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!”
England-based women’s football writers Lucy Fuller, Allie Coker, and Darrell Allen watched an A-League Women’s match over the festive period for either the first time or the first time in a few years. Here’s what they made of the action(3/1/22).
Above: Perth Glory’s Cyera Hintzen (left) and Adelaide United’s Matilda McNamara battle it out at Coopers Stadium on New Year’s Day. The physicality on display impressed our English contingent. Photo: Adelaide United.
Allie Coker on Adelaide United v Perth Glory:
Having managed to tempt a couple of Aussies to my UK team, West Ham United, it was time to return the favour and see where our new heroes came from.
As this was a doubleheader with the Adelaide United men’s team, it didn’t really showcase the crowds both teams normally get. The stadium reminded me of the American’s set up with open plan stadiums unlike the closed and encased English set up. Which unfortunately emphasized the sparse crowds who had turned up early. The ground looked immaculate and honestly, one of the best-looking pitches I have seen for the women’s game. However, we are only three games into the season. There is still time to turn it into a mud bath which the English viewer is more accustomed to.
My first thought once the game started is how physical all the players were. Which is the football I have come to love with my team. Within the first five minutes, Perth delivered a bone-crunching tackle to stop Adelaide’s press.
Here in the United Kingdom, very few teams play with that physicality. It was a joy to watch as someone who loves that kind of shin-kicking football.
If a team lost possession it didn’t take long for a defender to slide in and take it back. What’s a couple of yellow cards between friends when a goal can be stopped.
My second major thought on the play was the pace of the game. It was frantic and scrappy in the best possible way. Respect was certainly paid but each team played as if this was a cup final.
It was fast especially on the wing where the majority of the head-to-head battle lines were drawn.
Above: Chelsie Dawber who caught the eye of both Allie and Darrell. Photo: Adelaide United.
End to end stuff from each team with no let-up for either side. The players looked exhausted by the end.
It’s an easy choice to select a goal scorer as a standout player. However, Chelsie Dawber is something special.
From kick-off until her substitution she did not stop. For such a young player she has a really wise head on her shoulders. Her awareness of space and lightness of touch made her a class act. I hope that Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson is paying attention.
For Perth Glory, one player kept popping up over and over again making their presence known. Susan Phonsongkham did not stop until her substitution in the last ten minutes. Getting an assist for her troubles, just looking at her heat map, I don’t think there is a blade of grass she didn’t touch. Another young player who has a very bright future ahead of her. She certainly made up for tactical error that lead to Adelaide’s second goal.
The first half was tight between the two teams and that made it such an entertaining first match to watch. When Perth came back into the game within the first ten minutes of the second half, you felt it could be anybody’s game. As a neutral, this was a great first game to get into the new season.
Overall I have found the Australian League is one that a lot of WOSO fans sleep on (no pun intended) because of the time difference.
This should change as it is a fast and furious league which makes it one of the most enjoyable to watch.
Now I just need to pick a team!
If you want to check out more of Allie Coker‘s thoughts and opinions, check out her Twitter @axlsgirl or her podcast, The Woso Show, which drops every Wednesday.
Lucy Fuller on the Melbourne Derby:
Above: Hannah Wilkinson – the star of the show in the Melbourne derby. Photo: Melbourne City.
It has been a very long time since I last watched the A-League Women, in fact, I last watched it when the likes of Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso were over there playing in the NWSL off-season. Due to this, I didn’t know half of the team’s players with me only recognizing Lynn Williams for the Victory plus Hannah Wilkinson and Rebekah Stott for City, those seemed to be the only names that stood out to me after looking at the team sheet.
The standard of the game has definitely improved since I last watched the league even with some of those huge names no longer appearing, but I guess that sometimes helps as it gives other players the chance to make a name for themselves. One player that really stood out to me though was Wilkinson who had a fantastic game scoring all five of City’s goals. For me, the game really put the spotlight on her and she has really made a name for herself in my eyes – she was really impressive. I think I will be keeping a close eye on her as the season progresses and even further into the future.
City had a great game with an aggressive press and some great play to win them the game 5-1 and I will be honest after watching the game’s build-up I really didn’t expect the scoreline to go in City’s favour let alone be so big.
When you look at the stadium the game was played in, it goes to show for me how Australia is pushing the league. The venue at AAMI Park is stunning but could you image UK teams playing in stadiums like that week in week out? It would be amazing.
It was a bit strange seeing the ground so empty though with people spread out so much but I guess that is still an effect of the pandemic that a lot of countries are still having to deal with for now. There was still a bit of a noticeable atmosphere though which was great and I am sure as the pandemic and restrictions start to ease we will see the stadium filling up.
Watching this game has made me want to watch a lot more of the league throughout the season and follow it a bit closer and luckily doing so is being made a lot easier here in the UK thanks to BT Sport and the likes of Impetus.
Lucy Fuller runs the UK-based football site Edge of the Area which can be found via these links:
Above: Coopers Stadium – a venue that impressed both Darrell and Allie. Photo: Adelaide United.
After seeing in the New Year, I decided I would make the effort to try and watch the Adelaide United vs Perth Glory fixture live on BT Sport with the programme scheduled to begin at 6.00am UK time.
I didn’t end up going to bed until just after 2.00am as it was New Year’s Eve so I knew it was going to be a tall order to be up for the live broadcast but I still set my alarm clocks for between 5.30am and 6.00am with the intention of watching the game live whilst also putting the game on record in case I slept through the mentioned alarms.
With alarms going off every few minutes, I eventually came round at 6.15am and was awake enough to realize what was going on and that I needed to get the TV on to watch the game. I wasn’t far behind the live broadcast starting but very happy I had recorded it so I could tune in “As Live” and only be around 15 minutes behind the live show.
Whilst sitting up in bed with just my bedside lamp and light from the TV screen trying to make me more awake, the first observations I noticed were how nice the weather was in Australia and how I am sure we could all do with a nice holiday in warmer climates with early thoughts and plans in progress to join fellow Impetus writers at the Women’s World Cup in 2023, something for us all to look forward to in what will hopefully by then be a less pandemic hit world but we can only take a week or even a day at a time and see where the world takes us.
Anyway, back to the game in hand and it was also noticeable at the very nice facility the fixture was taking place at with Coopers Stadium hosting this exciting clash between the Reds and Perth Glory, in what was to be the first of a doubleheader with the men in action following the A-League women’s contest.
This was to actually be just the second time I have ever tuned in to any ALW action with the former being around a year ago during lockdown when I also watched a Perth Glory game.
In the early stages of the game, it was noticeable that Adelaide seemed to have more energy and intensity, although I understand this was probably to be expected with Perth Glory having had a few weeks since their last fixture.
I was impressed with how the Perth Glory defence stood firm however and they were putting in superb effort and commitment to stay level.
The two stand-out players for me from each team were Chelsea Dawber for Adelaide with a brilliant first-half brace and Susan Phonsongkam for Perth Glory who looked very lively and made the visitors first-half goal which saw Adelaide have a narrow 2-1 advantage at the break.
The second half began and followed a similar pattern to the first with Adelaide dominating but a very hard-working Perth side gave it everything particularly in defence which was standing up well to the Adelaide attack.
Above: Alana Jancevski, who scored Perth’s penalty. Photo: Estybs Photo Supplied to Impetusby Perth Glory.
Alana Jancevski’s penalty early in the second half set up a great contest with Perth drawing level and then having to use all their effort and energy to try and keep Adelaide out.
The words of advice from the Adelaide bench and the talks during the drinks break clearly had an effect as they seized their opportunity’s well and finally make the most of one of their many corners when McNamara headed home to make it 3-2.
The highlight of the second half was still to come when Emily Condon scored a beautiful free-kick from 20 yards out to seal Adelaide’s 4-2 win.
This was a very watchable game and one I was certainly pleased to get up for. A deserved win for Adelaide who did all the basics right, were clinical, had the required cutting edge, and made the most of their set-pieces.
Perth may feel the scoreline was harsh but they will improve I am sure as the weeks now go on and a regular run of fixtures hopefully resumes. From a personal point of view, I certainly enjoyed the game and look forward to continue learning about the A-League Women and setting that alarm for more games.
Darrell Allen is Impetus‘ grassroots women’s football writer.
With three games and late drama, Round Five of the A-League Women had plenty to enjoy. Our writing team covering the competition Ben Gilby, Kris Goman,and Kieran Yap are joined this week by Catherine Paquette to hand out our awards for the week(3/1/22).
Above:Mackenzie Hawkesby – the choice of Ben, Kris, and Kieran as player of the week. Photo: Jason McCawley/Getty Images via Illawarra Mercury.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Ben: Mackenzie Hawkesby – coming back to your hometown and hitting a hat-trick is the stuff of dreams, and it banished the memories of a frustrating Sydney derby for her and her team.
Kris: Mackenzie Hawkesby for the hat trick and continued dominance. The goals weren’t the greatest I’ve ever seen, but in the context of a 5-0 win and playing in your hometown, it tips it over the line. Kudos to Chelsie Dawber for two incredible goals though.
Kieran: Mackenzie Hawkesby. She has been excellent all season but could not find the net in the Sydney derby. Wellington were unlucky to face her next because she was absolutely ruthless and decided the game with a first-half hat-trick.
Catherine: Katrina Gorry for her incredible continuing return to form from maternity.
COACH OF THE WEEK:
Above: Sydney FC’s Ante Juric – the choice of two of our four writers this week as Coach of the Week. Photo: Newcastle Herald.
Ben: Garrath McPherson. The first four rounds were beyond frustrating for Brisbane Roar with late goals denying them each time. Yet McPherson kept his team believing and growing when it would have been easy to have confidence issues. Both McPherson and Roar were rewarded for their belief in the most ironic way possible – scoring late goals to turn around a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 win at Melbourne Victory.
Kris: Ante Juric for the continued success with Sydney FC. Although they took the foot off the pedal in the second half, the first half was exceptional and if not for the heroics of Alfeld, the score would have been much higher. The team is well organized, deep, and making the right decisions. Juric is all over it.
Kieran: Adrian Stenta. Up against a strong Perth side with significant weapons, Stenta backed his team to outscore them, and fans were rewarded with some entertaining football and brilliant goals.
Catherine: Ante Juric for continuing the unbeaten streak.
MOMENT OF THE WEEK:
Above: Brisbane Roar players celebrate with Katrina Gorry (far left) after her goal yesterday. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Ben: Katrina Gorry’s goal. An absolute rocket from a player that has done it before and will do it again. Add the celebration and the fact that baby Harper was there to see it too and there’s no better moment of the week.
Kris: Katrina Gorry had a great game for Brisbane Roar with an assist and a goal and their first win for the season. Coming back after having a baby, scoring, and particularly the celebration gets the moment of the week.
Kieran: Katrina Gorry’s equalizer, like a good fireworks display, it happens quite often but it’s always pretty spectacular. Her celebration was the icing on the cake.
Above: Brisbane Roar celebrate Katrina Gorry’s goal that brought them level after being 2-0 down. Photo: A-League Women
Chaos and quality defined the game as Melbourne Victory hosted Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane arrived at AAMI Park in search of their first win of the season and sitting only above Wellington Phoenix on the table. Victory was humbled by a 5-1 loss to Melbourne City and fans expected a response.
The hosts took the lead before they had a shot on goal. Jessie Rasschaert was guilty of an awful back pass that was too hard, too high, and too wide of rookie keeper Mia Bailey. It sailed into the net on the fifth minute to make for a difficult start for The Roar.
Above: Battling it out in a the midst of a crazy, dramatic game at AAMI Park. Photo: A-League Women
Brisbane created the clearest chances. Katrina Gorry started and was involved at every opportunity in midfield. Larissa Crummer would have been disappointed not to score when she was played through only to be thwarted by Maizals in the Victory goal.
Melbourne extended their lead through Lynn Williams in another contentious moment. Amy Jackson’s corner kick swung in and bounced around off heads and shoulders before crossing the line by a microscopic margin.
Above: Melbourne Victory’s second goal – microscopically over the line? Photo: Melbourne Victory
Nevin knocked it over just to be safe but the goal was credited to the American striker. Victory held the lead into half-time but would have felt lucky to be two in front.
The champions were less than full strength as they have been all season. Alex Chidiac and Casey Dumont were missing and Melina Ayres has still yet to feature as she nurses a hamstring injury.
Amy Jackson started as a centre-back and the first half looked to be a much more settled Melbourne Victory compared to the previous week.
They defended slightly deeper in preparation for the threat posed by the pace of Crummer and Shea Connors and for the first half it worked.
The second half began with Victory in the ascendancy but although their midfield was combining well, clear chances were hard to come by. Despite their early errors and sometimes rushed passing. Brisbane’s defence contained Williams, Catherine Zimmerman, and Lia Privitelli.
Above: Brisbane Roar defender Annabel Haffenden keeps a close eye on Melbourne Victory’s Catherine Zimmerman. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
The most dangerous-looking Roar player was Katrina Gorry who is getting back to her best. Her brilliant first touch had never deserted her but as the season has gone on she has been able to be more involved more often.
In a sign of the times, Brisbane could only name a bench of four players. Gorry, who had previously been restricted to a half of football or slightly more would be needed for as close to a full shift as possible.
Gorry’s was the driving force behind Brisbane’s first goal. She hit a long-range shot that dipped and bounced in front of Maizels. The Victory keeper could not keep hold of the ball and when it bounced from her grasp Crummer was on hand to finish easily.
Above: Larissa Crummer, whose goal got Brisbane Roar back into the game. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
The game changed in the second half as Victory’s midfield was removed. Kyra Cooney-Cross saw red for a sliding tackle on Crummer. The reaction of the stadium and the players suggested that a yellow card was expected.
When Alanna Murphy was substituted, Victory were without one of their best performers so far. The new recruit is still just 15 years old, however, and a full 90-minute game may be something she is building towards.
Gorry took advantage of the added space in midfield to score a contender for goal of the season. She scores these goals fairly routinely, but they are still impossible to get used to. 30 yards out with the game on the line is the perfect situation for Brisbane’s number 10. She lined up and struck it beautifully. Maizels could only watch the ball fly over her head and under the crossbar. It is the sort of goal that Gorry is known for and few others can provide.
At 2-2, both teams kept trying for the win. But as Melbourne surged forward to restore their lead Brisbane hit them on the counter-attack. Ayesha Norrie clipped a ball over the top for Nathalie Tathem to square for Shea Connors.
Above: Shea Connors – rewarded for another impressive performance with a goal. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane’s American striker stayed composed and scored in the 90th minute to take the lead. It was her third goal in as many games. Connors is on an increasingly strong run of form and when she gets close to goal she gets results.
The result was sealed when Norrie scored a late fourth for the visitors. The ball was played to her on the edge of the area by Crummer and the Brisbane captain fired her shot into the net. It was a worthy end to another great game by Norrie.
The first three games of the season saw Brisbane falter at the end of matches after strong starts.
This week they started horribly but ended with the win in a much-preferred reversal of fortunes.
Above; Nathalie Tathem and Jessie Rasschaert celebrate an incredible win after the final whistle. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Victory are without a win in two matches. They will lose Kyra Cooney-Cross for at least one week and perhaps longer if she is called into the Matildas squad as expected.
Could this be the beginning of a Roar resurgence? They have an in-form forward in Connors and a midfield with quality and depth. In every match so far they have struggled to stay composed in defence but in Round Five, they got better as the match wore on.
This win had been a few weeks coming and they celebrated accordingly after the match.
For the home side, a troubled season just got more difficult.
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