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A-League Women Wrap

Impetus’ Ben Gilby rounds up the week’s media conferences in the A-League Women. This week he heard from five head coaches and players Emma Checker, Paige Satchell, and Chelsee Washington. There is also the latest on Perth Glory‘s immediate fixture schedule (17/12/21).

ADELAIDE UNITED: Stenta Calls For A Confident Performance

**Above:** Adrian Stenta pictured talking to the media at Marden Sports Complex today. **Photo:** Adelaide United

Head coach Adrian Stenta began his media briefing at Marden by reviewing last week’s last gasp win over Canberra United.

“The belief has always been in the squad. The resilience was great. There are still things that we need to work on, but the main thing we can do is put the effort in and get a result, especially after what happened in Round One (a 5-1 loss at Melbourne Victory).

“There are only 12 games to go, it seems strange to say that as we’ve only just started, so it was important to get points on the board last week and build some momentum.”

With Adelaide United having announced the return of Dylan Holmes in midweek, Stenta was absolutely delighted to have the defender back: “Her return will certainly bring about some selection headaches, but that’s a good thing. The best thing about Dylan is that she is just a wonderful person. She has leadership qualities and additional experience that she has had in the last 12 months. We’re rapt to have her back and to have her around the squad. She’ll bring quality to our side.

Turning his attention to United’s game this weekend with Melbourne City, the Reds’ head coach observed: “They are a quality side who are well-coached. We are expecting a tough test and they are looking to bounce back after a loss as we were last time out. It will be a challenging game and a chance to build some momentum for the season.”

When asked what his team need to do to win, Stenta said: “We just need to continue to play with confidence and not go into our shells. It is a unique situation as we are going back to AAMI Park – you don’t often go back to play at the same away stadium and not so close together either. We need to play on that pitch confidently after what happened in Round One there and give it everything we’ve got.”

BRISBANE ROAR: McPherson – The Pressure Is All On Victory

**Above:** Brisbane Roar head coach Garrath McPherson speaking to the media earlier today. **Photo:** Brisbane Roar.

Talking ahead of Brisbane Roar’s game with defending champions Melbourne Victory this weekend, head coach Garrath McPherson revealed: “We’re stinging after the last two results against Perth Glory after being in the games and creating so many chances and then losing at the end. The bitter pill has been how we finished those games. We’ve addressed the issues, we’ve worked hard and we have players returning to the team. With every game we play it is another game for us to grow together.”

McPherson outlined the impact that players gradually coming back into contention for selection is having on the Roar: “Last week was the first time this season that we’ve had all our contracted players on the grass and yesterday (Thursday) was the first time we’ve had all our contracted players able carry out un-restricted training. These players have been working so hard to get themselves back. They are super excited to be back in contention for match days and that’s a great problem for me to have in terms of selection.

“The mood in the camp is great, there’s lots of smiles and singing of Christmas carols! There’s always areas to improve in and we’re ready to get over those losses. We unpacked what happened, worked on it, and improved. The first couple of days of the week sees the pain still there from the loss, but then after analysis, everyone feels better and we’re ready to improve.”

With Melbourne Victory ahead for Brisbane this week, things are not getting easier, but the Roar head coach is positive: “We’re looking forward to it and there’s no reason for us not to think we can’t win. We believe that we can beat every single team in the competition and we are getting better every week. We have a plan, we’ve prepared well and we’re going out to take three points at home.”

“Lynn Williams is a dangerous player, but Victory have lots of dangerous players. There’s explosive players on the wings. Victory have recruited heavily, Chidiac has come in recently too, so really I’d say the pressure is all on them. The expectation is that they need to be doing exceptionally well.”

CANBERRA UNITED: Washington Sees Nothing But Positives So Far

**Above:** Chelsee Washington (left) put in a player of the match standard performance for Canberra United last weekend. Here she is pictured competing against Adelaide United’s Nanako Sasaki in that match. **Photo:** @CanberraUnited

With Canberra United’s game with Perth Glory off this weekend due to Western Australia border restrictions, the Greens’ recent signing from the USA, Chelsee Washington reviewed her team’s showing in their heartbreaking late loss to Adelaide United last week.

“It was actually really positive after the game as we could all see a lot of strides that we’d made from Round One to Round Two. Whilst it was not the result we wanted there is lots to build on.”

Washington revealed how tough the conditions were in Adelaide: “It was a pretty dry heat and the pitch was bobbly. Not ideal, but we have to get through it at the end of the day. During warm-up and getting ready for the game it was hot. It was good that we got a couple of water breaks and that the second half saw the weather cool down.”

With Canberra having a weekend off this week meaning they can’t make an instant bid to get their first win of the season, the American sees positives in the unscheduled break.

“I think it’s actually a blessing in disguise. It helps us to re-group and re-set as well as freshening up some bodies and then get ready for the next round.

“One of the surprising things is how the opponents speak to me on the field. They are, like ‘Oh, how are you finding Australia?’ and I’m thinking ‘You’re not supposed to be saying that to me, you’re not on my team!’ It has been very competitive so far. It is good as a player to give yourself these challenges.”

“I think the game time and the experience will really help me when I go back to play in the NWSL. The different tactics and roles in midfield I am playing. In the first game, I played deeper and for the second game, I was in an advanced role. That definitely adds layers to your game and increases versatility.

MELBOURNE CITY:

Vidosic Outlines Development of His Team & Vision For ALW Growth Priorities

Rado Vidosic delivered a heartfelt plea for the development of the A-League Women in a fascinating press conference today.

“We need a longer league season. We need to extend it. Players need to train professionally for a whole year. You can add a cup competition for women but also for under-18s. We need both. We need more of those things but definitely professional football. We have so many players playing abroad who would love to be here if there was a longer competition.

“In England, not many English players play outside of England. In the USA, not many American players play outside of the USA. They have strong national teams. This is not the case here. Longer seasons, and being professional is needed. Women’s teams must have academies as well, just like the men so we can play Asian Women’s Champions League.

“James Johnson has said he wants the ALW to be one of the top five women’s leagues in the world. If he can do all the things I said, we can do it. We need professional competition. If we don’t do it by the end of the 2023 World Cup, it could be too late.”

City’s head coach also reflected on their loss to Melbourne Victory last weekend by saying: “One game will not decide our season and we analyzed the game and there were so many positives. A few negatives of course, but we were largely happy with what happened.

“So far this season, what we did against Canberra was very positive. Last week we couldn’t maintain it in that ten or fifteen-minute spell in the second half against Melbourne Victory, but we finished strongly with a number of chances towards the end. We are very careful with the way we are working, we are trying to improve habits and that takes time. A lot of our players haven’t played for a long time or trained in professional environments before. If we can develop everyone then our season will be successful.

“It will take time. We are in a better position than we have been in the past. We’ve had eight weeks of training with the whole team and not many injuries through training or games.

In terms of how Vidosic wants his team to develop, he outlined: “We want to control the game from an attacking point of view. We want to be aggressive, force a mistake, and win the ball. Two years ago, our opponents had the ball for no longer than nine seconds at a time as we forced them into making mistakes. I am driving this team to capitalize more when we win the ball and force the opponents to only have the ball for a minimal time.”

Looking ahead to this weekend’s game against Adelaide United at AAMI Park, the City head coach said: “Well, we know (Dylan) Holmes has come back. We don’t know if she will play at all or if she is in quarantine. That will give them chance to be motivated. They will be on a good pitch with a good crowd. We don’t have any injuries or any concerns, so we are full steam ahead with no problems.”

Emma Checker: Adelaide Will Be Tough

**Above:** Emma Checker pictured at her media conference today. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

Emma Checker began by addressing City’s defeat in last weekend’s Melbourne derby. “Look, it was a disappointing result, one because we don’t like losing and two because there is always pride attached to a derby match. In saying that, despite the result, there were so many positives that we can take. It was a close game, and we had more possession. Whilst statistics don’t win games, it is something we can take into forthcoming matches. We know we are a good possession team so we need to take that forward.

“We know we had a fifteen-minute lapse in the game. We have to address that because that cost us the game. Leading into that lapse, we were in control. We have to play for the whole 90. The last five minutes showed that we had more left in the tank. It’s disappointing but moving forward we know we have to correct that.

“The mood is positive. The reason for that is that we know we played well. We know we could have done more, but we did give it a red hot crack. Melbourne Victory are the defending champions and so we know if that’s the bar, we’re OK. There is no reason why we can’t bounce back with another win tomorrow before we play them again the following week.”

Asked how she assesses the standard of the competition this year, Checker said: “I think there are more consistent teams this season, it is hard to predict how the league will turn out, but based on just our two games shows me that competition is tough.”

Focusing specifically on this weekend’s game, the Matilda said: “I know how tough Adelaide are because I’m a former Adelaide player. They go into every game believing they will win every game. We are expecting them to come out strong. We’re playing at AAMI Park – the surface is great. There is a tradeoff with the atmosphere as it is hard to feed off the crowd when it’s not full in a big stadium, but the positives outweigh that.

“Playing at the community grounds, the pitch sizes are different and it takes a few rounds to get used to. AAMI Park is a home ground and it does still give us an advantage

PERTH GLORY: Uncertainty Over Club’s Schedule To Be Settled Next Week

As expected, Perth Glory’s home game with Canberra United tomorrow has been postponed due to Western Australia coronavirus border restrictions.

With Perth playing away in Brisbane last weekend, the team would be subject to quarantine as would Canberra.

The club expects to receive confirmation from the APL next week about their revised playing schedule until the Western Australia state border opens fully at the beginning of February. It is thought that the club will return to action at the beginning of 2022 and be based on the east coast in a hub until February.

SYDNEY FC: Satchell Excited To See Familiar Faces

**Above:** Sydney FC’s Paige Satchell. **Photo:** NZ Football

Paige Satchell, Sydney’s 11 cap New Zealand international opened her media conference by talking about her thoughts on facing her country’s first pro women’s team this weekend.

“It’s really exciting. It’s great that finally there is a Wellington Phoenix team in the competition. It has been a long time coming. It moves the women’s game forward in New Zealand. I’m really looking forward to playing them. Every team in the competition are strong and competitive, so it will be a good match. We will have to be on our game.

“It will be wonderful to come up against familiar faces and see some Kiwis. I know some of them well. Lily Alfeld, of course, who was at Perth last season. She has been in the Ferns environment a few times so I know her well. There’s a few other girls too, who I played U20 World Cups with. They are a young team so it will be interesting to see how they do this season in a competitive league.”

In terms of Sydney’s own form, Satchell is delighted with their record of two wins from two. “It builds confidence. We’ve had a good pre-season as well as a good start in the league. We feel good going into the game. We can never be complacent and need to keep pushing ourselves in training to maintain the good results we’re getting so far.”

Both Sydney’s men’s and women’s teams are facing the Phoenix in a doubleheader at Kogarah, something which Satchell believes is a real positive: “The women’s league and men’s leagues coming closer is great. It’s a sign that women’s football is really closing the gap with men’s football. It’s great for us as it means we get more media and more crowd.”

WELLINGTON PHOENIX: Line-Up Changes & Urge To Be Disciplined

**Above:** Wellington Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis. **Photo:** Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images.

Wellington Phoenix face a tough battle against unbeaten Sydney FC on Sunday but head coach Gemma Lewis says after a couple days of soul-searching “everyone is in a really positive headspace”.

“As much as we need to move forward, we also need to still remember what that defeat felt like and try and stay away from that as much as we can,” Lewis told media on Friday afternoon.

“We need to recognize that we don’t want to be in those situations which is why we need to stick a little bit more to the game plan and be a little bit more disciplined.”

Discipline and improving their possession game have been major focuses this week. “I want to get back to a little bit more defensive security within the game like we had against Western Sydney where we were a lot harder to break down. Whereas against Newcastle I felt like we gave them too much space, we got pulled apart too much and the gaps between lines got really stretched at times through the game.”

Lewis also wants her players to be brave in possession. “I know we got punished quite a bit for some of our in possession mistakes and some sloppiness in possession in the game against Newcastle so I just want to see them bounce back from that a little bit.

“I don’t want players to hide and not try and get on the ball. We know they’re going to make mistakes and yes we’re playing against great players so sometimes we’re going to be punished for those mistakes, but I don’t want them to stop playing because they’re young. They need to see those moments, make those decisions and get used to playing under that pressure.”

Sydney FC enters round three as one of only three unbeaten teams, alongside Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory, but the Phoenix players know what to expect, having played them in pre-season.

“They know that Sydney is going to be really tough but I think having played them in a pre-season game is also helping because there’s an element of familiarity there. They know that even though they were a tough opposition then, we lost to them and they controlled quite a lot of the game, they also recognize that they’ve played those players before.”

Having fielded the same starting line-up in the first round two rounds, Gemma Lewis will be making a few tweaks to her line-up. “There will be a couple of changes this week, some because players are back fit again from injury, others because there’s a couple of niggly ones at the moment that won’t be ready for the game.”

Forward Kelli Brown is “back in the frame” after suffering an ankle injury two days out from their opening match. “She will be in the squad in some shape or form this game and we’re actually potentially even looking at if she can start. She was already ready last week, but we just wanted to make sure we had her back fully training this week.

“She’s been getting through all the training this week fully. She’s been in contact, has been in-game situations, is comfortable so we’re pretty confident to throw her straight back in now.”

Alyssa Whinham and Talitha Kramer are also pushing for a place in the starting eleven, after impressing off the bench, but forward Grace Jale may miss the match as a precaution after picking up a minor hamstring injury.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS:

Cannuli Reviews Sydney Loss and Reveals Self Focus Ahead Of Jets

The Western Sydney Wanderers head coach opened by reviewing Round Two’s Sydney derby: ”Last week’s loss (in the derby to Sydney FC) was a tough one to take. The girls worked really hard from the first minute to the last. We’ve spoken about it and we need to take control of the ball more, protect it more and capitalize on possession. That’s what we’ll be focusing on in the following weeks.”

When asked about the team’s focuses in training this week Cannuli outlined: “Look, we just focus on us. We built a squad in eight weeks and it takes time to get momentum and build focus and cohesion.”

Looking ahead to her team’s clash with Newcastle Jets earlier today, the Wanderers head coach said: “It’s going to be a really tough test. There’s not one easy-beat team. In this competition, anyone can beat anyone else. We’re going into it to get three points and there’s nothing else in the back of our minds.”

Wanderers Host Afghan National Cup:

Western Sydney Wanderers will play host to the Afghan National Cup 2021, a five-day annual round-robin tournament, played at the Wanderers Football Park in Blacktown.

The Afghan National Cup 2021 comprises six women’s teams, 24 men’s teams, and eight youth teams coming from Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia to participate in competitive and inclusive football games.

Every Christmas, Afghan community members attend the annual football tournament – a festival that takes place in a different city each year. The competition was established in 2003 and later refreshed in 2014 as an opportunity to celebrate culture and promote solidarity through football. It aims to:

Raise awareness and increase participation of women from culturally and lingually diverse backgrounds in football
Promote inter-cultural connections and strengthen social fabric between various ethnic groups and broader Australian community
Engage and partner with local community and football organisations to support the event and create opportunities for player pathways, especially for female players
Promote a sense of belonging, and a feeling of having a place to build a future
Identify and showcase emerging talents in men’s and women’s football

The competition is coordinated by the Afghanistan Football Federation of Australia – a group of volunteers around Australia dedicated to promoting inclusion through their shared love of football.

After a strife-ridden year, The Afghan National Tournament will play a significant role in bringing the community together, including newly-arrived Afghan footballers, showcasing solidarity and celebrating our culture.

Tournament organiser Hussain Ramazani said he was thankful that Sydney could host the tournament this year to bring his community together.

“This tournament will be a wonderful event to celebrate our football community in what has been a very tough year for the Afghani people,” said Mr Ramazani.

“We would like to thank Western Sydney Wanderers for their support and are very grateful for the community support which will give us a very positive end to our year as we celebrate through our passion for football.”

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said hosting and helping bring to life tournaments like this is critical to the Wanderers mission.

“Being able to work with our community to host tournaments and opportunities like the Afghan Cup 2021 is incredible,” he said.

“Wanderers Football Park is a world-class venue here in Blacktown and to be able to use the Wanderers Foundation to support and help share this space with our community is a very important part of the work we do.”

Football Australia Launches Our Game To Achieve Gender Parity

Football Australia today launched Our Game, an initiative aimed at harnessing the power of football to build an inclusive and diverse game that embraces, positively influences, celebrates, and elevates women and girls.

The co-hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 presents a unique opportunity for Australian football to leverage the moment and strive to become the nation’s largest community sport to reach gender parity by 2027.

Launching the initiative, Football Australia CEO, James Johnson said: “For well over a decade now, women’s football has seen unprecedented growth and popularity in Australia. This year we celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the first recorded public women’s football match and while the women’s game has progressed significantly in the past century, we also acknowledge that there is much more we can achieve.

“In 18 months we will co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand – the world’s biggest standalone women’s sporting event. We are provided with an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate our aspiration to become the centre of excellence for women’s football in Asia-Pacific, and in doing so become the first Australian sport to reach gender parity in participation.

“Our Game is our platform and Legacy ’23 is our game plan for Football Australia’s bold objective. To do this we understand the importance of us as a sport tackling head-on the barriers of awareness, accessibility, and apprehension that hold back women and girls from fully participating in football.”

Our Game will work at addressing perceptions and hesitations of women in football, enhancing visibility and awareness of the various avenues of involvement, celebrating accomplishments, and providing practical resources to facilitate participation.

Following the initial launch, Football Australia and its Member Federations will deliver a program of club and individual resources, media activities, and community events to present opportunities for women and girls of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to be part of football. It will also be the avenue to build excitement ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

More information can be found via the website: ourgameaus.com.au and via @OurGameAus on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.

Flight of the Nix: Supporting The Pride of NZ Women’s Football

Denise Duffy, an admin of the Wellington Phoenix Facebook group ‘Flight of the Nix’, has been following Kiwi women’s football for quite a while despite only moving to New Zealand this year. For our latest #MidweekDub Feature, she spoke to Impetus editor Ben Gilby about how fan culture is growing for the Phoenix’s new A-League Women’s team despite them not being able to play a home game until February at the earliest (15/12/21).

Above: The Flight of the Nix Supporters Group Logo. Artwork provided by: Denise Duffy.

Whilst Denise is still relatively new to Wellington, women’s football is something she has passionately cared about for a long time. Therefore, when the Phoenix finally entered the A-League Women this season, she was keen to get onboard.

“I only moved to New Zealand in July. My passion for women’s soccer was cultivated in America. When the Phoenix made the announcement about the team, I was on it! Women’s soccer is exciting. The athletes are fascinating and approachable. I wanted to get involved right away.

**Above:** Denise Duffy of ‘Flight of the Nix’. **Photo supplied by:** Denise Duffy.

“I will say that I’ve been following and critiquing New Zealand soccer since 2015. My spouse is a Kiwi and we always knew we would move to New Zealand. This nation’s soccer is my future. I have a philosophy that we all need to grow women’s football both exactly where you are and also worldwide.

“From a distance, New Zealand was the federation I had my eye on. They went through some dark times and I wasn’t shy about letting them know that things could be better. I had posted that I wanted to start a supporters group for the women side only, because, you know, women are fabulous. Instead, I was asked to be a Facebook group admin for one already established with the men’s side. It was a real dilemma. Start a women’s supporters group from scratch or jump into a club-wide one.

“I decided that the actual challenge, the beautiful work, was to see how many men’s football supporters could become fans of women’s football. So I paired with a smaller group. It was willing to rebrand and actively think about inclusion. We became the Flight of the Nix! Yes, it’s a riff off of the TV show the Flight of the Conchords. Light, bright, and fun.

“Blake Forbes Gentle is a founder of this group, he’s wheelchair-bound. Jonathan Hagger has long-term knowledge of the Nix and women’s football. We are purposely adding extra content on the women’s game in our group. I think Nix fans are enjoying the new journey.”

**Above:** Blake Forbes-Gentle – founder of the Flight of the Nix. **Photo supplied by**: Denise Duffy.

Getting a team from New Zealand into the senior level of women’s football in Australia has been a long journey. Denise explained that she feels that the country didn’t know what it was missing out on.

“Having pro soccer here will change the country. New Zealand is such an athletic nation to begin with. There is a natural nose for sport here. Having a rhythm of women’s pro soccer in the A-League Women gives the country a regular football focus. New Zealand needs this. They will be co-hosting the world cup in 2023. It will be a richer experience if they already understand the game.

I know that as a fan, I’ve been tweeting to and at as many people as possible to make it happen for years now. It’s been excruciating to want something like this and not see it happen. The real work has been done by so many people at NZ Football and at Wellington Phoenix. I am super grateful and proud that they made it happen. High five to them.”

In terms of the standard of the competition and the opportunities, Denise sees nothing but positives. “In the past, if you were good at football in New Zealand, you had to leave the country and go to Europe or America. I find this heartbreaking. Not everyone has the financial resources or emotional support to do this.

“Having an A-League Women team here gives a path for Kiwis to play pro football in their own nation. Domestic stars can emerge here at home. As far as the league, it’s embracing itself as a discovery and developmental league. If it wants to attract top talent, then I have a long list of things they need to do.

“One factor is that in the past, the W-League and the NWSL in America were like yin and yang. Athletes could exhaust themselves and play in both leagues. The NWSL season got longer so now the players generally aren’t doing double duty or are only coming here on short-term loan deals like Lynn Williams.

**Above:** Jonathan Hagger – another key member of the Flight of the Nix crew! **Photo supplied by:** Denise Duffy.

“Also, the members of Matildas, in particular, needed a less heavy schedule. Many went to Europe. Unfortunately, we are now we are stuck watching them at 3am. Not really a way of life for me. I like live matches. What is exciting about the A-League Women is that I am learning new names and faces of so many future stars. Also, some of my favourite athletes are there, such as Rebekah Stott and Kyra Cooney-Cross. It’s a league I want to jump into and follow. Having a local team in it makes it feel like my league.”

With New Zealand waiting so long for a pro women’s team, it is hugely frustrating that, due to Covid restrictions, Wellington Phoenix won’t be able to play any home games until February at the earliest. Denise highlighted the impact that this has on building a supporter base.

“Obviously we want to see live pro women’s soccer in New Zealand as soon as possible. We are ready. Let me take a step back though. There’s a spirituality to New Zealand about new beginnings that I wish the team could experience more of. The Maori culture here weaves in and through sport. It’s a bit of a bummer that the team is abroad. Nothing like a stadium experience to launch a team. We are waiting for this. It’s out of our control.

“When it does happen, there might be a few tears in the crowd. I will say that I was at a watch party with a local football club here in Taupo and it was a blast. Also, our members in the Flight of the Nix group send weekly words of support before the match to assistant coach Natalie Lawrence. It’s the closest thing we can do to cheering them on in a stadium. I am hoping we bring it as fans in Wellington as we come together for their first match in 2022.”

It took a long time for the club to gain shirt sponsorship and then it came after a direct appeal from club officials. Denise believes though that once the team is back playing in New Zealand and the corporate world can see what the team and competition have to offer, the club’s financial position will become far more positive.

**Above:** The Flight of the Nix group’s watch party for the club’s first-ever A-League Women game against Western Sydney Wanderers. **Photo supplied by:** Denise Duffy.

Women’s football is addictive. A billion people watched the last Women’s World Cup in 2019. New Zealand is just starting to understand the power of the women’s game. These women sell the game with a purer brand of football. What’s the secret? The future of the league depends on broadcast quality. Have high-definition cameras, with many angles, and knowledgeable announcers and people will watch.

“As a sponsor, I would demand this for every match. Now, there are so many opportunities that come with partnering with the Pheonix. The lead sponsor, the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport is in the driver’s seat. I would use the magic of these athletes to grow with you. They are trendsetters, even at this young age. Have leadership conferences with them at your facility. Get them to understand your mission and see how they can help. Sponsors at all levels should cultivate this relationship with women athletes. It will serve them well.

“Attendance is also a big moneymaker. When they come back home, I am hoping for some marketing hype, especially in Wellington. There are plenty of football fans there. The yellow and black runs deep.”

With the club’s relatively late entry into the competition for 2021/22, head coach Gemma Lewis had a slightly uphill battle in putting together a team as some players she may otherwise have been interested in had already got fixed up with other sides, but Denise sees only positives in the team’s two games so far.

**Above:** Denise only sees positives for the Phoenix. **Photo supplied by:** Denise Duffy,

“What I have learned so far is that the Phoenix brand of football is fearless. They challenge. It is also surprisingly poised for such a young group. I want this mindset to continue. I loved it. They got a bit tentative in their second match and were outmuscled by more experienced players. They scored though. That’s big for their mentality. They can compete in this league. The biggest strength of the team is that they hired the right coaches. I’ve seen this flubbed up again and again in the NWSL. For so many reasons, Gemma Lewis and Natalie Lawrence were solid choices.”

In terms of what would be seen as a success for Wellington Phoenix’s first season in the A-League Women, Denise can see big plusses already.

“I believe in these coaches. I believe in these young women. The thing about women’s football is that anything can happen. We have a strong keeper and leader in Lily Alfeld. I’m as optimistic as they come.

“The Kiwi fanbase seems to be a patient one. Most were quite thrilled to get a draw in their opening game against Western Sydney Wanderers. They also see the long view of this season. It’s an achievement to be out on the pitch representing the Wellington Phoenix. If I am being honest, I’d like to see an accumulation of points throughout the year. I suppose it’s the American in me that always sees a winning path, even if it to others it’s unrealistic.”

Find out more about ‘The Flight of the Nix’ by visiting their Facebook page by clicking here

Dylan Holmes Returns!

One of Adelaide United’s biggest names from last season is back in red. Ben Gilby heard from both Dylan Holmes and head coach Adrian Stenta (15/12/21).

Above: Dylan Holmes pictured on her debut for Australia in the Netherlands earlier this year. Photo: Football Australia.

Adelaide United today announced the return of midfielder, Dylan Holmes for the whole of the 2021/22 A-League Women season.

The 24-year-old re-joins the Club after a stint with Swedish outfit BK Häcken where she accumulated 15 appearances across all competitions.

**Above:** Dylan Holmes in action for Swedish side BK Häcken this season. **Photo:** Mia Eriksson.

Holmes previously amassed 41 games and scored three goals with the Reds, and her sensational 2020/21 campaign earned a move to Sweden back in March 2021.

The central midfielder also later received her first Matildas cap in April against the Netherlands.

Speaking after re-signing with Adelaide, Holmes said: “I’m really looking forward to be returning to Adelaide United and working with Adrian (Stenta) and the girls.

“This is my hometown club and where I’ve enjoyed playing some of my best football, so I’m really excited to be returning.

**Above:** Dylan battling for possession for Adelaide United against Sydney FC last season. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

“The team has made a solid start to the season and I’m confident I can really contribute and make a positive impact.”

Adelaide United Liberty A-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “We’re extremely happy to have Dylan back at the Club. “She is a brilliant player and her addition certainly bolsters our squad.

“Dylan brings a lot of quality to our side because she is technically very sound, works hard on and off the field to improve her game, and has immense leadership qualities.

“The experiences she has gained playing abroad and being with the Matildas this past year has undoubtedly helped only further her development.”

Impetus Achievers Awards

Our A-League Women writing team of Ben Gilby, Kieran Yap, and Kris Goman hand out their weekly player, coach, and event of the week awards. Whilst there was a general consensus for the player and coach awards, there were diverging views for the event award! (13/12/21).

PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Ben: Honourable mentions have to go to the Sydney FC pair of Remy Siemsen and Taylor Ray. Siemsen’s two-goal haul showed both sides of her goalscoring prowess – the penalty box predator and a glorious long-range curling effort. Ray absolutely bossed the midfield against Western Sydney Wanderers. But for me, this weekend’s stand-out was Adelaide United’s Nanako Sasaki. A sensational 20 yarder to level the scores against Canberra United followed by a sensational dink over Allyson Haran into the path of Emily Condon who slotted the Reds’ late winner.

Kieran: Adelaide needed a response after they had conceded their sixth goal of the season and they got it through Nanako Sasaki who stepped up with a great goal and a brilliant assist.

Kris: It’s got to be Nanako Sasaki. An incredible goal and absolutely inspired assist. It was really something for her to read that play so well.

COACH OF THE WEEK:

Ben: When you started the season having not won a match for just under two years and then manage to win two in a row thanks to last gasp winners, something is clearly going in the right direction. Alex Epakis has undoubtedly instilled a deep belief and desire into his young team. There were also signs of learning from the less impressive areas of the previous week’s performance when the Glory midfield was bettered by Brisbane – that was not the case on Friday. Whatever happens over the next few weeks due to border issues, Alex Epakis is doing a superb job in Western Australia.

Kieran: It’s Alex Epakis for me. His Perth Glory team had to embark on the longest distance away trip in Australian sport and he had to manage injuries and fatigue to experienced players. Epakis made the right moves at the right time and secured another late win.

Kris: Perth Glory earning two clutch wins in two weeks to remain undefeated, especially against Brisbane Roar is something to write home about. Alex Epakis earns it, for me.

EVENT OF THE WEEK:

Ben: The arrival of two 15 year-olds onto the pitch from the substitutes bench in the Sydney derby. Young Matildas Mary Stanic-Floody (Sydney FC) and Alexia Apostolakis (Western Sydney Wanderers) gave a glimpse of the future and in their respective short spells on the pitch, certainly didn’t look out of place.

Kieran: Wellington Phoenix’s first goal. Ava Pritchard will go down in dub history as the first player to net for the club. They’re off the mark and deserved it for their endeavour over two games.

Kris: Amy Jackson for scoring a spectacular own goal then getting sent off. She had quite the day despite putting in a bloody good effort.

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the eleventh round of D1 Arkema.

Above: Olympique Lyonnais’ Ellie Carpenter salutes the crowd after her team’s 2-1 win at Paris FC. Photo: @OLFeminin

Fleury won 1-0 at home against Issy. In a game dominated by the hosts (66% of possession and 17 shots), we had to wait the 71^st minute to see Fleury score. If they had been a little bit more efficient, they could have scored more. With this win, Fleury stay fourth place in the table but are now only one point behind Paris FC. Goal for Fleury from Nikola Karczewska (71).

**Above:** Nikola Karczewska, Fleury’s goalscorer. **Photo:** @FCF91_feminines.

Reims won 1-0 away from home against Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne edged the possession with 60%, but was not able to score, whilst Reims obtained a penalty which was scored by Rachel Corboz in the 15^th minute. Goal for Reims from Rachel Corboz (15 penalty).

Montpellier won 1-0 away from home against Soyaux. With this win, Montpellier are now five points ahead of Bordeaux. Goal for Montpellier from Dominika Skorvankova (20).

**Above:** Montpellier celebrate after Dominika Skorvankova’s winning goal at Soyaux. **Photo:** @MontpellierHSC

Guingamp obtained a 1-1 at Dijon. In an even game, Dijon were not able to do better than a draw. Both teams have the same results over the past five games: Lost, Draw, Lost, Draw, Draw. Goal for Dijon from Desire Oparanozie (19). Goal for Guingamp from Héloïse Mansuy (52).

Paris Saint-Germain won at home 1-0 against Bordeaux. Paris SG dominated this game with 70% of possession, 29 shots with 11 on target. However, they were not efficient enough to score in the first half and scored only once in the second half. Goal for Paris SG from Sakina Karchaoui (69).

**Above:** Selma Bacha, who delivered a decisive pass for Ada Hegerberg to score Lyon’s second at Paris FC. **Photo:** @OLFeminin

Olympique Lyonnais won 2-1 away from home against third-placed Paris FC. This game was level pegging with Paris FC trying to play offensively against a team stronger on paper in Lyon. It was clear that Lyon were tired from Champions League tie against Benfica in Portugal during midweek. Positively for Lyon, Delphine Cascarino unlocked the game with an individual goal after 38 minutes and Selma Bacha delivered a perfect pass to Ada Hegerberg a minute later for the second goal. Goals for Lyon from Delphine Cascarino (38), Ada Hegerberg (39). Goal for Paris FC from Théa Greboval (45+1). Red card for Sophie Vaysse (64), Paris FC.

Defending Champs Come From Behind To Seal Victory

Melbourne City 1-2 Melbourne Victory

By Kieran Yap (12/12/21)

Above: Melbourne Victory’s Claudie Bunge (3) tries to hold off Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson. Photo: @gomvfc

The champions had named Alex Chidiac and Lyn Williams in their matchday squad and they were coming off a 5-1 thrashing of Adelaide United, But Melbourne City were not there to make things easy on them.

The first Melbourne Derby of the season was a rough game. In a tense first half, the medical staff were called onto the pitch four times. Neither side could gain any real foothold, both teams seemed eager to bypass their midfield players and shots on target were rare.

Victory moved Kyra Cooney-Cross into defensive midfield. Amy Jackson changed to centre-back to cover for Kayla Morrison and Alex Chidiac took up the number 10 role, in the number 10 shirt.

It was City who had the early chances though. Hannah Wilkinson continued where she left off against Canberra last week. Her height cloaks her impressive pace and she was able to sprint clear of Victory’s defenders twice in the first half.

**Above:** Hannah Wilkinson drives forward for Melbourne City. **Photo:** @MelbourneCity

The first time, her shot was struck across goal and the second, she tried to chip the ball over the oncoming Casey Dumont. She sliced the ball to the right and it bounced out harmlessly.

City’s defence held firm against Victory’s strike force of Catherine Zimmerman, Harriet Withers, and new captain Lia Privitelli. But they were helped by Victory’s unusually direct style of play.

In an arm-wrestle of a first half, Tyla -Jay Vlajnic looked the most composed and creative player for City. Rhinanna Pollicina was crafty and Holly Mcnamara impressed yet again. The youngster has dangerous acceleration and was a threat to Victory’s makeshift defence.

McNamara thought she had earned a penalty when she cut inside the area and went shoulder to shoulder with Cooney-Cross. She hit the ground under the physical pressure of the Matilda but referee Casey Reibelt was well-positioned and did not call a foul.

Both goalkeepers were in good touch. Dumont made several confident claims of crosses and high balls. Melissa Barbieri was good in her distribution and when called into action against Harriet Withers was able to save from close range. The striker was offside but neither knew that at the time.

**Above:** Casey Dumont: made some confident claims. **Photo:** Getty Images.

When the breakthrough occurred it felt well suited to Victory’s nervy first half. Vlajnic took a free-kick around 30 yards from goal. She hit it well, with pace and at a dangerous trajectory. The City attackers were not on the same page and did not look like getting on the end of it, but confusion at the back resulted in a City lead.

Amy Jackson leapt in front of Dumont and headed the ball into the top corner of her own goal. It was a textbook header. She jumped early and high and headed it back in the opposite direction from where the keeper had run from. Unfortunately, it was at the wrong end of the field.

Victory would go into halftime a goal down and without creating much themselves. They had some big guns on the bench in the form of Williams and Maja Markovski but they had struggled to supply the ones on the field so far.

The second half saw a Victory side unchanged in personnel but improved in style and composure. Cooney-Cross had been barely more than a spectator in the first 45 minutes. She was often stranded in midfield with the ball sailing back and forth over her head. In the second half, Victory started to bring the ball down and play. Cooney-Cross became more involved, Chidiac started to run with the ball and chances started to flow for Victory.

**Above:** Alex Chidiac – a key arrival for Melbourne Victory. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Chidiac has an ability to cruise through the middle of the pitch in possession. She breaks up play, commits defenders, and opens up space. She has a powerful burst in her weaponry that allows her to seemingly shrug off defenders. Lynn Williams has been touted as the Lisa De Vanna replacement but in terms of style of play and attributes, it’s Chidiac.

To level the scores, Alex Chidiac used these talents to full effect. She shrugged off a Leah Davidson challenge and cut to her left. Ahead of her Catherine Zimmerman curved her run to stay onside and Chidiac slipped a well-weighted pass into her path. Victory’s number nine shot beyond Barbieri to score her second of the season.

City had no time to recover from the goal. Jeff Hopkins had introduced Lynn Williams. The ex-Wanderer and current U.S.A striker took just minutes to change the game.

**Above:** Lynn Williams is sent on for her Victory debut by head coach Jeff Hopkins. **Photo:** @gomvfc.

Polly Doran made space for herself with a strong run on the right-wing. She hit a low cross to the near post where Zimmerman was lurking. Her back heel flick may have been meant for the goal but it shifted the ball into the path of Williams who prodded home to make it 2-1.

City attacked throughout the half to restore parity and rescue a point but for the most part, Victory defended resolutely. Their best opportunity came when Holly McNamara raced towards goal. Amy Jackson did not have the pace to keep up with her and committed either a crude tackle or professional foul, depending on how you want to see it.

Either way, it helped secure the result. She accepted the red card without protest and her day was over, but to an extent, her job was done. Victory had the lead and time was limited.

**Above:** It was a personally disappointing day for Amy Jackson who scored an own goal and was sent off. **Photo:** @gomvfc.

City’s effort to equalize kept Victory fans’ hearts in their mouths but the goal never came, Markovski came on for Victory to help hold up the ball and the champions were content to kick the ball high, long, and out in the dying minutes.

It was a harder and closer win for Victory than the first-round thrashing was. However, in a few ways, it was a more impressive performance. The second half demonstrated what the Chidiac and Cooney-Cross combination might provide. Zimmerman is in consistent form and the new arrivals have settled in instantly.

Victory has two wins without really playing their best football so far. They are getting results with room for improvement.

**Above:** Melbourne Victory celebrate their derby day win. **Photo:** @gomvfc

City have not struggled to create chances, and if Wilkinson, in particular, can start converting some of them they will win more than they lose.

They need slightly more creativity in midfield. Leticia McKenna has started on the bench in the last two matches and can provide some spark. As City looks to find their best 11, she is one possible solution.

These two teams play again in two weeks. It is sure to be another fantastic contest.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY: Me.Barbieri, Heatley, Checker, Tunmeth, Vlajnic, Stott, Davidson, Torpey, Pollicina, McNamara, Wilkinson. Substitutes: McKenna, Malone, Chinnama, Westland, Majstorovic (GK)

Scorer: Jackson (OG) 45+4′.

MELBOURNE VICTORY: Dumont, Nevin, Bunge, Jackson, Doran, Chidiac, Cooney-Cross, Mi.Barbieri, Withers, Zimmerman, Privitelli. Substitutes: Markovski, Robers, Williams, Maizels (GK), Murphy.

Scorers: Zimmerman 65′, Williams 70′.

Referee: Casey Reibelt.

Attendance: 1,092.

Siemsen Seals Sydney Success

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-2 Sydney FC

By Kris Goman (12/12/21)

Above: Two goal Remy Siemsen in celebratory mood. Photo: @SydneyFC

Sydney put on a dominant display against Western Sydney Wanderers in the doubleheader at Commbank Stadium.

Although possession was only marginally in Sydney’s favour, it was what they did when they had the ball that mattered. More completed passes, more interceptions, more shots on goal, more shots on target, and, of course, more goals.

Wanderers looked to be in disarray and without a plan when in possession. They were very reactive rather than proactive and with the exception of a couple of individual runs, couldn’t make much progress against a solid Sydney defence. Wanderers defence didn’t have too many holes but Remy Siemsen’s two goals would not be denied.

Early in the game, Cortnee Vine took a lovely first touch from a Princess Ibini pass before being tripped by Danica Matos to get a free-kick at the top of the box. Sarah Hunter steps up to take the kick and goes for glory and the diminutive Sarah Langman (nee Willacy) tips it over the top post and saves a certain goal.

**Above:** Cortnee Vine pictured on a typical rampaging run. **Photo:** @SydneyFC

A clearance by Matos caused a bit of confusion and Siemsen chases it into the box but Langman is able to smother it. Soon after, Vine sends a ball into the box for Mackenzie Hawkesby and Langman comes out to close the angle, and the shot goes wide.

In the Wanderers’ first real attack, Teigan Collister gets a free run before ending up in a wrestle with Natalie Tobin resulting in a Wanderers free-kick which comes to naught. Bianca Galic takes a worldy shot across goal from outside the box but it goes wide.

Wanderers can’t maintain possession and Ibini sends a ball into the box for Hawksby who shoots. Langman tips it right and Siemsen is there to follow up and taps it in easily and unopposed. It’s a poacher’s goal but no one is complaining. Right place, right time. 1-0 Sydney.

**Above:** Remy Siemsen (left) and Cortnee Vine celebrate. **Photo:** @SydneyFC

Another nice run from Vine as she receives the ball from Hunter out on the left-wing and sends it across for Siemsen but Langman gets there first.

Hunter gets a yellow after taking the legs out from Sheridan Gallagher in a run down the middle. Libby Copus-Brown takes the free-kick and sends it to the edge of the six-yard box for Whyman to catch easily.

Vine, out on the left, gets a long ball and Caitlin Cooper clears it spectacularly in the box before Vine can get there.

In injury time, Olivia Price gets the ball at the top of the box but can’t quite control it to shoot accurately and it goes over the crossbar in one of the rare shots on goal for WSW.

As the halftime whistle goes, Gallagher bowls over Hunter and puts her on the floor, getting a yellow for her troubles. I think they are even now.

**Above:** Sheridan Gallagher who was an eye-catching physical presence for Western Sydney Wanderers throughout. **Photo:** @wswanderers

Siemsen scores a stunner from the top left corner of the box at three minutes into the second half. Hawkesby gets another assist after a lapse of concentration from the Wanderers lets her get a little pass into Siemsen in the box. Siemsen swivels and shoots. She’s hit it perfectly. Perfect in weight, direction, speed, and spin and it hurtles into the top right of the goal, out of reach of the clutching fingertips of Langman, in probably the best goal I’ve seen Siemsen score. She celebrates and rightfully so. It was a thing of beauty.

Charlotte Mclean sent a ball out of the box straight to Copus-Brown who lobbed to Bryleeh Henry, who came on at halftime, but her header went wide. First good chance for the Wanderers of the half.

Rachel Lowe brought the ball into the box but was surrounded by defenders making it difficult to get off a decent shot. Langman has it all wrapped up.

Paige Satchell takes a thunderous run down the right soon after coming on to replace Vine but both crosses are blocked by the Wanderers

**Above:** Midfield tussle in the derby. **Photo:** @SydneyFC

At 85 minutes Seimsen comes off for 15-year-old Mary Stanich-Floody to make her ALW debut.

Ibini crosses into the box and Stanich-Floody follows up but offside is called.

Wanderers get an attacking run up the right in a last-minute attack but it’s foiled in the box. Apostolakis, who is also 15, gets a run on before the final whistle blows.

It’s still early in the season and it shows in both teams. While Siemsen was able to put away two chances, there were a few missed by both teams. Defence looked pretty solid on both sides and Sydney dominated the midfield, Ray, and Hawkesby both having very good games. Ray seems to have stepped up to fill Polias’ shoes quite nicely.

**Above:** The hugely impressive Taylor Ray (18) tussles with Bianca Galic in the derby. **Photo:** @SydneyFC

For the Wanderers, Langman also had a quality game and saved quite a few shots that could have made this a much bigger scoreline. Gallagher impressed with her rugged determination and aggression. But their passing game let them down and they need to get in front of their opponent.

Sydney walk away with the three points and the derby bragging rights and arguably the goal of the round.

Ben Gilby sums up the post-game reaction. Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric was delighted with Remy Siemsen if not his team’s overall display:

“I’m pleased with the three points but not the performance, I don’t think we played well. We missed passes and didn’t really create chances even though we scored two goals and were in the front third.

“Remy scored the two goals so you’ve got to be happy when your striker is scoring goals. She seems very confident coming from the Matildas, and it’s not just her goals, her link-up play is excellent so she is getting better and better.”

**Above:** Sydney celebrate the win – but coach Ante Juric feels they can still do a lot better. **Photo:** @SydneyFC

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

SYDNEY FC: Whyman, Green, McLean, Tobin, Nash, Ray, Hunter, Hawkesby, Ibini, Siemsen,Vine. Substitutes: Offer (GK), Stanic-Floody, Rule, Satchell, Lowe.

Scorers: Siemsen 18′, 48.

Referee: Lara Lee.

Attendance: 1,992.

Sasaki’s Skill Sets Up Adelaide’s First Win

Adelaide United 2-1 Canberra United

By Ben Gilby (12/12/21).

Above: Adelaide United’s Emma Stanbury (right) wins a battle for the ball. Photo: @CanberraUnited.

Adelaide United claimed their first victory of the campaign with a stoppage-time winner which sealed a 2-1 over Canberra United side at Marden Sports Complex.

Canberra, who are still looking for their maiden win of 2021/22, were able to field captain Michelle Heyman despite having to leave the field in her team’s opening game against Melbourne City. Vicki Linton’s team started in 30_^oC conditions with a midfield formation that was noticeably tighter than last weekend.

Paige Hayward was the standout player of the opening 15 minutes as she broke down the left constantly, finding acres of space each time and able to send a succession of crosses into the box, but Fiona Worts and Chelsie Dawber were unable to take advantage.

Despite Adelaide having more of the offensive opportunities, it was Canberra’s master finisher who reminded the South Australians of the painful lesson that you need to finish the chances you create. A centimetre perfect ball through the middle from Chelsee Washington into Heyman’s path allowed the 33 year-old to run through. The home side claimed with some justification that Heyman was offside, but no flag went up and the Shellharbour-born superstar sidefooted home comfortably.

**Above:** Michelle Heyman celebrates after putting Canberra United ahead. **Photo:** @CanberraUnited

Tails up after going ahead, the capital city side could have doubled their tally two minutes later when Margot Robinne skipped along the right, and into the box where she held off Matilda McNamara comfortably and hit an effort that Annalee Grove got a hand to which was all-important, as otherwise Laura Hughes would have been presented with an unmissable opportunity.

However, Adelaide levelled in quite some style with 23 minutes on the clock. It all started so innocuously with Canberra in position on the left. Karly Roestbakken played a ball inside to Grace Maher. The latter’s attempt at an onward pass fell straight to Dawber who played in Fiona Worts outside her. The striker, who was in red hot form for Fulham United in the SA NPL hit a side-footed effort which Keeley Richards repelled, but the rebound fell to Nanako Sasaki who hit a first-time screamer into the net from just over 20 yards.

**Above:** Nanako Sasaki hits her stunning equalizing goal for Adelaide United. **Photo:** @AdelaideUnited

Canberra had another uneasy moment in defence when Dawber forced a mistake from Lauren Keir after the visiting defender received a pass from her goalkeeper with the Adelaide striker breathing down her neck and won a corner as a consequence which was cleared.

Dawber’s influence on the left was growing as the game neared half-time. The SA NPL’s top scorer for 2021 forced a foul out of Keir, who was cautioned as a consequence. The resulting free-kick from Worts was a beauty as the striker hit a powerful left-footed effort that bounced in front of Richards and picked up even more pace off the turf as it did so, and flashed wide.

Canberra started the second half on the front foot with Ashleigh Sykes on from the bench. Washington went down rather easily under a challenge that saw Maher flash in a freekick from the left which Grove held.

**Above:** Fiona Worts, who had a strong first half, holds off Grace Maher. **Photo:** @AdelaideUnited

Emily Condon was talismanic in Adelaide growing into the second half, some eye-catching flicks and dummies were causing Canberra ever-greater headaches. Another impressive performer was 18 year-old Ella Tonkin, who had a great campaign with the Football SA NTC in 2021 as she is being converted from midfield to defence.

Heyman was increasingly isolated for Canberra as the second half entered its final quarter. This plus the limited impact of Washington due to the hard work of Tonkin and her fellow defenders to nullify their threat was impacting the visitors.

On the plus side for the greens, Sykes was putting in some great runs and created a real chance when played through by Washington, but a combination of a great track back by McNamara and save by Grove denied the visitors.

**Above:** Canberra’s Ash Sykes challenges Annalee Grove for the ball. **Photo:** @CanberraUnited.

The earlier warm conditions began to take their toll as the pace slowed in the final 20 minutes.

As the game entered its final stages, Canberra earned a freekick when Sykes was brought down. Maher’s effort wouldn’t dip in time to worry Grove.

Sasaki got an effort away in the final nine minutes which went well wide as Stanbury went down with cramp.

**Above:** Chelsee Washington gets a shot away under the watchful eye of Emma Stanbury. **Photo:** @CanberraUnited.

Hayward was not as influential in an attacking sense in the second period for Adelaide with little in the way of offensive play coming down her side of the pitch, but she put in a great defensive shift to add to what was an impressive performance for the South Australians.

Canberra had three opportunities in quick succession to seal the win. Sykes worked her way into the box but was denied by Grove who pushed the ball away. It fell to Washington who couldn’t find then net. This time possession was picked up by Heyman on the left who beat McNamara and Izzy Hodgson but her cross eluded everyone.

Just as the game was looking certain to end with honours even, Adelaide struck, 30 seconds into stoppage time at the end of the match.

Worts squared a pass from the left into the path of Sasaki who lofted a glorious chip over Allyson Haran into the path of Condon who guided the ball under Richards and into the net to spark wild scenes at Marden.

**Above:** Adelaide United celebrate Emily Condon’s late winner. **Photo:** @AdelaideUnited

Adelaide saw out the remaining five minutes of stoppage time to claim their first three points of the season. Whilst it was harsh on Canberra, who deserved a draw, the Reds defended strongly and crucially were able to take their chance when it came.

Player of the match Emma Stanbury summed up how she felt about the late win for her team: “It’s fantastic, I’m so proud of how we bounced back from a 5-1 loss to put in a performance like that. We deserved that win.

“When the winning goal went in, I was actually on the sideline getting strapped up and I jumped about everywhere and ice was flying all over the place! I’m so happy. It’s so amazing!”

Speaking about her goal, Michelle Heyman was asked if she was offside: “Never! 100% onside. I got myself into the position. We needed to try and sort our midfield out, we were getting split. Emily Condon faced forward and caused us problems. We needed to squeeze up. She’s a very talented player and we needed two players on her as she was able to roll away from us.”

A disappointed Karly Roestbakken summed up Canberra’s performance by saying: “We started the game well, we had it under control. There were a few lapses of concentration that cost us. They got through and got a lucky goal. They came out hard in the second half. There are positives that we can take from this, but we need to tighten up and not let players get through like that.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Grove, E.Hodgson, Tonkin, McNamara, I.Hodgson, Condon, Sasaki, Stanbury, Hayward, Worts, Dawber. Substitutes: Beaumont, Brough, Murray, Omiya, Templeman (GK).

Scorers: Sasaki 23′

CANBERRA UNITED (4-2-3-1): Richards, Ilijoski, Keir, Haran, Roestbakken, Middleton, Maher, Robinne, Washington, Hughes, Heyman. Substitutes: Caspers, Karrys-Stahl, Mason-Jones (GK), Sykes, Taylor-Young.

Scorer: Heyman 16′

Referee: Rebecca Mackie.

Attendance: 780.

Chorley: “The Game Is Massive In Stature”

Ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup Third Round tie, Ben Gooden, head coach of Impetus partner club Chorley spoke to editor Ben Gilby about their win over Bradford City in Round Two and tomorrow’s home game tie against Newcastle United (10/12/21).

Above: Chorley’s Aleesha Collins strides through purposefully against Bradford City in the FA Cup Second Round last Sunday. Photo: Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.

Chorley followed up their outstanding First Round win at home to higher division Middlesbrough by defeating Bradford City, their fellow FA Women’s National League Division One North opponents 5-0 in a game which had to be moved 18 miles away to Leigh – the nearest 3G pitch available due to adverse pitch conditions at their own home ground.

From a playing perspective, Ben revealed that the venue change had minimal impact on the team. “For me, it actually wasn’t that bad. I was coaching whilst everyone else panicked trying to find a change in venue. I got all of the messages after and then within about twenty minutes the situation was all sorted.

“If you ask the committee, they may have a different story as they did all the hard work. They did an amazing job, as usual, we just turn up and play football. We knew that the change in venue was a situation that may happen and we let the players know about it earlier in the week so it was easy to manage the players’ expectations.”

Chorley’s Second Round opponents Bradford City were a team that they knew well. Chorley’s head coach outlined what specifically he was looking for from his team in the tie.

**Above:** Chorley and Bradford City enter the pitch at Leigh last weekend for their Second Round tie. **Photo:** Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.

“Even though we beat them in the league game, we felt we needed to change up the game plan for them. We changed our out-of-possession triggers with the hope that we could be more dangerous in transition, and we felt that our in possession plan against them the first time was good but we had to tweak the system slightly.”

In terms of how playing what was a home game so far away from Chorley specifically impacted the team, Ben said: “We spoke about it before the game and told the players that they have to adapt quickly. The pitch was a bit smaller than what we are used to so that took some getting used to but the players coped really well.

“We told them that the best way to settle was to go on the offense as soon as we started. We felt that would push Bradford back and allow us to get used to the surroundings as we played. Regardless of the venue, the records still show it as a home fixture and we need to protect it as if we would at Coppull or UCLan when we played there and anywhere else we may have to play.”

Whilst the game saw a comfortable victory on the scoreboard, Ben saw both positives and negatives from the match, with things to work on ahead of tomorrow’s Third Round tie.

“I thought we played well in spells and in others, it was a bit scrappy. A scoreline like that has been coming for us though because we’ve been creating lots of chances but not getting as many shots off as I’d like. I thought we could have done better with some of the chances we had, but we’ve scored nine goals in two games so we can’t be too disheartened by it.

“We are always critical when we analyze our games and even with a scoreline like that, we have to take action points from it. We’ll have to make some tweaks for Newcastle United in the Third Round as they will pose a different challenge.”

**Above:** Chorley fire in an effort on goal against Bradford City in the FA Cup Second Round last Sunday. **Photo:** Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.

Newcastle United are another team familiar to Chorley, as, once more they are a fellow FA Women’s National League Northern Division One side. Both sides have only lost one league game all season, so it promises to be a high-quality match.

“They have players that can hurt us that’s for sure,” Ben admits, “and they will be right up there at the end of the season. They move the ball quickly and look to dominate possession so we will have to work hard defensively.

“It sets it up to be a really good game but I think people are actually sleeping on the fact we’ve only lost one game in the league this season. I think our record this season shows the character that we’ve got in the squad.”

Whilst another Cup win could potentially bring about a tie against an FAWSL side, Chorley’s head coach is fully focused on what his players need to do to get past Newcastle United.

“The first thing is we can’t pay attention to what the next round can bring. We know the game is massive in stature but I’d make this a tougher fixture than the Middlesbrough game so we can’t look any further than this Sunday. We’ve just to go out and try and win a game of football.

“What I need to see is we come out and execute the game model for 90 minutes, play like we have been doing and show the heart and desire to win that we’ve had recently. If we can go about our work for 90 minutes, it gives us a good opportunity, but if we can’t execute it, then it could be a really tough afternoon for us.”

**Above:** Two *Impetus* partner clubs together! Chorley and Euxton Girls at last Sunday’s FA Cup Second Round tie. **Photo:** Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.

Déjà vu For Brisbane As Perth Take The Glory Again

Brisbane Roar 0-1 Perth Glory

By Ben Gilby (11/12/21)

Above: Perth Glory celebrate Alana Jancevski’s late winner. Photo: @PerthGloryFC

For the second week in a row, a late goal ensured that Perth Glory defeated Brisbane Roar in front of a big and vocal crowd at Perry Park.

Conditions were warm, but the pitch was showing the consequences in some parts of the heavy rain that South Queensland had experienced in the lead-up to the game.

In the opening minute, Roar fashioned their opening opportunity as Mariel Hecher received possession out on the right and fired in a shot that bounced narrowly wide of the near post.

The Queenslanders had all the early play and it was again the right side where they were looking particularly dangerous with Hecher and Larissa Crummer teaming up ominously.

**Above:** Another of The Roar Corps brilliant banners – a goanna in support of Anna Margraf. **Photo:** @TheRoarCorps

Sofia Sakalis created Glory’s first chance on eight minutes when she drove through the centre of the box, got past Cannon Clough, and was only denied a shot on goal by a superb tackle by Jessie Rasschaert, who had made a strong start to the game both offensively and defensively.

Perth’s pace in attacking areas and ability to play a careful passing game was something that Roar were more than aware of after the first match between the two sides less than a week ago and the Glory were on it again.

Gemma Craine, one of the stars of the Western Australian show last weekend forced a great save by Georgie Worth just two minutes after Sakalis’ effort when De Vanna played a ball back to Englishwoman in the box. Craine was using her pace and strength to brush off attempted tackles to play balls into the box throughout the night.

Mia Leth Jans, making her debut for the Glory was strong in the tackle and showed her experience with intelligent running in the central midfield. The difference in the balance of the midfield compared to last week’s game between the two sides was marked as a consequence of the Danish international’s inclusion.

Yet it was still Hecher on the right who was finding plenty of space at the heart of Roar’s creativity.

**Above:** Mariel Hecher (left), who was a handful once more on Friday night, looks to challenge Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry. **Photo:** @PerthGloryFC.

Perth came close on the half-hour mark when a centimetre perfect cross-field ball from Sadie Lawrence found De Vanna on the left. The hometown star played a ball back for Hana Lowry to pull a fiendishly curling ball back in which Worth had to deal with at the cost of a corner.

Back came Brisbane with three chances in quick succession. Anna Margraf had a superb effort when a through ball into her path led to a firm shot that produced a great save from Morgan Aquino. The Glory keeper was called into action immediately afterward when Ayesha Norrie played in Hecher whose half volley was repelled. A third chance presented itself almost immediately when Clough’s ball in towards the back post was slightly too high for Shea Connors to get an accurate header on.

There were worrying signs for the visitors just before half-time when De Vanna went down and looked to have pulled a hamstring although a half-time assessment revealed it to be cramp, with Susan Phonsongkham coming on to replace the Matildas legend.

It was a first-half full of chances – Brisbane creating more, but Perth still looked extremely dangerous in attacking areas. With the home side having twice as many shots on target and almost twice as many corners, Roar head coach Garrath McPherson will have been happy with the stats, but, chances have to be taken as well as created.

Whilst there were few clear opportunities in the early stages of the second stanza, Connors was starting to play a more prominent part in Brisbane’s attack with Perth’s chances fewer and further between than had previously been the case.

**Above:** Anna Margraf – forced a great save from Morgan Aquino. **Photo:** @brisbaneroar.

The one effort that Glory had during the first 15 minutes after the break came courtesy of a powerful break down the left from Craine who ran directly at Rasschaert and got a shot away which was well over the bar.

Roar responded almost immediately with Crummer running onto a long ball and struck an effort just over the top.

Cramp hit Perth again as Craine pulled up in the midst of another power-driven pacy run – although her return after a short period of treatment and immediate ability to chase down a pass at speed set Glory fans’ minds at rest – for a short period at least.

With 20 minutes left, Margraf went close as her cross from the right-hand side bounced off of the top of the bar with Aquino beaten as the game burst into life. Shortly afterward, Katrina Gorry hit a long-range effort that bounced into Aquino’s arms.

With 12 minutes left Brisbane had a penalty shout when Hecher was brought down in the box by Jens who appeared to make contact with a push, but referee Rachael Mitchenson was non-plussed.

**Above:** Gemma Craine had another impressive performance before cramp struck. **Photo:** @PerthGloryFC

Into the final five minutes, Perth’s Alana Jancevski found fellow substitute Deborah-Ann de la Harpe in acres of space on the right with a crossfield pass, and the resulting attempted cross into the box rebounded off Clough for a corner.

The resulting flag kick was swung in and headed clear by Crummer but the ball fell straight to Alana Jancevski on the edge of the box who volleyed an effort into the ground. As it bounced up, Hecher could only lift the ball higher and over the head of her own keeper so Perth hit the front with just three minutes to play.

**Above:** Alana Jancevski wheels away in delight after hitting Perth Glory’s late winner at Brisbane Roar. **Photo:** @PerthGloryFC.

Brisbane pushed for an equalizer in stoppage time, but the final ball was never quite on point. Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis will be delighted by the organizational qualities of his defence and the improved midfield performance.

Speaking after the game, Glory matchwinner Alana Jancevski said: “It was a hard-fought win for us. I’m so grateful that I got the goal. I saw it coming towards me and I thought ‘why not (hit it)?’ and luckily it took a deflection and went in. That’s childhood dreams! Scoring goals is awesome.”

“It was a great performance by the girls. We dug deep. It wasn’t our best performance, we know that, but it just shows the heart that is in this team.”

Brisbane Roar’s Katina Gorry reflected on another heartbreaking ending for her team: “It’s disappointing. We played well, but lost our heads a little bit. It was a deflection for the goal which happens in football. We’re creating chances and that’s the main thing. It’ll come for us. We’ll come back stronger.”

The outcome of the two matches between these sides is undoubtedly harsh on Brisbane who are far better than the results suggest. If the Queenslanders can convert a higher percentage of the chances they create, then that first win is just around the corner. Conversely, Perth Glory haven’t hit top form yet this season, but they are two wins from two.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR: Worth, Rankin, Haffenden, Rasschaert, Clough, Hecher, Norrie, Stamatopoulos, Connors, Connor, Margraf. Substitutes: Bailey (GK), Gett, Gorry, Kaitano, McElligott.

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

Scorer: Jancevski 86′.

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.

Attendance: 2,239.