Impetus’ African correspondent Esther Owusua Appiah-Feiupdates us on all the CAF Women’s Champions League action as the semi-finals took place.
Action from the semi-final between Mamelodi Sundowns (right) and Malabo Kings. Pic: CAF Women
The CAF Women’s Champions League has been nothing short of enthralling and riveting, capturing all the emotions as Africa and the world watch history unfold.
The Semi-Final matches of this tournament were nerve-wracking but managed to serve their purpose to many fans watching.
After an eventful group stage that saw hosts, Wadi Degla, River Angels, AS Mande, and Vihiga Queens exit, the stage was set for the final four to battle out to determine who made it to the final. The endearing yet enthralling Hasaacas Ladies were the first team to book their tickets to the finals after thumping ASFAR on a 2-1 scoreline. Mamelodi Sundowns were the second to book their tickets after a dramatic penalty shootout with Malabo Kings. The stage has been set, the big question which lingers on is “who is going to lift the trophy for the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League?” That question will be answered today (Friday 21st November).
Hasaacas Ladies are on an unbeaten record even after stubborn Wadi Degla held them to a 2-2 draw. Prior to that, they had beaten Malabo Kings (3-1) and AS Mande (3-0) and looked poised for the semi-finals. ASFAR on the other hand had quite a convincing win against River Angels but then shriveled in their next two group games where they were beaten by Vihiga Queens (2-0) and drew against Mamelodi Sundowns (0-0). Advancing into the semi-finals was a close shave after Vihiga Queens failed to capitalize on their initial three point advantage after losing to River Angels.
Hasaacas were to face ASFAR on Monday, November 15 for the first semi-final game and this was a knock-out game. Both teams knew the propensity of this match and what it meant to their fans and countrymen back home. Hasaacas as usual powered into the game with their signature attack-minded tactics. Doris Boaduwaa finally scored her long-awaited goal for the campaign to give Hasaacas Ladies the lead.
Above: ASFAR Queens (right) take on Hasaaacs. Photo: CAF Women.
ASFAR responded after Najt Badri converted Fatima’s cross into the back of the net to cancel the deficit. The second half saw both teams determined to find that pivotal goal which can etch their names in history, That breaking point happened after Doris Boaduwaa surged forward on a powerful run where she launched the ball into the box of ASFAR and super striker Evelyn Badu was at the right place to convert it into a goal.
Hasaacas Ladies took the lead but prior to that, Perpetual Agyekum missed a penalty kick but the resiliency of this team manifested when they regained their lead. Try as ASFAR may, they couldn’t level the scoreline and Hasaacas sailed through to the finals of the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League. The celebration was definitely out of this world and they were going to write history in the best possible form.
The game between Mamelodi Sundowns and Malabo Kings was undoubtedly a massive headliner. Mamelodi Sundowns proved they are the queens of the conservative style of football in the competition thus far. They haven’t conceded any goal from open play and defensively, they are simply the best.
The game against Malabo did not hinder their proclivity to step up and defend. That was a style they weren’t going to compromise on. The game was majorly a midfield hassle but try as Malabo may, they were unable to break the defensive line of the Mamelodi Sundowns. Stephanie Drepoba, the star player for the Kings was injured in the early moments of the game and though she was treated, she just couldn’t find her rhythmic flow especially with her frontline partners Grace Bolongi and Bella Rose. Mamelodi’s Zanelenhlapho was always there to keep them in check. Both teams had to be extremely tactical to create chances but that only exposed how lagging their frontline was. The game bled into extra-time and eventually penalties. Mamelodi Sundowns stood tall against Malabo Kings after a dramatic penalty shootout which ended 6-5 Mamelodi.
Mamelodi Sundowns earned their berth for the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League against Hasaacas Ladies on Friday, November 19, 2021.
Malabo Kings will go head to head with ASFAR in the third-place playoff game on Thursday, November 18.
Artwork: CAF Women
Esther Owusua Appiah-Fei will review the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League Final for Impetus in the coming days.
With the FAI Women’s National League season concluding last weekend, Impetus sponsored striker Carla McManus of DLR Waves, who finished in fourth place in Ireland’s top tier – their best-ever finish – reviewed her season with Ben Gilby and looked ahead to 2022.
Above: Carla jumps for joy after scoring for DLR Waves earlier this season. Photo supplied by: DLR Waves
It’s been a dramatic season in the FAI WNL with the title race between Shelbourne and Peamount United only decided in the second half of the final match of the season. Just behind the top two was DLR Waves, who recorded a club-best fourth-place finish.
The Waves’ top scorer was Impetus sponsored Carla McManus, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at U16, U17 and U19 level. It’s been a particularly memorable season for her.
“It’s been a great year with college, football, and turning 21. A massive difference to 2020 where I couldn’t play and was only coming back from injury, it’s a great feeling to get a full season under my belt. Looking back on the year it’s been predominantly good memories. Obviously, a few losses in football but overall, massive improvements are being made.”
The season was hugely exciting in the FAI WNL, and Carla gave her opinion of an incredible title race and identified what she thinks DLR Waves need to do in order to challenge next time around.
“I think that the league is a lot closer than it was in previous years, with all teams putting in some big performances and a few shock results. For ourselves, we wanted to get into the top three or four on the table and we accomplished fourth position with three games to go. But we definitely are capable of beating the top three teams, I feel we need to capitalize on our chances and be more clinical in finishing them. The results against the top three have always been fine margins, which is frustrating. To break into the top three we need to beat those sides regularly, which I know, at our strongest, we can do.”
Above: Carla goes for goal for DLR Waves during this FAI WNL season. Photo supplied by: DLR Waves.
“For me personally, I feel that I have had a good season, I stayed fit for it all apart from a few dodgy ankle moments but overall I’m delighted to actually be able to play this year. I’ve scored eight goals, I would have liked a few more but that’ll be my aim for next year.
I think I have improved with my link-up play with midfielders and my runs into the box, I’m in the right position in the box so it’s only a matter of time until the crosses find me and fall to me in the right areas. I will continue to work on these things and also just being more direct and confident in myself to carry the ball to bring back how I used to play pre-injury.
“It’s still a mental battle and there’s more in me that I feel has been a bit held back because of my injury in the back of my mind but it’s something I’ll definitely work on!”
For Carla one of the major reasons behind the continuing improvement at DLR Waves is the atmosphere on and off the pitch.
“Waves are a very professional club, we try to do everything as if we were a professional team. The competition is high and nobody is guaranteed a place, you work for your place and that’s an atmosphere you will thrive in, which I love.
“The club is a very comfortable and happy place to be, we are all rooting for each other and building together. The craic off the pitch is great, we have a great laugh and everybody gets on well. There is a great hype around the training grounds too, when somebody does something good we all hype each other.”
Carla spoke of how she has appreciated the support of Impetus this season in terms of sponsorship.
Above: Eyes on the prize – Carla McManus looks forward to a big 2022 with her club. Photo supplied by: DLR Waves.
“The sponsorship is great for exposure. Impetus are really nice and it’s great that they are supporting me and DLR from afar. It’s good to know that there’s a group of people outside the FAI WNL circle rooting for me and the team and clapping for our successes. It gives a chance for WNL exposure over in the UK and further afield.”
It is not just the FAI WNL that has been making great strides this season, the Republic of Ireland women’s national team has been awarded equal pay with their male counterparts. Something which has been a long time coming, as Carla reflected.
“I know that the senior women have gone from struggling with keeping their travelling gear and tracksuits to getting equal pay. I think that speaks volumes for the steps being made to more equality between men and women in Irish football. There is a long way to go and we need a lot more support at our games from supporters of football to get anywhere near the men’s game. But it’s improving bit by bit.”
With the 2021 season now over, Carla turned her thoughts to the New Year and what she wants to achieve over the next few months.
“I am beyond excited for off-season training. I will be working with strength and conditioning coach John Sullivan and a nutrition coach to get better in the offseason, John will help me with the gym and the gym is my happy place when I’m not on the pitch so I’m really looking forward to working there to enhance my on-pitch performance.
“I am also in contact with a nutrition coach to get the best out of my gym programs. Going into pre-season in January I will be strong, fit, and buzzing to go.”
With the approach of the next International Window, both Wales and Northern Ireland have unveiled their squads for their two matches. We bring you all the news:
Photo: Wales will be looking for further celebrations in their next two games. Photo: Kunjan Malde/FAW.
Gemma Grainger has announced a 26-player squad as Wales look to continue their unbeaten form in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Wales will face Greece at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday 26 November (KO 19:15) before heading to Guingamp in Britanny to face group leaders France on Tuesday 30 November.
Grainger’s side goes into the matches second in the group after three wins and a draw to start the campaign. Wales will be without Rachel Rowe who misses out due to injury and Hannah Cain who suffered an ACL injury a week after winning her first Welsh cap last month. Maria Francis-Jones returns to the squad after captaining the U19s last month to promotion to League A in the 2022 UEFA WU19 EURO Qualifying Round.
Squad: Laura O’SULLIVAN (Cardiff City Ladies), Olivia CLARK (Coventry United), Poppy SOPER (Plymouth Argyle), Hayley LADD (Manchester United), Gemma EVANS (Reading), Rhiannon ROBERTS (Liverpool), Esther MORGAN (Tottenham Hotspur), Maria FRANCIS-JONES (Manchester City), Lily WOODHAM (Reading), Morgan ROGERS (Tottenham Hotspur), Sophie INGLE (Chelsea), Anna FILBEY (Charlton Athletic), Angharad JAMES (North Carolina Courage), Josie GREEN (Tottenham Hotspur), Charlie ESTCOURT (Coventry United), Jess FISHLOCK (OL Reign), Carrie JONES (Manchester United), Chloe WILLIAMS (Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Manchester United), Ffion MORGAN (Bristol City), Megan WYNNE (Charlton Athletic), Natasha HARDING (Reading), Ceri HOLLAND (Liverpool), Kayleigh GREEN (Brighton & Hove Albion), Helen WARD (Watford), Elise HUGHES (Charlton Athletic), Georgia WALTERS (Liverpool).
Above: Northern Ireland will be looking to get back to winning ways after their defeat to England at Wembley last month where they put up a fantastic performance. Photo: IFA.
Northern Ireland manager Kenny Shiels has made a couple of changes to his squad for this month’s home and away FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifiers against North Macedonia.
Shiels’ side are away to the Macedonians first – on Thursday 25 November – with the game being staged at the Football Federation of North Macedonia Training Centre in Skopje.
And then it’s back home for the second meeting. That encounter is on Monday 29 November at Seaview and all tickets for the game have already been sold.
The Northern Ireland senior women’s team boss has gone with his usual blend of youth and experience in his 23-strong panel for the matches in Skopje and Belfast.
Northern Ireland are strong favourites to win home and away against the Macedonians, however Shiels and his players will not be taking anything for granted as the Macedonians defeated Latvia 4-1 away last month – and that was a similar scoreline to Northern Ireland’s home success against the Latvians back in September.
Birmingham City Women defender Rebecca Holloway, who missed last month’s double header through injury, returns to the fold.
And Crusaders Strikers defender Rachel McLaren, who was Holloway’s replacement in October, retains her place in the squad.
Above: Simone Magill and Nadene Calwell will be hoping for lots of opportunities to celebrate in the home and away games with North Macedonia. Photo: IFA
Also back in the panel is Cliftonville Ladies striker Caitlin McGuinness, who missed out last month.
Missing out this time are Southampton Women defender Laura Rafferty and Crusaders Strikers striker Emily Wilson, who is injured.
Cliftonville Ladies defender Toni-Leigh Finnegan is not available once again due to injury, while still recovering from long term injuries are Rangers Women midfielder Megan Bell and Linfield Ladies pair Ashley Hutton and Abbie Magee.
Northern Ireland currently lie third behind England and Austria in European Qualifying Group D. They have seven points from four qualifiers to date. North Macedonia are in fourth place in the six-team group with three points from four matches.
The girls in green and white began their quest for a place at the Women’s World Cup in 2023 – it is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand – with a 4-0 win over Luxembourg in Larne followed by a 4-0 victory over Latvia in Belfast back in September.
Last month they were defeated 4-0 by the group’s top seeds, England, at Wembley and then drew 2-2 with Austria at home.
Squad:
Goalkeepers – Jackie Burns (Lee University/Glentoran Women), Becky Flaherty (Huddersfield Town Women), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Crusaders Strikers).
Overnight, Australia announced their 25 player squad for their doubleheader against the USA at the end of this month. Head coach Tony Gustavsson revealed the reasons behind his selections
Above: The Matildas face the World Champions twice at the end of this month with their all-time attendance record set to be smashed. Photo: Football Australia.
Australia have revealed their squad for the upcoming two-match international series against the U.S. Women’s National Team.
Head Coach Tony Gustavsson has continued to embrace a combination of experience and youth as the Matildas prepare to face the current FIFA Women’s World Cup champions at Stadium Australia in Sydney (27th November) and McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle (30th November).
This will be the first time the Matildas have played at Stadium Australia as they look to break their attendance record of 33,600 set against Sweden at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium has become a regular host to Australia in recent years with this being the fourth game held there in five years. The last time they played in the Hunter, 14,014 supporters saw Australia defeat Vietnam 5-0 in the first leg of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Qualifier play-offs.
Having met on 31 previous occasions, the U.S. Women’s National Team are the Australia’s third most regular opponent. While the United States leads the head-to-head, clashes in recent years have produced some world-class football and goal-filled matches.
“There truly is no more exciting challenge for the team than to be taking on the world number one team, in front of thousands of passionate fans, in the stadium where the FIFA Women’s World Cup final will be played in 2023,” said Gustavsson.
Above: Jessika Nash, who received her first international call-up shown in action for her previous club Canberra United. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images.
“This could not be a better dress rehearsal for a World Cup final and we are going to treat it in the same way. From when we arrive, to those match days with what we hope will be record crowds, this is our chance to prepare for the big moments that want to be a part of in 2023.”
Captain Sam Kerr and vice-captain Steph Catley headline the 21 players returning from October’s Brazil series. While experienced England-based duo Hayley Raso and Emily Gielnik are recalled following recovery from injury, with the latter in line to record her 50th international appearance for the Matildas.
At the other end of the spectrum, Young Matildas centre-back, Jessika Nash, and forward Charlize Rule will receive their first senior team introduction as they join the significant cohort of players in 2021 to be provided with the opportunity to experience the national team training environment.
“In selecting the squad, balance was at the heart of the decision making,” said Gustavsson. “We know that this is our final occasion to see the group together before announcing the squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup next year, and our focus remains on this crucial preparation.”
“However, with another camp at home, we didn’t want to miss the chance to expose another two young players to our standards and team philosophy, and to find out whether they can be a part of the building of depth towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.”
Name
Position
Club
Caps (goals)
Mackenzie Arnold
Goalkeeper
West Ham United
27 (0)
Angela Beard
Back
Fortuna Hjørring
2 (0)
Ellie Carpenter
Back
Lyon
52 (1)
Steph Catley
Back
Arsenal WFC
94 (3)
Kyra Cooney-Cross
Midfielder
Melbourne Victory
12 (0)
Caitlin Foord
Forward
Arsenal WFC
94 (21)
Mary Fowler
Forward
Montpellier
18 (5)
Emily Gielnik
Forward
Aston Villa
49 (11)
Charlotte Grant
Back
FC Rosengård
2 (0)
Bryleeh Henry
Forward
Western Sydney Wanderers
2 (0)
Alanna Kennedy
Back
Manchester City
101 (8)
Sam Kerr
Forward
Chelsea
102 (49)
Teagan Micah
Goalkeeper
FC Rosengård
7 (0)
Jessika Nash
Back
Sydney FC
0 (0)
Courtney Nevin
Back
Melbourne Victory
5 (0)
Clare Polkinghorne
Back
Vittsjö GIK
138 (13)
Hayley Raso
Forward
Manchester City
56 (6)
Karly Roestbakken
Back
LSK Kvinner
7 (0)
Charlize Rule
Forward
Sydney FC
0 (0)
Remy Siemsen
Forward
Sydney FC
1 (0)
Kyah Simon
Forward
Tottenham Hotspur
103 (26)
Emily van Egmond
Midfielder
Orlando Pride
110 (23)
Clare Wheeler
Midfielder
Fortuna Hjørring
3 (0)
Lydia Williams
Goalkeeper
Arsenal WFC
94 (0)
Tameka Yallop
Midfielder
West Ham United
99 (11)
For the third match in a row, a Matilda is set to hit their century with midfielder Tameka Yallop on the cusp of the milestone. Yallop would be the fifth player this year to record 100 international appearances and the 12th Australian woman in history. The West Ham United star would join Emily van Egmond (110), Kyah Simon (103), Sam Kerr (102) and Kennedy (101) as the Matildas 2021 centurions.
Another potential milestone could be reached by Sam Kerr over the two games. The Western Australian is just one goal away from equalling the Australian goalscoring record and two goals away from passing Tim Cahill (50) on the leader board for international goals.
Above: Charlize Rule (right) – a dream first international call-up for the Sydney FC youngster. Photo: Sydney FC
Charlize Rule and Jessika Nash are the latest players to make the leap from the Women’s Talent ID camps, with the teens looking to build on that introduction to senior high performance. Instituted off the back of the findings of the women’s Performance Gap report, the Women’s Talent ID camps have resulted in 16 players being identified and provided with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the international level.
Some big news in the Scottish Women’s Premier Leagues over the past two days with the October player of the month awards announced and a major title sponsor for the competition unveiled17/11/21.
Above: Rangers’ Rachel McLauchlan with the SWPL 1 Player of the Month Trophy. Photo: Rangers FC/Kirk O’Rourke.
SWPL Player of the Month Winners Announced:
Rachel McLauchlan of Rangers has been voted as the winner of the SWPL 1 Player of the Month for October 2021 while Cara Henderson of Glasgow Women is the winner of the SWPL 2 award.
Both players received the highest number of public votes as well as securing the most votes from the Head Coaches within both divisions.
In the month of October, Rangers won three out of four games in the league including a 1-0 away victory over title chasers Hibernian. They also came away with a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Glasgow City, a result that kept them undefeated and top of the table.
In her role as full-back, McLauchlan played a vital part in Rangers’ attacking threat. She provided four assists in October and created a total of nine chances in their four games. This included a dominant performance against Aberdeen where she provided three assists, 12 crosses, and three shots on target.
Speaking from the Rangers Training Centre, McLauchlan said: “I’m delighted to win this. Winning individual awards is always nice but the key thing for me in October was the results as a team. We had some really important games and we’ve come away winning three out of four and undefeated.
“I feel like I’m contributing to the team really well at the moment. We’ve only conceded three goals in the league and I’ve got seven assists already. We’re in a really great place as a team so want to keep that momentum going for the remainder of 2021 and into 2022.”
Above: Glasgow Women’s Cara Henderson with her SWPL 2 Player of the Month Trophy. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Scottish Women’s Football.
In SWPL 2 Glasgow Women’s Cara Henderson was voted as Player of the Month as her side won all three of their games in October.
The midfielder played a key role for her side, scoring in their victories over Queen’s Park and Stirling University and also troubling Boroughmuir Thistle in their 3-2 away win.
Speaking from Glasgow Women’s home at Budhill Park, Henderson said: “I’m really pleased to have won this award, especially over such tough competition. I was delighted just to be nominated but this is extra special.
“It’s amazing to be playing a part in the teams’ success. I think a lot of people underestimated us coming into the new season but we’re top of the league for a reason. We want to stay there. If we can maintain our current form, there’s no reason why we can’t.
Also nominated for the SWPL 1 award was Leanne Crichton (Motherwell) and Lauren Davidson (Glasgow City) while Lisa Swanson (Kilmarnock) and Rebecca Robertson (Stirling University) were nominated for the SWPL 2 award.
SWPL Title Sponsors Announced:
Above: Scottish Women’s Football CEO Aileen Campbell with a representative from each of the SWPL 1 teams at the unveiling of Park’s Motor Group as the title sponsors of the two SWPL leagues. Photo: Colin Poultney/Collarge Images
Park’s Motor Group have been confirmed as the sponsor of the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) for the 2021/22 season as part of an exciting new commercial agreement for the league.
The deal ensures the continuation of a headline sponsor for the top women’s league in Scotland.
Scottish Women’s Football’s (SWF) Chief Executive Officer, Aileen Campbell, said: “This is a positive development for the girls’ and women’s game. Since my arrival as CEO, I know how important commercial income is to ensure we continue to grow the game and this deal is another step forward.
“This deal is a further sign that the game here in Scotland is deserving of recognition and investment. This will be the fifth continuous season that the SWPL has had a title sponsor. I want to thank all those involved in our game for helping make that possible and for continuing to help us grow and develop the sport we all love.”
Park’s Motor Group’s Marketing Director, Graeme Park, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the women’s game at this exciting time. Park’s has a rich history within the men’s game, with our coaches being used by many teams across the years as well as providing sponsorship and support to many clubs. We’re excited to be extending our involvement in Scottish football and helping to further grow the national game.”
SWF Chair, Vivienne MacLaren, added: “This is a historic moment for SWF, the SWPL, and the entire game. To have a brand such as Park’s Motor Group show their support to girls’ and women’s football in Scotland is a sign of the work that has been done and the progress we plan to make.
“The COVID pandemic was difficult for everyone and I’m sure many had concerns about the momentum of the game. However, today’s deal showcases that the Scottish game is more attractive to commercial sponsors and partners than ever before.”
Artwork provided to Impetus by: Scottish Women’s Football
Above: Sam Kerr pictured for the media this afternoon after extending her deal at Kingsmoeado for another two years. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Chelsea FCW.
Chelsea announce this afternoon that forward Sam Kerr has extended her contract at the club for a further two years – until the summer of 2024.
Following a stellar debut full season with the club, Kerr has become an integral part of the squad since joining midway through the 2019 season, with 39 goals in 47 appearances to her name.
Australia’s all time leading female scorer has now penned a new deal to stay at the club for at least another two years beyond this season and spoke of her excitement.
“It’s really exciting. I’m really happy at the club. We’ve had good success, being at a club like Chelsea is an amazing opportunity.
“The time was just right, I feel really comfortable being here. I think the club gives me every opportunity to succeed as a player. I can’t see myself going anywhere else in the world or leaving Europe, having what I have at Chelsea.
“The time was right, honestly, I didn’t feel like I wanted to rush into anything, just like signing here the first time, it just happened naturally.
The Matildas captain also discussed what drew her to stay at the club, commenting: “The team speaks for itself, every day at training playing with world-class players; getting challenged every day and winning trophies at the same time.
“I hadn’t won much when I came here and after last season, I think it’s just a no-brainer for me to stay.”
Above: Sam Kerr signing her contract extension with Chelsea FC General Manager Paul Green. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Chelsea FCW
General manager Paul Green added: “We are absolutely delighted that Sam has extended her deal with the club. She is quite simply one of the world’s best strikers and goalscorers.
“We look to continue to build on our recent successes, and Sam will play a big role in achieving those targets in the future.’
The 28-year-old is no stranger to winning awards, having scooped the Golden Boot for the Barclays Women’s Super League 2020/21 season with 21 goals in 22 matches. It is an accolade she has received two previous times as top scorer in the US and Australia, making her the first player to ever win it across three different leagues, in three different continents.
Looking back at the achievement, the East Fremantle-born star said: “I don’t go out there to win golden boots, I just go out there to give everything I can to the team and help the team to succeed and win trophies.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s nice when I do win them but that’s not my main goal at the start of the year. It’s a nice reward, but if I won golden boot after golden boot and no trophies, it wouldn’t be that rewarding to me. So that’s why last season winning the golden boot and winning the league was really rewarding because finally, it meant something.”
As well as the Golden Boots, during her time at Chelsea the number 20 has also secured back-to-back league and Continental Cup wins and last season also came out top in the Community Shield, as well as reaching the final of the Women’s Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
The forward is also on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or for the third time in her career and most recently, was nominated for BBC’s Footballer of the Year for the fourth time.
Kerr has also enjoyed a successful international career, most recently captaining the Matildas to their best-ever Olympic placing, at Tokyo 2020.
Commenting on sharing the news of her extension with fans and looking forward to what is to follow, the forward added: “I’m just excited, especially after the Covid year and now welcoming them back to Kingsmeadow. It’s been such a buzz having them back.
“I’m really proud to play for Chelsea and I feel our fan base at Chelsea is special. You see the same faces around Kingsmeadow, so for me, I just want to make up for lost time. More goals and more trophies!”
Above: Aleesha Collins, who put in a stunning performance on her FA Cup debut, drives at the Middlesbrough defence once more. Photo: Munro Sports Photography
From Chorley Women FC
The First Round Proper of the Vitality FA Cup saw fourth-tier Chorley drawn against third-tier Middlesbrough. After last week’s defeat in the League Cup the squad were looking forward to putting things right on the pitch. Due to injury, illness, and unavailability Manager Ben Gooden had to make several changes to his squad.
Boro started the brighter of the two sides but, Chorley had the best of the chances when Collins burst through the Boro defence with only the keeper to beat but, her shot hit the side netting. Minutes later, the visitors deservedly opened the scoring on 17 minutes – Faye Dale with a great strike from 15 yards. Soon after Dale doubled her tally when a speculative low drive went through a body of players and nestled into the bottom corner.
At this point and against higher opposition Chorley could have capitulated but Manager Ben Gooden has instilled a unity and never say die attitude in this special group of players and instead, Chorley rallied and grew into the game. It was 16-year-old Aleesha Collins on her FA Cup debut who started the come back when she drove at the Boro defence beating several players before calmly putting the ball in the net.
It was Collins again who had a wonderful chance to equalize just before halftime but her touch took her wide and the Boro defence managed to recover. Chorley had not been outplayed in the first half and had created the better chances but Boro had dominated possession.
The home side came out the stronger of the two sides after the break but found themselves 1-3 down when Eve Marshall scored another well-driven shot for Boro. It wasn’t long before Chorley replied, Cleary was dragged down in the box, the ensuing penalty was saved by the Boro keeper but Collins was on hand to tap in the rebound 2-3. Chorley pressed for the equaliser and it came on 50 minutes when Collins was in the right place at the right time again to complete an FA Cup hat trick.
On 61 minutes, Dale completed her hat trick for Boro with another clinical finish and the North-Eastern side once again took the initiative in this game. However just five minutes later Collins scored her fourth goal of the game coolly putting the ball in the top corner from close range on the volley 4-4. Boro were shell-shocked. Chorley piled on the pressure but couldn’t get the winning goal and extra time loomed. Full Time 4-4.
Both teams ran themselves into the ground in the extra half-hour, Chorley having the best chance to win the game when the ball landed at Searson’s feet 5 yards out but she could only put the ball right into the keeper’s arms. FT 4-4 Penalties!
Chorley took first and Captain Laura Walker stepped up and fired high into the net 1-0
Boro then missed their first penalty 1-0
Charlotte Evans scored her penalty for Chorley 2-0
Boro scored theirs 2-1
Lisa Topping scored for Chorley 3-1
Boro miss 3-1
Who else but 16 year old Collins took the fourth penalty for Chorley and chaos ensued as her spot kick crashed into the back of the net sending Chorley into the Second Round Proper.
Collins (rightly so) stole the limelight for what was an astonishing performance but it should be noted that every single player in the squad gave everything and the supporters were immense.
On Women’s Football Weekend this was an incredible game and both teams deserve high praise.
Congratulations to Gooden and his team for reaching the Second Round and for their part in what was one of the most remarkable games this reporter has witnessed in 15 years at the Club
The Second Round Draw has seen Chorley drawn at home to fellow FA Women’s National League Division One North side Bradford City which will be played on Sunday 28th Novmber at 1pm.
Chorley are in action again this Sunday at Blainscough Park vs Morecambe Ladies, KO 2pm
Above: Incredible scenes at the final whistle as Chorley celebrate their win on penalties after coming from 3-1 and 4-3 down. Photo: Munro Sports Photography.
CHORLEY: Emma Bradley, Isabel Catlow, Lisa Topping, Megan Searson, Katie Holt, Laura Walker, Charlotte Evans, Carra Jones, Aleesha Collins, Rachel Hindle, Rachel Wood. Subs: Ellie Cleary (46’), Katie Matthews (115’), Ellie Mills, Kerry Nickson, Emma Hickson.
Impetus‘ French editor Jean-Pierre Thiesset was pitchside EXCLUSIVELY for us as Olympique Lyonnais recorded a sensational result against their big rivals Paris St. Germain. He also rounds up all the weekend’s other action in the D1 Arkema15/11/21.
Above: Ada Hegerberg converts Ellie Carpenter’s cross to put Lyon 5-1 up over Paris St. Germain. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Olympique Lyonnais recorded a sensational 6-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain, the team who ended their dominant run both in the D1 Arkema and the UEFA Champions League last season.
In a game where Paris SG had only two shots, Lyon set the record straight and never gave any chance to Paris SG to win the game. The statistics show the total domination of Lyon: 59% of possession, 416 passes with 81% successful, 17 shots with 13 on target, 7 corners. For Paris SG, 41% of possession, 309 passes with 72% successful, two shots on target, one corner.
We saw on the field that Lyon’s players wanted to show who was the boss in D1 Arkema this year and that they were back to win everything. All players were fully involved, and it is difficult to identify one player as the standout star of the game.
The return of Selma Bacha on the left-wing of the attack brought more possibilities to the team. Bacha, although she was a little diminished due to her recent quadriceps injury played with heavy strapping and posed a lot of problems to PSG defence during the 58 minutes she was on the field. Bacha delivered two decisive passes in the 18th minute for Daniëlle Van De Donk and the 53rd minute for Melvine Malard.
The performance of Daniëlle Van De Donk who was seen everywhere on the field, also needs to be celebrated. On top of this, she scored in the 18th minute.
This game saw also the return of Ada Hegerberg on the score sheet after almost two years. Entering the pitch at the 74th minute, Hegerberg scored twice, with her left foot at the 79th minute from Ellie Carpenter’s cross from the right side and with a header after 82 minutes from Perle Morroni’s cross from the left side.
Goals for Lyon: Catarina Macario (15′ pen), Daniëlle Van De Donk (18′), Melvine Malard (53′), Damaris Egurrola (59′), Ada Hegerberg (79′, 82′).
Goal for Paris SG: Amanda Ilestedt (75′).
Red card: Ashley Elizabeth Lawrence (26′).
The game in photos from Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus:
Above: Daniëlle Van De Donk converts Selma Bacha’s cross to make it 2-0. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.
Above: 30th minute, Sonia Bompastor (Lyon head coach) gives instructions to Daniëlle Van De Donk. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiersset.
Above: 53rd minute, Melvine Malard makes it 3-0 from on Selma Bacha’s cross. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: 59th minute, Damaris Egurrola makes it 4-0 from Catarina Macario’s cross. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.
Above: 75th minute, Amanda Ilestedt gets a goal back for Paris St. Germain from Sara Daebritz’s ball in. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.
Above: 82nd minute, Ada Hegerberg converts Perle Morroni’s cross to make it 6-1. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Elsewhere in Round Eight, Bordeaux won 3-1 away from home against Paris FC. While Paris FC had more ball possession than Bordeaux, 57% against 43%, and better statistics Bordeaux had more shots than Paris FC, 23 shots with nine on target against 11 shots with three on target. Being more efficient when they had the ball, Bordeaux logically won this game closing on the 4th place in the standing and stopping a series of 3 wins in a row of Paris FC.
Goals for Bordeaux from Vanessa Gilles (4), Mélissa Gomes (22), Eve Périsset (90+5). Goal for Paris FC from Clara Matéo (75). Red card: Oriane Jean-François after 2 yellow cards (18 and 51).
Fleury won away from home 4-0 against Saint-Etienne. In a game dominated by Saint-Etienne if we just look at the statistics, Fleury was a lot more efficient when they had the ball. Game statistics: For Fleury, 41% of possession, 337 passes with 70% successful, 11 shots with five on target, three corners; For Saint-Etienne, 59% of possession, 475 passes with 77% successful, 12 shots with three on target, two corners. As a matter of fact, Fleury’s defense stopped most of Saint-Etienne attacks well helped by their goalkeeper, Katriina Talaslahti, who put in yet another good performance and gained once more a clean sheet for Fleury. Talaslahti made three stops from shots on target (9th minute at ground level on a free kick from 25 metres, 45th+2 minute at ground level on a shot near her right post, 74th minute in the air on a shot from 25 metres), one catch on a cross (70th), two clearances on Saint-Etienne shots (47th minute with her fists on a corner, 85th minute with her hands on a close shot from her right). Fleury are now fourth in the table only three points behind third placed Paris FC. Saint-Etienne have lost four games in a row are now one off the bottom with only four points like Issy (10th) and Soyaux (12th).
Goals for Fleury: Maria Diaz (39), Marine Dafeur (45), Nikola Karczewska (57, 90+2).
Montpellier beat Issy 3-0 at home. It was a straightforward win for Montpellier who dominated this game as shown by the statistics: For Montpellier, 64% of possession, 525 passes with 82% successful, 16 shots with eight on target, five corners; For Issy, 36% of possession, 301 passes with 64% successful, 14 shots with seven on target, five corners. With this win, Montpellier stays in the middle of the table and Issy in the bottom. To be noted, the great performance of Mary Fowler who crucified Issy by scoring twice at the 61st minute, two minutes after entering in the game for Ashleigh Weerden, and at the 63rd minute. Goals for Montpellier: Maelys Mpomé (12), Mary Fowler (61, 63).
Guingamp were not able to do better than a draw 2-2 at home against Soyaux, who are bottom of the table. In a game edged by Guingamp (58% of possession), both teams scored alternatively without being able to keep the lead when they had it.
Goals for Guingamp: Maïwen Renard (57), Laurie Teinturier (64); Goals for Soyaux: Marie-Charlotte Léger (37 penalty), Laura Bourgouin (84).
Dijon obtained a draw 1-1 away from home against Reims. In a game just edged by Dijon (58% of possession), both teams had problems creating opportunities and scored only a single goal each. Both teams had the same results on their four last games (Loss, Win, Win, Loss) and continue together.
Goal for Reims: Melchie Dumornay (29); Goal for Dijon: Jenna Dear (43).
Above: Leanne Kiernan celebrates after finally breaking the deadlock in the battle of the top two in the Championship. Photo: @LiverpoolFCW
By Ben Gilby
Liverpool gained a hugely important win in their bid to return to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League at the second attempt after winning the battle of the top two at Maiden Castle.
Goals in the final quarter of an hour from Leanne Kiernan and Taylor Hinds saw the Merseysiders leapfrog their North-Eastern opponents to hit the top of the FA Women’s Championship.
A crowd of well over 1,000 was boosted by a large vocal travelling support from Merseyside who were provided with free transport by a sponsor.
The first goalmouth action came after four minutes, when a Durham free kick on the left was comfortably claimed by Rachael Laws in the Reds goal.
Above: Emily Roberts pictured in a game last season for Durham. Photo: She Kicks
With Liverpool employing the high press, the first corner went their way but massed ranks of Durham defenders headed clear.
Emily Roberts was lively for the hosts in the early stages and needed close attention from Niamh Fahey to prevent her from breaking through.
As the match drifted towards the second quarter of the opening half, Liverpool came desperately close on three occasions in quick succession. Taylor Hinds forced Durham keeper Megan Borthwick to make a sensational double save at the left-hand post. The resulting corner came in and a backheel flick was heading in until Kathryn Hill cleared off the line.
Above: Dee Bradley gets up to head an effort goalwards for Durham. Photo: Helen Jobson
With Liverpool building a head of steam, the North-Eastern-based league leaders were being urged to push higher by head coach Lee Sanders, Roberts went on another sensational run and earned a corner on the left. An in-swinging flag kick went narrowly wide of the far post.
As the encounter approached the half-hour mark, Durham appeared to have ridden out the storm with possession being to even out slightly, but tellingly, the hosts were not troubling Laws in the Reds goal in the same way that Borthwick had been called into action previously.
Seven minutes before the break, Liverpool turned up the pressure once more and were denied by last gasp Durham defending as Jasmine Matthews and Melissa Lawley both saw shots blocked in the six-yard box.
With three minutes to go before the break, Durham fashioned an opportunity when Mollie Lambert squared a ball inside to Ellie Christon, but her effort was way over the bar. Having been on the receiving end of most of the shots on target, Durham did well to go in at the break goalless.
Above: Durham looked to regroup at half-time. Photo: Durham WFC
The home side began the second period on the front foot and earned a corner which Laws did well to punch clear in the fact of huge pressure which required her to subsequently receive a long period of medical attention.
Lauren Briggs was at the heart of everything positive that Durham were doing in the opening period second half as they continued to press, although whilst the build-up was impressive, it lacked a killer final ball to trouble Laws.
The Reds began to threaten once more and earned three corners. From the second, the North-Eastern hosts were forced to clear off the line again, but shortly afterwards, they finally took one of their chances.
With just over a quarter of an hour to go, a high ball in from Rhiannon Roberts had to be pushed out by Borthwick, but it fell invitingly to Leanne Kiernan who couldn’t miss and Liverpool were ahead.
Above: Taylor Hinds nods home Liverpool’s second at Durham. Photo: @LiverpoolFCW
Four minutes later it was 2-0 when a great move down the right saw a ball crossed in towards Hinds who was unmarked at the back post to head home.
Liverpool managed the remaining time professionally to record a deserved win which is huge in the context of the season. With London City Lionesses also building a head of steam at the top of the table, the Reds’ victory is far from conclusive, but it marks an important milestone in their bid for a return to the top flight.
Whilst the result will be pleasing for Liverpool boss Matt Beard, he will also be delighted by the fact that this was his team’s seventh clean sheet in their last ten games.
Above: Liverpool celebrate a vital win in the promotion race. Photo: @LiverpoolFCW
Teams: DURHAM: Borthwick, Hill, Briggs, Lambert, Wilson, Hepple, Salicki, Bradley, Christon, Roberts, Holmes. Substitutes: Galloway (for Hill 20’), Crosthwaite (for Roberts 75’), Brown (for Briggs 84’), Ayre, Mckain.
This afternoon sees both of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup Semi-Finalstake place at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling. Ben Gilby hears from Glasgow City’s Hayley Lauder, Spartans’ Katherine Smart, Celtic’s Jodie Bartle, and Hibernian’sAmy Muir along with the four head coaches.
Above: The Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup – the trophy that today’s four semi-finalists areall aiming for. Photo: Scottish Women’s Football
GLASGOW CITY v SPARTANS (12:00pm)
Above: New Glasgow City head coach Eileen Gleeson. Photo: Glasgow City.
Glasgow City’s new head coach Eileen Gleeson was excited at the prospect of potentially leading her club to a place in a cup final at the end of her first week in the role.
“It’ll be great to hit the ground running and have a first game as a semi-final. It means a great deal to the club to reach a cup final and win a cup final. We need to compete and win these games.
“I’ve been involved in football for many years. Glasgow City are a league title-winning club and I expect the cup to be a similar target.
“Walking straight into a semi-final makes me thankful. Other people have got us here and I’m very grateful for them doing that. I’m hugely excited for it and my first game. I’ve watched the 9-0 game against Spartans and it has no bearing on Sunday’s game. I saw them against Celtic when they scored two goals and got a great draw. They are high energy with a good press and good in transitional moments. We are hugely respectful and know that a cup mentality can bring something very different.
“It’s huge that I have players here who are very experienced. They can really drive the club’s identity and what we are about. I am all about promoting intensity but I know that it is already here.”
Gleeson concluded by identifying what she wants to achieve in the long term with the club: “Everybody has seen that Glasgow City can play a lovely style of football and be assertive in the press and that is something I want to continue. Understanding the game is a big philosophy for me – reacting to different things in different ways.
“It’s huge having the other semi-final after ours at the same venue as it is a chance to watch other teams. Our main target is winning on Sunday.”
Glasgow City and Scotland offensive star Hayley Lauder spoke of her team’s determination to make the final and earn some silverware.
Above: Glasgow City and Scotland’s Hayley Lauder. Photo: The Herald
“It’s a massive game for us, it’s a competition that we haven’t won for some time (City last won the trophy in 2015) and we want to be competing in these competitions – that is part of being a Glasgow City player.
“We had a big win (9-0) against Spartans in the SWPL1 this season, but anything can happen in Cup games. We need to take this as a one-off and respect the opponent.
“Hibs have had a stranglehold on this competition, but when you are a Glasgow City player, winning is what you want to be doing but this cup has evaded us for quite a few years. It is a massive game on Sunday, and we hope it will put us in a position from winning it. We don’t shy away from that.”
In terms of the specifics about the opposition, Lauder has huge respect for Spartans.
“They’ve had an up and down season, but they are a great club, I love what they are all about. We’ve got massive respect for them, they have given us some tough games over the years. The result earlier this season goes out the window, it’s a cup game, a one-off.
“Potentially being in a cup final is massive. Before the pandemic, we saw the Scottish Cup Final at Tynecastle and it was incredible. We want to be part of it and be there. Hopefully tomorrow we can get there and be a part of it.”
Lauder then spoke about her feelings about playing for new head coach Eileen Gleeson. “It’s massive and brings a bit of freshness and new ideas in. We had Scott (Booth) for six years and this is a start of a new era. The players are all buzzing to get going and what a week to start it off with a semi-final.”
Spartans manager Debbi McCulloch was hugely excited by the prospect of the semi-final. “It’s a great occasion. Cup journeys in the past have always provided fantastic memories and there is no reason why Sunday can’t be the same. We’re looking forward to it and our feet are on the ground, trying to work as hard as we can to prepare as well as we can. It’s different from the league, we have nothing to lose and we can approach it in a professional manner and give it our all.
“We want to give our fans something to sing and shout about. We are hoping to bring our youth teams along and get our men’s team supporters along. During the pandemic, we were the only team from Spartans playing and the men’s supporters came along.”
Despite the club’s last game against Glasgow City ending in a 9-0 reverse, McCulloch was clear that this time will be different. “We won’t dwell on what happened last time. It was not like us. Everyone was bitterly disappointed by the result and performance. We took a step back and pressed re-set. I think that can help us, but we’re under no illusions that it will be tough. The girls will be up for the challenge and we will give it everything. When we do that we can be a very tough team to beat. We may not have scored as many goals as we would have liked recently, but we’ve been working on that. If we can get things right, then we have a chance to pull it off on Sunday.
“We sat down as a team after that Glasgow City defeat. We asked the players to sit back and identify where we needed to improve and step up. It’s important that we look at our strengths though. We know we can perform better than that, but we needed to see how to implement that.
“The Celtic performance (when Spartans drew 2-2) is the benchmark performance for me. I want to see us replicate that every week. It’s difficult to replicate it though. We’ve made some tweaks to our strength and conditioning to give us the extra yard and extra percentage.
“We have a good dressing room full of great people and talented people. When you get a result like we had against Glasgow City you need people to come together and that’s what happened for the Celtic game. Despite the fact that we have been consistently drawing (Spartans’ league record consists of five draws and one win from nine games), our performances have been there. It’s about getting the balance right.
“Plenty of our players have beaten Glasgow City in the past, so we need to take that on. It suits us being underdogs and gives us extra motivation to put in a solid performance. It gives us a bit of extra juice to provide an entertaining game, give everything, and don’t leave anything out there.”
McCulloch also emphasized that whilst she knows that Glasgow City’s players will be eager to impress a new head coach, she is more interested in her own team.
“They will want to impress her. I don’t think they are a team that are ever complacent. They have a great mix of experience and youth. We are not focusing on them too much though, it’s about us for me.”
Spartans midfielder Katherine Smart “Somebody has to win on Sunday, it’s a one-off. We have to make sure we get our balance right between making sure our defence is nice and tight but also taking chances when they come as it will only need one ball in the net to win.
“Glasgow City have been champions for 14 years for a reason. They have multiple players with international experience and younger ones coming in with enthusiasm and energy. The management and how they are run is extremely well organized. We need to look at the weaknesses we can find and exploit them.
“It’s a semi-final, being played at a lovely stadium and you can get all your friends and family there. We have supporters coming week in and week out but the energy round semi-finals is so much more and we need to take that now to help us.”
Smart recognized that her teammates have something to prove after the heavy defeat to City in the league, but she feels that Spartans are a different side now: “As Debbi said, we stripped everything back after that result and analyzed everything and the errors that were made. The next day in training we did everything possible to make sure those errors were not repeated. There has been a big improvement defensively since then.
“We have a 24 hour period rule when we can think about things for 24 hours and then move on from it. We know that we are a good team and we can pass the ball well and hurt teams. We are focusing on our own strengths and knowing our roles in the game. If everyone carries out their role to the best of their abilities we can win.”
With Spartans now moving to semi-pro status, Smart sees this semi-final spot as the beginning of a new era for the club. “With the league continually developing, you have to develop too or you get left behind. We are very lucky at Spartans that everyone around us at the club supports you and they want us to be at the top end and they are doing what they can to make sure we do it.
“It gives the players more responsibility. Expectations are higher as a result. We have to give everything we can in our job now. The club are fantastic in their support and in moving us in the right direction.”
CELTIC v HIBERNIAN (4:30pm Kick-Off)
Above: Celtic head coach Fran Alonso. Photo: Celtic FC Women
Celtic head coach Fran Alonso emphasized how his side was focusing on using the semi-final to re-set after a disappointing defeat in the Old Firm clash with Rangers last weekend at the top of the SWPL1 “We were disappointed about the game with Rangers. This game with Hibernian is a massive game and our full focus is on it – it’s a chance to get into a Cup Final.
“Before last weekend we were 25 games unbeaten domestically, so we’re not being hard on ourselves. We believe in ourselves. Conceding so early was the big difference against Rangers, it undid a bit of our belief. We lost many of the second battles and that is not like us.”
Alonso recognized that Hibernian have a great history in the competition and feels it makes them an exceptionally dangerous opponent: “It’s a one-off game, in the cups Hibernian are a very good team. They are a club who are used to getting to cup finals and winning them. We need to be confident and brave. I have all my faith in the girls that we can do it.
“It showed in the league game that there isn’t always much between the two teams. We dominated against them last time, but it was very close on the scoreboard. They will be up for it. I trust my team though and if we can control our game plan, we have a good chance of getting into the final. It would mean the world for me to lead the team out in a cup final. We have plans to win silverware so it is great to have a chance of doing it in my first season with the club.”
Above: Celtic’s Jodie Bartle. Photo: Celtic FC.
Celtic defender Jodie Bartle can’t wait for the semi-final to come round: “I absolutely love the big games like this. I saw a tweet saying that I’m a big game player and it put a smile on my face! I revel in these games. I love it.
“I’ve got an engine and I’m one of these weird people who just loves running and linking up with players is enjoyable.
“When we played Hibs the last time it was very tight. I only got on for the last few minutes. We controlled the game mostly, but Hibs clearly love a cup. I don’t understand how there is such a difference for some teams in cup games compared to league games but I’m confident, you need to be.”
With both semi-finals being played at the same venue on the same day, Jodie said: “I’m hoping to get there early to see a bit of the other semi-final and what goes on.”
Yet there is no doubt what Jodie’s overriding focus is: “Silverware! We play to win, we play to win trophies. It would mean an awful lot to get into the Final. The last trophy I won was in 2017 and that was a County Cup with Loughborough. I love a cup, I love a big occasion.”
Above: Hibernian head coach Dean Gibson. Photo: The Herald.
Hibernian has an incredible record in this competition, reaching six successive finals from 2014 to 2019 winning four and a total of eleven finals and seven wins. Head coach Dean Gibson is determined to start a new period of success in the cup.
“It’s been a massive achievement. I don’t think it will be seen again. We still have players here who have won it before. It’s the first time that I’ve tried to win it for us, but we want it as a club again.
“We missed this competition last season with Covid, particularly when in the league we fell into a bracket where we’re not quite competing at the very top and in no danger of going down. This just seems to be a competition that we win and it’s our thing.”
Gibson takes heart from his side’s performance the last time they played Celtic in September. “It was a game we felt harshly done by. We deserved to take a point but a lapse in concentration at the end cost us. It’s something Celtic do and we need to be switched on from the first minute to last. They never know when they are beaten and can get a draw when they are losing or get a win when they are drawing.”
He views the clash as a big opportunity. “We approach the game the same way that we always do. Our squad are capable. It’s something to look forward to and relish. We are more than capable to compete and win.
“It will be unusual for Celtic to come into this game on the back of a defeat. It will be the first time since Fran Alonso came in as head coach. I think they will be aggressive and play on the front foot. Last week’s result for them against Rangers won’t impact that.
“We go into every game against the top three with everyone seeing us as underdogs, we don’t see it that way. We see it as 50/50. (Celtic coach) Fran (Alonso) has said that he believes we are underdogs as he talks about the big three (Celtic, Rangers and Glasgow City).”
Above: Hibernian’s Amy Muir. Photo: Hibernian FC.
Hibs and Scotland midfielder Amy Muir revealed that it was this competition and the Edinburgh side’s record in it that persuaded her to join the club. “When it came to cup competitions, it was year on year that Hibs were proving themselves. If you look at Glasgow City, they have the mentality of winning back-to-back league titles and we have that in this cup competition. We just show how important it is to do it year after year.”
In terms of her own preparation for the match, Muir emphasized the need to take it as just another game. “I know it’s a cliché, but you have to. You can’t get hung up on the competition or the occasion and that can take you over. The best thing that can happen to us is having this one. It’s a one-off game and a chance to get into a final. We focus on us and what we need to do – looking at previous fixtures against Celtic to see what we need to do.
“The last game with them was decided with fine margins. Our games against them, Rangers, and Glasgow City have come down to small things. It’s always things we can fix and we’ll be looking to do that.
“This is something you want to do as a player, playing in big games like this. In 2019 I played in that amazing Cup Final against Glasgow City at Tynecastle, it was a great night. I want to be playing in the biggest games and the hardest ones.
“We have a group of girls who have played in a number of these finals and even those who came through the academy, they have been at the finals. Now they have the opportunity to be involved. We’ll be on the same page and have the same motivations.”
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