Report by Ben Gilby. Exclusive pitchside photos by Kris Goman (16/1/22)
Above: Tussle for possession on the by-line in the game between Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
A single goal from the penalty spot settled a disappointing game played in temperatures that topped 33c in Parramatta.
Melbourne Victory were dominant from the start with Francesca Iermano popping up on the left making a particularly prominent start along with the hugely influential Alex Chidiac. Options out wide were giving the visitors plenty of opportunities against a Wanderers side who struggled to get out of their own half for the opening quarter of an hour.
On one of those rare offensive sorties from the home side, Erica Halloway earned the first corner of the game after Lia Privitelli put her ball-in out of play. The set-piece was met by Clare Hunt’s header which went wide of the far post.
Victory responded four minutes later as Catherine Zimmerman got free along the right and played in a tempting low ball across the box but no-one in a white shirt was able to get on the end of it.
Western Sydney’s Caitlin Cooper got a shot on target which was a comfortable hold for Casey Dumont.
With half an hour gone, Halloway got through down the right once more and cut back towards Bryleeh Henry, but Zimmerman got back to put in a superb tackle at the cost of a corner. Hunt got up highest once more, and again put it wide of the same far post.
Chances remained at a premium with each side. Indeed there were only three opportunities in the opening 25 minutes of the second period.
Above: Bryleeh Henry tries to break through for Western Sydney Wanderers against Melbourne Victory. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Two minutes in, Hunt gave a free-kick away just outside the box. Victory’s Mindy Barbieri stepped up left of centre, just over 20 yards out, but the 21-year-old never quite got power into her effort and the ball bounced harmlessly wide.
Halloway, who continued her eye-catching performance, put another dangerous low ball in from the right towards Henry, but Claudia Bunge slid in ahead and almost scored an own goal in putting the ball out for a corner
With an hour gone, it was Victory’s turn to go close. Chidiac was given space on the right-hand side which allowed her to hit a long-range stunner that came off the left-hand post with Wanderers keeper Sarah Langman as an on-looker.
As the clock ticked towards 73 minutes, the goal that the game was desperately crying out for finally came.
Iermano’s cross into the box from the right-hand side clearly came off the arm of Western Sydney’s Rosie Galea. Referee Rachael Mitchenson awarded a corner, which drew a wry smile from the Wanderers player to reveal her guilt. Whilst Mitchenson missed an obvious offence, her assistant Amber Morris did not and eventually advised her colleague that a penalty was required. 20-year-old forward Maja Markovski stepped up and dispatched her effort cooly into the top left-hand corner.
There was no further scoring which led to Victory finally ending their disappointing run with a vital win.
Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from CommBank Stadium:
Above: Newcastle Jets jump for joy after Liz Eddy’s equalizer. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
Perth went into the game on the back of the most challenging week possible as a 4-0 loss to Sydney FC was followed by three players plus head coach Alex Epakis testing positive for COVID and key attacking threats Susan Phonsongkham and Cyera Hintzen suffering injuries.
Consequently, the Western Australians made six changes with Morgan Aquino coming back in goal, 19-year-old Abbey Green played her first A-League Women game for a year after a successful WA NPL campaign with Murdoch University Melville. Her fellow Murdoch team-mate Sadie Lawrence also started after scoring 10 times in the state competition. Hana Lowry was back along with Lisa De Vanna and Deborah-Ann de la Harpe. New signing Leena Khamis was on the bench with teenager Aideen Keane also appearing there.
The Jets, playing their first game due to a COVID outbreak in almost three weeks saw Marie Markussen miss out altogether and Emily van Egmond’s short-term deal is now at an end.
The visitors were tidy and comfortable on the ball, putting on a high press with De Vanna looking full of pace in the early stages. Yet the real Glory star in the opening exchanges was Deborah-Ann de la Harpe. The 21-year-old was getting plenty of space on the right-hand side and used her pace well to get plenty of crosses into the box.
From one such run, the Caringbah-born player put in a high ball which came off the back of De Vanna’s head at the far post with the ball bouncing just over the bar. Hana Lowry also had an opportunity with a curling free-kick from some 20 yards which bounced into the midriff of Claire Coelho in the Jets goal.
Above: Perth Glory’s Sofia Sakalis on the ball at Newcastle today. Photo: Perth Glory.
Lowry’s performance during this game highlighted the different skill set she is bringing to the Perth Glory side this season. She is playing a deeper role to showcase her passing vision and movement and is growing with every week.
For all their early industry, Perth couldn’t convert and the Jets, backed by a typically vocal No. 2 Sportsground crowd edged their way back into the encounter.
A first real chance for the hosts came via Liz Eddy’s corner from the right. Tara Andrews got up highest to head goalwards, Liz Anton miscued her attempted clearance which allowed Kirsty Henton to flick a header back to Sophie Harding to get a shot in which Morgan Aquino dived upon. Nine minutes before the break Harding had another chance when she got a powerful effort away which stung the palms of Aquino.
Jets tested the Perth goalkeeper once more shortly afterward as a long ball forward bounced between visiting defenders for Ash Brodigan to slide in, but Aquino came out and made a superb block with her legs to deny the Broadmeadow Magic NPL star.
Perth started the second half on the front foot and finally took advantage of their increased possession to take the lead with 54 minutes on the clock.
Danish international Mie Leth Jans played a perfectly judged ball over the top which Lowry instantly brought under control in the box, turned, and fired a low shot into the far corner. It was a real moment of magic by the 18-year-old locally produced Perth player. It was the fourth senior goal of her career, two of which have come in Newcastle.
Above: Perth Glory’s goal scorer Hana Lowry celebrates with her team-mates. Photo: Perth Glory.
Two minutes later, De Vanna broke through the centre of the Jets defence and fired in a shot which Coelho did well to push away from a corner. The resulting flag kick from Lowry was met by the head of captain Tash Rigby who saw her header come back off the bar.
Jets replied as Eddy looped a ball through for newly arrived Lauren Allen whose effort came back off the bar, although the sub was flagged offside.
Past the hour mark there was another sign of vintage De Vanna magic when the 37-year-old Western Australian put in an outrageous turn to get away from Tiana Jaber.
Sakalis earned a free-kick in a central position in the ‘D’ brought down by Beth Gordon. Up stepped de la Harpe to fire in a rocket of a set-piece that was destined for the top right-hand corner of the net until Coelho pushed onto the bar with a sensational save.
With 20 minutes to play, Jets had a rare, but golden opportunity. Harding pulled a tempting low ball across the box, but Jemma House coming in at the far post couldn’t get on the end of it.
This buoyed the home side and they went on to take firm control of the remainder of the match.
Six minutes later, they had better luck as Eddy was found in the box by Allan to slide the ball into the left-hand corner under the diving Aquino. Given the run of play in the second half, it was a painful lesson for Perth to take.
Jets were denied a famous comeback when Allan played in Harding on the left. Her cross was met by the head of House, but the ball came crashing back off of the bar.
Eddy came close in the dying stages for Newcastle, beating Kim Carroll and putting a shot agonizingly wide of the far post.
Above: Conflicting emotions from both goal scorers as Newcastle Jets’ Liz Eddy (right) celebrates with Hana Lowry looking to the sky in frustration. Photo: A-League Women.
One final chance came in stoppage time when the Jets were awarded a questionable free kick on the right-hand side. Eddy clipped it into the near post where it was met by Allan, but her effort was over the top.
This was a game that Perth Glory had more than enough chances to win, however, given the context of their week and the number of key players they are missing, there was a lot of positives for the visitors.
Deborah-Ann de la Harpe reflected: “We have a strong squad of 23. We have united together and put on a good performance. We needed a few more numbers in the box, be relentless and back ourselves a bit more after the first half, (and it worked).”
Hana Lowry was pleased with the team’s overall performance, but frustrated with only taking a draw: “We need to be more clinical, we had more chances that we could have converted. There was a slip-up for their goal. We need to win, so it’s disappointing.
“It’s been a tough time. We’ve been away from our families for five weeks, there’s girls and Alex (Epakis, head coach) in lockdown with COVID plus injuries. But there is real resilience in our squad. The players that we brought in did well and they should be proud of themselves.
Speaking from his team’s North Sydney hub about his views of the game from afar, Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis said: “If you remove the scoreline and just talk about the performance within the context of our week, it is so difficult to fault the players today.
“They were excellent in their attitude, excellent in their focus and they really had a point to prove. Today’s performance was more about what we’re building towards and what we are as a team.
“We’re disappointed with the scoreline and we’re disappointed that we didn’t take our chances, but we need to balance out where we are at. When you walk away feeling you were the dominant team but you don’t take the three points, it’s frustrating.”
Talking about the six changes made to the team today, Epakis highlighted: “I was really happy with all those who came in. Sadie Lawrence spent her whole tank for the team. Abbey Green did well in an unfamiliar position. Sofia (Sakalis) and a few others had to do jobs in positions that are not familiar too.
“We needed to get some belief back that we can compete with teams in this competition and we did that tonight. We can go into the second half of the season and, if we can get our best 11 on the field consistently, I wouldn’t rule anything out.”
Above: Steph Catley in action for Australia last year. Photo: Football Australia.
Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley spoke yesterday from Australia’s pre-Asia Cup training camp in Dubai about her preparations for the competition.
The Arsenal defender highlighted the importance of having to manage the load of playing so many games with regular UEFA Women’s Champions League matches on top of FA Women’s Super League action throughout December. “It’s been a very heavy schedule for me. I have though had some time at home, special time to spend with family and that was refreshing and I can start on the next chapter now and I’m excited for the Asia Cup tournament.
“It had been a long time since I was able to stop and relax. I’ve been able to get that love and home support, but also to rest my legs too.
“The off-season this year I will have that break. I’m getting older, so I need to break things up every now and then.
“This preparation time is important. There are lots of games in a short space of time, so every player needs to be able to step into different roles. We’ve been working hard for the last four days, doing walk-throughs and getting the tactics right. It seems like everyone is on the same page and ready to go. We’ve spent two days each on attacking and defending. We’re ready to go.”
Above: The Matildas pictured in training yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Above: Norwich City lift the Norfolk Women’s Cup last season. They face the team they beat in the final, Mulbarton Wanderers in the Quarter-Finals today. Photo: Pink ‘Un/Archant.
This weekend sees the return of the ever-popular Norfolk County FA Women’s Cup as the competition reaches its Quarter Final stage.
The draw has been set up beautifully with a potential of four upsets and some real David against Goliath ties as the four Step Seven and Eight clubs from the Norfolk Women’s and girls league were drawn against Step Four and Five opposition. We take a look at each tie and the potential for an upset. These are previewed in order of which the games were drawn out by Norfolk County FA.
Artwork: Norfolk County FA.
Norwich City vs Mulbarton Wanderers
The first tie sees a repeat of the 2021 final at The Nest as Step Four Norwich City from the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East face Norfolk Women’s and Girls League Division One leaders Mulbarton Wanderers.
This tie is fantastic because both clubs have superb mutual respect for each other and will both be looking forward to the afternoon ahead.
Norwich City goes into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw at home to London Seaward in the league and they were disappointed not to take all three points.
Norwich City also are currently in a position with a great bill of health with experienced heads like Millie Daviss, Anna Larkins, Kathyrn Stanley, Jodie Drake, and Natasha Snelling all involved.
Norwich head coach Shaun Howes is a man who takes the County Cup seriously and will want to retain the trophy.
Mulbarton will be up for it though and they will fight, scrap and play for each other and the shirt. You can never rule out Rebekah Lake for a goal either.
Expect entertainment but this should be a comfortable home win by the end.
Prediction: Norwich City 4-1 Mulbarton Wanderers
Caister vs King’s Lynn Town
Above: King’s Lynn Town face a tricky trip to Caister today. Photo: Neil Dady.
Possibly the tie of the round is set to take place at The Allendale. I’ve been laughed at in private conversations for saying this but I genuinely believe that this will be a close game.
It has all the ingredients for a fantastic cup tie with Step Eight Caister welcoming Step Five King’s Lynn Town to their home parkland pitch.
A great setting for a game and King’s Lynn will be in for a warm welcome but when both players step over that white line, it will be a very exciting contest.
Sophie Gillett has her team well prepared having had the intelligence to arrange a short notice friendly against Shrublands last weekend to get crucial match minutes ahead of the King’s Lynn tie.
They will be well-coached and well organized and roared on by an enthusiastic bench and the presence of number one supporter and sponsor Dave Roots will give the girls an additional lift.
King’s Lynn Town has a wonderfully talented squad. They will be hoping to have a bigger squad available for this tie after going to Wymondham with just 12 players, a game they lost 4-1 to the Eastern Region Premier leaders.
This will be an awkward tie for King’s Lynn, but the experience of captain Tiffany Forshaw and vice-captain Jodie Hopkins will help massively in ensuring there are no mistakes here.
The tie for the neutral but Kings Lynn should have enough quality.
Prediction – Caister 1-2 Kings Lynn Town
Wroxham vs Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers
Above: It’s been a long eight weeks since Wroxham (right) were last in action. They face Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers at Trafford Park today. Photo: Ben Gilby.
A very intriguing battle awaits at Trafford Park between Step Five Wroxham and Step Seven Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers.
Wroxham has not played since a 1-1 draw in the league at King’s Lynn Town on 21st November. Most recently the trip to Dunstable was called off last weekend.
Dussindale and Hellesdon are one of the Norfolk Women’s and Girls Leagues’ most talented teams but are underachieving so far this season despite only played 5 games.
Adrian Tink will have them up for the cup but they come up against a Wroxham side hungry for action and success.
Wroxham’s quality will see them through here and the mission will be to get through and get some confidence for the league games ahead.
There is also the hurt from 12 months ago when Mulbarton Wanderers from the same division as Dussindale and Hellesdon came to Trafford Park and knocked the Yachtswomen out with a 1-0 victory and went on to reach the final.
The players from that afternoon will want to put that right and be expected to put that right by a coach who only cares and wants the best for her players but only allows you to mess up once and will expect success.
It might be awkward in stages but expect no mistake from Rebecca Burton’s team this time around.
Prediction – Wroxham 3-1 Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers
Thetford Town vs Wymondham Town
Above: Wymondham celebrate last week’s success vs Kings Lynn in the Eastern Region Premier Division Photo: Neil Dady.
Possibly the biggest David against Goliath tie of them all as Alex Guy is set to take Norfolk Football’s form team Wymondham Town to Mundford Road to face Step Seven Thetford Town from the Norfolk Women’s and Girls League Division One.
Wymondham Town continue their stroll towards the Eastern Region Premier Division Title and a place in the FA Women’s National League having secured another home win over King’s Lynn Town in their local derby last weekend winning 4-1.
Thetford Town will be looking forward to a great occasion after being unbeaten so far in the league having played seven, won six, and only drawn one. It will be a chance for the Thetford squad to test themselves against the very best in Norfolk and some of the Thetford players even went to see Wymondham in action vs King’s Lynn on Sunday.
Thetford will be organized by David Skipp and Stuart Terry and will relish the challenge with no pressure.
However, Alex Guy is a manager who respects the Norfolk Women’s Cup having reached the final in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and won the competition in 2018 and 2019. Wymondham Town will show Thetford the utmost respect and I expect to see all the Wymondham stars, Hannah Waters, Laura Nicholls, Katie Knights, Rachel Cossey, Chelsea Clarke and more to grace the Mundford Road turf. I expect them to be professional with class and quality which will see them victorious.
Prediction – Thetford Town 0-4 Wymondham Town
Four exciting ties and something for everyone but I fully expect the four giants of the Norfolk game Norwich City, Kings Lynn, Wroxham and Wymondham to all progress.
The weekend provides a challenge for all those four and they will hope to negotiate a safe passage to the Semi-Finals without embarrassment.
For Mulbarton Wanderers, Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers, Caister, and Thetford Town it is a chance to do the Norfolk Women’s and Girls League proud, make themselves proud, and cause an extraordinary upset.
Unlikely to happen but you never know in cup football. When it’s 11 vs 11 anything can happen.
Enjoy the weekend whether you are a player, supporter, sponsor, or volunteer.
Report by Kieran Yap. Exclusive pitchside photos by Kris Goman (15/1/22)
Above: Canberra United goalkeeper Keeley Richards reaches for the ball under pressure. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
This was always going to be a tough game for Canberra United. They are without a win as the season approaches the halfway mark and have lost many of last season’s best players. Two of them (Jessika Nash and Paige Satchell) now play for their opponents in this round, Sydney FC.
They also had to face the league leaders without Emma Illijoski due to COVID and Karly Roestbakken to Matildas duty. Sydney’s Remy Siemsen and Cortnee Vine are also with the national team in Dubai but in Satchell and Maria Cote Rojas, The Sky Blue have strong replacements.
Above: Sydney FCs New Zealand international Paige Satchell homing in on the Canberra United goal. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Rojas started things off for Sydney FC. Mackenzie Hawkesby played in the Chilean international who was fouled by Hayley Taylor-Young. Rojas dispatched the penalty herself. A calm, low bottom corner shot that Keeley Richards could not reach despite diving the right way.
Sydney FC went 2-0 up before halftime through Rojas again. Lauren Keir under-hit a back pass to gift another chance to the unforgiving striker. She may have been gifted the ball but the finish was all class. Rojas carried the ball inward, cutting across goal and lifting it over Richards and into the goal.
Any plans for a Canberra comeback were dealt a blow by Ally Green who made it 3-0 with an amazing goal. Whether it was a shot or a cross does not really matter in the end. It looked incredible.
Above: Cote Rojas – Sydney FC’s hat-trick hero. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
After receiving the ball, on the touchline, Green hit a curling in-swinging ball high and long. Richards was well positioned to intercept a cross but the ball kept moving and found its way inside the far post.
Rojas made it four with another great piece of skill. Canberra United would be disappointed that one of the shortest players could score from a corner. Even unmarked and six yards out, the volley was perfectly struck. Rojas had her first hattrick for her new club and the game looked out of reach for the home side.
As Canberra struggled to find a way into the contest, Sydney hit them on the counter attack. Taylor Ray showed why she was initially selected to join the Matildas camp with a perfect long pass to Princess Ibini. The forward raced onto the ball and into the penalty area and directly towards goal.
Above: Princess Ibini (right) gets away from Canberra United’s Chloe Middleton en route to scoring Sydney FC’s fifth goal. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Chloe Middleton did her best to stop her with a lunging push, but Ibini kept balanced as she tumbled and poked the ball past Richards to make it five unanswered goals for Sydney FC.
Ibini turned provider in the closing minutes. She played a defence-splitting reverse pass to set Rachel Lowe into space. The midfielder waited for Richard to commit before calmly slotting it beyond for her first of the season.
This was a hard game to judge. Canberra United has played good football in patches this season but without the twin threats of Satchell and Nikki Flannery, they have lost much of what made them a force last season.
Grace Maher remains a top-class midfielder, she is Canberra’s creator and conductor but this season they have struggled to find her the support she needs to hurt the opposition.
Above: Rachel Lowe breaks through to score Sydney FC’s sixth goal. Photo: Kris Goman. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
This game was all about Sydney though. They are without two of their best players from this season and looked just as strong if not more so.
To win 6-0 in any game is an incredible effort to do it without Siemsen and Vine is a whole new level of impressive. They have exceptional individual talent in every position and in Satchell and Rojas they have two international attackers in reserve of two others. Sydney has depth and quality that no other team is currently able to match.
We are only halfway through the season but Sydney FC looks frighteningly close to unbeatable.
Canberra United has suffered their most difficult start to a season in their history. But next week they have a winnable game. Melbourne Victory has shown they can be vulnerable to fast clinical attacks. In Ashleigh Sykes, Michelle Heyman, and Allira Toby, the side from the capital have the weapons to break their losing streak. Finals may be out of reach, but there is still hope they can have something to celebrate.
Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from Netstrata Jubilee Stadium:
Above: Rhianna Pollicina jumps for joy after scoring Melbourne City’s match-winner. Photo: Melbourne City.
A single goal was all that separated Melbourne City and Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.
Both teams went into this game with unique disruptions. City was a victim of their own success and was without Holly McNamara and Winonah Heatley. The duo had been called up to the Matildas Asian Cup preliminary squad after starting the season in fantastic form.
Adelaide has a settled lineup but head coach Adrian Stenta was unable to attend the match due to COVID restrictions.
They each were on their own winning streaks. Adelaide was looking to make it three in a row and consolidate their top-four position. City had the chance to win for the fourth time running and enhance their title credentials.
Adelaide began the game stronger. They pressured Melbourne City and created the early chances. Emily Condon tried her luck from a free-kick but Melissa Barbieri was untested by the attempt.
The best chance for The Reds came when Isabel Hodgson lofted a clever pass over the top of the City defenders. Chelsie Dawber controlled it and whipped in a dangerous low ball. Emma Checker was on hand to step in and clear the ball for City.
Above: Melbourne City’s Rebekah Stott (right) – who had a great chance for her team in the first half. Photo: Melbourne City.
Rebakah Stott had the visitor’s best chance for the first half. In a more attacking role, she was close to turning in an enticing cross but Adelaide survived and the scores stayed level.
As the half ended, Fiona Worts brought the best out of Barbieri. The in-form striker hit a stinging left-foot volley from the edge of the box. It was on target and travelling fast but it was not enough to beat the legendary goalkeeper. It remained nil-all at halftime.
This was not a game of many chances, but in the second half, City wrestled back control of the game.
Checker tried her luck from long range, but her speculative shot was easily held by Annalee Grove. Stott teed up Rhianna Pollicina from a set-piece but the playmaker’s shot sailed harmlessly wide.
Pollicina has been somewhat of an unsung hero for City so far this season. She has started every game and been a creative force against each opponent. In the shadow of some spectacular individual moment from Mcnamara and Hannah Wilkinson, she has perhaps been overlooked for praise.
In the absence of McNamara, Pollicina took on more responsibility and then took her chance to score the defining goal.
In a terrific piece of play, she exchanged passes with Rebekah Stott 18 yards from goal. Stott shaped to shoot but instead clipped a perfectly weighted ball through into Pollicina’s feet. City’s number 10 controlled the ball and held off the attention of Paige Hayward. In the style reminiscent of her futsal career, she took an extra touch to cruise past the final defender and toe poke it under Grove to make it 1-0.
Above: Melbourne City’s goalscorer Rhianna Pollicina in a dominant pose against Adelaide United today. Photo: Melbourne City
It was a classy goal in a tight match and a deserved reward for a game in which she constantly kept trying to make things happen.
Adelaide had been weakened in two areas of the pitch in one substitution. Isabel Hodgson was limited to an hour of game time as she continues to recover from an injury. When she was withdrawn, Paige Hayward had to shift from the left-wing to right back.
Hayward had been a reliable provider of crosses and defensive pressure from her starting position. She is also a capable full-back but Adelaide was effectively without their best winger and first-choice right-back simultaneously with that move.
The Reds continued to push for an equalizer. Melbourne City’s defence was too well organized and composed. Naomi Chinnama was particularly impressive in her first start for the season and Emma Checker was impassable.
Above: Adelaide United’s Emily Condon (right) – who had her team’s best chance – holds off a City tackle today. Photo: Adelaide United.
Emily Condon had the best opportunity to draw level when she raced onto Chelsie Dawber’s pass. She got beyond the defenders and had time in the box. She took a steadying touch and aimed her shot, but Barbieri was again well-positioned to save and hold onto the ball.
This was City’s only defensive lapse for the half and they did not give up another chance. Melbourne City held on to the one-goal advantage to record an important and impressive win on the road.
With three games tomorrow, Impetus’ Ben Gilby and Kieran Yapheard from head coaches Jeff Hopkins, Alex Epakis, Gemma Lewis, and Catherine Cannuli. In addition, three players – Tash Rigby, Leena Khamis, and Alex Hyunh give their views.(15/1/22).
PERTH GLORY:
Above: It’s been another tough week for Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis (arms outstretched) Photo: Kris Goman.
Alex Epakis on COVID and Injuries:
Perth Glory’s preparations for tomorrow’s game at Newcastle Jets have been hit by a COVID outbreak which includes three players, and overnight UK time today also claimed head coach Alex Epakis.
He is currently self-isolating in accordance with directives from NSW Health and will not travel with the group to Sunday’s game against Newcastle Jets at No.2 Sportsground.
Assistant Coach Stef Busso will take temporary charge of coaching duties in Epakis’ absence.
On top of this news, the club are also without key offensive players Cyera Hintzen and Susan Phonsongkham for the next couple of weeks due to injury.
Speaking to the media yesterday before he tested positive for COVID, Epakis emphasized the importance of cutting down on set-piece concessions in the game against the Jets.
“Conceding goals from set pieces is a big thing. We’ve conceded 45 corners over our games this season.
“We’ve only conceded two goals from them which is not so bad from a numbers perspective, but we’re not happy that we are conceding so many corners to start with.
“That comes down to decision making under pressure and is not just on the defence, it’s on the whole team. If we don’t give the opposition these opportunities with set-pieces then we’re not under pressure.
With his team having taken just one point from their last three games, he sought to emphasize the background to those results. “We had to sit out for three weeks. Opposition teams were able to continue building momentum in that time. We then had to play 20% of the season in three days, which was always going to be a challenge.
“I think that if we were able to play those three games [Adelaide United, Canberra United, and Sydney FC] over separate weeks, the performances would have been different. That isn’t getting away from the fact that we didn’t play well against Sydney.
“Sydney FC are top of the table because they are the most consistent team in the competition. You have to give credit where credit is due for that performance.
Perth has been forced to build largely new squads for both of the past two seasons due to COVID-related issues. With the majority of this season’s new arrivals coming in on two-year deals, the club is aiming to put together some consistency in their squad, something which Epakis emphasizes the importance of.
“A lot of Sydney’s team have been together for the last four years or longer if you look at local state teams. You can’t get away from the benefits of having a team together for a long period of time.”
In terms of focuses in training this week, the Western Australian side’s head coach pointed out the need to avoid self-inflicted pressure.
“Conceding goals from set pieces is a big thing. We’ve conceded 45 corners over our games this season.
“We’ve only conceded two goals from them which is not so bad from a numbers perspective, but we’re not happy that we are conceding so many corners to start with.
“That comes down to decision making under pressure and is not just on the defence, it’s on the whole team. If we don’t give the opposition these opportunities with set-pieces then we’re not under pressure.
Epakis’ mind has turned to this weekend’s clash with the Newcastle Jets, despite the Covid-19 challenges.
“Newcastle is a really aggressive, strong team. They have been together for a number of years which helps to build that cohesion. We acknowledge that and know we need to match them from a physical side. We know we can match it from a footballing side.
“We have to be aggressive for the whole 90 minutes.”
Perth Glory’s preparations for Sunday have been impacted by injuries as well as COVID.
“We’ve been managing hamstring tightness that Lisa [De Vanna] has had. She wants to play with explosive pace so we need to time her return, minutes, and load as best as possible to be effective not just this week but in the coming weeks too.
“Unfortunately we have picked up some injuries and the loading with those three games in a week was a factor. We’ve lost Cyera Hintzen and Susan Phonsongkham for the next couple of weeks.
“We’ll do everything we can to get them back sooner rather than later. It gives others an opportunity now to do the job as best as possible.
Leena Khamis Comes In:
Above: Leena Khamis pictured after scoring for Western Sydney Wanderers in 2019, just one of her previous clubs from a stellar career. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
In order to boost what Epakis has called a “skinny squad” at present, the club have brought in Leena Khamis on a short-term deal.
Khamis has made more than 120 Liberty A-League appearances during spells with Sydney FC, Canberra United, and most recently, Western Sydney Wanderers, for whom she scored two goals in ten games last season.
Her domestic honours include two Premierships and one Championship title, plus a Golden Boot in 2009, while at international level, the 35-year-old has 25 Matildas caps to her name and was part of the squad which won the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2010.
“I still had the drive and passion to go on and play the 2022 season, but unfortunately wasn’t given the opportunity,” she said.
“Alex got in contact with me and we had a really good chat regarding the team and how I could possibly help out.
“I think these ladies are a special group. They have a really good chance to push for Finals this season and I hope to achieve it with them. We aim to play Semi-Finals football because based on history, anything can happen once you’re there.”
Perth Glory’s head coach highlighted the qualities that Khamis can bring to Glory’s squad in the short term: “I am really pleased and excited to have Leena on board over the next few weeks.
“She has already had an instant impact on the team and training environment. Leena brings a priceless amount of experience and a competitive attitude and that will certainly add to our competitiveness and goals over the coming weeks.
“It’s very unfortunate to be without some players who have done well for us so far this season, but I know Leena is relishing the opportunity to provide a big impact for us.”
Rigby: We Know What We Have To Get Better At
Above: Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby in action against Sydney FC last weekend. Photo: Kris Goman
Also speaking to the media yesterday was Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby who highlighted the importance of putting right the wrongs from last week’s performance against Sydney FC.
Addressing this week’s COVID outbreak in their North Sydney hub, Rigby, with typical tongue-in-cheek humour observed: “Yeah, obviously it’s not like a fairytale at the moment, but the players and staff that we have lost [with COVID] are not too ill. It’s disappointing, but it was always going to happen in this environment.
“The situation is not too detrimental to us in terms of personnel. We’ve got an amazing depth to our squad this year, which is a help.
“We’ve been coming even closer together to support each other through this time. We are taking it day by day at the moment.”
Going into Sunday’s game, Perth has conceded eight goals in their last three games, four of which came last weekend against league leaders Sydney FC. The skipper highlighted the difficulties experienced against the Sky Blues and the work that has been done this week in trying to right those wrongs.
“The Sydney game was a super tough one. Without trying to make excuses, it was our third game in a week, so it was taxing on the body. Sydney played an amazing game and they had an amazing team.
We have reviewed the game and we’re ready to move on. We need to support each other off the ball more and focus on playing out from the back carefully.
“We were exposed from our goal kicks against Sydney and have to be positioned well in wide areas. [Additionally] we need to shorten our [defensive] lines.
“There have been some individual mistakes and we’ve worked on that and we are looking at improving that mindset. We have adapted well, acknowledged what went wrong, and move now to take the next game head-on.”
MELBOURNE VICTORY:
Above: Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Above: Saskia Vosper, one of the Phoenix players that is likely to miss most of tomorrow’s game with Brisbane. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Gemma Lewis On Missing Key Players Ahead of Brisbane Clash
The Phoenix could be without as many as three regular members of their XI for Sunday’s seventh-round match against Brisbane Roar in Wollongong.
Forward Kelli Brown has been ruled out of the match, another first-choice player is in major doubt and left back Saskia Vosper may only be able to play limited minutes after missing last week’s match against Melbourne City with a groin strain.
“It’s been a bit of a tough week to be honest,” Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis told media on Friday.
“At one point this week it was looking like the team was pretty much going to self-select itself by who’s available and who can get out on the field. Touch wood we’re better now than we were looking towards the start of the week.”
Brown is unavailable after suffering a head knock against Melbourne City. “Obviously she has quite an extensive history with concussion so we have to take it really seriously. We didn’t want to risk anything so we ruled her out for this week so now she’s with the docs and she’ll go through the clear to play process. We don’t actually know how long she’ll be out for yet.”
Lewis is hoping Vosper will be cleared to play some minutes against Brisbane, while there was a “big question mark” over the availability of another player.
“I’m not going to say who it is…out of respect for her and the team, but you’ll notice in the line-up as it’d be a decent loss for us.”
The Phoenix are looking to build on their performance against City last Sunday.
“We had way better possession, we had way better pass completion rate, we had the most passes we had in the opposition half…so there are areas we were working on that we’ve been competing better at. But ultimately for us a key metric is us being able to score goals.”
Wellington hasn’t found the back of the net since Ava Pritchard scored the team’s historic first goal against the Newcastle Jets in round two.
Since opening the season with a well-deserved draw against the Western Sydney Wanderers, the Phoenix have suffered five straight defeats, but three of them have come against the competition’s top two sides, Sydney FC and Melbourne City.
The Brisbane Roar sit just two places and three points above the Nix in eighth and are coming off a 1-0 home defeat to the Wanderers in round six.
Gemma Lewis is wary of her players getting carried away with thinking they have a great chance of picking up another point.
“They need to be mindful of not being complacent, not thinking that this is going to be a way easier game than City because actually it’s a different match-up. Brisbane have pace in the flanks (and) we’ve seen how we deal with pace in the flanks at times, it’s a little bit of our Achilles heel. You cannot tell me that they’re not going to be targeting us for three points and throwing everything at this game.”
Lewis says her players will be doing the same. “It is a game we want to get something out of but we’re still going to be the underdogs. But at the same time they’ve struggled in games so there’s opportunities there for us.”
The match has been brought forward two hours to help the A-Leagues’ broadcast partner, which is experiencing staffing issues as a result of the Omicron outbreak in New South Wales.
Playing in the heat of the day will be a further test of the Phoenix’s high-energy pressing game.
“It’s not looking like it’s going to be the hottest day on earth…but it is a little bit of a worry for us.”
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS:
Alex Hyunh Back At Wanderers
Artwork: Western Sydney Wanderers
Western Sydney Wanderers today confirmed the signing of defender Alex Huynh until the end of the Liberty A-League season.
Huynh returns to the Wanderers after a recent stint overseas which saw her make appearances for Serie A side Napoli as well as Danish Elitedivisionen club Fortuna Hjørring.
An experienced defender and proud Western Sydney local, Huynh will add depth to the Wanderers squad. Head coach Catherine Cannuli praised the return of Huynh.
“We’ve had Alex in with us before, she’s a Western Sydney girl and she was training with us once she returned back from overseas. We had a spot left in the squad and I think it’s been a great addition. She’s a great person and a great footballer to be around in our environment.”
Huynh said she was delighted to once again represent her hometown club. “I love coming back here, it’s like my fourth season playing at the Wanderers so it feels like home when I come back.
“I’ve spent a season in Napoli and a season in Denmark and with time overseas, you come back with a lot of experiences and life lessons. I’m really excited to be back home and playing.”
Catherine Cannuli: Focusing On The Here And Now
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Catherine Cannuli speaking to the media yesterday. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers
The Western Sydney Wanderers head coach opened by speaking of the importance of last week’s win at Brisbane Roar.”It was a relief to get those first three points, it had certainly been coming. The team can now relax into the rest of the competition.”
With Wanderers coming back from a COVID outbreak which has now impacted an ever growing number of teams in the competition, Cannuli emphasized the importance of focusing on the here and now.
“It’s crazy times, but it is crazy times for everyone. We take each day as it comes. We just deal with what we can control at any one time. There are things we can control and things we can’t. It’s super important to keep just focused on one day at a time.”
Western Sydney face a Melbourne Victory side who are in a sticky patch of form at the present time, but Cannuli knows that her team need to beware of the wounded animal.
“Victory are going to be a tough opponent. We’ll be working hard because we want those three points to keep building momentum for the rest of the season.”
Above: Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins (standing) Photo: Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory manager Jeff Hopkins is trusting the young players to step up in the absence of some big names.
Kyra Cooney-Cross and Courtney Nevin are on Matildas duty, and Lynn Williams has returned to the United States. Melina Ayres is still a few weeks away from returning to training as the club remains cautious about a hamstring injury.
Preparation for this game has been complicated by COVID cases in the squad. Although Hopkins is optimistic that their health has improved. The players are assessed daily, and each day they have been better than the one before.
“We had three players out,” Hopkins told the media.
“They all had kind of different experiences with it.
“Chids (Alex Chidiac), it hit her quite hard for a short period of time. she’s eased back into things quite gradually this week.
“She’s trained really well this morning. Tiff Eliadis as well trained really well and Casey Dumont had a tough time too.
“We’ve eased them in nicely. Whether they’ll be able to last a game I’m not sure. But they’re keen to play and I’m keen to play them as well.
“It might not be sensible to play all three from the start…I’m not sure yet.”
The three players will be welcome returns. Victory have lost their previous two games and need as many options as possible to return to the winners’ list.
Hopkins highlighted the importance of the younger fringe players. Alana Murphy has appeared regularly for Victory this season. The impressive midfielder is expected to take on a bigger role in the coming weeks.
“Obviously you miss good players, but the way we’re looking at it, its an opportunity for other players to step up.
“We’ve lost Kyra (Cooney-Cross) who’s one of the best young players in the country at the moment.
“But I believe that we’ve got some of them coming through in Alana Murphy that will be right up there in a couple of years as well.
“It’s a great opportunity for players like Murph to actually start a few games and to get some experience and maybe get more experience that she would have got if Kyra was around.”
Without Ayres or Williams. Victory might turn to Maja Markovski to start in attack. The tall striker has scored once so far this season but has been composed and skillful when used late in high-pressure situations.
“I think that she will start… over the past 12 months or so she’s really started to fill me with more confidence in the type of player she can be.
“She can come into this side and be quite effective. We might have to adjust the way we play slightly to get the best out of her but she’s proved to me over the last three to four weeks that she really wants to play and she’s prepared to work hard for it.
“If we have to put her in this week which looks likely, I’m really confident she can go in and be really effective for us.”
Above: Maja Markovski of Melbourne Victory pictured after scoring in the Boxing Day derby against Melbourne City. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
Francesca Iermano is another possible inclusion that Victory fans are eager to get a look at. The former FV Emerging player was signed as an injury replacement but has yet to take the field in the A-League Women.
“I’ve been really impressed with Fran, even this week (in training) she was up there with our best two to three players.
“She’s of the girls that’s trained with us in the off-season that’s really impressed and we had no hesitation.
“We sat down, spoke to all the coaches and staff when we were going to have to bring in another player and it was unanimous through the group that Fran was going to be that player.
“She can give us a little bit of versatility. She can play in all the wide area. Full back is obviously a position she can drop in as well.
“What’s really impressed me is We’ve tried her in a number of different positions and she just puts her head down and gives it a go.”
Despite her inexperience, Hopkins has faith that Iermano can deliver if called upon.
“I’m confident that she’s going to be in the squad this week and if I need to put her on I’m more than confident to put her on… she doesn’t have any fear…she just grabs the opportunity and runs with it. I’ve been really impressed with her.”
As they look to rebound from consecutive losses, Victory has used the last week to adjust tactically and train different scenarios. Hopkins is aware that the club has underperformed recently but has made the best of a tough situation.
“Where we are the moment, we would have loved to play last week. To have gone to Newcastle and put it right.
“What we’ve had a chance to do is to work on a few things from the previous week and try and put a few things in place that are going to help us be better this week.
“I think this is a big game for us this week, and the players realize that.
“If we get back to winning ways we’re right back on track if we don’t, we’re back in the back with a number of teams.
“I’m sure that the performance that we get from the girls will really show how serious we think this game is.”
Melbourne Victory travel to face Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday at 4:05pmAEST (5:05am GMT).
Ben Gilby heard from Clare Wheeler from the Matildas’ pre-Asia Cup training camp in the United Arab Emirates as the Fortuna Hjørring midfielderspoke abouthow preparations are going.
Above: Clare Wheeler (centre) pictured in action for Australia against the USA at the end of last year. Photo: Football Australia (13/1/22).
With the 2022 AFC Asia Women’s Cup kicking off next week, Clare Wheeler realizes how lucky she is to be with her national team.
“The weather’s been good so far. We’re really fortunate to be here as it’s really crazy at home at the moment with COVID.”
Wheeler revealed where she was when she heard about her selection for the competition: “I was around friends and family, so it was incredible. I was spending time in Sydney, training with Sydney FC, and to hear that Remy (Siemsen) and Cortnee (Vine) were called up too was also really good to hear.
Above: Clare Wheeler pictured in training this week in the Matildas’ pre-Asia Cup camp in Dubai. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“It’s always something you are working towards – going to a tournament with your country. I’m so thankful and struggle to find words to describe it!
“My international career has been a whirlwind – being called in as an injury replacement in Ireland and then getting called in during November and December, now January has been incredible. I hope it continues!”
The Matildas have been in Dubai since the start of this week, and Wheeler described what’s been going on so far: “The first training session was really fun. It’s always good to get the body moving after a long flight. Some of the girls had also come straight across from playing matches at the weekend. We’ve had a laugh and started preparing. The last time we won this competition was in 2010, so we’re really excited and ready to go.
“I need to show the coaches that I am someone who can put my hand up and be someone who can be depended on and for what I can provide for the team. Tony (Gustavsson, head coach) has been telling us that these days are crucial for learning the game plan that he has, so when it comes to India we shift into tournament mindset, know our roles and there is clarity for each and every game we play.”
Above: Aleesha Collins in action during Chorley’s incredible win over Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. Photo: Munro Sports Photography(13/1/22).
Impetus is delighted to announce the sponsorship of Chorley’s Aleesha Collins as the latest extension of our partnership with the FA Women’s National League Division One North club.
Collins, 16, made her debut for Chorley in their FA Cup tie against higher league Middlesbrough in November, a game which saw her score four times and net the winning spot-kick in the penalty shoot out to clinch a superb win for her team.
To launch the sponsorship, we spoke exclusively to Aleesha about her footballing journey so far:
“I started playing football at under-nines for my local girls’ team Crossfields. I then moved to Preston at U11s where I had a good four years winning trophies. My favourite has to be winning the nationals in 2017 after winning every game of the season.
“Whilst at Preston, I also played for my local boys’ team. I played for them for two years (U12s to U14s). Also whilst at Preston, I represented my county from U10s right the way up to U16s. COVID then hit and I didn’t play for a season.
“Once I then became 15 and was old enough to play in an U18s team, I moved to Chorley where that team went unbeaten and won the league. This current season I have played seven games for the reserves and I have also made three appearances for the first team and hopefully, I will have many more to come.”
One of those three appearances for Chorley’s first team was in that FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough. Aleesha reflected on that incredible day.
Above: Aleesha Collins breaks through against Bradford City for Chorley. Photo: Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.
“The coaches and players helped me a lot through the game. Beforehand I was told by the coaches that there was no pressure on me and I should just go out and enjoy it. On the pitch, my team helped me through the game. It helps a lot that we have experienced players in our team and they support me a lot. Not just in this game but in training too.
“I think it was a really good game with end-to-end football. It was a brilliant team performance to come back from 3-1 down to draw 4-4 at the end of extra time. As for the four goals I scored, I was in the right place at the right time and it was all down to the service I got from my team that day.”
It wasn’t just an incredible four goals that Aleesha scored that day. There was the small matter of the winning penalty in the shoot-out. She recalled the experience: “As I was stepping up to take the penalty I was confident as I have always taken penalties. I knew where I was going in the walk-up and didn’t change my mind.”
Aleesha is level-headed and dedicated to continual improvements to ensure that she can produce the best performances for Chorley.
“My aim for the rest of the season is to improve as a player and help the team the best I can with the help of the coaches and my team I’m sure that can happen. I just want to keep on playing football and keep on enjoying it.”
Aleesha joins Lisa Topping as a Chorley player sponsored by Impetus. The site also has a content partnership with the FA Women’s National League Division One North club.
