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Impetus – Proud To Be Partnering Wroxham Women

Impetus is proud to have entered into an official partnership with Eastern Region Women’s Football League Premier Division side Wroxham Women. The partnership includes sponsorship of new signing Harriet Meers and monthly behind the scenes features on the club.

To help launch the partnership, Ben Gilby spoke to Wroxham Women’s manager Rebecca Burton and club media officer, Darrell Allen.

**Above:** Wroxham Women have had lots to celebrate in recent times. **Photo:** Edward Payne.

Despite Wroxham Women being a relatively new name on the circuit – the club only came into being in 2019 – their roots go back a lot further, as manager Rebecca Burton identifies, with the club previously known as Acle United: “The journey began at Acle United, really as a bunch of friends playing football recreationally. Due to playing history, the team attracted more players from the same circle and improved in quality over the course of a few seasons – eventually becoming very competitive in the county of Norfolk. Acle won the Norfolk Women’s Cup, county and regional promotions & The Eastern Region Women’s Football League Cup; and having started to attract players from higher teams and different areas of the region, came extremely close to promotion to the FA Women’s National League on more than one occasion.”

“We were lucky to have our fabulous volunteers such as Richard and Bob behind us during our time at Acle and despite the entire squad and staff changing over the years, these two are still here and with us at Wroxham to date. In short, we knew we needed to be part of a higher level club, with the facilities and backing to enable us to push on – we were always punching above our weight as a village team and by moving across to Wroxham we aligned ourselves with a regional and historically successful club that would give us the springboard to progress.”

With Wroxham remaining as one of the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Premier Division’s top sides, I asked both Darrell and Rebecca for their opinion on the league.

“It is a fantastic division and is even more competitive than ever before in 2020/2021, with a golden prize at the end of it of playing FA Women’s National League Football, said Darrell.

“We consider ourselves to be one of the best teams in the league but we know better than anyone that it is still a division where anybody can beat anybody on their day. It is the hardest division in women’s football to get out but we will do everything in our power to do so as quickly as we can.”

Rebecca agreed: “Darrell’s right in that it’s a really competitive league, which is great – but it’s so difficult to get out of… I know from experience! And one thing I’d like to see is more opportunity for teams to push on, maybe via end of season play offs with parallel leagues or something which would give teams something to play for right to the end of the campaign. I’d personally say the league doesn’t get enough credit for the standard of the teams and some of the players playing in it – many who ‘drop down’ suddenly realise that the only difference in some teams in this league compared to the league above is backing and consistency.”

**Above:** Rebecca Burton – Wroxham Women’s manager. **Photo:** Edward Payne.

Wroxham clearly have ambitions to rise into the FA Women’s National League and stay there in the not too distant future. The club manager explained: “It’s not just our aim, it’s the club’s ambition for its Senior Women’s Team to be playing National League football sooner rather than later. As I said above, backing and consistency is key and realistically the basic foundation – you need a club that values progression of the women’s game, facilities, and a pull to recruit talent. It’s not a coincidence that some of the competitive names in our league, as well as most of the league above, are linked to at least National League clubs. Then you need the commitment on and off the pitch from the players and staff too.

In terms of the coronavirus pandemic and how it has impacted on the club, it was a period of frustration for the Norfolk side: “Like any club the first lockdown was a massive blow and it was shame we were not able to complete the 2019/20 season,” said Darrell, “but we started our preparations for 2020/2021 early with players doing individual training from early June and squad sessions began as soon as permitted in late July. Rebecca Burton made some wonderful signings to give us the best opportunity to go for promotion this season, and I know she’s on a recruitment drive once again. We are certainly very excited about what lies ahead in 2021.”

Both Rebecca and Darrell agree that last year’s Women’s World Cup produced benefits which were felt in Norfolk too: “One of the biggest benefits of the World Cup is the impact it’s having on the next generation,” Rebecca said.

“Our female youth set up, Bure Valley Wildcats YFC has grown exponentially over the past 18 months, and we really hope that our partnership with them, announced earlier this season, will help to inspire more young girls to take up football. And when it comes to financial support, I can only assume the momentum of the World Cup is still there, as we’ve done well sponsorship wise despite a pandemic hitting over the off season. It’s brilliant that businesses continue to support us and we’re really grateful for their generosity. We always need support though, so if you’d like to sponsor something or someone please get in touch!”

Darrell identified that “the Women’s World Cup has increased the profile of the club in the local media certainly, BBC Radio Norfolk gave us some great coverage last season following the World Cup and this only helps us with regards to exposure. It helps our crowds to the point we are pushing 100 for most home games this season and the interest in women’s football in the county has certainly gone up greatly since the World Cup. It was only a positive for all local clubs not just ourselves.”

**Above:** A battle for possession in Wroxham’s recent game at Royston Town. **Photo:** Edward Payne.

Apart from coronavirus, Rebecca highlights finances as the biggest challenge that the club face at present: “Like with most clubs, finances are always a challenge, the costs incurred especially on away games are large, and it takes us several thousand pounds a season to operate. This was harder in the past, having to hire facilities and not having the presence in the county when it came to gaining sponsorship – however we’re really fortunate to have great backing at Wroxham and a fantastic home ground with a growing fan base. We’ve worked tirelessly to be in a position to offer free football to all of our players, along with providing kit, merchandise and other perks. I’m a big believer in having a strong basis and setting the right standard in order to attract the level of players needed to compete.”

One of the biggest strengths at Wroxham is the relationship between the club’s men’s and women’s sides. “From my point of view, it’s something that I think is quite special and we’re fortunate to have something that a lot of female teams at our level could only wish for, said Rebecca.

“It’s not just about men’s and women’s at Wroxham, we have a club philosophy on and off the pitch, a playing DNA that runs through to the junior teams, a coach education programme accessible across all age groups and levels, a growing regional development phase competing in the Eastern Junior Alliance (EJA), an U18’s team producing the next generation of first teamers, a new female pathway, and central hub in Trafford Park that has such a genuine atmosphere of unity and home. The buzz about the club is real, and it’s contagious, and it truly is brilliant to be a part of.”

Darrell is equally ebullient about the relationship between Wroxham’s men’s and women’s teams: “It is outstanding, both clubs get on superbly well, Wroxham’s volunteers are the best in the county and they spend the whole week making Trafford Park look superb and still give up their Sunday afternoon to watch the women’s team.”

“The fans come to watch both men’s and women’s games and the backing we get is truly special, the club go out of their way to promote us on social media also and we try as best we can to return the same coverage. It is a great partnership that will only grow stronger and that’s thanks to having great people like Rebecca Burton, Lee Robson, Rachel and Louise Cole and Adrian Gowling who really want the best for both clubs.”

The development route for players at Wroxham Women is not only strong, but it is very clear for girls to potentially be part of the system from the age of five all the way through to the first team, as Rebecca explains:

“We have a partnership with Bure Valley YFC who have girls’ teams from Wildcats (5-11’s) up to the age of U15, and it’s a great system for girls to come through. The club has grown massively over the past eighteen months and it’s still on the lookout for players, so there’s ample opportunity for girls in the area to get involved.

**Above:** Wroxham on the ball away to Royston Town recently. **Photo:** Edward Payne

“We recognise the need for youth development and home-grown players coming through, so it’s great to be able to work with one of the fastest growing and most forward thinking girls’ set ups in the county. The partnership aims to provide a fun and inclusive environment for girls to enjoy football, as well as a pathway for development and progression. Next season we hope to increase the amount of youth teams further, as well as launch a Wroxham Women’s Development Squad, which will enable a smoother transition from youth to adult and grassroots to regional football.”

All of the outstanding work being done at Wroxham is down to a band of volunteers and the club feel exceptionally fortunate indeed to have the team that they have working behind the scenes.

“Someone like Richard Giles, our club secretary is a prime example,” Darrell identifies, “This man does everything to make sure the club are compliant with all regulations and guidelines and is a big part of our jigsaw and why we are so good at we do. Without a good support staff team you can’t achieve anything and we are very lucky to have Richard in our camp, he is also an encyclopaedia of knowledge on women’s football. There is nothing he doesn’t know.”

Rebecca Burton also greatly recognises the club’s band of volunteers: “I’d agree with everything Darrell has said, but also add him to that! Since coming in he’s worked tirelessly in supporting our social media presence, has added a new dimension to us as a team and is brilliant at reminding me when I’ve forgotten things! I’d also like to shout out to Rachel and Louise who are just fabulous, and are absolute legends at Wroxham Football Club. They provide the best post-match food in the league including our Christmas dinner the weekend just gone.”

Rebecca identifies “Commitment, passion, support, visibility, and difference makers” as the keys to success at the club. Darrell believes that the togetherness of players and supporters is also a big part of what makes Wroxham who they are: “Success can be down to happy players, a positive vibe and a manager who believes in developing players and getting the best out of them. We certainly have this at Wroxham. The Blue Wave Band are also adding an incredible atmosphere to our games and we are incredibly grateful for their support.”

The club media officer ended our chat by outlining the club’s potential over the next five years: “I believe we can get promoted and stay in the FA Women’s National League and I see absolutely no reason why that won’t be achieved. For the wider women’s game, simply, I believe that the sport will only get stronger over the next five years and you will see greater coverage locally and nationally.”

You can see information about our other sponsorships and partnerships by visiting: https://impetus885775742.wordpress.com/partnerships/

W League Preview and Schedule Update

Ben Gilby focuses in on the new W League season ahead of kick-off on 30^th December with a team by team preview and introduces our fantastic team of new contributors who will ensure that Impetus will have the most comprehensive W League coverage of any UK based women’s football website.

The 2020/21 Westfield W League season in Australia will be very different to the last campaign. With the vast majority of the Matildas now playing in Europe, it originally looked like none of the present first choice national team would be playing in the Australian domestic league this time round – but a flurry of late signings has seen a handful of familiar faces and hugely talented players returning to the league.

Last year, we did pretty well with our predictions for the competition with the notable exception being the appearance of Western Sydney Wanderers in the top four. The new season will be harder to predict with so many new and young players in the competition. One thing is sure – it’s going to be a thrilling ride.

Here’s our team by team guide to the new campaign:

ADELAIDE UNITED:

The South Australian side had a frustrating time of it last season with only two wins from their twelve games – however, they developed a reputation as a tough nut to crack, only conceding twenty-four goals.

This season, they have a new head coach with Adrian Stenta taking over from Ivan Karlovic and nine players renewing their contracts, including 20 year-old striker Chelsie Dawber who was named the Westfield W League Rising Star last season. United have brought in two new goalkeepers, Sian Fryer-McLaren and Annalee Grove. We predict a better time of it for Adelaide this season and would not be surprised if they at least double their win rate for this campaign.

BRISBANE ROAR:

The Queenslanders were disappointed to miss out on the finals (the play-offs for the title among the top four) last season and have assembled a star-studded squad for 2020/21 which is a major signal of intent.

Matildas stars Emily Gielnik, Tameka Yallop, Katrina Gorry and Clare Polkinghorne are back in orange with another high profile new signing in W League legend Kim Carroll. Another notable arrival is Young Matildas goalkeeper Morgan Aquino who made her competition debut for Perth Glory last season at the age of 18. Among their list of departed players is Indiah-Paige Riley, a W League Young Player of the Year nominee for 2019/20. The hugely talented 18 year-old has moved to Danish side Fortuna Hjorring.

We believe that the Roar are certs for a place in the top four and from there will be serious contenders to win the 2021 Grand Final.

CANBERRA UNITED:

The league’s sole stand-alone club were in with a chance of a top four finish last season for much of 2019/20 before finishing sixth. The Greens have put together a fascinating looking squad for this season.

The headline arrival is the return of club legend and sixty-one cap Matildas star Michelle Heyman who is the W League’s second highest all-time scorer behind Sam Kerr. At the age of 32, Heyman still retains a huge desire for the club in what will be her ninth season in the capital city. Since last appearing in Canberra in 2018, Heyman has played for Brondby IF in Denmark and Western New York Flash.

Another notable signing is New Zealand international Paige Satchell. The 22 year-old played in the 2019 World Cup for the Football Ferns and has come in from the German Bundesliga side SC Sand.

On the other side of the ledger, United have lost the experience of Karly Roestbakken who spent four years in the capital. The six cap Matilda is now at LSK Kvinner in Norway.

We expect that Canberra will be within the top six this season.

MELBOURNE CITY:

The reigning champions were decimated in the close season with the vast majority of their Matildas moving to Europe, specifically England. However, a recent run of impressive player announcements, including the headline late arrival of star defender and icon of Australian women’s sport Jenna McCormick who returned home from a spell at Real Betis in Spain.

The signing of McCormick is, arguably the biggest by any W League side ahead of the kick-off – as the majority of other returning Matildas are in the later stages of their careers. McCormick had spent three years playing elite level Australian Rules Football and soccer at the top level concurrently, winning two AFLW Grand Finals for Adelaide Crows before turning full time to soccer in 2019. She has played 115 games of club soccer and holds four caps for the Matildas.

Just two days ago, City announced the arrival of two further internationals. First, another player with Matildas experience in their mid-20s – Emma Checker. Checker made her international debut in 2012 at the age of 16 and returns Down Under from a spell at FC Fleury in France’s top level. She made her W League debut at the age of 15 for Adelaide United and famously played in an U18s game with men for West Torrens Birkalla against White City in South Australia back in 2013.

Checker was joined in the sky blue half of Melbourne by Japanese international Chinatsu Kira. Kira has scored five goals in 12 appearances for Japan and won the 2014 AFC Asian Women’s Cup with her country, and joins City after ten years at Urawa Reds.

Another important new member of the City roster is defender Tegan Allen. The forty cap Matilda won the W League with Melbourne City in 2017 as well as winning the competition with Sydney FC in 2009 and Melbourne Victory in 2019.

Goalkeeper Teagan Micah who has represented both the Junior Matildas and Young Matildas as well as attending the prestigious UCLA in Los Angeles has also signed.

We expect City to be a permanent presence in the top four this season with a top two finish likely. They may find Brisbane Roar a tough nut to crack though.

MELBOURNE VICTORY:

Jeff Hopkins’ headline signing ahead of the campaign is the return to the W League of Australian women’s football legend Lisa de Vanna.

The Matildas record goal scorer with 47 goals in 150 appearances returns to Victory at the age of 36 having previously won the W League with them in 2014. De Vanna has also won the W League with Brisbane Roar (2011), Melbourne City (2016) and Sydney FC (2019). She played for Fiorentina in Serie A last season.

Other notable arrivals include the 2020 New Zealand Women’s Footballer of the Year, Claudia Bunge and Kyra Cooney-Cross who, at the age of 18 returns to the club after a hugely successful season at Western Sydney Wanderers last time round. Add in Angie Beard’s contract extension and Victory look to have some real talent in their ranks.

We expect to see Melbourne Victory in the top four, but may find it hard to make a grand final this time round.

NEWCASTLE JETS:

The New South Wales side had a tough time of it last season finishing bottom with only two wins.

Things do not look like improving markedly this time round. The Jets will be pleased to have retained both their talented goalkeepers Claire Coelho and Nicole Simonsen along with defender Gema Simon and forward Tara Andrews.

Overall though, this is a squad who will find it tough and lacking the necessary strength in depth to avoid a bottom two finish.

PERTH GLORY:

The Western Australians, for so long one of the competition’s top teams through the influence of local girl made good Sam Kerr, experienced a transitional season last time round.

Many have concerns that the departure of key players including Kim Carroll and head coach Bobby Despotovski, the W League coach of the year in 2017, who led the club for five years and to two Grand Finals, plus a lack of signing announcements meant that Perth would struggle badly this time round. However, a late flurry of arrivals has helped to alleviate those concerns slightly.

Among the young Western Australian developed players that they will be fielding this season are Rebecca Bennett, Gemma Craine and Tijan McKenna. Bennett joins after a fantastic season in goal for Perth SC with Craine winning the 2019 Western Australian Premier Women’s Gold Medal during a great campaign with Fremantle City. Tijan McKenna is a hugely promising 16 year-old midfielder who has played for the Young Matildas already and is the younger sister of former Glory star Leticia McKenna.

As well as these Western Australian developed players, Perth Glory can point to the belated arrival of quartet Sarah Carroll, Patricia Charalambous, Caitlin Doeglas and Jamie-Lee Gale.

Carroll first played for the Glory in 2012 and returns to the club after a year playing Western Australian State League football for the Northern Redbacks. Charalambous can point to two previous years with the club in the bank along with spells at Apollon Limassol in Cyprus and Canberra United, which will stand her and Glory in good stead. Home town girl Doeglas is a late confirmed returner to the club after playing in every game last season, scoring three goals in the process. Gale has also belatedly announced her third successive season with the club.

The arrival of these four players is not going to solve all of the problems though. Perth Glory are suffering badly from coronavirus restrictions. Given the extremely late arrival of the vast majority of their coaching staff and squad, five players and an assistant coach are still in quarantine meaning that new head coach Alex Epakis has still not been able to hold a training session for his whole squad as yet. With just days until the W League kicks off, what was already going to be a difficult transitional season for the Glory has got a whole heap tougher.

Realistically, a successful season for Perth would be to avoid the bottom two.

SYDNEY FC:

One of the most successful sides in the competition, last season’s beaten Grand Finalists Sydney have lost a number of key players to Europe.

On the plus side, they have kept hold of key players such as Ellie Brush, Princess Ibini and Remy Siemsen.

Above: The hugely talented young goalkeeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman – newly arrived at Sydney FC. **Photo:** @SydneyFC

In addition to this, Sydney have raided rivals Western Sydney Wanderers to bring in quality such as Courtney Vine, Rachel Lowe and the outstanding young goalkeeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman.

Sydney will more than likely be part of the top four, but could well find it hard to match Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar come the finals.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS:

There’s no doubt that the big achievement of last season was Western Sydney Wanderers’ maiden appearance in the finals. However, the downside of that is the news that a number of the most talented players from their 2019/20 squad have departed – with cross city rivals Sydney FC being the destination for some of the biggest Wanderers success stories.

Jada Mathyssen-Whyman, Courtney Vine and Rachel Lowe have all moved to the Sky Blue side of the Harbour City with Ella Mastrantonio and Amy Harrison also gone which leaves a large hole in the black and reds’ talent pool.

Wanderers will be buoyed by contract extensions for the likes of defender Courtney Nevin and the arrival of new players such as Sarah Willacy, Teigan Collister and Libby Copus-Brown.

However, it is tough to see the Parramatta based side competing in the finals again this season. Indeed finishing in the top six would probably be a positive outcome. Having said that, we wrote them off last season too – and look what happened!

FIXTURE RE-SCHEDULING:

After the recent outbreak of coronavirus in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney which has impacts on state borders, the W League has pushed back its start date by three days to 30^th December and rescheduled some early fixtures.

The season opener will be the new blockbuster double header at Dolphin Stadium where Brisbane Roar will host Melbourne City in both W League and A League (men’s top division) action.

The new outbreak cluster in NSW means that Melbourne Victory are now not able to travel to Sydney for another opening day double header but instead there will be a cross city derby as Western Sydney Wanderers face Sydney FC at the 30,000 capacity Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta on 30^th December. This match will take on added spice given Sydney have signed some of the star players that propelled the Wanderers to the finals last season. It will be played as a double header with the men’s A League derby between Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC.

For at least the first month of the season, all New South Wales (NSW) based W League clubs (Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets) will continue with their games whilst the six non NSW sides will play against each other.

Impetus’ enhanced coverage of the 2020/21 Westfield W League season kicks off next week when Kieran Yap reports EXCLUSIVELY for us each week on one fixture. Kris Goman will also be providing us with EXCLUSIVE match action images and Ben Gilby will bring us our usual round-up each week’s matches.

Find out more about Kieran Yap and Kris Goman on our contributor’s page – click here: About our Contributors (wordpress.com)

Impetus Enters Into Player Sponsorship and Content Partnership with Wroxham Women FC

Impetus founder Ben Gilby unveils some exciting news…

We are delighted and hugely proud to announce both a player sponsorship and coverage partnership between Impetus and tier five Eastern Region Women’s Football League Premier Division club Wroxham Women.

It is fantastic to be able to reveal that we will be sponsoring the club’s new signing Harriet Meers.

Artwork: Graphics by PW

Harriet is a 20 year-old centre-back who can also play at full-back and has just joined the club on a duel-registration agreement with Suffolk Women’s Championship side Kesgrave Kestrals where as well as playing, she has helped to coach their younger age group teams.

Off the pitch, Harriet is currently studying Biomedicine at the University of East Anglia, where she also plays for the University’s women’s football team.

Harriet’s move to Wroxham, a team who have been regularly pushing for promotion from the ERWFL to the FA Women’s National League for a number of seasons, marks an important milestone to her career as a young footballer. We are thrilled to be following Harriet’s career over the coming months and hopefully years on Impetus. Our first interview with Harriet will appear on the site in the New Year.

**Above:** We’re delighted to be sponsoring Harriet Meers, Wroxham Women’s newest signing. **Photo via:** Rebecca Burton.

Harriet Meers – welcome to the ever growing Impetus Women’s Football Site family!

As well as the player sponsorship deal, Impetus is really excited to announce a coverage partnership agreement with Wroxham. This means that we will be featuring regular pieces on both Harriet Meers’ progress and achievements with Wroxham in addition to occasional catch-ups with other members of Wroxham Women. This will start with tomorrow’s exclusive interview with manager Rebecca Burton and media officer Darrell Allen.

Speaking about the partnership, Darrell Allen said: “I am really delighted that Wroxham Women and Impetus have been able to form a partnership that has so much potential. It makes me really proud that I am able to bring together my friend Ben, who founded and runs the Impetus Women’s Football website and Wroxham Women where I am proud to volunteer.”

“I am also grateful to Impetus for sponsoring our newest signing Harriet Meers and as Media Officer, it makes me really happy that we can promote Impetus. Additionally, it will also mean that Wroxham Women will get fantastic exposure and coverage through their website.”

“Once again, proof that it’s all about bringing your contacts and knowledge together to create the best for everyone. I am looking forward to seeing the partnership unfold in the next weeks and months ahead. Ahoy!”

To discover more about our partnerships with different women’s football clubs and other groups, click here: Partnerships (wordpress.com).

The Swedish Scene

We are delighted to welcome new contributor @DandalBs who, via his social media feed, brings us a weekly update on all the women’s football news, views and transfer speculation in Sweden.

Newly promoted Damallsvenskan (top division) side AIK have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2021 season with the arrival of Hallbera Gísladóttir. The 34 year-old Icelandic international joins on a one year contract. She will be by far AIK’s most experienced player with 117 caps for her country and having won seven Iceland league championships.

**Above:** Icelandic international Hallbera Gísladóttir – a new arrival at AIK for their 2021 *Damallsvenskan* season. **Photo:** Wikipedia.

In another international signing, AIK have brought in 22 year-old Japanese international midfielder Honoka Hayashi from Osaka in Nadeshiko League 1. Hayashi, who played in all the matches when Japan won the U20 World Championship 2018, has signed for two years.

Staying with the Solna based side, the club have handed 18 year-old winger/forward Arsema Weldai a four year senior contract. Weldai comes from the club’s U19 squad and has played for AIK since she was seven years-old. Seventeen year-old attacker Piyatida Somkumpee, also from the club’s illustrious youth ranks has been awarded a senior contract – this time lasting for three years. She made 22 appearances for the first team in their promotion winning campaign from the Elitettan in 2020.

Örebro have signed ex Umeå goalkeeper Tove Enblom on a one year contract. Enblom will be competing with the club’s other keeper Moa Öhman for playing time. The club have also announced the arrival of 25 year-old Icelandic defender Berglind Rós Ágústsdóttir on a two year contract. Berglind joins from Icelandic side Fylkir and got her first senior cap for Iceland in March this year.

**Above:** Tove Enblom, newly arrived at Örebro from Umeå. **Photo:** @toveenblom.

NEWS IN BRIEF:

Elsewhere, Växjö, who finished the last Damallsvenskan season in sixth place, have signed Sweden U23 defender Emma Pennsäter from Vittsjö on a two year deal.

Piteå, who narrowly avoided relegation at the end of the Damallsvenskan season have awarded stalwart Josefin Johansson a new two year contract. The 32 year-old has been at the club since 2011.

There are rumours linking Nigerian forward Ebere Orji, the Damallsvenskan Player of the Month for July, with a move to Elitettan promotion hopefuls IFK Kalmar after leaving Linköping, who finished fourth in the top tier in 2020.

Malmö FF‘s newly re-established women’s side have announced the signing of midfielder Amanda Kander who has just left Damallsvenskan side Djurgården. Kandar was born just over 12 miles from Malmö, and so the move represents a homecoming. Malmö FF will take part in the second lowest division next season but aim to be in the Damallsvenskan in five years. “I want to take part in an exciting journey”, Kander said.

**Above:** Amanda Kander has left Djurgården to join the journey back to the *Damallsvenskan* with her local side Malmö FF. **Photo:** Djurgården IF.

Australian international Elise Kellond-Knight has extended her contract with Kristianstad for six months, which is likely to bring her up to the Olympic Games. The Matildas star only played two Damallsvenskan matches before she tore her ACL in early July.

Finally, Växjö goalkeeper Katie Fraine, one of the keys to their successful 2020 season, has extended her contract for a further two years.

For further information and biographies on all Impetus‘ contributors, click on this link: About our Contributors (wordpress.com)

Too Close For Comfort For Leicester

Blackburn Rovers 2–3 Leicester City

by Ben Gilby

Leicester City remain a point clear at the top of the FA Women’s Championship after victory over Blackburn Rovers at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium in Bamber Bridge.

The Foxes were dominant for the vast majority of the game, but their head coach Jonathan Morgan will be hugely frustrated that his team gifted their hosts two goals through individual errors. Georgia Walters capitalised on both of these with stunning strikes for Rovers.

After early exchanges that were generally even, Leicester began to pick up the initiative when Remi Allen careered down the right flank before finding Charlotte Devlin. A further pass saw Paige Bailey-Gayle play in a cross which was put behind for a corner. Sophie Barker’s flag kick was high towards the far post and Rovers struggled to deal with it before eventually clearing.

City developed their hugely impressive patient passing game which saw some eye catching triangle patterns made. Just before the twenty minute mark, Leicester’s possession was rewarded with the lead.

Esmee De Graaf found the impressive Natasha Flint and a great one touch build-up resulted in Remi Allen playing it back to Flint who hit a shot with ease past Alex Brooks in the Rovers goal.

Blackburn responded with a couple of chances of their own, notably Emma Doyle’s effort from outside of the box going just over.

However, the score line began to finally reflect Leicester’s dominance as it became 2-0 after twenty-four minutes. Allen’s cross found Flint who turned and played a cross field effort back towards Allen. She crossed again towards Bailey-Gayle and her header deflected off Blackburn defender Kayleigh McDonald and into the net.

Rovers had an opportunity when Natasha Fenton’s free-kick from outside the box was pushed out for a corner by Kirstie Levell. The danger was cleared.

City were comfortable on the ball and maintained possession patiently until finding the right moment to pull the trigger.

As the half edged towards its conclusion, Flint turned Jade Richards and found Bailey-Gayle who in turn played in Allen. Her effort from outside the area was just over. Flint missed another opportunity on the half-time whistle after a great build-up involving Bailey-Gayle and Charlotte Devlin.

**Above:** Natasha Flint – celebrating one of her two goals – was hugely impressive for Leicester City at Blackburn Rovers today. **Photo:** @FAWomensChamp.

Leicester remained patient and on top as the second half opened. Rovers were finding it increasingly hard to get out of their half. Indeed the ball was in the net again for Leicester when Charlotte Devlin played in Remi Allen, but the assistant referee raised a flag to deny City their third.

It did not take much longer for third goal of the afternoon to arrive – but it went against the run of play and came out of nothing. Leicester keeper Kirstie Levell received a back pass, but her first touch was too heavy and went straight to Rovers’ Georgia Walters who finished brilliantly from an acute angle to put the hosts well and truly back in the game.

Leicester responded powerfully and Natasha Flint found Paige Bailey-Gayle on the right of the box but her effort came off of the bar.

The visitors just had a further sixty seconds wait to re-establish their two goal advantage when Devlin played a beautiful inch-perfect slide rule pass into the feet of Flint who found the net.

City had several chances to extend their lead further with Devlin sending two efforts narrowly wide and Sophie Barker using sublime skill to play in Bailey-Gayle, who hit the bar for the second time in fifteen minutes.

Rovers punished Leicester for missing these chances with another sensational strike from a visitor’s error. The ball was needlessly given away and Georgia Walters hit a first time effort from close to forty yards which flew into the net.

City controlled the remainder of the game rather professionally to claim the 3-2 win. However, it must be said that Blackburn deserve real credit for their efforts, particularly in the second half. Whilst both of their goals came from Leicester errors, they both went in as the result of outrageous skill from Georgia Walters.

Teams: BLACKBURN ROVERS: Brooks, Fletcher, McDonald, Richards, Stewart, Dukes, Doyle, Fenton, Hughes, Walters, Jordan. Substitutes: Newsham, Dean, Edwards, Boydell, Johnson, Hodgson.

Scorers: Walters 54, 74.

LEICESTER CITY: Levell, Smith, Tierney, Plumptre, De Graaf, Barker, Allen, Devlin, Bailey-Gayle, Paul, Flint. Substitutes: Cataldo, Riglar, Howard, Thomas, Everett, Blanchard, Fergusson, Farrow, Cain.

Scorers: Flint 18, 58. McDonald (OG) 24.

Ruthless United Out Fox The Vixens

Manchester United 6–1 Bristol City

by Ben Gilby

Manchester United will end the year four points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League after a comfortable victory over bottom side Bristol City at the Leigh Sports Village.

The Vixens welcomed back Australian international Chloe Logarzo after she sustained a facial injury against Tottenham Hotspur. Logarzo played the game wearing protection.

**Above:** Chloe Logarzo returned for Bristol City after a facial injury. **Photo:** @bristolcitywfc

United dominated possession and territory but the Westcountry side were not without chances on the break with Ebony Salmon’s pace a sporadic threat to the home side’s back line. Another Vixens youngster, Sophie Baggaley also pulled off some superb saves which prevented the score line from being even worse for her side.

Indeed, it was the talented Ebony Salmon who had the first real opportunity of the game after three minutes. The former United player was played through by a long ball and got past Amy Turner before lifting a shot over the onrushing Mary Earps, but it was just over the bar.

United responded instantly and lovely build up play between Tobin Heath and Jackie Groenen saw Jemma Purfield forced into conceding a corner. From Heath’s resulting ball in, Millie Turner’s effort was well saved by Baggaley.

Three minutes later, the Red Devils forced another corner and Millie Turner found Groenen who forced Baggaley into making another good save.

Manchester United were comfortable in possession, particularly down the right, with the Vixens seemingly content to soak up pressure and hit out on the break, with Salmon again involved in winning a corner.

With twelve minutes gone, Baggaley was called upon again to save her side as Katie Zelem’s ball through to Ona Batlle resulted in the Spaniard crashing in an effort which the Derbyshire born custodian held. Seconds later, Millie Turner fired in a curling effort which went just wide.

Salmon had another opportunity for City just after the quarter of an hour mark when a rare error from Zelem resulted in a long ball through to the visitors’ star, but her first touch wasn’t quite up to scratch and Earps repelled the danger.

It only seemed a matter of time though before United’s dominance resulted in a goal, but there was more frustration when Tobin Heath’s stunning drive from outside the area skimmed the left hand edge of the cross bar.

However, the home side had better luck on twenty-six minutes as Zelem fed Ella Toone. Her pass played in Leah Galton who got past Flo Allen before firing in a glorious long range effort from outside the box which rocketed into the net.

**Above:** Leah Galton (right) celebrates a stunning strike with Jackie Groenen. **Photo:** @ManUtdWomen

Four minutes later, Baggaley had to save well to stop Casey Stoney’s charges from doubling their advantage. Batlle’s through ball deflected off of Vixens defender Laura Rafferty into the path of Heath but the visiting goalkeeper did her job well.

The pressure mounted further as Heath released Toone, but her effort was deflected out for a corner by Aimee Palmer.

As the first half entered stoppage time, Vixens’ Jemma Purfield was sold a dummy by Ona Batlle, but the Bristol City defender recovered well to put in a great tackle at the cost of conceding a corner. Zelem’s flag kick went to the far post where Millie Turner nodded home the second goal, which is how things remained at the break.

The second half began with United in control – but again, the first opportunity went the way of the Vixens and Ebony Salmon, but Mary Earps was alive to the danger.

Seven minutes into the second stanza, the Red Devils made the game safe with their third. Jess Sigsworth claimed she was fouled in the box from a corner, but got up off the turf to turn and smash home a loose ball.

The pressure on Bristol City was turned up further, and it was no surprise when a fourth was added. A magnificent long ball towards the left found Leah Galton on the edge of the box and she crashed home a glorious shot from an acute angle just past the hour mark.

To the Vixens great credit, they never gave up, and two minutes later had a chance when Charlie Wellings ran up the right, and put in a cross-shot which rebounded off of the post for a goal kick.

Indeed that Westcountry strength of character was further emphasised on seventy-two minutes when a long through ball found Ebony Salmon. Her searing pace saw her through the high line of United’s defence before putting in a first time effort which cannoned back off of Earps’ midriff. It rebounded to Salmon who composed herself and unleashed a fine drive into the net.

**Above:** The excellent Ebony Salmon fires in Bristol City’s goal. **Photo:** @bristolcitywfc

Yet this goal for the visitors just seemed to rouse United – and Tobin Heath specifically – to greater endeavours.

With seven minutes left, Flo Allen gave the ball away to Heath who looked up and saw Sophie Baggaley off of her line. The American superstar looped a glorious first time effort over the Vixens keeper and into the net.

Ella Toone saw an effort curl narrowly wide of the right hand post shortly afterwards.

It was Heath who had the final say in the aftermath as she received the ball from Hayley Ladd to ease the ball home.

Manchester United were impressive against an opposition with limited ambition in the game and deserve to finish 2020 on top of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League table.

There was an inevitability about this result, but Bristol City’s fate will be determined by their results against those around them in the table after Christmas.

**Above:** It was another great performance, capped with two late goals for United’s Tobin Heath. **Photo:** @ManUtdWomen

Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED: Earps, Batlle, Smith, M. Turner, A. Turner, Groenen, Zelem, Heath, Sigsworth, Galton, Toone. Substitutes: Harris, Okvist, McManus, Ladd, Fuso, Hanson, Ross, Bentley, Press.

Scorers: Galton 26, 63. M. Turner 45+2. Sigsworth 52. Heath 83, 86.

BRISTOL CITY: Baggaley, Rafferty, Allen, Evans, Purfield, Logarzo, Humphrey, Daniels, Palmer, Salmon, Wellings. Substitutes: Bryson, Haaland, Bissell, Collis, Wilson, Mastrantonio, Jones.

Scorer: Salmon 72.

Referee: Lisa Benn.

Huddersfield Town Women: Strong Values & Development Pathways

Ben Gilby spoke to Huddersfield Town Women manager Jordan Wimpenny about his club who play in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier.

Jordan Wimpenny makes it very clear how proud he is to be associated with Huddersfield Town Women and the fact they are in a strong position in the third tier of the game in England. The fact that they have done it with a clear, shared strategy is the cherry on the cake.

“We have progressed massively as a club over the years and have grown to give female athletes opportunities to fulfil a pathway in football. As a club, we pride ourselves on a particular set of values that we carry out all the way through the club and the club’s development are down to those committed hardworking people who make it all happen.”

**Above:** Sarah Danby (left) and Brittany Sanderson (right) start the celebrations for Huddersfield Town with Kate Mallin and Laura Elford racing to join in. **Photo:** Jess Hornby via Huddersfield Town Women AFC.

Huddersfield Town started the season on fire and stand three points clear at the top of the National League Northern Premier with six wins from eight games before the second lockdown struck, which was frustrating. “Lockdown is always a difficult time for anyone especially when you lose contact from training and competing in fixtures weekly, however it is something we have experienced with the first lock down and are able to stay connected as a group. We know that this is hugely important with the return to matches now starting in which we want to continue with our strong start. It hasn’t had a direct impact on the club but like anything the players just want to be out on the pitch”, Jordan says.

Long term there will be a knock on impact. The Terriers’ manager identified the club’s biggest challenge at the moment as “Being able to adapt to the new normality with training and games. It’s a new means of conducting our work. However we have a very strong group of people who are the driving force behind the club and so we are in a good place to fulfil our goals and objectives for this year.”

In terms of the division that Huddersfield are presently top of, Wimpenny recognises what a big battle his side have on their hands to remain at its summit: “The league is a tough one for any side. The FAWNL Northern Premier is a competitive league with experienced players and staff who have been around the game for several years proving no game is easy. It also provides a good solid platform for up and coming players who wish to find their feet and learn their trade to be able to progress to the next level which would be Championship football.”

**Above:** Serena Fletcher on the ball for Huddersfield Town against West Bromwich Albion. **Photo:** Jess Hornby via Huddersfield Town Women AFC.

Jordan then identified the difference between his side’s present division and the Championship which lies immediately above it, which if Huddersfield’s form continues, could be their destination for next season: “The jump is quite a significant one in terms of the operation, expectations and requirements for such league. This is something we will prepare for if, as a club, we need to. Our main focus is to stay in a position of winning each game as it comes and get ahead of those other teams who surround us.”

The club have a detailed pathway for young girls to start playing for Huddersfield Town at a young age and potentially go all the way through the system to play in the National League system. “We have community projects with the Huddersfield Town Foundation, Wildcats sessions for girls aged as young as five, the our junior sides, a female football academy at Calderdale College, our U18s, Development Squad and then the first team.”

There is no doubt that Huddersfield Town Women are a well organised and well run club. Wimpenny is clear that the reason for that is their incredible band of volunteers: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank and credit all the staff who are involved in the club, without the people involved we couldn’t achieve the things we set out to achieve and all work above and beyond for the players through their commitment and desire to succeed. I would like to especially highlight Alison Bamforth who took on the role as our COVID-19 officer and has been exceptional in ensuring we can still operate as a club and deserves great credit for her work. From a personal point of view, I would like to credit the players for their continued patience and hard work each week to apply themselves to their work and due to this have given themselves a positive start to the season in which we will look to continue.”

**Above:** Laura Elford in action for Huddersfield Town. **Photo:** Jess Hornby via Huddersfield Town Women AFC.

In terms of the future of the sport both generally and at Huddersfield Town, Jordan Wimpenny sees bags of potential: “The women’s game is ever growing and each year will continue to grow. As a club, we will aim to be a part of that growth. We will look to fulfil the potential of the club and it starts for us on the pitch. There are plans in place for the women’s game and with the support the game is having it will only develop for the better providing more and more opportunities for female athletes to be involved in football and reach their potential with the pathways and opportunities that are being created, an exciting period for any club or player who is involved.”

Keep a close eye on Huddersfield Town’s progress, this is a club with an impressively well organised player pathway which is bringing through some exceptionally talented players who could well be about to lift their side into the Championship.

**Above:** Huddersfield Town Women AFC – forward thinking and aiming for the Championship. **Photo:** Jess Hornby via Huddersfield Town Women AFC.

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset rounds up the second leg from the French teams competing in the last 32 of UEFA Women’s Champions League.

OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS 3-0 JUVENTUS

Olympique Lyonnais win 6-2 on aggregate.

**Above:** Melvine Malard celebrates her goal to seal Olympique Lyonnais’ progress into the last sixteen of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. **Photo:** Damien LG via @OLFeminin.

Before the game started, there was a tribute to Gérard Houiller who was part of the staff of Olympique Lyonnais since 2016. All our deep condolences go to his family.

Lyon won against Juventus (3-0) at home, finishing the job and qualifying for the next round. After a first quarter, things were a little bit difficult and Lyon had a few problems keeping the ball.

It was a combination of a bad clearance by the Juventus goalkeeper and a defender which allowed Dzsenifer Marozsan to open the scoring after 21 minutes.

After this goal, Lyon took the game to Juventus and dominated without being able to score more goals. At half time Lyon lead 1-0. Despite Lyon domination, we had to wait until the 88th minute for Melvine Malard to score the second goal after an unstoppable “one-two” with Marozsan. Janice Cayman entered in the game on the 72^nd minute finished the job by scoring at 90+1 on a pass from Marozsan who was elected woman of the match. Jodie Taylor entered at the end of the game for her last match with Lyon; she goes back to USA as her contract with the club finishes on December 31^st, 2020.

A special focus on Selma Bacha who played 92 minutes (she had played only 15 minutes at the end of the game in the first leg) and who did a pretty good game as a left back – 50 balls played: 37 passes (81% successful), 1 cross, 12 balls recovery; no errors.

Highlights of the game:

2^nd: Yellow card for Saki Kumagai (Lyon)

12^nd: Yellow card for Amandine Henry (Lyon)

21^st: 1 – 0, Dzsenifer Marozsan (Lyon)

46^th: Barbara Bonansea (Juventus) replaced Cristiana Girelli

58^th: Maria Alves (Juventus) replaced Sara Gama

64^th: Melvine Malard (Lyon) replaced Nikita Parris

72^nd: Janice Cayman (Lyon) replaced Delphine Cascarino

73^rd: Yellow card for Dzsenifer Marozsan (Lyon)

76^th: Andrea Staskova (Juventus) replaced Lina Hurtig

77^th: Annahita Zamanian (Juventus) replaced Aurora Galli

88^th: 2 – 0, Melvine Malard (Lyon)

90^th+1: 3 – 0, Janice Cayman (Lyon)

90^th+2: Vicky Becho (Lyon) replaced Selma Bacha

90^th+2: Sally Julini (Lyon) replaced Amel Majri

90^th+2: Jodie Taylor (Lyon) replaced Dzsenifer Marozsan

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 6-1 GORNIK LECZNA

Paris St. Germain win 8-1 on aggregate.

**Above:** Nadia Nadim celebrates after scoring PSG’s first goal this afternoon against Gornik Leczna. **Photo:** @PSGFeminines.

Paris St. Germain won easily at home against Gornik Leczna 6-1 to finish the job and qualify for the next round. By scoring three goals in the first 30 minutes, there was not a lot of suspense to guess which team would qualify at the end. At half time it was already 4-0 and according to how Paris St Germain dominated the game and the number of opportunities they add, it is a miracle that they did not score even more goals.

Highlights of the game:

21^st: 1 – 0, Nadia Nadim (Paris)

24^th: 2 – 0, Jordyn Huitema (Paris)

32^nd: 3 – 0, Irene Parades (Paris)

43^rd: 4 – 0, Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris)

46^th: Roksana Ratajczyk (Leczna) replaced Jolanta Siwinska

51^st: 5 – 0, Kadidiatou Diani (Paris)

57^th: Yellow card for Roksana Ratajczyk (Leczna)

57^th: Jade Le Guilly (Paris) replaced Ashley Elizabeth Lawrence

57^th: Signe Brun (Paris) replaced Marie-Antoinette Katoto

57^th: Lorina Fazer (Paris) replaced Sara Dabritz

62^nd: 5 – 1, Ewelina Kamczyk (Leczna)

70^th: Oceane Hurtre (Paris) replaced Nadia Nadim

71^st: Ramona Bachmann (Paris) replaced Kadidiatou Diani

76^th: Oliwia Rapacka (Leczna) replaced Patricia Hmirova

89^th: 6 – 1, Irene Paredes (Paris)

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset rounds up all the action from the eleventh week of action in D1 Arkema, the top flight of French women’s football.

Olympique Lyonnais raised their heads and won 9–0 against a very weak Issy side. At half time they were already seven goals ahead and the second half was a little bit less interesting. The scorers were: Amel Majri (9, 42, 52), Nikita Parris (15, 18, 21, 41), Janice Cayman (30) and Delphine Cascarino (72).

**Above:** Selma Bacha on the charge for Olympique Lyonnais in their 9-0 win over Issy. **Photo:** Damien LG via @OLFeminin

To prepare for their next game, the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League last thirty-two tie against Juventus, several players were rested: Wendie Renard and Sakina Karchaoui (left out of the squad); Dzsenifer Marozsan (replaced by Melvine Malard 46), Ellie Carpenter (replaced by Delphine Cascarino 46) played only one half; Nikita Parris was replaced by Jodie Taylor (67).

In the battle for the third place, qualifying for UEFA Women’s Champions League, Bordeaux got ahead of the game by winning 2–0 (Khadija Shaw 8 and Katja Snoeijs 51) against their main challenger Montpellier. Bordeaux are now four points ahead of Montpellier; it is not finished but I think it will be difficult for Montpellier to take back third place.

Dijon were close to causing a big surprise at Paris FC but at the end they lost 3–2. Goals from Evelyne Viens (4, 56) and Clara Matéo (16) for Paris FC; Goals from Léa Khelifi (28) and Mylaine Tarrieu (80) for Dijon.

Fleury and Soyaux-Charente were not able to do better than a 0–0 draw and Guingamp won away from home at Reims 1–0 with a goal from Magou Doucouré (60).

Paris St Germain kept top spot by completely dominating the match and winning at home 5–0 against Le Havre, the bottom placed team in D1 Arkema. Goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto (6, 33, 37, 67), Grace Geroyo (62).

**Above:** Marie-Antoinette Katoto celebrates one of her four goals for PSG against Le Havre which takes her to 103 goals for the club at the age of just 22. **Photo:** @PSG_Feminines.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto went over the 100 goal mark with Paris St Germain and is now at 103 goals; at only 22 years old, she was born on November 1^st, 1998, it is quite a performance.

Later this week, Olympique Lyonnais, on Tuesday the 15^th at 7:00 PM, and Paris St Germain, on Wednesday 16^th at 2:30 PM, will play at home in UEFA Women’s Champions League last 32 second leg. There should be no surprises, and both teams should qualify.

D1 ARKEMA TABLE ROUND 11:

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
Paris St. Germain	11	10	1	0	46	2	31	+ 44
Olympique Lyonnais	11	10	0	1	40	4	30	+ 36
Bordeaux	11	7	2	2	23	12	23	+ 11
Montpellier	11	6	1	4	15	16	19	– 1
Fleury ‘91	11	5	3	3	11	16	18	– 5
Paris FC	11	4	3	4	18	17	15	+ 1
Guingamp	11	4	1	6	15	17	13	– 2
Dijon	11	4	1	6	12	20	13	– 8
Stade Reims	11	3	2	6	16	20	11	– 4
Soyaux-Charente	11	2	1	8	7	23	7	– 16
Issy	11	2	0	9	8	53	6	– 45
Le Havre	11	1	1	9	10	23	4	– 13

Elementary from Watson

Sutton United 1–1 Clapham United

by Ben Gilby

Honours were even in the battle between the second and third placed sides in the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League Division One North (tier six).

Played on a typically dank and drizzly December afternoon at Gander Green Lane, the two teams played out a fascinating game that at times resembled a chess match and at others was an end to end drama of the most epic nature.

Sutton United began the game calmly, looking to establish their patient probing passing game on the opposition. An early example of this saw a carefully weighted ball through from Olivia Watson towards Fern Colepio which won a throw in down the left on the edge of 18 yard box.

With six minutes gone, the home side won a free kick just outside of the box on the right hand side. Jenifer Neves played the ball in which was met by the head of Mika Keen, but Emily Jones gathered in the Clapham United goal.

Sutton threatened again as Keen played in Emma King, with the move ending with the latter’s long range shot landing on the top of the net.

As the early exchanges wore on, it was more apparent that Sutton’s patient approach work was the more successful as Clapham’s attacks were restricted to occasional long balls down their left hand side. One such move ended with an outstanding tackle by Colepio on Clapham’s Florrie Maxwell.

Just after the quarter hour mark, Evie Nebbitt was dispossessed by Molly Yoemann thirty yards out. The Clapham substitute ran on but her shot lacked power and was comfortably held by Paige Hersey in the Sutton goal.

The visitors threatened again shortly afterwards when Asia Harbour Brown got in a shot which was put out for a corner. Sutton comfortably dealt with the danger.

Sutton responded after 23 minutes when, following a throw on the right, Mika Keen found Fern Colepio who hit a powerful effort wide from just outside of the box.

By now the game was developing into an end to end encounter. It was the turn of the visitors to fashion an opportunity. It came when Lauren Robinson played a slide rule pass in to Letitia Campous-Lennon, but Hersey saved well. On the half hour mark Clapham came close once more as Serena Guardino’s free kick from the right hand edge of the box went narrowly over the bar.

With thirty-four minutes gone, a superb move from the hosts almost led to a spectacular goal. Captain Darcy Wells put in a superb tackle in the centre of midfield and played in Sophie Hendy who returned the favour with Wells hitting a great effort that narrowly went over the bar.

From the resulting goal kick, Clapham earned a chance but Hersey dealt with Phoebe Dennis’ effort from the edge of the box. Seven minutes from the break, Dennis did have the ball in the net after being played in by Maxwell, but the assistant referee’s flag went up somewhat belatedly, but correctly.

With four minutes of the half remaining, Sutton United’s Olivia Watson put a header wide after promising build-up play by Hendy and Keen.

**Above:** Clapham United’s Sally Cheeseman (18) has a header blocked by Sutton United’s Tamara Graham. **Photo:** Ben Gilby.

Despite Clapham having as many opportunities as the home side as the first half wore on, one was always left with the feeling that Sutton had the greater quality in their locker in terms of build-up play and skill in the squad.

However, what was also apparent as the second half opened was the growing importance of the first goal.

Sutton started the second half on the front foot and Darcy Wells was in the thick of the action again as the home captain hit a shot against the right hand post.

Shortly afterwards, a delightful ball from Hayley Halford down the right played in fellow substitute Gabby Howell whose effort forced a corner, which was eventually cleared at the second attempt by the visitors defence.

Clapham substitute Natalie Kennedy had two excellent chances within sixty seconds of each other, proving that her side were still well in the game. First, a promising build up resulted in her volley on the turn which went wide. Moments later she was one on one with Paige Hersey, but the home keeper blocked the effort.

On the hour mark Emily Jones was called into action to deny the hosts. Sophie Hendy’s run down the left found substitute Keisha Small. Her cross was not dealt with by a hesitant Clapham defence which allowed Halford to get in a shot which was deflected out by the keeper for a corner.

The home side continued to press and a great piece of combination play between Small and Evie Nebbitt forced a corner which was eventually cleared.

As the persistent drizzle got heavier, Sutton’s pressure grew. Hendy played in a teasing ball which Jones did well to get to first in the Clapham goal.

Yet, despite this, the game remained goalless. That is, until the sixty-eighth minute.

Clapham were awarded a free-kick centrally, just outside of the ‘D’ when Sally Cheeseman was brought down by Gabby Howell. Up stepped Serena Guardino whose effort went round the wall and couldn’t be stopped by Hersey before it crossed the line.

With a quarter of an hour left, the visitors gained another free kick outside the box after Keisha Small fouled Cheeseman on the right, outside the box. This time the set piece curled wide of the left hand post.

Sutton created a much needed opportunity when the ball fell to Tamara Graham outside the area, but her powerful long range effort went over. Shortly afterwards, Cindy Colliver played in Darcy Wells, but Jones managed to reach the ball first before Wells could get a shot away.

As the game entered the final ten minutes there were two opportunities for the hosts. First, Olivia Watson couldn’t quite get on the end of a floated ball through and the ever impressive Wells had an effort which was just over.

With eight minutes left, Fern Colepio combined with Darcy Wells who was fouled. The resulting free-kick curled towards the far left corner but Emily Jones made a good save.

In the eighty-fifth minute, there was another chance for the hosts as Gabby Howell played in Hendy. Her great cross from the right curled towards the left hand post just needed the slightest of touches to go in, but Olivia Watson couldn’t quite get there in time.

**Above:** Emma King in midfield action for Sutton United against Clapham United. **Photo:** Ben Gilby.

But both Sutton and Watson had better luck just sixty seconds later when a teasing cross from the right by Howell saw the midfielder slide in at the far post to grab the equaliser – her first goal for the club in only her fourth start.

Sutton were desperately unlucky not to win it at the start of stoppage time when Watson was fouled on the left and the resulting free kick was put behind for a corner with a minute left. A beautifully curling flag kick was met by the head of Keisha Small, but her effort was just centimetres wide.

The final exchanges were frantic amid huge vocal support from the Sutton United fans. The action was played out entirely in the Clapham half, but try as they might, and with Wells, Small and Watson particularly prominent, the home side couldn’t quite get the winner.

Teams: SUTTON UNITED: Hersey, Neves, Hendra, Nebbitt, King, Graham, Colepio, Watson, Keen, Wells, Hendy. Substitutes: Colliver, Howell, Small, Savage, Halford.

Scorers: Watson 85.

CLAPHAM UNITED: Jones, Lemos, Sharrock, Guardino, Robinson, Cheeseman, Maxwell, Campous-Lennon, Harbour Brown, Dennis, Walker. Substitutes: Shimnell, Skazlic, Yoeman, Kennedy, Jump.

Scorers: Guardino 68.

Referee: Kevin Guest.

Attendance: 75.