step Eight Caister welcoming Step Five King’s Lynn Town to their home parkland pitch.

A great setting for a game and King’s Lynn will be in for a warm welcome but when both players step over that white line, it will be a very exciting contest.

Sophie Gillett has her team well prepared having had the intelligence to arrange a short notice friendly against Shrublands last weekend to get crucial match minutes ahead of the King’s Lynn tie.

They will be well-coached and well organized and roared on by an enthusiastic bench and the presence of number one supporter and sponsor Dave Roots will give the girls an additional lift.

King’s Lynn Town has a wonderfully talented squad. They will be hoping to have a bigger squad available for this tie after going to Wymondham with just 12 players, a game they lost 4-1 to the Eastern Region Premier leaders.

This will be an awkward tie for King’s Lynn, but the experience of captain Tiffany Forshaw and vice-captain Jodie Hopkins will help massively in ensuring there are no mistakes here.

The tie for the neutral but Kings Lynn should have enough quality.

Prediction – Caister 1-2 Kings Lynn Town

Wroxham vs Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers

**Above:** It’s been a long eight weeks since Wroxham (right) were last in action. They face Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers at Trafford Park today. **Photo:** Ben Gilby.

A very intriguing battle awaits at Trafford Park between Step Five Wroxham and Step Seven Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers.

Wroxham has not played since a 1-1 draw in the league at King’s Lynn Town on 21st November. Most recently the trip to Dunstable was called off last weekend.

Dussindale and Hellesdon are one of the Norfolk Women’s and Girls Leagues’ most talented teams but are underachieving so far this season despite only played 5 games.

Adrian Tink will have them up for the cup but they come up against a Wroxham side hungry for action and success.

Wroxham’s quality will see them through here and the mission will be to get through and get some confidence for the league games ahead.

There is also the hurt from 12 months ago when Mulbarton Wanderers from the same division as Dussindale and Hellesdon came to Trafford Park and knocked the Yachtswomen out with a 1-0 victory and went on to reach the final.

The players from that afternoon will want to put that right and be expected to put that right by a coach who only cares and wants the best for her players but only allows you to mess up once and will expect success.

It might be awkward in stages but expect no mistake from Rebecca Burton’s team this time around.

Prediction – Wroxham 3-1 Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers

Thetford Town vs Wymondham Town

**Above:** Wymondham celebrate last week’s success vs Kings Lynn in the Eastern Region Premier Division **Photo:** Neil Dady.

Possibly the biggest David against Goliath tie of them all as Alex Guy is set to take Norfolk Football’s form team Wymondham Town to Mundford Road to face Step Seven Thetford Town from the Norfolk Women’s and Girls League Division One.

Wymondham Town continue their stroll towards the Eastern Region Premier Division Title and a place in the FA Women’s National League having secured another home win over King’s Lynn Town in their local derby last weekend winning 4-1.

Thetford Town will be looking forward to a great occasion after being unbeaten so far in the league having played seven, won six, and only drawn one. It will be a chance for the Thetford squad to test themselves against the very best in Norfolk and some of the Thetford players even went to see Wymondham in action vs King’s Lynn on Sunday.

Thetford will be organized by David Skipp and Stuart Terry and will relish the challenge with no pressure.

However, Alex Guy is a manager who respects the Norfolk Women’s Cup having reached the final in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and won the competition in 2018 and 2019. Wymondham Town will show Thetford the utmost respect and I expect to see all the Wymondham stars, Hannah Waters, Laura Nicholls, Katie Knights, Rachel Cossey, Chelsea Clarke and more to grace the Mundford Road turf. I expect them to be professional with class and quality which will see them victorious.

Prediction – Thetford Town 0-4 Wymondham Town

Four exciting ties and something for everyone but I fully expect the four giants of the Norfolk game Norwich City, Kings Lynn, Wroxham and Wymondham to all progress.

The weekend provides a challenge for all those four and they will hope to negotiate a safe passage to the Semi-Finals without embarrassment.

For Mulbarton Wanderers, Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers, Caister, and Thetford Town it is a chance to do the Norfolk Women’s and Girls League proud, make themselves proud, and cause an extraordinary upset.

Unlikely to happen but you never know in cup football. When it’s 11 vs 11 anything can happen.

Enjoy the weekend whether you are a player, supporter, sponsor, or volunteer.

Sydney Smash Six In Statement-Making Win

Sydney FC 6-0 Canberra United

Report by Kieran Yap. Exclusive pitchside photos by Kris Goman (15/1/22)

Above: Canberra United goalkeeper Keeley Richards reaches for the ball under pressure. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

This was always going to be a tough game for Canberra United. They are without a win as the season approaches the halfway mark and have lost many of last season’s best players. Two of them (Jessika Nash and Paige Satchell) now play for their opponents in this round, Sydney FC.

They also had to face the league leaders without Emma Illijoski due to COVID and Karly Roestbakken to Matildas duty. Sydney’s Remy Siemsen and Cortnee Vine are also with the national team in Dubai but in Satchell and Maria Cote Rojas, The Sky Blue have strong replacements.

**Above:** Sydney FCs New Zealand international Paige Satchell homing in on the Canberra United goal. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Rojas started things off for Sydney FC. Mackenzie Hawkesby played in the Chilean international who was fouled by Hayley Taylor-Young. Rojas dispatched the penalty herself. A calm, low bottom corner shot that Keeley Richards could not reach despite diving the right way.

Sydney FC went 2-0 up before halftime through Rojas again. Lauren Keir under-hit a back pass to gift another chance to the unforgiving striker. She may have been gifted the ball but the finish was all class. Rojas carried the ball inward, cutting across goal and lifting it over Richards and into the goal.

Any plans for a Canberra comeback were dealt a blow by Ally Green who made it 3-0 with an amazing goal. Whether it was a shot or a cross does not really matter in the end. It looked incredible.

**Above:** Cote Rojas – Sydney FC’s hat-trick hero. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

After receiving the ball, on the touchline, Green hit a curling in-swinging ball high and long. Richards was well positioned to intercept a cross but the ball kept moving and found its way inside the far post.

Rojas made it four with another great piece of skill. Canberra United would be disappointed that one of the shortest players could score from a corner. Even unmarked and six yards out, the volley was perfectly struck. Rojas had her first hattrick for her new club and the game looked out of reach for the home side.

As Canberra struggled to find a way into the contest, Sydney hit them on the counter attack. Taylor Ray showed why she was initially selected to join the Matildas camp with a perfect long pass to Princess Ibini. The forward raced onto the ball and into the penalty area and directly towards goal.

**Above:** Princess Ibini (right) gets away from Canberra United’s Chloe Middleton en route to scoring Sydney FC’s fifth goal. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Chloe Middleton did her best to stop her with a lunging push, but Ibini kept balanced as she tumbled and poked the ball past Richards to make it five unanswered goals for Sydney FC.

Ibini turned provider in the closing minutes. She played a defence-splitting reverse pass to set Rachel Lowe into space. The midfielder waited for Richard to commit before calmly slotting it beyond for her first of the season.

This was a hard game to judge. Canberra United has played good football in patches this season but without the twin threats of Satchell and Nikki Flannery, they have lost much of what made them a force last season.

Grace Maher remains a top-class midfielder, she is Canberra’s creator and conductor but this season they have struggled to find her the support she needs to hurt the opposition.

**Above:** Rachel Lowe breaks through to score Sydney FC’s sixth goal. **Photo:** Kris Goman. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

This game was all about Sydney though. They are without two of their best players from this season and looked just as strong if not more so.

To win 6-0 in any game is an incredible effort to do it without Siemsen and Vine is a whole new level of impressive. They have exceptional individual talent in every position and in Satchell and Rojas they have two international attackers in reserve of two others. Sydney has depth and quality that no other team is currently able to match.

We are only halfway through the season but Sydney FC looks frighteningly close to unbeatable.

Canberra United has suffered their most difficult start to a season in their history. But next week they have a winnable game. Melbourne Victory has shown they can be vulnerable to fast clinical attacks. In Ashleigh Sykes, Michelle Heyman, and Allira Toby, the side from the capital have the weapons to break their losing streak. Finals may be out of reach, but there is still hope they can have something to celebrate.

Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from Netstrata Jubilee Stadium:

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Rule, Mclean, Tobin, Green, Lowe, Hunter, Hawkesby, Satchell, Rojas, Ibini. Substitutes: Johnson, Nash, Offer (GK), Prior, Ray.

Scorers: Rojas (pen) 29′, 41′, 64′. Green 62′, Ibini 83′, Lowe 88′.

CANBERRA UNITED (4-3-3): Richards, Keir, Vidmar, Haran, Taylor-Young, Washington, Robinne, Hughes, Sykes, Heyman, Toby. Substitutes: Caspers, Grove, Karrys-Stahl, Lincoln (GK), Middleton.

Referee: Isabella Blaess.

Attendance: 1,319.

Pollicina’s Class Settles Tight Tussle

Adelaide United 0-1 Melbourne City

By Kieran Yap (15/1/22)

Above: Rhianna Pollicina jumps for joy after scoring Melbourne City’s match-winner. Photo: Melbourne City.

A single goal was all that separated Melbourne City and Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.

Both teams went into this game with unique disruptions. City was a victim of their own success and was without Holly McNamara and Winonah Heatley. The duo had been called up to the Matildas Asian Cup preliminary squad after starting the season in fantastic form.

Adelaide has a settled lineup but head coach Adrian Stenta was unable to attend the match due to COVID restrictions.

They each were on their own winning streaks. Adelaide was looking to make it three in a row and consolidate their top-four position. City had the chance to win for the fourth time running and enhance their title credentials.

Adelaide began the game stronger. They pressured Melbourne City and created the early chances. Emily Condon tried her luck from a free-kick but Melissa Barbieri was untested by the attempt.

The best chance for The Reds came when Isabel Hodgson lofted a clever pass over the top of the City defenders. Chelsie Dawber controlled it and whipped in a dangerous low ball. Emma Checker was on hand to step in and clear the ball for City.

**Above:** Melbourne City’s Rebekah Stott (right) – who had a great chance for her team in the first half. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

Rebakah Stott had the visitor’s best chance for the first half. In a more attacking role, she was close to turning in an enticing cross but Adelaide survived and the scores stayed level.

As the half ended, Fiona Worts brought the best out of Barbieri. The in-form striker hit a stinging left-foot volley from the edge of the box. It was on target and travelling fast but it was not enough to beat the legendary goalkeeper. It remained nil-all at halftime.

This was not a game of many chances, but in the second half, City wrestled back control of the game.

Checker tried her luck from long range, but her speculative shot was easily held by Annalee Grove. Stott teed up Rhianna Pollicina from a set-piece but the playmaker’s shot sailed harmlessly wide.

Pollicina has been somewhat of an unsung hero for City so far this season. She has started every game and been a creative force against each opponent. In the shadow of some spectacular individual moment from Mcnamara and Hannah Wilkinson, she has perhaps been overlooked for praise.

In the absence of McNamara, Pollicina took on more responsibility and then took her chance to score the defining goal.

In a terrific piece of play, she exchanged passes with Rebekah Stott 18 yards from goal. Stott shaped to shoot but instead clipped a perfectly weighted ball through into Pollicina’s feet. City’s number 10 controlled the ball and held off the attention of Paige Hayward. In the style reminiscent of her futsal career, she took an extra touch to cruise past the final defender and toe poke it under Grove to make it 1-0.

**Above:** Melbourne City’s goalscorer Rhianna Pollicina in a dominant pose against Adelaide United today. **Photo:** Melbourne City

It was a classy goal in a tight match and a deserved reward for a game in which she constantly kept trying to make things happen.

Adelaide had been weakened in two areas of the pitch in one substitution. Isabel Hodgson was limited to an hour of game time as she continues to recover from an injury. When she was withdrawn, Paige Hayward had to shift from the left-wing to right back.

Hayward had been a reliable provider of crosses and defensive pressure from her starting position. She is also a capable full-back but Adelaide was effectively without their best winger and first-choice right-back simultaneously with that move.

The Reds continued to push for an equalizer. Melbourne City’s defence was too well organized and composed. Naomi Chinnama was particularly impressive in her first start for the season and Emma Checker was impassable.

**Above:** Adelaide United’s Emily Condon (right) – who had her team’s best chance – holds off a City tackle today. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

Emily Condon had the best opportunity to draw level when she raced onto Chelsie Dawber’s pass. She got beyond the defenders and had time in the box. She took a steadying touch and aimed her shot, but Barbieri was again well-positioned to save and hold onto the ball.

This was City’s only defensive lapse for the half and they did not give up another chance. Melbourne City held on to the one-goal advantage to record an important and impressive win on the road.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-2-3-1): Grove, I.Hodgson, McNamara, Sharples, E.Hodgson, Sasaki, Holmes, Dawber, Condon, Heyward, Worts. Substitutes: Murray, Omiya, Stanbury, Templeman (GK), Tonkin.

MELBOURNE CITY (3-4-2-1): Barbieri, Chinnama, Checker, Tunmeth, Torpey, Davidson, Malone, Vlajnic, Scott, Pollicina, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Blissett, Karic, Majstorovic (GK), Westland, van der Meer.

Scorer: Pollicina 66′.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 2,062.