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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.”
By Ben Gilbywith EXCLUSIVE photos from Kogarah by Kris Goman
Above: Melbourne Victory celebrate their Grand Final win. Photo: Kris Goman
Melbourne Victory won a hugely dramatic Grand Final with an incredible goal straight from a corner by starlet Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Despite it taking almost two hours of play for a goal to be scored, it was a hugely entertaining Grand Final that was end to end for long periods in the second half.
The first W-League Grand Final to go to extra-time at Kogarah saw both sides going into the game with unchanged line-ups from their semi-finals.
The action was combative from the off. With just two minutes played, Princess Ibini escaped down the left and just as she was looking to get a ball across the box, Catherine Zimmerman came in with a robust challenge at the cost of a corner. Teresa Polias curled the flag kick in viciously and Gaby Garton had to watch closely as it just cleared the crossbar.
Lisa De Vanna was at the heart of Victory’s early forays forward, and with nine minutes gone looked to create down her left, but an excellent challenge from Charlotte Mclean prevented any further threat.
Shortly afterwards, Kyra Cooney-Cross got free down the left, cut inside and escaped from three Sydney defenders before curling in a shot which rebounded back off the crossbar with Jada Mathyssen-Whyman beaten.
Above: Victory match winner Kyra Cooney-Cross takes on Sydney FC’s Remy Siemsen. Photo: Kris Goman
Twenty minutes in, Clare Wheeler released Ibini with an inch perfect through ball. As the Sydney striker entered the left hand side of the box, she was dispossessed expertly by Polly Doran who did well to remain on her feet in making the challenge.
Wheeler’s influence was growing and with it was Sydney’s prominence in the game. She stole possession from Claudia Bunge just after the half hour mark and moved on into the box. Just as she got her shot away, Bunge was back snapping at her heels which aided Gaby Garton in gathering the eventual effort on goal.
Just before half-time Sydney threatened when Ibini showed great strength to hold off Doran before being taken out by Amy Jackson, who prevented real danger on the dark blues’ goal.
Yet, it was Victory who came close once more in hitting the woodwork for the second time just before the interval. Cooney-Cross popped up on the right this time and sent a ball towards De Vanna who found space in the middle of the box. Her header came back off the bar.
Melbourne Victory opened the second half on the front foot with De Vanna having two early shots blocked in the box.
Above: Lisa De Vanna frustrated after another chance she created doesn’t lead to a goal. Photo: Kris Goman.
Seven minutes in and Wheeler showed her worth once more, getting away down the left and playing in a teasing ball towards Remy Siemsen who couldn’t quite get there first.
Victory replied with De Vanna laying off a ball to Jackson on the edge of the box. She in turn found Catherine Zimmerman who turned and shot but Mathyssen-Whyman gathered.
An hour in, De Vanna was involved in the build-up again. This time she found Cooney-Cross whose effort was blocked but rebounded into the path of Annalie Longo, whose effort went just over the bar.
Sydney suffered a setback when Ibini, who was particularly prominent in the first half had to come off after picking up what at the time looked like an ankle knock. She was replaced by Allira Toby.
Above: Princess Ibini (right) had an industrious first half before succombing to injury in the second. Photo: Kris Goman.
De Vanna the supplier was in evidence yet again shortly after this with a marauding run through the middle finding Ayers centrally, just outside the box. Her effort flew over the bar.
Victory’s dominance continued with another move which De Vanna had a hand in. She beat Nat Tobin on the left and laid off for Jackson. Her ball in was met by Zimmerman but the effort was well over.
With twelve minutes left, Sydney began to build with a dangerous ball in finding Wheeler who couldn’t quite make the contact that she would have liked in attempting a side-footed volley.
Above: Clare Wheeler – another impressive performance for Sydney FC. Photo: Kris Goman.
Victory responded instantly. Cooney-Cross played a ball in which Natasha Tobin looked to have cleared under heavy pressure but the ball came back in from Jackson which saw Mathyssen-Whyman get a palm to the ball just ahead of De Vanna.
The see saw nature of the game then went Sydney’s way as the match entered the last ten minutes. A sweeping cross field ball from Polias found Toby. She advanced towards the left hand edge of the box, got away from Doran and unleashed a rocket of a shot which Garton did well to get a touch to.
Back came Victory. Zimmerman’s high ball in to the back post was met by the head of Cooney-Cross but Mathyssen-Whyman saved with her midriff. The rebound came back to the Melbourne teenager who got a shot away which the Sydney keeper brilliantly blocked once more with her feet.
Deep into stoppage time at the end of the ninety minutes, Victory were within a whisker of scoring once more. Cooney-Cross’ corner came in from the left and Mathyssen-Whyman looked to have gathered but dropped the ball. Bunge, no more than two metres from the goal-line tried to make contact but couldn’t force the ball over the line and Natasha Prior was able to make the clearance.
Despite an action packed second half there were still no goals, which meant extra-time for the first time in a W-League Grand Final.
Sydney started extra-time on the offensive and the difficult opening to the additional thirty minutes continued for Victory when Zimmerman had to go off holding her calf, which saw Lia Privitelli introduced.
Despite this, Victory created the first real opportunity of the extra period when Jackson released Longo who hit a long range stunner from over thirty yards which Mathyssen-Whyman saved well.
The Sydney shot stopper was called into making another great save from a long range effort from Longo just before the end of the first period of extra time.
Shortly afterwards, Privitalli played a great ball in from the right to Cooney-Cross who was in the centre of the box. Her shot was well placed but cleared for a corner.
Three minutes into the second period of extra-time, Victory broke away with De Vanna who turned Tobin but shot over.
Mackenzie Hawkesby got Sydney away when dispossessing Cooney-Cross. She found Polias who in turn played a long ball through to Toby who rounded Doran and got a shot away which Garton held.
With five minutes left, De Vanna gained possession and played a ball in which Sydney substitute Angelique Hristodoulou missed allowing Ayres to get a shot away which went wide of the right hand post.
With the clock ticking towards 120 minutes, Cooney-Cross turned Polias and got away through the middle before playing a long ball out to De Vanna on the left who won a corner.
The first was cleared and a second was awarded, despite Sydney protestations that it should be a goal kick.
Up stepped Kyra Cooney-Cross once more. She curled in another vicious corner which flew straight in the net.
Above: Melbourne Victory’s late late winner. Photos: Kris Goman
There was one last chance for Sydney as Ally Green sent an effort from almost forty yards which landed on the roof of Gaby Garton’s net.
It was Melbourne Victory’s day and given the incredible season she has had, entirely fitting that it was Kyra Cooney-Cross who settled it.
KRIS GOMAN CAPTURES THE REACTIONS POST GAME:
Picture 1: Teresa Polias and Remy Siemsen comfort Jada Mathyssen-Whyman Picture 2: Annalie Longo with the trophy Picture 3: Jada Mathyssen-Whyman – Player of the Match, Picture 4: Angie Beard with her medal Picture 4: A trio of Grand Final winners!
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.
Above: Wolves boss Daniel McNamara celebrates with his team after their magnificent win at Watford this afternoon. Photo: @WolvesWomen
Wolves created a big FA Cup shock with a comprehensive and fully deserved 4–1 win away to Watford, who are a division above them in the FAWSL system.
It was a second successive week that the Daniel McNamara’s side had knocked higher league opposition out of the FA Cup having seen off Northern Premier side Nottingham Forest in Round Two.
It was the FAWNL Division One Midland side who started the better at the home of their FAWNL Southern Premier opponents. Within two minutes, Lowri Walker played in Jade Cross with the home keeper Chrissie Wiggins having to come out and deal with the danger.
Watford’s first chance came with four minutes gone when Emma Beckett fired across goal but no-one could get on the end of it. Shortly afterwards Megan Chandler hit an effort over the bar for the ‘Golden Girls’.
But Wolves remained on the front foot and it was they who took the lead after nine minutes. Cross broke through, drew Wiggins and hit home from the right hand side of the box. It was another goal to add to her incredible record having scored seven hat-tricks last season, finishing as the divisional golden boot winner twice and being the club’s top scorer for the last five seasons.
Above: Jade Cross about to pass Watford keeper Chrissie Wiggins to score Wolves’ opening goal. Photo: @WolvesWomen
The visitors were showing the greater energy, when defending they were getting in the faces of Watford and snapping at their heels.
It was increasingly apparent that the home side could not cope with Jade Cross as she continually threatened. Walker put her away once more and a corner was forced.
Watford slowly grew into the game and a dangerous ball in from Emma Beckett down the left was headed out by Anna Price, but fell at the feet of Chandler who hit a shot from the edge of the box which was just off target.
Wolves responded with a great cross field ball by Jamila Palmer for Walker who nipped into the box, but just as she was about to pull the trigger, a fantastic tackle from Francesca Ali denied the effort.
This was the start of the growing influence of Ali on the game as the half entered its final quarter of an hour.
Adekite Fatuga-Dada then got free down the right for Watford, laid off for Beckett who played a ball in and Katie O’Leary comfortably turned the ball in to level matters three minutes before the break.
Wolves had an opportunity to retake the lead just before the half-time interval when Cross found Alish Miller who in turn fed Tammi George. Her effort was narrowly over the bar and it was 1-1 at the break.
It might have been expected that Watford would come out and maintain this momentum at the start of the second half, but it was not to be.
Above: So much to celebrate for Wolves this afternoon. Photo: @WolvesWomen
Instead it was Wolves who pressed right from the start and within seven minutes regained the lead. A pinpoint free kick out on the left, just outside the box from Anna Morphet was met by the feet of Kelly Darby coming in towards the back post and the visitors were back in front.
Watford tried to respond but created very little, with their best opportunity coming just after the hour mark when Fatuga-Dada skipped down the right wing and then cut inside rounding several defenders before shooting just wide of the left hand post.
The Midland side went further ahead on seventy-one minutes when George was brought down in the box and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Morphet and the 19 year-old former Aston Villa defender hit the ball into the bottom right hand corner.
Three minutes later and Wolves were in dream land when Palmer unleased a stunning strike from outside the box.
The remaining fifteen minutes were pretty comfortable for Wolves with Watford unable to mount anything like a comeback.
This was a quite magnificent win for Wolves over a Watford side who have consistently challenged hard for promotion to the FA Women’s Championship over the past few years.
With second tier side Blackburn Rovers travelling to the Midlands for the Fourth Round next weekend, don’t rule out another eyebrow raising result. This Wolves side mean business.
Above: Kathrin Hendrich (3) celebrates her goal with Tabea Wassmuth. Photo: @DFB_Frauenfussball.
An impressive attacking display from a technically brilliant German side missing several regulars, ensured that they ran out comfortable winners against a makeshift Australia in Wiesbaden.
The Matildas, playing their first game for thirteen months and with Tony Gustavsson taking the reins, were only able to pick European based players which meant two first choice defenders were unable to make the journey and there was only one recognised left back in the team, Karly Roestbakken, who would go off injured with only fifteen minutes played. Ellie Carpenter, who has been in outstanding form for Olympique Lyonnais was also ruled out due to a string of coronavirus infections within her club.
Australia started aggressively and at high tempo for the opening ten minutes but things began to unravel.
With eleven minutes on the clock, Germany took the lead following a ball coming in from the right which Aivi Luik got a touch to but couldn’t prevent the ball from falling to Sjoeke Nusken who fired into the bottom corner.
Things got worse four minutes later with the injury to Roestbakken, who was replaced by debutant Beattie Goad.
Germany continued to press and Lina Magull found Paulina Krumbiegel who was denied by smart work Goad. Goad came to the Matildas rescue again when Magull combined with Lea Shuller. It remained 1-0 to the hosts at the break.
Any immediate hopes that Australia had of turning the deficit around were blown within two minutes of the re-start.
Magull found Sara Dabritz who played a lovely ball into the box which was met with the side foot of Kathrin Hendrich for 2-0.
Above: Sara Dabritz gets away for Germany under the watchful eye of Emily Gielnik. Photo: @DFB_Frauenfussball.
Germany were now playing some excellent one touch football and Schuller played in Dabritz who took the ball on before laying off a pass to Tabea Wassmuth. Her shot was deflected out for a corner.
Still the pressure mounted and Nusken’s cross was met firmly by Magull. Lydia Williams in the Matildas goal managed to get a block in with the follow up effort blocked by Alanna Kennedy.
On the hour mark, Australia had a chance when Leonie Maier conceded a corner. Emily Gielnik’s flag kick came in and was met by the head of Kennedy. This effort was blocked with the rebound falling to Caitlin Foord but her effort was deflected away.
The Matildas paid the price for missing these opportunities as Germany broke up the other end to increase their lead.
Nusken got free and played in substitute Julie Brand. She escaped from Clare Polkinghorne and Laura Brock to slot into the far corner of the net with 62 minutes played.
Two minutes later it was 4-0 as a long ball from Brand found Laura Freigang who was never going to miss.
Tony Gustavsson rang the changes and brought Indiah-Paige Riley and Alex Huynh on for their debuts and there was also a welcome return to Matildas duty for Emma Checker.
Germany fashioned another two chances as Sophia Kleinherne, Brand and Freigang all hit efforts narrowly over the bar.
Above: Hayley Raso gets away towards the end as the Matildas got on the front foot. Photo: @TheMatildas
With ten minutes to go, Australia got on the front foot with Hayley Raso getting down the wing and earning a throw. Checker took and found Gielnik who tried to turn but the effort was cleared.
A minute later the Matildas and Gielnik had better luck. Polkinghorne’s long ball through found her club team mate Gielnik who used her strength to see off both Nusken and Kleinherne and fire home.
Germany were not finished though and from a free-kick, Linda Dallmann shook off Hyunh to fire home for 5-1.
In true Matildas “never say die” attitude, Australia hit back with a long ball played in by Raso which was met with the classic Emily Gielnik header for her second goal of the afternoon.
It was undoubtedly a disappointing result for Australia regardless of the predicament in which they found themselves – a limited team-selection, a new head coach and the first time any of these players had been able to meet up since March 2020.
One positive that the Matildas can take out of a tough afternoon is the fact that the players who made their debuts in the game, quite incredibly, were only the tenth new faces to play for the team since Tara Andrews won her first cap against China in 2015. There’s plenty more young superstars to follow these debutants into the Australia side in the future, but first this current crop must overcome their existing disadvantages to face another exceptionally tough game in the Netherlands on Tuesday evening.
Above: The Matildas starting eleven in Wiesbaden. Photo: @TheMatildas
AUSTRALIA: 1) Lydia Williams, 3) Aivi Luik, 4) Clare Polkinghorne, 7) Karly Roestbakken, 9) Caitlin Foord, 10) Emily van Egmond, 14) Alanna Kennedy, 15) Emily Gielnik, 16) Hayley Raso, 17) Mary Fowler, 20) Sam Kerr. Substitutes used: 13) Beattie Goad, 5) Laura Brock, 8) Amy Sayer, 12) Indiah-Paige Riley, 23) Emma Checker, 2) Alex Hyunh.
Scorers: Gielnik 82, 90+2.
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Above: One of those nights again for the Lionesses. Photo: @Lionesses
The Lionesses’ poor run of results continued after they fell to defeat to France in Caen.
Whilst England looked menacing coming forward throughout, they came unstuck at the back with an inability to defend high balls into the box, particularly in the first half and suffered a highly questionable penalty being given against Rachel Daly just after the hour.
France came into this game beset by Covid related challenges. All of their Olympique Lyonnais based players were unable to be selected for the squad due to an outbreak of the virus at the club and were forced into quarantine. Therefore, coach Corinne Diacre named a starting line-up which was considerably different to one which may have taken to the field had it not been for coronavirus.
The French started with intent and forced a corner within the first forty seconds with Marie-Antoinette Katoto heading wide.
It was very soon apparent that any set-piece or high ball into the England box would cause far more problems than should be expected for a team able to field the players that Hege Riise’s can.
Another French corner just after the twenty minute mark led to chaos in the Lionesses defence. Ellie Roebuck came to claim the corner as it came in, got nowhere near it and Kadidiatou Diani headed over.
England moved forward shortly afterwards when Fran Kirby pounced on a loose pass from Perle Morroni and fed Ellen White, whose effort was comfortably dealt with. But more lose touch from the home side enabled Nikita Parris to gather possession and unleash a fierce effort which led to a corner. The resulting flag kick saw the ball come back to Parris whose effort forced another corner.
There were more worrying signs in the England defence on the half hour mark. France earned a free kick out on the right when Leah Williamson fouled Diani. The ball in caused more panic stations but England escaped.
Sandy Baltimore’s influence was growing on the game and she offloaded a shot which Roebuck did well to tip over. The resulting corner led to the same chaotic defending and a poor attempt at a clearance allowed Everton’s Valerie Gauvin to have an effort.
After the Lionesses had a chance ruled out for offside, it was France who took the lead from a sweeping move. A long ball through from Diani came in, England couldn’t clear and Baltimore swept the ball home.
Above: Nikita Parris – an outstanding first half performance for England. Photo: @Lionesses
Nikita Parris continued to look the most threatening coming forward for England and, after Kirby had a shot blocked by the French defence, she got another fierce effort away which was blocked by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin’s feet.
In stoppage time at the end of the first half, each side gained another goal scoring opportunity. First, France when Millie Bright lost possession to Baltimore and despite Gauvin’s best efforts, she couldn’t quite get on the end of a dangerous ball in.
Parris had England’s last chance of the half when her header towards goal was wide of the mark.
The Lionesses started the second half on the front foot as Fran Kirby found Rachel Daly who fired just over.
England had now overcome their defensive woes of the first half and looked more comfortable at the back despite the technical skill shown by the France in attack, notably by Sandy Baltimore.
Jill Scott had the next scoring opportunity when she hit a shot over the bar after being laid off by the busy sub Chloe Kelly.
France hit back on the hour when Baltimore released Marie-Antoinette Katoto whose effort was pushed away for a corner by Ellie Roebuck.
Seconds later came a rather controversial penalty award for the hosts. Kadidiatou Diani’s strike was saved by Roebuck and amidst the follow up, Elisa De Almeida collided with Daly and went down with referee Sara Persson pointing to the spot. Up stepped substitute Vivianne Asseyi to slot home and France were 2-0 up.
Above: Sandy Baltimore – a really impressive performance for France. Photo: @PSG_Feminines.
England responded well with Lauren Hemp now in the action. She turned Marion Torrent and played a ball out to Kirby. Her pass through found Ellen White offside once more.
Hemp’s personal battle with Torrent continued and she won a foul from the French defender. Unfortunately Jordan Nobbs’ effort from a dangerous position was poor.
The third chapter of Hemp v Torrent ended in a penalty for England with the Norfolk born forward having her shirt pulled and receive a minor shove from the French defender. Fran Kirby slotted home the penalty.
It was the first goal France had conceded in 13½ hours of football and, indeed the first goal that Pauline Peyraud-Magnin had ever conceded for France in thirteen games.
Just two minutes later Hemp was involved again. This time she got down the left and played in a glorious ball to Keira Walsh, but her fierce effort rebounded back off of the post.
Sadly, that was as close as England would come. Asseyi and Diani were afforded far too much space down the right and from the latter’s low cross, Marie-Antoinette Katoto side footed home France’s third.
It was a curate’s egg of a performance from England. There was much to admire coming forward, but the same old defensive concerns that have lingered since the World Cup remain. This is a Lionesses team full of outstanding players who are capable of outstanding results. The confidence of a win against an established nation is vital. Canada in Stoke on Tuesday night provides that opportunity.
@DandalBs provides us with our weekly round-up of all the news around the Swedish game.
NATIONAL TEAM NEWS:
Above: Emma Holmgren – called up to the Swedish national side. Photo: Fotbollskanalen
Sweden have been rocked by the news that goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl will not take part in their friendly matches against USA and Poland over the coming days. There is an outbreak of Covid-19 at her club Atletico Madrid and even if she has not tested positive, she has been exposed to the virus. She was replaced in the squad by Eskilstuna United’s Emma Holmgren.
SWEDISH CUP NEWS:
Eskilstuna United were the first side to qualify for the final after a 4-2 win at Umeå IK FF. It was level pegging, 1-1 at half-time with a goal Rosa Maria Herreros for the hosts and Loreta Kullashi on target for Eskilstuna. The game took a decisive turn in the early stages of the second half when Eskilstuna added further goals from Kaisa Collin and Felicia Rogic (penalty). Whilst Alexandra Sandström’s late goal for Umeå created a period of drama, Fanny Andersson settled Eskilstuna nerves by adding a fourth near the end. Eskilstuna United’s Felicia Rogic said afterwards: "It was pretty tight. We knew it would be this given the game plan and the history we have against Umeå. We actually lost two meetings against them last season. So we're happy with the win."
Above: Eskilstuna United celebrate on the coach back after their Swedish Cup semi-final win. Photo: @NgoziOkobi
The second semi-final was extremely hard fought and BK Häcken only saw off Rosengård with a goal from Stina Blackstenius with twelve minutes left. Häcken had the better of the first half, creating six scoring opportunities compared to two from Rosengård who had just two. Häcken came close after sixty-three minutes when Stina Blackstenius got away from the Rosengård defence but Stephanie Labbé in goal dealt with it at the cost of a corner. Blackstenius had better luck fifteen minutes later when she got the ball on the right and she scored. Rosengård were unlucky not to have levelled with five minutes to go but Hanna Bennison was denied by the ball rebounding off of the face of BK Häcken keeper Jennifer Falk.
Above: BK Häcken celebrate Stina Blackstenius’ goal in their semi-final win. Photo: Fotbollskanalen
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES
Kristianstad played out a 1-1 draw against Sweden U23. Cornelia Kapocs scored for Sweden with Miranda Nild on target for Kristianstad.
A BK Häcken side missing at least eight players away on international duty went down to a 5-2 loss to Elitettan (second tier)side Alingsås in midweek. Häcken’s goals were scored by Evelyn Ijeh and Elin Rubensson.
Piteå earned a 3-1 win over Elitettan outfit Umeå. Two goals from Cajsa Hedlund and one from Astrid Larsson were the difference.
NEWS ROUND-UP:
Above: Charlotte Grant – Rosengård’s new signing. Photo: Adelaide United/
Rosengård have completed the signing of Charlotte Grant from Adelaide United in the W-League, reports Ben Gilby. The 19 year-old defender played a prominent part in the South Australian side’s best ever season in the competition.
“We are very happy to be able to make this enlistment of Charlotte Grant before the transfer window closed,” the club’s Sports Manager Therese Sjögran told the club website. “She is a young and promising player who will hopefully be part of Australia’s Olympic squad this summer. In Grant, we get a technical defender with incredible physique. She will be able to play in all positions in our back line so she will be a really good addition to the squad.”
Speaking about the move, Grant told the FC Rosengård website: “I am very grateful for this opportunity to play for Rosengård. Playing with all these experienced players is something I’m really looking forward to. Now I just want to go over to Sweden and start the season with my new teammates!”
Adelaide United’s Head of Women’s Football, Ivan Karlović told the Australian club’s website: “Charlotte enjoyed another solid season and we feel now is the perfect time for her to test herself in a very strong competition. Charlotte follows in the footsteps of Dylan Holmes who has also made the move to Sweden and we believe that will have a very positive effect on their development as players and in turn benefit the Club moving forward.”
The nineteen year-old has been with Adelaide United since 2018 and has played 34 times for the club across those four seasons. At the present time, the thinking is that she will return to South Australia in time for the 2021/22 W-League campaign in November.
Above: Norwegian international Noor Eckhoff has just joined Eskilstuna United. Photo: NFF
Another arrival from Australia is Noor Eckhoff, the 21 year-old Norwegian defensive midfielder. She has joined Eskilstuna United from Melbourne City on a two year deal.
Bollstanäs from Eliettan (tier two) have taken AIK youngsters Piyatida Somkumpee and Arsema Weldai on loan until the summer transfer window opens 15 July. In return, the Damallsvenkan newcomers have signed Bollstanäs’ 20 year-old offensive player Ema Paljevic.
Elizabeth Addo, a 27 year-old Ghanaian international midfielder who can also play up front, has joined Djurgården from North Carolina Courage in the NWSL.
Växjö’s Antonia Göransson has retired. Göransson was a member of Sweden’s bronze winning Women’s World Cup team 2011 and won league and cup honours in Germany. She was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes in 2016 and has since struggled to return to top flight football.
Vittsjö and Canada goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo will make her first start since her knee injury last summer, today against against Växjö.
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