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A-League Women Wrap

Ben Gilby hears from Melbourne City’s Emma Checker, Melbourne Victory’s Kayla Morrison plus Adelaide United’s Grace Taranto, and Leia Varley. There’s also Tony Gustavsson‘s explanation of his selection for the Matildas’ friendlies with the USWNT next week.

Above: Melbourne City’s Emma Checker spoke to the media this week about how she sees good things ahead for the team this season. Photo: Melbourne City.

Matildas name squad for USWNT Friendlies:

Click here: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/11/17/matildas-unveil-squad-for-uswnt-matches/ for all the details and the views of Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson.

Melbourne City’s Emma Checker Speaks To The Media:

On Monday, City and Matildas defender Emma Checker met the media and began by emphasizing how excited she is for the new campaign.”There is no shying away from the fact that last season was difficult and we didn’t achieve what we wanted to, however, I feel that we’re in a really good and positive place moving into the new season.”

Asked about what specifically makes her believe that this season will be better, Checker replied: “I feel that we’ve got some really good young players who are exciting and talented. They are ambitious and willing to work hard. We’re seeing it every session of pre-season what they are willing to do.

“Holly McNamara is really impressing me. She’s come back from an injury and she’s going to be really great for us. Obviously as well we have Sally James as well.

**Above:** Emma Checker issues a rallying cry ahead of Melbourne City’s new A-League Women season. **Photo:** Getty Images.

“There’s also the return of Rebekah Stott, who is a massive part of this team and this club. She wears her heart on her sleeve. That sounds like a cliche, but it is who she is. We are all so proud of what she’s done to get back to where she is. It’s not just her qualities as a player, but as a person that she brings to us. It’s invaluable. As a centre-back partner, I’m very selfishly pleased to have her back!”

Speaking about her own personal goals for the campaign, Checker was clear: “The Asian Cup is in January, followed by a World Cup and Olympics so there are lots of big games I want to be part of. Immediately though, it’s about improving with Melbourne City as a team to prove that last season was a one-off downfall for us. We need to prove that we’re capable of coming back and redeeming ourselves.”

Checker also highlighted the elements that she knows she needs to keep focusing on to hit her personal targets “I need to keep growing and maturing as a player as well as looking at what I need to do with City.”

The City defender ended the media session by looking at the contenders for the A-League Women crown this season. “Obviously we have to respect (Melbourne) Victory as they had a great season (last time) and they have a really strong squad. I do think that they are going to be a hard team to beat. I also think that there will be other strong teams, but there has been a lot of changes in other teams so it will be very unpredictable and exciting.

Kayla Morrison – Melbourne Victory Star On Being Captain:

**Above:** Kayla Morrison pictured at the media conference announcing her captaincy. **Photo via:** Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory has revealed that Kayla Morrison will be the Club’s A-League Women captain for the 2021/22 season.

Morrison, who joined the Club at the start of the 2020/21 season, will lead Jeff Hopkins’ side in their Championship defence that kicks off on Sunday 5th December against Adelaide United at AAMI Park.

The American-born defender was crucial in the A-League Women’s Championship last season, leading the defensive line in recording eight clean sheets throughout the season and lifting the trophy alongside former captain, Angie Beard.

The 25-year-old enters this season with A-League Women’s experience under her belt and says captaining the Club that gave her the opportunity to play in Australia is humbling.

“It’s an honour to be leading such a special group of players at Melbourne Victory this season,” Morrison said.

“I know wearing the armband will be a challenge but I feel my qualities as a leader and as a footballer will help me guide the squad to perform to the best of our abilities this season.

“Angie Beard was an exemplary leader last season and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop and nurture our talented squad as we strive to achieve the ultimate success. It was a big loss losing Angie, but you couldn’t ask for anyone better to step into that role than Courtney Nevin. She has international experience now. She’s young, but she’s a gun and is very similar to Angie in many ways

**Above:** Kayla Morrison with what was then the W-League trophy. **Photo:** AAP

“Winning the competition here last season and now being captain is incredible. I’m excited but also nervous, but I am definitely ready to lead the team and get us to another Grand Final.

“I think the girls are already fed up with hearing my voice at them, but I just tell them if it’s not me yelling at you it will be Jeff (Hopkins, head coach)! So they need to just do what I say the first time! I find him (Jeff Hopkins) a bit scary myself! He wants us to be strong defenders and to let the other team know we are there from the start of the game.

“I like to think that I’m already a leader and so I don’t think the additional responsibility will take anything away from my game. I do want to work on communicating and organizing a bit better. We have so many natural leaders on the team we can be in a good place.

Asked about the additional challenge of being the team that everyone will want to beat this season, Morrison spoke about how that actually brings out the best in her side: “We always play better when teams are strong against us. We feel it as motivation. We want to win whether it’s a proper match or just an internal training match. So with hard work, we can win everything.”

“We are looking really good in training. The new girls have added a new level to us, but it’s a big positive to have so many returning players in a core. In terms of where we are compared to last season in preparations, I’d say that we’re ahead of where we were this time last year, but there’s always things we can improve on. We need to be on the next level.”

With Victory playing some doubleheaders this year, Morrison was excited about the prospect of playing more matches at the club’s main stadium “It will be amazing to have more games at AAMI Stadium and other clubs will need to follow us on that.”

Brillante will be joined by Leigh Broxham and Roderick Miranda who will be Vice Captains while Morrison will be joined by Melissa Maizels and Lia Privitelli in the Women’s Leadership Group.

Reds add Taranto and Varley to squad:

**Above:** Grace Taranto, on Adelaide United’s roster on a scholarship deal for 2021/22. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Adelaide United.

Adelaide United announced that defenders Grace Taranto and Leia Varley have signed scholarship deals for the upcoming A-League Women 2021/22 season.

Taranto arrives from Victoria where she played 10 games with FC Bulleen Lions before the COVID-19 pandemic suspended the 2021 National Premier League seasons.

The versatile defender, who has represented the Junior Matildas, previously spent time with FV Emerging, scoring seven goals in 37 games.

Speaking on joining the Reds, Taranto said: “I’m so excited to have signed my first professional contract and that it’s with Adelaide United.

“I’m looking forward to working under the guidance of Adrian (Stenta) and the entire staff, and can’t wait to embark on this journey with my new teammates.”

**Above:** Leia Varley, signed on a scholarship by Adelaide United. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Adelaide United.

Meanwhile, Varley also joins United from Victoria and scored three goals in 10 games with FV Emerging this year.

The centre-back has previously plied her trade with Box Hill United in 2018 and South Melbourne in 2019 and has been a part of Junior Matilda training camps.

Following her decision to move to the Club, Varley said: “I’m excited to have signed with Adelaide United.

“This is a fantastic chance to test myself playing against the best female footballers in the country and I can’t wait to begin training with my new teammates and working under Adrian (Stenta).”

After signing the pair, Adelaide United’s A-League Women’s Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “We’re happy to add both Grace and Leia to our squad.

“Grace is able to play anywhere across the defence, while Leia is predominantly a centre-back.

“They are young players with a lot of potential and will certainly be beneficial to our team, which is coming together nicely.”

Women’s Football Weekend: An Opportunity Missed

With a schedule worse than a normal WSL weekend, lack-lustre coverage and a forgotten pyramid, the third edition of Women’s Football Weekend (WFW) didn’t feel very ‘weekendy’ at all. Impetus contributor Abi Ticehurst, takes us through why she thinks it was an opportunity missed (19/11/21).

Above: Reading’s Brooke Chaplen on the ball for Reading in their WFW clash away to West Ham United. Photo: @ReadingFCWomen

Having had a conversation with a pal who keeps, albeit distant, tabs on the goings-on of the WSL and regularly endures my rants about Reading and the women’s game, I was somewhat confused when I mentioned it was WFW and their response was ‘I didn’t know that. Has it been well advertised?’ In truth, unless you’re heavily invested in the wonder that is the world of women’s football, you likely didn’t have a clue it was happening and you certainly wouldn’t think it existed outside of the top flight of the Super League.

Let’s begin by discussing the scheduling. The new deal with Sky and the BBC has revamped the viewing of the WSL for the better, you simply had to see the first fixtures back from the international break last weekend to know that. Saturday 6th gave us Villa v title contenders Chelsea at 12:30 then Everton versus Brighton at teatime for a 5:30pm kick-off with Hope Powell’s ‘Seagulls’ continuing their stellar run this season. Whilst Sunday featured a thriller game between Spurs and Manchester United, with THAT Alessia Russo goal at 12:15, the usual 2pm’s in the shape of Birmingham up against Reading and newcomers Leicester at home to a struggling City and if that wasn’t a treat enough there was Arsenal running the show against the Hammers at 6:45pm.

Fast forward to WFW, and the now eagerly anticipated North London Derby (NLD) was to take centre stage at half one on the BBC, but that’s just it, they were the only ones on the big screen on Saturday as no other fixtures were to take place. The same time slot of the previous week was instead occupied by a repeat episode of Flog It! on BBC 2. Sunday was the real shamble scheduling however with five games on offer, but no chance to watch a full ninety of any of them, despite the early kick-off in the shape of Everton and Manchester United, you’d have had to have missed the first fifteen of any of the two o’clock kickoffs, which included another brilliant derby in the shape of Birmingham City v Aston Villa.

**Above:** Action from the second city derby on WFW as Birmingham City (right) hosted Aston Villa. **Photo:** @AVWFCOfficial

As derbies go, the NLD invites the hype it does because of the history the men’s sides bring to it, but it’s up to women’s football to create that same buzz around the Birmingham one and that mark feels well and truly missed. What are the intentions of a multi-million-pound television deal if two games on the ‘biggest weekend’ in women’s football end up stuck on the ever temperamental FA Player, just an hour after the previous two games kick-off time? I thought the chaotic days of multiple screens, all open at once, were done with.

What about social media? The FA have outlined their intentions to get younger fans watching and engaged with women’s football, the wrong strategy I’d say but that’s a whole other article, and how do you do that? YouTube is certainly one answer. But another missed opportunity this weekend as rather than pick a content creator already invested in women’s football, they instead chose ‘Away Days’ shirt unboxing, camera star Ellis Platten. No disrespect to the content he creates, it clearly works as he has 100k followers, but he just didn’t feel like the right fit for the direction, I assume, they were intending with this choice. He wrote what seemed like a couple of forced tweets throughout the weekend and the content still isn’t out on his channel. It’s surely irrelevant when the weekend is already over.

On a positive note, however, I will give props to them for the genius idea of Manchester Laces doing a takeover of the Barclays FAWSL Instagram account. A proper grassroots setup that advocates for women and non-binary players and is spearheaded by the passionate and barrier-breaking Helen Hardy, they showed some fun and relatable content throughout.

Meanwhile, the FA’s own social media handle had just two tweets showcasing the whole weekend, which leaves much to be desired as an account that includes the Women’s FA Cup and the WSL in their bio. There could be so much more done to celebrate what is revered as an important weekend in the season’s calendar and harnessing the positive power of social media in 2021 is vital to development.

As I mentioned above, you wouldn’t know it existed outside of the top flight of the Super League and this is where my qualms with ‘Women’s Football Weekend’ really lies, there are more than six tiers below the WSL and there are some truly fantastic clubs from the championship all the way down to the county leagues of tier seven. An exciting top-of-the-table clash between Matt Beard’s Liverpool and the ever-present at the top of the table, Durham whilst Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic played cat and mouse for 90 minutes.

**Above:** *Impetus* partner club Chorley celebrate their sensational FA Cup win over Middlesbrough on WFW. **Photo:** Munro Sports Photography.

Meanwhile, in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, we saw sixty-eight fixtures being played in the First Round Proper with some seriously exciting matches taking place. Take the game involving Impetus partner club, fourth-tier Chorley against tier-three Middlesbrough as your prime example. An eight-goal thriller that went to a penalty shoot-out and ended in a Chorley win after a superstar performance by sixteen-year-old Aleesha Collins who scored all four goals and the winning penalty. Northampton Town Women made club history as they too took their game to penalties with keeper Isobel McDonald making two saves in the squad’s first appearance in the first round. I spoke to manager Lou Barry to get his post-match thoughts.

“The FA Cup is synonymous with everybody in football so to have the opportunity to not only manage in it but progress in it brings immense pride to me. The games just feel a bit different to the others and it’s really helping us get people on board with the team which is exactly what we want & need!”

Big results for Netherton United Ladies and Clapton FC too as they also secured victories, whilst Eastleigh Ladies also wrote themselves into the history books. All the while, Impetus’ own Ashford Town and Brighouse Town Women joined fellow site stablemates Chorley in the Second Round Proper. And quite simply, why was there not more of a buzz around Crawley Wasps playing London Bees?!

Kelly Chambers, Reading manager, was quoted as saying “Women’s Football Weekend is a special time during the season, as it’s an opportunity to shout about the milestones we have all achieved in the sport from the development of grassroots football all the way up to the professional game.’ Unless I was in my own bubble under a rock, I’m not sure I saw much shouting about grassroots football though, besides from those involved in grassroots football themselves. This also remains one of my biggest gripes with women’s football. The odd time-lock of 2pm on a Sunday. I’m an avid Reading fan, but I also play for my local team, but I have to watch Reading at the expense of pulling my own boots on. This weekend felt like the perfect chance to ‘black out’ 2-4pm in order to encourage spectators to go and watch their local side but again an opportunity missed. The weekend for me should be all about showcasing and highlighting all those grassroots clubs do to develop players. They are after all creating the future of the women’s game.

How else do you round off a fantastic action-packed weekend of women’s football…with a bumper edition of highlights of course! Or maybe not as the coverage on The Women’s Football Show was the same tedious, 34 minutes of goals from the WSL and lends itself to yet another article I could write. There’s more engaging and in-depth analysis could be created and with no Match of the Day to compete with, it was an open goal.

**Above:** Reading manager Kelly Chambers. **Photo:** Get Reading.

I know that it takes a mountain of time, resources, and people power to keep it all ticking over but as the title suggests, it feels like an opportunity missed.

I’ll leave this rant on a positive note however, my Women’s Football Weekend was already complete on Saturday morning when one of my youngest Wildcats said to me mid-match and with absolute conviction “Abi, when I grow up, I’m going to be a footballer.”

CAF Women’s Champions League Round-Up

Impetus’ African correspondent Esther Owusua Appiah-Fei updates us on all the CAF Women’s Champions League action as the semi-finals took place.

Action from the semi-final between Mamelodi Sundowns (right) and Malabo Kings. Pic: CAF Women

The CAF Women’s Champions League has been nothing short of enthralling and riveting, capturing all the emotions as Africa and the world watch history unfold.

The Semi-Final matches of this tournament were nerve-wracking but managed to serve their purpose to many fans watching.

After an eventful group stage that saw hosts, Wadi Degla, River Angels, AS Mande, and Vihiga Queens exit, the stage was set for the final four to battle out to determine who made it to the final. The endearing yet enthralling Hasaacas Ladies were the first team to book their tickets to the finals after thumping ASFAR on a 2-1 scoreline. Mamelodi Sundowns were the second to book their tickets after a dramatic penalty shootout with Malabo Kings. The stage has been set, the big question which lingers on is “who is going to lift the trophy for the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League?” That question will be answered today (Friday 21st November).

Hasaacas Ladies are on an unbeaten record even after stubborn Wadi Degla held them to a 2-2 draw. Prior to that, they had beaten Malabo Kings (3-1) and AS Mande (3-0) and looked poised for the semi-finals. ASFAR on the other hand had quite a convincing win against River Angels but then shriveled in their next two group games where they were beaten by Vihiga Queens (2-0) and drew against Mamelodi Sundowns (0-0). Advancing into the semi-finals was a close shave after Vihiga Queens failed to capitalize on their initial three point advantage after losing to River Angels.

Hasaacas were to face ASFAR on Monday, November 15 for the first semi-final game and this was a knock-out game. Both teams knew the propensity of this match and what it meant to their fans and countrymen back home. Hasaacas as usual powered into the game with their signature attack-minded tactics. Doris Boaduwaa finally scored her long-awaited goal for the campaign to give Hasaacas Ladies the lead.

**Above:** ASFAR Queens (right) take on Hasaaacs. **Photo:** CAF Women.

ASFAR responded after Najt Badri converted Fatima’s cross into the back of the net to cancel the deficit. The second half saw both teams determined to find that pivotal goal which can etch their names in history, That breaking point happened after Doris Boaduwaa surged forward on a powerful run where she launched the ball into the box of ASFAR and super striker Evelyn Badu was at the right place to convert it into a goal.

Hasaacas Ladies took the lead but prior to that, Perpetual Agyekum missed a penalty kick but the resiliency of this team manifested when they regained their lead. Try as ASFAR may, they couldn’t level the scoreline and Hasaacas sailed through to the finals of the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League. The celebration was definitely out of this world and they were going to write history in the best possible form.

The game between Mamelodi Sundowns and Malabo Kings was undoubtedly a massive headliner. Mamelodi Sundowns proved they are the queens of the conservative style of football in the competition thus far. They haven’t conceded any goal from open play and defensively, they are simply the best.

The game against Malabo did not hinder their proclivity to step up and defend. That was a style they weren’t going to compromise on. The game was majorly a midfield hassle but try as Malabo may, they were unable to break the defensive line of the Mamelodi Sundowns. Stephanie Drepoba, the star player for the Kings was injured in the early moments of the game and though she was treated, she just couldn’t find her rhythmic flow especially with her frontline partners Grace Bolongi and Bella Rose. Mamelodi’s Zanelenhlapho was always there to keep them in check. Both teams had to be extremely tactical to create chances but that only exposed how lagging their frontline was. The game bled into extra-time and eventually penalties. Mamelodi Sundowns stood tall against Malabo Kings after a dramatic penalty shootout which ended 6-5 Mamelodi.

Mamelodi Sundowns earned their berth for the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League against Hasaacas Ladies on Friday, November 19, 2021.

Malabo Kings will go head to head with ASFAR in the third-place playoff game on Thursday, November 18.

Esther Owusua Appiah-Fei will review the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League Final for Impetus in the coming days.

Carla McManus and DLR Waves: Best Season Yet

With the FAI Women’s National League season concluding last weekend, Impetus sponsored striker Carla McManus of DLR Waves, who finished in fourth place in Ireland’s top tier – their best-ever finish – reviewed her season with Ben Gilby and looked ahead to 2022.

Above: Carla jumps for joy after scoring for DLR Waves earlier this season. Photo supplied by: DLR Waves

It’s been a dramatic season in the FAI WNL with the title race between Shelbourne and Peamount United only decided in the second half of the final match of the season. Just behind the top two was DLR Waves, who recorded a club-best fourth-place finish.

The Waves’ top scorer was Impetus sponsored Carla McManus, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at U16, U17 and U19 level. It’s been a particularly memorable season for her.

“It’s been a great year with college, football, and turning 21. A massive difference to 2020 where I couldn’t play and was only coming back from injury, it’s a great feeling to get a full season under my belt. Looking back on the year it’s been predominantly good memories. Obviously, a few losses in football but overall, massive improvements are being made.”

The season was hugely exciting in the FAI WNL, and Carla gave her opinion of an incredible title race and identified what she thinks DLR Waves need to do in order to challenge next time around.

“I think that the league is a lot closer than it was in previous years, with all teams putting in some big performances and a few shock results. For ourselves, we wanted to get into the top three or four on the table and we accomplished fourth position with three games to go. But we definitely are capable of beating the top three teams, I feel we need to capitalize on our chances and be more clinical in finishing them. The results against the top three have always been fine margins, which is frustrating. To break into the top three we need to beat those sides regularly, which I know, at our strongest, we can do.”

**Above:** Carla goes for goal for DLR Waves during this FAI WNL season. **Photo supplied by:** DLR Waves.

“For me personally, I feel that I have had a good season, I stayed fit for it all apart from a few dodgy ankle moments but overall I’m delighted to actually be able to play this year. I’ve scored eight goals, I would have liked a few more but that’ll be my aim for next year.

I think I have improved with my link-up play with midfielders and my runs into the box, I’m in the right position in the box so it’s only a matter of time until the crosses find me and fall to me in the right areas. I will continue to work on these things and also just being more direct and confident in myself to carry the ball to bring back how I used to play pre-injury.

“It’s still a mental battle and there’s more in me that I feel has been a bit held back because of my injury in the back of my mind but it’s something I’ll definitely work on!”

For Carla one of the major reasons behind the continuing improvement at DLR Waves is the atmosphere on and off the pitch.

“Waves are a very professional club, we try to do everything as if we were a professional team. The competition is high and nobody is guaranteed a place, you work for your place and that’s an atmosphere you will thrive in, which I love.

“The club is a very comfortable and happy place to be, we are all rooting for each other and building together. The craic off the pitch is great, we have a great laugh and everybody gets on well. There is a great hype around the training grounds too, when somebody does something good we all hype each other.”

Carla spoke of how she has appreciated the support of Impetus this season in terms of sponsorship.

**Above:** Eyes on the prize – Carla McManus looks forward to a big 2022 with her club. **Photo supplied by:** DLR Waves.

“The sponsorship is great for exposure. Impetus are really nice and it’s great that they are supporting me and DLR from afar. It’s good to know that there’s a group of people outside the FAI WNL circle rooting for me and the team and clapping for our successes. It gives a chance for WNL exposure over in the UK and further afield.”

It is not just the FAI WNL that has been making great strides this season, the Republic of Ireland women’s national team has been awarded equal pay with their male counterparts. Something which has been a long time coming, as Carla reflected.

“I know that the senior women have gone from struggling with keeping their travelling gear and tracksuits to getting equal pay. I think that speaks volumes for the steps being made to more equality between men and women in Irish football. There is a long way to go and we need a lot more support at our games from supporters of football to get anywhere near the men’s game. But it’s improving bit by bit.”

With the 2021 season now over, Carla turned her thoughts to the New Year and what she wants to achieve over the next few months.

“I am beyond excited for off-season training. I will be working with strength and conditioning coach John Sullivan and a nutrition coach to get better in the offseason, John will help me with the gym and the gym is my happy place when I’m not on the pitch so I’m really looking forward to working there to enhance my on-pitch performance.

“I am also in contact with a nutrition coach to get the best out of my gym programs. Going into pre-season in January I will be strong, fit, and buzzing to go.”

Wales and Northern Ireland Annouce Squads

With the approach of the next International Window, both Wales and Northern Ireland have unveiled their squads for their two matches. We bring you all the news:

Photo: Wales will be looking for further celebrations in their next two games. Photo: Kunjan Malde/FAW.

Gemma Grainger has announced a 26-player squad as Wales look to continue their unbeaten form in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Wales will face Greece at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday 26 November (KO 19:15) before heading to Guingamp in Britanny to face group leaders France on Tuesday 30 November.

Grainger’s side goes into the matches second in the group after three wins and a draw to start the campaign. Wales will be without Rachel Rowe who misses out due to injury and Hannah Cain who suffered an ACL injury a week after winning her first Welsh cap last month. Maria Francis-Jones returns to the squad after captaining the U19s last month to promotion to League A in the 2022 UEFA WU19 EURO Qualifying Round.

Squad:
Laura O’SULLIVAN (Cardiff City Ladies), Olivia CLARK (Coventry United), Poppy SOPER (Plymouth Argyle), Hayley LADD (Manchester United), Gemma EVANS (Reading), Rhiannon ROBERTS (Liverpool), Esther MORGAN (Tottenham Hotspur), Maria FRANCIS-JONES (Manchester City), Lily WOODHAM (Reading), Morgan ROGERS (Tottenham Hotspur), Sophie INGLE (Chelsea), Anna FILBEY
(Charlton Athletic), Angharad JAMES (North Carolina Courage), Josie GREEN (Tottenham Hotspur), Charlie ESTCOURT (Coventry United), Jess FISHLOCK (OL Reign), Carrie JONES (Manchester United), Chloe WILLIAMS (Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Manchester United), Ffion MORGAN (Bristol City), Megan WYNNE (Charlton Athletic), Natasha HARDING (Reading), Ceri HOLLAND (Liverpool), Kayleigh GREEN (Brighton & Hove Albion), Helen WARD (Watford), Elise HUGHES (Charlton Athletic), Georgia WALTERS (Liverpool).

**Above:** Northern Ireland will be looking to get back to winning ways after their defeat to England at Wembley last month where they put up a fantastic performance. **Photo:** IFA.

Northern Ireland manager Kenny Shiels has made a couple of changes to his squad for this month’s home and away FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifiers against North Macedonia.

Shiels’ side are away to the Macedonians first – on Thursday 25 November – with the game being staged at the Football Federation of North Macedonia Training Centre in Skopje.

And then it’s back home for the second meeting. That encounter is on Monday 29 November at Seaview and all tickets for the game have already been sold.

The Northern Ireland senior women’s team boss has gone with his usual blend of youth and experience in his 23-strong panel for the matches in Skopje and Belfast.

Northern Ireland are strong favourites to win home and away against the Macedonians, however Shiels and his players will not be taking anything for granted as the Macedonians defeated Latvia 4-1 away last month – and that was a similar scoreline to Northern Ireland’s home success against the Latvians back in September.

Birmingham City Women defender Rebecca Holloway, who missed last month’s double header through injury, returns to the fold.

And Crusaders Strikers defender Rachel McLaren, who was Holloway’s replacement in October, retains her place in the squad.

**Above:** Simone Magill and Nadene Calwell will be hoping for lots of opportunities to celebrate in the home and away games with North Macedonia. **Photo:** IFA

Also back in the panel is Cliftonville Ladies striker Caitlin McGuinness, who missed out last month.

Missing out this time are Southampton Women defender Laura Rafferty and Crusaders Strikers striker Emily Wilson, who is injured.

Cliftonville Ladies defender Toni-Leigh Finnegan is not available once again due to injury, while still recovering from long term injuries are Rangers Women midfielder Megan Bell and Linfield Ladies pair Ashley Hutton and Abbie Magee.

Northern Ireland currently lie third behind England and Austria in European Qualifying Group D. They have seven points from four qualifiers to date. North Macedonia are in fourth place in the six-team group with three points from four matches.

The girls in green and white began their quest for a place at the Women’s World Cup in 2023 – it is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand – with a 4-0 win over Luxembourg in Larne followed by a 4-0 victory over Latvia in Belfast back in September.

Last month they were defeated 4-0 by the group’s top seeds, England, at Wembley and then drew 2-2 with Austria at home.

Squad:

Goalkeepers – Jackie Burns (Lee University/Glentoran Women), Becky Flaherty (Huddersfield Town Women), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Crusaders Strikers).

Defenders – Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes Women), Rebecca Holloway (Birmingham City Women), Sarah McFadden (Durham Women), Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville Ladies), Demi Vance (Rangers Women), Rachel McLaren (Crusaders Strikers).

Midfielders – Marissa Callaghan and Louise McDaniel (both Cliftonville Ladies), Nadene Caldwell, Chloe McCarron, Caragh Hamilton and Joely Andrews (all Glentoran Women), Rachel Furness (Liverpool Women), Ciara Watling (Southampton Women).

Forwards – Kerry Beattie and Lauren Wade (both Glentoran Women), Simone Magill (Everton Women), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville Ladies), Caitlin McGuinness (Cliftonville Ladies).

Matildas Unveil Squad For USWNT Matches

Overnight, Australia announced their 25 player squad for their doubleheader against the USA at the end of this month. Head coach Tony Gustavsson revealed the reasons behind his selections

Above: The Matildas face the World Champions twice at the end of this month with their all-time attendance record set to be smashed. Photo: Football Australia.

Australia have revealed their squad for the upcoming two-match international series against the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Head Coach Tony Gustavsson has continued to embrace a combination of experience and youth as the Matildas prepare to face the current FIFA Women’s World Cup champions at Stadium Australia in Sydney (27th November) and McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle (30th November).

This will be the first time the Matildas have played at Stadium Australia as they look to break their attendance record of 33,600 set against Sweden at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium has become a regular host to Australia in recent years with this being the fourth game held there in five years. The last time they played in the Hunter, 14,014 supporters saw Australia defeat Vietnam 5-0 in the first leg of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Qualifier play-offs.

Having met on 31 previous occasions, the U.S. Women’s National Team are the Australia’s third most regular opponent. While the United States leads the head-to-head, clashes in recent years have produced some world-class football and goal-filled matches.

“There truly is no more exciting challenge for the team than to be taking on the world number one team, in front of thousands of passionate fans, in the stadium where the FIFA Women’s World Cup final will be played in 2023,” said Gustavsson.

**Above:** Jessika Nash, who received her first international call-up shown in action for her previous club Canberra United. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images.

“This could not be a better dress rehearsal for a World Cup final and we are going to treat it in the same way. From when we arrive, to those match days with what we hope will be record crowds, this is our chance to prepare for the big moments that want to be a part of in 2023.”

Captain Sam Kerr and vice-captain Steph Catley headline the 21 players returning from October’s Brazil series. While experienced England-based duo Hayley Raso and Emily Gielnik are recalled following recovery from injury, with the latter in line to record her 50^th international appearance for the Matildas.

At the other end of the spectrum, Young Matildas centre-back, Jessika Nash, and forward Charlize Rule will receive their first senior team introduction as they join the significant cohort of players in 2021 to be provided with the opportunity to experience the national team training environment.

“In selecting the squad, balance was at the heart of the decision making,” said Gustavsson. “We know that this is our final occasion to see the group together before announcing the squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup next year, and our focus remains on this crucial preparation.”

“However, with another camp at home, we didn’t want to miss the chance to expose another two young players to our standards and team philosophy, and to find out whether they can be a part of the building of depth towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.”

Name	Position	Club	Caps (goals)
Mackenzie Arnold	Goalkeeper	West Ham United	27 (0)
Angela Beard	Back	Fortuna Hjørring	2 (0)
Ellie Carpenter	Back	Lyon	52 (1)
Steph Catley	Back	Arsenal WFC	94 (3)
Kyra Cooney-Cross	Midfielder	Melbourne Victory	12 (0)
Caitlin Foord	Forward	Arsenal WFC	94 (21)
Mary Fowler	Forward	Montpellier	18 (5)
Emily Gielnik	Forward	Aston Villa	49 (11)
Charlotte Grant	Back	FC Rosengård	2 (0)
Bryleeh Henry	Forward	Western Sydney Wanderers	2 (0)
Alanna Kennedy	Back	Manchester City	101 (8)
Sam Kerr	Forward	Chelsea	102 (49)
Teagan Micah	Goalkeeper	FC Rosengård	7 (0)
Jessika Nash	Back	Sydney FC	0 (0)
Courtney Nevin	Back	Melbourne Victory	5 (0)
Clare Polkinghorne	Back	Vittsjö GIK	138 (13)
Hayley Raso	Forward	Manchester City	56 (6)
Karly Roestbakken	Back	LSK Kvinner	7 (0)
Charlize Rule	Forward	Sydney FC	0 (0)
Remy Siemsen	Forward	Sydney FC	1 (0)
Kyah Simon	Forward	Tottenham Hotspur	103 (26)
Emily van Egmond	Midfielder	Orlando Pride	110 (23)
Clare Wheeler	Midfielder	Fortuna Hjørring	3 (0)
Lydia Williams	Goalkeeper	Arsenal WFC	94 (0)
Tameka Yallop	Midfielder	West Ham United	99 (11)

For the third match in a row, a Matilda is set to hit their century with midfielder Tameka Yallop on the cusp of the milestone. Yallop would be the fifth player this year to record 100 international appearances and the 12^th Australian woman in history. The West Ham United star would join Emily van Egmond (110), Kyah Simon (103), Sam Kerr (102) and Kennedy (101) as the Matildas 2021 centurions.

Another potential milestone could be reached by Sam Kerr over the two games. The Western Australian is just one goal away from equalling the Australian goalscoring record and two goals away from passing Tim Cahill (50) on the leader board for international goals.

**Above:** Charlize Rule (right) – a dream first international call-up for the Sydney FC youngster. **Photo:** Sydney FC

Charlize Rule and Jessika Nash are the latest players to make the leap from the Women’s Talent ID camps, with the teens looking to build on that introduction to senior high performance. Instituted off the back of the findings of the women’s Performance Gap report, the Women’s Talent ID camps have resulted in 16 players being identified and provided with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the international level.

Scottish Women’s Football Wrap

Some big news in the Scottish Women’s Premier Leagues over the past two days with the October player of the month awards announced and a major title sponsor for the competition unveiled 17/11/21.

Above: Rangers’ Rachel McLauchlan with the SWPL 1 Player of the Month Trophy. Photo: Rangers FC/Kirk O’Rourke.

SWPL Player of the Month Winners Announced:

Rachel McLauchlan of Rangers has been voted as the winner of the SWPL 1 Player of the Month for October 2021 while Cara Henderson of Glasgow Women is the winner of the SWPL 2 award.

Both players received the highest number of public votes as well as securing the most votes from the Head Coaches within both divisions.

In the month of October, Rangers won three out of four games in the league including a 1-0 away victory over title chasers Hibernian. They also came away with a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Glasgow City, a result that kept them undefeated and top of the table.

In her role as full-back, McLauchlan played a vital part in Rangers’ attacking threat. She provided four assists in October and created a total of nine chances in their four games. This included a dominant performance against Aberdeen where she provided three assists, 12 crosses, and three shots on target.

Speaking from the Rangers Training Centre, McLauchlan said: “I’m delighted to win this. Winning individual awards is always nice but the key thing for me in October was the results as a team. We had some really important games and we’ve come away winning three out of four and undefeated.

“I feel like I’m contributing to the team really well at the moment. We’ve only conceded three goals in the league and I’ve got seven assists already. We’re in a really great place as a team so want to keep that momentum going for the remainder of 2021 and into 2022.”

**Above:** Glasgow Women’s Cara Henderson with her SWPL 2 Player of the Month Trophy. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Scottish Women’s Football.

In SWPL 2 Glasgow Women’s Cara Henderson was voted as Player of the Month as her side won all three of their games in October.

The midfielder played a key role for her side, scoring in their victories over Queen’s Park and Stirling University and also troubling Boroughmuir Thistle in their 3-2 away win.

Speaking from Glasgow Women’s home at Budhill Park, Henderson said: “I’m really pleased to have won this award, especially over such tough competition. I was delighted just to be nominated but this is extra special.

“It’s amazing to be playing a part in the teams’ success. I think a lot of people underestimated us coming into the new season but we’re top of the league for a reason. We want to stay there. If we can maintain our current form, there’s no reason why we can’t.

Also nominated for the SWPL 1 award was Leanne Crichton (Motherwell) and Lauren Davidson (Glasgow City) while Lisa Swanson (Kilmarnock) and Rebecca Robertson (Stirling University) were nominated for the SWPL 2 award.

SWPL Title Sponsors Announced:

**Above:** Scottish Women’s Football CEO Aileen Campbell with a representative from each of the SWPL 1 teams at the unveiling of Park’s Motor Group as the title sponsors of the two SWPL leagues. **Photo:** Colin Poultney/Collarge Images

Park’s Motor Group have been confirmed as the sponsor of the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) for the 2021/22 season as part of an exciting new commercial agreement for the league.

The deal ensures the continuation of a headline sponsor for the top women’s league in Scotland.

Scottish Women’s Football’s (SWF) Chief Executive Officer, Aileen Campbell, said: “This is a positive development for the girls’ and women’s game. Since my arrival as CEO, I know how important commercial income is to ensure we continue to grow the game and this deal is another step forward.

“This deal is a further sign that the game here in Scotland is deserving of recognition and investment. This will be the fifth continuous season that the SWPL has had a title sponsor. I want to thank all those involved in our game for helping make that possible and for continuing to help us grow and develop the sport we all love.”

Park’s Motor Group’s Marketing Director, Graeme Park, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the women’s game at this exciting time. Park’s has a rich history within the men’s game, with our coaches being used by many teams across the years as well as providing sponsorship and support to many clubs. We’re excited to be extending our involvement in Scottish football and helping to further grow the national game.”

SWF Chair, Vivienne MacLaren, added: “This is a historic moment for SWF, the SWPL, and the entire game. To have a brand such as Park’s Motor Group show their support to girls’ and women’s football in Scotland is a sign of the work that has been done and the progress we plan to make.

“The COVID pandemic was difficult for everyone and I’m sure many had concerns about the momentum of the game. However, today’s deal showcases that the Scottish game is more attractive to commercial sponsors and partners than ever before.”

**Artwork provided to *Impetus* by:** Scottish Women’s Football

Sam Stays!

Above: Sam Kerr pictured for the media this afternoon after extending her deal at Kingsmoeado for another two years. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Chelsea FCW.

Chelsea announce this afternoon that forward Sam Kerr has extended her contract at the club for a further two years – until the summer of 2024.

Following a stellar debut full season with the club, Kerr has become an integral part of the squad since joining midway through the 2019 season, with 39 goals in 47 appearances to her name.

Australia’s all time leading female scorer has now penned a new deal to stay at the club for at least another two years beyond this season and spoke of her excitement.

“It’s really exciting. I’m really happy at the club. We’ve had good success, being at a club like Chelsea is an amazing opportunity.

“The time was just right, I feel really comfortable being here. I think the club gives me every opportunity to succeed as a player. I can’t see myself going anywhere else in the world or leaving Europe, having what I have at Chelsea.

“The time was right, honestly, I didn’t feel like I wanted to rush into anything, just like signing here the first time, it just happened naturally.

The Matildas captain also discussed what drew her to stay at the club, commenting: “The team speaks for itself, every day at training playing with world-class players; getting challenged every day and winning trophies at the same time.

“I hadn’t won much when I came here and after last season, I think it’s just a no-brainer for me to stay.”

**Above:** Sam Kerr signing her contract extension with Chelsea FC General Manager Paul Green. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Chelsea FCW

General manager Paul Green added: “We are absolutely delighted that Sam has extended her deal with the club. She is quite simply one of the world’s best strikers and goalscorers.

“We look to continue to build on our recent successes, and Sam will play a big role in achieving those targets in the future.’

The 28-year-old is no stranger to winning awards, having scooped the Golden Boot for the Barclays Women’s Super League 2020/21 season with 21 goals in 22 matches. It is an accolade she has received two previous times as top scorer in the US and Australia, making her the first player to ever win it across three different leagues, in three different continents.

Looking back at the achievement, the East Fremantle-born star said: “I don’t go out there to win golden boots, I just go out there to give everything I can to the team and help the team to succeed and win trophies.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s nice when I do win them but that’s not my main goal at the start of the year. It’s a nice reward, but if I won golden boot after golden boot and no trophies, it wouldn’t be that rewarding to me. So that’s why last season winning the golden boot and winning the league was really rewarding because finally, it meant something.”

As well as the Golden Boots, during her time at Chelsea the number 20 has also secured back-to-back league and Continental Cup wins and last season also came out top in the Community Shield, as well as reaching the final of the Women’s Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

The forward is also on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or for the third time in her career and most recently, was nominated for BBC’s Footballer of the Year for the fourth time.

Kerr has also enjoyed a successful international career, most recently captaining the Matildas to their best-ever Olympic placing, at Tokyo 2020.

Commenting on sharing the news of her extension with fans and looking forward to what is to follow, the forward added: “I’m just excited, especially after the Covid year and now welcoming them back to Kingsmeadow. It’s been such a buzz having them back.

“I’m really proud to play for Chelsea and I feel our fan base at Chelsea is special. You see the same faces around Kingsmeadow, so for me, I just want to make up for lost time. More goals and more trophies!”

Collins Creates Cup Chaos!

Chorley 4-4 Middlesbrough

Chorley win 4-1 on penalties

Above: Aleesha Collins, who put in a stunning performance on her FA Cup debut, drives at the Middlesbrough defence once more. Photo: Munro Sports Photography

From Chorley Women FC

The First Round Proper of the Vitality FA Cup saw fourth-tier Chorley drawn against third-tier Middlesbrough. After last week’s defeat in the League Cup the squad were looking forward to putting things right on the pitch. Due to injury, illness, and unavailability Manager Ben Gooden had to make several changes to his squad.

Boro started the brighter of the two sides but, Chorley had the best of the chances when Collins burst through the Boro defence with only the keeper to beat but, her shot hit the side netting. Minutes later, the visitors deservedly opened the scoring on 17 minutes – Faye Dale with a great strike from 15 yards. Soon after Dale doubled her tally when a speculative low drive went through a body of players and nestled into the bottom corner.

At this point and against higher opposition Chorley could have capitulated but Manager Ben Gooden has instilled a unity and never say die attitude in this special group of players and instead, Chorley rallied and grew into the game. It was 16-year-old Aleesha Collins on her FA Cup debut who started the come back when she drove at the Boro defence beating several players before calmly putting the ball in the net.

It was Collins again who had a wonderful chance to equalize just before halftime but her touch took her wide and the Boro defence managed to recover. Chorley had not been outplayed in the first half and had created the better chances but Boro had dominated possession.

The home side came out the stronger of the two sides after the break but found themselves 1-3 down when Eve Marshall scored another well-driven shot for Boro. It wasn’t long before Chorley replied, Cleary was dragged down in the box, the ensuing penalty was saved by the Boro keeper but Collins was on hand to tap in the rebound 2-3. Chorley pressed for the equaliser and it came on 50 minutes when Collins was in the right place at the right time again to complete an FA Cup hat trick.

On 61 minutes, Dale completed her hat trick for Boro with another clinical finish and the North-Eastern side once again took the initiative in this game. However just five minutes later Collins scored her fourth goal of the game coolly putting the ball in the top corner from close range on the volley 4-4. Boro were shell-shocked. Chorley piled on the pressure but couldn’t get the winning goal and extra time loomed. Full Time 4-4.

Both teams ran themselves into the ground in the extra half-hour, Chorley having the best chance to win the game when the ball landed at Searson’s feet 5 yards out but she could only put the ball right into the keeper’s arms. FT 4-4 Penalties!

Chorley took first and Captain Laura Walker stepped up and fired high into the net 1-0

Boro then missed their first penalty 1-0

Charlotte Evans scored her penalty for Chorley 2-0

Boro scored theirs 2-1

Lisa Topping scored for Chorley 3-1

Boro miss 3-1

Who else but 16 year old Collins took the fourth penalty for Chorley and chaos ensued as her spot kick crashed into the back of the net sending Chorley into the Second Round Proper.

Collins (rightly so) stole the limelight for what was an astonishing performance but it should be noted that every single player in the squad gave everything and the supporters were immense.

On Women’s Football Weekend this was an incredible game and both teams deserve high praise.

Congratulations to Gooden and his team for reaching the Second Round and for their part in what was one of the most remarkable games this reporter has witnessed in 15 years at the Club

The Second Round Draw has seen Chorley drawn at home to fellow FA Women’s National League Division One North side Bradford City which will be played on Sunday 28^th Novmber at 1pm.

Chorley are in action again this Sunday at Blainscough Park vs Morecambe Ladies, KO 2pm

**Above:** Incredible scenes at the final whistle as Chorley celebrate their win on penalties after coming from 3-1 and 4-3 down. **Photo:** Munro Sports Photography.

CHORLEY: Emma Bradley, Isabel Catlow, Lisa Topping, Megan Searson, Katie Holt, Laura Walker, Charlotte Evans, Carra Jones, Aleesha Collins, Rachel Hindle, Rachel Wood. Subs: Ellie Cleary (46’), Katie Matthews (115’), Ellie Mills, Kerry Nickson, Emma Hickson.

Scorers: Collins (4)

Lyon Show PSG Who Is The Boss!

Impetus‘ French editor Jean-Pierre Thiesset was pitchside EXCLUSIVELY for us as Olympique Lyonnais recorded a sensational result against their big rivals Paris St. Germain. He also rounds up all the weekend’s other action in the D1 Arkema 15/11/21.

Above: Ada Hegerberg converts Ellie Carpenter’s cross to put Lyon 5-1 up over Paris St. Germain. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Olympique Lyonnais recorded a sensational 6-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain, the team who ended their dominant run both in the D1 Arkema and the UEFA Champions League last season.

In a game where Paris SG had only two shots, Lyon set the record straight and never gave any chance to Paris SG to win the game. The statistics show the total domination of Lyon: 59% of possession, 416 passes with 81% successful, 17 shots with 13 on target, 7 corners. For Paris SG, 41% of possession, 309 passes with 72% successful, two shots on target, one corner.

We saw on the field that Lyon’s players wanted to show who was the boss in D1 Arkema this year and that they were back to win everything. All players were fully involved, and it is difficult to identify one player as the standout star of the game.

The return of Selma Bacha on the left-wing of the attack brought more possibilities to the team. Bacha, although she was a little diminished due to her recent quadriceps injury played with heavy strapping and posed a lot of problems to PSG defence during the 58 minutes she was on the field. Bacha delivered two decisive passes in the 18^th minute for Daniëlle Van De Donk and the 53^rd minute for Melvine Malard.

The performance of Daniëlle Van De Donk who was seen everywhere on the field, also needs to be celebrated. On top of this, she scored in the 18^th minute.

This game saw also the return of Ada Hegerberg on the score sheet after almost two years. Entering the pitch at the 74^th minute, Hegerberg scored twice, with her left foot at the 79^th minute from Ellie Carpenter’s cross from the right side and with a header after 82 minutes from Perle Morroni’s cross from the left side.

Goals for Lyon: Catarina Macario (15′ pen), Daniëlle Van De Donk (18′), Melvine Malard (53′), Damaris Egurrola (59′), Ada Hegerberg (79′, 82′).

Goal for Paris SG: Amanda Ilestedt (75′).

Red card: Ashley Elizabeth Lawrence (26′).

The game in photos from Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus:

**Above:** Catarina Macario’s penalty puts Lyon 1-0 ahead after 15 minutes. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset

**Above:** Daniëlle Van De Donk converts Selma Bacha’s cross to make it 2-0. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

**Above:** 30^th minute, Sonia Bompastor (Lyon head coach) gives instructions to Daniëlle Van De Donk. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiersset.

**Above:** 53^rd minute, Melvine Malard makes it 3-0 from on Selma Bacha’s cross. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset

**Above:** 59^th minute, Damaris Egurrola makes it 4-0 from Catarina Macario’s cross. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

**Above:** 75^th minute, Amanda Ilestedt gets a goal back for Paris St. Germain from Sara Daebritz’s ball in. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

**Above:** 82^nd minute, Ada Hegerberg converts Perle Morroni’s cross to make it 6-1. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset

Elsewhere in Round Eight, Bordeaux won 3-1 away from home against Paris FC. While Paris FC had more ball possession than Bordeaux, 57% against 43%, and better statistics Bordeaux had more shots than Paris FC, 23 shots with nine on target against 11 shots with three on target. Being more efficient when they had the ball, Bordeaux logically won this game closing on the 4^th place in the standing and stopping a series of 3 wins in a row of Paris FC.

Goals for Bordeaux from Vanessa Gilles (4), Mélissa Gomes (22), Eve Périsset (90+5). Goal for Paris FC from Clara Matéo (75). Red card: Oriane Jean-François after 2 yellow cards (18 and 51).

Fleury won away from home 4-0 against Saint-Etienne. In a game dominated by Saint-Etienne if we just look at the statistics, Fleury was a lot more efficient when they had the ball. Game statistics: For Fleury, 41% of possession, 337 passes with 70% successful, 11 shots with five on target, three corners; For Saint-Etienne, 59% of possession, 475 passes with 77% successful, 12 shots with three on target, two corners. As a matter of fact, Fleury’s defense stopped most of Saint-Etienne attacks well helped by their goalkeeper, Katriina Talaslahti, who put in yet another good performance and gained once more a clean sheet for Fleury. Talaslahti made three stops from shots on target (9^th minute at ground level on a free kick from 25 metres, 45^th+2 minute at ground level on a shot near her right post, 74^th minute in the air on a shot from 25 metres), one catch on a cross (70^th), two clearances on Saint-Etienne shots (47^th minute with her fists on a corner, 85^th minute with her hands on a close shot from her right). Fleury are now fourth in the table only three points behind third placed Paris FC. Saint-Etienne have lost four games in a row are now one off the bottom with only four points like Issy (10^th) and Soyaux (12^th).

Goals for Fleury: Maria Diaz (39), Marine Dafeur (45), Nikola Karczewska (57, 90+2).

Montpellier beat Issy 3-0 at home. It was a straightforward win for Montpellier who dominated this game as shown by the statistics: For Montpellier, 64% of possession, 525 passes with 82% successful, 16 shots with eight on target, five corners; For Issy, 36% of possession, 301 passes with 64% successful, 14 shots with seven on target, five corners. With this win, Montpellier stays in the middle of the table and Issy in the bottom. To be noted, the great performance of Mary Fowler who crucified Issy by scoring twice at the 61^st minute, two minutes after entering in the game for Ashleigh Weerden, and at the 63^rd minute. Goals for Montpellier: Maelys Mpomé (12), Mary Fowler (61, 63).

Guingamp were not able to do better than a draw 2-2 at home against Soyaux, who are bottom of the table. In a game edged by Guingamp (58% of possession), both teams scored alternatively without being able to keep the lead when they had it.

Goals for Guingamp: Maïwen Renard (57), Laurie Teinturier (64); Goals for Soyaux: Marie-Charlotte Léger (37 penalty), Laura Bourgouin (84).

Dijon obtained a draw 1-1 away from home against Reims. In a game just edged by Dijon (58% of possession), both teams had problems creating opportunities and scored only a single goal each. Both teams had the same results on their four last games (Loss, Win, Win, Loss) and continue together.

Goal for Reims: Melchie Dumornay (29); Goal for Dijon: Jenna Dear (43).