Above: Melbourne City’s prolific striker Hannah Wilkinson about to put her side 2-0 up over Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Melbourne City.
A spell of two goals in five minutes before half-time ultimately proved to be the difference as Melbourne City saw off Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.
City were out of the blocks fast with Hannah Wilkinson working hard to test Lily Alfeld. Newly called-up to the Matildas, 18-year-old Holly McNamara earned an early corner when her shot was deflected out for a corner on the left. Rhianna Pollicina’s delivery was dangerous, high into the mix, but Phoenix dealt with the danger.
With the game heading towards the quarter of an hour mark, Phoenix were able to build offensively with Mackenzie Barry and Chloe Knott working hard to try and create opportunities with Alyssa Whinham buzzing around impressively once more and Kate Taylor putting in some fierce challenges.
Phoenix continued to press and when Winonah Heatley gave possession away to Isabel Gomez, a dangerous cross came in towards Knott, but City defender Tori Tunmeth got in ahead to prevent a goal.
Wellington were punished for being unable to turn chances into goals when City went immediately up the pitch and took the lead just before the half-hour mark. McNamara put a ball in towards Wilkinson. Taylor’s attempted headed clearance fell straight to Kaitlyn Torpey who fired a first-time shot into the net.
Above: Kaitlyn Torpey fires home Melbourne City’s first goal. Photo: Melbourne City.
With City gradually building a head of steam coming into the break, it was important for Phoenix to hold the score at 1-0, but with two minutes of the half remaining, those hopes ended.
Melissa Barbieri’s long goal kick was headed back by Barry, but the teenage defender failed to get anywhere enough power on the ball which allowed Wilkinson to run through and lift the ball over Alfeld into the net for her eighth goal in three games.
Above: Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson lifts the ball over Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Lily Alfeld to make it 2-0. Photo: Melbourne City.
Three minutes into stoppage time, City went three-up. McNamara earned a corner after Gomez cleared the danger. Chelsea Blissett’s high set-piece caused chaos in the Wellington six-yard box as Heatley got in at the far post ahead of McMeeken and Ava Pritchard to force the ball home.
To their credit, Wellington started the second half positively but were never quite able to turn possession into shots on goal.
City almost made them pay once more after a loose pass enabled Rebekah Stott to play in McNamara. The teenage striker gave herself a tight angle which enabled Alfeld in the Phoenix goal to push the shot away for a corner.
Stott almost added a fourth with under 25 minutes to go against her fellow countrywomen when she received possession just outside the box, but her shot came back off of the top of the bar.
Above: Emma Checker celebrates her goal with team-mate Caitlin Karic. Photo: Melbourne City.
With the game entering its final 15 minutes, City completed the scoring. Torpey got away from Jordan Jasnos along the right to pull in a high cross. Possession eventually found its way to McNamara on the right of the box who earned a corner.
As the flag-kick came in from Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, Phoenix were unable to clear and City defender Emma Checker was able to twist and fire home a powerful finish at the back post.
Alfeld was called into action to deny McNamara when the pair were one on one with nine minutes to go as City ran out comfortable winners.
Reviewing the game, Wellington Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis said: “I think we played more positively today, which sucks to still walk away with a four-nil loss,” Lewis told media post-match.
“I think for the most part we had a bit more about us. We were a bit more relentless out of possession, we were turning over the second ball, we were getting in their face, we were trying to be positive going forward, we were getting our fullbacks joining up, we were trying to get attacking numbers in the box.
Above: Wellington Phoenix’s Zoe McMeeken in possession under the watchful eye of Hannah Wilkinson. Photo: A-League Women.
“I was happy with how we performed in the first-half, but three-nil down at halftime is so hard to come back from.”
Lewis saw the period on either side of half-time as key to the outcome: “I felt like we had a good first half but then we made that mistake and conceded a soft second goal and then conceded just before we go into halftime from a corner.
“We just have to really work on stopping those soft goals because that really changed the game to be honest.
“I felt like we had really good moments in that first half, where we were pushing them. Obviously, we’re still struggling with that attacking threat, but I felt like we had more attacking options.”
With an Exclusive photo gallery from Kris Goman (at bottom of the page)
Above: Eyes on the prize – Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine jumps to win the ball. Photo: Kris Goman.
Three goals in the opening 25 minutes ensured that Sydney FC stayed top of the A-League Women with a comfortable win over Perth Glory at Kogarah.
Whilst the attendance was significantly lower than usual due to a late change in venue and kick-off time, the home support created a good atmosphere.
Sydney were comfortable on the ball from the start, patiently keeping possession. Ally Green stepped up on the left to play a tempter in towards Cortnee Vine, but the striker, newly called up to the Matildas’ Asia Cup training squad couldn’t quite get on the end of it.
It didn’t take long for Sydney to have better luck. With 11 minutes of the clock, Vine beat Sarah Carroll on the right and floated a ball in towards Remy Siemsen near the right-hand post. Vine got away from the close attentions of Liz Anton and fired an effort across the box which Perth keeper Courtney Newbon got a hand on, but the ball fell into the path of Mackenzie Hawkesby who ghosted in ahead of Tash Rigby to lash home inside the six-yard box.
Above: Mackenzie Hawknesby celebrates her goal. Photo: Kris Goman.
With 66% of possession in the opening quarter of an hour, Sydney were on fire, further evidence was seen when Vine was given all the time in the world to gallop through the middle, but Anton stepped in to erase the danger.
Yet Perth hadn’t learned to keep a closer eye on the Sky Blues’ 23-year-old star and less than a minute later, a long ball across from Siemsen to Vine saw her race away from Sarah Carroll and get one on one with Newbon to smash a shot into the far corner of the net.
It didn’t take long for Sydney to assert their total dominance with a third. Once more, Vine was at the heart of the action. Charlize Rule and Rachel Lowe were involved in the build-up before Vine was found down the right-wing. She kept the ball in play brilliantly, got away from Sarah Carroll, and laid off a low ball to Siemsen at the near post who tucked a first-time effort into the net ahead of Anton.
Above: Remy Siemsen gets in ahead of Liz Anton to put Sydney FC 3-0 up. Photo: Kris Goman.
Sydney continued to press for the remainder of the half with Remy Siemsen causing the Western Australian’s further headaches. Possession was at a premium for Perth with both Gemma Craine and Susan Phonsonghkam rarely in a position to be seen offensively.
Glory needed to come out on the front foot at the start of the second half to have any hope of an unlikely comeback, yet within four minutes of the re-start, they were 4-0 down.
Hawkesby’s corner came in from the right and it was met by the head of Rule who was able to make a late run unmarked to send a thumping header into the far corner of the net.
Green went close to further extending Sydney’s lead ten minutes into the half when her cross-shot in space down the left bounced off of the top of the bar.
Above: Sydney FC’s Charlize Rule (centre) battles it out in the air with Perth Glory’s Kim Carroll (left) and Alana Jancevski (right). Photo: Kris Goman.
Chilean magician Cote Rojas came off the bench to run at the Perth defence and, after tying Kim Carroll in knots, got a shot away at the right-hand side of the box which came off the arm of Anton, giving referee Casey Reibelt no option but to point to the spot. Hawkesby stepped up and hit a powerful effort towards the left-hand side of the net, but Newbon made a superb one-handed save to push the ball away.
Rojas was centimetres away with eight minutes to go when she couldn’t quite get on the end of Rule’s cross.
Craine showed her danger towards the end when she used her pace to get through and then her upper body strength to hold off would-be challenges to get a ball away for Lisa De Vanna to hit a first time effort which fizzed just over the bar.
Rojas followed up by dispatching the ball into the net from a quickly taken free-kick, but she was adjudged to have handled it in the build-up.
Whilst Phonsongkham and Anton put in impressive shifts for the visitors, it was nowhere near enough.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis spoke of his immense disappointment after the game: “It wasn’t good enough. I think we gave them the onus and the chance to build momentum. We just gave them too much respect,” he said.
“They (Sydney) are a good team, but we allowed it to be a bit too easy. It was a timid start (from us) and that allowed Sydney to get the goals and we had to play catch up. We’re not happy. It’s one of the worst performances of the season.”
Epakis recognized the impact of playing three games in seven days on his young team: “Mental discipline, with three games in a week is really hard to keep to a high standard. I know that the players did the best they could taking on the pressure from set-pieces, corners, and deep throws, but there’s only so much that you can do to keep a quality team like that out. It’s a build-up of the last couple of days and Sydney FC had the benefit.”
“I said at half-time that we really only had our spirit and pride to play for. I would have preferred not to have been in that position and then conceding an early goal in the second half. We did show some pride, but nowhere near enough for what we are trying to do as a group. These are the performances that we just can’t accept and we don’t want to have.”
Ben Gilby brings you the news from this week’s press conferences around the A-League Women ahead of Sunday’s games(8/1/22).
BRISBANE ROAR:
Garrath McPhersonon Getting That First Win and Keeping Gorry
Above: Brisbane Roar head coach Garrath McPherson. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
The Brisbane Roar head coach has highlighted some of the off-pitch work that was done to help his team finally record their first win of the season last weekend. “We’d been very close to closing out our previous games and we’d learned a lot of harsh lessons among a squad which doesn’t have a lot of experience.
“We worked on the training pitch on how to close matches out. Beating Melbourne Victory in Melbourne was the first time we’d beaten then there for a while. If you then throw in the fact we had a player test positive (for COVID) and then had to change in the car park on white chairs, and then had to get straight on the bus afterwards in our playing kit and boots – the resilience was excellent.
McPherson also reminded the media of two other factors that impacted on his team: ”Our squad didn’t start training together until after a lot of other sides already began. Several players picked up injuries right before the season started. We’ve got a lot of local players making their starting debuts at 17 and 18-years-old. It’s exciting, but it’s also terrifying at the same time!
“We are a club with a history and we want to win games and trophies, but there is a trade-off between short-term and long-term success. It is an investment in players who will be with us for a number of years before maybe going on to America or Europe to be in a professional environment.”
Brisbane’s head coach addressed the fact that Katrina Gorry will be remaining with Brisbane during the forthcoming Asia Cup competition: “She was concerned about the medical care situation out there (in India where the Asia Cup is taking place). If (baby) Harper got sick out there it would not be ideal.
“She’ll miss out on this opportunity, but with the World Cup in 2023, I’m sure the national team will have many more meet-ups this year and I’m sure she’ll be considered again. I’m happy to have her for more games with us though!”
In terms of availability, Roar have no injuries ahead of the game against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Nat Tathem: Making A Comeback and Keeping Positive
Above: Nat Tathem pictured celebrating Brisbane’s win in her first game back after an ACL injury. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane’s defender spoke about her delight in returning to action last weekend after a year out with an ACL injury in her side’s win over Melbourne Victory.
“The girls were all so supportive which helped. It was a shame that it was an away game that I made my comeback in which meant there were no friends and family there, but also coming on the field against my old team helped as I knew what to expect.
“Melbourne helped me through my re-hab as I was still there for half the time of my recovery. The coaching squad there helped me through and they were happy for me to be back. I knew what to expect being against Victory. It was more like a training environment as I knew everyone out there.”
Despite Brisbane’s frustrating start to the season which saw them concede late goals to lose their first four games, the 26-year-old defender knew that better times would soon arrive: “Even when we weren’t getting the results, we kept together and kept positive.
“You could see a bit more nervousness on match day because we needed a result. We got around each other to support each other and fight to the last minutes. Those games we lost in the last five minutes have sucked, but it proved to ourselves that we won that way last week, we can keep going to the end.”
“When you lose games, because the season is so short, you become that bit more results-focused as you need to win games to come back and make the top four. We had only lost games by one or two and they were all things that we could fix. We were never played off the park.”
MELBOURNE CITY:
Rado Vidosicon City’s Return From COVID Inforced Absence
Above: Rado Vidosic – has the vast majority of his players back after COVID ahead of their game with Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic reflected on a difficult period for his team following a COVID outbreak at the club: “There was always a 100% chance that we would get it (COVID). Most of the girls were living in one house and they got through it easier as they were surrounding each other. Thank God all of them came back without any long-term issues. Some came back within two or three days, most came back soon after. Only one is still off.
“We only had six players training with us for the best part of the last week, it was a blessing that we didn’t play. Not everyone had COVID, but a number without COVID had to isolate. Now we are healthy, we don’t mind playing midweek games. We will probably lose some players for the national team, but we have answers for that. We have a good squad and we are injury-free, working on our principles.”
With the Matildas calling up City’s Winonah Heatley and Holly McNamara for the pre-Asia Cup training squad, Vidosic recognizes that it impacts his team, but also highlighted the fact that the Sky Blues are far from being the only team to lose players.
“Ourselves, Sydney, and Victory will lose a few players for the Asia Cup. It doesn’t necessarily put things in our favour. It will be interesting as, with corona too and injuries and a smaller number of players per squad and younger, less experienced players, it will be stressful for every club. (But), whoever we lose, we should be able to replace.”
“Today (Friday) was probably the best training session we have had all season. All the hunger and desire were there, hopefully, it will show on Sunday against Wellington too. (Tony) Gustavsson is calling up lots of young players, he has an open door for the squad, so players know they need two or three good performances and they have a chance. It is a really good thing.”
In terms of selection for Sunday’s game, the City head coach doesn’t expect there to be any surprises. “I don’t like to tinker with the squad,” he admitted.
“It is the plan that Stotty will play 90 minutes. We are still trying to manage her. She has had a few days off. It will depend on things like the intensity of the game and the weather. We would love to extend her to 90 minutes but we know it depends.”
The competition’s top scorer, Hannah Wilkinson will face her fellow country-women on Sunday, and Vidosic was effusive in his praise for her: “This is my fourth season and she is the first striker for me. Her and Holly McNamara can play in different positions. We are blessed. Hannah’s experience and work rate are second to none.
“She is a great person who is lovely to have in your team. I spoke to her at the Olympics when she was thinking of joining us. I told her she would be rewarded for hard work. Seven goals in five games is great. She is looking forward to the rest of the season and playing for her national team.
“She is fantastic in the air. We haven’t quite got our crossing game going, but we will soon. Our balls into her for her runs though are good and she has been fantastic.”
Hannah Wilkinson:Loving Life At City
Above: New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson will be facing her fellow countrywomen on Sunday when Melbourne City face Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park. Photo: Wikipedia.
The A-League Women’s top scorer opened her media conference by detailing what the situation was like at the club during the COVID outbreak. “We’re just grateful to be back together. It was a pain in the arse to happen, but now we’re all back and that’s awesome.
“A big group of girls who live together was the main problem. Slowly but surely, symptoms came from that house. Everyone got tested. I wasn’t part of that group. We just had to do what we could. It was a nightmare, but all good now.
“It was a shame that we couldn’t maintain our momentum (after the big win over Melbourne Victory). One of the cases came back positive before the game, so we knew there was a risk we might not be able to play for a while. It made us realize we had to go out there even more strongly for that game and do everything we could to do well.
Wilkinson’s partnership with Holly McNamara this season has been one of the best in the competition, and the Kiwi was full of praise for the 18-year-old striker. “I love playing with Holly. She is a very smart player. We work well, she moves off of my movement. She knows where I will be and she’s set up most of my goals. “National teams will be watching. It’s a good thing. Her being called up will be a great thing for the Matildas.
“The service and distribution that I’m getting is every striker’s dream. This sort of consistency I haven’t had for a long time. I’m so grateful to be playing with them.”
Wilkinson is also enjoying being coached by Rado Vidosic: “I love the way we play, it’s beautiful to watch and beautiful to play. We play a really nice possession-based game. We do a lot of work out of possession, pressing. That shows in our results.
“I’ve wanted to play in this league for so long. I’m really grateful to be playing with City. It’s awesome and cool to be close to home for once too!”
With Wilkinson in such good form, she is hoping to return to the Football Ferns squad in February when they will be competing in the She Believes Cup. However, as the A-League Women is playing through the FIFA international window, a choice will have to be made from a club v country perspective.
“A FIFA window is supposed to see that there are no (club) games. But that is something that we can’t control. We don’t want to miss any games, national or club. This is a massive opportunity for the national team. It is annoying and really frustrating, but what can you do?”
WELLINGTON PHOENIX:
Gemma Lewis:Re-Set Phoenix Prepared For City Test
Above: A nine-day break has helped Gemma Lewis to put right some of the defensive frailties seen in Wellington Phoenix’s last outing against Sydney FC. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Phoenix face Melbourne City this Sunday, and head coach Gemma Lewis began by revealing how she was planning on combatting the Sky Blues’ New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson, who is in deadly form.
“Ah! I’m going to push her for her Kiwi loyalties and tell her to keep (her goal tally on Sunday) to just a couple maybe!
“She’s on form and she will cause us problems. However, she is a player that Kate (Taylor) and Mac (Mackenzie Barry) like to play against as they love stepping up, intercepting and being aggressive. They are looking forward to coming up against her, being a fellow Kiwi.
“She is a weapon and we need to defend our box. It’s been an area of focus this week. We need to win first and second contact in the box. It will be hard against a unit like Wilkinson, but we’re in a much better place now after the Sydney game.”
Wellington’s last outing, that 5-0 loss in Wollongong was nine days ago, which has allowed for recovery after a period of two games in four days for Lewis’ youngsters.
“It has allowed us to give the players some days off. It’s allowed us to re-set. We’ve also been able to have a good few sessions to focus on what went wrong in the Sydney game and get better.”
In terms of availability for Sunday’s match at AAMI Park, Saskia Vosper, who had to leave the field with a groin strain against Sydney will not make it, although the prognosis is positive: “It looks like she will only miss this game, she went into that game with some tightness. One stretch and lunge and it turned into a strain.” Lewis revealed. “Grace Jale is fully cleared to play. She can start or come on, she is not restricted. Everyone else is OK.”
Looking ahead more specifically to the game against Melbourne City, Lewis revealed how impressed she has been with Rado Vidosic’s team this season: “I’ve really enjoyed watching them this season. Holly McNamara is having a great season as well. Her and Pollicina are creating well for Wilkinson. Stotty (Rebekah Stott) is growing every game. As a unit, they are great. They play very structured which helps because we know how to play against them, but they are very good at what they are doing. They set a trap well, they execute it well and everyone in their team knows what they are doing.
“City like to play out a bit more, but I don’t know if they will do that against us. Our focus is to get more possession into the opposition third. We’ve been looking at attacking out a counter and out a block. We’ve looked at different players in different positions. As City play with wingbacks we’re hoping to get our fullbacks attacking.
“The realism is we are always going to be up against the pump. Player against player, we will always be underdogs this season. We have been close in possession but still not got many shots on target.
In terms of focus for the game, Lewis recognizes that there is a fine balance between deciding whether to spend training time focusing on defending or attacking: “We normally back ourselves defending in the box, but against Sydney, it was really poor. We gave them gifts and didn’t make them earn goals. We had to address that. We have looked at our in-possession stuff. At the moment, we’re not able to press high and turnover ball as they are not playing out from the back. That takes away opportunities for us, so we need to look at how we do that.
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson, who today unveiled his training squad for the Asia Cup. Photo: Football Australia.
Tony Gustavsson has announced 25 players who will depart for the Matildas pre-Asia Cup training camp in the United Arab Emirates.
21 of the players have received final selection for the tournament, with four of domestically based stars from the A-League Women included for training which will commence on Monday.
The Melbourne City pair, Winonah Heatley and Holly McNamara are joined by Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine and Karly Roestbakken of Canberra United, with two of these players eventually being added to the final squad to make up Gustavsson’s 23 players for the tournament which kicks off for Australia on January 21 when they face Indonesia in Mumbai.
Sam Kerr will captain a squad that contains 36-year-old defender Aivi Luik who had announced her retirement from international football back in August.
Potency upfront from Kerr, Siemsen, Emily Gielnik, Kyah Simon, Caitlin Foord reflects Australia’s strength in depth in this position.
Artwork: AFC
The midfield selections caught the eye for different reasons though, with only four players listed in that position – Kyra Cooney Cross, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, and Tameka Yallop. Consequently, Mary Fowler, who Gustavsson has praised in recent press conferences for her ability to perform to a high level in several different positions, may be asked to play a little bit deeper.
The average age (26.6) of the 21 players with guaranteed selection is older than in Australia’s past seven World Cup campaigns, with the average number of caps held among this group, 59, standing higher than in any of the Matildas’s previous Asia Cup campaigns.
As he shared his squad with the media earlier today, the Matildas head coach said: “We considered a lot of factors and reflected on the experience of the Tokyo Olympics in assembling this roster.
“It was important that, with the initial 21 players selected, we found the balance between players that have been the backbone of the national team for the past decade and providing experience to a new group of players with the World Cup next year in mind.
“Having the right mix of skills to win matches is paired with the right experience on the training park and in the dressing room. Over the past six months, we have worked to examine the talent pool extensively and we think we have found that balance with this squad.”
Gustavsson also explained the thinking behind taking four additional players to the training camp before whittling his squad down to the final 23.
“With additional time before we arrive in India, we wanted to ensure players have every single moment available to them to make their case to be a part of the Asian Cup.”
Australia’s Pre-Asia Cup Training Squad:
Players in italic are part of the travelling group for the pre-tournament training camp with two of these players to be selected for the final squad.
Above: Adelaide United celebrate after sealing a second straight win which renews their hopes of a first Finals place. Photo: A-League Women.
Canberra United hosted Adelaide United in their second game in three days. The home side had fought out a tough but exciting draw with Perth Glory on Wednesday night and were still looking for their first win of the season.
Adelaide played the same Glory team last week, winning 4-2 on the back of some spectacular attacking football, and were looking to extend their winning streak over Canberra to three games.
Adelaide welcomed back captain Izzy Hodgson. She started at right-back and was directly opposed to a marauding Karly Roestbakken for the first half.
Roestbakken started in her farewell game of sorts. The Canberra favourite has been recalled to The Matildas and was expected to depart after the match.
It was a ballistic start to the game, the sort of match that commentators love, neutrals switch on to and fans watch in rotating states of excitement and stress.
Both teams attacked in the opening minutes like they were the closing minutes. It did not take long for somebody to score. Adelaide United’s returning star Dylan Holmes volleyed to take the lead in the ninth minute.
Above: Dylan Holmes celebrates her goal with Emily Condon (8). Photo: Adelaide United.
It was Fiona Worts who started the move with a twisting run into the penalty area. The chance was partially cleared by Lauren Kier but Emily Condon collected the loose ball. With quick thought and excellent skill, Condon lifted the ball over the Canberra defenders.
Adelaide’s Hayward nodded the ball square for Holmes to volley in and set up an early lead for the home side to chase.
Canberra tried to answer quickly and Michelle Heyman slipped a pass into space for Margot Robbine. The French winger had time and struck her shot solidly but Annalee Grove was well positioned and saved what looked like a certain goal.
Roestbakken, positioned on the left combined with Heyman and Allira Toby to almost set up Grace Maher, but the lunging midfielder was inches away from making good contact.
From a corner kick, Toby flashed a header wide and Heyman did almost everything right to level the scores. Her shot flew across the face of goal and bounced off the inside of the far post in a quirk of physics.
For the third game in a row, Chelsie Dawber added her name to the scoresheet. Worts long ball beyond the defence caught Canberra by surprise. Dawber sprinted clear, changed the angle of her run as she approached goal, and clipped the ball into the bottom corner in a composed finish.
Adelaide went into halftime 2-0 up but the talking point at the break was that Karly Roestbakken limped off under the cloud of an unclear injury.
She returned to the field and was joined by Ash Sykes. The returning club legend made an instant impact with a piercing run down the left flank. Her square ball was delayed just a little too long and Heyman was unable to make clean contact, but Canberra were playing with intent.
In the 57th minute, Sykes scored her first goal since returning to the top level and brought Canberra back into the game.
Toby swung in a high, early cross from the right and Sykes looped her header over Grove to make it 2-1 with half an hour to play.
Above: Ash Sykes’ Canberra United teammates salute her goal which brought them back into the match. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra continued to dominate and Heyman has another near miss. Roestbakken had moved to the right side and whipped in a perfect cross. The captain met the ball at pace and directed her header back across goal. Grove was beaten but it narrowly missed the target when the crowd were ready to celebrate.
Against the run of play, Fiona Worst nailed shut any realistic hopes of a comeback.
In the 77th minute she collected the ball on the edge of the box and dragged a composed finish into the right bottom corner. Canberra were caught on the counter attack and Worts’ finish was clinical.
The home side continued to create chances. The possibility of scoring twice in ten minutes was not beyond them, they had done the same against Brisbane Roar two rounds ago.
On that occasion, Grace Maher was able to drag them back from defeat with a brilliant free-kick. With a set piece in a similar position, the home crowd hoped for another miracle.
Her shot looked good off the boot and from many angles it looked like a goal but when the net rippled it was because her shot had skimmed off the top of it.
Above: Adelaide United’s Matilda McNamara (right) is persued by Ashlee Washington of Canberra United. Photo: Adelaide United.
This was not to be Canberra’s day and it is shaping up to be a difficult season despite them playing some very entertaining, high-octane football.
Michelle Heyman is finding herself in excellent positions but goals are evading her at the moment, however, she and her team are creating chances, they will eventually start going in.
In defence things are looking tricky. They have lost both of last season’s centre-backs and have reshuffled their defensive lineup and strategy throughout this season.
With Roestbakken departing to the pre-Asia Cup training camp, things will not get easier in their own half of the field.
Adelaide are in flying form. They have won two in a row and importantly, all of their good players are playing well. Emily Condon is creating, Holmes is linking play, Chelsie Dawber is scoring and Worts is causing problems.
With the disruption to both Melbourne teams and Sydney FC due to Matilda’s call-ups, this season presents the best chance in years for The Reds to finally crack the top four.
The game ended 3-1, Canberra have completed a taxing week and Adelaide have improved their finals credentials. What a game it was to watch.
FC United of Manchester head coach Tom Fitton spoke to Impetus editor Ben Gilby about his team’s first season in the FA Women’s National League, their large supporter base, and some exciting plans for a successful one club future(6/1/22).
Above: FC United Women 2021/22. Photo: @FCUnitedWomen
Tom arrived at the club this season for the club’s first campaign in the FA Women’s National League as they find themselves in Division One North after promotion into the competition. He opened by outlining the club’s history in brief.
“In the past ten seasons; the women’s team has been born, grown, and established to where it is today. There have been countless successes and achievements in their history in the County Leagues and Cups.”
As with every other club, the past two years have been a difficult period for FC United, both on and off the pitch.
“Lockdowns were a significant challenge for everyone in and outside of football. The team informed me that there were a lot of frustrations and so many unknowns around if the season was going to be completed, would the league standings count, and so on.
Above: FC United head coach Tom Fitton. Photo: @FCUnitedWomen
“On top of that, we are working through a significant period of change. We are in a new league which is a fantastic challenge for us as a club on the pitch and we are learning a lot each week.
“Off the pitch, it’s all about time – we are creating a ‘One Club’ culture, we have unbelievable plans, the right people involved and tremendous backing from the fans so the future is extremely exciting.”
As with every club, FC United relies on a dedicated band of volunteers to keep the wheels moving smoothly. “There are too many! I would not know where to start from Kirsty Chambers, current player – founding member of the women’s team, Chelsea Patient in the evolution to this point with Kirsty. Pat who is still ever-present and involved on every match day, previous women’s secretary Rob Fullen, our photographer Mark Lee, Marlene and the ‘Brew Crew’ to the current influencing personal now involved.”
These much-respected volunteers are part of a team who have initiated some exciting developments off the pitch. “In the short period that I have been involved at the club, we have already made significant changes to bring the women’s team aligned with the men’s. I report to Neil Reynolds, Head of Football and the Men’s First Team Manager; we have aligned training to the same evenings, we have had social evenings and joint First Team meetings staff and players.
Above: Broadhurst Park – home of FC United Women’s team along with the men. Photo: SoccerBible.
“Our Christmas club parties have been combined, we have access to the performance analysis software the men use and then most significantly we play in the stadium on the club’s first team pitch.
“The plans we aim to achieve over the next year, three years, and five years will all be made and established with both the Men’s and Women’s teams aligned.”
With the club in the midst of their first campaign in their FA Women’s National League, Tom outlined how he sees things going so far.
“We are establishing ourselves at this level, we have had strong performances, we have put the team in situations where they have had to deal with the struggle and we are certainly seeing the positives of this now.
Above: Keeley Goodwin of FC United. Photo: @FCUnitedWomen.
“We are extremely confident we will achieve many more points in the second half of the season, from this learning period we have performed well in. Working off the current league standings we would like to finish top four and still pressure the leading pack of teams.”
FC United have had consistently higher crowds than many teams in several tiers above them, but the club are not sitting back on their laurels and looking to grow their attendances further.
“We have an average of 140 fans per home fixture and are still working on further developing our matchday experience and we have some unique ideas we want to pilot and try to attract fans that may not yet have an interest in football or even sport necessarily.”
Whilst the club are finding their feet at National League level this season, Tom believes that there is scope for further growth. “Currently within the club, the pathway from girls to women’s football is very limited, this is one of the biggest priorities for us and in the meantime, we have to be clever and think outside of the box.
“Without a doubt, we want to be as successful as we can. This club is built on passion, pride, and involvement from everyone that wants to see the club progress and achieve. We have a lot to do, the personal involved are highly skilled, experienced, and motivated so we will never rest or stop looking at where we can improve.
“After being involved in the women’s game for over 10 years and seeing the growth in that time, you could only be excited about the next five seasons especially with the sponsorship of Barclays at the top and the mass variety of increased media coverage of the women’s game. At FC United, we know where we want to be and we have a number of ways in which we can get there.”
For this week’s #MidweekDub feature, Rebekah Stott spoke to Kieran Yapabout her business Beat It By Stotty, the new podcast she is launching,andher footballing comeback(5/1/22)
Above: Rebekah Stott on her first appearance for Melbourne City this season on the opening night at Canberra United. Photo: Melbourne City.
If she was judged purely on her on-field achievements, Rebekah Stott would be a legend of Australian domestic football.
The New Zealand international has had a long and successful career in the W-League/A-League Women and been a key player in some of the most dominant sides in the competition’s history.
Four Championships and two premierships would be enough to secure the legacy of any footballer but Stott’s story will be more than statistics of wins and losses.
In February of 2021, while signed to Brighton Hove and Albion in the FAWSL, Stott was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She has since returned to health and to football but after the whistle on game day there is more to be done.
The Melbourne City star is the founder of Beat It By Stotty. What started as a record of her journey through treatment evolved into a remarkable project. Her business provides bags filled with essential and helpful items as patients begin cancer treatment.
The Beat It website describes a hospital travel bag based on her own experiences with specific compartments and good to help remove some of the stress in a very difficult time.
“When I first started, I was very unorganized going to appointments,” she told Impetus of the origins of Beat It.
“I needed a bag which is specific for taking to hospital and helping me organize myself so that was the idea then I figured I could make it a blog to follow my journey and it kind of just grew from there.”
One of the highest-profile fundraisers has been charity auctions. The website has offered rare memorabilia from the world of football for fans to competitively bid on, raising money to supply the packs for cancer patients.
Some of the world’s best players have donated. Fran Kirby, Jess Fishlock , Steph Catley, Megan Rapinoe, and the legendary Marta are just some of the match-worn shirts available through the auctions. The proceeds will have direct benefits.
“Probably just over 80” is Stott’s estimate on the number of bags that have been paid for.
“There’s heaps of bags to go around. Hopefully early in the new year, I’ll be able to distribute these.
“I have teamed up with Canteen and the Leukemia Foundation. They have a lot of patients who rely on them for their support, they will be distributing them to their contacts and patients.”
Above: One of the Beat It By Stotty bags. Photo: Beat It By Stotty.
On top of her philanthropy and while starting for the most successful women’s club in Australia, Stott is about to begin a podcast for Beat It.
The show is scheduled to be available by the end of January and will give listener a window into the hardships many face and how attitude can help overcome them.
“I just wanted to help people really, to share my story, and also shed a light on how having a positive mindset can really help get you through hard times,” says Stott of the show’s genesis.
“It’s not going to just be about people going through cancer treatment. It’s going to be people who have had just very hard things in their life and they’ve used having a positive mindset to get through it.
“That’s the plan and hopefully it’s something listeners can really enjoy.”
There are no spoilers available for the guest list just yet but there will be some familiar faces.
“To start with, footballers that I know which is good because people don’t get to see too much of their lives and their struggles.
“A few guests like Lydia Williams, I’m not going to say anyone else.”
During her own treatment and recovery, Stott used her own positive mindset to keep pushing on and that is something she hopes to share through the podcast.
“For me, it was finding the positives in everyday life. The fact that I was in Melbourne meant that I could get a coffee every day which was a huge positive for me.
“Having Beat It and having a distraction from what I was going through really helped me and put me in a good mindset to really overcome what I was going through.
“It’s always good to think that there’s so many people in worse situations so that really helped me.”
When Stott first returned to the field it was on a mid-winter evening with NPLW club Bulleen. It was a heartwarming moment on a cold night but one she had been anticipating.
Above: Rebekah Stott during her comeback match for Bulleen in the Victoria NPLW. Photo: @Stotty_13
“I always knew I was going to be back to playing. It definitely wasn’t something I was thinking about a lot during treatment. It was ‘let’s get better first then let’s back to playing’, but there wasn’t any doubt in my mind.
“I was going into that game and I wasn’t thinking much of it, then when I got onto the field I was actually quite emotional I was like, ‘Wow, I’m bald and standing here on this football field. I’ve come from cancer.’
“It was pretty surreal and emotional and yes it was the first step, and it was a long time ago and to see how far I’ve come and what I’ve been through this last year it’s pretty incredible.”
Stott has since returned to the A-League with a Melbourne City that has made an impressive start to the season. She has been deployed in a different role, on the team sheet she is listed as a defensive midfielder but often links the defence with the attack.
She is on managed game time but has been a crucial part of City’s lineup. In the second Melbourne derby she was dominant as they recorded a 5-1 win.
“When I sat down with Rado (Vidosic) in early of July he said ‘I want to use you as a six,’
“I’m definitely open to that idea and I don’t mind getting further up the field.
Above: Rebekah Stott pictured after returning to Melbourne City ahead of the new A-League Women season. Photo: Melbourne City.
“It was the plan all along, I’m finding my feet in there, I’m getting better every week and hopefully I can continue to learn and grow.”
That growth will likely not be limited to the pitch. The podcast, with co-host Yana Kyparisis (“she was kind of there throughout the whole experience with me.”) will launch in the coming weeks and while Beat It continues fundraising and distribution.
“It’s going be very conversational,” she says of the show’s format.
“Episodes won’t be too long, around 30 minutes, with a range of guests that all types of listeners can relate to or get a real insight into. Chatting about things that people have overcome and how they overcame it to try and help others.
“The most important thing to be is that the podcast can help people and showcase the importance of a positive outlook or mindset amidst difficult circumstances.”
Beat It By Stotty’s podcast will be available on Spotify and Apple.
Report by Kieran Yap, Photos by Kris Goman (5/1/22)
Above: Perth Glory’s Gemma Craine in possession with Ashlee Washington keeping a close eye on the English-born striker. Photo: Kris Goman.
Perth Glory welcomed Canberra United to their home away from home at Blacktown Football Park.
The Glory are on the road to keep their season and the league going, and in the first half, they played like they were back in Western Australia. Possession was evenly shared but Perth had six shots on goal to Canberra’s three.
The visitors’ best chances came early. Michelle Heyman skipped into the box but was forced too wide and the ball was cleared. Grace Maher swung in the corner that was well cleared by Tash Rigby when it looked dangerous.
Above: Michelle Heyman, the source of Canberra’s best chance in the first half. Photo: Kris Goman.
Emma Illojoski was missing for Canberra United while awaiting a COVID test result. Perth’s fluid attack looked to take advantage of the makeshift defence.
Susan Phonsongkham was the busiest of the front three in the opening half. She was able to create some space on the right side after retrieving a ball that looked likely to go out. She found Cyera Hintzen after shuffling past her opponent and the American teed up Alana Jancevski on her preferred left foot.
The combination of the three new Perth signings looks promising. All have different playing styles that so far seem to compliment each other well but on this occasion, Jancevski’s low, hard show curled wide of the far post.
Phonsongkham continued to test the Canberra defence and after some good build-up work from Hintzen again, her close-range shot was deflected inches wide.
Above: Susan Phonsongkham who tested the Canberra United defence many times. Photo: Kris Goman.
Keeley Richards was the reason that the game stayed level at halftime. The Canberra goalkeeper made a brilliant close-range save to once again deny Phonsongkham.
Gemma Craine had cut inside and raced along the by-line before hitting a low pass across the face of goal. Phonsongkham attacked the ball and met it at full pace but Richards sprawled to stop what looked like a certain goal.
Richards was called into action again as Hintzen took the direct approach. Perth’s centre forward raced down the middle of the pitch and held off the attentions of Lauren Kier. Her shot was on target and well hit but Richards was alert to the danger and blocked emphatically.
Above: Cyera Hintzen, another lively performance for Perth Glory from the American. Photo: Kris Goman.
Canberra United almost took the lead early in the second half. Allira Toby turned well in the final third and slipped a clever pass to Michelle Heyman. The captain was in space and facing goal and she looked more shocked than anybody when her strike whizzed wide on the right of goal.
Perth continued to create opportunities by pressuring the Canberra defence but had yet to turn any into clear chances.
Hayley Taylor-Young, who had been playing out of position as a left wing-back found some space in attack. She was clearly more comfortable in that area of the ground but her shot was straight at Courtney Newbon, making her Perth Glory debut, and the keeper saved comfortably.
Grace Maher and Michelle Heyman schemed up a chance with a combination of passes and a clever turn by Heyman. Her long-through pass dissected the Perth defence but Newbon was alert to the danger and collected the ball at the feet of Laura Hughes.
Above: Grace Maher looking to unlock the Perth Glory defence. Photo: Kris Goman.
Up to this point, it was a game of changing momentum and free-flowing play but both sides looked capable of either an error or something spectacular.
Heyman very nearly provided it on the hour mark. A curling cross from Chloe Middleton found the league’s all-time leading scorer but her flicked header bounced off the roof of the net.
Both managers made changes with 30 minutes to play. Lisa de Vanna entered to the field in place of Hintzen, Sofia Sakalis and Deborah De la Harpe replaced Craine and Poppie Hooks.
Canberra brought on Ashley Sykes and the previous round’s hero Holly Caspers to add some firepower in the closing stages.
Above: Lisa De Vanna making a trademark run. Photo: Kris Goman
Chloe Middleton dropped a dangerous cross onto the edge of the six-yard box that momentarily looked like it might be a goal and Sakalis responded with a long pass that was only slightly too long for De Vanna.
As the team began to tire nobody told Tash Rigby, a lung-busting run along the right flank ended with her winning back possession and crossing just too high for Jancevski.
Karly Roestbakken hit a strong shot after drifting upfield but Newbon was well-positioned to save and hold onto the ball.
As the clock ticked past 90, Ash Sykes jinked into the area, she was patient and composed but her shot was deflected and squirmed wide.
Above: Margot Robinne on the charge persuded by Mie Leth-Jans. Photo: Kris Goman.
The game ended 0-0, it was a frustrating game from a fan’s perspective and if not for Keeley Richards it would have been 2-0 by halftime.
Canberra will be pleased with the clean sheet but had enough chances of their own to earn a win. The importance of Emma Illijoksi was underlined by this performance and Michelle Heyman was inventive and threatening despite not making the breakthrough.
Grace Maher was as tidy as ever in the middle but she is often needed in deep midfield when her skills are most effective closer to goal.
In the end, this was not a game that did not offer any new information about either side. Perth’s first choice attack of Hintzen, Phonsongkham, and Jancevski were dangerous before fatigue set in. Sakalis offered the craft that she is known for but Lisa De Vanna was unable to impact the game off the bench.
Above: Hana Lowry, who had arguably her best game of the season for Perth Glory today. Photo: Kris Goman.
On the positive for Perth, this was possibly Hana Lowry’s best performance of the season. She was constantly on the ball and remained a positive force even when exhausted.
Canberra ended had 16 shots on goal to Perth’s six. Despite this being a goalless game it was not a defensive one. After conceding four goals to Adelaide United, Perth’s defence looked greatly improved. We looked good with the ball, and that was the key message the team had, and we were solid without it.
This may have been a frustrating afternoon for both sides, but it was not a boring one.
Ben Gilby heard from Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis after the game: “It was a more resilient performance than the one we gad against Adelaide (on New Year’s Day).
“We probably did enough to win it today. A lot of players had to step up and produce better individual performances which they did. It is a step towards our expectations. We created chances. Clear cut chances, and if we had put them away things would have been better – that is the next thing for us to work on.
“The ball was moving quite slowly today because the field was thick and the weather was humid. Therefore players didn’t have as much time and space as they would like, but that’s not something I’m overly worried about as it was more down to today’s conditions.”
Above: Tash Rigby (left), who head coach Alex Epakis called an “absolute warrior) keeps a close eye on Canberra United’s Michelle Heyman. Photo: Kris Goman.
Epakis was particularly impressed with the influence that his more experienced players such as Tash Rigby and Kim Carroll had on the younger members of the squad today. “They were immense. The communication was really strong – Lisa (De Vanna) was part of that too. It’s a really positive sign.
“Tash is an absolute warrior. She’s taken the pain (broken nose against Adelaide last time which opened up again during the game today) but she’s good.”
Looking ahead to the Sydney game on Saturday, the Perth head coach emphasized the schedule of three games in a week: “I have to look at resting a couple of people and rotating the squad. We were preparing for it and we have a deep squad.”
Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-4-2): Newbon, Rigby, Anton, K.Carroll, Hooks, Jancevski, Leth-Jans, Lowry, Craine, Phonsongkham, Hintzen. Substitutes: Aquino (GK), de la Harpe, Cain, Sakalis, De Vanna.
Above: Mulbarton Wanderers’s Rebekah Lake in action in recent fixture vs Bungay Town, she will be hoping to add to her goal tally this weekend. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.
The Norfolk Women & Girls League gets underway again this coming Sunday following its festive break, with nine games scheduled across the league’s two divisions.
Division One
In Division One (Step Seven) there are five fixtures scheduled with a bottom vs top battle as North Walsham Town host Mulbarton Wanderers. Martin Francis’s Mulbarton team are flying so far this season with seven wins out of seven and will be strong favourites to continue their 100% record. North Walsham are one of the hardest-working teams in the division however and will certainly be doing all they can to try and cause a big upset.
Sprowston are set to welcome Long Stratton to Sprowston Sports & Social Club on Blue Boar Lane in what looks set to be a very competitive fixture. Long Stratton will arrive in fifth place with Sprowston in ninth position, but only three points in front of their hosts. On a day of fixtures that are tough to predict, this one is anyone’s guess with Long Stratton on their day being capable of beating anyone, but inconsistency means they have the most number of defeats in the top half of the table. Sprowston has the same inconsistent traits as they are the only team to take points off unbeaten Thetford Town but struggled to beat 11th placed Thorpe St Andrew in a tight contest earlier in the season. This game could well be one for the neutrals and one that could easily go either way, a mistake or moment of quality could well decide it.
Abpve: Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers’ Bethan Taylor gets to a header first in recent fixture vs Mulbarton Wanderers. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.
The division’s other game of the day looks set to be over at Mundford Road where Thetford Town welcome Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers. This game looks set to be the biggest test of Thetford’s unbeaten start to the season so far with Dussindale & Hellesdon only having played five games so far and sitting in sixth, they are a team that I and many others expect to climb the table in the second half of the season. Thetford management duo David Skipp and Stuart Terry will be well aware of the threat Dussindale & Hellesdon pose and an unbeaten Thetford will go into the game full of confidence and belief their good start to the season can continue. Like with the game at Sprowston, this is sure to be one that is closely fought, hard to predict, and a flip of the coin game with very little between two quality teams. It might well come down to whoever returns from the Christmas break sharper and whoever wants it more on the day will prevail. It is sure to be one for the neutrals to so if you live in South Norfolk Mundford Road is certainly the place for you on Sunday.
Above: Thetford Town’s Melissa Boulton goes on the attack vs Thorpe St Andrew on 5th December. Photo: Darrell Allen,
In the day’s other games, an in-form and on fire Fakenham Town are on their travels as they make the trip to Stalham Town. In the tightest of tables, Fakenham Town sit fourth just three points ahead of seventh placed Stalham. Fakenham Town will be the favourites but home advantage will give Stalham belief and confidence they can achieve some points.
In the final fixture, Tony Allen’s Thorpe St Andrew team host Bungay Town at Sir George Morse Park. Thorpe St Andrew are my closest team geographically to where I live with their home games played just a 10-minute walk from my front door. Tony Allen’s team are one of the most hard-working around and the philosophy Tony installs means that whether you are Mulbarton flying high or Sprowston or North Walsham, when you play Thorpe St Andrew you know that you have been in a game. Third place Bungay Town head into the encounter as clear and obvious favourites for the win, but they know the challenges Thorpe provide and any slip-ups from Bungay could make it a very interesting contest.
Above: Thorpe St Andrew manager Tony Allen will have his side prepared for another tough test against Bungay this weekend. Photo: Darrell Allen.
Due to this league having 11 teams, it means that each round of fixtures sees one side without a game, and this coming weekend Beccles Town do not have a fixture.
Division Two
The game of the day was set to be League Leaders Caister travelling to the University of East Anglia at Colney Lane but due to it being the first week of the new year and the university not having started the new semester, this contest has been postponed until later in the season.
That creates a big chance for second-placed Kings Lynn Soccer Club to reach the summit. Sitting just two points behind Caister at the start of play, any win at home to sixth place Horsford will see KLSC hit top spot. A great incentive for the players and staff as they look to continue their fantastic start to the season.
This Sunday’s planned game between third-placed Gorleston and Loddon United has been postponed.
Above: Gorleston’s Maddison Furbank in action earlier in the season making her debut against Shrublands. Photo: Donna Gowing.
The day’s most competitive game in Step Eight looks to be between eighth placed Red Rose and seventh placed Freethorpe as both sides sit on six points, with two wins and three losses each from their first five games. This is anyone’s for the taking and if you are looking for a game to watch in Step Eight, this would be your one of choice this weekend.
In the final game of the day, an unbeaten Shrublands who are showcasing themselves brilliantly this season on and off the pitch, welcome Ben Binder’s FC Viking Valkyries to Southtown Common. Shrublands will be big favourites to claim the win and continue their brilliant start to the season but Ben Binder’s teams are always one to watch and will give their hosts a decent game.
Like with Division One, with 11 teams in the league one side gets a weekend off and this weekend it’s Thetford Bulldogs without a scheduled fixture.
A full report of the Division One clash between Thetford Town and Dussindale & Hellesdon will follow next Tuesday and I will round up all the scores and tables from both divisions at the end of that report.
Happy New Year and thanks for all your continued support.
Above: Huddersfield Town pictured on a previous match staged at the John Smith’s Stadium. Photo provided to Impetus by: Huddersfield Town Women(4/1/21).
Huddersfield Town Women announced this afternoon that their Fourth Round Vitality Women’s FA Cup fixture against Everton will be held at the mens’ team’s 24,500 capacity John Smith’s Stadium on January 30th 2022.
This is a huge fixture for the club and a big test against a Barclays FA Women’s Super League side. It is also a great opportunity for Huddersfield fans to watch their local women’s football side in action, potentially for the first time.
The match gives the club an opportunity to break their attendance record which stands at 1,115. Ticketing information alongside confirmation of kick-off time will be announced in the coming weeks.
Speaking about the news, Huddersfield Town Women chair Alison Bamforth said: “The whole club are incredibly excited to have the privilege of welcoming Jean-Luc Vasseur and his Everton side to Huddersfield.
Above: Huddersfield Town (in red change kit) took on FA Women’s Super League side Brighton and Hove Albion in the last sixteen of the 2020/21 FA Cup. Photo provided to Impetus by: Huddersfield Town Women,
“We are delighted that our players once again have an opportunity to test themselves against WSL opposition, building on the experience of playing Brighton and Hove Albion in last year’s Vitality Women’s FC Cup 5th round.”
“I would like to extend huge thanks to Huddersfield Town AFC for hosting the game at the John Smith’s Stadium and would love to see the whole of Huddersfield out in force to be that ‘12th man [player/women]’ and perhaps help generate a bit of FA Cup magic!”
impetusfootball.org 