Cortnee Vine is the talk of the town after gaining selection to attend the Matildas training camp with the potential to be part of the final squad for the Asian Cup tournament. The forward spoke EXCLUSIVELY with Impetus for this week’s #MidweekDub feature about her football background, last year’s season-ending injury, and her bright future (12/1/22).
Above: Cortnee Vine leaps highest for Sydney FC against Perth Glory last weekend. Photo: Kris Goman.
Cortnee Vine started her football journey when she was five playing in her brother’s team. From there she played in the age group two years above and began her junior years at Peninsula Power from the U12s to the U15s in the boy’s league.
“At 15, I was advised by my coach that if I wanted to make it to the next level, then I needed to start being exposed in the women’s league. That year I signed for QAS (Queensland Academy of Sport), my first experience of being in an all-girls squad other than representative football for school tournaments. When I turned 16, I became a train-on for Brisbane Roar and soon after received my first W-League contract.”
Vine was with Brisbane Roar until she was 18 when, “In that time, I was selected for the Young Matildas and remained in that squad until I was 20.”
Above: Cortnee Vine playing for the Young Matildas (left) and Newcastle Jets (right). Photo: Roselea FC.
A spell with Heidelberg United in the Victoria NPL followed before Vine signed a contract with the Newcastle Jets where she stayed from 19 to 21-years-old, playing for Sydney University as her NPL club.
In 2019, she signed for Western Sydney Wanderers for a year and also changed NPL clubs to Sydney Olympic. The following year, at 22-years-old, she signed with Sydney FC. She’s now in her second year with the table-topping club and is 23-years-old.
In the 2020/21 season, Sydney FC won the Premiership and were runners up in the Grand Final to Melbourne Victory. “Yeah, last year was really fun and I thought I had a decent season along with the rest of my team. I think being around a great bunch of girls that encourage each other as individuals and as a team, really helps you thrive and play with confidence.”
Last season Vine averaged the most incisive passes behind the defence and the most dribbles completed per 90 minutes. She was the only W-League player to dominate in both categories.
“Wow! I didn’t even know that stat, ha ha, I feel like I still have so much to improve on, I’m just starting to get the hang of playing out on the wing with so much space and time on the ball. I think there’s lots to improve on, but some main ones would be beating my defenders one on one more consistently, and obviously, I’m always looking to improve that ‘weaker’ foot.”
Above: Cortnee Vine pictured last season when she was in fine form with Sydney FC before suffering an MCL injury. Photo: Sydney FC
The striker suffered a season-ending knee injury in the last game of the regular season in March last year. This caused her to miss the Finals and possibly cost Sydney the Championship. However, she’s back this season stronger than ever.
“I actually injured my MCL last season which I was obviously relieved about when I found out it wasn’t my ACL. My knee is feeling great, I actually forget I’ve injured that knee and always get a bit taken aback when people ask about it! It was a longer recovery than I was expecting but it’s feeling really good now.”
Our interview with Vine was conducted just two days before the Sydney FC star was named in the Matildas training squad for the Asia Cup. At the time we spoke, the 23-year-old was hopeful of the call-up.
“Yeah, look obviously I’d love to get called in, but I say this in every interview, you can’t control the uncontrollables, I can only focus on how I perform at a club level. But it would be an absolute privilege to represent Australia. So fingers crossed.”
Vine’s outstanding form in the A-League Women, which has seen her selected more times than anyone else as our weekly player of the week highlights just how she has earned this call-up.
Above: Cortnee Vine on one of her trademark runs down the wing against Perth Glory last weekend. Photo: Kris Goman.
With Sydney FC the only unbeaten club left in the competition this year, the Sky Blues’ star is well placed to assess the opposition in the competition this year.
“I think that standard is quite high. A lot of clubs have shuffled their players around and are looking quite dangerous. Perth has started off strong, they are definitely a team that we won’t be underestimating. I’m looking forward to versing the other teams from around the country as well.”
Last season’s Grand Final was a real heartbreaker in the way it ended for Sydney as they went down to a 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory after conceding a goal from a corner at the end of extra-time. This, plus being hit by injury ahead of the Finals campaign has provided Vine and her teammates with all the necessary motivation to the go one better this year.
“Yeah, I missed out on the Grand Final last year which was devastating for myself, and then the team also going through that heartbreak was very upsetting, being so close to getting that double. It’s definitely motivated us to try and get that double this year, and with the team that we have, I think it’s very possible.
So, there’s a big year ahead for Cortnee Vine. Right now she’s in the United Arab Emirates at the Matildas training camp. She has a good chance of being selected in the final squad to go to India to compete in, and hopefully win, the AFC Asian Cup tournament.
She’ll then be straight back into the home stretch of the Liberty A-League Women’s league with Sydney FC, hoping to get the double this season. After that, the world is her oyster.
Darrell Allen reports on the Eastern Region Premier Division game between Wymondham Town and King’s Lynn Town before rounding up all the tier seven and eight county action(11/1/22).
Above: Wymondham Town’s Hannah Waters wheels away in celebration after scoring against King’s Lynn Town. Photo: Neil Dady.
Wymondham Town 4-1 King’s Lynn Town
Anticipation was high ahead of the top of the table clash at Ketts Park as Tier Five Eastern Region Premier Division league leaders Wymondham Town played host to third place King’s Lynn Town.
Wymondham Town are by far Norfolk’s form team of the season so far and came into the clash at Ketts Park top the table with 10 wins from 13 games and only two defeats all season, 31 points from possible 39 just shows how seriously Wymondham have to be taken this season and which is why they go into every game as clear favourites at the moment.
King’s Lynn Town is also a huge success story of the season so far, having been promoted from Step Six last season they went into the encounter having played 13, won five, drawn five, and only lost three. A staggeringly brilliant start to the season and exactly why I nominated them in the recent Impetus 2021 writers awards.
The other added element to today’s game was the impressive victory for King’s Lynn Town over Wymondham in the reverse fixture at The Walks in September. King’s Lynn ran out comfortable and deserved winners on the day having dominated from start to finish.
I travelled to the game at Ketts Park expecting a Wymondham win as I did for the reverse encounter at The Walks. On arrival, it was nice to be greeted by Mark Nicholls who is father to talented Wymondham star Laura Nicholls and always provides everyone with a friendly welcome at Wymondham Town, and it was nice to say hello to Amy Bell, Fran Peeling, and ever-reliable Captain and vice-captain Lynn duo Tiffany Forshaw and Jodie Hopkins.
I didn’t know the condition of the two teams on arrival but unfortunately discovered due to various reasons mainly due to COVID, King’s Lynn Town only had a squad of 12 players with the only substitute being goalkeeper Amy Bell so it was going to be down to the bare 11 on the pitch to fight for the cause in the toughest away game of the season.
Wymondham on the other hand had all their array of talent to choose from and a bench that any manager would be privileged to have with Hayley Kindred, Katie Knights, Kyla Love, and Jennifer Codman all waiting in the wings to be introduced if needed.
It was a glorious afternoon with the sun coming across the beautiful Ketts Park, it was a chilly but dry afternoon and I was delighted to watch the game alongside fellow Women’s Grassroots Writer Darren Gilham who runs the Women’s Football East website and we have been delighted to use of Darren’s photos in a number of my articles with his blessing.
In terms of the game itself, once I had established the starting line ups I naturally feared the worst for King’s Lynn but this wonderful group of girls like proving everyone wrong and began the game as the better team.
Even just inside the first minute, King’s Lynn had a good early break which was flagged offside but enough of an alarm bell to make Wymondham realize this was going to be a difficult afternoon.
Above: King’s Lynn Town’s Jodie Hopkins (left) and Wymondham Town’s Hannah Waters battle for the ball. Photo: Neil Dady.
The visitors did really well early on and it was noticeable that they were trying to get all players a touch of the ball on the impressive 3G surface but King’s Lynn play their home games on grass at The Walks so naturally, this takes some adjusting.
King’s Lynn did well to stop Wymondham settling and they restricted their hosts to half chances mainly in the early stages of the game, Francesca Catchpole put the ball across the goal in sixth minute but was no trouble for King’s Lynn.
Continued good play from Kings Lynn was noticeable and a good one-touch move in the tenth minute finished with Jodie Hopkins having a chance from distance but this went up in the air and above goal. We all know the talent Jodie is and will be sure to score a spectacular goal or two before the end of the season, she is certainly not afraid to go for goal.
King’s Lynn continued their good early pressure but without really forcing a clear-cut chance which will disappoint them as in these big derby games if you are going to take any points you need to find a way of creating chances and scoring goals.
Following a Lynn move, Wymondham goalkeeper Chloe Pearce went down which forced the play to be stopped but was soon back up and we were able to re-start.
After a decent opening 15 minutes from the visitors, it was then the turn of Wymondham Town to go up the gears and they needed to as King’s Lynn were a solid unit working together as a team all afternoon with Tiffany Forshaw and Jodie Hopkins guiding the team in the superb way we all know they do.
Wymondham went up the gears though and Chelsea Clarke had a good shot on 16 minutes before Fran Peeling tackled Natasha Youngs. 19 minutes were on the clock when the best free-kick taker in the Eastern Region Premier Division, Becca Russell had her latest go but this one was disappointing from her own high standards.
It was only a matter of time before the hosts took the lead as the pressure on the visitors’ goal grew as Rachel Cossey went close following a good set-piece move, Becca Russell put a free-kick all the way across the box but there was no end product that the delivery deserved.
Fran Peeling was then taken out by Francesca Catchpole and looked in some pain, playing with already one strapped up knee, Fran fortunately fell on the other one and was able to pick herself up and was screaming to be re-introduced to the pitch. With a squad of only 11 outfield players, Fran knew and wanted to get back on as quickly as she could do help her team in the battle they were in.
Following this re-introduction to the pitch of Fran Peeling, this energy and desire from the defender seemed to give the team a renewed boost with a couple of corners being won that vice-captain Jodie was on the taking of all afternoon. Amy Magnus fired a shot over.
Above: Wymondham Town’s Rachel Cossey and Kings Lynn Town’s Jodie Hopkins in action. Photo: Darren Gilham
Wymondham Town took the lead on 27 minutes when Hannah Waters tapped in after a scrappy move and a disappointing one for the Kings Lynn defence in which goalkeeper Ellie Prentice will feel she should have done better. 1-0.
The hosts went straight on the attack again as an ambitious shot from Francesca Catchpole went high and over.
King’s Lynn Town grew more into the game with a couple of corners, Wymondham had to result in kicking of heels to try and stop the visitors in their tracks as it was noticeable that Kings Lynn captain Tiffany Forshaw found the antics of Wymondham’s Francesca Catchpole rather irritating, and that is putting it politely!
Back to the action and Amy Magnus had a good chance for Kings Lynn before Wymondham began to turn the screw once again.
A beautiful move on 35 minutes saw Hannah Waters feed through Laura Nicholls but the chance was just wide. Three minutes later the hosts doubled their advantage when a beautiful hit from Becca Russell went firing into the net and Wymondham led comfortable.
It should have been three with another delicious Becca Russell corner but there was no end product to another delightful delivery.
Surely that was game over with a two-goal advantage against depleted visitors? This is King’s Lynn we are talking about and of course, a response was to follow.
King’s Lynn got what they wanted and what the game needed in the 43rd minute when Ella Gavagan finished well from a delightful Tiffany Forshaw assist. Game back on. 2-1.
The visitors’ confidence and belief continued to grow as Jodie Hopkins had another couple of shots as they believed there was a way back and the ref blew the halftime whistle following another injury stoppage.
King’s Lynn’s 11 had been fighting all half and they had the goal back their efforts deserved, arguably they deserved to go in level but getting the goal back meant heads were up and lots to look forward to in the second half period.
Wymondham had lots of options on the bench and rang the changes with a new-look midfield as the highly regarded Katie Knights was introduced as well as new signing Kyla Love from Wroxham in a number of chances at the interval from Wymondham Town manager Alex Guy.
The second half began much like the first with King’s Lynn putting in a lot of effort, desire, and commitment for the cause. Goalscorer Ella Gavagan fired a thunderous shot at Chloe Pearce in the Wymondham goal in the 49th minute.
Wymondham Town’s Kyla Love had a good chance a minute later and that was just Kyla getting warmed up as she then scored a goal on 53 minutes after good play from Leah Newcombe and half time substitute Katie Knights resulted in Love finishing on the line after Ellie Prentice did her best to keep it out. 3-1 to Wymondham and a comfortable lead again for the hosts.
King’s Lynn produced an immediate response to conceding as a gliding run and fired shot from Tiffany Forshaw deserved a better outcome. Wymondham then upped the anti again to try and seal the game as Hannah Waters passed to Laura Nicholls but tried to finish on her wrong foot.
The game was wrapped up on 67 minutes when Hannah Waters finished calmly for her second of the afternoon after good play from Hayley Kindred and Katie Knights. Chloe Burch was sent to the sin bin for Kings Lynn Town and then on the way to the sin bin was actually sent off for what I believe was said to the referee although I didn’t hear what was said.
Not much to write home about from the remainder of the game as King’s Lynn tried so hard with limited resources and kept any Wymondham attack to very minimal chances in the latter stages of the game.
King’s Lynn had a chance themselves when Ella Gavaghan fired again at Chloe Pearce. The game was won comfortably in the end.
It was a scoreline that looks like a routine comfortable win for Wymondham but it was anything but. With a depleted squad with only 10 outfield players and two goalkeepers, King’s Lynn were warriors, Tiffany Forshaw and Jodie Hopkins guided the side through a challenging afternoon at the league leaders and they can hold their heads high.
Fran Peeling got knocked down but got up again. Ella Gavagan on another day could have had a hat trick and it was a wonderful team effort. Once players return from illness this is a team that will achieve so much and ones to watch in Norfolk football for many years to come.
From a Wymondham perspective, this was a case of dealing with a Derby Day challenge, a tight first half which they edged 2-1. Alex Guy rang the changes at the interval and a lively and energetic midfield stole the show, spearheaded by the superbly talented Katie Knights who had a hand in two goals. Better options won the day with class and quality coming to the fore as Wymondham continue their incredible stroll towards winning the Eastern Region Premier Division title and at the moment it is being done with relative ease. The result sees Wymondham pull further clear at the top of the table.
Both teams have a break from league action with Norfolk County Women’s Cup Quarter Finals taking centre stage. Wymondham Town and King’s Lynn Town both are set to travel to Norfolk Women and Girls League opposition with Wymondham visiting Step Seven Thetford Town and King’s Lynn Town set to visit Step Eight Caister. A preview of all the weekend’s ties will be published on the site later in the week.
Teams: WYMONDHAM TOWN: Chloe Pearce (GK), Leah Newcombe, Mary Croft, Rachel Cossey (Captain), Natasha Youngs, Chelsea Clarke, Francesca Catchpole, Hannah Waters, Laura Nicholls, Rebecca Russell, Aimee Stretch. Subs: Hayley Kindred, Kyla Love, Katie Knights, Jenifer Codman.
In Step Seven, the division’s two unbeaten sides Mulbarton Wanderers and Thetford Town had their games postponed as Mulbarton’s trip to North Walsham and Thetford’s big home game with Dussindale both fell victim to waterlogged pitches.
Above: Thorpe St Andrew take inspiration from a previous Impetus Football article by pinning in up on the dressing room wall ahead of the game vs Bungay. Photo: Tony Allen.
That left three games with third placed Bungay claiming an 8-0 win over Thorpe St Andrew, Lucy Eagle the hero of the day with four goals, Selina Rowland with a brace, Gemma Foster and Megan O’Connor with the other goals. Thorpe St Andrew and in particular manager Tony Allen deserve huge credit as due to the inclement weather on Saturday, Tony organized for Thorpe vs Bungay to be played on the 3G surface at Easton College. Fantastic to see this attitude and willingness to play from Thorpe St Andrew in a game where everything is stacked against them and they are clear underdogs to want to play so much is a credit to Tony and their philosophy.
Fakenham Town were other big winners taking a 9-2 victory at Stalham, Hat Tricks from Sophie Lubbock and Shelly Woods as well as goals from Nicole Costin, Amie Hutchinson and Vicky Lubbock sealed a comfortable win. Amber Mayhew netted both of Stalham Town’s goals.
In the game of the day, an exciting 2-2 draw was played out between Sprowston and Long Stratton with Samantha Walker and Luci Middleton getting the goals for the visitors and Sprowston goals scored by Bryony Brierly and Kate Morris.
Above: Long Stratton’s Luci Middleton in action vs Sprowston in the NWGFL Division One. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.
Division Two: No action took place with the scheduled games UEA vs Caister, Loddon United vs Gorleston, Horsford vs Kings Lynn Soccer Club, and Red Rose vs Freethorpe all postponed and Shrublands were given a home walkover vs FC Viking Valkyries. Shrublands and Caister organized a sporting friendly at short notice via Twitter which is worth a mention in what has otherwise been a quiet Division Two day.
Darrell Allen rounds-up the weekend’s action which saw the shock result of the season at St. Andrews(11/1/22).
Above: Birmingham City celebrate their sensational win over Arsenal. Photo: Birmingham City Women.
Another depleted programme in the FAWSL saw just 50% of the weekend programme take place. Impetus was due to be at Kingsmeadow for the Friday night match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Unfortunately that will have to wait for another day as it was postponed due to COVID alongside the games between West Ham United and Manchester United as well as the clash between Aston Villa and Everton.
That just left three games that were all played on Sunday, the bottom versus top clash between Birmingham City and Arsenal at St Andrews, Brighton and Hove Albion against Manchester City at The People’s Pension Stadium in Crawley and Reading entertained Leicester City.
Sky Sports re jigged the schedules due to the postponed games and decided to screen the Birmingham City versus Arsenal clash at St. Andrews as part of their on going commitment to women’s football and enhanced coverage this season. It was certainly a wise move as Birmingham produced the shock of the weekend by shattering Arsenal’s unbeaten start and getting their first win of the season themselves.
Libby Smith got the opener scoring a superb goal after a superb pass from Lucy Quinn she fired home after just three minutes. Veatriki Sarri doubled the Blues advantage shortly before half time and the home side were in dreamland.
The second half required all their effort and outstanding game management and they did so superbly well seeing out the game and preserving their two goal advantage to claim an historic three points. It’s a result that gets Birmingham City off the FAWSL basement as well as blowing the title race wide open.
In East Sussex, it was Manchester City who were the heroes of the day against Brighton and Hove Albion. After a goalless first half, they produced a rampant second half with six goals in 28 second half minutes.
Above: Hayley Raso, Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh celebrate for Manchester City in their big win at Brighton and Hove Albion. Photo: Manchester City Women.
It was an own goal in the 48th minute that opened the scoring after Lauren Hemp’s cross was turned in by Victoria Williams. Lauren Hemp got on the scoresheet herself two minutes later when she chipped the ball over Megan Walsh. The visitors made it four goals in seven minutes when Georgia Stanway buried the third in stunning fashion and Laura Coombs thundered the ball in from around 20 yards and after all that only 55 minutes had been played.
Two further goals were added when Matildas star Hayley Raso and Vicky Losada scored in the 73rd and 76th minutes respectively to make it a 6-0 win for City. It’s a result that sends a big statement as closes the Sky Blues in on a top three pursuit as we head into the second half of the season.
In the day’s final game it was a calmer affair as Reading claimed a hard fought three points beating bottom club Leicester City 1-0 with a super lob from Natasha Dowie enough to get the Royals all three points.
The win sees Reading on 16 points in sixth place and Leicester City go bottom following that win for Birmingham City over Arsenal.
The FAWSL continues this coming weekend with a full programme scheduled with Aston Villa vs Manchester City and Manchester United vs Birmingham City taking place on Saturday lunchtime and a quadruple bill on Sunday with Reading going to Arsenal, Emma Hayes’ Chelsea are at Everton, Leicester City host Brighton and Hove Albion and in the final game of the weekend, Tottenham Hotspur entertain West Ham United.
With Round Six done and dusted on the pitch, all that remains is for the Impetus A-League Women writing team of Kieran Yap, Kris Goman, and Ben Gilby to hand out their awards forplayer, coach, and event of the week(10/1/22).
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Above: Jumping highest to take the prize – Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine caught the eye of both Kieran and Ben. Photo: Kris Goman
Kieran: Cortnee Vine she’s unstoppable at the moment. Vine is playing with absolute confidence and it’s hard to choose between her goal or her brilliant assist for Sydney as her best highlight of the win against Perth.
Kris: This week I’m going with Sarah Langman from Western Sydney Wanderers. She stopped eight shots, had a great game and won it for the team. It was very close between her and Clare Hunt though.
Ben: Another sensational performance from Cortnee Vine makes her the obvious choice for me. She’s the gun player in the competition right now and deserves to make the final 23 for the Asia Cup.
COACH OF THE WEEK:
Above: Two votes this week for Adelaide United’s Adrian Stenta as Coach of the Week. Photo: Adelaide United.
Kieran: Adrian Stenta. It was an impressive win for Adelaide United. Stenta has built a well-balanced team and after a rough start, they’re starting to find form. This was their best 90-minute performance so far.
Kris: Cath Cannuli. Despite their position on the table, Western Sydney Wanderers have the second-best defensive record in the league, only behind Sydney. They have problems scoring but no problems keeping other teams out. They are the only team to take points from Sydney and have only lost one game – against table toppers, Sydney. They just need to work on finishing but Cannuli has the defence well sorted.
Ben: Hard choice this week with Cath Cannuli well worth the nod, but Adelaide United’s form over the past two rounds puts Adrian Stenta narrowly ahead for me. It took a while for the team to settle after the loss of several key players, but the Reds are now well organized at the back and looking so dangerous in attack. Is this their year for Finals…?
EVENT OF THE WEEK:
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers’ Bryleeh Henry (right) – two nominations for Moment of the Week. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Kieran: Bryleeh Henry’s penalty. She took responsibility for a crucial spot-kick to deliver Western Sydney’s first win of the season. It was a really well-taken penalty and it’s great to see a young player step up at the moment.
Kris: The announcement of the Matildas squad and seeing all the A-League Women players getting their call up. I was especially stoked to see Cortnee Vine get the nod after coming back to form from her ACL injury last year.
Ben: Bryleeh Henry’s comprehensive dispatch of Western Sydney’s penalty to clinch their first win of the campaign which put them in touching distance of the top four.
Above: Bryleeh Henry (centre) celebrates with Sheridan Gallagher and Libby Copus-Brown after scoring from the spot. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
We’re at the part of the season where wins are becoming crucial and both Brisbane and the Wanderers are desperately needing a win to have any hope of making the finals.
While the Wanderers have been rock solid in defence, their lack of goals has seen them draw three times but only record one loss. Brisbane on the other hand, have had one win, one draw but three losses, having played one more game than the Wanderers. They’ve certainly scored plenty of goals – ten goals to Wanderers one.
That is most certainly how this match played out. Roar attacking with all they’ve got and Wanderers, stoic in defence, taking their chances when they could. Roar wasted no time getting down to business with two early on target shots on goal by Katrina Gorry and Larissa Crummer, both saved by Sarah Langman.
Above: Brisbane Roar’s Larissa Crummer (right) escapes from the attentions of Wanderers’ Alexia Apostolakis. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Bryleeh Henry retaliated with a shot from a headed pass from Caitlin Cooper but it was too high and sailed over the bar.
After a series of fouls and free kicks, Libby Copus-Brown lobbed a ball through the centre to Henry. Her shot goes to the bottom left corner and was saved by Georgie Worth. Roar made a fast break and were back on the attack again. Crummer, Gorry, and Mariel Hecher all have a crack. Crummer and Gorry are close but off-target. Hecher’s shot required another save by Langman.
Clare Hunt is all over the field in both defence and attack and when she sends a ball through for Libby Copus-Brown, it goes across goal and out to the right.
Around the 30-minute mark, both teams step up to launch a wave of attacks. Teigan Collister starts it off with a shot that’s high and wide to the left for the Wanderers. Rie Kitano’s long-range shot from outside the box is blocked.
Back up the other end and Cooper goes high. Then Shea Connors brings the ball down the left and crosses to Hecher in the box in front of goal. She gets the ball under control and slips it through to Gorry arriving on her right. Gorry shoots and Langman has to reach for it. She fumbles and it bounces down perilously close to the line and then bounces off the goal post. She’s able to gather it but Roar are protesting it went in. Would have been a good one to look at with goal-line technology as it was very close.
The next ball through from Gorry finds Connors offside. Henry gets one more attempt but that also goes out to the left of goal.
Above: Wanderers’ Bryleeh Henry (right) looks to get away from Anna Margraf. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Just before halftime, Gallagher gets a yellow for a bad foul. She’s quite an aggressive player and doesn’t back down in tackles. She’s had a couple of yellows already this season. The resulting free-kick ends with Connors shooting from the centre of the box. It’s straight to Langman though. And the half end it’s nil all.
Back on after a well-deserved break in the heat and humidity, Connors dribbles down the centre of the field, creates some space, and gets a long shot off that just clears the top bar. Kitano makes an on-target strike which is gathered by Langman. Another attack by Gorry goes left and high of goal.
Gallagher takes a rather good volley shot at the top of the box from Henry but it goes straight to Worth.
Roar are back on the attack with Gorry causing all sorts of problems. She’s back in great form and it’s obvious why she was selected in the Matildas squad despite turning it down this time.Roar are looking more impressive in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
There’s the usual raft of substitutions around the 60-minute mark with Natalie Tathem replacing Kitano for the Roar and Olivia Price coming on for Alexia Apostolakis closely followed by Isabella Habuda replacing Ashlie Crofts for the Wanderers.
Connors sent a ball through for Anna Margraf but Langman ran out of the box and got there first to clear the ball with a big boot.
Habuda brought the ball down the right and skipped around Haffenden before arriving in the box and crossing. She sent the ball behind Henry who was waiting there and Collister had to go back to pick it up. She slipped it to Olivia Price, who evaded two defenders before being tackled and brought down in the box by Hecher. A penalty is awarded.
Henry steps up to take it. She goes hard and heavy to the bottom right and Worth dives that way too but it’s too fast and she can’t reach it. Wanderers score their second goal for the season at the 65-minute mark.
Above: Bryleeh Henry celebrates with her team-mates after scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
From that point, the Roar step it up another gear and it’s one attack after another.
A ball is through for Crummer into the box but Langman dives and smothers it. Hecher kicks a long ball across from the right to Connors in the box. Her header goes to the left of goal. A nice little attack by the Roar ends with a strike by Connors but it’s deflected out for a corner.
Connors and Cooper collide and Cooper lands heavily on her shoulder but seems to be OK.
Another attack sees Clough in space and she’s able to pass to Hecher but it’s deflected for a corner. Crummer gets her head to it but it goes high. Another long ball sees Crummer surrounded as she enters the box and Langman is on it once again. The corner results in a pile on in front of goal. A free-kick is awarded to the Wanderers as the Roar are literally on top of the ball.
When Connors finally beats Langman it goes wide across goal. Roar are not giving up but nor are Wanderers. Crummer shoots again but it’s straight to Langman who’s been a brick wall.
When the Wanderers get a corner they go into time-wasting mode – also known as “game management”. It frustrates Brisbane and Connors gets a yellow at 88 minutes for a tackle on Gallagher. There’s more time-wasting in the corner and five minutes of stoppage time is announced.
Above: Jessie Rasschaert (3) looks to get away from Bryleeh Henry. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Connors crosses but Tathem can’t get to it. Connors tries a long shot but it’s straight to Langman. Another nice attack is foiled by Hunt.
Collister and Norrie fighting through the midfield ends in a pushing match and yellow for both of them as frustrations rise.
The whistle goes and Wanderers get their first three points of the season. Defence wins the game and Wanderers back four were solid as a rock. Langman saved the day on more than one occasion.
In the end, possession was pretty even with Roar marginally in front. But when you look at shots and shots on target, Roar are way out in from. 22 shots to 10. Nine shots on target to three. And two saves for Roar to nine saves for the Wanderers. When it mattered, Henry was able to step up. She said after the match that she needed to “Bury it” to get the three points.
Gorry was reflective after the match and said they needed to be clinical in front of goal. She also spoke about turning down the opportunity to join the Matildas for the Asian Cup. She said it was a very hard decision but wants to keep her baby daughter Harper safe and India was just too hard under these current circumstances.
The win sees Wanderers leapfrog Brisbane Roar on the table with a game in hand. Their next game is against third-placed Melbourne Victory and it should be interesting. Victory have had a couple of unexpected results and will be without some of their star players who will be joining the Matildas. Roar will be playing Wellington Phoenix and should be expecting to win.
Above: Northern Ireland’s European Championship preparations have stepped up a notch this week. Photo: Irish FA.
A seven-month training camp to prepare the Northern Ireland team for the UEFA Women’s European Championships this summer kicked-off this week.
The creation of the camp means players in Kenny Shiels’ squad who do not play the game professionally in England or Scotland will become full-time players in the run-up to the tournament, which is being staged in England in July.
“We will do everything we can to prepare the squad for this fantastic occasion,” said Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson.
“It has been a huge undertaking to put such an operation together over the last few months. We are, of course, used to short term international training get-togethers, but never before have we run a seven-month camp with the financial, operational, technical, welfare and medical support such a project demands,” he pointed out.
A total of 22 Northern Ireland-based players will be training under the non-residential full-time programme, which is to be based at Newforge Sports Complex in south Belfast.
Squad members who play professionally in England and Scotland will remain with their clubs to train except if selected for games in international windows in February, April and June ahead of the tournament.
Northern Ireland senior women’s team boss Kenny Shiels said: “2022 will be a pivotal year for my squad and backroom team. Having a permanent base at Newforge will help us collectively to maximise our potential in readiness for World Cup qualifiers and, of course, competing at the Euros in England.
“It will take at least six weeks until our programme begins to show effect. It’s certainly a great feeling to be part of it. Some girls will adjust quicker than others. Newforge is a fantastic setting for the girls to progress.”
Angela Platt, the Irish FA’s Director of Women’s Football, said: “Up to now many of our players have balanced studying or employment, or both, with training commitments to prepare to compete at the highest level in our sport.
“Competing with the best requires a level of commitment that makes full time employment virtually impossible. With this programme now in place it will enable our squad to fully focus on being elite athletes and give us the best chance of success in Southampton later this year.
“To the employers, education organisations and clubs we say a big thank you for their support in releasing players from their current commitments to be part of this exciting and innovative programme.”
The camp’s training schedule covers every day of the week except Saturdays; Saturday is the scheduled day off for players.
Shiels is expected to have a fluid training schedule, however each week there will be pitch sessions (both tactical and physical which will be tailored on group and one-on-one basis and will include match scenarios), individual and group strengthening and conditioning plus balanced rest and recovery sessions.
In addition there will be performance analysis sessions along with physiotherapy, massage and cryospa treatments. And there will be psychology (both individual and team) sessions, too.
Beattie Makes Step Up To Glasgow City
Above: Kerry Beattie, a new signing for Glasgow City, Scotland’s most successful club side. Photo: Irish FA.
Northern Ireland international Kerry Beattie has signed for Glasgow City
Beattie, 19, joins the Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 side on a three-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The striker makes the switch to Scotland from Glentoran Women where she played an integral part in capturing the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership title last season, scoring a brilliant 23 goals to top-score in the league. The Glens also won the League Cup and the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup.
“I feel absolutely delighted to be joining a team as prestigious as Glasgow City,” Beattie said. “I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life and the opportunity to develop my game further greatly excites me. I can’t wait to meet the team and get to work.”
Beattie has made six appearances for the Euros-bound Northern Ireland Women’s team and scored her first goal for her country in their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier victory against North Macedonia in Belfast in November.
Beattie has been handed the number 11 shirt and could feature in Sunday’s Scottish Women’s Cup game v Queen’s Park, subject to international clearance.
Above: Melbourne City’s prolific striker Hannah Wilkinson about to put her side 2-0 up over Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Melbourne City.
A spell of two goals in five minutes before half-time ultimately proved to be the difference as Melbourne City saw off Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.
City were out of the blocks fast with Hannah Wilkinson working hard to test Lily Alfeld. Newly called-up to the Matildas, 18-year-old Holly McNamara earned an early corner when her shot was deflected out for a corner on the left. Rhianna Pollicina’s delivery was dangerous, high into the mix, but Phoenix dealt with the danger.
With the game heading towards the quarter of an hour mark, Phoenix were able to build offensively with Mackenzie Barry and Chloe Knott working hard to try and create opportunities with Alyssa Whinham buzzing around impressively once more and Kate Taylor putting in some fierce challenges.
Phoenix continued to press and when Winonah Heatley gave possession away to Isabel Gomez, a dangerous cross came in towards Knott, but City defender Tori Tunmeth got in ahead to prevent a goal.
Wellington were punished for being unable to turn chances into goals when City went immediately up the pitch and took the lead just before the half-hour mark. McNamara put a ball in towards Wilkinson. Taylor’s attempted headed clearance fell straight to Kaitlyn Torpey who fired a first-time shot into the net.
Above: Kaitlyn Torpey fires home Melbourne City’s first goal. Photo: Melbourne City.
With City gradually building a head of steam coming into the break, it was important for Phoenix to hold the score at 1-0, but with two minutes of the half remaining, those hopes ended.
Melissa Barbieri’s long goal kick was headed back by Barry, but the teenage defender failed to get anywhere enough power on the ball which allowed Wilkinson to run through and lift the ball over Alfeld into the net for her eighth goal in three games.
Above: Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson lifts the ball over Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Lily Alfeld to make it 2-0. Photo: Melbourne City.
Three minutes into stoppage time, City went three-up. McNamara earned a corner after Gomez cleared the danger. Chelsea Blissett’s high set-piece caused chaos in the Wellington six-yard box as Heatley got in at the far post ahead of McMeeken and Ava Pritchard to force the ball home.
To their credit, Wellington started the second half positively but were never quite able to turn possession into shots on goal.
City almost made them pay once more after a loose pass enabled Rebekah Stott to play in McNamara. The teenage striker gave herself a tight angle which enabled Alfeld in the Phoenix goal to push the shot away for a corner.
Stott almost added a fourth with under 25 minutes to go against her fellow countrywomen when she received possession just outside the box, but her shot came back off of the top of the bar.
Above: Emma Checker celebrates her goal with team-mate Caitlin Karic. Photo: Melbourne City.
With the game entering its final 15 minutes, City completed the scoring. Torpey got away from Jordan Jasnos along the right to pull in a high cross. Possession eventually found its way to McNamara on the right of the box who earned a corner.
As the flag-kick came in from Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, Phoenix were unable to clear and City defender Emma Checker was able to twist and fire home a powerful finish at the back post.
Alfeld was called into action to deny McNamara when the pair were one on one with nine minutes to go as City ran out comfortable winners.
Reviewing the game, Wellington Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis said: “I think we played more positively today, which sucks to still walk away with a four-nil loss,” Lewis told media post-match.
“I think for the most part we had a bit more about us. We were a bit more relentless out of possession, we were turning over the second ball, we were getting in their face, we were trying to be positive going forward, we were getting our fullbacks joining up, we were trying to get attacking numbers in the box.
Above: Wellington Phoenix’s Zoe McMeeken in possession under the watchful eye of Hannah Wilkinson. Photo: A-League Women.
“I was happy with how we performed in the first-half, but three-nil down at halftime is so hard to come back from.”
Lewis saw the period on either side of half-time as key to the outcome: “I felt like we had a good first half but then we made that mistake and conceded a soft second goal and then conceded just before we go into halftime from a corner.
“We just have to really work on stopping those soft goals because that really changed the game to be honest.
“I felt like we had really good moments in that first half, where we were pushing them. Obviously, we’re still struggling with that attacking threat, but I felt like we had more attacking options.”
With an Exclusive photo gallery from Kris Goman (at bottom of the page)
Above: Eyes on the prize – Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine jumps to win the ball. Photo: Kris Goman.
Three goals in the opening 25 minutes ensured that Sydney FC stayed top of the A-League Women with a comfortable win over Perth Glory at Kogarah.
Whilst the attendance was significantly lower than usual due to a late change in venue and kick-off time, the home support created a good atmosphere.
Sydney were comfortable on the ball from the start, patiently keeping possession. Ally Green stepped up on the left to play a tempter in towards Cortnee Vine, but the striker, newly called up to the Matildas’ Asia Cup training squad couldn’t quite get on the end of it.
It didn’t take long for Sydney to have better luck. With 11 minutes of the clock, Vine beat Sarah Carroll on the right and floated a ball in towards Remy Siemsen near the right-hand post. Vine got away from the close attentions of Liz Anton and fired an effort across the box which Perth keeper Courtney Newbon got a hand on, but the ball fell into the path of Mackenzie Hawkesby who ghosted in ahead of Tash Rigby to lash home inside the six-yard box.
Above: Mackenzie Hawknesby celebrates her goal. Photo: Kris Goman.
With 66% of possession in the opening quarter of an hour, Sydney were on fire, further evidence was seen when Vine was given all the time in the world to gallop through the middle, but Anton stepped in to erase the danger.
Yet Perth hadn’t learned to keep a closer eye on the Sky Blues’ 23-year-old star and less than a minute later, a long ball across from Siemsen to Vine saw her race away from Sarah Carroll and get one on one with Newbon to smash a shot into the far corner of the net.
It didn’t take long for Sydney to assert their total dominance with a third. Once more, Vine was at the heart of the action. Charlize Rule and Rachel Lowe were involved in the build-up before Vine was found down the right-wing. She kept the ball in play brilliantly, got away from Sarah Carroll, and laid off a low ball to Siemsen at the near post who tucked a first-time effort into the net ahead of Anton.
Above: Remy Siemsen gets in ahead of Liz Anton to put Sydney FC 3-0 up. Photo: Kris Goman.
Sydney continued to press for the remainder of the half with Remy Siemsen causing the Western Australian’s further headaches. Possession was at a premium for Perth with both Gemma Craine and Susan Phonsonghkam rarely in a position to be seen offensively.
Glory needed to come out on the front foot at the start of the second half to have any hope of an unlikely comeback, yet within four minutes of the re-start, they were 4-0 down.
Hawkesby’s corner came in from the right and it was met by the head of Rule who was able to make a late run unmarked to send a thumping header into the far corner of the net.
Green went close to further extending Sydney’s lead ten minutes into the half when her cross-shot in space down the left bounced off of the top of the bar.
Above: Sydney FC’s Charlize Rule (centre) battles it out in the air with Perth Glory’s Kim Carroll (left) and Alana Jancevski (right). Photo: Kris Goman.
Chilean magician Cote Rojas came off the bench to run at the Perth defence and, after tying Kim Carroll in knots, got a shot away at the right-hand side of the box which came off the arm of Anton, giving referee Casey Reibelt no option but to point to the spot. Hawkesby stepped up and hit a powerful effort towards the left-hand side of the net, but Newbon made a superb one-handed save to push the ball away.
Rojas was centimetres away with eight minutes to go when she couldn’t quite get on the end of Rule’s cross.
Craine showed her danger towards the end when she used her pace to get through and then her upper body strength to hold off would-be challenges to get a ball away for Lisa De Vanna to hit a first time effort which fizzed just over the bar.
Rojas followed up by dispatching the ball into the net from a quickly taken free-kick, but she was adjudged to have handled it in the build-up.
Whilst Phonsongkham and Anton put in impressive shifts for the visitors, it was nowhere near enough.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis spoke of his immense disappointment after the game: “It wasn’t good enough. I think we gave them the onus and the chance to build momentum. We just gave them too much respect,” he said.
“They (Sydney) are a good team, but we allowed it to be a bit too easy. It was a timid start (from us) and that allowed Sydney to get the goals and we had to play catch up. We’re not happy. It’s one of the worst performances of the season.”
Epakis recognized the impact of playing three games in seven days on his young team: “Mental discipline, with three games in a week is really hard to keep to a high standard. I know that the players did the best they could taking on the pressure from set-pieces, corners, and deep throws, but there’s only so much that you can do to keep a quality team like that out. It’s a build-up of the last couple of days and Sydney FC had the benefit.”
“I said at half-time that we really only had our spirit and pride to play for. I would have preferred not to have been in that position and then conceding an early goal in the second half. We did show some pride, but nowhere near enough for what we are trying to do as a group. These are the performances that we just can’t accept and we don’t want to have.”
Ben Gilby brings you the news from this week’s press conferences around the A-League Women ahead of Sunday’s games(8/1/22).
BRISBANE ROAR:
Garrath McPhersonon Getting That First Win and Keeping Gorry
Above: Brisbane Roar head coach Garrath McPherson. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
The Brisbane Roar head coach has highlighted some of the off-pitch work that was done to help his team finally record their first win of the season last weekend. “We’d been very close to closing out our previous games and we’d learned a lot of harsh lessons among a squad which doesn’t have a lot of experience.
“We worked on the training pitch on how to close matches out. Beating Melbourne Victory in Melbourne was the first time we’d beaten then there for a while. If you then throw in the fact we had a player test positive (for COVID) and then had to change in the car park on white chairs, and then had to get straight on the bus afterwards in our playing kit and boots – the resilience was excellent.
McPherson also reminded the media of two other factors that impacted on his team: ”Our squad didn’t start training together until after a lot of other sides already began. Several players picked up injuries right before the season started. We’ve got a lot of local players making their starting debuts at 17 and 18-years-old. It’s exciting, but it’s also terrifying at the same time!
“We are a club with a history and we want to win games and trophies, but there is a trade-off between short-term and long-term success. It is an investment in players who will be with us for a number of years before maybe going on to America or Europe to be in a professional environment.”
Brisbane’s head coach addressed the fact that Katrina Gorry will be remaining with Brisbane during the forthcoming Asia Cup competition: “She was concerned about the medical care situation out there (in India where the Asia Cup is taking place). If (baby) Harper got sick out there it would not be ideal.
“She’ll miss out on this opportunity, but with the World Cup in 2023, I’m sure the national team will have many more meet-ups this year and I’m sure she’ll be considered again. I’m happy to have her for more games with us though!”
In terms of availability, Roar have no injuries ahead of the game against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Nat Tathem: Making A Comeback and Keeping Positive
Above: Nat Tathem pictured celebrating Brisbane’s win in her first game back after an ACL injury. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane’s defender spoke about her delight in returning to action last weekend after a year out with an ACL injury in her side’s win over Melbourne Victory.
“The girls were all so supportive which helped. It was a shame that it was an away game that I made my comeback in which meant there were no friends and family there, but also coming on the field against my old team helped as I knew what to expect.
“Melbourne helped me through my re-hab as I was still there for half the time of my recovery. The coaching squad there helped me through and they were happy for me to be back. I knew what to expect being against Victory. It was more like a training environment as I knew everyone out there.”
Despite Brisbane’s frustrating start to the season which saw them concede late goals to lose their first four games, the 26-year-old defender knew that better times would soon arrive: “Even when we weren’t getting the results, we kept together and kept positive.
“You could see a bit more nervousness on match day because we needed a result. We got around each other to support each other and fight to the last minutes. Those games we lost in the last five minutes have sucked, but it proved to ourselves that we won that way last week, we can keep going to the end.”
“When you lose games, because the season is so short, you become that bit more results-focused as you need to win games to come back and make the top four. We had only lost games by one or two and they were all things that we could fix. We were never played off the park.”
MELBOURNE CITY:
Rado Vidosicon City’s Return From COVID Inforced Absence
Above: Rado Vidosic – has the vast majority of his players back after COVID ahead of their game with Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic reflected on a difficult period for his team following a COVID outbreak at the club: “There was always a 100% chance that we would get it (COVID). Most of the girls were living in one house and they got through it easier as they were surrounding each other. Thank God all of them came back without any long-term issues. Some came back within two or three days, most came back soon after. Only one is still off.
“We only had six players training with us for the best part of the last week, it was a blessing that we didn’t play. Not everyone had COVID, but a number without COVID had to isolate. Now we are healthy, we don’t mind playing midweek games. We will probably lose some players for the national team, but we have answers for that. We have a good squad and we are injury-free, working on our principles.”
With the Matildas calling up City’s Winonah Heatley and Holly McNamara for the pre-Asia Cup training squad, Vidosic recognizes that it impacts his team, but also highlighted the fact that the Sky Blues are far from being the only team to lose players.
“Ourselves, Sydney, and Victory will lose a few players for the Asia Cup. It doesn’t necessarily put things in our favour. It will be interesting as, with corona too and injuries and a smaller number of players per squad and younger, less experienced players, it will be stressful for every club. (But), whoever we lose, we should be able to replace.”
“Today (Friday) was probably the best training session we have had all season. All the hunger and desire were there, hopefully, it will show on Sunday against Wellington too. (Tony) Gustavsson is calling up lots of young players, he has an open door for the squad, so players know they need two or three good performances and they have a chance. It is a really good thing.”
In terms of selection for Sunday’s game, the City head coach doesn’t expect there to be any surprises. “I don’t like to tinker with the squad,” he admitted.
“It is the plan that Stotty will play 90 minutes. We are still trying to manage her. She has had a few days off. It will depend on things like the intensity of the game and the weather. We would love to extend her to 90 minutes but we know it depends.”
The competition’s top scorer, Hannah Wilkinson will face her fellow country-women on Sunday, and Vidosic was effusive in his praise for her: “This is my fourth season and she is the first striker for me. Her and Holly McNamara can play in different positions. We are blessed. Hannah’s experience and work rate are second to none.
“She is a great person who is lovely to have in your team. I spoke to her at the Olympics when she was thinking of joining us. I told her she would be rewarded for hard work. Seven goals in five games is great. She is looking forward to the rest of the season and playing for her national team.
“She is fantastic in the air. We haven’t quite got our crossing game going, but we will soon. Our balls into her for her runs though are good and she has been fantastic.”
Hannah Wilkinson:Loving Life At City
Above: New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson will be facing her fellow countrywomen on Sunday when Melbourne City face Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park. Photo: Wikipedia.
The A-League Women’s top scorer opened her media conference by detailing what the situation was like at the club during the COVID outbreak. “We’re just grateful to be back together. It was a pain in the arse to happen, but now we’re all back and that’s awesome.
“A big group of girls who live together was the main problem. Slowly but surely, symptoms came from that house. Everyone got tested. I wasn’t part of that group. We just had to do what we could. It was a nightmare, but all good now.
“It was a shame that we couldn’t maintain our momentum (after the big win over Melbourne Victory). One of the cases came back positive before the game, so we knew there was a risk we might not be able to play for a while. It made us realize we had to go out there even more strongly for that game and do everything we could to do well.
Wilkinson’s partnership with Holly McNamara this season has been one of the best in the competition, and the Kiwi was full of praise for the 18-year-old striker. “I love playing with Holly. She is a very smart player. We work well, she moves off of my movement. She knows where I will be and she’s set up most of my goals. “National teams will be watching. It’s a good thing. Her being called up will be a great thing for the Matildas.
“The service and distribution that I’m getting is every striker’s dream. This sort of consistency I haven’t had for a long time. I’m so grateful to be playing with them.”
Wilkinson is also enjoying being coached by Rado Vidosic: “I love the way we play, it’s beautiful to watch and beautiful to play. We play a really nice possession-based game. We do a lot of work out of possession, pressing. That shows in our results.
“I’ve wanted to play in this league for so long. I’m really grateful to be playing with City. It’s awesome and cool to be close to home for once too!”
With Wilkinson in such good form, she is hoping to return to the Football Ferns squad in February when they will be competing in the She Believes Cup. However, as the A-League Women is playing through the FIFA international window, a choice will have to be made from a club v country perspective.
“A FIFA window is supposed to see that there are no (club) games. But that is something that we can’t control. We don’t want to miss any games, national or club. This is a massive opportunity for the national team. It is annoying and really frustrating, but what can you do?”
WELLINGTON PHOENIX:
Gemma Lewis:Re-Set Phoenix Prepared For City Test
Above: A nine-day break has helped Gemma Lewis to put right some of the defensive frailties seen in Wellington Phoenix’s last outing against Sydney FC. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Phoenix face Melbourne City this Sunday, and head coach Gemma Lewis began by revealing how she was planning on combatting the Sky Blues’ New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson, who is in deadly form.
“Ah! I’m going to push her for her Kiwi loyalties and tell her to keep (her goal tally on Sunday) to just a couple maybe!
“She’s on form and she will cause us problems. However, she is a player that Kate (Taylor) and Mac (Mackenzie Barry) like to play against as they love stepping up, intercepting and being aggressive. They are looking forward to coming up against her, being a fellow Kiwi.
“She is a weapon and we need to defend our box. It’s been an area of focus this week. We need to win first and second contact in the box. It will be hard against a unit like Wilkinson, but we’re in a much better place now after the Sydney game.”
Wellington’s last outing, that 5-0 loss in Wollongong was nine days ago, which has allowed for recovery after a period of two games in four days for Lewis’ youngsters.
“It has allowed us to give the players some days off. It’s allowed us to re-set. We’ve also been able to have a good few sessions to focus on what went wrong in the Sydney game and get better.”
In terms of availability for Sunday’s match at AAMI Park, Saskia Vosper, who had to leave the field with a groin strain against Sydney will not make it, although the prognosis is positive: “It looks like she will only miss this game, she went into that game with some tightness. One stretch and lunge and it turned into a strain.” Lewis revealed. “Grace Jale is fully cleared to play. She can start or come on, she is not restricted. Everyone else is OK.”
Looking ahead more specifically to the game against Melbourne City, Lewis revealed how impressed she has been with Rado Vidosic’s team this season: “I’ve really enjoyed watching them this season. Holly McNamara is having a great season as well. Her and Pollicina are creating well for Wilkinson. Stotty (Rebekah Stott) is growing every game. As a unit, they are great. They play very structured which helps because we know how to play against them, but they are very good at what they are doing. They set a trap well, they execute it well and everyone in their team knows what they are doing.
“City like to play out a bit more, but I don’t know if they will do that against us. Our focus is to get more possession into the opposition third. We’ve been looking at attacking out a counter and out a block. We’ve looked at different players in different positions. As City play with wingbacks we’re hoping to get our fullbacks attacking.
“The realism is we are always going to be up against the pump. Player against player, we will always be underdogs this season. We have been close in possession but still not got many shots on target.
In terms of focus for the game, Lewis recognizes that there is a fine balance between deciding whether to spend training time focusing on defending or attacking: “We normally back ourselves defending in the box, but against Sydney, it was really poor. We gave them gifts and didn’t make them earn goals. We had to address that. We have looked at our in-possession stuff. At the moment, we’re not able to press high and turnover ball as they are not playing out from the back. That takes away opportunities for us, so we need to look at how we do that.
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson, who today unveiled his training squad for the Asia Cup. Photo: Football Australia.
Tony Gustavsson has announced 25 players who will depart for the Matildas pre-Asia Cup training camp in the United Arab Emirates.
21 of the players have received final selection for the tournament, with four of domestically based stars from the A-League Women included for training which will commence on Monday.
The Melbourne City pair, Winonah Heatley and Holly McNamara are joined by Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine and Karly Roestbakken of Canberra United, with two of these players eventually being added to the final squad to make up Gustavsson’s 23 players for the tournament which kicks off for Australia on January 21 when they face Indonesia in Mumbai.
Sam Kerr will captain a squad that contains 36-year-old defender Aivi Luik who had announced her retirement from international football back in August.
Potency upfront from Kerr, Siemsen, Emily Gielnik, Kyah Simon, Caitlin Foord reflects Australia’s strength in depth in this position.
Artwork: AFC
The midfield selections caught the eye for different reasons though, with only four players listed in that position – Kyra Cooney Cross, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, and Tameka Yallop. Consequently, Mary Fowler, who Gustavsson has praised in recent press conferences for her ability to perform to a high level in several different positions, may be asked to play a little bit deeper.
The average age (26.6) of the 21 players with guaranteed selection is older than in Australia’s past seven World Cup campaigns, with the average number of caps held among this group, 59, standing higher than in any of the Matildas’s previous Asia Cup campaigns.
As he shared his squad with the media earlier today, the Matildas head coach said: “We considered a lot of factors and reflected on the experience of the Tokyo Olympics in assembling this roster.
“It was important that, with the initial 21 players selected, we found the balance between players that have been the backbone of the national team for the past decade and providing experience to a new group of players with the World Cup next year in mind.
“Having the right mix of skills to win matches is paired with the right experience on the training park and in the dressing room. Over the past six months, we have worked to examine the talent pool extensively and we think we have found that balance with this squad.”
Gustavsson also explained the thinking behind taking four additional players to the training camp before whittling his squad down to the final 23.
“With additional time before we arrive in India, we wanted to ensure players have every single moment available to them to make their case to be a part of the Asian Cup.”
Australia’s Pre-Asia Cup Training Squad:
Players in italic are part of the travelling group for the pre-tournament training camp with two of these players to be selected for the final squad.
