Darrell Allen shares his experience in words and pictures of last night’s pre-season friendly between tier eight Thetford Town and a Cambridge CityUnder 18 side.
Above: Cambridge City get a shot in on goal at Thetford Town last night. Photo: Darrell Allen.
Thetford Town 0-6 Cambridge City XI
A rare Friday night Norfolk Women’s Football friendly saw me make the short train journey from Norwich to Thetford and then a short walk across to Mundford Road to see tier seven Norfolk Women’s and Girls Football League Division Two side Thetford Town host a Cambridge City XI in a pre-season friendly.
It was all set for a memorable occasion under the lights and the crowd came in good numbers ahead of the 7.30pm kick off with around 50-60 in attendance which I thought was very impressive.
Thetford Town as a whole club made a big effort to make the occasion enjoyable by opening up their new modern clubhouse for the evening with friendly staff on duty making it a warm and welcoming experience.
I was also delighted that Thetford Town manager David Skipp found me before kick off to give me a hand written Thetford team sheet complete with squad numbers and then even came back closer to kick off to give amendments to me. Cambridge City’s squad was mostly made up of U18’s and I totally respect their wishes to have no names published.
Above: Cambridge City break through the midfield at Thetford Town last night. Photo: Darrell Allen.
In terms of the game itself the first Cambridge City were the dominant force during the first half period, Number six opening the scoring after around five minutes with a fantastic chip across the keeper from the right of the area and could have added a second but it went wide two minutes later from a cross.
It wasn’t long until the lead was doubled thanks to number seven for Cambridge City with a lovely run and finish from the left hand side. City tried to force more chances but found Thetford’s rock Chloe Webb in the way who executed some unbelievable clearances to keep Thetford in the game.
Dana Howard and Rachel Lynch were also noticeable performers for Thetford, especially Lynch who tried to make things happen with her long Rory Delap style throw ins.
Before half time, number six and number seven for Cambridge City completed their braces. City’s third goal was a lovely finish from number seven before number six scored direct from a corner.
Thetford keeper Lydia Ward made some great saves to deny the visitors and Chelsea Page had an effort for the hosts, but the through ball was headed away. Page looked lively all evening and did her very best to make things happen.
Above: Action takes place in front of the main stand at Thetford Town. Photo: Darrell Allen.
Half Time – Thetford Town 0-4 Cambridge City XI.
The second half saw a much more improved Thetford Town performance and manager David Skipp will be sure to be happy with how much more stronger they looked and assured at the back after switching to four at the back.
Cambridge made it five with number six completing her hat trick with a shot that went in off the bar. Cambridge City’s number 16 had three shots in quick succession that were all dealt with superbly well by Ward.
The evening was completed when number 16 scored a terrific free kick to round off the scoring. Thank you to both teams for the friendly welcome on the evening and good luck for your season ahead.
Teams:THETFORD TOWN: 1: Lydia Ward, 2: Saysha Levy-Twomey, 3: Rachel lynch, 4: Chloe Webb, 9: Becky White, 10: Chelsea Page, 16: Charlotte Howard, 12: Sophie Burr-Walpole, 15: Mia Bambury, 14: Jess Knight, Subs: 8: Emily Bullott, 3: Ellie-Mae Davis and 7: Shannon Richardson.
CAMBRIDGE CITY XI: An U18 squad so respected wishes of club and did not publish names.
Above: Chelsea celebrate after Beth England’s first half header sealed their 1-0 win at Kingsmeadow. Photo: Ben Gilby
Chelsea ended their pre-season campaign with victory over Aston Villa in front of over 1,000 noisy spectators at Kingsmeadow.
It was a disjointed performance from Emma Hayes Champions, although with all her returning Olympians in action for the first time since returning from Tokyo, it was to be expected. The positives for Chelsea were a run out for all the senior players with the exception of Lauren James who Hayes has stated will not be ready for a while yet.
Above: Chelsea’s starting eleven last night – (Back Row:) Jess Carter, Melanbie Leupolz, Millie Bright, Ann-Katrin Berger, Magda Eriksson, Niamh Charles. (Front Row): Ji, Erin Cuthbert, Pernille Harder, Beth England, Guro Reiten. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Despite the defeat, Villa boss Carla Ward will surely be very pleased with her squad’s showing. Exceptionally well organised at the back with Alisha Lehmann a big threat along the right hand side and Hannah Hampton solid in goal.
Above: Alisha Lehmann, the pick of the crop for Aston Villa, here seen getting away from Guro Reiten. Photo: Ben Gilby.
In a cagey opening, the vast majority of play from a Chelsea perspective was through the middle. Erin Cuthbert was finding acres of space on the left but not found with any regularity by her team mates. This was a missed opportunity for the Blues as on the occasions the Scottish terrier was involved, she created real danger.
Above: Erin Cuthbert, reliable and strong once more. Photo: Ben Gilby
Villa created several opportunities in the first half with the Lehmann providing balls across for Freya Gregory, but her finishing was off target.
Above: Freya Gregory fires in an effort for Aston Villa in the first half. Photo: Ben Gilby
The Blues punished Villa for these missed opportunities on 24 minutes when Guro Reiten’s cross was headed in by Beth England.
Above: Beth England, scorer of Chelsea’s only goal. Photo: Ben Gilby
Chelsea struggled to construct real out and out chances on the night and when they did, they found Hannah Hampton in decent form in the Villa goal.
Above: Hannah Hampton clears the danger whilst under pressure from Beth England. Photo: Ben Gilby
Cuthbert was very unlucky not to have doubled Chelsea’s lead on the hour when her shot went agonizingly wide and not long afterwards, Pernille Harder’s effort lacked the power to trouble Hampton.
Above: Pernille Harder, who had an effort was saved by Hannah Hampton. Photo: Ben Gilby
With 20 minutes to go, Chelsea brought on nine substitutes with only Jess Carter and Magda Eriksson remaining on the pitch.
Above: It was another assured performance at the back from Magda Eriksson, one of only two players who played the full 90 minutes for Chelsea. Photo: Ben Gilby.
These raft of changes did bring the opportunity for the renewal of the telepathic partnership between Fran Kirby and Sam Kerr. There was one glorious link up between the two at the death when Kirby popped up on the left flank and played a sublime ball into Kerr who shot wide.
Above: Sam Kerr put in a 20 minute cameo from the bench. Photo: Ben Gilby
With the FASWL starting next week, both teams will have work to do to build on what was on display last night. Chelsea journey to the Emirates to take on Arsenal in a mouth watering clash and Aston Villa need to find a way of finishing the chances that Lehmann creates when they host newly promoted Leicester City. But, for now it’s just great for the fans to be able to see their heroes again before the pressure of domestic and European club football begins again.
@DandalBs brings us his Saturday morning round-up of all the week’s news from Sweden. This time, as well as the return of the Damallsvenskan and yet more drama at the top of the Elitettan, there is a record transfer fee paid for a Swedish star as Hanna Bennison’s move to Everton, first mentioned here many months ago, finally took place.
Above: Hanna Bennison pictured at Everton after her transfer for a record fee. Photo: Everton FC.
UEFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS:
Kristianstad were denied a place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage after they fell to a 3-1 defeat to Bordeaux who finished third in the French D1 Arkema. Mia Carlsson scored Kristianstad’s only goal.
Above: Kristianstad’s UEFA Champions League journey is over after a brave battle against Bordeaux. Photo: SVT.
BK Häcken have been drawn against Norwegian champions Vålerenga in the next stage of the UEFA Champions League qualifying path with the first leg in Norway. Speaking about the draw, Häcken head coach Mats Gren said: “I know them, we’ve been there watching players. They work hard and try to play football, but are definitely within our reach.”
Rosengård will face German side Hoffenheim in the same competition with the first leg in Sweden. Renée Slegers commented that: “There are no good or bad draws.”
DAMALLSVENSKAN:
Above: AIK celebrate Linda Hallin’s goal which won the derby. Photo: Aftonbladet.
AIK gained a vital 1-0 win over bitter rivals Djurgården thanks to a goal from Linda Hallin. For a long time, the match looked destined to finish goalless, but a scramble in the box after a corner gave AIK the win to the delight of the majority of the 427 supporters present.
Piteå came from behind to draw 1-1 with Linköping after Cornelia Kapocs put the visitors ahead. Fanny Andersson leveled in front of 624 fans. Piteå will be slightly more pleased with a point than their opponents.
Rosengård thrashed KIF Örebro 6-0 thanks to goals from Ria Öling (2), Mimmi Larsson, Jelena Cankovic, Sanne Troelsgaard and 16 year-old debutant Bea Sprung. Four hundred fans watched Rosengård completely dominate their opposition.
Above: Sixteen-year-old Bea Sprung who scored in her first appearance for Rosengård. Photo: SVT.
Växjö and Vittsjö played out a goalless draw in front of 317 fans.
Eskilstuna United picked up an impressive 2-0 win at home to Hammarby with Mia Jalkerud and Felicia Rogic scoring within the opening 17 minutes to the surprise of the gathered 450 fans.
In the battle of two of Sweden’s UEFA Champions League sides, Kristianstad went down to a 3-1 loss to BK Häcken. Stina Blackstenius, Stine Larsen, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd put Häcken in the driving seat. Anna Welin got a goal back for Kristianstad in stoppage time which meant that the home crowd of 225 had something to cheer.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
Round Fourteen Fixtures:
AIK v Kristianstads (already played – 1-1 draw)
Vittsjö v Rosengård
Djurgården v Växjö
BK Häcken v Hammarby
Eskilstuna United v Piteå
KIF Örebro v Linköping
ELITETTAN
Above: Lisa Johansson whose goal earned Alingsås FC United a superb point at leaders Umeå IK. Photo: Göteborgs-Posten.
It was another weekend of dropped points for the top two as the promotion battle from the Elitettan to the Damallsvenskan continues to provide real drama. Umeå IK are top by three points despite only achieving a 1-1 draw at home to tenth-placed Alingsås FC United in a game which saw them rely on an equalizing goal from Monica Bah with eight minutes left to save the blushes of the 445 fans present. Lisa Johansson had put Alingsås ahead on the hour mark. Second-placed IK Uppsala couldn’t take advantage as they blew a 2-0 lead against fellow promotion chasers Morön BK in a game that eventually ended 2-2. Ida Stromblad and Isabella Mattson put the hosts well clear to the delight of the 232 spectators, but two goals in eight minutes from Arianna Veland earned a draw for Morön. IFK Kalmar moved up to third with an impressive 3-1 win at IF Brommapojkarna who have rocketed up the table in recent weeks to join the promotion battle. Jenny Stadin and Tabby Tindell put Kalmar two up with less than 20 minutes gone before Mathilda Prakt got one back for Bromma. Tindell grabbed the sealer on 57 minutes in front of 89 fans.
Latest Results: Jitex Mölndal 0-0 Lidköpings FK, Älvsjö AIK FF 4-0 Borgeby FB, Mallbackens IF Sunne 3-1 Bollstanäs SK, Sundsvalls DFF 1-0 IFK Norrköping, IF Brommapojkarna 1-3 IFK Kalmar, Umeå IK 1-1 Alingsås FC United, IK Uppsala 2-2 Morön BK
Next Fixtures: IFK Kalmar v Umeå IK, IFK Norrköping v Älvsjö AIK FF, Lidköpings FK v Sundsvalls DFF, Borgeby FB v IK Uppsala, Bollstanäs SK v IF Brommapojkarna, Morön BK v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Alingsås FC United v Jitex Mölndal.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
NEWS ROUND-UP:
Above: Hanna Bennison signs for Everton. Photo: Everton FC.
Rosengård have announced the departure of teen star Hanna Bennison after nine years at the club and she has joined Everton for “a substantial six-figure fee” which is rumoured to be somewhere in the region of €200,000. This would be the highest fee ever paid for a Swedish player. Bennison’s wages could make her the best-paid Swedish player abroad.
BK Häcken‘s Stina Blackstenius, who has been very successful both in club football and with Sweden at the Olympics, says she is ready to leave Häcken for a bigger European club, without being specific about where or when. She is out of contract after this season. Filippa Angeldahl is also strongly tipped to depart, but BK Häcken’s head coach Mats Gren remains confident that both will stay. As the Damallsvenskan transfer window is now closed, neither player can be replaced should they depart.
Above: Stina Blackstenius is open to a move overseas from BK Häcken Photo: Adam Ihse/ TT,
Rosengård confirms that goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé, who won a gold medal with Canada at the Olympic Games earlier this summer is leaving the club for Paris St. Germain.
National team legend Caroline Seger announced that she will continue to be available for selection for Sweden. “It’s like I’ve always said, as long as I am performing and motivated and playing football above all in Rosengård, I’m in the national team. This hasn’t changed after the Olympics. It will be fun to play qualifiers again!” she said.
Djurgården coach Pierre Fondin leaves the club after two years. The Stockholm side thanked him for his time but says they need new thoughts and other ideas to move forward. His replacement is Magnus Pålsson, currently assistant coach for Helsingborg’s U19 boys with ten years’ experience coaching mens’ and boys’ teams.
Bri Folds, who has been on loan from BK Häcken to Danish side Fortuna Hjörring, has signed a new deal with Spanish midtable side Real Betis.
Bea Sprung, the Rosengård 16-year-old who both played her first match and scored her first goal in Damallsvenskan last weekend, has signed a three-year contract with the club.
Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City both announce the re-signing of players who have worked their way back after long term injuries as Queenslander Larissa Crummer is back for another season with the Roar and Chelsea Blissett returns to the sky blue.
Artwork: Brisbane Roar
Brisbane Roar have announced the latest addition to their 2021/22 W-League squad with the re-signing of former W-League Golden Boot winner Larissa Crummer.
Crummer, 25, becomes Brisbane’s seventh confirmed squad member for the 2021/22 season in another boost to Garrath McPherson’s side. The 20-cap Matilda re-joined the Roar earlier this year and marked her return from a broken leg by scoring in a 4-0 win over Perth Glory in February, her first W-League appearance in over two years.
“It was a surreal feeling,” said Crummer, who grew up on the Sunshine Coast. “I missed being out on the field and having that gameday feeling.
“I’m excited. Playing in front of family and friends is definitely one of the main reasons I’ve decided to come back. Obviously I wasn’t there for the whole of last season. I don’t think Brisbane has ever really had a problem with people gelling or new people coming in. It’s quite a family-orientated team. That’s one of the main reasons I also wanted to come back to Brisbane. I got a taste of the W-League again and I’m really excited to be back.”
Crummer has spent recent months enjoying a spell with NPL Queensland side Capalaba FC, scoring nine goals in 11 games to date for a team that includes several Roar team-mates.
Brisbane Roar head coach Garrath McPherson spoke about how pleased he was to have yet another talented Queenslander on board.
“It’s exciting to celebrate the return of Larissa to the team for the upcoming season,” McPherson said. “She grew up on the Sunshine Coast and has gone on to play at the highest levels in the sport. Larissa provides a physical presence across a front line and I can’t wait to see the trouble she causes opposition central defenders.
“She has a wealth of football knowledge to share with the team and I’m looking forward to seeing her team-mates benefit from that insight.”
Melbourne City Add Blissett on Long-Term Deal:
Artwork supplied by Melbourne City.
Melbourne City have announced the re-signing of defender Chelsea Blissett for the next three seasons.
It’s news that will excite City fans, with the defender missing the entirety of the 2020/21 W-League season after tearing her anterior crucial ligament in pre-season last December.
The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Blissett, as she’d been pushing hard to make her mark as a regular starter after a majority of her 13 W-League appearances had come as a substitute in what was a star-studded City line-up.
Blissett’s re-signing is a big boost to City’s defence with her ability and forward runs perfectly suited to the City style of play.
She has now been cleared to resume team training and is hoping to be back in full-contact training for the start of pre-season.
Speaking about the re-signing of Blissett, Melbourne City Head Coach Rado Vidosic said: “We’re very happy to welcome Chelsea back to the Club after what has been a tough last nine months.
“She’s done all the right things throughout her recovery and has maintained a positive mindset during the whole process. She suits our playing style well and she will play an important role for us this season. We can’t wait to see her back out on the pitch.”
Chelsea Blissett spoke of how much the club’s backing for her has meant since her injury.
“I always had in my mind that I wanted to come back. After quite a horror start to pre-season last year, the support that the Club gave me through it all made it a no-brainer.”
“It means a lot to me because obviously a long-term injury is such a tough time for any footballer and you can sometimes feel a bit disconnected from everyone, but the Club has never once made me feel like that. I’m just looking forward to being around the girls again and being a part of the team.”
Above: Wroxham celebrate after Amber Cantwell’s winning penalty. Photo: @MikeyTheTowner
Wroxham’s unbeaten start to the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (Tier Five) season continued with a 3-2 victory at Coles Park, Haringey on Sunday afternoon.
It was the hosts who mounted the first attack of the game but Lauren Beevor in the Wroxham goal reacted quickly to punched the ball out for a throw-in.
Amber Cantwell had the first two efforts on goal for the visitors but saw her effort go just past the post, then the other just over the bar. Minutes later, Grace Birchall tried to chip the home keeper who just managed to cling on to the ball.
Above: Amber Cantwell (10) gets a shot in for Wroxham. Photo: @MikeyTheTowner
Most of the pressure was coming from Wroxham and it finally paid off after 20 minutes. A free-kick from Hope Strauss came back off the bar and after a goalmouth scramble, Jess Horn was able to force the ball over the goal-line.
Haringey’s main form of attack was down the flanks using their pacy wide players but were guilty of times of hitting the ball too long and out for a goal-kick or Beevor collected before the player could get to the ball.
Wroxham doubled their lead after Cantwell fed Kayleigh Holloway wide on the right. The latter finding Lauren Bullard who unselfishly passed to an unmarked Birchall to fire pass the keeper to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.
Despite holding a comfortable lead, the visitors had to be aware of fast counter-attacks by the hosts and one such move led to a free-kick being conceded just outside the penalty area. From the set-piece, Beevor palmed the ball onto the bar before being cleared by the Wroxham defence.
Above: Grace Birchall, scorer of Wroxham’s second goal, in action at Haringey on Sunday. Photo: @MikeyTheTowner
As the half reached its closing stages, the visitors saw a shot cleared off the line and a couple of shots blazed over from close range. Wroxham were made to pay for their misses when Haringey scored from a free-kick just outside the penalty area in added time.
Within six minutes of the restart, Haringey levelled the score. A quick move down the right flank caught out the away defence and the attacker was fouled leaving the referee no alternative but to award a penalty which was duly converted.
Holly Walker replaced Bullard after an hour and was in the action almost immediately send in a corner to the far post and the visitors had loud appeals for a penalty turned down after a defender appeared to handle the ball.
Above: Wroxham’s Alice Parker (2) gets a challenge in at Haringey on Sunday. Photo: @MikeyTheTowner
The visitors pushed forward looking to regain the lead and were rewarded with a penalty with around 15 minutes remaining. Alice Parker put Walker away on the left flank and Birchall was pushed over attempting to get on the end of Walker’s cross. Cantwell stepped up to score the penalty and give Wroxham a 3-2 lead.
The closing minutes including ten added on were tense with the hosts looking for an equaliser and the visitors trying to snatch a fourth goal. However, neither side were able to add to the scoresheet and Wroxham secured their first ever victory at Coles Park.
Brighouse Town picked up an excellent point away at Huddersfield Townunder the lights of the Stafflex Arena.
A very tight and tense affair sprang in to life with Town being awarded a penalty after Leah Embley was brought down in the box, Amy Woodruff stepped up but saw her attempt saved by the excellent Becky Flaherty.
The only real chance of note for Huddersfield was shielded well by Kayleigh Bamforth back to keeper Imogen Maguire. A couple of half chance for either teams meant the game drew to a close at 0-0 going in to the break.
The second half started with Huddersfield slightly on top without really having a shot on target, Brighouse did have a goal disallowed but it seemed very soft and the visitors were unlucky to not go 1-0 up.
Above: Brighouse Town’s goal scorer and player of the match Drew Henry captured in action for Town in a previous match. Photo: Halifax Courier.
A few free-kicks off target and with Brighouse strong on the counter, neither side looked like scoring. A mistake at the back almost cost Brighouse due to a lack of communication but they got away with it. A dubious free-kick led to a corner, and from that corner, Huddersfield edged in front through Britt Sanderson to wild celebrations with 15 minutes to go.
Brighouse never gave up and threw players forward looking for an equaliser, they got their reward with less than a minute left on the clock when Danielle Whitham played Drew Greene in and she was one on one with Flaherty. Greene composed herself and slipped it past the on rushing keeper to once again spark wild celebrations, but this time for the away side.
The game finished 1-1 and a truth a fair result. Player of the match went to Drew Greene who grabbed the equaliser and was a constant thorn in the Huddersfield backline all evening. Huddersfield named Impetus sponsored Leah Embley as their opponents player of the match.
Impetus editor Ben Gilby spoke to Djurgårdens IF’s Linda Wijkström (board member and previously Head of Women’s Football) and Jean Balawo (Sports Director and Head of Girl’s Academy) about how the Stockholm based side, once one of the top sides in Europe are now aiming to consistently push higher up the Damallsvenskan table once more.
Above: Djurgården IF 2021 team photo. Photo: Djurgården IF
“As early as 1924, a women’s section was created within the Djurgården club, but it then contained various sports”, reveals Linda Wijkström.
“In 1967, the first match was played against Öxabäck. It was in the 60s that women’s football began to develop. Scandinavian countries during this period lead the way for women’s football. For example, you can mention The FA in England had a ban on women’s football until 1971.
“In the 70s and 80s, our team played in the second division, but from 1984 we played in the highest league. In 1989 we had our first player selected in the national team. The club has had a catchment area with northern Greater Stockholm. In the 90s, women’s football became its own association under Djurgårdens IF.”
Above: Linda Wijkström, Djurgården board member and previously Head of Women’s Football . Photo: Svensk Fotball
“A goal was set to win the Swedish Championship gold in 2005. The merged team was from the start a group that had previously been bitter enemies but everything went better than we had hoped for.
“To a large extent, it was the players’ merit. The background of the merger was that at that time there was no room for four teams from the Stockholm region in the highest national league. There was neither the financial nor player base. We also wanted to show that we could create a strong elite team from Stockholm. Six of the players also took a place in the Swedish national team which in the same year, 2003, took World Cup silver after losing to Germany in the final.
“The planned championship gold came in the first year after a match with Umeå IK, which at that time was the leading club in Swedish club football. We had revenues of SEK 1.8 million compared with Umeå’s SEK 7.9 million. Winning a gold with those revenues is not possible today and hardly then, but with a fantastic squad of players, leaders and supporters it was possible. (Comparative economy 2003, the total revenue in the highest league was SEK 26,663,000, 2020 SEK 129,000,000) Victoria Svensson was named Sweden’s best player and was also selected by one of the best players during the World Cup.
“Back then, the highest league in Sweden was ranked as one of the two best leagues in Europe, which meant that the league had good international and national players. During the early 2000s, Djurgården had well-known players from Germany and the USA, among others.
We wanted to play the majority of our matches at the historic Stockholms Stadion which was built for the 1912 Olympic Games. Unfortunately, the city did not prioritize that during the golden years, we had to change around for four different arenas around Stockholm.
Above: Ariane Hingst, one of Djurgården’s big name players from the past. Photo: The Women’s Game.
“The memory of when the queues at the stadium curled up long when Umeå came to visit and the gold was to be salvaged is strong and that interest in women’s football grew so strong after the World Cup. The following year, 2004, was even better. We took the Swedish Championship gold and the Swedish Cup and advanced in the UEFA Women’s Cup (now the UEFA Women’s Champions League) We had four players in the Olympics. We had an average attendance of 1,200 and the highest crowd was against Umeå with over 8,000 people in the stands.
“In Swedish women’s club football, there is a lot of talk about the time before and after 2003. Another focus came on women’s club football after the silver in the World Cup. Djurgården /Älvsjö was one of three clubs in the Damallsvenskan that had, for example, a club manager. The level of the league was amateur but the ambition was to eventually build to a semi-professional level. All players had other jobs on the side and / or studied, which was included in the planning for matches, both internationally and nationally. Our trip in the Women’s Cup was of course something extra.
“Umeå IK had taken the title in previous years and of course we wanted to reach the same heights. Sweden and Germany were the two leading nations in women’s football and despite the fact that we were rivals on the pitch against Turbine Potsdam, we had good contact when it came to development issues. It also led to the years after we recruited the big stars Ariane Hingst and Nadine Angerer to the club from Turbine.
“Djurgården / Älvsjö became involved in both national and international football during these years. Former gold coach Thomas Dennerby became the national team captain for the Swedish national team and took the World Cup bronze in 2011 (today the national team coach in India) Victoria Sandell (formerly Svensson) became sports manager in Djurgården Damfotboll and is today assistant national team captain starting in 2021, chairman Per Darnell took place in the federal board and we can a long list of players and leaders who have continued in football in various ways. It was an important time for Djurgården’s success and the development of club football.”
We then turned to the present day and first examined how coronavirus has impacted on the club.
Above: Jean Balawo, Djurgården IF’s Sports Director and Head of Girl’s Academy. Photo: Djurgården IF
“It has really made us think,” said Jean Balawo, “and forced the teams in Damallsvenskan to develop in a positive way – how you think and reflect even more and often regarding events, as well as travel. It has also made us review our existing facilities to ensure the highest quality from a health perspective. Of course, we must not forget that there can also be negative bits with the pandemic, but I have chosen to focus on us as a team and club in aspect to what we have learned during the pandemic.”
In terms of the last few years, Jean admitted that the club have not been as successful, but sees good signs for the future.
“Yes, it is true that we have had less successful seasons but the trend is slowly rising. We have changed direction in a number of ways. In my role as Sports Director, not being a managerial role anymore, allows me to see the club in a different way. We have focused on building the academy so that in the long run the players will be able to come from below and in that way reduce the number of completed imports. On the pitch, we play with greater self-confidence and you see development day by day.”
With the Damallsvenskan now back after a break of over a month for the Olympics, Jean outlined his aims for the rest of the season:
“Of course, it is a tough what we have ahead of us, however, we are prepared for what is to come. The team has gotten better and better the further into the season we’ve come. There has also been some new players who arrived late that we have had to integrate gradually. The goal is and has always been to stabilize our operations, around which we see a strong development. We will take one match at a time and always give everything regardless.”
Whilst the Damallsvenskan is no longer ranked as one of the very top leagues in Europe, Jean is clear that it is still full of quality football.
Above: Djurgården celebrate Sara Olai’s winning goal against KIF Örebro earlier in the season. Photo: Bildbyrån
“The Damallsvenskan as a brand is strong and the quality of the league is considered very high and will be for many more years to come. Swedish clubs can proudly rejoice that the players who leave Sweden are usually well-trained football players with awesome characters.
“Apart from two matches this year which had big score lines, the Damallsvenskan has had a lot of even matches with many one goal wins, it is a sign that the league is fairly even sports wise.”
We closed our discussion looking at the future generation of Djurgården players as Jean highlighted the player pathway from girls’ to senior football:
“We currently have an academy from the ages of 10-19 with employed coaches who are dedicated and motivated. We have our senior women’s team captain Sheila van den Bulk as the assistant coach in FA19 to help with the transition from junior to senior.
“We have also introduced something that we call an apprenticeship agreement where the club encourages A-team coaches to look at the F19 business with different eyes.”
There’s yet more W-League signing news with Brisbane Roar announcing two hometown heroes re-signing with the club and Western Sydney Wanderers handing a first W-League contract to Sheridan Gallagher.We hear from all three players and both head coaches.
Artwork: Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane Roar have announced Young Matildas midfielder Hollie Palmer and goalkeeper Georgie Worth as their latest W-League squad additions for the 2021/22 season.
Hollie Palmer is a Brisbane born, former Young Footballer of the Year nominee who made her top-flight debut with the Roar as a 16-year-old in October 2017.
She made 27 appearances in total across a three-season period before moving south to Melbourne City, but has now returned to the Sunshine State to join Garrath McPherson’s expanding group of homegrown talents.
“I’m super excited,” Palmer said. “Obviously I grew up playing most of my football in Queensland and to have the support of my family around me is a bonus. I can’t wait to put the orange jersey on again. I’ve played under Garrath before so I’m familiar with his coaching style. We sat down and talked about goals I want to achieve in the next few months. He’s been supportive of that.”
Though still just 20, Palmer feels ready to step into a senior role in an exciting Roar side. “I’ve played in the W-League for a few years now and I know what it’s all about. I think I can be a bit of a leader in that sense. I know a lot of the girls will have played together or against each other before. I think it will be a really smooth transition. I just can’t wait to get started.”
McPherson described Palmer as a “learner” who is “always seeking ways to improve.” “It is so great to be able to bring a midfielder of Hollie’s quality back home to Queensland,” the Roar Head Coach said, “she has an exceptional technique that shines through in her range and variety of ball striking.”
“She is also an incredibly positive person. It inspires those around her to be the same, an important quality for leaders in any team. Hollie is focused on becoming the best footballer she can be.”
Above: Georgie Worth will be back between the sticks for her home town club this season. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
The club have also been able to re-sign yet another Brisbane born star in Georgie Worth. The 24-year-old has recommitted to the Roar after breaking into the starting XI last term, making nine appearances and recording four clean sheets.
“It’s nice to see some familiar faces from last season but also some girls returning to the Roar after a couple of years,” Worth said.
“It seems like we’re putting together a competitive squad with a lot of Queenslanders, which is nice to see.
“Some of the players have been playing together in the off-season, building that chemistry. That should definitely translate into the W-League, which is good. I worked with Garrath [McPherson] when he was assistant to Mel Andreatta and I’m really excited he’s now taken the role of Head Coach – I think he’s a great coach and a great person.
“I think he’ll be able to build a really competitive environment, which will benefit a lot of the younger players who are stepping into the team. It’s going to be a challenge without some of the experienced players but I’m looking forward to it and I think it will be nice to see how it all comes together.”
McPherson said he was “very happy” to secure Worth’s signature for the upcoming campaign. “George has been an integral part of the Brisbane Roar Women’s program for many years and will provide experience and leadership both on and off the field,” he said.
“She has an ability to make all members of a team feel welcome and has a high degree of empathy. I am sure that our new team members will benefit from the support she provides.
“George also has a great working relationship with our Goalkeeper Coach Brody Sams, and I am excited to see how she continues to improve this coming season. I know the Queensland football community will be just as happy as me that she is returning in goal!”
Wanderers Hand Gallagher First W-League Contract:
Above: Sheridan Gallagher in action for the Young Matildas against Thailand. Photo: Football Australia.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today confirmed the signing of Sheridan Gallagher for the upcoming W-League season.
The forward is set to play in her first season of the W-League competition with the Wanderers after honing her craft in the National Premier League Women’s competition and US College System with William Carey University.
Head coach Catherine Cannuli welcomed Gallagher to the club: “We look forward to watching her continue to grow and develop at the club.”
“It is very important that we continue to give young footballers the opportunity to be part of our W-League set-up and as we have seen over the last few seasons, their development has seen them earn starting positions at the club.”
Gallagher said she was excited for her first W-League season: “I am excited to have my first W-League contract with the Wanderers. All my hard-work has paid off and I am looking forward to playing and training with the team,” said Gallagher.
“From watching the Wanderers play, I know that they are a hard-working, cohesive and professional team. I am expecting the level of training and playing to be a step-up from the National Premier League Women’s.
“My goals are to firstly be part of the starting team and then to hopefully make Finals with the club.”
Abi Ticehurst updates us with all the action from Round Nineteen in the FAI WNL as Shelbourne gained a vital win to close the gap on Peamount United at the top and Bohemians involved in a hugely important match in the context of the lower reaches of the table.
Above: Treaty United goal scorer Jenna Slattery beats Bohemians’ Sophie Watters in a clash between the two sides earlier in the season. Photo: Limerick Leader.
Bohemians 5-1 Treaty United:
Bohs will be over the moon with this winning result in the wet, as they secured their fourth victory in their league campaign this season. Lisa Murphy opened the scoring for the side as she headed home, Erika Burke made it two before half time. Abbie Brophy, Chloe Darby and Lara Phibbs were also on the scoresheet for Bohemians too with a second header from Darby as they made the set piece look well drilled. A clean sheet wasn’t to be as Jenna Slattery converted from the penalty spot to give Treaty their consolation goal.
Shelbourne 4-0 Athlone Town:
An important day for Shelbourne for two reasons, a chance to reclaim top spot from Peamount United in the title race and a return from 18 months out with injury for Chloe Mustaki and they did not disappoint.
Inside 15 minutes, an Emily Whelan strike from 25 yards was fumbled by Abbigayle Royanne to put Shelbourne ahead. Jamie Finn then subsequently brought down in the box and Alex Kavanagh coolly slotted one home from the penalty spot to put the Shels 2-0 up. Saoirse Noonan was also taken down in the box but unable to convert her own chance to make it three. Leah Doyle was there to ensure the third as she snuck in front of her defender to score at short range. Noonan put things to bed in the 88th minute, not before having missed a second penalty as she was once again denied by Royanne.
Galway WFC 6-1 Cork City:
Cork City were 1-0 up inside 15 minutes after a ‘screamer into the top corner’ by none other than Eve Mangan but that was to be the only action Cork would see for the rest of the game as Galway fought hard to secure the win at home.
Above: Eve Mangan kicked things off in style for Cork City at Galway. Photo: Salem Photos.
Chloe Singleton kicked things off for Galway as she scooped one in at the back post, before Kate Slevin and Emma Starr put the home side 3-1 up at the half time whistle. Cork looked to have the wind taken out their sails in the second half as the relentless efforts of Galway continued, Aoife Thompson making an impact from the bench inside the six yard box. Starr with a brace as she took aim but was denied by Abbey McCarthy before nabbing the rebound to make it five. Not to be outdone , Ellie O’Flaherty struck at goal just before the final whistle to finish the game with six goals for the hosts.
In other news
The game between DLR Waves and Wexford Youths was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
Peamount United’s UEFA Women’s Champions League tie with FC Nike Tbilisi on Saturday 21st August was initially postponed then cancelled due to a positive Covid-19 test within the Georgian side’s camp. The matter of result now remains in the hands of UEFA and evidence will be submitted to the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, for a decision to be taken in accordance with Annex H of the Regulations.
Team
Pld
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD +/-
Pts
Peamount United
16
14
1
1
48
11
+37
43
Shelbourne
17
14
1
2
47
13
+34
43
Wexford Youths
16
12
3
1
41
11
+30
39
DLR Waves
17
9
2
5
27
16
+11
29
Galway
17
5
3
9
28
38
-10
18
Bohemians
17
4
2
11
26
36
-10
14
Cork City
17
2
4
11
19
43
-24
10
Treaty United
17
2
3
12
24
66
-42
9
Athlone Town
17
1
5
11
19
45
-26
8
Next Fixtures
Saturday 28th August Cork City v Shelbourne (14:00)
Galway v Bohemians (14:00)
Wexford Youths v Peamount United (18:30)
Athlone Town v Treaty United (19:00)
Impetus‘ Abi Ticehurst has been nominated in the Women’s Football Content categoryin the 2021 Football Content Awards. To vote for her, tweet the following message:
I am voting for @abfrti1 in @The_FCAs for #BestInWomensFootball
Impetus’ North American Women’s Football expert Catherine Paquette brings us up to date with all the action from the NWSL.
Above: Washington Spirit celebrate Ashley Sanchez’s winning goal against Orlando Pride. Photo: Washington Post.
The past week in the National Women’s Soccer League was an odd one. Racing Louisville and the Chicago Red Stars participated in the inaugural staging of The Women’s Cup. While their first game also doubled as a NWSL match, their weekend matches against Bayern and PSG were exhibition cup games. Racing went on to win the cup by beating German champions Bayern Munich, a massive win for a club with less than six months of play under their belt.
The Portland Thorns and the Houston Dash for their part competed in the Women’s International Champions Cup, with FC Barcelona and l’Olympique Lyonnais also participating. The Thorns went on to beat OL for the title of World’s Best Club. The Dash finished fourth after having being beaten by Barça in the third place game.
The NWSL though did go ahead with four games. The first, already mentioned, occurred on Wednesday between Racing Louisville and the Chicago Red Stars. The double meaning of the match, being both an NWSL league game and a decider for the first place game of The Women’s Cup, resulted in even more high tempo play than one normally sees in the league.
The record attendance in Louisville also spurred the home side on. Ebony Salmon, who has been electric this year for Racing, stole the ball off a Red Stars defender in the 10th minute of the match and then proceeded to nutmeg Chicago’s goalkeeper to score.
Like they have in many games this year, Louisville had a greater percentage of possession. However, their transition and specifically their penetration into the final third was often lacking. Despite having more of the ball, they were outshot by the Red Stars. Chicago finally capitalized in the 57th minute thanks to a strike from Kealia Watt. Similar to Louisville’s goal, it was a defensive error that opened the door to Chicago’s equalizer.
The game ended 1-1 with each team taking home one point in the NWSL. Louisville would go on to progress to the final of The Women’s Cup through penalties. However, that result did not affect their standing in the league. They remain in ninth place, while Chicago remain in seventh. Both are currently out of play-off contention.
Two NWSL games occurred on the Saturday. The second placed North Carolina Courage faced the league’s current bottom placed side Kansas City. KC were hoping that their first franchise win the week before would continue their momentum in Carolina. It was not to be.
North Carolina decisively beat the visiting team. This is not to say that KC did not produce. Not only did they have more possession than their advisory, but also more shots and shots on goal as well. The difference was that like most of this year, KC could not convert attempts into goals.
North Carolina for their part had no problems with that this game. Lynn Williams opened the scoring in the 12th minute. This was followed by a wonderful Jess McDonald header in the 21st minute.
⚽️Goal for the Courage. @J_Mac1422 McDonald heads it in.
Former KC attacker Amy Rodriguez, who was traded to the Courage earlier this month, then made it three in the 64th minute. While North Carolina went down to ten players in the 75th minute, KC were not able to capitalize. It was the Courage’s Meredick Speck who did in the 91th minute of play, putting the hosts ahead 4-0, the final score of the match. While the Courage crept closer to first placed Portland in the league table, both teams’ positions remained unchanged after last weekend’s play.
The second Saturday match was between the OL Reign and Gotham FC. Ifeoma Onunomu, who has been electric this year, opened the scoring in the 10th minute of play. Well placed to receive the ball in the box she made a small deflection put it in. Her second goal, which came minutes later, was the fantastic one. Again receiving the ball in the box she managed to place her body in the proper position to one touch it past Sarah Bouhaddi.
⚽️Goal from Gotham🏙️! Another fantastic shot by @ify_on22 Onumonu to double the lead!
The Reign did not give up though despite the two goal deficit in the first fifteen minutes. They found their first goal in the second half, through a Kristen McNabb header. However, it was two successfully converted penalty kicks taken by Megan Rapinoe in the 78th and 91st minute of play that put OL ahead. The Reign won the match 3-2. The win put them in fourth position in the league, with Gotham FC falling to fifth.
The last NWSL weekend match was between the Washington Spirit and the Orlando Pride. Washington came out taking control of the game. However, despite dictating the pace and having good chances, they were not able to convert. The same occurred for the Pride. A number of missed chances and a double save by the Spirit’s Aubrey Bledsoe resulted in neither team finding the back of he net the first half.
It was the Pride’s Marta who scored a fantastic long range to the scoring in the 68th minute. However, just two minutes later the Spirit equalized. A cross into the box was badly deflected by Orlando’s defence straight to Ashley Sanchez who scored.
The goal of the game though occurred in the 89th minute. After Trinity Rodman received the ball in Orlando’s half off a great long pass from Tori Huster, the youngster did well to be patient with it. She then passed it to Ashley Sanchez who beat a defender and then from outside the box scored a rocket shot. The Spirit won the game 2-1.
The win put Washington in third place and dropped Orlando to sixth place. The league table has therefore separated at the top, with the Portland Thorns and the North Carolina Courage seven and five points ahead of the third and fourth placed teams. However, from third to ninth place only six points separate the teams with some clubs having one or two games at hand. Only KC are arguably out of playoff contention. The latter part of the National Women’s Soccer League season should be an exciting one.
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