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Flight of the Nix: Supporting The Pride of NZ Women’s Football

Denise Duffy, an admin of the Wellington Phoenix Facebook group ‘Flight of the Nix’, has been following Kiwi women’s football for quite a while despite only moving to New Zealand this year. For our latest #MidweekDub Feature, she spoke to Impetus editor Ben Gilby about how fan culture is growing for the Phoenix’s new A-League Women’s team despite them not being able to play a home game until February at the earliest (15/12/21).

Above: The Flight of the Nix Supporters Group Logo. Artwork provided by: Denise Duffy.

Whilst Denise is still relatively new to Wellington, women’s football is something she has passionately cared about for a long time. Therefore, when the Phoenix finally entered the A-League Women this season, she was keen to get onboard.

“I only moved to New Zealand in July. My passion for women’s soccer was cultivated in America. When the Phoenix made the announcement about the team, I was on it! Women’s soccer is exciting. The athletes are fascinating and approachable. I wanted to get involved right away.

**Above:** Denise Duffy of ‘Flight of the Nix’. **Photo supplied by:** Denise Duffy.

“I will say that I’ve been following and critiquing New Zealand soccer since 2015. My spouse is a Kiwi and we always knew we would move to New Zealand. This nation’s soccer is my future. I have a philosophy that we all need to grow women’s football both exactly where you are and also worldwide.

“From a distance, New Zealand was the federation I had my eye on. They went through some dark times and I wasn’t shy about letting them know that things could be better. I had posted that I wanted to start a supporters group for the women side only, because, you know, women are fabulous. Instead, I was asked to be a Facebook group admin for one already established with the men’s side. It was a real dilemma. Start a women’s supporters group from scratch or jump into a club-wide one.

“I decided that the actual challenge, the beautiful work, was to see how many men’s football supporters could become fans of women’s football. So I paired with a smaller group. It was willing to rebrand and actively think about inclusion. We became the Flight of the Nix! Yes, it’s a riff off of the TV show the Flight of the Conchords. Light, bright, and fun.

“Blake Forbes Gentle is a founder of this group, he’s wheelchair-bound. Jonathan Hagger has long-term knowledge of the Nix and women’s football. We are purposely adding extra content on the women’s game in our group. I think Nix fans are enjoying the new journey.”

**Above:** Blake Forbes-Gentle – founder of the Flight of the Nix. **Photo supplied by**: Denise Duffy.

Getting a team from New Zealand into the senior level of women’s football in Australia has been a long journey. Denise explained that she feels that the country didn’t know what it was missing out on.

“Having pro soccer here will change the country. New Zealand is such an athletic nation to begin with. There is a natural nose for sport here. Having a rhythm of women’s pro soccer in the A-League Women gives the country a regular football focus. New Zealand needs this. They will be co-hosting the world cup in 2023. It will be a richer experience if they already understand the game.

I know that as a fan, I’ve been tweeting to and at as many people as possible to make it happen for years now. It’s been excruciating to want something like this and not see it happen. The real work has been done by so many people at NZ Football and at Wellington Phoenix. I am super grateful and proud that they made it happen. High five to them.”

In terms of the standard of the competition and the opportunities, Denise sees nothing but positives. “In the past, if you were good at football in New Zealand, you had to leave the country and go to Europe or America. I find this heartbreaking. Not everyone has the financial resources or emotional support to do this.

“Having an A-League Women team here gives a path for Kiwis to play pro football in their own nation. Domestic stars can emerge here at home. As far as the league, it’s embracing itself as a discovery and developmental league. If it wants to attract top talent, then I have a long list of things they need to do.

“One factor is that in the past, the W-League and the NWSL in America were like yin and yang. Athletes could exhaust themselves and play in both leagues. The NWSL season got longer so now the players generally aren’t doing double duty or are only coming here on short-term loan deals like Lynn Williams.

**Above:** Jonathan Hagger – another key member of the Flight of the Nix crew! **Photo supplied by:** Denise Duffy.

“Also, the members of Matildas, in particular, needed a less heavy schedule. Many went to Europe. Unfortunately, we are now we are stuck watching them at 3am. Not really a way of life for me. I like live matches. What is exciting about the A-League Women is that I am learning new names and faces of so many future stars. Also, some of my favourite athletes are there, such as Rebekah Stott and Kyra Cooney-Cross. It’s a league I want to jump into and follow. Having a local team in it makes it feel like my league.”

With New Zealand waiting so long for a pro women’s team, it is hugely frustrating that, due to Covid restrictions, Wellington Phoenix won’t be able to play any home games until February at the earliest. Denise highlighted the impact that this has on building a supporter base.

“Obviously we want to see live pro women’s soccer in New Zealand as soon as possible. We are ready. Let me take a step back though. There’s a spirituality to New Zealand about new beginnings that I wish the team could experience more of. The Maori culture here weaves in and through sport. It’s a bit of a bummer that the team is abroad. Nothing like a stadium experience to launch a team. We are waiting for this. It’s out of our control.

“When it does happen, there might be a few tears in the crowd. I will say that I was at a watch party with a local football club here in Taupo and it was a blast. Also, our members in the Flight of the Nix group send weekly words of support before the match to assistant coach Natalie Lawrence. It’s the closest thing we can do to cheering them on in a stadium. I am hoping we bring it as fans in Wellington as we come together for their first match in 2022.”

It took a long time for the club to gain shirt sponsorship and then it came after a direct appeal from club officials. Denise believes though that once the team is back playing in New Zealand and the corporate world can see what the team and competition have to offer, the club’s financial position will become far more positive.

**Above:** The Flight of the Nix group’s watch party for the club’s first-ever A-League Women game against Western Sydney Wanderers. **Photo supplied by:** Denise Duffy.

Women’s football is addictive. A billion people watched the last Women’s World Cup in 2019. New Zealand is just starting to understand the power of the women’s game. These women sell the game with a purer brand of football. What’s the secret? The future of the league depends on broadcast quality. Have high-definition cameras, with many angles, and knowledgeable announcers and people will watch.

“As a sponsor, I would demand this for every match. Now, there are so many opportunities that come with partnering with the Pheonix. The lead sponsor, the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport is in the driver’s seat. I would use the magic of these athletes to grow with you. They are trendsetters, even at this young age. Have leadership conferences with them at your facility. Get them to understand your mission and see how they can help. Sponsors at all levels should cultivate this relationship with women athletes. It will serve them well.

“Attendance is also a big moneymaker. When they come back home, I am hoping for some marketing hype, especially in Wellington. There are plenty of football fans there. The yellow and black runs deep.”

With the club’s relatively late entry into the competition for 2021/22, head coach Gemma Lewis had a slightly uphill battle in putting together a team as some players she may otherwise have been interested in had already got fixed up with other sides, but Denise sees only positives in the team’s two games so far.

**Above:** Denise only sees positives for the Phoenix. **Photo supplied by:** Denise Duffy,

“What I have learned so far is that the Phoenix brand of football is fearless. They challenge. It is also surprisingly poised for such a young group. I want this mindset to continue. I loved it. They got a bit tentative in their second match and were outmuscled by more experienced players. They scored though. That’s big for their mentality. They can compete in this league. The biggest strength of the team is that they hired the right coaches. I’ve seen this flubbed up again and again in the NWSL. For so many reasons, Gemma Lewis and Natalie Lawrence were solid choices.”

In terms of what would be seen as a success for Wellington Phoenix’s first season in the A-League Women, Denise can see big plusses already.

“I believe in these coaches. I believe in these young women. The thing about women’s football is that anything can happen. We have a strong keeper and leader in Lily Alfeld. I’m as optimistic as they come.

“The Kiwi fanbase seems to be a patient one. Most were quite thrilled to get a draw in their opening game against Western Sydney Wanderers. They also see the long view of this season. It’s an achievement to be out on the pitch representing the Wellington Phoenix. If I am being honest, I’d like to see an accumulation of points throughout the year. I suppose it’s the American in me that always sees a winning path, even if it to others it’s unrealistic.”

Find out more about ‘The Flight of the Nix’ by visiting their Facebook page by clicking here

Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.

Dylan Holmes Returns!

One of Adelaide United’s biggest names from last season is back in red. Ben Gilby heard from both Dylan Holmes and head coach Adrian Stenta (15/12/21).

Above: Dylan Holmes pictured on her debut for Australia in the Netherlands earlier this year. Photo: Football Australia.

Adelaide United today announced the return of midfielder, Dylan Holmes for the whole of the 2021/22 A-League Women season.

The 24-year-old re-joins the Club after a stint with Swedish outfit BK Häcken where she accumulated 15 appearances across all competitions.

**Above:** Dylan Holmes in action for Swedish side BK Häcken this season. **Photo:** Mia Eriksson.

Holmes previously amassed 41 games and scored three goals with the Reds, and her sensational 2020/21 campaign earned a move to Sweden back in March 2021.

The central midfielder also later received her first Matildas cap in April against the Netherlands.

Speaking after re-signing with Adelaide, Holmes said: “I’m really looking forward to be returning to Adelaide United and working with Adrian (Stenta) and the girls.

“This is my hometown club and where I’ve enjoyed playing some of my best football, so I’m really excited to be returning.

**Above:** Dylan battling for possession for Adelaide United against Sydney FC last season. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

“The team has made a solid start to the season and I’m confident I can really contribute and make a positive impact.”

Adelaide United Liberty A-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “We’re extremely happy to have Dylan back at the Club. “She is a brilliant player and her addition certainly bolsters our squad.

“Dylan brings a lot of quality to our side because she is technically very sound, works hard on and off the field to improve her game, and has immense leadership qualities.

“The experiences she has gained playing abroad and being with the Matildas this past year has undoubtedly helped only further her development.”

Impetus Achievers Awards

Our A-League Women writing team of Ben Gilby, Kieran Yap, and Kris Goman hand out their weekly player, coach, and event of the week awards. Whilst there was a general consensus for the player and coach awards, there were diverging views for the event award! (13/12/21).

PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Ben: Honourable mentions have to go to the Sydney FC pair of Remy Siemsen and Taylor Ray. Siemsen’s two-goal haul showed both sides of her goalscoring prowess – the penalty box predator and a glorious long-range curling effort. Ray absolutely bossed the midfield against Western Sydney Wanderers. But for me, this weekend’s stand-out was Adelaide United’s Nanako Sasaki. A sensational 20 yarder to level the scores against Canberra United followed by a sensational dink over Allyson Haran into the path of Emily Condon who slotted the Reds’ late winner.

Kieran: Adelaide needed a response after they had conceded their sixth goal of the season and they got it through Nanako Sasaki who stepped up with a great goal and a brilliant assist.

Kris: It’s got to be Nanako Sasaki. An incredible goal and absolutely inspired assist. It was really something for her to read that play so well.

COACH OF THE WEEK:

Ben: When you started the season having not won a match for just under two years and then manage to win two in a row thanks to last gasp winners, something is clearly going in the right direction. Alex Epakis has undoubtedly instilled a deep belief and desire into his young team. There were also signs of learning from the less impressive areas of the previous week’s performance when the Glory midfield was bettered by Brisbane – that was not the case on Friday. Whatever happens over the next few weeks due to border issues, Alex Epakis is doing a superb job in Western Australia.

Kieran: It’s Alex Epakis for me. His Perth Glory team had to embark on the longest distance away trip in Australian sport and he had to manage injuries and fatigue to experienced players. Epakis made the right moves at the right time and secured another late win.

Kris: Perth Glory earning two clutch wins in two weeks to remain undefeated, especially against Brisbane Roar is something to write home about. Alex Epakis earns it, for me.

EVENT OF THE WEEK:

Ben: The arrival of two 15 year-olds onto the pitch from the substitutes bench in the Sydney derby. Young Matildas Mary Stanic-Floody (Sydney FC) and Alexia Apostolakis (Western Sydney Wanderers) gave a glimpse of the future and in their respective short spells on the pitch, certainly didn’t look out of place.

Kieran: Wellington Phoenix’s first goal. Ava Pritchard will go down in dub history as the first player to net for the club. They’re off the mark and deserved it for their endeavour over two games.

Kris: Amy Jackson for scoring a spectacular own goal then getting sent off. She had quite the day despite putting in a bloody good effort.

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the eleventh round of D1 Arkema.

Above: Olympique Lyonnais’ Ellie Carpenter salutes the crowd after her team’s 2-1 win at Paris FC. Photo: @OLFeminin

Fleury won 1-0 at home against Issy. In a game dominated by the hosts (66% of possession and 17 shots), we had to wait the 71^st minute to see Fleury score. If they had been a little bit more efficient, they could have scored more. With this win, Fleury stay fourth place in the table but are now only one point behind Paris FC. Goal for Fleury from Nikola Karczewska (71).

**Above:** Nikola Karczewska, Fleury’s goalscorer. **Photo:** @FCF91_feminines.

Reims won 1-0 away from home against Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne edged the possession with 60%, but was not able to score, whilst Reims obtained a penalty which was scored by Rachel Corboz in the 15^th minute. Goal for Reims from Rachel Corboz (15 penalty).

Montpellier won 1-0 away from home against Soyaux. With this win, Montpellier are now five points ahead of Bordeaux. Goal for Montpellier from Dominika Skorvankova (20).

**Above:** Montpellier celebrate after Dominika Skorvankova’s winning goal at Soyaux. **Photo:** @MontpellierHSC

Guingamp obtained a 1-1 at Dijon. In an even game, Dijon were not able to do better than a draw. Both teams have the same results over the past five games: Lost, Draw, Lost, Draw, Draw. Goal for Dijon from Desire Oparanozie (19). Goal for Guingamp from Héloïse Mansuy (52).

Paris Saint-Germain won at home 1-0 against Bordeaux. Paris SG dominated this game with 70% of possession, 29 shots with 11 on target. However, they were not efficient enough to score in the first half and scored only once in the second half. Goal for Paris SG from Sakina Karchaoui (69).

**Above:** Selma Bacha, who delivered a decisive pass for Ada Hegerberg to score Lyon’s second at Paris FC. **Photo:** @OLFeminin

Olympique Lyonnais won 2-1 away from home against third-placed Paris FC. This game was level pegging with Paris FC trying to play offensively against a team stronger on paper in Lyon. It was clear that Lyon were tired from Champions League tie against Benfica in Portugal during midweek. Positively for Lyon, Delphine Cascarino unlocked the game with an individual goal after 38 minutes and Selma Bacha delivered a perfect pass to Ada Hegerberg a minute later for the second goal. Goals for Lyon from Delphine Cascarino (38), Ada Hegerberg (39). Goal for Paris FC from Théa Greboval (45+1). Red card for Sophie Vaysse (64), Paris FC.

Defending Champs Come From Behind To Seal Victory

Melbourne City 1-2 Melbourne Victory

By Kieran Yap (12/12/21)

Above: Melbourne Victory’s Claudie Bunge (3) tries to hold off Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson. Photo: @gomvfc

The champions had named Alex Chidiac and Lyn Williams in their matchday squad and they were coming off a 5-1 thrashing of Adelaide United, But Melbourne City were not there to make things easy on them.

The first Melbourne Derby of the season was a rough game. In a tense first half, the medical staff were called onto the pitch four times. Neither side could gain any real foothold, both teams seemed eager to bypass their midfield players and shots on target were rare.

Victory moved Kyra Cooney-Cross into defensive midfield. Amy Jackson changed to centre-back to cover for Kayla Morrison and Alex Chidiac took up the number 10 role, in the number 10 shirt.

It was City who had the early chances though. Hannah Wilkinson continued where she left off against Canberra last week. Her height cloaks her impressive pace and she was able to sprint clear of Victory’s defenders twice in the first half.

**Above:** Hannah Wilkinson drives forward for Melbourne City. **Photo:** @MelbourneCity

The first time, her shot was struck across goal and the second, she tried to chip the ball over the oncoming Casey Dumont. She sliced the ball to the right and it bounced out harmlessly.

City’s defence held firm against Victory’s strike force of Catherine Zimmerman, Harriet Withers, and new captain Lia Privitelli. But they were helped by Victory’s unusually direct style of play.

In an arm-wrestle of a first half, Tyla -Jay Vlajnic looked the most composed and creative player for City. Rhinanna Pollicina was crafty and Holly Mcnamara impressed yet again. The youngster has dangerous acceleration and was a threat to Victory’s makeshift defence.

McNamara thought she had earned a penalty when she cut inside the area and went shoulder to shoulder with Cooney-Cross. She hit the ground under the physical pressure of the Matilda but referee Casey Reibelt was well-positioned and did not call a foul.

Both goalkeepers were in good touch. Dumont made several confident claims of crosses and high balls. Melissa Barbieri was good in her distribution and when called into action against Harriet Withers was able to save from close range. The striker was offside but neither knew that at the time.

**Above:** Casey Dumont: made some confident claims. **Photo:** Getty Images.

When the breakthrough occurred it felt well suited to Victory’s nervy first half. Vlajnic took a free-kick around 30 yards from goal. She hit it well, with pace and at a dangerous trajectory. The City attackers were not on the same page and did not look like getting on the end of it, but confusion at the back resulted in a City lead.

Amy Jackson leapt in front of Dumont and headed the ball into the top corner of her own goal. It was a textbook header. She jumped early and high and headed it back in the opposite direction from where the keeper had run from. Unfortunately, it was at the wrong end of the field.

Victory would go into halftime a goal down and without creating much themselves. They had some big guns on the bench in the form of Williams and Maja Markovski but they had struggled to supply the ones on the field so far.

The second half saw a Victory side unchanged in personnel but improved in style and composure. Cooney-Cross had been barely more than a spectator in the first 45 minutes. She was often stranded in midfield with the ball sailing back and forth over her head. In the second half, Victory started to bring the ball down and play. Cooney-Cross became more involved, Chidiac started to run with the ball and chances started to flow for Victory.

**Above:** Alex Chidiac – a key arrival for Melbourne Victory. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Chidiac has an ability to cruise through the middle of the pitch in possession. She breaks up play, commits defenders, and opens up space. She has a powerful burst in her weaponry that allows her to seemingly shrug off defenders. Lynn Williams has been touted as the Lisa De Vanna replacement but in terms of style of play and attributes, it’s Chidiac.

To level the scores, Alex Chidiac used these talents to full effect. She shrugged off a Leah Davidson challenge and cut to her left. Ahead of her Catherine Zimmerman curved her run to stay onside and Chidiac slipped a well-weighted pass into her path. Victory’s number nine shot beyond Barbieri to score her second of the season.

City had no time to recover from the goal. Jeff Hopkins had introduced Lynn Williams. The ex-Wanderer and current U.S.A striker took just minutes to change the game.

**Above:** Lynn Williams is sent on for her Victory debut by head coach Jeff Hopkins. **Photo:** @gomvfc.

Polly Doran made space for herself with a strong run on the right-wing. She hit a low cross to the near post where Zimmerman was lurking. Her back heel flick may have been meant for the goal but it shifted the ball into the path of Williams who prodded home to make it 2-1.

City attacked throughout the half to restore parity and rescue a point but for the most part, Victory defended resolutely. Their best opportunity came when Holly McNamara raced towards goal. Amy Jackson did not have the pace to keep up with her and committed either a crude tackle or professional foul, depending on how you want to see it.

Either way, it helped secure the result. She accepted the red card without protest and her day was over, but to an extent, her job was done. Victory had the lead and time was limited.

**Above:** It was a personally disappointing day for Amy Jackson who scored an own goal and was sent off. **Photo:** @gomvfc.

City’s effort to equalize kept Victory fans’ hearts in their mouths but the goal never came, Markovski came on for Victory to help hold up the ball and the champions were content to kick the ball high, long, and out in the dying minutes.

It was a harder and closer win for Victory than the first-round thrashing was. However, in a few ways, it was a more impressive performance. The second half demonstrated what the Chidiac and Cooney-Cross combination might provide. Zimmerman is in consistent form and the new arrivals have settled in instantly.

Victory has two wins without really playing their best football so far. They are getting results with room for improvement.

**Above:** Melbourne Victory celebrate their derby day win. **Photo:** @gomvfc

City have not struggled to create chances, and if Wilkinson, in particular, can start converting some of them they will win more than they lose.

They need slightly more creativity in midfield. Leticia McKenna has started on the bench in the last two matches and can provide some spark. As City looks to find their best 11, she is one possible solution.

These two teams play again in two weeks. It is sure to be another fantastic contest.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY: Me.Barbieri, Heatley, Checker, Tunmeth, Vlajnic, Stott, Davidson, Torpey, Pollicina, McNamara, Wilkinson. Substitutes: McKenna, Malone, Chinnama, Westland, Majstorovic (GK)

Scorer: Jackson (OG) 45+4′.

MELBOURNE VICTORY: Dumont, Nevin, Bunge, Jackson, Doran, Chidiac, Cooney-Cross, Mi.Barbieri, Withers, Zimmerman, Privitelli. Substitutes: Markovski, Robers, Williams, Maizels (GK), Murphy.

Scorers: Zimmerman 65′, Williams 70′.

Referee: Casey Reibelt.

Attendance: 1,092.

Siemsen Seals Sydney Success

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-2 Sydney FC

By Kris Goman (12/12/21)

Above: Two goal Remy Siemsen in celebratory mood. Photo: @SydneyFC

Sydney put on a dominant display against Western Sydney Wanderers in the doubleheader at Commbank Stadium.

Although possession was only marginally in Sydney’s favour, it was what they did when they had the ball that mattered. More completed passes, more interceptions, more shots on goal, more shots on target, and, of course, more goals.

Wanderers looked to be in disarray and without a plan when in possession. They were very reactive rather than proactive and with the exception of a couple of individual runs, couldn’t make much progress against a solid Sydney defence. Wanderers defence didn’t have too many holes but Remy Siemsen’s two goals would not be denied.

Early in the game, Cortnee Vine took a lovely first touch from a Princess Ibini pass before being tripped by Danica Matos to get a free-kick at the top of the box. Sarah Hunter steps up to take the kick and goes for glory and the diminutive Sarah Langman (nee Willacy) tips it over the top post and saves a certain goal.

**Above:** Cortnee Vine pictured on a typical rampaging run. **Photo:** @SydneyFC

A clearance by Matos caused a bit of confusion and Siemsen chases it into the box but Langman is able to smother it. Soon after, Vine sends a ball into the box for Mackenzie Hawkesby and Langman comes out to close the angle, and the shot goes wide.

In the Wanderers’ first real attack, Teigan Collister gets a free run before ending up in a wrestle with Natalie Tobin resulting in a Wanderers free-kick which comes to naught. Bianca Galic takes a worldy shot across goal from outside the box but it goes wide.

Wanderers can’t maintain possession and Ibini sends a ball into the box for Hawksby who shoots. Langman tips it right and Siemsen is there to follow up and taps it in easily and unopposed. It’s a poacher’s goal but no one is complaining. Right place, right time. 1-0 Sydney.

**Above:** Remy Siemsen (left) and Cortnee Vine celebrate. **Photo:** @SydneyFC

Another nice run from Vine as she receives the ball from Hunter out on the left-wing and sends it across for Siemsen but Langman gets there first.

Hunter gets a yellow after taking the legs out from Sheridan Gallagher in a run down the middle. Libby Copus-Brown takes the free-kick and sends it to the edge of the six-yard box for Whyman to catch easily.

Vine, out on the left, gets a long ball and Caitlin Cooper clears it spectacularly in the box before Vine can get there.

In injury time, Olivia Price gets the ball at the top of the box but can’t quite control it to shoot accurately and it goes over the crossbar in one of the rare shots on goal for WSW.

As the halftime whistle goes, Gallagher bowls over Hunter and puts her on the floor, getting a yellow for her troubles. I think they are even now.

**Above:** Sheridan Gallagher who was an eye-catching physical presence for Western Sydney Wanderers throughout. **Photo:** @wswanderers

Siemsen scores a stunner from the top left corner of the box at three minutes into the second half. Hawkesby gets another assist after a lapse of concentration from the Wanderers lets her get a little pass into Siemsen in the box. Siemsen swivels and shoots. She’s hit it perfectly. Perfect in weight, direction, speed, and spin and it hurtles into the top right of the goal, out of reach of the clutching fingertips of Langman, in probably the best goal I’ve seen Siemsen score. She celebrates and rightfully so. It was a thing of beauty.

Charlotte Mclean sent a ball out of the box straight to Copus-Brown who lobbed to Bryleeh Henry, who came on at halftime, but her header went wide. First good chance for the Wanderers of the half.

Rachel Lowe brought the ball into the box but was surrounded by defenders making it difficult to get off a decent shot. Langman has it all wrapped up.

Paige Satchell takes a thunderous run down the right soon after coming on to replace Vine but both crosses are blocked by the Wanderers

**Above:** Midfield tussle in the derby. **Photo:** @SydneyFC

At 85 minutes Seimsen comes off for 15-year-old Mary Stanich-Floody to make her ALW debut.

Ibini crosses into the box and Stanich-Floody follows up but offside is called.

Wanderers get an attacking run up the right in a last-minute attack but it’s foiled in the box. Apostolakis, who is also 15, gets a run on before the final whistle blows.

It’s still early in the season and it shows in both teams. While Siemsen was able to put away two chances, there were a few missed by both teams. Defence looked pretty solid on both sides and Sydney dominated the midfield, Ray, and Hawkesby both having very good games. Ray seems to have stepped up to fill Polias’ shoes quite nicely.

**Above:** The hugely impressive Taylor Ray (18) tussles with Bianca Galic in the derby. **Photo:** @SydneyFC

For the Wanderers, Langman also had a quality game and saved quite a few shots that could have made this a much bigger scoreline. Gallagher impressed with her rugged determination and aggression. But their passing game let them down and they need to get in front of their opponent.

Sydney walk away with the three points and the derby bragging rights and arguably the goal of the round.

Ben Gilby sums up the post-game reaction. Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric was delighted with Remy Siemsen if not his team’s overall display:

“I’m pleased with the three points but not the performance, I don’t think we played well. We missed passes and didn’t really create chances even though we scored two goals and were in the front third.

“Remy scored the two goals so you’ve got to be happy when your striker is scoring goals. She seems very confident coming from the Matildas, and it’s not just her goals, her link-up play is excellent so she is getting better and better.”

**Above:** Sydney celebrate the win – but coach Ante Juric feels they can still do a lot better. **Photo:** @SydneyFC

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS: Langman, Halloway, Hunt, Cooper, Matos, Galic, Copus-Brown, Price, Collister, Habuda, Gallagher. Substitutes: Khamis (GK), Henry, Galea, Steinmetz, Apostolakis.

SYDNEY FC: Whyman, Green, McLean, Tobin, Nash, Ray, Hunter, Hawkesby, Ibini, Siemsen,Vine. Substitutes: Offer (GK), Stanic-Floody, Rule, Satchell, Lowe.

Scorers: Siemsen 18′, 48.

Referee: Lara Lee.

Attendance: 1,992.

Sasaki’s Skill Sets Up Adelaide’s First Win

Adelaide United 2-1 Canberra United

By Ben Gilby (12/12/21).

Above: Adelaide United’s Emma Stanbury (right) wins a battle for the ball. Photo: @CanberraUnited.

Adelaide United claimed their first victory of the campaign with a stoppage-time winner which sealed a 2-1 over Canberra United side at Marden Sports Complex.

Canberra, who are still looking for their maiden win of 2021/22, were able to field captain Michelle Heyman despite having to leave the field in her team’s opening game against Melbourne City. Vicki Linton’s team started in 30_^oC conditions with a midfield formation that was noticeably tighter than last weekend.

Paige Hayward was the standout player of the opening 15 minutes as she broke down the left constantly, finding acres of space each time and able to send a succession of crosses into the box, but Fiona Worts and Chelsie Dawber were unable to take advantage.

Despite Adelaide having more of the offensive opportunities, it was Canberra’s master finisher who reminded the South Australians of the painful lesson that you need to finish the chances you create. A centimetre perfect ball through the middle from Chelsee Washington into Heyman’s path allowed the 33 year-old to run through. The home side claimed with some justification that Heyman was offside, but no flag went up and the Shellharbour-born superstar sidefooted home comfortably.

**Above:** Michelle Heyman celebrates after putting Canberra United ahead. **Photo:** @CanberraUnited

Tails up after going ahead, the capital city side could have doubled their tally two minutes later when Margot Robinne skipped along the right, and into the box where she held off Matilda McNamara comfortably and hit an effort that Annalee Grove got a hand to which was all-important, as otherwise Laura Hughes would have been presented with an unmissable opportunity.

However, Adelaide levelled in quite some style with 23 minutes on the clock. It all started so innocuously with Canberra in position on the left. Karly Roestbakken played a ball inside to Grace Maher. The latter’s attempt at an onward pass fell straight to Dawber who played in Fiona Worts outside her. The striker, who was in red hot form for Fulham United in the SA NPL hit a side-footed effort which Keeley Richards repelled, but the rebound fell to Nanako Sasaki who hit a first-time screamer into the net from just over 20 yards.

**Above:** Nanako Sasaki hits her stunning equalizing goal for Adelaide United. **Photo:** @AdelaideUnited

Canberra had another uneasy moment in defence when Dawber forced a mistake from Lauren Keir after the visiting defender received a pass from her goalkeeper with the Adelaide striker breathing down her neck and won a corner as a consequence which was cleared.

Dawber’s influence on the left was growing as the game neared half-time. The SA NPL’s top scorer for 2021 forced a foul out of Keir, who was cautioned as a consequence. The resulting free-kick from Worts was a beauty as the striker hit a powerful left-footed effort that bounced in front of Richards and picked up even more pace off the turf as it did so, and flashed wide.

Canberra started the second half on the front foot with Ashleigh Sykes on from the bench. Washington went down rather easily under a challenge that saw Maher flash in a freekick from the left which Grove held.

**Above:** Fiona Worts, who had a strong first half, holds off Grace Maher. **Photo:** @AdelaideUnited

Emily Condon was talismanic in Adelaide growing into the second half, some eye-catching flicks and dummies were causing Canberra ever-greater headaches. Another impressive performer was 18 year-old Ella Tonkin, who had a great campaign with the Football SA NTC in 2021 as she is being converted from midfield to defence.

Heyman was increasingly isolated for Canberra as the second half entered its final quarter. This plus the limited impact of Washington due to the hard work of Tonkin and her fellow defenders to nullify their threat was impacting the visitors.

On the plus side for the greens, Sykes was putting in some great runs and created a real chance when played through by Washington, but a combination of a great track back by McNamara and save by Grove denied the visitors.

**Above:** Canberra’s Ash Sykes challenges Annalee Grove for the ball. **Photo:** @CanberraUnited.

The earlier warm conditions began to take their toll as the pace slowed in the final 20 minutes.

As the game entered its final stages, Canberra earned a freekick when Sykes was brought down. Maher’s effort wouldn’t dip in time to worry Grove.

Sasaki got an effort away in the final nine minutes which went well wide as Stanbury went down with cramp.

**Above:** Chelsee Washington gets a shot away under the watchful eye of Emma Stanbury. **Photo:** @CanberraUnited.

Hayward was not as influential in an attacking sense in the second period for Adelaide with little in the way of offensive play coming down her side of the pitch, but she put in a great defensive shift to add to what was an impressive performance for the South Australians.

Canberra had three opportunities in quick succession to seal the win. Sykes worked her way into the box but was denied by Grove who pushed the ball away. It fell to Washington who couldn’t find then net. This time possession was picked up by Heyman on the left who beat McNamara and Izzy Hodgson but her cross eluded everyone.

Just as the game was looking certain to end with honours even, Adelaide struck, 30 seconds into stoppage time at the end of the match.

Worts squared a pass from the left into the path of Sasaki who lofted a glorious chip over Allyson Haran into the path of Condon who guided the ball under Richards and into the net to spark wild scenes at Marden.

**Above:** Adelaide United celebrate Emily Condon’s late winner. **Photo:** @AdelaideUnited

Adelaide saw out the remaining five minutes of stoppage time to claim their first three points of the season. Whilst it was harsh on Canberra, who deserved a draw, the Reds defended strongly and crucially were able to take their chance when it came.

Player of the match Emma Stanbury summed up how she felt about the late win for her team: “It’s fantastic, I’m so proud of how we bounced back from a 5-1 loss to put in a performance like that. We deserved that win.

“When the winning goal went in, I was actually on the sideline getting strapped up and I jumped about everywhere and ice was flying all over the place! I’m so happy. It’s so amazing!”

Speaking about her goal, Michelle Heyman was asked if she was offside: “Never! 100% onside. I got myself into the position. We needed to try and sort our midfield out, we were getting split. Emily Condon faced forward and caused us problems. We needed to squeeze up. She’s a very talented player and we needed two players on her as she was able to roll away from us.”

A disappointed Karly Roestbakken summed up Canberra’s performance by saying: “We started the game well, we had it under control. There were a few lapses of concentration that cost us. They got through and got a lucky goal. They came out hard in the second half. There are positives that we can take from this, but we need to tighten up and not let players get through like that.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Grove, E.Hodgson, Tonkin, McNamara, I.Hodgson, Condon, Sasaki, Stanbury, Hayward, Worts, Dawber. Substitutes: Beaumont, Brough, Murray, Omiya, Templeman (GK).

Scorers: Sasaki 23′

CANBERRA UNITED (4-2-3-1): Richards, Ilijoski, Keir, Haran, Roestbakken, Middleton, Maher, Robinne, Washington, Hughes, Heyman. Substitutes: Caspers, Karrys-Stahl, Mason-Jones (GK), Sykes, Taylor-Young.

Scorer: Heyman 16′

Referee: Rebecca Mackie.

Attendance: 780.

Chorley: “The Game Is Massive In Stature”

Ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup Third Round tie, Ben Gooden, head coach of Impetus partner club Chorley spoke to editor Ben Gilby about their win over Bradford City in Round Two and tomorrow’s home game tie against Newcastle United (10/12/21).

Above: Chorley’s Aleesha Collins strides through purposefully against Bradford City in the FA Cup Second Round last Sunday. Photo: Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.

Chorley followed up their outstanding First Round win at home to higher division Middlesbrough by defeating Bradford City, their fellow FA Women’s National League Division One North opponents 5-0 in a game which had to be moved 18 miles away to Leigh – the nearest 3G pitch available due to adverse pitch conditions at their own home ground.

From a playing perspective, Ben revealed that the venue change had minimal impact on the team. “For me, it actually wasn’t that bad. I was coaching whilst everyone else panicked trying to find a change in venue. I got all of the messages after and then within about twenty minutes the situation was all sorted.

“If you ask the committee, they may have a different story as they did all the hard work. They did an amazing job, as usual, we just turn up and play football. We knew that the change in venue was a situation that may happen and we let the players know about it earlier in the week so it was easy to manage the players’ expectations.”

Chorley’s Second Round opponents Bradford City were a team that they knew well. Chorley’s head coach outlined what specifically he was looking for from his team in the tie.

**Above:** Chorley and Bradford City enter the pitch at Leigh last weekend for their Second Round tie. **Photo:** Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.

“Even though we beat them in the league game, we felt we needed to change up the game plan for them. We changed our out-of-possession triggers with the hope that we could be more dangerous in transition, and we felt that our in possession plan against them the first time was good but we had to tweak the system slightly.”

In terms of how playing what was a home game so far away from Chorley specifically impacted the team, Ben said: “We spoke about it before the game and told the players that they have to adapt quickly. The pitch was a bit smaller than what we are used to so that took some getting used to but the players coped really well.

“We told them that the best way to settle was to go on the offense as soon as we started. We felt that would push Bradford back and allow us to get used to the surroundings as we played. Regardless of the venue, the records still show it as a home fixture and we need to protect it as if we would at Coppull or UCLan when we played there and anywhere else we may have to play.”

Whilst the game saw a comfortable victory on the scoreboard, Ben saw both positives and negatives from the match, with things to work on ahead of tomorrow’s Third Round tie.

“I thought we played well in spells and in others, it was a bit scrappy. A scoreline like that has been coming for us though because we’ve been creating lots of chances but not getting as many shots off as I’d like. I thought we could have done better with some of the chances we had, but we’ve scored nine goals in two games so we can’t be too disheartened by it.

“We are always critical when we analyze our games and even with a scoreline like that, we have to take action points from it. We’ll have to make some tweaks for Newcastle United in the Third Round as they will pose a different challenge.”

**Above:** Chorley fire in an effort on goal against Bradford City in the FA Cup Second Round last Sunday. **Photo:** Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.

Newcastle United are another team familiar to Chorley, as, once more they are a fellow FA Women’s National League Northern Division One side. Both sides have only lost one league game all season, so it promises to be a high-quality match.

“They have players that can hurt us that’s for sure,” Ben admits, “and they will be right up there at the end of the season. They move the ball quickly and look to dominate possession so we will have to work hard defensively.

“It sets it up to be a really good game but I think people are actually sleeping on the fact we’ve only lost one game in the league this season. I think our record this season shows the character that we’ve got in the squad.”

Whilst another Cup win could potentially bring about a tie against an FAWSL side, Chorley’s head coach is fully focused on what his players need to do to get past Newcastle United.

“The first thing is we can’t pay attention to what the next round can bring. We know the game is massive in stature but I’d make this a tougher fixture than the Middlesbrough game so we can’t look any further than this Sunday. We’ve just to go out and try and win a game of football.

“What I need to see is we come out and execute the game model for 90 minutes, play like we have been doing and show the heart and desire to win that we’ve had recently. If we can go about our work for 90 minutes, it gives us a good opportunity, but if we can’t execute it, then it could be a really tough afternoon for us.”

**Above:** Two *Impetus* partner clubs together! Chorley and Euxton Girls at last Sunday’s FA Cup Second Round tie. **Photo:** Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.

Déjà vu For Brisbane As Perth Take The Glory Again

Brisbane Roar 0-1 Perth Glory

By Ben Gilby (11/12/21)

Above: Perth Glory celebrate Alana Jancevski’s late winner. Photo: @PerthGloryFC

For the second week in a row, a late goal ensured that Perth Glory defeated Brisbane Roar in front of a big and vocal crowd at Perry Park.

Conditions were warm, but the pitch was showing the consequences in some parts of the heavy rain that South Queensland had experienced in the lead-up to the game.

In the opening minute, Roar fashioned their opening opportunity as Mariel Hecher received possession out on the right and fired in a shot that bounced narrowly wide of the near post.

The Queenslanders had all the early play and it was again the right side where they were looking particularly dangerous with Hecher and Larissa Crummer teaming up ominously.

**Above:** Another of The Roar Corps brilliant banners – a goanna in support of Anna Margraf. **Photo:** @TheRoarCorps

Sofia Sakalis created Glory’s first chance on eight minutes when she drove through the centre of the box, got past Cannon Clough, and was only denied a shot on goal by a superb tackle by Jessie Rasschaert, who had made a strong start to the game both offensively and defensively.

Perth’s pace in attacking areas and ability to play a careful passing game was something that Roar were more than aware of after the first match between the two sides less than a week ago and the Glory were on it again.

Gemma Craine, one of the stars of the Western Australian show last weekend forced a great save by Georgie Worth just two minutes after Sakalis’ effort when De Vanna played a ball back to Englishwoman in the box. Craine was using her pace and strength to brush off attempted tackles to play balls into the box throughout the night.

Mia Leth Jans, making her debut for the Glory was strong in the tackle and showed her experience with intelligent running in the central midfield. The difference in the balance of the midfield compared to last week’s game between the two sides was marked as a consequence of the Danish international’s inclusion.

Yet it was still Hecher on the right who was finding plenty of space at the heart of Roar’s creativity.

**Above:** Mariel Hecher (left), who was a handful once more on Friday night, looks to challenge Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry. **Photo:** @PerthGloryFC.

Perth came close on the half-hour mark when a centimetre perfect cross-field ball from Sadie Lawrence found De Vanna on the left. The hometown star played a ball back for Hana Lowry to pull a fiendishly curling ball back in which Worth had to deal with at the cost of a corner.

Back came Brisbane with three chances in quick succession. Anna Margraf had a superb effort when a through ball into her path led to a firm shot that produced a great save from Morgan Aquino. The Glory keeper was called into action immediately afterward when Ayesha Norrie played in Hecher whose half volley was repelled. A third chance presented itself almost immediately when Clough’s ball in towards the back post was slightly too high for Shea Connors to get an accurate header on.

There were worrying signs for the visitors just before half-time when De Vanna went down and looked to have pulled a hamstring although a half-time assessment revealed it to be cramp, with Susan Phonsongkham coming on to replace the Matildas legend.

It was a first-half full of chances – Brisbane creating more, but Perth still looked extremely dangerous in attacking areas. With the home side having twice as many shots on target and almost twice as many corners, Roar head coach Garrath McPherson will have been happy with the stats, but, chances have to be taken as well as created.

Whilst there were few clear opportunities in the early stages of the second stanza, Connors was starting to play a more prominent part in Brisbane’s attack with Perth’s chances fewer and further between than had previously been the case.

**Above:** Anna Margraf – forced a great save from Morgan Aquino. **Photo:** @brisbaneroar.

The one effort that Glory had during the first 15 minutes after the break came courtesy of a powerful break down the left from Craine who ran directly at Rasschaert and got a shot away which was well over the bar.

Roar responded almost immediately with Crummer running onto a long ball and struck an effort just over the top.

Cramp hit Perth again as Craine pulled up in the midst of another power-driven pacy run – although her return after a short period of treatment and immediate ability to chase down a pass at speed set Glory fans’ minds at rest – for a short period at least.

With 20 minutes left, Margraf went close as her cross from the right-hand side bounced off of the top of the bar with Aquino beaten as the game burst into life. Shortly afterward, Katrina Gorry hit a long-range effort that bounced into Aquino’s arms.

With 12 minutes left Brisbane had a penalty shout when Hecher was brought down in the box by Jens who appeared to make contact with a push, but referee Rachael Mitchenson was non-plussed.

**Above:** Gemma Craine had another impressive performance before cramp struck. **Photo:** @PerthGloryFC

Into the final five minutes, Perth’s Alana Jancevski found fellow substitute Deborah-Ann de la Harpe in acres of space on the right with a crossfield pass, and the resulting attempted cross into the box rebounded off Clough for a corner.

The resulting flag kick was swung in and headed clear by Crummer but the ball fell straight to Alana Jancevski on the edge of the box who volleyed an effort into the ground. As it bounced up, Hecher could only lift the ball higher and over the head of her own keeper so Perth hit the front with just three minutes to play.

**Above:** Alana Jancevski wheels away in delight after hitting Perth Glory’s late winner at Brisbane Roar. **Photo:** @PerthGloryFC.

Brisbane pushed for an equalizer in stoppage time, but the final ball was never quite on point. Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis will be delighted by the organizational qualities of his defence and the improved midfield performance.

Speaking after the game, Glory matchwinner Alana Jancevski said: “It was a hard-fought win for us. I’m so grateful that I got the goal. I saw it coming towards me and I thought ‘why not (hit it)?’ and luckily it took a deflection and went in. That’s childhood dreams! Scoring goals is awesome.”

“It was a great performance by the girls. We dug deep. It wasn’t our best performance, we know that, but it just shows the heart that is in this team.”

Brisbane Roar’s Katina Gorry reflected on another heartbreaking ending for her team: “It’s disappointing. We played well, but lost our heads a little bit. It was a deflection for the goal which happens in football. We’re creating chances and that’s the main thing. It’ll come for us. We’ll come back stronger.”

The outcome of the two matches between these sides is undoubtedly harsh on Brisbane who are far better than the results suggest. If the Queenslanders can convert a higher percentage of the chances they create, then that first win is just around the corner. Conversely, Perth Glory haven’t hit top form yet this season, but they are two wins from two.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR: Worth, Rankin, Haffenden, Rasschaert, Clough, Hecher, Norrie, Stamatopoulos, Connors, Connor, Margraf. Substitutes: Bailey (GK), Gett, Gorry, Kaitano, McElligott.

PERTH GLORY: Aquino, S.Carroll, K.Carroll, Anton, Rigby, Sakalis, Lawrence, Lowry, Jans, De Vanna, Craine. Substitutes: Cain, de la Harpe, Jancevski, Newbon (GK), Phonsongkham.

Scorer: Jancevski 86′.

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.

Attendance: 2,239.

Melbourne Derby: The Coaches Views

Ahead of tomorrow’s A-League Women derby between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City, Ben Gilby heard from both coaches – Jeff Hopkins of Victory and Rado Vidosic from City (11/12/21).

Above: Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins pictured speaking to the media ahead of the derby. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory Jeff Hopkins admitted that excitement is building in his squad ahead of Sunday’s big derby between the two sides that many predict will be battling it out for first place on the ladder all season.

“We’ve had a great week’s training. The players are really enthused to see Lynn (Williams) and Alex (Chidiac) in training now. Especially after the news we had about Kayla (Morrison – out for the rest of the season through injury) which was a real downer. Kayla has been at training every day this week to see the girls. The playing group have pulled around Kayla. It shows the team culture and spirit we have.

**Above:** Hopkins told the media he is confident he was plenty of options when it comes to replacing the injured Kayla Morrison. **Photo:** Melbourne Victory.

“Chids has been back in Melbourne a while, she’s done her 72 hours of quarantine, so has been in training at the end of this week. With Lynn, she is all about the team. She says ‘play me where you want to play me and I’ll do what I need to do for the team’. Lynn has an ability to get the ball under control quickly. She’ll create things and she is a good striker. We’re looking to get her a bit further up the pitch, combining with our strikers, but also with Kyra (Cooney-Cross). I am confident that both will play a role on Sunday.”

Hopkins addressed how he plans to fill the massive hole at centre-back after Kayla Morrison’s injury. “We have a number of options, Courtney (Nevin) can slot in perhaps. There’s another two or three as well. Amy Jackson could drop in there at a push, although she is very important for us in midfield. We’ve had a play around in training this week, so I’m looking a bit happier than I was a few days ago!”

Focusing specifically on tomorrow’s derby, Hopkins said: “City: I’ve been impressed with them. We played them in pre-season as well, although neither of them teams looked like they do now. I’ve been impressed with their intensity, they’ll make things difficult for us. I’m expecting a really tight game. They have recruited really well, they are a lot stronger than last year.

“We need to improve with the ball – play a little bit sharper with it. There are a couple of things defensively we need to do better, and we’ve worked on that and sharpened up, it was a positive change from the players. The team are committed to getting better each week. The players are willing to listen and learn. We’re really looking forward to it – Melbourne derbies are big games – it means a lot to our players and our supporters. We’re getting maybe a bit too excited this morning, but we’ll release the energy at the right time on Sunday.”

**Above:** Melbourne City boss Rado Vidosic told the media his team has used extra preparation time to their advantage this week. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic opened by discussing how his team have been preparing for the derby.

“It’s just been a normal week. We had a longer break between the two games (than Victory) and we have been able to both rest the players but also work hard. We are really looking forward to the derby, and the players can’t wait to get out on AAMI Park.

“Our next three games will be played at AAMI Park, which benefits female football in this country. It is unbelievable. Players can’t wait to get out there and start the game.”

“Everyone is available. We are still nursing Stotty, we don’t know how she will go from day-to-day. She was a bit fatigued during the week which is to be expected. She is much better today though.”

**Above:** Despite feeling that Sunday’s opponents Melbourne Victory were below their best last week, Vidosic told the media that he expects them to be front-runners this season. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

Turning his attention towards the opposition, Vidosic observed: “Victory are going to be strong, but they were nowhere near their best against Adelaide. They had several one-on-ones with the goalkeeper and plenty of chances. Victory’s opening goal also came from a gift from the Adelaide goalkeeper, which she won’t make again.

“The advantage that Victory have is that they have been together for a long time. Also, Melina (Ayres) will come back and Alex Chidiac is back so they will have a strong bench. They are going to be the front-runners along with Sydney FC.

“It will be interesting to see what they will do with Alex Chidiac. Will they play her? Will Amy Jackson play in the backline to accommodate Chidiac who is a good ball player.”

Vidosic also shared his wider observations from the opening matches: “The first round has shown that teams are not fit yet and games are oscillating from one end to another. Teams will get fitter and we will see better performances. Adelaide can perform better, Brisbane can perform better and Victory can perform better.”