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Leth Jans’ Header Seals Glory For Perth

Perth Glory 1-0 Adelaide United (10/2/22)

At Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, NSW.

Above: Perth Glory goalscorer Mie Leth-Jans celebrates with Deborah-Ann de la Harpe. Photo: Scott Gardiner via Perth Glory.

By Kris Goman.

This is a must-win match for both teams as they try to make the finals. Adelaide has won five of their last six matches and are going for a record four clean sheets in a row this match. Although Perth has been playing very well lately too and went into the game unbeaten in their last four, Adelaide went into this match as favourites.

Perth apply early pressure from kick-off but Emily Hodgson escapes down the left to get Adelaide into their half. Nice passing through the centre for Glory to Abbey Green on the right and this passage of play ends in a corner for Perth. Deborah-Anne de la Harpe takes it and it goes to near post to be headed straight into far side of goal by the Dane, Mei Leth Jans. Perth go up early 1-0.

Adelaide respond with a press but Perth’s defence is up to the task. Fiona Worts brings the ball into the box and Emily Condon gets a shot away but it’s not on target and is out to the left of goal.

Dylan Holmes brings the ball down the centre and passes to Chelsie Dawber on the right of the box. Her cross is picked up by Worts. Worts shoots but is tackled and goes down. Condon gets to the ball and shoots at close range but Morgan Aquino saves. The save however bounces back into the field of play and Worts has recovered for the follow up and makes no mistake. It’s in the back of the net for the equalizer. Or is it?

Seems there’s no kickoff and it’s not really clear what’s going on. The goal was disallowed and apparently it’s Worts that was offside. Adelaide United boss Adrian Stenta made his views clear. It didn’t really look like offside as the ball was in front of Worts the whole time. Bizarre. The score is back at 1-0.

Cyera Hintzen took an ambitious shot on goal from a long way back and it takes off over the goal post. Perth are awarded a free-kick when Hana Lowry is kicked in the shins. She gets to take it and it goes to the far post where Annalee Grove is all over it easily.

Hintzen gets another corner for Perth. de la Harpe to take it again but it’s volleyed away by Emily Hodgson.

Half hour in and Perth has slightly more possession and is keeping Adelaide under wraps.

**Above:** Mie Leth-Jans heads home Perth Glory’s winning goal. **Photo:** A-League Women.

A bouncing ball comes into the box and Worts sends it over the goal.

Adelaide gets a free-kick almost on the byline and just outside the box after a foul by Anton. It goes into the box and Dawber eventually is able to strike but Aquino is right in its path and is able to pick the ball up.

Nanako Sasaki draws a foul from Demi Koulizakis in a choice position on the left about 20 meters from the box. The kick is cleared by Perth to Koulizakis but Hintzen can’t capitalize once she has possession.

Lowry has the ball in the centre and passes to Hintzen out on the left who switches back to Lowry. Lowry’s shot is blocked by Kayla Sharples. There’s another corner for Perth soon after, just before halftime. It’s sent to the near post again but is headed away and Condon, on the counter, takes it all the way to the Adelaide 6-yard box but couldn’t get a shot away and leaves Dawber frustrated by Condon’s indecision as she doesn’t pass and doesn’t shoot.

Interestingly, Leth Jans, in her halftime TV interview, wasn’t aware the goal was disallowed and thought the match was tied. Adelaide return to the field looking a bit angry and determined after the break.

Susan Phonsongkham comes on at halftime for Koulizakis after her first start for Perth.

Adelaide are trying a few long shots early on and is pressing hard. They are obviously amped up by the halftime talk.

Phonsongkham gets a yellow for dissent very early in the half.

**Above:** Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry (right) puts in a challenge. **Photo:** A-League Women.

Hintzen wins a corner as her cross is pushed out by Adelaide. Liz Anton puts the corner out for a goal kick.

Isabel Hodgson gets a yellow after pulling Phonsongkham’s shirt then kicking the ball away.

At 62 minutes, Phonsongkham goes for a late tackle on Holmes and gets another yellow and that converts to a red and she’s off after only 17 minutes on the field. Perth has it in front of them with only 10 players on the field to stop an invigorated reply.

Adelaide get a free kick on the left that Worts takes. It goes straight to Aquino. Worts gets another shot on goal but it’s also to Aquino who grabs it comfortably.

Adelaide seems to have taken their foot off the gas. Hintzen is able to stop a lot of balls upfront and the Reds using their numerical advantage. Stanbury sends a big ball downfield that Dawber runs onto and gets a good shot to the top right of goal, but Aquino gets a glove to it. The resulting corner causes mayhem in the box as it goes to the back post and is headed and goes right across the goal. It lands over with Worts but her shot goes high.

Green sends ball across the box that De Vanna pulls up on but Sakalis has a shot but misses.

A late attack by Adelaide is defended well by Perth. With three minutes to go, Keane gets a shot in on the right but Sharples is able to block it. Yellow to Emily Hodgson as she’s a bit feisty in the last minutes of the game. Dawber crosses and Omiya gets a shot away but Aquino deflects it as four minutes of extra time are announced. The short corner is taken by Worts who plays a pass towards Mullan but it goes out for a goal kick.

Tense moments in the dying minutes of the game. Another corner is awarded to Adelaide as the seconds tick away. Worts takes it and Kim Carroll heads it away. Sakalis holds up the ball and draws a foul from Mullan. The whistle goes and Perth are victorious in an outstanding performance from ten players against a full-strength Adelaide. They get the three points and are now equal in points with third-placed Adelaide.

**Above:** Adelaide United need to re-group ahead of another game at the weekend as the Finals race just got even tighter for them. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

In the post-match interview, Deborah de la Harpe said they had, “A perfect display of what we’re about as a team away from our support system and to get the win with ten men is amazing. Shows our resilience and a fantastic effort from the whole squad.”

Worts’ post-match thoughts on the no goal, “Thought I was offside and looked and the flag wasn’t up so I just put it in. We’ve got a pretty quick turnaround (to the next match) so we need to pick ourselves up and go again.”

Liz Anton, Tash Rigby, and Kim Carroll stood very strong defensively for the Western Australian side.

This win is huge for Perth Glory. The three points take them to equal third with both Adelaide and Melbourne Victory but they are in fifth spot based on goal difference. Possession was pretty even during the game but Adelaide had 14 shots to Perth’s seven and six on target shots to Perth’s one. It just shows how strong defensively Perth were and obviously Aquino’s six saves made the difference.

Perth don’t have an easy run to the finals with a match on Sunday against Melbourne City, then Victory, then Sydney and finally finishing with Wellington Phoenix. Adelaide meets Brisbane on Sunday, followed by Phoenix mid-week followed by Victory, before finishing with Sydney. The finals are still very much open and it makes for an exciting end to the season as all teams battle for those coveted four spots.

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from an exceptionally proud Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis post-match: “It was such a proud and pleasing performance. I said to the group before the game what we’re going through and achieving as a collective is inspiring.

“The players are facing up to all the challenges. I said to them that we needed an inspiring performance today and they certainly went above and beyond that. It wasn’t always pretty and it wasn’t always in the game plan, but it was resilient, it was based on a determination, it was pure effort. There was a fixated mindset that we wanted to defend the lead.

“It fills me with so much belief and it will fill the group with so much belief about what the next couple of weeks will look like.”

**Above:** Plenty for Perth Glory to celebrate after the game. **Photo:** A-League Women.

Epakis highlighted what he was particularly looking for from his team going into the match. “It was about a response to the disappointment of last week (when Perth let a 3-1 lead slip in Canberra) and put on a resilient performance to put that behind us. We don’t look past the performance, the rest will come.”

The tough games keep on coming for Perth as they now have just two days to recover before facing another rival in the Finals race, Melbourne City. Perth’s head coach outlined.

“The players really pushed themselves to the absolute limit today. The quick turnaround isn’t great, but we have a lot of momentum and energy after today, so that will cover up a few things in difficult moments. Everyone is ready to do a job and everyone has belief in each other.

“You can’t underestimate the challenges that we are going through as a group. We’re a small travelling party and we have been together now for over a month. We’ve had a different challenge came up almost every day. We haven’t sat on our hands, we’ve taken on the challenge and the result today typifies that.”

Asked about some controversial officiating decisions which included Adelaide having a goal disallowed for offside and his own returning star Susan Phonsongkham receiving two yellow cards, Epakis said: “Over the course of the season I think the decisions even themselves out. I’ve got no real opinion on the sending off. It could have gone either way. At the end of the day, the team responded well. Susan is gutted, but she will bounce back strongly and have a good end to the season.”

Teams: PERTH GLORY: Aquino, Carroll, Rigby, de la Harpe, Anton, Lowry, Koulizakis, Cain, Hintzen, Green, Leth Jans Substitutes: Newbon (GK), Phonsongkham, De Vanna, Sakalis, Keane.

Scorer: Leth Jans 6′.

ADELAIDE UNITED: Grove, I. Hodgson, McNamara, Sharples, E. Hodgson, Sasaki, Holmes, Condon, Dawber, Worts, Hayward. Substitutes: Stanbury, Omiya, Mullan, Evans, Templeman.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello

Attendance: 308

Phoenix Out To Claim Win In Battle At The Bottom

Above: Wellington Phoenix battle it out at Newcastle Jets earlier in the season. Photo: Newcastle Jets.

Ahead of tomorrow’s clash between of the only two winless teams in the A-League Women, Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Wellington Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis, who is very confident that her side will take their first-ever three points.

Wellington Phoenix have lost their last nine matches since claiming a historic point from their competition debut against Western Sydney Wanderers in Wollongong, but head coach Gemma Lewis says she will be disappointed if they leave Australia’s capital without three points.

“To be honest that’s the way I feel about the rest of our games. I feel like the rest of our games are winnable,” Lewis told media on the eve of the match.

And the Phoenix players believe they can beat Canberra.

“They’re definitely in the frame of mind that they want to win. They talk about it openly, they want us as a staff to talk about it openly, they want us to be properly targeting this team and pushing for a win.

“Obviously we always do (go out to win), but more of a mindset shift to ‘this game would be ours to lose and we want to push to win it.”

But Lewis says they need to strike a balance between believing and understanding “we’re still going to have to play out of our skin and it’s not going to be gifted to us”.

“I don’t want us to fall in that trap of looking at Canberra and being like ‘they haven’t won, there’s an opportunity for us’ and then we go into the game with expectations that maybe it’s going to be a bit easier, because it’s not.

“It’s going to be a really, really tough game. They’re still going to be expected to win. We’re still huge underdogs, especially in terms of player for player match-ups.

**Above:** Gemma Lewis shared her thoughts with the media ahead of tomorrow night’s big game at the bottom of the A-League Women. **Photo:** Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images via Wellington Phoenix.

“They have very good players that offer something that we don’t necessarily get access to (in terms of overseas players), So I’m trying to find the balance between backing ourselves and having the confidence to talk about winning and saying that’s what we want to do…however it’s not going to be an easier game by any margin.”

Lewis believes the match can go both ways, but doubts it will finish in a draw.

“It’s two winless teams so they’re 100% going to be targeting us. We definitely want to push them for a win. I feel like somebody is going to get their first win but it could go either way.

“When you look at how many results or draws they’ve clawed out in the last 10 minutes and then look at how many results we’ve thrown away in the last 10 minutes, it’s going to be an interesting one to see who’s improved in those areas.”

Gemma Lewis has welcomed back box-to-box midfielder Grace Wisnewski, who missed last week’s 2-0 defeat to Melbourne Victory for mental health reasons.

“Grace has made herself available. She’s been training all week and seems in better spirits.”

But forward Kelli Brown remains sidelined with concussion for her fifth straight game.

“This season has been really, really tough for Kelli. We were actually hoping she’d be available for this game. She was training a couple of sessions non-contact and the idea was to have her cleared by the Canberra game, but she ended up getting symptoms in one of those sessions so that means she goes back a step.

“Her going back a step meant she wasn’t going to have enough time to get cleared for the Canberra game, which she was really gutted about because in her head she had that game as a target.”

Lewis will also be without Australian defenders Annabel Martin and Cushla Rue because of knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Captain Lily Alfeld will still lead the Phoenix against Canberra, despite being named in the Football Ferns squad for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup.

Maja Znamirowska: Aiming To Be Pride Park’s First To A Hundred

Above: In full flight – Maja Znamirowska in action for Pride Park. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Pride Park FC’s all-time record goalscorer talked to Ben Gilby about her footballing journey from Gdynia in Poland to the Derbyshire Ladies League Division One (10/2/22).

Maja Znamirowska made her debut for Pride Park almost six years ago, and since then has gone on to score 95 goals in 77 games. The Poland-born striker has remained with the club despite moving to Liverpool, over 93 miles away, over two years ago.

Znamirowska has her PE teacher at school to thank for introducing her to the sport at the highest level.

“My footballing journey started in my childhood. I used to play with my friends – always upfront. My brothers’ friends used to ask me if I could play instead of him.

**Above:** Always smiling – Pride Park’s Maja Znamirowska. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick.

“I continued playing till college when my PE teacher said ‘Maja, do you know there’s a ladies football club in Gdynia?’. I was so happy when I found that out. In those times with poor internet and old-style phones, there was no chance for me to find it. So I was more than happy and I joined Checz Gdynia in Poland and started my amateur football career at the age of 19.

We used to play in the Polish Premier League, then were relegated. It was the best time in my life. Playing in the snow, travelling to the furthest places in Poland. We had no money for that but pleasure guaranteed.

“When I moved to the UK six years ago, I thought: ‘I can’t give up playing just like that, I need to do something about it. So I did. I’ve found Dave. The kindest and nicest coach I’ve ever had and…with Polish roots – advantage!

“I was a bit shy, didn’t know how I’d fit into this community but it wasn’t as hard as I thought. I have met incredible people. I love to make them laugh and to continue to do what I love.”

**Above:** A familiar sight at Pride Park, Maja Znamirowska smiling after scoring yet another goal. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick.

Growing up, Maja did not really have sporting role models as such. “It was hard enough to convince my family in conservative Poland that I’d decided to play football. Even now my grandma keeps saying ‘and you still play this… this… football.. oh my God. You are too old for this!”

“To be honest I never had one specific person in football that was my footballing model. I used to like Zinedine Zidane for his intelligence. Well… his last game didn’t show it but…! I used to admire Ronaldinho for his speed and skills. Now and then I watch videos to see how great he was. Maybe Roberto Carlos. The fastest Brazilian player I’ve ever seen. But I never thought ‘Yes, I want to be like you’.

In her career that has taken her from the top tier of Polish women’s football to the seventh level of the game in England, Maja has faced many challenges, from the very start.

“The biggest challenge I had was to compromise College when I was younger. Training sessions twice a week, away games every weekend, and music school every day. It was very exhausting but as you can see if someone wants something there are no limits and you can achieve anything.

**Above:** Maja Znamirowska (11, centre) being congratulated by teammates after scoring one of her two goals against Borrowash Victoria in January. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick.

“Every single thing used to give me so much pleasure that I think I didn’t even have time thinking about overcoming it. But now I feel proud of myself, that I could do everything I wanted (football and music school) to, and had to (college).

“Now the biggest challenge for me is to stay fit – because I live so far away from Derby (I moved to Liverpool two years ago) – which excludes me from training sessions, and not to hurt myself too much. At 35-years-old I need to be more careful and take care of myself. But even though I’m ‘dying’ after Sunday’s game I wouldn’t give it away for anything. Not yet. I need to score 100 goals before that!”

As Maja points out, she lives a long way from Pride Park’s Derby-based set-up, so there must be something very special about the team for her to remain there.

“It’s simple. Pride Park is like family. Everybody is kind, polite, nice to each other. There are friendships there, support, kindness, cooperation, and everything you’ll find in a good, healthy relation. How could I swap it for something else? I think I’m a really good example that atmosphere matters – would you travel 90 miles just to play for your team? They mean a lot to me and I hope I mean a lot to them. Well, even if not I won’t stop coming for games!”

**Above:** Always ready to play the joker at Pride Park. **Photo:** Shaun Hardwick.

The Derbyshire Ladies League remains a challenging competition as Maja recognises. “From my perspective, Borrowash was a tough opponent, but our girls showed we can play on a really high level, and staying focused on the pitch we almost beat them. Thanks to them and especially Tash, my Captain, and Jade our goalkeeper, we’ve scored two goals and were catching up. I felt, and I think everybody felt, that this game was challenging but also very satisfying, no matter the result.”

The striker is absolutely clear in her aim for the campaign. “David motivated me last time saying I have only five more goals to score to 100 in my whole career with Pride Park, which I’ve started in April 2016. It’s something that I would like to achieve!”

With all Maja’s experience, I couldn’t help wondering if she still harboured desires to play at a higher level. It’s fair to say she is torn.

“It’s a hard question. I think I’m in this moment in my life that even If I wanted to play on a higher level I wouldn’t be able to. My heart says ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ and my brain says…’oh maybe it’s better not…’ Anyway, I aspire to stay fit and support my team as long as I can to just enjoy what we are doing here at Pride Park.”

There are plenty more things that Maja wants to achieve before she finishes her career. “There are certain things like more skills or game intelligence on the pitch that you gain with age. I would like to see more (I wear contact lenses!), keep my speed, and surprise opponents with new tricks like Ronaldinho!

“I don’t know whether I will still be playing in five year’s time, but whenever I hang up my boots, I will look back on my time as a footballer with some great memories, enjoyment, friends and, I hope, 100 goals (at least!) for Pride Park.”

NI To Host Lionesses at National Stadium

Above: Abbie Magee of Northern Ireland battles with England’s Lauren Hemp during a friendly between the two sides in February 2021. Photo: Belfast Telegraph.

Supplied to Impetus by Irish FA (10/2/22)

Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against England in April will be staged at the 18,500 capacity National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.

It will be Northern Ireland’s final competitive fixture before they compete at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 in England this summer – where they are due to face England once again.

The match in Belfast will be the second of two crunch FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifiers for Northern Ireland that month. They are also away to Austria on 8th April.

Northern Ireland head coach Kenny Shiels said he was delighted the qualifier against the Lionesses is being staged at the National Football Stadium.

The senior women’s team boss insisted: “It is great news for both the team and the staff that we will be playing England at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park. We are hoping there will be a bumper crowd to cheer us on.”

**Above:** Windsor Park, Belfast – the venue for Northern Ireland v England in April. **Photo:** Irish FA.

England are sitting top of European Qualifying Group D having won all six of their qualifiers to date, scoring 53 goals and conceding none on their way to notching up 18 points.

Austria and Northern Ireland both have 13 points (four wins, one draw and one defeat) so far, however the Austrians are currently second in the Group D table on goal difference. They have scored 29 times and let in four goals to date, while Northern Ireland have scored 30 and conceded six.

Northern Ireland have already faced England in the group, losing 4-0 at Wembley back in October.

Tickets for the home game on 12 April (7.45pm start) will cost £10 for adults and £2 for juniors. Members of GAWA Official and groups of 10 or more will receive a 50% discount.

Groups can register their interest now by providing their details here. Tickets for the game will go on sale in early March.

In preparation for the two qualifiers in April the Northern Ireland squad will be travelling to Spain for a 10-day training camp at the Marbella Football Centre on the Costa del Sol from 14 to 23 February.

As part of the camp they are set to face Faroe Islands, Switzerland, and Romania in friendlies at the Marbella venue. The game against the Faroese is on 17 February, while they will face the Swiss on 20 February. The match against the Romanians is scheduled for 23 February.

Remy Siemsen: Local Girl Done Good

Above: Sydney FC’s Remy Siemsen has had a lot to celebrate over the past eight months or so. Photo: Sydney FC.

For this week’s #MidweekDub feature, Sydney FC and Australia striker Remy Siemsen spoke to Impetus about her footballing journey and life at the club this season. The interview was carried out just before she set off to play at the Asia Cup for her country (9/2/22).

Northern Beaches native Remy Siemsen has been part of the Sydney women’s footballing landscape since an early age, as she explained.

“I commenced my love of football playing in an all-boys team aged four with the Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders until I was asked to play representative football with Manly United at age nine in the Girls’ youth league.

“I played for Manly United for 11 years playing in the women’s first-grade team at 16 years old. I made the Australian School Girls team in 2016 but was signed by Sydney FC for my debut W-League season at the same time as representing the Young Matildas in three campaigns.

“I’ve now played six seasons in the A-League and played two seasons overseas in the USA with the Californian Storm when I was aged 18 and 19.”

Siemsen has had another impressive campaign with Sydney FC. She used the lockdown period ahead of this season wisely to develop her fitness and game further.

**Above:** Remy Siemsen battles against Wellington Phoenix’s Kate Taylor earlier this season. **Photo:** Matt King/Getty Images via Sydney FC.

“I used my time in the lockdown to focus on working on my fitness, strength, and conditioning running every day. I also worked on technical skills – doing all the extras to prepare physically and mentally for a great start to the season.

I want to improve every day so working on my weaknesses and fine-tuning my strengths – I am very determined and want to see hard work pay off in my performances on and off the pitch.”

Sydney’s offensive group have been in such consistent form once more this season. Siemsen believes that the secret to their success comes from having played together for so long.

“It’s our chemistry and friendship that enables us to intuitively know each other’s game and that manifests on the park. We had the opportunity to play Young Matildas together and have been in out of teams together over the years.

“That familiarity with each other makes for a strong connection and an absolute joy to play with. I know we trust each other and that helps us innately play with confidence.”

The Sydney striker also believes that her time in the national camps towards the end of 2021 had a major influence on her strong start to this A-League Women’s season.

“To play in the national team is such an honour and to be in the best environment to learn from the best has really helped improve my game. It’s that realization that I can contribute, learn and grow as a player in an elite and professional environment that really has boosted my confidence and hopefully my game.

**Above:** Remy Siemsen in action for Australia at the recent Asia Cup. **Photo:** Football Australia.

“I have so much to learn but I am a sponge in that environment and I want to soak up as much as I can to grow my game. Tony (Gustavsson) is an incredible coach and I have already learnt so much from him. He is a great communicator and encourager and those qualities really resonate with me as a footballer and get the best out of me.

“He is the ultimate professional, respectful and he is also accessible to the players. He is passionate and wants the very best execution from every player. He genuinely loves this team and I love working with him. I hope to learn and grow more from him and the players.

As a local, Siemsen takes great pride in being able to play for Sydney FC and is buoyed by the ability of those closest to her to be present and part of the matchday experience.

“It is awesome to play in a team in your hometown where family and friends can come and support the team. The players are very close we are all friends and I think that adds to our chemistry on the field.

“Sydney FC is a highly professional environment with coaching staff who want us to succeed and grow as a team and as individuals. I get to play each week with some of my closest friends and to share our love of the game with them is another bonus. I am extremely competitive and I believe Sydney FC has that similar mindset – we want to win every week!”

That mindset has been reflected in a dominant campaign for the club in the A-League Women, with the club scoring more goals than anyone else and breaking the record for the most consecutive clean sheets. Siemsen sees both stats as rewards for hard work pre-season.

“We put the work in before the season and continue to work harder and harder each week. We aren’t afraid to critique our performances and find ways to improve and be better each week. I think it’s the combination of a professional club wanting the best out of dedicated players and a lot of hard work.

“Absolutely we can win the premiership again this season – it is a team goal before pre-season – we are all focussed on taking home that silverware again and we will do everything we can to realize that collective goal.”

Wales Announce Squad For Pinatar Cup

(9/2/22)

Above: Wales are back together for the first time in 2022. Photo: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD

Gemma Grainger has announced a 26-player squad for the 2022 Pinatar Cup which takes place in the small town of San Pedro del Pinatar in Spain from next week.

Wales has entered the tournament for the first time and will face Scotland in the opening match on Wednesday 16th February. The tournament is a knockout format, but placement matches will guarantee three fixtures for every team.

Wales’ second match will be against either Belgium or Slovakia, on Saturday 19th February, before a third match against either Russia, Poland, Republic of Ireland, or Hungary on Tuesday 22nd February.

Grainger will look to build on the momentum of a strong start to the 2023 World Cup qualifying campaign where Wales currently sit second in their group behind France.

Sophie Ingle, Jess Fishlock, and Tash Harding are among the regulars selected for the Pinatar Cup squad, while Rachel Rowe returns after having missed matches in the October and November international windows due to injury.

There may be milestones to celebrate during the tournament, with Helen Ward and Laura O’Sullivan on 97 and 49 caps respectively.

Following the Pinatar Cup, Wales will return to World Cup qualifying action when they welcome France to Parc y Scarlets on Friday 8th April. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday 16th February, starting at only £2 (group bookings) and £4 (individual bookings) for children, available at www.faw.cymru/tickets.

**Above:** Sophie Ingle – back for Wales. **Photo:** Lewis Mitchell /CPD.

Wales Pinatar Cup Squad:

Laura O’Sullivan (Cardiff City Ladies), Olivia Clark (Coventry United), Poppy Soper (Dual registration with Plymouth Argyle), Rhiannon Roberts (Liverpool), Esther Morgan (Leicester City – On loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Hayley Ladd (Manchester United), Gemma Evans (Reading), Morgan Rogers (Watford – On loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Rachel Rowe (Reading), Lily Woodham (Reading), Sophie Ingle (Chelsea), Anna Filbey (Charlton Athletic), Angharad James (Orlando Pride), Josie Green (Tottenham Hotspur), Charlie Estcourt (Coventry United), Jess Fishlock (OL Reign), Carrie Jones (Manchester United), Ffion Morgan (Bristol City), Megan Wynne (Charlton Athletic), Elise Hughes (Charlton Athletic), Kayleigh Green (Brighton & Hove Albion), Helen Ward (Watford), Natasha Harding (Reading), Ceri Holland (Liverpool), Chloe Williams (Blackburn Rovers – On loan from Manchester United), Georgia Walters (Sheffield United).

Victory Dance To Hendrix’s Tune

Newcastle Jets 0-1 Melbourne Victory

By Kieran Yap (8/2/22)

Above: Melbourne Victory’s Brooke Hendrix celebrates her debut goal to the delight of her new teammates. Photo: A-League Women.

‘Football Frenzy’ started on Tuesday night when Melbourne Victory travelled to play the Newcastle Jets.

Victory’s season would have best been described as interrupted so far with the club having dealt with major injuries, a COVID outbreak, and the departure of key players to the Asian Cup.

However, the team itself has positioned itself very well as the season enters its final third. The reigning champions went into this game sitting in fourth position, having earned 15 points with two games in hand, and ahead of Perth Glory on goal difference. Newcastle are in sixth position, still mathematically able to make the finals but with only nine points from eight matches.

Melbourne was able to field a team that is the closest they have had to a full-strength side since round one. New centre-back Brooke Hendrix started for the first time after a cameo in the last round. Her arrival sent a ripple effect through the team. Amy Jackson returned to her natural midfield role. She anchored the side with her protégée, the impressive Alana Murphy.

This meant that Alex Chidiac had very much a free role and Kyra Cooney-Cross was able to spend most of the time in attack. It was the combination that Victory fans had been waiting almost all season to see.

Newcastle made the curious decision to name a starting eleven with Marie Dølvik on the bench. The side was also missing Tara Andrews and Sunny Franco. The attacking responsibility would fall largely to Sophie Harding.

With 60 games to play in 30 days across the league, expect more teams to rest players under any suspicion of injury.

**Above:** Gema Simon on the charge for Newcastle Jets against Melbourne Victory. **Photo:** Melbourne Victory.

Victory began on the front foot. Clare Coelho was tested early but equal to everything that Victory threw at her. Catherine Zimmerman ghosted into the six-yard box to volley at goal but the Jets keeper stopped in impressively.

The joy was in the build-up for Victory. Murphy played a terrific lofted pass into the path of Chidiac who’s cross was perfect, the finish was good but Coelho was incredible.

Sophie Harding was the most likely danger for the home side. She robbed Polly Doran of possession but was pulled back in a professional foul before she could accelerate toward goal.

Harding again cut inside the area after a strong run and shot but Casey Dumont saved comfortably.

Other than that, Victory dominated possession and created the most chances of the first half. Zimmerman was lively on the left flank and Cooney-Cross was creative on the right. Although the end product did not match the build-up play.

Victory almost took the lead before halftime when Cooney-Cross and Murphy combined 20 yards from goal. The 16-year-old midfielder struck her shot well and left Coelho rooted to the spot but her shot whistled wide of the post when it seemed destined for the top corner.

The first half ended 0-0 despite the siege being laid to the Jets goal.

The second half started in much the same fashion. Coelho matched her save of the week contender with an athletic effort to stop a Chidiac strike from range. And Maja Markovski missed when it looked easier to score.

As impressive as Newcastle’s defensive effort was, it was always unlikely to hold for the entire game and on the 54^th minute, the goal finally came.

Murphy’s free-kick was well struck and curled in perfectly for Brooke Hendrix to head into the bottom corner after losing her marker.

**Above:** Kyra Cooney-Cross, Maja Markovski and Claudia Bunge embrace Brooke Hendrix after her goal. **Photo:** Melbourne Victory.

The floodgates never quite opened though, and although Victory continued to create chances, none could be put away.

Although his side was in the lead, Jeff Hopkins never looked happy on the sidelines and paced back and forth. Markovski was withdrawn for Harriet Withers to inject some pace in the game and reverse the momentum swing towards Newcastle.

It seemed a sensible position. As the Jets tired it made sense that a pacey winger might be able to catch them on the break. But as the game wore on Newcastle attacked more, Dølvik’s introduction added the class and confidence that they had been missing upfront to help Harding.

Although Newcastle nearly doubled their shots on goal in the second half, none were able to test Dumont who was calm in the occasional chaos that the Jets were able to cause.

In the dying stages, Melbourne’s players seemed conflicted between going for another goal and running down the clock. Cooney-Cross had another long-range shot swing wide and Zimmerman really should have sealed the result when one-on-one with Coelho in the closing seconds.

In the end, Victory held on for another 1-0 win. Despite the disruptions to the season, they remain in a strong position. Finals are very much in their own control.

Melbourne has been getting results pretty regularly this season. The pattern is strikingly similar to the 2020/21 campaign. A strong start was halted by losses to Melbourne City and then Brisbane Roar before embarking on a run of 1-0 wins.

The versatility of the squad has increased its depth and the emergence of Murphy as a quality A-League level midfielder has been essential to their season so far.

Hendrix was brought in for her experience and position. But adding a goal in her full debut was not something fans expected. Like Claudia Bunge and Kayla Morrison before her, she looks like another clever signing by Hopkins.

Newcastle simply cannot afford to start games without Dølvik, Andrews, or Franco. They welcomed backed Lauren Allan, and the winger can be dangerous in front of goal, but they missed a target. Where Victory had Markovski to hold up the ball and keep possession in attack. Newcastle struggled in that area.

There is quality in the Newcastle squad and they showed it in glimpses, but without any of their proven goal scorers available to start, this was always a big ask.

That was Melbourne Victory’s third win in a row and a third clean sheet in succession.

This round will end with them in fourth position, with a game in hand, and hopefully with more returning players. This side was missing Lia Privitelli and Melina Ayres is still on ice.

The pattern is similar to last season. Might Victory be set to peak at the right time once again?

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Coelho, Jaber, Davis, Fenton, Simon, Brodigan, Gordon, Johnson, Eddy, House, Harding. Substitutes: Allen, Boric (GK), Dølvik, Gooch, King.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Nevin, Hendrix, Bunge, Doran, Chidiac, Jackson, Murphy, Zimmerman, Markovski, Cooney-Cross. Substitutes: Barbieri, Eliadis, Maizels (GK), Withers, Zois.

Scorer: Hendrix 55′.

Referee: Kelly Jones.

Attendance: 1,135.

Talking Thetford Town With The Captain & Manager

Above: Thetford Town captain Sausha Levy-Twomey in action. Photo: Hannah Parnell.

Thetford Town captain Sausha Levy-Twomey and manager David Skipp speak to Darrell Allen about how the club has come such a long way in a short period of time (8/2/22).

Captain Sausha Levy-Twomey and manager David Skipp have both have been involved with Thetford Town from its foundation.

Sausha joined the team in the summer of 2018 and was awarded the manager’s player of the season at the end of that first season. She is also on Thetford Town’s committee to represent the ladies and to help progress the team.

David has been a loyal servant to Thetford Town with his role now seeing him with the ladies. “I’ve been involved at Thetford Town for around 10 years now. Having started as U18 manager, then first-team assistant, a small stint as interim first-team manager then onto the ladies”

Sausha recalled the team’s first-ever match.

“It was away to Horsford at the Nest in Norwich, I was playing in defence and we won 5-1. There was such a great atmosphere and feel to the team. Having only been together a number of weeks, it was great to start the season with a win.

“My role has definitely changed since joining the club, originally, I joined because of how much I missed playing football regularly as I was just about to finish the first year of my degree, I thought it would be the best time to start up again.

“Since then, my involvement within the team has grown significantly. I have become captain, a committee member for Thetford Town, I helped run Thetford Town U16 girls alongside Melissa Boulton, run plenty of training sessions, and have arranged many different social events for the team. I love the team, each and every player brings so much, all with such different attributes. It’s great to see the development of younger players too.”

**Above:** Thetford Town manager David Skipp. **Photo:** Darrell Allen.

David also remembers how proud he was of that first game. “It was literally our first game. We had no friendlies, just went straight into the league games. We came away 5-1 winners. I was so proud of the ladies. Some hadn’t kicked a ball before and some had played at all ages. We still have five of those players in today’s squad. It was a tough first season playing some games with only eight players but they never gave up.”

Sausha revealed how positive the experience has been this season after an unexpected promotion to the top flight of the Norfolk Women’s and Girl’s League (NWGFL).

“Having been promoted after our first season to the NWGFL Division One, I had some apprehension when we were told we were to be promoted. However, I had full confidence in the team and the coaching staff and knew we would be able to compete.

“I felt like with the new additions we gained in the summer and the development of the already existing squad, this was a move which we needed in order to progress further, which is evident from our first seven results in the league. Six wins and one draw and currently sitting in third place, closely behind Fakenham.

“I think it’s safe to say that as a team, we have exceeded the expectations we set for ourselves and also the expectations our opponents set for us. I don’t believe that our fellow teams thought we would compete as well as we have, it’s great to see and I think we have a great chance to finish the season in a high position within this league.”

David also spoke of a mix of apprehension ahead of the start of the campaign, but pride at how things have gone.

“We didn’t know how strong we would be. We had a brief encounter in Division One in our second season which was halted by COVID and we did struggle. So the move up again was going to be hard but I knew the ladies would give it their all.

“We have started well and it was not what we expected but knew we were capable of. We have exceeded expectations, if we finished midway in the table then that’s a successful season especially coming up from Division Two. After the start we’ve had I can’t see why we cannot finish in the top four and that would be an exceptional season for us.”

**Above:** Sausha Levy-Twomey makes a pass for Thetford Town. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell.

One of this season’s proudest moments was the Norfolk Women’s Cup tie against top of tier five side Wymondham Town.

Sausha said: “I for one am incredibly proud of the performance, effort, and determination of all 13 players and coaching staff for what we knew would be an incredibly tough game against a brilliant Wymondham team. To hold these very talented players to 1-1 until the 55th minute was a great achievement! We raised the bar on our standard yet again and showed just how far we have come over such a short period of time. It was a pleasure to play against them, they are a great group of women”

David was also full of praise for the cup tie.

“I said to my assistant if we come out of this game conceding less than eight we’ve done well. All I can say is that the ladies left everything on the pitch that day. Every one of them can be proud of that game. For me, it was one of the best performances I’ve had from a team in all my 30 years years’ managing.

“The energy and work ethic those ladies put in that day was exceptional. Yes, we lost 6-1 but Wymondham knew they had been in a game. Experience and fitness was the difference in the end. I can’t see anyone beating Wymondham for the cup this season, they are going well at present.

“That game was my favourite moment so far. The league games we’ve played have all been eventful and there is a long way to go. All I know is this team will compete in every game they play in.”

Sausha identified a league game with Long Stratton as her favourite moment of the campaign. “We have had a great start to the season, I think for me, my stand-out game was definitely beating a good Long Stratton away, it’s always a great game to be involved with and I think to do the double on them was great.”

**Above:** Thetford Town boss David Skipp looks on from the sidelines. **Photo:** Darrell Allen.

The Thetford captain also highlighted some of the key players this season in the team.

“I think for me, there is a very clear stand-out player for the season. She has consistently performed at an exceptional standard this season and is one of our youngest too, Abbie Corbyn. However, the whole squad has come on leaps and bounds, I could say something positive about every member of the team. A special mention to Melissa Boulton and Rachel Lynch for stepping in and helping run training sessions when the coaching staff have needed a hand.”

As well as those fine words for Abbie, Sausha was also full of praise for David Skipp and Stuart Terry the management duo at Thetford:

“David Skipp has been my manager since starting the club in 2018. He founded the team and has developed the team to what we are now. Without his continued efforts, commitment, countless hours planning, prepping, and nagging us, we wouldn’t be the team we are.

Stuart Terry joined the coaching team last summer. He has brought a huge network and an abundance of knowledge to the team. They both provide such fantastic support for all of us, we couldn’t thank them enough.”

David on the other hand was quick to point out this is very much a team effort “Every player has played their part this season from goalkeeper to forwards I couldn’t single out any individual. These ladies enter the pitch as a team and everyone gives their all, win lose or draw I cannot fault their commitment.”

Sausha then told me about the team’s recent partnership with Her Game Too.

“#HerGameToo is a great campaign to help promote inclusivity in sport on a whole and football specifically. It is a great honour for our club to be in partnership with this campaign.

**Above:** Sausha Levy-Twomey. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell.

“Assistant coach Stuart Terry originally reached out to encourage the team to be involved with the campaign. We thought it would be great publicity for the team and to also show what the team stands for. It’s a great example to show our fellow teams. I hope other teams will get involved too”

David was also full of praise for the Her Game Too initiative.

“Her Game Too is something we thought we should be involved in. As a ladies team we feel we should help get the message across that ladies in any form of football have the right to be there. It’s a strong message to get across to the minority who think football is a man’s game that should be played by and watched by men. If our small club can get the message across then we have done the right thing. It’s sad in this day and age that this movement is needed, women’s football is growing, female officials are ever increasing which is a wonderful thing to see.”

David also spoke about how much the squad is looking forward to the upcoming Lionnesses match at Carrow Road.

“We will be going to the game and we have to thank Bungay Ladies for this who were willing to have an early kick-off so we can attend. It’s great for females of all ages to see the England team in their area and hopefully, it will give them an incentive to push on with their football. They are all role models within the side, not just the players, the manager, and all the backroom staff.”

The conversation closed with by discussing what the rest of the season holds.

“I think the target for the team should be to continue to work hard and to continue to develop! It would be great to finish in one the top positions in our league this year,” said Sausha.

“On a personal level, I want to continue my involvement with the squad and club and to use my existing roles within the club to promote inclusivity and to help develop and progress the team as much as possible.”

Dave confirmed the team are aiming for the top four. “Our target for this season is to keep progressing and to keep competing in the league. As I said previously if we could finish in the top four, then I would be immensely proud. It would all be down to the squad they are the ones who play week in week out. I have the easy job of picking the team knowing whatever 11 I pick they will give it their all. So top four, then build again to push on next season is our target.”

Impetus Achievers Awards

Round Ten of the A-League Women saw Sydney break a long-standing record and the two Melbourne sides along with Adelaide United earn significant wins in the Finals race. Impetus’ writing team of Ben Gilby, Kris Goman, and Kieran Yap reveal who caught their eye this weekend (7/2/22).

PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Ben: In a dramatic encounter at Viking Park, one player was prominent in her team’s performance. Perth struggled to supply their in-form striker Cyera Hintzen for much of the first half. When she was provided with service she scored. In the second half, the American’s pace and power shone through as she hit a deserved second – her fourth in four games. Withdrawn as a means of managing her return from injury saw the Perth attack significantly weakened as they gave up a 3-1 lead. These facts all emphasize her dominance in the game. Honourable mention also to Holly McNamara, who made an excellent return to the competition after making her Matildas debut in the Asia Cup.

**Above:** Sydney FC’s Jada Whyman – who broke the record for the most consecutive clean sheets in the competition’s history. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Kris: Fiona Worts. She’s been in the shadow of Chelsie Dawber to a certain extent but has been very solid. She came into her own this weekend with two goals and a great performance in attack.

Kieran: It’s Jada Whyman. Her record-setting eighth consecutive clean sheet was perhaps her most difficult to get. Brisbane launched multiple attacks and she made several great saves. It was one of her best performances for the season.

COACH OF THE WEEK:

Ben: Another week and another impressive performance from Sydney FC. An imperious record-breaking defence along with a well-linked attacking threat who exchange positions and work in tandem to make the most of chances. They are a pleasure to watch and a credit to the work of Ante Juric who is keeping them ticking over beautifully.

Kris: For me, it’s Jeff Hopkins. Great performance by Victory with a few players still missing due to covid and being with the Matildas. To come back after a bit of a break and get the win over a very good and ever-improving Wellington team away showed something special.

**Above:** Ante Juric – his Sydney FC team are a joy to behold this season. Photo: Sydney FC.

Kieran: Ante Juric. Sydney is a well-oiled machine and an undefeated season is becoming a real possibility. Their ability to keep winning convincingly despite missing Remy Siemsen and Cortnee Vine deserves praise.

EVENT OF THE WEEK:

Ben: Despite going ten games without a win, the belief and desire in Canberra United to come from 3-1 down in the closing moments to draw 3-3 for the second time this season shows real character. It was a superb game to watch. How many goals in the last minutes of games this season across the competition now?!

Kris: I think Holly McNamara’s goal was a beauty. Wonderfully struck and made the difference for the win.

Kieran: It’s Lily Alfeld being subbed off for Brianna Edwards and the captain jubilantly celebrating the debut of her apprentice from the sideline for Wellington Phoenix.

The View From France

Above: Ellie Carpenter crosses for Melvine Malard to score Olympique Lyonnais’ winning goal against Bordeaux. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the fourteenth round of D1 Arkema (7/2/22).

Fleury won 1-0 at home to Montpellier. While they were dominated by Montpellier (62% of possession for Montpellier) who put a lot of pressure on during this game, Fleury was able to claim another clean sheet. In a game with a lot of duels, Fleury imposed their collective strength. After scoring in the fourth minute, Fleury had several opportunities during the first 60 minutes. However, after this point, Montpellier took over the game to their own, but could not break down the home side’s defence. Goal for Fleury from Nikola Karczewska (4).

Soyaux won 1-0 away from home against Dijon. In an even game, Soyaux ended their run of three straight defeats. This win gives them the hope to save their season as they are now only two points behind eighth-placed Dijon. Goal for Soyaux from Siga Tandia (42).

**Above:** USWNT’s Lindsey Horan on her Olympique Lyonnais debut this weekend. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset for *Impetus*.

Paris FC won 2-1 at home against Saint-Etienne. Paris FC dominated this game (64% of possession) and were never really in danger even if Saint-Etienne scored first and if the score was tight at the end of the game. Goals for Paris FC from Léonie Multari (41 Own Goal), Gaëtane Thiney (56). Goal for Saint-Etienne from Kelly Gago (23).

Reims won 4-3 at home against Issy. In a seven goal thriller of game, Reims had by far the most opportunities (23 shots with 10 on target, 11 corners) than Issy but could not shake off their stubborn visitors. Reims had to wait the last minute of the game to put the winning goal. Goals for Reims from Melchie Dumornay (8), Océane Deslandes (28), Vicki Becho (45), Tanya Romanenko (90+2). Goals for Issy from Allie Thornton (5), Julie Rabanne (52), Emily Alvarado (82 Own Goal).

Paris Saint-Germain away from home won 6-2 against Guingamp. It was an easy game for Paris SG which dominated (62% possession, 18 shots with 11 on target). Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored twice and became the club’s record goalscorer with 132 goals at only 23-years-old. Goals for Paris SG from Grace Geyoro (21), Sara Däbritz (28, 42), Marie-Antoinette Katoto (37, 67), Kadidiatou Diani (56). Goals for Guingamp from Sarah Cambot (75), Louise Fleury (80).

**Above:** Melvine Malard (second left) scores the only goal of the game for Olympique Lyonnais against Bordeaux. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset for *Impetus*.

Olympique Lyonnais won 1-0 at home against Bordeaux. It was another difficult game for Lyon in front of a team of Bordeaux that needed a win not to be distanced from the 4^th place in the standing. It has been a hard game with a lot of pressing from each team. Patrice Lair, Bordeaux coach, who has trained Lyon and won several titles with Sonia Bompastor, Lyon coach, as a player, knew how to set up a team and a game which worried Lyon. However, Bordeaux did not have true opportunities to score even after Eugénie le Sommer received a red card for a second yellow card at the 56^th minute. Goal for Lyon from Melvine Malard (25) on a cross from Ellie Carpenter.