Catching Up With Bristol City Vixencast

Impetus‘ Ben Gilby (BG) spoke to D-M Withers (D-M), Shahan Miah (SM) and Nat Brown (NB) from Bristol City Vixencast – the weekly podcast featuring all things Bristol City Women – about their thoughts on a tough season last time round and their thoughts about the new Championship campaign.

BG: Last season was tough, obviously. There was a spell when it looked possible that Bristol City might just stay up. Was it simply the fact that it took so long for the team to pick up points that meant it was, ultimately too little, too late?

DW: I think it was too little, too late. Things looked optimistic, especially after the magnificent 3-2 victory against Reading at Ashton Gate in March but we really fizzled out of energy at the season’s end. Ultimately, getting relegated was probably a blessing in disguise. We needed to rebuild, radically, and now we have an almost totally new team to charge at the Championship with. I’m banishing the memory of last season, for now!

NB: Yes, we needed to have picked up some points much earlier in the season. That said, even though performances picked up after Matt Beard’s arrival, we still didn’t manage to win the games that we really needed to. Perhaps a change earlier in the season would have helped us out, but things have been tricky in the WSL for a couple of seasons now, so time to rebuild a squad and coaching team is what we need.

SM: Not just that, but it was the fact that Aston Villa, Birmingham City & West Ham United all got thrown in to the relegation battle as well, leaving everything to the last day, which was exciting from a neutral perspective, but stressful for fans of all the teams affected!

BG: Ebony Salmon and Sophie Baggaley took the headlines for Bristol City last season, but who else stood out for you in tough circumstances?

Above: Shahan (left) and D-M (right) with Ebony Salmon. Photo via: Shahan Miah.

DW: Gemma Evans, always brilliant. I wish Ella Mastrantonio had played more. I’m giving a shout out, though, to one player who is still wearing Bristol colours: the teenage centre-back, Naomi Layzell. Joining other academy players Brooke Aspin, Maddie Wilde, Jasmine Bull & Erin Foley, Naomi is training with the first team squad this season, and I can’t wait to see her – and the others – kick on.

NB: Of course Baggers and Salmon took the plaudits, but some players looked excellent under difficult circumstances all season. As D-M said, Gemma Evans was in the best form we’ve ever seen her in – and played that well every week, and Ella was a joy to watch. Flo Allen deserves credit for playing consistently well all season and being hard to drop. Unfortunately, although some players had excellent spells during the season, few were consistently uninjured and in form.

SM: One name that hasn’t been mentioned is Faye Bryson, who I thought got better this season, was key in defence, and it was great to see that wonderful 18-yard screamer she scored against Aston Villa. She’s since been sold to Reading (where Gemma Evans has also been joined), and deserve to be playing at the highest level.

BG: Last season’s tough times were experienced without fans at matches, overall how did the fans react to the campaign?

DW: It’s hard to tell. It was painful, it was sad and, on the whole, we weren’t able to share that sadness with each other. We all knew it was coming, and maybe fans felt relief when it was finally confirmed – albeit in wretched circumstances on the final day of the season.

NB: I have no idea as I don’t use social media, but Shahan and D-M were obviously disappointed by how the season played out. It was the hope that killed us, but after watching just one pre-season friendly, I’ve totally forgotten about last season’s miseries.

SM: As the weeks went by and the results were coming in, it got harder to remain optimistic. There were even times during games where I would check with D-M & Nat to see if we would still be OK to record our episode right after the game, or delay it depending on how we felt.

Combining my experience with being a supporter of the men’s team as well, who had a very difficult season in the Championship, was not the best feeling, I’d admit. Even though I’ve felt relegation before from the men’s team, I feel the one this year hurt a lot more as I’ve become more involved with the team in terms of fandom, and doing things like the Vixencast.

BG: Last time we spoke (https://impetus885775742.wordpress.com/2021/01/07/impetus-speaks-to-bristol-city-vixencast/) we asked you about your feelings about the move to Twerton Park. The club now have another new home ground, tell us about it and what you make of it.

DW: The Robins High Performance Centre, BS8. The loveliest, well-clipped pitch in the Championship. The stadium has a lovely, intimate feel. There is one seated stand and standing capacity elsewhere. The acoustics are brilliant and potentially a great resource for us at home. During the pre-season friendly against Lewes, played in front of supporters, there was a fantastic roar when Abi Harrison scored two goals in quick succession to bring us level. It’s going to be noisy, and that’s something that never happened at Stoke Gifford Stadium, where any crowd noise seemed to get sucked into the weird, ever-present winds that blew there. I like it!

Above: The main stand at the Robins High Performance Centre. Photo: Bristol City FC.

NB: I totally agree. It’s a really great place to watch football. Everybody we spoke to there was really happy, so that made the place feel inviting as fans.

SM: I think it’s great that the team are playing back in Bristol once again (sorry, Bath!). The RHPC was only open in March, mainly as the new training facility for the men’s, women’s & academy teams, & I’ve already been there for the Player of the Year awards that were presented by the Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust (for whom D-M & I are now board members representing City Women fans). Unlike Stoke Gifford, there is no athletics track & a permanent stand, so the atmosphere should be better. Also, there is no nearby train line, so fans (mainly me) won’t get distracted by that.

BG: What’s your view of the ins and outs over the summer both in terms of players and Tanya Oxtoby?

DW: The exodus of players was massive and dramatic. You can count on one hand who stayed. But I’m pleased with the players who have stayed. All good characters who clearly want to be there. I am also delighted with the players we’ve brought in. There’s some real quality there, and from the brief glimpse I had of them at the pre-season friendly, it looks like a fun, entertaining team. Loads of potential for goals: Simran Jhamat, Melissa Johnson, Jess Wooley, Abi Harrison. And I have a feeling the Bristol supporters will soon be chanting ‘you’ll never beat Brooke Aspin’ – she’s an exciting talent. One of our own!

NB: I wasn’t surprised by the exodus. I actually think we needed that many people to leave in order to attract good quality replacements. Coming to Bristol in the Championship now looks, to me, a more exciting prospect than joining in the WSL last year. The new manager and squad look great. Competition for places will be fierce in all positions- which is new for us!

SM: I was sad to see a lot of the players move on; however most of them were out of contract & understandably would have wanted a new challenge. It’s interesting to see players though that have moved to teams who are in the Championship, such as former captain Jasmine Matthews back at Liverpool, and Megan Wynne at Charlton Athletic. I am impressed with the various experience of the new additions to the squad; who know the Championship well, and in the cases of Melissa Johnson, Fran Bentley & Lia Cataldo, were in Championship-winning teams! As for Tanya Oxtoby, I feel her departure was a year too late, based on the 2019/20 season, and I feel results weren’t much of an improvement in the first half of the 2020/21 season that she was in charge. I sadly didn’t get to see most of her first season in charge. I wish her, her partner Alice, and their son all the best for the future.

BG: What do you know about your opponents in the Championship this season? Who do you expect to be the toughest opposition?

DW: Well, we’re familiar with a couple of teams because most of the players used to play for Bristol – Liverpool, Charlton Athletic. To be honest, though, I’m not very knowledgeable about this league. I always fear Durham, as we played them in the FA Cup on a few occasions and they were tough! What I’m most excited about is watching some competitive football matches again. For all the talk of the WSL being the best league in the world, it’s incredibly unbalanced. If you support Chelsea, happy days, but if you support Birmingham City, it’s likely to be an awful season, although I obviously hope it isn’t for them!

NB: We had Palace, London Bees and Lewes in our Conti Cup group last season, so we know a bit about them. We’ve also played a 2-2 draw against Lewes in pre-season friendly. However, I’m not sure how much that will tell us about the season to come and how our opponents will play, or how we’ll fare. If we play as well as we did in the friendly, we’ll be fine, because no team in the league looks so obviously on their way up as Leicester did last season. Bring it on!

SM: I am aware that there are some teams that are still semi-professional, so may have different resources/finances than a fully professional team like Bristol City would. I am aware of teams that have become fully professional, such as Coventry United and Charlton Athletic, and have made decent signings at this level. I don’t know what to expect from Watford or Sunderland as they return to elite football, but am glad that the Championship has an even number of teams once again. I think Liverpool may be the toughest opposition, as they are the team that probably want a WSL return the most, and Bristol City didn’t win a game against them in the WSL in the 2019/20 season.

Above: The Bristol City Vixencast crew pictured supporting Bristol City at Prenton Park against Liverpool. Left to right: Nat Brown, Shahan Miah, D-M Withers. Photo via: Shahan Miah.

BG: What are your hopes for the season? Are you expecting promotion back to the Super League at the first attempt? Why?

DW: I think from the club’s perspective, bouncing back first time is not the number one priority. The aim is for some stability. But it may happen by accident, and Lauren Smith has recruited a team full of quality players who look hungry to express themselves, and fight for each other. You never know…

NB: It’s not something I’m expecting. If it happened, I wouldn’t be terribly surprised as there’s something about this squad that might be able to pull it out of the bag. I’m not sure I want another WSL season quite yet though – unless the issues around parity in the league are addressed. I’m just looking forward to a season of going to our lovely new ground, visiting Championship grounds on away days and all the new songs we need to get ready for our freshly-assembled squad!

SM: I am hoping for a high finish but realistically do not expect promotion at the first opportunity. It will also be interesting to see what happens with Lauren Smith beyond the season, as she was initially brought in as maternity cover, but with Oxtoby now gone, this could be an opportunity to get the job permanently. Also, when Bristol City were last in the Championship in 2016 (or WSL2 as it was known then), they weren’t champions but got the second promotion. Sadly there is only one promotion spot this time around, unless play-offs are introduced – which I highly doubt!

BG: How do you see the club’s longer-term prospects – what are Bristol Sport’s commitments like, consistent? Changeable?

DW: With the move to the RHPC, it signals the biggest integration to the club we’ve ever had. It feels more like a Bristol City team than it ever has. There is great emphasis on developing youth and nurturing players but the big money will never flow in our direction. Given how elite women’s football has developed over the past ten years, although it may change if a new regulator is brought in following the Fan-Led Review (led by Tracey Crouch MP), Championship is likely to be our ideal level. But the commitment to maintaining a professional team, and bringing new talent up through the RTCs is, for the time being, secure.

NB: Being a fully-professional team in the Championship for now looks to be the most likely scenario. Unless City Men sort themselves out, we’ll never get a huge influx of money into the Women’s side of the club. As D-M said, an RTC we can be proud of and a stable, enjoyable and competitive Championship life look most likely.

SM: As the only one out of the three of us that is also a fan of the men’s team, I am all happy with the integration, with City Women appearing in promotional material with the men, and using the same media. Gavin Marshall, who has been on the Bristol Sport board for years & looks at all the various football & rugby teams, has just been announced as the new Chairperson at City Women, and I am hoping he can help with the integration & make City Women become successful again.

BG: What Bristol City players should we keep an eye out for this season?

DW: I’ve mentioned a few but I am looking forward to seeing Chelsea loanee Aggie Beever-Jones play after meeting her and her Mum at the pre-season friendly. Satara Murray too!

NB: Abi Harrison could have a goal glut- that would be fun. Any of the academy recruits will be worth watching as they’re so young but already look very comfortable playing for the first team.

SM: In terms of representation, I would say Simran Jhamat, as she’s the first South Asian player to represent any Bristol City team, which I think is inspirational to those of certain BAME backgrounds and can be a role model for them to get into football. However, as of writing, there may be one more arrival who could be another goalscoring machine!

If Impetus readers haven’t done so already, listen to our podcast and subscribe/follow on various platforms, as well as our social media. Also, if you’re ever at a game at Bristol City, come say hi to us!

Check out the podcast here: linktr.ee/bcvixencast 

We recommend giving Bristol City Vixencast a listen. All the links you need are below:

Podcast website: @bcvixencast | Linktree

Podcast Twitter: Bristol City Vixencast (@BCVixenCast)

Podcast Instagram:  Bristol City Vixencast (@bcvixencast)

Podcast Facebook:  Bristol City Vixencast

D-M Withers’ Twitter: D-M Withers (@DMWithers_)

Shahan Miah’s Twitter: Shahan Miah (@shahanshahan)

Shahan Miah’s Instagram: Shahan Miah (@shahanxshahan)

Eastern Region Premier and London & SE Premier Round-Up

Darrell Allen returns with all the news from last weekend’s matches in these two tier five divisions which are both led by clubs partnered by Impetus!

Above: Dulwich Hamlet (pink) battle it out with Saltdean United in the London & SE Premier on Sunday. Photo: Liam Asman

Another extraordinary Sunday in the Eastern Region Premier Division saw four games produce 21 goals with the Norfolk teams claiming the main headlines for the second consecutive Sunday.

Impetus partner club Wroxham Women went to the top of the table with a professional 4-1 victory at St Ives Town for all the details from the game, click this link: https://impetus885775742.wordpress.com/2021/09/16/birchalls-on-fire-as-wroxham-make-it-five-from-five/

Bowers & Pitsea came from 2-0 down to lead Bedford 3-2 before a late equaliser from the visitors saw the points shared at the Len Salmon Stadium. Wymondham Town‘s game against Haringey Borough was postponed due to Haringey players receiving call ups for their county side.

Above: King’s Lynn Town (blue) are more than finding their feet after promotion into the Eastern Region Premier. Photo: @SmidgerLinnet

King’s Lynn Town recorded back to back wins with an impressive 3-2 away success at AFC Dunstable. An own goal, plus strikes from Lily Porter and Jodie Hopkins sealed the points for Joe Simpson’s team. The Linnets have hit a fine run of form with seven points from the last 12 available.

Above: Plenty of smiles for Royston Town after their 4-1 win over struggling Colney Heath. Photo: Kevin Richards Photography

In the day’s other game, Royston Town continued their positive start to the season with a solid 4-1 victory at Garden Walk against Colney Heath. A brace from Emma Slater, Charlotte Smith and Bella Simmonds secured the points which sees Royston sit fourth in the table.

Table from: Eastern Region Football League

London & South-East Women’s Premier:

Sunday’s action saw five games produce 20 goals.

Above: Ashford Town have lots to be proud of at the moment with a fourth straight win to top the table. Photo: @AshfordWomens

Impetus sponsored Ashley Cheatley scored a brace for another of the site’s partner clubs, Ashford Town (Middlesex) in an impressive 4-2 win over New London Lionesses which sees the Tangerines remain top of the table with four wins from four. Alissa Down and Chloe Farrell added the other goals for the home side. New London Lionesses put up a spirited fight with the game level at 2-2 up until four minutes to go but Ashford secured the win with Cheatley now having scored eight goals in four matches.

Dulwich Hamlet‘s one hundred percent win rate continued after an impressive 3-0 victory on the road at Saltdean United with Manzi, Monkman and Harbour-Brown all finding the net.

Dartford also secured a big away win, as goals from Emily Vaughen, Alicia Gibbs, Kim Green and Nicha Dyett secured all three points in a 4-1 success at Denham United.

Worthing beat Fulham 2-1 in front of an impressive crowd of 152 thanks to goals from Hannah Hewlett and Katie Young.

Above: Worthing jump for joy after scoring against Fulham. Photo: @WorthingFCWomen

In the day’s other game, Aylesford came out on top 3-1 at Whyteleafe, securing their first away win of the season in the process. This success, plus a home win last weekend gives the Kent side a place in the top half of the table.

Table From: FA Full-Time.

Birchall’s On Fire As Wroxham Make It Five From Five

St. Ives Town 1-4 Wroxham

by Richard Giles

Above: Grace Birchall’s hat-trick – her third of the season, saw her rack up a half century of goals for the Tier Five ERWFL Premier leaders. Photo: Ben Gilby.

The Yachtswomen moved to the top of the Eastern Region Women’s Premier after a 4-1 victory at St Ives on Sunday afternoon.

Although boasting a 100%-win record in the league this season, Wroxham got off to the worst possible start. A cross from the right flank was turned past Cyan Fullbrook in the away goal by Tia Everdell to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Stunned by this reverse, the visitors pushed forward and won a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, with the set-piece just clearing the bar. From the resultant goal-kick, Wroxham gained possession and Becky Russell’s shot hit the woodwork before being cleared.

The visitors were forcing St Ives to defend deep in their own half and Alice Parker who received a long cross from Kayleigh Holloway, fired just over the bar before Lauren Bullard saw a header saved by the keeper. Holly Walker then ghosted in at the back post, hit a half-volley just over the goal. At the other end, Fullbrook comfortably saved a free-kick.

Leading goal scorer Grace Birchall replaced Walker, and within ten minutes had a hand in the equaliser. Receiving a long free-kick from Hope Strauss, Birchall was brought down in the penalty-area and Bullard converted the spot-kick.

Above: Jess Horn (right) squared the ball for Grace Birchall for Wroxham to take the lead at St. Ives. Photo: Ben Gilby.

Just five minutes later, Wroxham took the lead. Bullard chasing down a long ball from Jess Horn, squared to Birchall who slotted past the keeper. Another substitution led to the visitors extending their lead. This time, Dana Smith, on for Gracie Squire, sent a looping ball over the defender for Birchall to score her second goal and give Wroxham a 3-1 lead at half-time.

The second half saw the visitors pushing forward straight from the start and forcing a corner which was cleared, before Russell saw her shot produce a great save from the home keeper pushing the ball over the bar.

Holloway was the next player to force a good save from the St Ives keeper, having cut in from the right flank, she saw her shot tipped past the post, for a corner which was headed clear by the hosts.

Most of the play was taking part in the hosts half and a free-kick from Parker saw the keeper save with her legs and the ball went out for a corner. From the corner, taken by Smith, Birchall running towards the near post planted a header past the keeper to complete her hat-trick which now takes her to the fifty goals mark for Wroxham.

Wroxham comfortably saw out the remaining twenty minutes to maintain their unbeaten start to the season with five wins from five games to take advantage of Wymondham Town’s inaction to top the table.

ST. IVES TOWN: Conyard, Everdell, Flack, Ford, Hicks, Jefferson, Lydon, Seymour-Shove, Smith, Stancombe, Stephenson. Subs: Burnley, Lyons, Noble.

Scorer: Everdell.

WROHAM: Fullbrook, Strauss, Parker, Horn, Scully, Holloway, Russell, Walker, Squire, Bullard. Subs: Birchall, Cooper, Smith, Long, Pleavin.

Scorers: Birchall 3, Bullard.

Artwork: Graphics by PW

Irish Women’s Club Football To Be Shown Free To Air

Above: Players from DLR Waves, Cork City, Peamount United and Shelbourne lining up with TG4 ahead of free to air broadcast of the FAI Women’s National League. Photo: @LOIWomen

In what will be a first for the League – which was established in 2011 – a national broadcaster will show four League games free-to-air over the coming weeks and they will also be available globally via the TG4 Player App.

The timing of this announcement coincides with a thrilling title race between Peamount United, Shelbourne and Wexford Youths, a battle to finish inside the top five involving DLR Waves, Galway WFC and Bohemians, and plenty to play for amongst Cork City, Treaty United and Athlone Town.

Sacar Beo will be presented by Galway sports broadcaster Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, who will be joined by a team of expert football analysts including UEFA A Licence coach Laura Cusack and former Cork City manager Ronan Collins. The series is produced by Fogarty Fenwick Services.  

Coverage will commence with Shelbourne versus DLR Waves on Saturday October 2 at 5pm at Tolka Park.

TG4’s Head of Sport Rónán Ó Coisdealbha said: “TG4 is delighted to have football back on the station and we look forward to an action-packed season from the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League. We are very proud to continue to lead the way in broadcasting of women’s sport in Ireland and to bring the best of sporting action to our audiences.

“This announcement reaffirms our dedication to the broadcasting of women’s sport in Ireland. In 2021 TG4 has brought the Women’s Australian Football League and the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Rugby Championship to Irish TV audiences for the first time, while also increasing their coverage of the LGFA Lidl Leagues by 150%.”

League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon welcomed the announcement by saying: “It is fantastic to be able to raise the profile of the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League even higher by teaming up with TG4 to give the players even more visibility through the broadcasting of live games.

“We have enjoyed unprecedented success with LOITV this season, where every game has been available to stream live for free. But having a national broadcaster come onboard to promote the League is a huge milestone.

“It’s important that we continue to improve in all areas of promoting the game. We are excited to work with TG4 and will hopefully attract even more newcomers to the League as a result of this partnership.”

Details of the remaining games that will be shown live on TG4 will be announced soon.

News From Inside The Matildas Camp

Impetus hears the latest goings-on in Australia’s camp ahead of their friendly next week with the Republic of Ireland. There is news of a late squad change and the views of Jenna McCormick and Chloe Logarzo.

Above: Jenna McCormick, back in training with the Matildas in Dublin this week. Photo: Football Australia.

Ellie Carpenter and Kyah Simon have been withdrawn from the Matildas squad for next Wednesday’s friendly with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin next Tuesday.

The Olympique Lyonnais defender and Tottenham Hotspur attacker will now remain with their clubs.

In their place come the Fortuna Hjørring duo forward Indiah-Paige Riley and midfielder Clare Wheeler who becomes the latest player to earn a first call up to the senior side, while Riley will return to the Commonwealth Bank Matildas after earning her first cap in April against Germany. 

Australia’s 25 player squad commenced their training camp in Dublin on Monday with Wheeler and Riley joining the assembly yesterday afternoon.

Also returning to the squad is defender Jenna McCormick, for whom the training camp marks a return to the national team after an 18-month absence. 

“A lot can happen in 18 months,” said McCormick. “I feel like I have ridden the rollercoaster of football; the highs, the lows, and everything in between.” 

Above: Chloe Logarzo in training in Dublin. She speaks about how happy she is to be back in the USA after a spell in the FAWSL with Bristol City. Photo Football Australia

“It has been challenging.  It has been good, it has been bad, it has been the entire spectrum of football emotions.  Fast forward to now, it’s a different story. I am really happy where I am in Denmark playing for Aarhus and just back to loving my football.”

At the other end of the spectrum, midfielder Chloe Logarzo returns to the camp following a short break at the conclusion of the team’s intense Tokyo campaign.  Recently earning her 50th cap for Australia, Logarzo is currently playing her club football in the United States with Kansas City.

“My time in Kansas City has been really good.  It’s really nice to be back in the US. It’s quite comfortable for me (there),” she said. 

“It’s definitely where I want to be for my personal self. I think it’s definitely what makes me grow as a player, on and off the field.”

Updated Australia Squad to face the Republic of Ireland:

NamePositionClubCaps (goals)
Mackenzie ArnoldGoalkeeperWest Ham United26 (0)
Angie BeardDefenderFortuna Hjørring0 (0)
Steph CatleyDefenderArsenal WFC91 (3)
Emma CheckerDefenderMelbourne City7 (0)
Kyra Cooney-CrossMidfielderMelbourne Victory9 (0)
Mary FowlerForwardMontpellier15 (2)
Emily GielnikForwardAston Villa48 (11)
Charlotte GrantDefenderFC Rosengård0 (0)
Amy HarrisonMidfielderPSV Eindhoven13 (0)
Winonah HeatleyDefenderVäxjö0 (0)
Alanna KennedyDefenderManchester City98 (8)
Sam KerrForwardChelsea99 (48)
Chloe LogarzoMidfielderKansas City53 (8)
Jenna McCormickDefenderAGF Fodbold4 (0)
Teagan MicahGoalkeeperFC Rosengård7 (0)
Courtney NevinDefenderUnattached3 (0)
Clare PolkinghorneDefenderVittsjö GIK135 (11)
Jamilla RankinDefenderBrisbane Roar0 (0)
Hayley RasoForwardManchester City56 (6)
Indiah-Paige RileyForwardFortuna Hjørring1 (0)
Remy SiemsenForwardSydney FC0 (0)
Emily van EgmondMidfielderUnattached108 (23)
Clare WheelerMidfielderFortuna Hjørring0 (0)
Lydia WilliamsGoalkeeperArsenal91 (0)
Tameka YallopMidfielderWest Ham United96 (11)

Republic of Ireland v Australia 
Tuesday 21st September 2021 
Venue: Tallaght Stadium, Dublin
Kick-Off: 7pm local time (4:00 Wednesday 22nd September AEST)

Dominant Chelsea Leave Everton Feeling Blue

Chelsea 4-0 Everton

by Ben Gilby

Above: Erin Cuthbert puts in a superb tackle. Photo: Ben Gilby

For Chelsea, what a difference a week makes!

Blues boss Emma Hayes moved to provide more cover at the back after their below-par defensive performance against Arsenal – an unsuccessful system left Chelsea dangerously vulnerable at the Emirates Stadium with Jess Carter in particular exposed. 

The same three players – Carter, Millie Bright and Magda Eriksson – formed the backline, but Sophie Ingle replaced Niamh Charles in the defensive midfield position and provided greater solidity.

Another important difference was off the pitch. Seven days ago, fans were few and far between on the way to Arsenal’s stadium for the season opener. An hour before kick-off at Chelsea’s Kingsmeadow, Kingston Road was full of supporters heading in early for the first competitive game with fans at the south-west London venue in 2021.

Above: Magda Eriksson marshalled her defence excellently once more. Photo: Ben Gilby

Unfortunately for Everton, things stayed depressingly familiar. Willie Kirk’s side had arguably the best summer transfer window of any Barclays FA WSL club, but despite signing so many impressive young players, they look far from being the Champions League qualifiers that many have predicted.

The combination of so many new players, many of whom are young and playing FA WSL football for the first time, is a major reason for Everton’s present travails which have seen them concede eight goals in two games without finding the net themselves.

Like Chelsea, Everton suffered defensively last week, and their first half against Manchester City was nothing short of disastrous. They kept faith with Nathalie Björn, Gabby George and Megan Finnigan at the back, while Nicoline Sørensen came into the midfield to provide additional ballast.

It was clear from the start that the Toffees were not going to trouble Chelsea. Given the Champions’ defensive frailties the previous week, Everton were expected to press high from the start, but instead they were pedestrian and made the fundamental error of allowing Chelsea to get into their stride.

Above: Guro Reiten – dominant on the left-wing all afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby.

Guro Reiten was able to create down the left, causing Björn all sorts of problems and being able to throw in dangerous crosses which put pressure on Sandy MacIver in the visitors’ goal. Chelsea focused their attacks on the left-hand side of the pitch for most of the afternoon, with Pernille Harder and Ji So-Yun also finding joy along that channel.

Above: Ji So-Yun rampaging down the left: Photo: Ben Gilby

Chelsea took 25 minutes to find the net and as expected it came down the left. Ji released Fran Kirby, with the reigning PFA Player of the Year turning Björn before lofting a shot in at the far post.

Above: On a difficult afternoon for her side, Everton’s young summer signing Anna Anvegård had a number of promising moments. Photo: Ben Gilby

Everton were rarely seen in an attacking perspective. Big summer signing Hanna Bennison struggled to make an impact on the game and was well marshaled by Chelsea. Her fellow Swede and summer signing Anna Anvegård however, was the best of the Merseyside club’s players in the opening forty-five, making several intelligent runs and looking to run in on goal when she could.

Above: Hanna Bennison – a disappointing debut for Everton’s big-money signing. Photo: Ben Gilby

Any hope the visiting supporters had that their side would rally after a rousing half-time team talk fell apart just two minutes after the break, thanks to a defensive disaster from Everton. MacIver played a pass out towards Finnigan on the edge of the 18 yard box, but the Toffees defender was seemingly not aware that Sam Kerr was lurking behind her ready to pounce, and a dreadfully short attempted back pass was intercepted by the Matildas record scorer, who slotted home one of the easiest goals of her career.

Above: “Ow! That hurt!” Sam Kerr shares a joke with Fran Kirby after heading in her second goal of the afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby

From there it was simply a matter of “how many” for Chelsea. The hosts scored their third with just over fifteen minutes to go when Reiten broke free down the left once more and pulled over a cross, which Kerr headed home in a trademark finish.

Reiten was involved again for the fourth goal on 79 minutes when she supplied Erin Cuthbert, who had put in another tigerish performance. The Scot’s powerful effort smashed off the bar and went in off newly introduced Beth England.

Above: Pernille Harder put in arguably her best performance for Chelsea so far and dominated the action on the left-wing. Photo: Ben Gilby.

Credit must go to Harder for her incredible work rate in this game. Everton simply couldn’t stop her raids down Chelsea’s left side and whilst Harder didn’t end up with the goal she deserved for her endeavours, the Danish superstar was an integral reason for Chelsea’s creativity in the second half.

Chelsea’s return to form was ominous – as was a post-game tweet from Everton director Sarvar Ismailov which simply read “unacceptable”.

Teams: CHELSEA: Berger, Bright, Carter, Eriksson, Cuthbert, Ingle, Ji, Reiten, Kirby, Kerr, Harder. Subs: Musovic (GK), Nouwen, Leupolz, England, Fleming, Charles, Spence, Andersson, Fox.

Scorers: Kirby 25′, Kerr 47′ 74′, England 79′

EVERTON: MacIver, Sorensen, Björn, Finnigan, George, Turner, Bennison, Christiansen, Galli, Anvegård, Emslie. Subs: Sevecke, Dali, Duggan, Gauvin, Brosnan, Clinton, Pattinson.

Referee: Amy Fearn.

Attendance: 2,379

Brighouse Progress In League Cup

Brighouse Town 4-1 Holwell Sports

Report supplied by Brighouse Town AFC.

Above: Brighouse Town gather to discuss their performance against Holwell Sports. Photo supplied by: @btafcwomen

Brighouse Town Women marched through to the first round proper of the FA Women’s National League Cup with a 4-1 against Holwell Sports who play a division lower in Division One Midlands.

Town manager Rob Mitchell made several changes to the team and also welcomed back both Abi Lee and Ellie White to the squad after several weeks out with injury.

Brighouse started the game well against their lower league opposition and should have gone 1-0 up inside a minute, Monique Watson was thwarted by the keeper Chloe Quinn who was excellent all game.

Chances came and went with Town looking to take the game to Sports without being able to take any real chances. Eventually though, the goal did come mid way through the half, Annabelle Cass scored an excellent header from a corner taken by Impetus sponsored Leah Embley to make it 1-0.

The second half saw Mitchell make five changes and Holwell took advantage of this with a well placed pass in behind being met by an unmarked attacker, who beat keeper Carrie Simpson to make it 1-1.

This seemed to wake Town up who responded almost straight away. Cara Fields took a Sophie John pass with style and fired past the keeper. Ellie White was then brought down with Cass converting the penalty to make it 3-1. Drew Greene then drove passed the defence before cutting back to White who made it four!

A professional performance sees Town through to the next round of the League Cup. Player of the match – Annabelle Cass Match Day Sponsored – Embroidery In House

Advert supplied by Brighouse Town AFC.

Portchy Hit Ten in Season Opener


AFC Portchester Ladies 10-0 Gosport Falcons 

by Lewis Millington

Above: AFC Portchester (orange and black) compete with Gosport for a header. Photo: Lewis Millington.

It was back to business for AFC Portchester Ladies on Sunday as they hit ten past visitors Gosport Falcons, in a Hampshire County Women’s Football League game that was abandoned after worrying scenes where an ambulance was required to support a player who had collapsed. My impressions were the player was OK after treatment on the pitch but regardless it was the right decision to suspend the game, player safety is always the priority after the scenes we all witnessed in Copenhagen at the Euros. 

Prior to this though we were treated to a goal fest. Although Portchy, performance wise, took longer to get into gear than they would like by their trademark high standards, chances were still created from the get go. Laura Streeter must have thought she had put the home side 1-0 up after two minutes, although her header was ruled out for an offside. 

The legitimate breaking of the deadlock came about on 17 minutes. A lofted ball from the back by the fans’ player of the 2020/21 season, goalkeeper Roxy Roberts, found teenage talisman Ella Wilson. Wilson then knocked the ball past the defender in the box before passing the ball calmly into the net. 

Gosport came back at Portchy with attacks from the right hand side, but an injury to Lillie Thomas and organised defending from the back line kept the visitors at bay. 

Portchy almost got their second after 22 minutes. A great cross sailed across goal from the right found Michelle Niven, who was industrious with her runs all afternoon. However she hit her first time volley over from close range. 

Nevertheless the net rippled for a second time three minutes later. A fantastic piece of play from new signing from Portsmouth Women, Eilidh Currie, where a Cruyff turn in the centre of the pitch left the surround players for dead. Driving forwards, Currie played a beautifully weighted through ball onto a plate for Wilson, who rounded the keeper to slide the ball in from the angle. 

Above: AFC Portchester bring the ball forward. Photo: Lewis Millington.

Wanting to make sure she made her mark on the game, Laura Streeter got the third goal on the 35 minute mark. Streeter drove into the box from the right and slapped the ball into the bottom right corner. 

Wilson made it four for her hat trick on 40 minutes, a curled effort into the right of the net. Wilson clearly picking up where she left off last season, with her performances earning her managers player of the season.

Most sides might power down at this score line, but it was clear Portchy were still going up the gears – finding their rhythm and settling into a controlling short passing game which could quickly transition into direct attacks down the flacks. 

A good passing phase led to Portchy’s fifth on 42 minutes. Captain Lynsey Crewe received the ball at 30 yards out before hitting a peach of a curler into the top right hand corner, giving the diving keeper no chance. 

Portchy then managed to take their tally to seven during added time, with Currie grabbing two goals of her own in quick succession. The first came when a low cross from the left by Niven was collected by Currie, where she mercurially drove the ball into the far side of the goal. Two minutes later she had her second from a fantastically whipped free kick from 35 yards, ensuring the game was beyond reach for Falcons before the break. 

Three more goals came in the second half. Gosport started the half with a few chances, forcing Roberts to come out of her box to sweep away a loose touch which could of led to a goal. 

Above: AFC Portchester working together for another season of success after a fantastic campaign last time out. Photo: Lewis Millington,

However, Portchy transitioned the ball back up the field to win a corner. The curled corner then found Crewe in the box, where she dispatched a volley from close range to get her second and Portchy’s 8th of the day. 

Portchy then made it 9-0 on 53 minutes. Smart play by ball playing centre back TJ Hewitt put Laura Streeter through on goal, where she confidently finished powerfully past the keeper for her second. 

Showing no signs of slowing up despite a wave of substitutions, Portchy hit double figures on 62 minutes. A sprint down the right wing from Shannen Woods put her in on goal, where she then hit her shot too close to the keeper. However, the power in the shot was enough for the ball to ricochet back into the six yard box, where Currie was on hand for her hat trick with a tap in. 

In the end, this was the final action. As emergency medical attention was needed for the Falcons player and the referee understandably called time on the game. Thoughts certainly go out to the player in question, Portchy now go into their next match full of confidence with that display. 

One Step Forward, Three Steps Back

Impetus’ North American correspondent, Catherine Paquette details the quite staggering arrangements for this year’s NWSL Championship Final which has been saddled with arguably the least player and fan friendly kick-off time of any major women’s football match ever.

All leagues conclude their season with a team as their champion.  For the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), this champion is selected in a slightly different manner to European football.  

While a trophy is awarded to the team who accumulates the most points in the NWSL’s 24 game season, a championship game and trophy at the conclusion of a short post-regular season playoff also exists.  One could easily argue that that the regular season trophy, known as the NWSL Shield, is more difficult to achieve than the championship trophy as it requires greater consistency and success over several months and not just a few post-season games.  

However, for the NWSL’s clubs, players and fans it is the Championship that is the real prize.  Four teams have previously won it: the now defunct Western New York Flash and FC Kansas City, and the still existing North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns. This season’s championship was meant to be its most exciting one to date, with a longer post-season play-off structure expanded to include six teams and three rounds, thus making the route to the championship game also more difficult than ever.

Last week, less than two months away from the end of the regular season, NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird appeared during the half-time show of the CBS’s live coverage of the Orlando Pride-Houston Dash game to announce the hosts, date and time of this year’s championship game.  

Above: Providence Park, Portland. The venue for the NWSL Championship Final for the third time in nine years. Photo: footballgroundguide.com

The first part of her announcement, the championship game’s hosts, should have been the main cause of annoyance or controversy with NWSL players and fans. Again the game will take place in Portland, who have already hosted the championship game twice in the previous eight years it has been held.  

While it has now been reported that the Portland Thorns were the only club to submit a final bid to be hosts, due to venue restrictions of other clubs, fans of opposition teams are rightfully annoyed at the idea of the Thorns once again possibly having a home advantage.  

Moreover, NWSL players who have long been advocating for better playing conditions including the elimination of any matches on turf playing surfaces, are dissatisfied with this selection.  Portland’s Providence Park stadium is one of two artificial surfaces that remains in the NWSL, the other being the Washington Spirit’s part-time home at Segra Field. 

However, it was the latter part of commissioner Baird’s statement that created the real controversy.  The championship game for the winner of this year’s 2021 season will take place at 9am local time.  Yes, you read that right, at 9am.  

Once again, for those unfamiliar with the NWSL post-season structure and the championship game’s importance to North American sports, this championship game is meant to be the epitome of the season. It is meant to be the year’s top occasion, its crowning moment, its Super Bowl. 

The NWSL currently has a broadcasting deal with CBS and it has been reported that the 12pm eastern time slot, 9am local on the west coast where the final will be held, was previously agreed upon.  CBS also covers college American football in the autumn, with those games monopolizing the afternoon Saturday schedules starting at noon on the east coast, the same start time as this match.  The college games have long been scheduled across most of the broadcaster’s multiple platforms & channels.  

Above: The 2019 NWSL Championship Trophy. Photo: Fran Stuchbury.

Sean McManus, the chairman of CBS Sports, stated when discussing the 9am kick-off: “Yeah, I think the location should be taken up with the NWSL.  We didn’t choose the location, and we’re trying to make sure that we can give the most exposure that we can to the championship game, and that happens to necessitate a noon start.  So, you know, I understand the dissatisfaction out there.

“That is the hand that we have been dealt and we’re going to make the most of it.  But we have a program schedule that is pretty full.  It’s not that we don’t value women’s soccer, I think our commitment to women’s soccer, especially with the broadcast window that we’ve given the league, I think, is pretty illustrative of the fact that we do value it.  But as far as the location, again we didn’t we didn’t chose the location, the NWSL did.”

With this broadcast scheduling limitation, one has to ask why the initial television deal did not include an assurance of an appropriate time for the final depending on host selection.  It is difficult to imagine any men’s professional league being given a 9am start, especially for their championship game.  Television is important, but again, one has to question why they could not do better. 

NWSL players have not played at 9am since they were children, for the obvious reason that no elite or professional athlete should be asked to compete at their optimal performance so early in the morning.  

This start time will result in a pre-game wakeup at 5am, a pre-game meal at 6:30 am, a stadium arrival at 7:45 am and a pre-game warm up at 8:15 am  On a day where the sun is expected to start rising at 7:17am, just imagine the crews preparing the stadium, under the floodlights, because it is just too early to see anything.

Above: North Carolina Courage’s Jessica McDonald has taken to social media to speak of her astonishment at the announcement of the venue and kick-off time of this year’s NWSL Championship Final. Photo: Lewis Gettier/ISI Photos/Getty Images.

Baird’s announcement has prompted players and managers from all around the world to question the decision and to call for a change.  World Cup winner and North Carolina Courage striker Jessica McDonald stated: 

Olympic gold medal winner and Manchester City attacker Janine Beckie also tweeted of her astonishment at the arrangements for the final:

Paul Riley the manager of the North Carolina Courage, who are the current NWSL Shield and Championship holders, simply stated:

“There’s not one league in the world that will play a championship game at 9am but unfortunately we are.  Two teams are going to be in it playing at 9am which is sad when you consider what a big league it is in the world and how it is revered and stuff like that.  But anyway, that’s probably for another day.”

To be ‘fair’ to the NWSL’s current scheduled time, this is not the first top women’s football competition scheduling blunder this year.  The women’s Gold Medal match of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was originally supposed to take place at 11am local time.  

The same concerns over player performance, combined with concerns over player welfare as the temperatures were meant to be in the high 30os (100oF), were raised. The inequity with the men’s time, who were scheduled to play at a more suitable 8:30pm, was also questioned. The game was eventually moved to 9pm that night.  

A number of UEFA Women’s Champions League first round group stage qualification games were also given early starts this year, as early as 11am local time – during the working week.  Again this was not ideal, but it was also not 9am.

Above: The NWSL’s decision for a 9am Championship Final kick off has led to widespread anger. Photo: Getty Images.

It is also not be the first time a major women’s final will take place around this time. The 2003 Women’s World Cup final, held in the United States, was scheduled at 10am.  It was a fantastic match between Sweden and eventual winners Germany.  But this isn’t 2003.  The world has moved on and seemingly progressed.  

This current 9am start shows that it hasn’t progressed enough. If the women’s game is to grow it must be given the circumstances to do so.  One cannot expect the best product to arise, or for it to be profitable, if it is not scheduled at times that are optimal for both players and fans. 

Clearly discussions still need to be had about the respect that women and those who support them should be given.  These are professional athletes and their gender should not result in them playing at the same time as young Sunday league players.  A 9am start is insulting to players who have spent ten months building to a championship game as well as to the fans that have supported them along the way.

Women’s football and women’s sport deserves better.  If that cannot be given by the broadcaster in question, and supported by the league, then changes need to be made in leadership so that basic respect for proper competition can be a primary driver of those in NWSL decision making positions. 

Until that happens it is difficult for proponents of the National Women’s Soccer League to state it is one of the best league in the world.  The 9am start proves they are far from this.

Villains Steal Last Gasp Point

West Ham United 1-1 Aston Villa

By Kris Goman

Above: Adriana Leon celebrates after putting West Ham United ahead after just eight minutes. Photo: Sky Sports.

Dagenham is turning on the good weather for this important early-season game. Both teams with a lot to prove today but a draw gets them each a point in a hard-fought game with West Ham unable to break their long-standing hoodoo of not winning at home.

West Ham dominated in the first 20 minutes but once Aston Villa settled into the match, it was a much more even affair.

It’s Emily Gielnik’s debut for Villa in this match. Up against her Matildas teammate, Mackenzie Arnold, who is in goal for West Ham. A lot is expected of the dynamic Australian forward, coming off a successful Olympic campaign.

Five minutes in, Dagny Brjynarsdottir sends a ball central to Adriana Leon from the left but Leon’s shot goes wide to the left of the goal.

Most of the possession is with West Ham early on and there is a sustained attack. Lisa Evans ran onto a ball into the box, beating Anita Asante, to pass back to Leon who flicks the ball past the keeper, Hannah Hampton, on the left. West Ham score after just eight minutes.

Above: All smiles for the Hammers after Adriana Leon’s early goal. Photo: @WestHamWomen

A badly timed pass back to the keeper, Hampton, sees her well off her line in a race with Leon. They both get to the ball at the same time and it bounces towards the box into the open. Villa defenders got back in time to save it but could have been disastrous for the visitors.

West Ham is on fire with another run into the box by Brynjarsdóttir. She passes to Leon who crosses. The ball is then bouncing around in the box narrowly avoiding another goal. It goes out and comes back in culminating with a shot by Brynjarsdóttir across the goal.

Almost immediately afterward Lisa Evans gets a shot on goal collected by Hampton.

It’s been all Irons until about 18 minutes in and Gielnik gets the ball, turns on it, and shoots. It’s high over the crossbar but it’s the first action she’s seen and the first time Villa looked threatening.

Villa get a free kick just outside the box after captain Remi Allen is literally bowled over. It goes straight to Arnold in a wasted opportunity.

The second city side’s first serious attack sees Alisha Lehmann bringing the ball down the right and passing to Gielnik. After a quick one-two in the box, Gielnik shoots and is denied by Arnold in her first on-target save of the match. The resulting corner floats over everyone as Villa miss another opportunity to score.

Above: West Ham’s Claudia Walker looks on as Ruesha Littlejohn clears the ball for Villa. Photo: @AVWFC

A long ball to Lehmann sees her dance around the top of the box before shooting. It’s safely in Arnold’s gloves but some nice moves by Lehmann and Villa are looking much more engaged after the early domination by West Ham.

42 minutes in and Allen takes a long-range shot on goal that goes a tad high but at this stage, Villa seem to be a lot more in control and on the front foot. Soon after Chaney Boye-Hlorkah brings the ball into the box and takes a shot that sails across goal and out.

As they come back on from halftime, things are looking pretty even. 49 minutes in and Gielnik passes to Lehmann who takes it into the box and then goes down. She calls for a penalty but it’s not forthcoming.

Sarah Mayling sends a lovely ball through to Gielnik but she’s offside and Arnold has the shot covered anyway.

A long ball down the right to Leon sees her cross to Brynjarsdóttir who heads the ball directly into Hampton who somehow manages to stop a certain goal by being in exactly the right place at the right time.

64 minutes in, Abbey-Leigh Stringer is tackled by Maz Pacheco and Allen and grabs Pacheco as she goes down. Allen is complaining about it and when Stringer gets up, she gives her a good shove. Ruesha Littlejohn runs into the melee trying to calm things down and Stringer gets a yellow for her troubles and the decision goes the visitors way.
Almost immediately afterward Littlejohn and Stringer contest a ball. Stringer gets ahead and Littlejohn grabs her around the throat and brings her down. Stringer is livid understandably and Littlejohn gets a yellow for her act of revenge. Gotta love a bit of biffo in this game.

Above: Adriana Leon (19) tries to escape from Villa’s Ruesha Littlejohn. Photo: @AVWFC

After a thwarted West Ham attack, Villa get a shot on goal that’s easily stopped by Arnold. West Ham launch another attack through Leon down the right. Her cross goes straight to Hampton though. Claudia Walker takes another shot shortly after from a distance but its also gathered safely by Hampton.

Immediately after, Petzelburger gets a shot that hits the right post and Gielnik sends the rebound out on the right.

At 74 minutes, Walker is off to be replaced by Lois Joel for West Ham. At 83 minutes Littlejohn comes off to be replaced by Shania Hayles as Villa take a free-kick. It gets to Allen in the box but she kicks it straight to Arnold who has it safe.

Shortly after, a ball comes into the box for Hayles. She rounds Lucy Parker and shoots but Arnold gets a hand to it and it’s out for a corner in a very close call. The corner bounces around and is finally sent out wide by Pacheco.

With two minutes of normal time to go, Hayles gets a corner with a deflection off Gilly Flaherty. It goes to the far post and Asante takes a shot that’s cleared. It’s eventually out for a goal kick. The pressure is definitely on.

There’s four minutes of added time. With two of them left, things get crazy in the box. It’s bouncing around from a throw-in and Petzelburger gets it across to Allen to head it past a wrong-footed Arnold for the equalizer. Wild scenes as it’s 1-1 with 90 seconds left. The final whistle goes and it’s a draw between pretty evenly matched teams.

Above: West Ham’s Abbey-Leigh Stringer (4) battles with Aston Villa’s Chloe Arthur. Photo: @AVWFC

West Ham are left still looking for that elusive home win but both teams can take a lot away from this match. Solid defence and keeping on both sides. Good attacking but finishing needs a little refinement as a couple of genuine chances went begging. Aston Villa recomposed themselves well after the early West Ham goal. This made for a very entertaining match.

Teams: WEST HAM UNITED: Arnold, Wyne, Stringer, Flaherty, Evans, Walker, Longhurst, Parker, Filis, Leon, Brynjarsdóttir. Subs: Leat (GK), Joel, Cairns, Garrard.

Scorer: Leon 8.

ASTON VILLA: Hampton, Mayling, Allen, N’Dow, Asante, Lehmann, Arthur, Gielnik, Boye-Hlorkah, Littlejohn, Pacheco. Subs: Rogers (GK), Petzelburger, Hutton, Haigh, Gregory, Blindkilde, Davison, Hayles.

Scorer: Allen 90+2.

Referee: Kirsty Dowle.

Attendance: 1,106.