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International Round-Up

Ben Gilby rounds up all the news from the myriad of international matches over the past five days.

Euro 2021 Qualifying Play-Offs:

**Above:** Northern Ireland celebrate a second leg goal at Seaview. **Photo:** @NorthernIreland

Northern Ireland completed their fairy tale qualification for the European Championships after seeing off Ukraine, who are ranked 25 places above them in the world, 4-1 over the two legs.

In the first match played in Kovalivka on 9^th April, Kenny Shiels’ charges started strongly. Marissa Callaghan, the Northern Ireland captain saw an early effort charged down before Nadene Caldwell narrowly missed connecting with Kirsty McGuinness’ cross.

Northern Ireland took the lead five minutes in when Tamila Khimich’s cross field ball was intercepted by Rachel Furness who went on to score.

The hosts levelled on 22 minutes when Daryna Apanaschenko headed home Iya Andrushchak’s cross.

Despite losing Furness to injury, Northern Ireland kept plugging away and received their reward just before the hour mark when Simone Magill got free and shot powerfully home to ensure the visitors took a 2-1 lead back for the second leg.

That second leg saw a clinical and controlled performance from Northern Ireland as they clinched qualification in style. The second half performance was particularly impressive and goals from captain Marissa Callaghan and a late clincher from Nadene Caldwell sealed the 4-1 aggregate success. This is almost certainly the greatest achievement in any sport for Northern Ireland and arguably one of the most amazing successes in UK sport.

**Above:** The scenes of joy in the Northern Ireland dressing room after the game. **Photo:** @SimoneMagill

Switzerland narrowly qualified for the European Championships after a play-off with the Czech Republic that was tight and tense all the way. The first leg in Chomutov saw the Czechs lead for the vast majority of the second half through Katerina Svitková’s penalty. The Swiss needed a penalty of their own in the last minute of normal time from Ana-Maria Crnogorčević to leave with a draw.

The second leg in Thun three days later followed a strangely similar pattern as Svitková gave the Czech’s a second half lead, with Coumba Sow levelling just before the hour mark. No further goals were scored, including extra time, so the qualification place was decided by a penalty shoot-out.

The tension ratcheted up with the first three spot kicks being missed as Switzerland’s Malin Gut and Sow failed along with Eva Bartoňová for the visitors. The Swiss never looked back after that with Alisha Lehmann, Lia Wälti and Crnogorčević all on target. Lucie Martínková and Svitková missed the decisive kicks for the Czechs, so it was Switzerland who qualified for the finals in England 3-2 on penalties.

**Above:** Joyous scenes for Switzerland after their penalty shoot out win over Czech Republic to qualify for the Finals. **Photo:** @nati_sfv_asf

The final qualifying play-off was another tight clash between Portugal and Russia. The decisive moment came in the 51^st minute of the first leg when the only goal over the two games was scored by Nelli Korovkina.

**Above:** Nelli Korovkina, scorer of the goal which sealed Russia’s qualification. **Photo:** Alchetron

Friendlies:

7^th April:

The international action kicked off with Belgium hosting Norway at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium. In a game which was largely even, the visitors emerged 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Guro Reiten and Lisa-Marie Utland.

Belarus gained a 2-1 win over India in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Shuppo Nastassia’s penalty gave them the lead after 66 minutes before Pilipenka Hanna made it 2-0 on 75. India got a goal back in second half stoppage time – a thirty yard rocket from Sangita Basfore.

Japan thrashed Paraguay 7-0 in a thoroughly dominant performance which saw them have 16 shots on target to their opponents’ none. Two goals from Mana Iwabuchi, an own goal from Tania Riso and further strikes from Yuika Sugasawa, Yuka Momiki and Mina Tanaka settled matters.

**Above:** Action from the Republic of Ireland’s home game with Denmark. **Photo:** RTE.

Denmark dominated proceedings away to the Republic of Ireland but could only emerge with a 1-0 win thanks to a ninth minute goal from Nicoline Sorensen.

Argentina and Venezuela played out a 0-0 draw.

8^th April

France defeated England 3-1 in Caen. For our full report on the game click here. For a French perspective, click on Jean-Pierre Thiesset’s review here. It also appears in the French language here.

**Above:** A fantastic win for Spain over the Netherlands. **Photo:** OneFootball.

Spain gained a fantastic 1-0 win over Netherlands in Marbella with Patricia Guijarro scoring the only goal after 31 minutes. The Spaniards mustered seven shots on target to the Dutch’s zero and had 69% possession in an impressive victory.

Wales went down to a 3-0 defeat to Canada in Cardiff. The Welsh put in a good performance but couldn’t match their visitors on the scoreboard. Deanne Rose, Evelyne Viens and Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming were on target.

**Above:** Canada celebrate a goal against Wales. **Photo:** Clwdpeldroed.

9^th April:

Germany defeated a makeshift Australia 5-2 in Wiesbaden. Our full report of the game can be read by clicking here.

Italy edged out Iceland 1-0 in an even encounter in Coverciano. Arianna Caruso’s goal after 72 minutes was the difference.

Sweden gained an impressive 1-1 draw with the USA in Solna, and it could have been even better as the world champions needed a penalty from Megan Rapinoe three minutes from full time to equalise. Lina Hurtig put the Swedes ahead seven minutes before half-time. It was the first time the USA had not won a game they have played since November 2019.

Mexico drew 0-0 with Slovenia in Austria.

11^th April:

Finland came from 2-0 down after 19 minutes to earn a 2-2 draw in Austria. Early strikes from Nicola Billa and Marie Hobinger gave the Austrians a flying start. Two second half goals from Eveliina Summanen ensured the Finns ended the game level.

**Above:** Tine de Caigny celebrates her match winner for Belgium against the Republic of Ireland. **Photo:** RTE.

A goal from Tine de Caigny after 19 minutes was enough to give Belgium a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in Brussels.

Japan hit seven goals again with no reply for the second time in three days, with Panama the victims this time. Yuika Sugasawa’s hat-trick plus goals from Riza Shimitsu, Yui Hasegawa, Yuka Momiki and Hina Sugita completed the rout.

**Above:** Action from Japan’s game against Panama. **Photo:** Japan Times.

Belarus won 3-1 in Uzbekistan despite going behind after just eight minutes to a goal from Nllufar Kudratova. Anastaslya Shlapakova levelled matters just before half-time with Pollna Shatsllenia and Karina Olkhovik settling matters in the second half.

13^th April

England suffered a 2-0 defeat to Canada in Stoke. Our full report can be read by clicking here.

**Above:** Germany earned another victory, this time against Norway. **Photo:** Archy Sport.

Germany completed a very pleasing few days, chalking up eight goals in two games with a 3-1 win over Norway. Chelsea’s Guro Reiten gave the visitors an early lead before Laura Freigang levelled just four minutes later. Further goals from Linda Dallmann and Paulina Krumbiegel completed the victory.

Italy hosted Iceland for the second time in four days. This time, the outcome was a 1-1 draw. The Italians got off to the best possible start when Valentina Giacinti scored in the opening minutes. The scores were level five minutes before the break thanks to Karolina Vilhjálmsdóttir.

Netherlands produced an outstanding performance in defeating an Australia side missing three first choice defenders. Our full report can be read by clicking here.

Sweden returned from Poland with a 4-2 win. Ewa Pajor put the Poles ahead on 26 minutes, but there was a dramatic turn around with two goals in six minutes before the break from Stina Blackstenius. Pajor equalised for the home team just after the break. Again, there were two goals in quick succession from the Swedes just before the end of the half – this time through Caroline Seger and Lina Hurtig – to seal the victory.

**Above:** Spain celebrate a goal in their 3-0 win over Mexico. **Photo:** Football24News

Spain gained a routine 3-0 win over Mexico – clocking up 78% possession for the ninety minutes in the process. Despite this domination, it took until the 66^th minute for them to score, with Marta Cardona finding the net. Nahikari Garcia scored twice in the last fifteen minutes to complete the win.

Wales earned a 1-1 draw with Denmark in Cardiff. Pernille Harder put the Danes ahead on 24 minutes after escaping through and slotting home. The Welsh, in Gemma Grainger’s second game as head coach, competed well and, following a brilliant team move, the equalised on the hour from an eye catching Jess Fishlock volley.

**Above:** Jess Fishlock wheels away after scoring for Wales against Denmark. **Photo:** Wales Online

France were defeated 2-0 by USA. Our review the game can be read by clicking here or in the French language here.

One Win, One Loss and Still Questions About The True Level of the France Squad

Jean-Pierre Thiesset rounds up the two friendly games of the France squad against England and USA.

France – England on April 9, 2021 (3-1):

For the first time in years, the only Olympique Lyonnais player on the field, Nikita Parris, was not in the France squad but in the England squad. In fact, only Eugénie Le Sommer was in the France squad but did not play in this game.

Due to Covid19 in Lyon, Corinne Diacre, French coach had to change a lot her team and put no less than five Paris Saint Germain players to start the game: Perle Moroni, Kadidiatou Diani, Grace Geyoro, Sandy Baltimore and Marie-Antoinette Katoto. French team, which played in 4-4-2, gave the England team 62% of possession and used the technicality and speed of their midfielders and strikers to try to quickly go towards England goal each time they had the ball.

There was almost the same number of shots (17 for France and 18 for England) with 8 on target for France and only 6 on target for England. At the end France won 3-1 in part due to the skills of its strikers, with a special mention to Sandy Baltimore, and to an outstanding game from its goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. Goals for France from Sandy Baltimore (32), Viviane Asseyi (63 penalty), and Marie-Antoinette Katoto (82). The goal for England from Fran Kirby (79 penalty).

If the penalty for England cannot be discussed because the fault from Torrent is obvious, the penalty for France has been discussed. In my own opinion, I think there should have been a penalty; when we look at the replay, we can see that when Daly collides with De Almeida, the ball is not here anymore so she cannot argue that she was playing the ball, she was just late in this action.

In summary, without Olympique Lyonnais players, France team had a lot of problems in defence where Wendie Renard and Griedge Mbock Bathy were badly missed in the center. However, France team produced a fairly good game in the middle and in front. If we add those two missing defenders and Delphine Cascarino, Amel Majri, Eugénie Le Sommer, Selma Bacha, Melvine Malard, and Sakina Karchaoui to this squad, France could have an impressive team for the European Championships.

France – USA on April 13, 2021 (0-2):

**Above:** USA celebrate Megan Rapinoe’s fifth minute goal from the penalty spot against France. **Photo:** ESPN

Only two players from Paris Saint Germain (Grace Geyoro and Marie-Antoinette Katoto) and one from Olympique Lyonnais (Eugénie Le Sommer) were fielded at the beginning of the match which led to an outrageous domination by the USA team in the first half.

Without another outstanding performance of its goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, France team would have probably have been more than two goals behind USA at the end of the first half. With the entrance of Sandy Baltimore, from Paris Saint Germain, in second half, we saw a little bit more action in front of USA goal but Baltimore alone was not able to really change the outcome of this game.

In second half, the USA controlled the game and secured their play by keeping the ball in the middle without trying to score more goals.

Goals for USA came from Megan Rapinoe (5 penalty) and Alex Morgan (19).

Should we worry about the real level of France squad? I think that the result of England which lost against Canada make the victory of France team on April 9 less impressive and that we know now that without the major Paris Saint Germain and Olympique Lyonnais players in the team, France is far from the level of the other teams. Let’s hope that players from these two major teams in France will be all available and all in good fit for European Championships.

Dutch Masterclass Rocks Makeshift Matildas

Netherlands 5-0 Australia

By Ben Gilby

**Above:** Lineth Beerenstyne looks to get away from Beattie Goad and Emily van Egmond. **Photo:** Fox Sports

Despite producing a performance which was arguably better than in their defeat to Germany on Saturday, the Matildas, without three first choice defenders went down to a heavy loss in Nijmegen.

The Dutch, who came into the game on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Spain at the weekend, were dominant in possession in the early stages, but it was possession from patient passing rather than pressing.

Ironically, Australia had begun to look more solid at the back, largely due to the presence of Emma Checker, but with five minutes gone, all that counted for nothing.

Mary Fowler misjudged her pass which went straight to an orange shirt. Within the twinkle of an eye, Vivianne Miedema got a shot away which was pushed out by Mackenzie Arnold into the path of her Arsenal team mate Jill Roord who couldn’t miss.

The Matildas tried to hit back and seven minutes later a one-two between Sam Kerr and Checker resulted in the ball flying over the bar.

Back came the Netherlands and Miedema hit a shot from long range which was parried by Arnold and cleared for a corner by Checker.

The pressure continued to grow and with twenty minutes gone the Dutch doubled their lead. Danielle van de Donk played in Lieke Martens who hit a shot from the left hand side of the box. The ball bounced in front of Arnold and went under her arms into the net.

Four minutes later, Arnold saved The Matildas after a glorious move from the Dutch. Dominique Janssen had the ball out on the right and fed van de Donk who then played in Martens. The scorer of Holland’s second goal played a delightful reverse pass to Roord who got a shot away which Arnold blocked with her feet.

There was no such luck for Australia on 27 minutes when the heavy press from the Netherlands forced an error and Miedema passed across to Manchester United’s Jackie Groenen who swept the ball into the net for 3-0.

It could have got even worse three minutes later and it was Miedema involved again. This time she found Martens who curled a great effort just wide.

**Above:** The impressive Lieke Martens heads away under the watchful eye of Laura Brock. **Photo:** @oranjevrouwen.

As the half entered its final five minutes, Australia were finally able to launch some offensive moves. Hayley Raso got free on the left, cut inside and got a shot away which Sari van Veenendaal held and it remained 3-0 at the break.

Ahead of the second half, The Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson brought on Dylan Holmes for her debut and the former Adelaide United star would go on to produce an excellent performance amidst a real baptism of fire.

Australia continued to create coming forward with a real opportunity coming just before the hour mark when Kerr combined with Emily van Egmond to play in Raso. The Everton star’s cross towards Kerr who found her way into the box was just cleared before the Chelsea hot-shot could get there.

The Netherlands responded instantly as Miedema pulled a ball back for van de Donk who forced Arnold into a save.

Back came the Matildas and Checker got forward and played in a dangerous ball which Stefanie van der Gragt sliced out for a corner. The flag kick came in to van Egmond who fed Holmes outside the box and the debutant’s half volley was just over the bar.

The hosts made Australia pay for those two missed opportunities with a great piece of skill. Martens played an outstanding cross field ball towards substitute Lineth Beerenstein. Arnold came out to meet her, but Beerenstein got there first and touched it over the Matildas keeper and into the net.

Within three minutes, even more salt was rubbed into Australian wounds and it was all too easy when Miedema crossed in and Holmes’ attempted clearance went straight to van de Donk and the Arsenal star was not going to miss.

There was one further opportunity for the Matildas to get a goal back. Holmes combined with Emily Gielnik who played it on to Caitlin Foord. Her shot was parried by van Veenendaal into the path of Holmes but the follow up went wide.

It’s been a tough two games in four days for Australia. Ultimately they played two of the top teams in the world whilst unable to put together a full strength squad. It was not unexpected that they would lose both of these games, but even the most pessimistic Matildas fan would not have expected ten goals to be conceded in those matches.

Teams: NETHERLANDS: van Veenendaal, Janssen, van der Gragt, Nouwen, van Dongen, Spitse, van de Donk, Groenen, Roord, Miedema, Martens. Substitutes used: Beerenstein (for Spitse 45), van Es (for Janssen 62), Snoeijs (for Miedema 73), Folkertsma (for Groenen 82), Janssen (for Martens 82),

Scorers: Roord 5, Martens 20, Groenen 27, Beerenstein 67, van der Donk 70.

AUSTRALIA: Arnold, Goad, Brock, Kennedy, Luik, Fowler, van Egmond, Raso, Checker, Kerr, Ford. Substitutes used: Holmes (for Fowler 45), Gielnik (for Raso 62), Mastrantonio (for Brock 79).

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

Another Painful Lesson For The Lionesses

England 0-2 Canada

By Ben Gilby

**Above:** Eyes on the prize – England’s Demi Stokes and Canada’s Vanessa Gilles (23) and Allysha Chapman (2). **Photo:** @Lionesses

England suffered another defeat in a game of few real clear cut chances in Stoke.

The Lionesses got off to the worst possible start after just three minutes when Manchester City’s Janine Beckie was able to run through the midfield and played a ball on towards Evelyne Viens who was in an offside position. Demi Stokes, coming back into the team after a spell out injured, could only prod the ball towards Viens in to fire Canada in front.

Five minutes, later, the Lionesses fashioned an opportunity when Georgia Stanway looked up and saw Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe off her line and the City star hit a long range effort just wide.

England continued to push forward but struggled to find the final ball. Canada were stacking the midfield which made it challenging for the likes of Fran Kirby to get the sort of pass that they would turn into a potential goal scoring opportunity at club level.

Therefore, it took until just before the half hour mark for their next serious attempt. The Lionesses were awarded a free kick just outside the box, right of centre. Jordan Nobbs stepped up and rifled it in with Labbe forced to tip it onto the bar.

Shortly afterwards, Stanway had another long range effort which flew over the bar.

Five minutes before the break, Canada produced a rare serious chance on goal when Rebecca Quinn’s side foot half volley from outside the box was pushed over the top by Carly Telford for a corner. Lauren Hemp cleared Beckie’s ball in comfortably.

England responded with Hemp getting free down right and playing a ball in for Beth England who got ahead Shelina Zadorsky but hit her left footed effort wide.

**Above:** It was a frustrating night for Fran Kirby and the Lionesses. **Photo:** @Lionesses

The Lionesses began the second period on the front foot with a Beth England header being claimed by Labbe five minutes in.

Just after the hour mark, Canada began to consistently threaten again but both teams were still finding it tough to make that telling final pass to transfer chances into potential goals.

Lucy Bronze entered the fray with twenty-five minutes left and her first job was to put the ball behind for a corner after Nichelle Prince got a dangerous ball in from the right.

Nobbs created real damage down the right on 68 minutes and played a glorious cross field ball towards substitute Ella Toone but Jayde Riviere managed to intercept for the Canadians in time.

In the last ten minutes, there was another great chance for England as Hemp got away and advanced into the box. Just as the Norfolk born star was about to get a shot away, Vanessa Gilles got in a superb tackle.

With four minutes left, any hope the Lionesses had of preventing another defeat went out of the window and it was another catastrophe at the back. Millie Bright’s back pass looked routine to Karen Bardsley, but the England keeper took a touch which allowed Michelle Prince to nip in from close range to score.

Despite their best efforts, England were not able to create another goal scoring opportunity and it was another frustrating night.

On reflection a draw would have been the fairest result, but in the end, yet again, it was the all too familiar story of defensive errors that did for the Lionesses.

ENGLAND: Telford, Daly, Bright, Williamson, Stokes, Parris, Nobbs, Stanway, Hemp, England, Kirby. Substitutes used: Greenwood (for Stokes 31), Toone (for Kirby 45), Bardsley (for Telford 45), Bronze (for Daly 64), Kelly (for England 65), White (for Parris 80).

CANADA: Labbe, Lawrence, Gilles, Zadorsky, Chapman, Scott, Quinn, Beckie, Fleming, Rose, Viens. Substitutes used: Prince (for Rose 59), Huitema (for Viens 59), Riviere (for Scott 67), Schmidt (for Quinn 82).

Scorers: Viens 3, Prince 86.

Referee: Cheryl Foster.

**Above:** The Lionesses gather post game – there’s work to be done. **Photo:** @Lionesses

Impetus’ Australian Team Invited Onto Podcast

By Ben Gilby

Last night, three of Impetus‘ four Australian women’s football contributors were invited onto the Since ’71 Podcast to review the W-League season and more widely introduce Australian women’s football to a UK audience.

The episode can be listened to here: https://since-71.com/since-71-podcast-s03e07-w-league-season-review-with-impetus/

Myself, Kieran Yap and Kris Goman spent just over an hour talking about the game Down Under to Since ’71 founder Stu Barker.

Among the discussion points were reviewing the Grand Final, introducing some of the young stars of the season, talking about the clubs and looking at The Matildas prospects over the coming months.

Impetus‘ coverage of the W-League this season has seen us report on every single match played in the competition, interview some big name players and profile some of the key names.

Whilst the season has just come to a close, keep an eye out for a couple of special #DubWrap features over the coming weeks where we’ll be reviewing the season with head coaches and players.

Grand Final Shows Us The Best Of The Future

by Kieran Yap

**Above:** Kyra Cooney-Cross – an amazing end to an amazing season. **Photo:** Kris Goman

Wow, what a game what a season, what a goal!

You couldn’t script it, the title fight was a rematch of the Premier’s Plate decider a fortnight ago. On that evening, Sydney FC took the bragging rights, the trophy and the status of Grand Final favourites.

Ominously on that night, Kyra Cooney-Cross struck a late, curling shot to pull one back for Melbourne Victory in that 2-1 loss and in the last possible moment in the final she stepped up again to score the most important goal of her career so far.

At the very end of extra time, with a minute remaining until the lottery of penalties, the Victory playmaker took the responsibility of a corner kick. With the pressure both on her and on a tired Sydney defense she opted to whip it in to the most dangerous area possible, the goal line itself.

It was almost definitely a shot. Regular viewers of Victory games will have noticed that she has been trying this at least once each week. She’s usually been on target but rarely troubled the keeper. When it mattered most it flew in, Cooney-Cross became a W-League legend and the victim of the most delirious game of stacks-on the W-League has ever seen.

**Above:** Jada Whyman – an outstanding performance. **Photo:** Kris Goman

The player it beat was Jada Whyman, the 21 year old Sydney Goalkeeper who put in one of the best games of her career. All night she made save after save. Spectacular efforts kept out Annalie Longo twice and a brave moment where she closed down a goal bound Melina Ayres typified her night. She looked unbeatable at times and was rightly recognized as the official Player Of The Game.

Without Whyman’s efforts, the contest could have been over much earlier, Victory pummeled the Sydney goal and on the few occasions that the ball did escape her reach it crashed off the woodwork.

Her desperate lunge to keep out a Cooney-Cross header at point blank range was barely believable, she made this Grand Final the most rare of football gems, brilliantly entertaining yet scoreless.

Of course finals aren’t won or lost by individuals. Clare Wheeler was dangerous throughout, Lisa De Vanna looked determined to add to her remarkable legacy and before she was injured Princess Ibini looked the most threatening for Sydney.

But titles are decided by moments and between them Whyman and Cooney-Cross had the biggest and best moments of the night. Whyman is surely a senior Matilda in waiting and the usually reserved Cooney-Cross was bold in her post match interview about what her future holds, Europe & the national team.

This was a final for the ages and the actual ages of it’s key protagonists make the future very bright for Australian football.

Whilst this is the last of the #MidweekDub for the season, stand by for #DubWrap where we review the season with head coaches and players.

O’s Go Down Fighting

Leyton Orient 1-2 Chichester and Selsey

By Brendan Pitcher

**Above:** Midfield tussle for the ball between Leyton Orient (red) and Chichester and Selsey yesterday. **Photo:** Paul Hynes.

Leyton Orient’s FA Cup run came to an end yesterday after they were narrowly defeated by a Chichester and Selsey side from the division above at the Breyer Group Stadium.

Katherine Long equalised for The O’s after Sophie Phelps had given the visitors an early lead. Chichester then restored their advantage before half time through Tash Wild. Orient gave it everything they had in the second half, and even missed a spot kick, however it wasn’t to be as they bowed out at the Third Round stage.

Chris Brayford made one change from the side that comfortably defeated Hounslow last weekend. Skye McNally picked up an injury in that one and was replaced in the starting lineup by Cheryl Anderson.

Playing at The Breyer Group Stadium for the first time in over a year, Orient adapted to their new surroundings pretty quickly. They had the ball in the net four minutes in, after Long converted Lauren Heria’s through ball, though her celebrations were cut short by the assistant referee’s flag.

Ten minutes later, Chichester took the lead. Naomi Ogunde could only parry Megan Fox’s free kick into the path of Phelps, who turned home to give her side an early advantage.

Not fazed by that early setback, Brayford’s side responded immediately. ‘Keeper Issy Foster flapped at Egle Trezzi’s dinked ball in, which allowed Nyara Denny to steal away with it, the O’s winger then prodded it towards goal where it was met by Long who converted from virtually on the goal line.

**Above:** Leyton Orient celebrate Katherine Long’s goal. **Photo:** Paul Hynes.

Long could have had another mid-way through the first period when her deflected strike grazed the woodwork and went behind.

But it was to be Chichester who scored next, in an end to end first half. Gemma Simmonds broke through the O’s defence and struck one low against the post where, luckily for the visitors, Wild was on hand to prod home from close range.

Knowing that a defeat would spell the end of their season, Orient came out the traps with a renewed sense of purpose in the second half.

They won a penalty in the 49th minute when Long was brought down in the box. Midfielder Réa Laudat stepped up to take the spot kick, but fired her effort well over, much to the disappointment of everyone in red.

The O’s almost levelled on the hour mark when some neat interplay between Heria and Denny led to the latter producing a curled effort that forced Foster into a superb acrobatic save.

**Above:** Combative action between the two sides yesterday. **Photo:** Paul Hynes.

In the 67th minute Brayford made his first substitution, with Laudat the player to make way for Michelle Young.

Orient continued to dominate the majority of the possession but failed to create anything clear. This forced Brayford into another switch, as Scarlett Smith replaced Anderson in an alteration that saw the O’s move to a three at the back formation.

The home side were once again denied by the woodwork with ten minutes remaining, as Young’s cross/shot was tipped onto the post by Foster.

Smith’s presence up top allowed the O’s a different option in attack, and she came closest out of anyone to levelling the scores with five minutes to play. Trezzi lifted a ball into the box where the forward was waiting, but she could only loop a header agonisingly wide of the far left hand post.

Brayford rolled the dice in the final minute as he brought on Kayleigh Xidhas for Long, however it was to no avail as Orient’s stop start season came to an end on an frustrating afternoon in E10.

Teams: LEYTON ORIENT: Ogunde, Lee, Kerr, Bradley, Anderson (Smith 76′), Trezzi, Heria, Denny, Laudat (Young 67′), Barton, Long (Xidhas 90′). Subs not used: Feltham, Zahui, Cannon.

Scorer: Long 17.

CHICHESTER AND SELSEY: Foster, Burke, Capel-Watson, Phelps, Howden, Wild, Simmonds, Fox, Staple, Yeates, Lake. Substitutes: Alexandre, Saunders, Fleishman, Blakely

Scorers: Phelps 13, Wild 38.

Boro Blast Four

Middlesbrough 4-0 Wem Town

By Graham Falk

**Above:** Katie Wilson (centre) celebrates with her team mates after scoring Boro’s opening goal. **Photo:** @BoroWomen

Middlesbrough Women eased into round four of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup with a 4-0 win over Wem Town Ladies at Bedford Terrace this afternoon.

A goal in each half from Katie Wilson coupled with strikes from Libby Dixon and Armani Maxwell fired the Teessiders into the next round as Steph Fairless’ side made it two wins in a week.

Fairless made only two changes from the team that beat Hull City last week, as captain Rebekah Bass returned for the injured Emily Marsh, while Eve Marshall was preferred to Jasmine McQuade.

An even first half saw a speculative effort from Wilson fool the Wem Town goalkeeper on 24 minutes to put Boro in the driving seat.

However, Wem Town found themselves with a glorious opportunity to level only seconds later, but found Rosie Todd in fine form.

**Above:** Celebrations after Katie Wilson’s second goal which put the North-Eastern side 3-0 up. **Photo:** @BoroWomen

Whilst the first half was an even affair, Middlesbrough Women showed their quality in the second period, and Dixon doubled the lead with a well taken finish from Rebecca Olley’s superb through ball to engineer the pathway to the next round on 49 minutes.

Dixon, Millie Bell and Dale would see chances come and go with Boro firmly in the ascendancy, but it would be Wilson who would add gloss to the win, smashing home her second, rifling into the top corner from 20 yards out on 66 minutes.

Substitute Armani Maxwell’s 76th minute strike cemented a dominant Boro second half when she placed home an excellent left footed shot.

Wem Town, who battled until the very end, almost got a consolation with the final kick of the game but, once again, Todd refused to allow the Boro net to bulge.

Middlesbrough’s win puts them into round four, as they face Women’s Championship side Sheffield United at Bedford Terrace.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Todd, Robson, Wilson, Bass, Cassidy, Morrison, Bell, Marshall, Dixon, Dale, Olley. Substitutes: Newton, Hebb, Maxwell, Boyle.

Scorers: Wilson 24, 66. Dixon 49. Maxwell 76.

Burnley Joy At Earning United Tie!

Burnley 0-0 Sunderland (Burnley win 3-1 on penalties)

**Above:** Burnley celebrate their win on penalties which brings them a home tie with FAWSL side Manchester United next weekend. **Photo:** @BurnleyFCWomen

With a place in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup at home to Manchester United at stake, early in the game Sunderland were quick to test the Clarets backline. Abbey Joice got a shot away that Bracewell palmed out for a corner, before Emily Scarr took a shot but Bracewell caught calmly from distance.

In return Evie Priestley shot from a wide position but the ball passed wide of the far post.

Sunderland continued to press, and the Clarets had a let off when Keira Ramshaw rose up high and headed just wide from a corner.

The tempo was high, and the Clarets breathed another sigh of relief when a free kick on the edge of the area was shot straight at Bracewell.

Burnley picked up and were feeding out from the back mostly by Dani Cooper and Lizzy Hamer, forcing the Sunderland backline to work hard. Then a long Sunderland cross had Bracewell stretching high to palm out for another corner.

Emily Scarr launched a free kick from distance causing Bracewell to tip over the bar. Then, as the half time whistle edged closer, Ramshaw launched another ball forward, hitting the bar.

Hopes that the break would bring a change of fortune were forthcoming in the early stages.

**Above:** Burnley get a shot in against Sunderland yesterday. **Photo:** @BurnleyFCWomen

Megan Dykes, who replaced Chloe Mapp, was working the Sunderland defence and the Clarets started to make an impression by winning several corners, one resulting in a shot from Melissa Brown that was blocked by a defender.

Matt Bee made another Burnley change with Katie Thomas replacing Evie Priestley.

The game became much tighter as the half progressed, though the visitors remained solid as Burnley made advances.

Sunderland won another free kick, that Bracewell collected with ease, but the pressure was mounting.

A back pass to Bracewell was hastily cleared but only to a Sunderland player rushing forward, who shot at goal but the attempt went wide.

Burnley however applied plenty of pressure throughout the second half. They win a corner which is quickly cleared before Nic Worthington shot hard but it flew over the bar.

In end to end action, Sunderland respond as Ramshaw tees up a shot but it goes wide.

In another change for the home side, Olivia Greenhalgh made way for Sammy Fleck.

**Above:** Conditions were hard going at times. **Photo:** @BurnleyFCWomen

In the closing minutes, Sunderland continued to attack. Emily Scarr shot from a central position and in added time Joice shot but found the path to goal blocked when the ball deflected for a corner, that the Clarets cleared.

As extra time commenced, the Clarets were soon on the attack, with Katie Thomas working hard in the Sunderland box.

Emily Scarr was quick to find herself in a one on one with Bracewell, who came out on top, but the Clarets defence had to dig in as the pressure continued.

Burnley’s Olivia Wilson came off worse in a tackle and was replaced by Kenedy Owen.

In the last few seconds of the first period, Burnley won a corner, though it was cleared as the referee blew the whistle.

With it all to play for, the Clarets enjoyed some positive play when Hamer crossed to Thomas but the keeper was well positioned to collect.

A foul on Dykes on the edge of the area resulted in a free kick for the home side, but the kick by Owen is floated over the bar.

Cara Bickett and Kerry Hope, worked hard all game against strong Sunderland forwards, with Bickett blocking a shot by Sunderland substitute Libbi McInnes.

With time of the essence, the game swung from end to end.

Following a coming together, Melissa Brown was replaced by Nicola Shirtcliffe, with a handful of added on injury time.

Burnley pressed forward but the last effort went to the visitors, who won a corner, that was subsequently cleared.

A penalty shoot out was required to separate the two sides.

Burnley stepped up first with Cara Bickett burying the ball in the net.

Emily Scarr followed for the visitors and hit the ball with power into the bottom left hand corner.

Next up was Burnley forward Katie Thomas who found the top right corner with her shot.

Jessica Brown was next with a shot that was confidently palmed away by keeper and captain Bracewell.

At 2-1 to Burnley, Nic Worthington’s shot hit the bar.

Grace McCatty steps up to the spot but has her penalty saved.

Megan Dykes is up next for Burnley who fires her effort into the top corner.

**Above:** Lauren Bracewell makes a penalty save for Burnley. Photo: @BurnleyFCWomen

At 3-1 Louise Griffiths steps up but Bracewell makes another fantastic save, to secure the win and a place in the fourth round of the competition, for Burnley FC Women.

Burnley will face Manchester United Women of the Women’s Super League in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday 18th April.

**Above:** Burnley celebrate their win and a home tie against Manchester United. **Photo:** @BurnleyFCWomen

Teams: BURNLEY: Bracewell, Cooper, Wilson (Owen 96), Brown (Shirtcliffe 117), Bickett, Hope, Worthington, Hamer, Greenhalgh (Fleck 83), Priestley (Thomas 69), Mapp (Dykes 53). Substitutes: Gibbins, Tobin, Rawstron

SUNDERLAND: Moan, Brown, McCatty, Herron, Griffiths, Ramshaw, Mullen, Joice, Manders, Scarr, Blakey. Substitutes: Hutchinson, Libbi McInnes, Beer, Studholme

Referee: Declan Brown

Huddersfield Seal Penalty Kick Glory

Huddersfield Town 1-1 Brighouse Town (Huddersfield Town win 5-3 on penalties)

by Jack Walker

**Above:** Huddersfield Town taking on Brighouse Town in the FA Cup Third Round yesterday in difficult conditions at times. **Photo via:** Jack Walker

Katie Nutter scored the winning spot kick Huddersfield Town Women came from behind to beat Brighouse Town Women 5-3 on penalties and progress to the Fourth round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup.

With the teams level at 1-1 after normal time, the extra thirty minutes produced few chances, with strikes from Serena Fletcher and Sarah Danby the closest Huddersfield came to a winner.

Having beaten Newcastle United 3-0 after extra time in the previous round just seven days earlier, Brighouse started the better of the two sides and took the lead through Amy Woodruff’s penalty when ex-Terrier Ellie White was fouled in the area after a contest for the rebound of Drew Greene’s effort which came back off the bar.

The Terriers, though, had also played a full two hours in the second round against Liverpool Feds, triumphing 3-2, and the FA WNL table-toppers equalised against their West Yorkshire rivals early in the second half.

Kate Mallin was forced off through injury at half time, so was replaced by Lucy Sowerby and the Terriers’ top scorer in the 2019/20 season had an immediate impact as she brought fresh energy and enthusiasm off the bench and created the leveler, whipping in a fizzed, left-footed cross and Brittany Sanderson was on hand to smash the ball home at the far post – sending her first-time effort back across the ‘keeper and into the far corner of the net.

**Above:** Huddersfield Town poised to take a free kick against Brighouse Town yesterday. **Photo via:** Jack Walker.

From then on, the tie was very tight with neither group of players able to fashion further clear-cut chances. Despite not being at the races, assistant manager Marcus Wilkinson praised Huddersfield’s resilience and determination.

“It was a difficult game and we had a few players get injured after such a long break, but our team spirit was brilliant and we can now get ready to face Derby in the next round.

“We weren’t at our best, but we kept at it and I was always confident that we would win the shootout.”

Bethan Davies saved Brighouse’s fourth spot kick and memories of the historic Cup run of 2018/19 entered the mind when Huddersfield scored all five of their penalties and, just like in that famous win against Charlton Athletic in 2018/19, Nutter dispatched the winning penalty to send her teammates into raptures.

Due to the league season being cancelled, Town haven’t played round four Derby in 2020/21, but know it will be another tough match up. Wilkinson stated that they cannot afford to look beyond the fourth round.

“We have to take each game as it comes. Derby beat West Brom 4-1 and we beat them 3-2, so we know it will be tough. Derby were third in the league and we will prepare and be ready for them. We want to go as far as we can in the competition and end the season well.”

Teams: HUDDERSFIELD TOWN: Davies, Ibbotson, Mallin, Abbott, Griffiths, Nutter, Evans, Danby, Elford, Sanderson, Marshall. Substitutes: Carter, Fletcher, Sowerby, Samways, Dobby, Crossman.

BRIGHOUSE TOWN: Simpson, Bamforth, Gompertz, Legge, Dobson, Lee, Greene, Cass, White, Woodruff, Dobson. Substitutes: Freibach, Whitman, Parnham, Connolly, Brazier, May.