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Australia Keep Their Heads As Kerr Scores With Hers

Philippines 0-4 Australia

By Kieran Yap (24/1/22)

Above: The Matildas in the huddle. After a first half when they couldn’t take their chances, it got better in the second period. Photo: Football Australia.

The Matildas guaranteed progression into the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup with a 4-0 win over a stubborn Philippines side in Mumbai.

Tony Gustavsson made several changes to his starting lineup following the 18-0 win over Indonesia on Friday night. Kyah Simon and Tameka Yallop came in for Hayley Raso and Clare Wheeler while Teagan Micah started in place of Mackenzie Arnold in goal.

Emily van Egmond dropped into defensive midfield after scoring four times as an attacker in the opening game. The plan seemed to be to utilize her passing range to create chances from deep. However, against a packed Philippines defence, this method was not so effective for the first 45 minutes.

The best early chances came through the left boot of Steph Catley. The fullback was virtually playing as a winger as she sent in an early ball from the left that could easily have resulted in a goal.

Catley’s corners from the right also created problems for the Philippines defence. She exchanged short passes to Kyah Simon to improve the angle but the chances that fell to Alanna Kennedy and Sam Kerr could not beat the goalkeeper.

The Philippines were defending deep, close, and in numbers. On the rare occasions that Kerr received the ball to her feet, she was quickly blocked or ushered wide. Caitlin Foord looked to be the most likely striker to break through individually. The Philippines had no answer for her strength and close control, although her finishing was inaccurate.

Australia went into halftime with the majority of possession but level on the scoreboard. They would have to wait until after the break to take the lead.

The opening goal came from a predictable source. You can only deny Sam Kerr for so long before nature takes its course. It was another header from another corner but this time it hit the target and Australia was up 1-0 after 50 minutes.

**Above:** Sam Kerr (centre) celebrates her goal with Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Kyah Simon was involved in the second four minutes later after a long ball towards Kerr caused chaos in the Philippines defence. Simon went for the ball with it finally going in off of Dominique Randle for an own goal. It put Australia firmly in control of the match and forced the opposition to change tactics.

When van Egmond scored the third goal, the game was effectively over as a contest. Both coaches made substitutions as the Philippines chased the game and had to abandon their counter-attacking style in favour of four upfront.

Australia unleashed the potential of the A-League Women onto the international stage.

Cortnee Vine, Remy Siemsen, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Holly McNamara and Courtney Nevin all entered the match. Vine had an almost instant impact when she immediately picked up the ball and drove down the wing in familiar fashion. The Sydney FC star whipped in numerous dangerous crosses but could not add to the score.

Cooney-Cross used her pace to drive with the ball from deep. She exploited the space that The Philippines had conceded and looked as good as she has since the Brazil friendlies.

Nevin is starting to look like a player somehow better at international level than she is with her club. She rarely plays a poor game in the A-League Women, but for The Matildas, she goes up another level. The Melbourne Victory defender is a capable understudy to Steph Catley and it would not be a surprise to see her start in the next match.

Holly McNamara is not lacking in confidence and why would she? The Melbourne City striker looks to score or create every time she touches the ball. Several shots on goal did not result in her first international goal but it is surely a matter of time.

Siemsen was quieter but as the only player other than Kerr who plays centre-forward every week she is important structurally. She provides a target and focal point and played her role well.

**Above:** Alanna Kennedy (left) battles with the Philippines’ Sarina Bolden. **Photo:** Football Australia.

McNamara’s corner helped create Australia’s fourth. The half-cleared ball eventually fell to Mary Fowler at the edge of the 18-yard box. She took a touch and rifled home her shot to put an exclamation point on the win.

It was Fowler’s second goal of the tournament and a fitting end to another game where she always looked likely to make a difference.

It was a harder match than the opening win over Indonesia. But that was to be expected. The Philippines squad includes many recruits from the USA college system. They were well drilled and physically more capable than the Indonesians were.

However, as committed as their defending was, they did not create many chances in attack. A first-half opening came about after a failed Australian off-side trap but the shot never looked like going in.

Their next goalscoring opportunity did not come until they were 3-0 down. A free-kick from the left was easily cleared by Clare Polkinghorne.

This was a solid tournament win by Australia and a game they never looked like losing. They continued peppering the Philippines goal throughout and eventually, the chances started going in.

Their second win at the Asian Cup may not have been as statistically impressive as the first but it was a solid win against potentially tricky opposition. The goal difference was increased, the points were secured and the new faces were given a chance to impress.

This was a momentarily worrying game that ended as a job well done for Australia.

Teams: PHILIPPINES (4-4-2): Fontanilla, Madarang, Long, Randle, Harrison, Friles, Miclat, Bungay, S.Castaneda, McDaniel, Bolden. Subs used: Cesar, Shelton, Rodriguez, A.Castaneda, Guillou.

AUSTRALIA (4-1-4-1): Micah, Catley, Polkinghorne, Kennedy, Carpenter, van Egmond, Foord, Yallop, Fowler, Simon, Kerr. Subs used: Nevin, Vine, Cooney-Cross, McNamara, Siemsen.

Scorers: Kerr 51′, Randle (OG) 53′, van Egmond 67′, Fowler 87′.

Referee: Wang Chieh (Chinese Taipei).

Attendance: Behind Closed Doors due to COVID.

Telford Leaves Chelsea For American Adventure

Above: Carly Telford in action for Chelsea. Photo: Sky Sports.

Carly Telford’s stellar Chelsea career comes to an end following five hugely successful years with Emma Hayes’ squad in her second spell at the club.

The Chelsea goalkeeper, who was named in the squad for the final time with the Blues yesterday against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Barclays Women’s Super League, will head to the United States to join San Diego Wave.

As one of the longest-serving players in the Chelsea squad, Telford departs having played a significant part in the club’s transformation into a professional outfit. Accolades from her tenure with Chelsea include 76 appearances, becoming champions of England four times including the Spring Series, and taking home both the FA Cup and Continental Cup twice and the Community Shield once, with the club continuing to be a growing force on the European stage.

The 34-year-old began her illustrious career at Sunderland, in her native North-East, and Leeds United before signing for Chelsea in 2011. She captained the Blues in the 2012 FA Cup final against Birmingham City which went down to the wire with penalties. Telford went on to gain experience further afield with a loan spell at Perth Glory in Australia but left at the end of 2013 to join Notts County.

**Above:** Carly Telford pictured on one of her 27 appearances for England. **Photo:** Getty Images.

Re-joining Chelsea in May 2017 having initially signed a short-term deal for the Spring Series, when she stood in for injured former Blue, Hedvig Lindahl, Telford helped the London side to take the trophy after conceding only three times in the competition. A new two-year contract followed with the experienced goalkeeper continuing to make a big contribution with a total of 10 appearances in all competitions and six clean sheets in her first full campaign since re-joining the club. Consistency continued into the 2018/19 season with 10 clean sheets out of 14 appearances, providing important competition for the goalkeeping position.

The number 28 extended her stay at Chelsea in February last year and as part of the new deal, she also took up part-time coaching, offering support to our Under-16 and Under-18 goalkeepers at Cobham. Since then, the senior team has gone on to secure the domestic quadruple and reached the final of the Champions League in Sweden for the first time in the club’s history.

Telford has also had a glittering international career to date, making her Lionesses debut in 2007, appearing in three World Cup squads, most recently at France 2019 where she featured in a 1-0 win over Argentina. She also stepped in against the USA in the World Cup semi-final. Telford was also selected for the 2017 European Championship squad and last year, was selected for Team GB, going on to compete at the Tokyo Olympics.

On Telford’s Chelsea departure, Emma Hayes commented: “Carly has been a fantastic servant to the club across two different spells. A big character in the dressing room and a hugely valued member of our squad.

“We didn’t want to lose her, but we could not hold her back from taking this fantastic opportunity in the States. We wish Carly well in this next chapter of her career and she knows she’ll always be welcome back here any time.”

Impetus Achievers Awards

Round Eight of the A-League Women may only have had three matches, but there were some superb efforts to reward. Impetus‘ writing team for the competition, Kieran Yap, Ben Gilby, and Kris Goman announce who caught their eyes at the weekend. (24/1/22).

PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Kieran: Jada Whyman was brilliant in a massive game for Sydney FC. Her team has been so dominant this season but when she’s been needed, she’s been fantastic and fully deserving of equalling the record for seven consecutive clean sheets.

Ben: She is in the form of her life. Deborah-Ann de la Harpe was dominant for Perth Glory against Western Sydney Wanderers. Let’s put aside that goal for a moment and focus on what she did across the 90 minutes. Hugely influential runs down the wing and accurate balls into the box and viciously inswinging corners that caused continual chaos in the Wanderers defence.

Kris: Rachel Lowe. Two goals in the top-of-the-table clash is pretty impressive. She was all over the field and put in a huge effort topped by two solid goals.

COACH OF THE WEEK:

Kieran: It’s Alex Epakis. Perth Glory have had border closures, injuries, and COVID cases to deal with recently. Epakis’ side plays their way no matter who is out of the team. The move of Sofia Sakalis to centre-forward was great and they deserved that win.

Ben: Despite such a statement-making win and performance by Ante Juric’s team, I’m going to look beyond that and go for a head coach who is working in almost impossible situations with everything off the pitch going against his team, yet on it, they are producing their best performances of the season. Alex Epakis, has seen injuries and COVID cases mount up before hearing that he and his team are effectively stranded over 2,400 miles from home for the foreseeable future. Yet the belief, desire, and determiation that he has instilled into his young Perth Glory side is incredible. A great performance and victory means there’s only one choice this weekend.

Kris: Alex Epakis. Very impressive effort by Glory this week against the Wanderers. It pains me to say it as a Wanderers fan, but they looked the better team and got the result. Given their circumstances with COVID-19 and being shut out of their home state, to keep the morale up and perform like this is outstanding.

EVENT OF THE WEEK:

**Above:** Deborah-Ann de la Harpe (centre) celebrates her goal with Perth Glory teammates (left to right) Mie Leth Jans, Hana Lowry, Abbey Green and Tash Rigby. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

Kieran: Deborah-Ann de la Harpe’s goal. Just amazing.

Ben: That goal by Deborah-Ann de la Harpe. She showed what a punch she packs from a free-kick last week when she smashed an effort against the bar at Newcastle. This week’s effort was a dream way to score your first A-League Women goal.

Kris: Deborah-Ann de la Harpe’s goal. Perfect free-kick. Gotta be the goal of the week. Perfect placement and weight, it was the difference between a draw and a win. A thing of beauty.

We’re keeping a tally of all the votes for our player and coach of the week awards with the respective winners being announced after this year’s A-League Women Grand Final.

The View From France

Above: Kadidiatou Diani in action for PSG at Saint-Etienne, where she scored her team’s second goal. Photo: PSG Feminines

Jean-Pierre Thiesset rounds up the twelfth and the thirteenth rounds of D1 Arkema (24/1/22)

Twelfth round (January 15, 2022):

This was a much-truncated round of matches with three games postponed: Guingamp-Bordeaux, Olympique Lyonnais-Soyaux, and Paris Saint-Germain-Dijon.

In the games that did take place, Paris FC won 1-0 at home against Issy. While they largely dominated this game (67% possession, 30 shots with nine on target), Paris FC was not able to score more than once. Goal for Paris FC from Mathilde Bourdieu (15).

Montpellier won 3-0 at home against Saint-Etienne. Montpellier edged this game (56% possession) but was more efficient than Saint-Etienne. With this win, Montpellier continues their good run and closes the gap with the top of the table slightly. Their next game will be a test against Lyon. Goals for Montpellier from Johanna Elsig (13), Faustine Robert (15, 49).

Fleury won away from home 1-0 against Reims. In an even game, Fleury scored at the end of the game and is still in the run for third place in the table. Goal for Fleury from Jeannette Grace Ngock Yango (86).

Thirteenth round (January 22 & 23, 2022):

Guingamp won 2-0 away from home against Issy. In an even game regarding ball possession and passes, Guingamp was a lot more efficient with 14 shots with seven on target while Issy had five efforts, none of which were on target. With this win, Guingamp is now in ninth place with four points ahead of Soyaux. Issy stay bottom with only one win and a draw after 13 games. Goals for Guingamp from Sana Daoudi (26), Margaux Le Mouël (74).

**Above:** Paris FC had plenty to celebrate as they consolidated third place in the table. **Photo:** D1 Arkema.

Paris FC won 3-1 away from home against Soyaux. Paris FC just about edged the possession (59%) and gave Soyaux very few chances, even if they score once at the 64^th minute. With this win, Paris FC consolidate their third place in the standing. But Fleury, which did not play as their game was cancelled due to COVID cases in Dijon is still just behind. Goal for Soyaux from Anissa Lahmari (64). Goals from Paris FC from Clara Matéo (36, 47), Louna Ribadeira (80).

Bordeaux won 3-1 at home against Reims thanks to a hat-trick from Katja Snoeijs. Even if Reims had a clear opportunity at the 21^st minute by Naomie Feller on a pass from Kessya Busy and scored first at the 30^th minute on a penalty, this game was largely dominated by Bordeaux which did not let Reims put in place their counterattack plays after the 30^th minute. Statistics for Bordeaux: 68% possession, 571 passes with 82% successful, 22 shots with six on target, 10 corners.

After another coaching dismissal in Bordeaux, things seem to be back in normal order. Patrice Lair, their coach, departed after the loss against Lyon in France Cup at the beginning of January. But most of Bordeaux players asked the team owner to bring Lair back as their coach and he was back in role for this game. Goal for Reims from Rachel Corboz (30 penalty). Goals for Bordeaux from Katja Snoeijs (33, 50 penalty, 66).

**Above:** Lyon remain top of the table thanks to a last gasp win at Montpellier. **Photo:** OL Feminin

Olympique Lyonnais won 3-2 away from home against Montpellier. It was a very difficult game for Lyon in front of a team of Montpellier that played a hard game and did not let Lyon put in place their game by pressing all along the game. Sonia Bompastor, Lyon coach, had to play with two defenders missing (Ellie Carpenter and Perle Morroni) and one not fully fit (Selma Bacha) and started with a 3-4-3 formation.

Twice Lyon was ahead in this game and twice Montpellier came back quickly, and we had to wait the 89^th minute of the game to see Griedge MBock scored her second and winning goal for Lyon. Lyon dominated but was not able to convert this inti goals. Statistics for Lyon: 63% possession, 496 passes with 74% successful, 21 shots with seven on target, six corners.

To be noted is the good performance of Janice Cayman, even if she conceded a penalty against Marion Torrent at the 44^th minute, with the following statistics recorded by Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus during the game: 49 balls played, 30 passes with 90% successful, seven crosses, six recuperations, five losses. Cayman shows that she really deserves her Golden Shoes as the best Belgium player of 2021 year. Goals for Lyon from Griedge MBock (5, 89), Eugénie Le Sommer (42). Goals for Montpellier from Lena Petermann (18, 44 penalty).

Paris Saint-Germain away from home won 5-0 against Saint-Etienne. It was an easy game for Paris SG which dominated (70% possession, 27 shots with 10 on target). They had too much for Saint-Etienne who was never able to be dangerous.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored a hat-trick, increasing her total as the top scorer of D1 Arkema this season to 11 goals; she also delivered a decisive pass to Kadidiatou Diani (45+2). Sandy Baltimore increased also her number of decisive passes (58 for Paulina Dudek, 68 for Marie-Antoinette Katoto) and stays ahead in the standing with nine decisive passes so far this season. Goals for Paris SG from Marie-Antoinette Katoto (10, 64, 68), Kadidiatou Diani (45+2), Paulina Dudek (58).

The scheduled match between Dijon and Fleury was postponed.

Hayward On Target As Reds Edge Nix

Adelaide United 1-0 Wellington Phoenix

By Kris Goman (24/1/22)

Above: All smiles for Adelaide United as they beat Wellington Phoenix 1-0. Photo: Adelaide United.

Adelaide United kept their Finals hopes alive with a narrow victory over Wellington Phoenix at Coopers Stadium.

Adelaide wasted no time in applying pressure straight from kickoff. An early Fiona Worts corner delivers a long-range punt by Nanako Sasaki which goes close and has to be nudged out by Lili Alfeld. The next corner sees an on-target header by Kayla Sharples saved by Alfeld who’s earning her keep in the first three minutes of the match.

Wellington return the favour 20 minutes later when they get three corners in quick succession but Adelaide manage to keep the barrage of headers out of goal.

Grace Jale gets a genuine chance when she finds some space at the top of the box and tries to bend one into the top right corner. It’s a little high so sails clear but Wellington are looking like they are up to the task. Shortly after, Izzy Gomez passes through the defenders to Ava Pritchard who takes one touch into the box with Emily Hodgson in hot pursuit. Her shot is taken under pressure and goes high.

It’s nil-all at halftime with neither team able to broach the defences of the other. Adelaide started the half strongly but Wellington looked the slightly better side in the latter part of the half. Emily Condon is off at halftime with a quad injury. She is replaced with Reona Omiya.

Early in the second half, Chelsie Dawber’s shot on goal is blocked by Talitha Kramer and deflected up into her face. This incurs some injury time.

Dylan Holmes puts a solid cross in from right that is kicked away by the Wellington defence. Worts is off on a run but taken down by Gomez. Adelaide is getting all the attacking runs early in the second half.

**Above:** Adelaide United’s Nanako Sasaki (left) battles it out with Wellington Phoenix’s Alyssa Whinham. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

Worts takes a free-kick. The left-footed shot is headed away by Kate Taylor. Sasaki belts the rebound but it’s off target.

It’s a very hot night so there are two drinks breaks. At 60 minutes, Alyssa Whinham is off to be replaced by Jordan Jasnos.

A corner for Adelaide is cleared by Chloe Knott who’s been doing her fair share of defending.

The breakthrough comes when Dawber, on the right, passes ahead to Holmes. She slips it to Worts who is in the box but passes the ball back out to Isabel Hodgson for the cross. She drives to goal and Paige Haywood stands strong and holds her ground to knock it in. This is the first A-League goal for Hayward and the assist goes to Hodgson in her 50^th game. It’s an excellent team goal with one touch by all involved. The celebrations are warranted.

**Above:** Adelaide United celebrate Paige Hayward’s winner. **Photo:** Adelaide United

Worts runs the ball into the box but Alfeld is on it this time. At 71 minutes Haywood comes off after scoring her first goal and Amelia Murray is on.

Wellington get a corner and Knott takes it. It’s directed straight into the mix in front of goal and headed back then lands with Jasnos but her shot goes just right of goal. It was a good chance but a difficult to control high ball meant accuracy was always going to be a challenge.

Hannah Jones and Saskia Vosper come on for Wellington replacing Kramer and Gomez. Sasaki kicks ball straight into Izzy Hodgson’s face in the box. The last ten minutes sees Phoenix apply the pressure. Jasnos is on a quick run, down the left, when she’s taken out by Hodgson. Phoenix had a great passing session up to the box but failed at the last pass into the box. At 85 minutes, Dawber is off for Adelaide and Georgia Beaumont comes on.

The Nix get a free-kick from the left just outside the box. It bounces around inside the box but ultimately does not go into the goal. Holmes takes a knock and goes down. 93 minutes and Sasaki is off, Ella Tonkin on.

In the dying minutes of extra time, Vosper’s big shot into the box is cleared. The ball gets back into the box and bounces around but is cleared just as the final whistle goes.

**Above:** Despite their best efforts, Wellington Phoenix couldn’t make the breakthrough. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

This was a close match. One has to wonder when Wellington will get their first win and it must be coming. They don’t play like a team with just a solitary point and certainly are overdue a win. It might be too late for a finals push but they are no easy beats.

The win takes Adelaide United into fourth place on the ladder and while Sydney FC has skipped away, there are only six points between third and eighth place, which is just two wins. Near the halfway mark of the season, it’s still wide open and a good run at this stage could see any team make the finals.

Post-match, Isabel Hodgson said it was a tough game and they had to grind it out for the three points. Hodgson came with her own personal cheer squad to celebrate her 50^th A-league game. Some of her friends told her they couldn’t make it and then turned up in cheerleading costumes as a surprise.

For Wellington, Zoe McMeeken stressed after the game that they need to keep consistency. They had a good press at the end and are building each week.

**Above:** The reaction of Wellington Phoenix’s Chloe Knott at the final whistle speaks volumes. **Photo:** Wellington Phoenix.

Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis told media post-match that “it was a really interesting game”.

“It wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be. We’re both quite pressing and aggressive teams physically and it actually felt like both teams were a little bit passive,” Lewis said.

“I thought we’d find a second gear, especially when the game was going longer at a 0-0 stance, but as soon as that goal went in, you could see that the momentum had shifted and we had a mountain to climb.

“I thought our press was the worst it has been for a while. We were quite disconnected and they took advantage of that.”

Lewis believes the heat was a factor. “We’ve played in hotter, like against Sydney, so we can’t really use it as an excuse.

“I think the moment that we have a hot game like that with drinks breaks, there’s that mentality where they kind of let it get in their heads a little bit like ‘aw this is going to be hot’,”

“When you’re thinking that way you’re automatically feeling it, but that’s learnings for them in terms of being a pro and get past that stuff and not let it affect their performance. Whereas I thought that probably did seep into how passive we were.”

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED: Grove, I.Hodgson, McNamara, Sharples, E.Hodgson, Sasaki, Holmes, Condon, Dawber, Worts, Hayward. Substitutes: Omiya, Tonkin, Beaumont, Templeman, Murray.

Scorer: Hayward 68′

WELLINGTON PHOENIX: Alfeld, McMeeken, Walker, Taylor, Kramer, Whinham, Gomez, Wisnewski, Pritchard, Knott, Jale Substitutes: Edwards (GK), Vosper, Jasnos, Jones, Martin.

Referee: Caitlin Williams

Attendance: 1,024

Relentless Sydney Sent Out Ominous Warning To Rivals

Sydney FC 3-0 Melbourne City

Report by Ben Gilby, Exclusive pitchside photos from Kris Goman at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium (23/1/22).

Above: Rachel Lowe fires home Sydney FC’s third goal. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Sydney FC sounded out a clear message to the other top four clubs in the A-League Women after they comfortably saw off second-placed Melbourne City on Saturday.

Going into the match, Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic had pointed out that Sydney had built their unbeaten start to the season on the basis of not yet playing anyone in the top four. However, given the way the home side swatted aside one of the strongest teams in the competition, there can be no denying that the Harbour City club is the real deal and are white-hot favourites to take the silverware at the end of the campaign.

This win saw Jada Whyman equal Lydia Williams’ record for the most consecutive clean sheets in the competition’s history with seven. Additionally, the result increased Sydney’s goalscoring run to 18 in their last four games – more than any other team in the competition has scored over the entire season.

The visitors started with a very high press during the opening arm-wrestle period. Whilst City earned the first corner, it was Sydney who created the game’s first chance with seven minutes on the clock.

**Above:** Paige Satchell (right) produced her best display of the season for Sydney FC. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Mackenzie Hawkesby gathered possession from the City corner and got free down the left to feed Paige Satchell just outside her. The Football Fern advanced towards the box beating Kaitlyn Torpey and squared a ball across into the path of Cote Rojas via Tyla-Jay Vlajnic’s attempted block, but one on one with Melissa Barbieri, the Chilean striker could not get sufficient power in her effort to beat the City shot-stopper. Satchell’s follow-up was also dealt with.

This close call from the hosts was the starting point of the momentum going in their favour. Sydney was caught offside in deep offensive positions twice in quick succession with City working hard to force both Princess Ibini and Rojas to be on the wrong end of the referee’s decisions.

Satchell was growing in influence along the left and forced a corner. From it, the ball was recycled to Charlotte Mclean over 25 yards out and the defender drove in a powerful effort which Barbieri did well to push out for another corner. It would have been a sensational way to score her first-ever W/A-League Women goal.

The home side’s increasing dominance was being aided by an uncharacteristic lack of composure in defence by the Victorian visitors. Too many City players were losing possession and inviting pressure from a Sydney side that does not need a second invitation to attack.

It was Melbourne City who had the next opportunity after a Sydney error with 27 minutes played. Ally Green’s backpass was both too short and wrongly directed. Rebekah Stott came in looking to take advantage, but Jada Whyman came out quickly to deny the Kiwi.

**Above:** Rebekah Stott (left) was creative once more for Melbourne City. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Just after the half-hour mark, the home side came close when Rojas’ header was saved by Barbieri, but moments later, they made the breakthrough. Leah Davidson lost possession in the midfield and Hawkesby played the ball on to Rojas, who in turn found Ibini around 25 yards out from goal to the right of centre. The striker’s looping pass found Satchell and her first-time effort flew into the far corner of the net. Given her influence on the game, it was a deserved first Sydney goal for the New Zealander.

Less than two minutes before the break, Sydney exposed the City defence once more to double their lead. Green, on the left, hit a long ball from inside her own half which Lowe ran onto, taking advantage of the visitors’ high line to take a touch, come inside, and drive a shot to the left of Barbieri for 2-0.

City came out firing at the start of the second half when Torpey released Hannah Wilkinson on the right. The competition’s top scorer got a fierce shot away which Whyman did well to push behind at her near post.

The resulting corner was curled in high by Vlajnic and dispatched into the net by Emma Checker, but referee Rachael Mitchenson ruled the effort out with Tori Tunmeth adjudged to have fouled Whyman as the ball came across.

City was having the better of the opening period of the second half with Wilkinson getting a shot in which did not have the necessary power to bother Whyman. Torpey got a rocket away from the right-hand side after running onto Stott’s chest down which flew centimetres wide of the far post.

**Above:** Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson who had several chances in the second half to get City back into the game. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Wilkinson had another opportunity on 57 minutes when Davidson found her on the left of the box. The Kiwi got past Mclean and hit a strong effort which Whyman did well to get a hand to.

Sydney weathered the Melbourne City storm and re-established their control of proceedings. Hawkesby saw a run by Satchell and lifted a superb ball through the City defence into the stride of her team-mate. Satchell, under pressure from Emma Checker got a shot away across goal which was just wide of the left-hand post.

The home side made City pay for their inability to get back into the game as they settled matters with a third goal – and it was all too easy.

A free-kick from Green just inside their attacking half of the pitch was allowed to bounce into the box by the City defence giving Lowe all the time in the world to run through fire home with just over 15 minutes remaining.

Shea Hollman, a 16-year-old prospect from Manly United then came on for her A-League Women debut as Sydney showed that whilst their present is very bright, the future isn’t looking too bad either.

**Above:** Sydney celebrate Rachel Lowe’s second goal which confirmed that they would end the game seven points clear at the top of the table. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Right now it is impossible to see anyone stopping Sydney.

Paige Satchell highlighted the importance of her team’s first-half performance: “I’m excited to finish, it was my first goal for the club. Going into half-time 2-0 up was important as we could relax a little. We finished the half on a good foot and just needed to keep going. We got better and maintained the momentum.”

A disappointed Emma Checker said post-match: “It’s disappointing. We came into the game with much higher expectations for the result and standard of our play. The first half was the most disappointing. We struggled to keep the ball, we were frantic and we were flat.

“We’ve had a few first halves like that but been fortunate that teams didn’t capitalize on that. Against a strong team like Sydney, they took control. We came out strong in the second half, but it wasn’t enough today.”

Speaking after the game, Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman spoke about equalling the record of consecutive clean sheets held by her hero Lydia Williams. “It means a lot to me. The girls have defended through all the games this season. The clean sheets go to the keeper but the amount of defence the girls do makes my life easier. So it’s seven clean sheets for Sydney FC.

“For me I talk to the defence a lot to keep focus on the game. It helps that they listen to me! As a team we just need to keep moving forward now. Any team can challenge us, but we look forward to the rest of the season now.”

Kris Goman’s Exclusive Photo Gallery From The Match

(Click on the arrow on the right of the image to view the following pictures.)

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Rule, Mclean, Tobin, Green, Hawkesby, Hunter, Lowe, Satchell, Rojas, Ibini. Substitutes: Offer (GK), Nash, Hristodoulou, Ray, Hollman.

Scorers: Satchell 33′, Lowe 44, 74′.

MELBOURNE CITY (3-4-2-1): Barbieri, Heatley, Checker, Tunmeth, Vlajnic, Torpey, Davidson, Malone, Stott, Wilkinson, Pollicina. Substitutes: James (GK), Van der Meer, Blissett, Westland, Thomas-Chinnama.

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.

Attendance: 1,259.

Dominant de la Harpe Seals The Glory

Perth Glory 1-0 Western Sydney Wanderers

By Ben Gilby (23/1/22)

Above: Perth Glory celebrates Deborah-Ann de la Harpe’s (centre) stunning free-kick which sealed an important three points. Photo: Perth Glory.

A sensational free-kick from Deborah-Ann de la Harpe, a player in outstanding form, gave Perth Glory a positive ending to another tough week for the club.

Glory put in a dominant offensive performance in the first half without reward, but five minutes into the second 45, they got the goal their efforts deserved. The Western Australian side are now only a point outside the Finals places.

Western Sydney Wanderers handed a first appearance to Alex Huynh as per head coach Catherine Cannuli’s hints in the pre-match press conference, she started for the first time since returning to the club from Fortuna Hjørring.

Perth were without Susan Phonsongkham, Cyera Hintzen, Gemma Craine, and Sarah Carroll amongst others. One positive was the return of Alana Jancevski on the bench. Head coach Alex Epakis, out of isolation after testing positive for COVID last weekend, had spoken pre-game about concerns about a flat start from his team after the devastating news late in the week that the Western Australian state border will remain closed, effectively rendering his team stranded in New South Wales.

Wanderers had the first opportunity of the game when Erica Galloway forced a misdirected backpass from Abbey Green along the right which allowed Bryleeh Henry to get a shot in from a tight angle that went wide.

Immediately afterward, another piece of loose play from Perth gave Western Sydney a corner. Henry played a delightful nutmeg through Mie Leth-Jans’ legs with Tash Rigby tidying up at the cost of another corner.

Also prominent for Wanderers in the early stages was the 15-year-old Alexia Apostolakis who was connecting her team well with passes through the midfield and standing up impressively to De Vanna.

**Above:** Alex Huynh pictured on her return to Western Sydney Wanderers colours against Perth Glory. **Photo:** Western Sydney Wanderers.

After a period of careful passing to keep possession, Glory almost took the lead. Leth-Jans gained possession in a crowded midfield and played a ball out to Deborah-Ann de la Harpe who was in space on the right. The midfielder curled a ball into the box around Danika Matos towards Sofia Sakalis whose effort came off Clare Hunt who was then able to clear off of the line.

The Western Australians were able to penetrate the Western Sydney defence again with Sakalis combining well with De Vanna down the left which Huynh did well to clear for a corner. Perth continued to build, but it all ended with Leth Jans’ effort troubling the water across the road from the stadium more than it did Sarah Langman in the Wanderers goal.

The corners were beginning to rack up for Perth with de la Harpe consistently curling them dangerously into the near post. The midfielder was also full of running down the right and providing consistent accurate passes into the stride of her teammates.

Another dangerous corner from de la Harpe from the left was met with a powerful header by an unmarked Leth Jans which Langman pushed onto the bar and then knocked forward as it bounced down.

de la Harpe was involved once more in the action after she was found in space at the back post by Hana Lowry, but Rosie Galea got back in time to put a tackle in to deny the 21-year-old Perth star who is in the form of her life.

The Western Australians hit the bar again just before the break when de la Harpe’s ball in from the left was met by the head of Sakalis. Langman was beaten, but she was saved by the woodwork. Despite all the Perth pressure, it remained goalless at the break.

Western Sydney’s central defensive pair of Huynh and Hunt both received yellow cards in the opening three minutes of the second half. From the latter, Perth was awarded a free-kick just outside the box to the left, parallel with the penalty spot. Up stepped de la Harpe to fire a curling rocket shot into the far corner of the net. A sensational way to score a first A-League Women’s goal.

**Above:** Goal scorer Deborah-Ann de la Harpe is swallowed up by delighted team-mates after scoring the only goal of the game. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

Perth continued to dominate and Lowry came close after being fed by De Vanna with her back to goal in the ‘D’. The 18-year-old turned and shot with Huynh dispatching the ball away at the cost of a corner.

Whilst the Wanderers were seen more from an offensive perspective in the second half, Perth had the majority of the chances.

With 13 minutes to go, they should have doubled their lead when substitute Leena Khamis was played in with a ball over the top, but Langman stood up strong to repel her effort away for a corner.

Khamis had another golden opportunity when she was found by the newly arrived Aideen Keane, but again her effort was repelled by the Wanderers goalkeeper.

Despite missing these final chances, Perth held on comfortably to record their third win of the season – a result that lifts them to fifth place – just one point away from Melbourne Victory in third.

Reflecting on events, Western Sydney Wanderers defender Alex Huynh said: “They had the momentum. We did well to absorb the pressure. Credit to Perth, they have been hammering us. With a team like Perth, we need to respect them, but I think we showed them too much respect.”

A disappointed Wanderers goalkeeper Sarah Langman was extremely disappointed post-match: “We need to do better in the final third, to be honest. Defensively we were OK. We just need to have more shots in general.”

Lisa De Vanna spoke about the difficulties of the week that her team overcome. “I’m a bit sore, but luckily I have the young players to do the running for me. I don’t think I’m quite right still, but another game or so I’ll get there. Overall I’m very proud of the girls because you can see a lot of heart which drives me to push a bit.

It was a good win after the news in the week (the Western Australia state border remaining closed indefinitely). I’m devastated about the Premier making those calls, particularly as I wanted to finish my career in front of home fans.

“The response this weekend has been great, I think every WA sporting team has won. We’re showing that we can come across adversity.”

**Above:** Deborah-Ann de la Harpe and Hana Lowry (facing camera) – two players who Perth Glory coach Alex Epakis was delighted with today. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

Alex Epakis was full of pride in his team’s performance afterward. “After the Newcastle game, we realized that we put together a performance for 70% of the match, and the focus this week was to pull that to 90 and 100% and we absolutely did that.

“For me it was the best performance we’ve had over the two seasons (that I’ve been head coach). We controlled the match from start to finish. They didn’t have many chances. We just needed to score a couple more goals for it to be an absolutely perfect performance.”

With his team now just a point outside the Finals places, Perth’s head coach outlined how this matches up with his pre-season aims. “I knew pre-season that, with the squad we had, despite having a lot of new faces…I knew we’d have players with the right attitude and mentality. Our position now for me is justifiable. I know people outside the club didn’t really expect that as they wrote us off from day one.”

With the state border closure extended indefinitely, it has been another tough week for the club, but the players’ response continued to be impressive as Epakis underlined: “They’re like absolute champions. I only got out of isolation myself yesterday, but the whole group have been fantastic. Every session that I watched on video whilst I wasn’t there was good.

“With the news that then came through later in the week, we made sure that we drew a line in the sand and said that the only way we could respond to it was through our performance on the field. It’s our only way to express how we feel and we did it in a way that would make us proud, and I think we did that today.”

It was another impressive display from both Deborah-Ann de la Harpe and Hana Lowry as Perth’s coach recognized: “They’ve both been great over the last two weeks, good contributors to the team’s performances. Deb has found form at the right time of the season and made a huge contribution. The goal was fantastic, but there were other really good things that she did in general play.

“With Hana, as she has Sadie (Lawrence) and Mie (Leth Jans) being behind her, it means that she just has the support to be free and attack, doing the things she needs to do help us in the front third. The experienced spine behind her is a big help.”

Epakis also addressed the fact that Gemma Craine was not in the squad today by stating: “She doesn’t have COVID, she just was not selected for tactical reasons. She’s fit, healthy, and ready to contribute to the team this week.”

He also emphasized the fact that will be making sure that his side will not be resting on their laurels after this performance: “It’s very important that we do assess the game. Although the majority of the performance was good, I know that we can do better. We’ve got a high at the moment, we’ve got momentum, the group is buzzing and we just want to harness that for as long as we can.”

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-2-3-1): Aquino, Green, K.Carroll, Anton, Rigby, Leth Jans, Lawrence, Lowry, De Vanna, de la Harpe, Sakalis. Substitutes: Cain, Keane, Jancevski, L.Khamis, Newbon (GK).

Scorers: de la Harpe 50′.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-4-2): Langman, Matos, Hunt, Huynh, Apostolakis, Galea, Price, Cooper, Halloway, Henry, Copus-Brown. Substitutes: Collister, Galic, Gallagher, Allen, S.Khamis (GK).

Referee: Rebecca Mackie.

Attendance: 493.

King’s Lynn Town: Beating Targets & Pushing For Silverware

Above: King’s Lynn Town lineup prior to their game with Caister in the Norfolk Women’s Cup last weekend. Photo: Richard Brown.

One of the real success stories of the season so far in Norfolk has been that of King’s Lynn Town from the fifth-tier Eastern Region Premier Division. Captain Tiffany Forshaw and vice-captain Jodie Hopkins spoke to Darrell Allen (22/1/22).

Tiffany and Jodie began by introducing themselves. Tiff’s story is one of progression which now sees her as King’s Lynn Town Club captain: “I have been playing football since the age of nine and have played for Kings Lynn Town now for the last six years.

I’ve been within the different leagues in women’s football starting in Norfolk League Two with Brandon Town to the Women’s Premier League with Lowestoft Town. I originally started at King’s Lynn before venturing out to other teams through the years. So, feel I have a good experience at all levels. I have been King’s Lynn Town’s vice-captain and now for the last two seasons, captain.”

Jodie’s story also represents one of progression and a football career to date spanning more than 20 years. “I first started playing football when I was four years old. So football has always been a huge part of my life! It is all I have ever known to be honest. My grandad used to take my brother to football training with the village team and I went along for fun, but it wasn’t long before I was joining in with the boys’ team.

I first started at King’s Lynn when I was seven years old. I joined the Player Development Centre that used to take place in Hunstanton with Jess Ibrom. I went through the age groups here, but I was then put forward for Norwich City Football Club trials at the age of eight, after which I got accepted into the girl’s academy pathway there which was known as ‘The Girls Centre of Excellence’.”

**Above:** Tiffany Foreshaw in action for King’s Lynn Town. **Photo:** Richard Brown.

“I continued to play for King’s Lynn for as long as I could but due to training twice a week for Norwich and games on a Saturday, I then had to give up my King’s Lynn commitment as they fell on the same day. I then went through Norwich CoE from under 10s to under 16s after which I then made the step up to Norwich Ladies football team continuing to play for a further two years.

“After a short time out, I was contacted by Lynn Ladies manager at the time, Shelly Stewart. I went along to their open session back in the summer of 2016 and I re-joined Lynn as one of the ladies. I was then at Lynn for a few years before I went to play for Peterborough Northern Star FC but decided due to travel commitments, I was ready to play closer to home and was welcomed by back Shelly with open arms.

“I re-joined Lynn Ladies in 2018 and haven’t left since. Over the last couple of seasons, we have become more involved with the main football club and became officially amalgamated with the club, so we now come under the banner of King’s Lynn Town Ladies Football Club. My current role at the club is vice-captain of King’s Lynn Town Ladies football team”

In terms of her own role at the club, Tiffany was noticeably thanked the contribution of others. “As captain of this great bunch of girls, it makes my job so much easier especially with the help of Jodie. We together drive the team through difficult games that do not always go our way. With our experience together we drive the team match days and in training. I enjoy my role the girls are so willing to learn and develop it really is a privilege to wear the armband!”

Jodie revealed that her roles are varied: “I have several at the club which can be very busy at times, but when you are dedicated to your team there’s nothing you wouldn’t do for them. At current, I am a player and vice-captain of the team. I am an active committee member of the Ladies’ team which involves my regular communication with club chairman Steve Cleeve and Norman to arrange bits for match days.

**Above:** Jodie Hopkins of King’s Lynn Town. **Photo:** Richard Brown.

“I run the social media pages. I write the articles for the Ladies’ team that get published in the men’s home game match day programmes and with our manager Joe Simpson leaving, I have recently stepped into that department too.

“Over recent weeks myself and Alice Collins (also a player) have taken training sessions but with Alex Cook now coming in, the pressure of organizing and leading training sessions and match day organization has been slightly lifted but as vice-captain it’s my job to support Alex in getting his feet under the table as this is his first experience with a women’s team as I continue to drive the standards of the ladies in training and on match days. I couldn’t be prouder of the girls; their efforts and commitment are absolutely phenomenal. It’s an honour to represent the club in the way that I do on and off the pitch.”

King’s Lynn Town’s season so far has been fantastic as the team sit on 20 points in fourth place. Jodie is extremely pleased with how things have been going.

“I personally believe we have already proved a lot of people wrong and given other teams a lot to talk about with regards to our debut season in the ERWFL Premier Division. We came in as underdogs after our application for promotion was accepted and I believe we have fully stepped up to the standard of this league.

“The team cohesion is second to none both on and off the pitch. It’s difficult to pick a specific stand-out moment because of everything we have achieved so far this season, when you play football with not just friends but friends who become family it makes the experience 100 times better.

**Above:** Tiffany Foreshaw battles for possession. Photo: Neil Dady.

Jodie also acknowledged the contribution of the fans in her stand out moments to date, “Two big stand out moments for me so for this season are the support we receive at our home matches at The Walks. It is amazing and it really helps to boost us with match day performances to know we have a 12th man behind us. The other moment is beating one of our county rivals and also current league leaders Wymondham Town at The Walks in a 4-0 victory.”

Much of Kings Lynn Town’s success has been down to the leadership of manager Joe Simpson who left the club to pursue new opportunities following the 1-1 draw at St. Ives on 5^th December. Captain Tiffany was only full of praise for the outgoing boss and what his departure meant to the club.

“Joe leaving was a massive loss to this club, his dedication and commitment to this club was outstanding. His late nights and early morning trying to get the ladies’ team on par with the men never went unnoticed by us as a team. For me personally, he challenged me to think outside the box when it came to developing my football abilities, sometimes with a little resilience from me but I trusted in his process.

“The team also believed in this when our formation changed and structure of how we play, as the season so far supports it was for the better. With Alex coming in he has the same ethos so this will no doubt continue. We wish Joe all the best in his new venture”

Since Joe’s departure, King’s Lynn have played two matches, losing 4-1 at Wymondham on 9th January and last weekend saw a 6-0 success against Caister in the Norfolk County FA Women’s Cup quarter-final. Jodie gave me her thoughts on the game.

**Above:** Jodie Hopkins on the ball for King’s Lynn Town. **Photo:** Neil Dady.

“It’s always hard to give much detail as when I’m playing, I’m just in the moment and don’t really think about anything else. It has massively helped having Rich Brown come in and take on the role as Press Officer. Rich has provided match reports that I really can’t disagree with so far.

“As Rich said, we started in bullish mood, setting a high press and taking much of the play to Caister so they knew from kick-off that we weren’t going to let them out easily. I feel we displayed a very dominant first-half performance. We started the second half composed and maintaining possession. We moved the ball patiently awaiting scoring opportunities. It’s a great feeling winning 6-0 away from home under new management. A win always boosts everyone’s spirits which makes a lively bus journey home.

“Caister are currently three leagues below us and have been on a very successful run, prior to the game we looked to see how they were getting on, and its quite clear they score quite a lot of goals. As Rich said, Caister endeavoured to absorb the Linnets constant onslaught by playing the ball long and high from their defensive line but they never gave up and they worked us right to the final whistle.”

King’s Lynn Town return to The Walks this Sunday for their first home game of 2022 against Dunstable and I asked Tiffany what it means to play all home games at the venue.

“It means a lot to play at The Walks, it gives the ladies team a more professional look. We also have a ground well looked after and no longer have to set up goals and check for debris. It will be great to have some home games, some of the travel can take it out of you on match days. Hopefully, this gives us some consistency as we push on the league.”

**Above:** Jodie Hopkins – confident about her team’s chances for the rest of the season. **Photo:** Neil Dady.

When King’s Lynn Town were promoted to Step Five many people including myself were expecting them to struggle, Tiffany spoke about how targets have now been altered but still remain achievable, “I personally think we have already proved a lot of people wrong about where we would be sitting in the league this season. I think with this talented group of players nothing is impossible. We very much are competing for the top three and on the basis of our first half of the season, this is not an unrealistic goal. The team will continue to push hard and fight for every game. Let’s say it will be a very entertaining second half of the season!”

Jodie also acknowledged new targets but whilst also telling me standards have been increased and nothing has been accomplished yet

“First of all, our job is to finish what we have started this season, we have already proved a lot of people wrong and given other teams a lot to talk about with regards to our debut season in the ERWFL Premier Division. We want to continue to develop our squad adding strength and depth across the pitch, in the changing room, and off the pitch. We really want to cement the foundations that we have laid so far this season.

“At the beginning of the season, we said where we would like to finish and we said in our first season mid-table would be amazing. But from the first half of the season we have proven we are more than capable enough of this and we have accepted the challenge of competing for the top three.

“This week we have found out that we will play Mulbarton in the semi-final of the county cup. The hope of all the team is to play in the final, challenging to be one of the best teams in Norfolk.

“In addition to this, the main goal for the remainder of the season is to continue what we’ve started as underdogs and continue to step up to the standard of this league.”

Matildas Trio Speak After Opening Asia Cup Win

Above: Holly McNamara, who spoke about her Australia debut on Friday’s Asia Cup opener against Indonesia. Photo: Football Australia.

Ben Gilby hears from debutant Holly McNamara, two-goal Ellie Carpenter, and Clare Wheeler who started her first Matildas match on Friday (23/1/22).

It has been a fairytale few months for Holly McNamara. The Melbourne City youngster has taken the A-League Women by storm and on Friday, she made her international debut. “It felt great, it was such an honour,” the teenager explained. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me and given me the opportunity to do this.

“The biggest thing that’s gotten me here is the support I’ve had from my family and friends. They’ve got me through the tough times to get to the good times.

“I spoke to them afterward and I got some videos sent through by my siblings of my parents’ reactions when I came on – there were a few screams!

McNamara explained her feelings on Friday as she was told she was coming off the bench. “I was just told to go for the jog and straight away I was so excited…ecstatic! Then the adrenaline took over and I was just focused on coming on and making an impact.”

The youngster, who is 19 today has been on a rollercoaster ride of emotions in recent times “These whole two weeks have been crazy, quite a shock and overwhelming. The game itself was crazy, very different from what I’m used to, and I’m glad I got to go on.

“The overall thing that came out of that game was the clean sheet and preparing for the next one.

As well as the clean sheet, the game saw Sam Kerr break Australia’s goalscoring record – and made even more special for McNamara as it was the striker who presented her with her first Matildas cap.

“First, congrats to Sam, she definitely deserves it, one of the hardest workers that I’ve seen. Getting my cap from her, especially after her milestone in the game was amazing. The little speech she made for me was very heartfelt.”

“For me, I need to work hard in training to earn more game time prove my worth and be confident in the way I play.”

**Above:** Ellie Carpenter who highlighted the importance of Australia’s strong start to the Asia Cup.Photo: Football Australia.

Ellie Carpenter highlighted what her focus was immediately after Friday’s win over Indonesia. “Right now, we’re looking at recovery, which is very important, especially in a short tournament like this, similar to the Olympics where we had to back up every two days. Ice baths and massage are particularly important for me.”

Looking back on Friday’s game, the Olympique Lyonnais star emphasized the importance of their dominant performance: “Reflecting on the game, it was a great start for us. We really wanted to hit the ground running and be clinical in the final third and we definitely did that. Now it is about building the performance and getting to where we want to be for the final games.

“It was really important for us to set the tone early. Some tournaments we haven’t had the best of starts. This was one big thing that we wanted to do, and we definitely achieved that. We’re keen to keep it going and build on every match.”

“It was important to be clinical and get those final third shots in to get confidence in the early games so come the semi-final or final we know we can finish those chances. Anything that we can do to be prepared for those final matches we will. We wanted to come in from the start and set the tone.”

Carpenter had her own personal reasons for enjoying the outcome – she trebled her goalscoring tally for her country during the match. “It felt really nice to get on the scoreboard (twice). I’ve been working on my play in the final third and in my finishing, so I’m happy it has paid off. Any way that I can contribute to this team winning I will.”

The defender also spoke about her pride in Sam Kerr breaking Australia’s goalscoring record. “To see her break record after record is amazing and I feel very honoured to be playing alongside her. She’s a great captain and an even better player for our country and we’re honoured to have her in our team. She’s the best striker in the world at the moment and it was nice to share that moment with her on the field.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s second group match with the Philippines, Carpenter identified the aims for the tie. “We just want to build on our performance from the first game. We know how we want to play and we want to take the next step to the next level. Whatever team we play, we’ll come out with the same motivation and mentality. We’re ready for this match.”

**Above:** Clare Wheeler talked about her joy at getting a first Matildas start and why the first result and performance were so vital. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Clare Wheeler spoke about her pride in starting her first Matildas match in the Asia Cup on Friday. “I can barely find words to describe it – an amazing feeling to get my starting debut. The result and performance were the icing on the cake.

“When Tony told me (that I would be starting), I was ecstatic. I knew I had a job to do and we really wanted to make a statement in the opening game and that’s what we did.

Wheeler highlighted the thought process behind fielding such a strong team for the game against Indonesia before reviewing the outcome. “Regardless of ranking, we treat every team the same. We want to win this tournament – no ifs or buts, so that’s the way we treat every game and that’s what we did.

“There were many positives from the match – Sammy (Kerr) breaking the goalscoring record, Holly (McNamara) making her debut plus myself, Mary (Fowler), and Courtney Nevin making our Asia Cup debuts, all amazing things to see in a first game.”

“We’ve been focusing on recovery, getting movement into our legs with this short turnaround for the Philippines on Monday and we’re looking at that as the next game we need to win.”

Finals Hopes On The Line In Gosford

Above: Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Catherine Cannuli speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s game. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers (22/1/22).

Tomorrow’s A-League Women game between Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers sees two teams with Finals hopes facing off in Gosford. To preview the game, Ben Gilby heard from both head coaches, Catherine Cannuli of Wanderers and Alex Epakis of Perth. Glory’s Danish international Mie Leth-Jans additionally spoke about her thoughts on the competition halfway through her first season in Australia.

Ahead of Sunday’s game against Perth Glory, Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Catherine Cannuli began her media conference by reflecting on last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at home by Melbourne Victory.

“We should have got a little bit more out of that game, I thought it was a tough one. It took me a few days to re-group and start to look ahead towards Perth. I thought the girls worked super hard and we just have to put it behind us and look forward.

Cannuli spoke about how her players are continuing to come together as the season reaches an important stage. “Team cohesion is great. They are a good bunch of girls who have a great work ethic. We’ve been through a few tough times, but they are gelling really well. I can’t believe we’re halfway through the season already.”

The Wanderers head coach highlighted 15-year-old midfielder Alexia Apostolakis who is becoming a regular member of the starting 11. “Her development has been great. She is a shy, quiet girl, but the older girls are really getting around her and mentoring her and giving her that confidence and belief to get better and better every week. She’s going to be one to watch for the future, but she is already putting her mark on the A-League Women.”

Cannuli also hinted that Alex Hyunh may well make her first appearance for the club since re-joining temporarily. “We don’t just sign players just to sign them. Alex is a big part of this team. She knows what the culture of the club is and, yeah, you might see her this weekend.”

With Western Sydney having scored only two goals in their six matches so far, the coach emphasized that improvements are needed. “There is no denying the fact that we haven’t scored enough goals this season or been fluent in the front third. It’s something we are continuing to work on. We need to be creating more chances and getting more shots on goal.”

However, on the positive side of the ledger, in those six matches, only four goals have been conceded, something that is the result of a lot of hard work pre-season. “First and foremost we worked on our defensive structure, it’s something we’ve been poor on in previous campaigns and so that was a big focus in our pre-season.”

With Sunday’s game being officially a home game for Perth Glory, despite it being played in Gosford, New South Wales due to Western Australia’s border closure, Cannuli sees a big advantage for her team in avoiding having to travel across the country to play the Glory.

“Perth has been on the road for a few weeks now. They have been chopping and changing and it’s not easy to be away from home and living out of a hotel. It can definitely be an advantage to us. However, we’re not going into the game thinking we are definitely getting the three points. We’ll know we will have to work hard for them if we want to get them.

“The girls will go out there knowing that they need to get the three points. If we want to stay in the pack, we need to get as many points as possible. They know how crucial it is for us to get a win this week to keep building momentum.”

**Above:** Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis – buoyed by an excellent performance in difficult circumstances last weekend. **Photo:** Perth Glory.

Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis has revealed that he is well on the road to recovery after testing positive for COVID on matchday against Newcastle Jets last weekend.

“I’m feeling OK. I’ve not really had any symptoms since I tested positive. It’s frustrating that I can’t be out there at the moment, but I’m looking forward to getting out soon.

He highlighted the impact that the club’s recent run of matches so close together has had on his players. “The competition schedule wasn’t sensible from a sports science point of view. After going three weeks without a game, we were expected to play three games in a week.

“Some players couldn’t cope with that schedule and have got medium-term injuries. We are hoping to get them back in the next couple of weeks.

“We have a good squad and the last match [at Newcastle] showed that players can step up, even out of position, and still play well.

“At this stage, I am the only COVID case in the group, so things are getting better. The three players are out of quarantine.

“Those that were injured last weekend will not be back for Sunday. If I test negative on my next PCR then I am out of quarantine too.”

Perth’s head coach explained what it’s been like to have to coach from his living room over the past week. “Yeah, it’s been interesting, I’d never missed a matchday before or training session. I’ve just had to accept it.

“I don’t think I’ve ever done anything as difficult as watching a match from my living room. We did our best to have communication with the bench throughout the match, but there was an empty feeling.”

“Having said all that, it emphasizes again how good the performance was against Newcastle, considering all the disruptions. It is a real significant milestone and achievement for us.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s game against the Wanderers, Epakis said: “I think it’s going to be a tense game because it’s a critical one for both teams. Western Sydney is a proud team, they probably haven’t had the consistency of performance that they were hoping for.

“It’s a bit similar to our situation and so it’s timely for us to be playing each other. It will be tense to start with, but when the game gets its flow, it should be a good one for the neutral.

“I’m really excited about what the second half of the season looks like. I think there is a sense of optimism about the group in terms of what we can achieve.”

**Above:** Mie Leth-Jans, Perth Glory’s Danish international pictured in action against Canberra United in Blacktown recently. **Photo:** Kris Goman.

Perth Glory’s Danish international Mie-Leth Jans is halfway through her first season in Australian football. She spoke to the media this week about how she’s finding life at the club.

“I’ve known from the start what is expected of me as Alex (Epakis, head coach) and I had good conversations before I got here. I feel that I have gained a lot from being part of this group.

“I feel very comfortable now I know the style of play here. It has been good that people are noticing what I can bring to the team.

“I find the standard very interesting. It’s a lot more of a transitional game, very nice and intense as well.

“It’s quite physical, but the Swedish and Danish leagues I’ve played in are physical too. The difference is in what the referees allow – they allow more to go on here.”

Despite Perth having put in a hugely positive performance at Newcastle last weekend, it is now four games since Glory won. Jans emphasized that confidence remains high in the squad.

“We’re good as a team. The first three games when we moved to a hub in New South Wales were tough as we played them all in a week. However, we recovered well, better than I expected.

“We went over in detail what we need to do to be better and we connected well. It has helped us to get on even better as a group and know who we are.

“Right now we are having to take each day as it comes. We never know what is happening with COVID.

“We are being precautions when around each other, following all the rules and that’s the best we can do to keep safe.”

Reflecting on the Jets game specifically last week, the Dane “We played some parts of the game really well last week and were disappointed not to get three points as we deserved them. We’re ready to go again [against Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday] and hopefully, we’ll get the three points this time.”

“We’re focused on the final third of the pitch for the next game – that’s where the goals are scored and where we can win the game.”