Sutton United: Full of Talent and Ambition

Ben Gilby spoke to Sutton United Women founder Duncan Muller, who is also the club’s Head of Women’s and Girls Football and First Team manager about the London & South-East League Division One North side’s hugely successful history and their high hopes for the future.

Sutton United Women were formed in 2016 with links to the Epsom Eagles and Surrey Eagles teams as Duncan Muller explains: “My first involvement with women’s or girl’s football was in 2012 when a friend asked me to get involved with Epsom Eagles who were pretty much a park team. From here I got involved with the Sutton Little League and we then became Surrey Eagles – initially with one boys’ and one girls’ team and then two sides each. Playing on council pitches was tough; they were often in poor condition and was very expensive. It was also difficult competing with AFC Wimbledon for players.”

The breakthrough came when Muller approached some of the people involved with Sutton United FC’s men’s side, who play in the National League (tier five) and are famed for some glorious FA Cup wins over professional clubs such as Coventry City and Leeds United.

Above: Duncan Muller on the touchline at Gander Green Lane, home of Sutton United Women. Photo: Paul Loughlin.

“Sutton United didn’t have a women’s team at that stage. AFC Wimbledon Women played their home games there but they then moved out and we were able to start a Sutton side. We advertised for trials and had between sixty and seventy girls turn up. Sutton United did have an U11 girls’ team. Tony Henderson Smith is, for me the godfather of girl’s and women’s football at Sutton United. The assistance and enthusiasm he has is fantastic. There’s eleven girls’ and women’s sides at Sutton now from U9s to U16s and our two senior teams.”

Duncan explained how a professional looking set-up is at the heart of Sutton’s success, and the fully integrated relationship with Sutton United’s men is key. “We don’t have parents as managers or coaches in order to help our players develop at the right pace for them.”

“We have some funding from Sutton United and, as a result of that from the National League Trust (the fifth tier of the men’s game that Sutton play in). This allows our women’s first team to get the same stuff from the club that the men do. The only difference is wages.”

In addition the men’s club have, for the first time this season started selling replica shirts for the women’s team via their online store featuring their different sponsors and without the men’s team’s league branding (see: https://www.suttonunited.net/product-category/replica-kit/)

Above: Sutton United Women’s Tamara Graham gets in a shot. Photo: Paul Loughlin

Sutton United Women may only have been in existence since 2016, but it’s been a story of success ever since. The U’s have won their league every season from their first until the last campaign when the coronavirus pandemic caused a premature end to their London & South-East League Division One schedule.

“We’re now playing in the sixth tier of the women’s game,” Muller explains, “but our ultimate aim is the F.A. Women’s Super League. We have the facilities in terms of a 5,000 capacity stadium, we have a 3G surface which is allowed in women’s football. It is doable from an on-pitch perspective. Financially, it’s another matter with clubs having to pay £50,000 to buy in to that division. Local company Nordens (bathrooms, tiles, heating and plumbing, based in Epsom – https://www.nordenheating.co.uk/) back us financially, and we get funding from the men’s National League to fund the women’s team. Additionally, our disability team are one of the best in the country. Finances are the only thing that could stop us making the top level. The FA Women’s National League is a very realistic prospect for us in the near future – that’s our immediate aim. We have fantastic young talent due to our pathway from U9s to the first team which means we are approaching the stage when we don’t need trials for first team players.”

Like every other team in the country, Sutton United were caught unawares by the coronavirus outbreak. However, the club’s head of women’s and girl’s football believes it has not been without its positives: “Everything came to an end the day after we beat Crystal Palace in the Capital Cup Semi-Finals. We maintained contact with everyone through video calls. We raised money for the local hospital. Altogether we raised over £1,000 for local charities.”

He went on to describe how the club came together so strongly once a return to some form of activity was involved: “Our captain and vice-captain did so much to help boost morale. We carried out trials for younger players via video. When we were allowed to come back to training, it was especially hard for us because Gander Green Lane is a men’s National League stadium so we had to adhere to the restrictions that are on the stadium rather than for other teams at our level. It was the hardest time in my twenty-five years involved in the game. We could only have four players on the pitch training at any one time to start with. The players were brilliant in all that time and I have no doubt that we became tighter as a group because of it. We had over forty-five volunteers involved in this period. It was incredible.”

Above: Mika Keen gets in a cross for Sutton United against Victoire FC recently. Photo: Paul Loughlin.

I asked Duncan, Covid apart, what the biggest challenge that the club face at the moment is: “Finances really. Sutton United launched a ‘United We Stand 2020’ campaign with all funds raised going directly and solely towards the club’s playing and operating costs. Our players have all made donations. We talk to the board a lot. Things could be better, but we’re coping. Loss of revenue from the bar and function rooms have been a massive hit. We’ve also had to pay out for additional safety features around the ground during the period – such as an additional dugout in order to comply with social distancing for players etc.”

The relationship that the women’s team have with Sutton United men has also seen huge benefits via SUTV (Sutton United TV) which consists of media team volunteers, most of whom are students. “They have live streamed our matches and operate our electronic video scoreboard. Initially I was in two minds as to whether or not we should stream our matches, because it gives our opponents a chance to see how we are playing and what we are doing in a way that we won’t get a chance to do with them. However, promoting the team and spreading the word is more important,” Duncan explains.

It is this body of volunteers that are at the heart of Sutton United’s successes: “All our social media graphics are done by our captain Cindy Colliver who is a graphic designer. Our goalkeeper, Zoe McNulty is the club secretary. Fellow players Gabby Howell, along with Cindy are involved with our social media. Our U21 coach, Courtney Bartlett, who is also the Head of Women’s Development is very talented and is bringing some great players through. She never complains when I take them away into the first team. Even when they’re about to play an important cup tie for her! I am privileged to have a very good coaching team with the first team too – James Bradley, Dave Solly and Matt Weller. Matt beat off fifty applicants to become First Team Head Coach! Seb Brown and others also give up their own time to work with the team.”

Duncan alluded earlier to the player pathway from U9s to the first team. That is now bearing fruit in a really exciting way. Evie Nebbitt became the youngest player to captain Sutton United Women a few months ago.

“She first came to Sutton United at the age of eight or nine. She’s a local girl, living in Wallington and her sister was with us too,” Muller explains. “She then went off to Charlton Athletic to play and was offered a place in their U21 team. However, after a period of time travelling from Wallington to Charlton the journey time began to have a real impact. So, she came back to us and had a trial. It was like a light shining when I first saw her in that trial. She’s still raw and naïve, but you couldn’t meet a more hard working and polite person. She always thanks me at the end of every training session for what I do. Evie is one of the most determined youngsters that I’ve ever come up against. Long term, I dearly hope she stays with us. Sophie Barnes came to us from Tottenham Hotspur and she has so much promise. Darcy Wells is the jewel in our crown at the age of 21 and Olivia Watson has come through our U21 team to the first team squad this season. When these players are 22-23 years-old they will be incredible.”

With the new season in its early stages, I asked Duncan who he thought would be the teams to look out for in the London & South-East League Division One North this time round. “I think we have a great chance. We are renowned for being slow starters in the league though! I think New London Lionesses are also very strong. They have good players.” The two teams met in the final league game before lockdown last Sunday at the Lionesses’ home, with the outcome a 0-0 draw.

Sutton United may be relative new kids on the block still, but if organisation and professional approach is anything to do with it, they look well set to maintain their superb success.

Above: Darcy Wells celebrates a goal for Sutton United against Victoire recently. Photo: Paul Loughin.

City Save The Best Until Last

Everton 1–3 Manchester City

by Ben Gilby

Manchester City won the Women’s FA Cup for the third time in four years after two goals deep into extra-time finally ended Everton’s hopes.

City dominated the opening exchanges of the fiftieth Women’s FA Cup Final in terms of possession but in that time never really bothered Sandy MacIver in the Toffees goal.

With eleven minutes on the clock, Ellen White combined with Sam Mewis, who in turn played in Chloe Kelly down the right. Everton’s Australian international Hayley Raso closed the City attacker down. The ongoing battle between Kelly and Raso was a fascinating battle whilst it lasted with both giving it everything.

It was Everton’s ability to rapidly get tight to City and close them down which quickly which frustrated much of the Sky Blues’ attacking movements in the first half.

With a quarter of an hour played, Everton created their first opportunity when Raso intercepted a poor cross field pass by Demi Stokes and got away before being brought down outside of the box by Lucy Bronze. The resulting free-kick eventually found its way to Demaris Egurrola whose effort went wide.

Sam Mewis’ influence on the final grew as the half went on. She combined well on twenty minutes with Chloe Kelly who she found on the right hand side of the box. Kelly cut inside and forced a good save from Sandy MacIver.

Valerie Gauvin had a good chance with ten minutes of the half left for the Toffees when she powered a header wide from Ingrid Moe Wold’s cross from the right.

Above: Hayley Raso (left) and Lucy Bronze battle it out at Wembley. Photo: @EvertonWomen

However, five minutes later another header from a corner had a far better outcome. City won a corner and Alex Greenwood’s devilish in-swinger was met by Mewis who was worryingly unmarked from an Everton perspective.

Gauvin broke through in stoppage time at the end of the first half but Steph Houghton slid in to clear the danger with the French star caught painfully by the follow through and had to leave the pitch ahead of the half-time whistle.

A heavily strapped Valerie Gauvin reappeared after the interval for Everton and had a key part to play in the second period.

Manchester City could have doubled their advantage on fifty-five minutes. Steph Houghton put in a through ball to Rose Lavelle. She found Caroline Weir who played a ball in which came off the back post to Chloe Kelly. Her powerful effort which stopped by Sandy MacIver who got up off of the turf from the original shot to make an absolutely outstanding save.

Another injury concern struck Everton when Hayley Raso was on the receiving end from Rose Lavelle. The Matilda was not quite the same after that and would leave the field with a quarter of an hour remaining.

The Toffees were buoyed by MacIver’s stunning save and earned an equaliser on the hour mark. Initially, Damaris’ header was brilliantly saved by Ellie Roebuck at the cost of a corner. Izzy Christiansen fired the resulting set piece right into the mix and Valerie Gauvin headed the ball home to level the scores.

Above: Valerie Gauvin celebrates Everton’s equaliser. Photo: @EvertonWomen

City responded well, but were not able to penetrate the Merseysiders’ backline.

Everton went agonisingly close on seventy-three minutes when Danielle Turner combined with Nicoline Sorensen down the left. The Dane’s cross found the head of Gauvin but it went just the wrong side of the post.

With ten minutes left, Caroline Weir combined well with Chloe Kelly. The former Evertonian played a square ball to Georgia Stanway, who was located centrally outside the box, but the effort went wide of MacIver’s goal.

Sorensen created more problems for City with five minutes left when her attempted ball in from the right had to be tipped over for a corner by Roebuck.

It was City who had the best of the closing stages. Jess Park, nineteen years-old played an impressive cameo after coming on as a substitute and her ball to Mewis with two minutes left resulted in the American firing over. Chloe Kelly also side footed an effort over from Lucy Bronze’s cross.

Deep into stoppage time, Demi Stokes pulled it back for Weir who hit her effort over the bar. Moments later, Mewis found Kelly who laid a ball off to Weir in front of goal again, but this time the Scot’s shot hit the bar and went over, and so the game went into extra time.

City remained on the front foot in the opening period of extra-time. A glorious cross field pass from Alex Greenwood found Park who laid it back to Sam Mewis, but MacIver dived on the effort.

Just before the end of the first half in extra-time, a fantastic tackle from Megan Finnigan denied Georgia Stanway. From the resulting corner, Steph Houghton was denied by another glorious save from MacIver.

Five minutes into the second period of extra time, the decisive moment occurred. Jess Park made a brilliant run down the right and was played in by Lucy Bronze. A fantastically weighted pass found Georgia Stanway perfectly and the 21 year-old slid the ball under MacIver.

Janine Beckie completed the scoring with the final kick of the match when Stanway laid the ball off to her and she hit the ball across MacIver to make the final score 3-1.

Manchester City’s ability to go up a gear in the closing stages and through extra-time was ultimately the difference. Everton’s efforts were magnificent and they confirmed their status as a team who can live with the best teams in the land.

Teams: EVERTON: MacIver, Moe Wold, Turner, Finnigan, Sevecke, Egurrola, Christiansen, Raso, Graham, Sorensen, Gauvin. Substitutes: Korpeka (GK), Boye-Hlorkah, Magill, Stringer, Pike, Clemaron, Clinton, Pattinson.

Goals: Gauvin 60.

MANCHESTER CITY: Roebuck, Bronze, Houghton, Greenwood, Stokes, Mewis, Walsh, Lavelle, Kelly, White, Weir. Substitutes: Bardsley (GK), Bonner, Coombs, Scott, Stanway, Beckie, Morgan, Park, Benameur (GK).

Scorers: Mewis 40, Stanway 111, Beckie 120.

Referee: Rebecca Welch

Lewes’ Hard Work Rewarded

Lewes 2–2 Liverpool

By Ben Gilby

An impressive display by a well-organised and determined Lewes side ensured that Liverpool lost further ground at the top of the FA Women’s Championship after a 2-2 draw at The Dripping Pan in breezy conditions.

A cagey first twenty minutes or so saw Lewes have the best of the play. The Sussex side were well organised and comfortable in defence and offered more of a threat offensively in this period.

They forced the opening corner after six minutes when Katie Rood caused problems down the left, but Leighanne Robe cleared comfortably at the near post. Three minutes later, Sophie O’Rourke was fouled on the left with Megan Mackey’s free-kick claimed by Rachael Laws. Shortly afterwards, a slip from Robe allowed Georgia Timms in for Lewes but she was forced wide by clever defending and the chance was gone.

It was just past the quarter hour mark before Liverpool created anything going forward. Rinsola Babajide, who became a growing influence on the game, was involved – first forcing Timms to concede a corner from a dangerous cross and then firing in a shot which was blocked by Sammy Quayle.

It was the 22 year-old Londoner that created the opening goal of the game after twenty-six minutes. Causing trouble again down the left, Babajide played a teasing ball into the danger zone of the six yard box and former AS Roma star Amalie Thestrup slid in along with Lewes defender Nicola Cousins with the ball rolling into the net. In the process, Tatiana Saunders required treatment with what appeared to be an injury to her ankle.

Lewes responded well to this adversity. First, Mackay played in another free kick towards her skipper Rhian Cleverley but the ball was cleared.

However, Simon Parker’s charges got the equaliser that their efforts deserved just two minutes before the break. New Zealand international Katie Rood broke through the middle and cut towards the right of the box before sliding an effort through ahead of Taylor Hinds that went under the diving Rachael Laws and into the net for her first goal in the Championship.

The visitors had an opportunity right on half-time, but Hinds’ fierce effort from the edge of the area was well saved by Tatiana Saunders in the Lewes goal.

The injury to Saunders in the process of Liverpool’s goal saw her replaced for the second half by Laura Hartley.

Above: Midfield action from Lewes v Liverpool in the FA Women’s Championship today. Photo: @LiverpoolFCW

Liverpool came out strongly and dominated much of the second half. After creating some early chances, Lewes held firm initially, but eventually the Merseysiders broke through.

Taylor Hinds had a shot blocked by Danielle Lane, but the ball found its way to Melissa Lawley. Her fine cross found Rinsola Babajide who controlled and then fired a volley superbly past the despairing dive of Laura Hartley.

Liverpool were now rampant and Lawley was denied by Hartley. Yet, to their huge credit, Lewes remained well organised and weathered the storm.

The Sussex side grew back into the game, and on seventy-two minutes, Megan Mackey forced a corner off of Taylor Hinds down the right. Her flag kick caused problems in the six yard box with both Danielle Lane and Ellie Hack in the mix with the substitute looking to be the one who forced the ball over the line for an equaliser than was just reward for hard work and a never-say-die spirit.

Two minutes later, Lewes were desperately unlucky not to take the lead when Emily Donovan found Georgia Timms, but the effort came crashing back off of the post with Rachael Laws beaten.

Liverpool turned the pressure on again in the final stages – and were certain they should have been awarded a penalty with thirteen minutes left as the ball looked to have come off of Sammy Quayle’s elbow in the box but after consulting with her assistant referee, Jane Simms turned the protests down.

The visitors had two further chances – a spectacular looking bicycle kick from Amalie Thestrup and a volley from Rachel Furness but both were over.

Lewes would be delighted for this point which was well earned. Durham and Leicester City would be equally delighted as both of them now have a real chance to pull away from the Reds at the top of the Championship.

Teams: LEWES: Saunders, Quayle, Cleverley, Cousins, O’Rourke, Lane, Noble, Mackey, Rood, Timms, Donovan. Substitutes: Hartley (GK), Hack, Jones, Jhamat, Boswell, Leek, Howells, Newman, Savva.

Scorers: Rood 43, Hack 72.

LIVERPOOL: Laws, Jane, Fahey, Robe, Hinds, Bailey, Roberts, Furness, Lawley, Babajide, Thestrup. Substitutes: Foster (GK), Hepps, Hodson, Moore, Hearns.

Scorers: Thestrup 26, Babajide 58

Referee: Jane Simms.

The View From France

In an exclusive piece, Jean-Pierre Thiesset brings us news of an interview given by goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi which lifts the lid on just how troubled the situation is within the French Women’s National side.

Sarah Bouhaddi, Olympique Lyonnais and French national team goalkeeper had some very blunt words to say about Corinne Diacre, national women’s coach during an interview on OL TV’s Barth Ruzza Talk Show.

First let’s recall who Sarah Bouhaddi is to understand why what she says is important:

Sarah was born on October 17, 1986 in Cannes, France. She has played in more than 400 club matches, including 280 games with Olympique Lyonnais since 2009. Additionally, she has played more than a hundred games with the French national side.

The list of honours won by Bouhaddi is very impressive: 11 French Championships (from 2010 to 2020), 7 UEFA Women’s Champion League titles, 8 French Cups (2012 to 2017 and 2019 & 2020), 1 Champions trophy – game between French Championship and Cup winners (2019). She was also elected Best World Goalkeeper by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and UEFA Best Goalkeeper in 2020.

Above: Sarah Bouhaddi, Olympique Lyonnais and France goalkeeper has had plenty to say about national coach Corinne Diacre. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

Just a few days ago, Bouhaddi gave an interview to Barth Ruzza on Olympique Lyonnais’ own club television station. Here is an extract of the 30 minutes interview – this is a direct translation with nothing changed or added:

Barth Ruzza (BR): You decided to take a step back regarding France team, If you had a message to send, something to tell, or a question to ask to Corinne Diacre (the French women’s national head coach), what it would be?

Sarah Bouhaddi (SB): I have no message to send her, I think she is old enough and responsible enough today to know what she is doing, now the question is to know if she really wants to win a title with the France team; we are several Lyonnaise players and several players of high level, and included Paris players too, which want to do something great with the France team and I realize that we may not be all in the same project or the same speech and this is what saddens me today.

BR: Did you discuss with her in a frank manner?

SB: Yes, but our relations have never been very strong and very beautiful during the period before the World Cup. After the World Cup it is has been difficult for me and several of my team-mates, we have undergone several examinations very negative in the France team.

BR: What do you mean?

SB: There has been a bad result in the World Cup for us and they reproach us saying we wanted Corinne Diacre fired, although we never said that. After that, Corinne Diacre took against us – me and Amadine Henry, and after the World Cup we lived in a scenario very difficult during the training camps and it is for that reason that I took a step back from the national team at my age. I felt I was strong enough psychologically and ready to make a break with the France team because there is no relationship with the coach. I told her when I called her that as long as she has no confidence in me and that there was no relationship between her and me, there was no reason to continue to work together.

BR: Do, at times, you regret taking this decision?

SB: I do not regret because I lived very badly there (in the national camp)…I do not regret because today, winning a title with this coach seems impossible to me…a lot of other players think the same, but do not say it.

BR: So, for you it will not work, it is impossible?

SB: It will not work. I could say that the France team will not win the Euros with Corinne Diacre as a coach. Today, we are in a situation which is too negative. If Corinne Diacre evolves in the next two years, it is possible, but there is so much to change…
















 
















	


	





	

		
The View From France
	


	
	

		

We welcome new writer Jean-Pierre Thiesset who will provide us with regular news from all the goings on in French women’s football. He begins by giving us the lowdown on the French First Division and then tells us about the background to a frustrating game against Austria for the national side earlier this week.





The French Women’s Football First Division is called “D1 Arkema” (D1 for Division One and Arkema being the sponsor). There are twelve clubs in D1 – ASJ Soyaux Charente, Dijon FCO, EA Guingamp, FC Fleury, Girondins Bordeaux, GPSO ’92 Issy, Le Havre AC, Montpellier HSC, Olympique Lyonnais, Paris FC and Paris St. Germain.





Above: The location of France’s D1 sides.





The D1 is governed by the FFF (Fédération Française de Football – French Football Federation). The D1 is not a professional league but a few clubs are professional.





Olympique Lyonnais dominates the D1 and only Paris St. Germain can compete with them so far. In recent years, Bordeaux and Montpellier started to close on these two teams but are still a little bit behind.





Olympique Lyonnais and Paris St. Germain players make up the main backbone of the French national team even if more and more new players from the other teams are starting to be included in the French national team.





Foreign players are represented in the D1 Championships and among them several players from England with Olympique Lyonnais fielding stars like Nikita Parris and Jodie Taylor this year or Jessica Fishlock, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood and Izzy Christiansen in previous years.





Meanwhile…





The French national team is still not qualified for the European Championship which will take place in England in 2022. Let’s go back a few days to try to understand why.





Group G Standings before Tuesday game against Austria were:





1st – France – 15 points in 5 games – Goal difference 28





2nd – Austria – 15 points in 5 games – Goal difference 21





Seeing this standing, we can easily understand that the Tuesday game was important for both teams. Normally, France (3rd team in the rankings) would be supposed to beat  Austria (22nd in the rankings) but with the tensions around French team right now between French coach Corinne Diare and a few Olympique Lyonnais players, surprises were possible.





Sarah Bouhaddi long time holder of the goalkeeping position without any doubt so far, decided not to go to join the team after problems between her and Diacre. Furthermore, Amandine Henry, the actual captain of the French team was not selected by Corinne Diacre. The explanation was that Henry needed to rest to retrieve all her potential.





However, without Bouhaddi, Henry and other main stars of the side such as Wendie Renard, Amel Majri and Marion Torrent, France still won 11-0 against the modest North Macedonia team with the following team: 










Four goals from Eugenie Le Sommer, two from Grace Geyoro, plus strikes from Valerie Gauvin, Elisa de Almeida, Kadidiatou Diani, Viviane Asseyi and Delphine Cascarino completed the rout.





Young players stepped up and shown that they could do the job. Eugénie Le Sommer’s four goals now sees her with a total of 86 goals with the French team.





For the big game against Austria, Wendie Renard and Marion Torrent were back in the team at the start of the game against Austria. Yet, strangely star players Delphine Cascarino, Amel Majri and Marie-Antoinette Katoto were not. The result was a 0–0 draw.





So, France have still not qualified for the European Championships and will have to win against Austria in France in November. Some people put the blame on Corinne Diacre the French Coach, arguing that her selection and the way she manages the team is the sole reason for the result against Austria this week.





Above: France’s Olympique Lyonnais star Delphine Cascarino in action against Austria earlier this week. Photo via: @delphsix





For me, I believe that nothing is black or white but grey, meaning that there is more than one reason for such problems, and based on what we saw during and since World Cup in France, I would say that our team and our players may not be as strong as some people say.





I hope that the future will prove me wrong and that we will win in 2022 in England.





Jean-Pierre’s biog details can be found on our page about all our writers here: https://impetus885775742.wordpress.com/about-our-contributors/ 

	


	





	

		
European Championship Qualifying Round-Up
	


	
	

		

It’s been a busy six days and with the first nations having just sealed their qualification for the finals in England, Ben Gilby rounds up all of the action.





Netherlands clinched their spot in the European Championships after a comprehensive 7-0 win over Estonia in Groningen on 23rd October. Two goals each from Danielle van der Donk and Jackie Groenen set the Dutch on the way with Sheride Spitse adding a penalty along with further strikes from Aniek Nouwen and Katja Snoeijs. Estonia are still looking for their first win in the qualifying stage. Russia won an important match with Slovenia as the two sides battling it off for second spot met head on in Moscow. Nelli Korovkina grabbed the only goal with fifteen minutes left. Kosovo’s remote hopes of a play-off spot seem to have ended after they could only draw 0-0 with winless Turkey. Four days later and Russia confirmed they will finish as runners-up with two games to go after defeating Turkey 4-2 in Moscow. Two goals from Margarita Chernomyrdina plus further strikes from Nelli Korovkina and Natalya Mashina were the difference. Late efforts from Derya Arhan and Didem Karagenc gave the result a better appearance from a Turkish perspective. Netherlands continued their imperious qualification form with a comfortable 6-0 win in Kosovo. A Katja Snoeijs hat-trick and one apiece from Danielle van der Donk, Lieke Martens and Vivienne Miedema took the Dutch goal tally to forty-two in their nine qualifiers so far. The match between Estonia and Slovenia was postponed with no confirmation as yet when it will be staged.





Group B took a decisive turn over the past five days. The action began with Denmark extending their goal difference over Italy to twenty-three after a 4-0 thrashing of Israel in Viborg on 21st October. Two outstanding strikes from Pernille Harder, plus an own goal from Irena Kuznetsov and an effort from Sofie Junge Pedersen earned another win. The first of two big showdowns between Denmark and Italy took place in Empoli on 27th October and the Danes 3-1 win was enough to ensure that they will top the group. They were dominant from the early stages and were 2-0 up within 17 minutes thanks to Everton’s Nicoline Sorensen and PSG’s Nadia Nadim. A second goal from Nadim just after half-time completed Denmark’s excellent victory. Valentina Giacinti’s consolation was not enough for Italy. The two sides will meet again in Viborg in the final round of qualification matches in December. Elsewhere in the group, Israel completed the double over Georgia with a 2-1 win in Tbilisi. Koral Hazan and Rahel Shtainshnaider were on the scoresheet. Teona Bakradze got a goal back for the hosts with twenty minutes to go.





Above: Denmark celebrate their qualification last night. Photo: @PernilleMHarder





On 22nd October, Wales kept alive their hopes of automatic qualification from Group C with a 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands in Newport. A brace from Natasha Harding, plus goals from Helen Ward and Lily Woodham sealed the win. On the same night, leaders Norway’s home game with Belarus was called off and has been tentatively re-arranged for February. Five days later, the group was decided when Norway left Cardiff with a 1-0 win over Wales which confirmed their qualification for the finals with two games to spare thanks to Frida Maanum’s goal just after the hour mark. The defeat was the first of two blows to hit the Welsh qualification hopes. The second was Northern Ireland’s sensational 1-0 win in Belarus despite playing for over an hour with only ten players after keeper Jacqueline Burns was sent off for fouling Anastaysia Shcherbachenia. Kenny Shiels’ charges rallied heroically and gained the win after Rachel Furness headed home Demi Vance’s corner just before half-time. Northern Ireland now know that if they can take maximum points from their final two matches – both at home and both potentially winnable – against Belarus and Faroe Islands they have an opportunity to claim the play-off spot ahead of Wales.





Above: Rachel Furness celebrates her goal and a outstanding win for Northern Ireland in Belarus. Photo: @OfficialIrishFA





Spain gained an important 4-0 victory over fellow qualification contenders Czech Republic on 23rd October. Esther Gonzalez, Patricia Guijarro, Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas were on the mark in Seville. Poland moved into second spot after a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in Warsaw. Malgorzata Mesjasz and two goals from Weronika Zawistowska ensured the Poles got back in the saddle after a defeat to the Czechs last time out. With the Spanish not in action on 27th October, Poland took advantage to go back to the top of the group following a 3-0 in Moldova thanks to goals from Paulina Dudek, Adriana Achcinska (penalty) and Dominika Kopinska. Czech Republic cemented third spot with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Azerbaijan. Clara Cahynova, Tereza Krejcirikova and Tereza Szewieczkova were on the mark. The Poles are now a point ahead of Spain, but have played two games more.





Scotland moved to within a point of leaders Finland in Group E with a game in hand after a 3-0 win over Albania in Edinburgh on 23rd October. Whilst Shelley Kerr’s side dominated the game, they had to wait until the final fourteen minutes to add to Rachel Corsie’s goal. It was Caroline Weir’s two late strikes (one from the spot) that cemented the result. Portugal got themselves back into the qualification hunt with a 3-0 win in Cyprus. Claudia Neto, Diana Silva and Ana Capeta scored the goals. Four days later, Scotland’s hopes took a slight dent following a 1-0 defeat in Helsinki to Finland who are now three points clear at the top of the table. It was a frustrating night for the Scots who created the best chances throughout. Martha Thomas fired over when clean through and Erin Cuthbert drove a fierce effort narrowly wide in the opening period. Second half chances fell to Leanne Crichton who hit a glorious volley just wide and to Jane Ross who saw a header come back off the bar. The Finns punished their visitors for those misses when, from a corner, Lizzie Arnot headed an effort off the line, but only as far as Eveliina Summanen who smashed it home. The Scots now fall to third in the group with four games to play following Portugal’s 1-0 win over Cyprus thanks to an own goal from Chara Charakambous.





In Group F, Sweden and Iceland remain comprehensively clear of the rest. The Swedes demolished Latvia 7-0 in Gothenburg on 22nd October. Two goals from Pauline Hammarlund plus single strikes from Lina Hurtig, Anna Anvegard, Olivia Schough, Magda Eriksson and Filippa Curmark sealed the deal. A day later, Slovakia moved into third place with a 2-1 win in Hungary. Patricia Hmirova and Maria Mikolajova put the Slovaks ahead before a late strike from Sara Pusztai provided the Hungarians with some pride. The top two faced off in Gothenburg on 27th October, and Sweden’s 2-0 win over Iceland confirmed they will win the group. Eva Jakobsson and Olivia Schough were on target. Elsewhere, Slovakia gained their second win over the past week by dispatching Latvia 2-0 thanks to two penalties in twenty-six first half minutes from Patricia Hmirova.





Above: Sweden celebrate earning their place in the Euro Finals in England. Photo: Mia Eriksson.





Group G has taken a fascinating turn over the past five days. France began with a comprehensive 11-0 win at home to North Macedonia in Orleans on 23rd October to set the home side up for their vital clash with Austria. Four goals from Eugenie Le Sommer, two from Grace Geyoro, plus strikes from Valerie Gauvin, Elisa de Almeida, Kadidiatou Diani, Viviane Asseyi and Delphine Cascarino summed up France’s total dominance. Their top of the table clash in Austria on 27th October ended goalless. The two countries are separated by just goal difference at the top. It makes the decisive return clash next month mouth-watering.





Lithuania remain winless in Group H after two further losses over the past few days. On 23rd October, Romania came away from Suduva Stadium with a 4-0 win following two goals by Stefania Vatufu and one each from Laura Rus and Ana Maria Vladulescu. 27th October saw the top two sides, Switzerland and Belgium earn routine wins respectively. The Swiss emerged 2-0 winners in Romania with Coumba Sow and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic on target. The Belgians demolished Lithuania in Sudova to the tune of 9-0. Hat-tricks by Tessa Wullaert and Tine De Caigny and one from Marie Minnaert plus own goals from Milde Luizinaite and Gabija Gedgaudaite completed the rout. Belgium host Switzerland in the final round of qualification matches in December in a huge game which will decide who wins the group. The Swiss, top by a single point need just a draw to guarantee winning the group.





Finally to Group I where Ukraine won their third qualifier in a row which gives them a realistic chance of claiming the runners-up spot in the group. Their 1-0 win over a Republic of Ireland side who appeared to be virtually guaranteed of second place at one point was a superb achievement. An own goal from Aine Marie O’Gorman was the difference. Greece picked up only their second win of the qualification period after a 1-0 success over Montenegro in Athens. Eleni Markou’s goal earned the win. Ukraine increased the pressure on the Irish on 27th October with a 4-0 win in Greece thanks to two goals from Darya Kravets with Natia Pantsulaia and Nadiia Kunina adding one each. This means Ireland know they need to beat heavyweights Germany in their final game in order to prevent Ukraine, who will expect to comfortably defeat winless Montenegro on the same night, from taking the runners-up spot.





With the qualification tournament now reaching its climax, it is worth looking closely at the race for runners-up places in each of the groups. The second placed countries with the three best records will qualify directly for the final tournament in England. At the moment, those places would go to Belgium, Austria and Italy. This would send Spain, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Russia, Wales and Portugal into the play-offs to see who would earn the remaining three places in the finals.

	


	





	

		
U’s Turn On The Style
	


	
	

		

Sutton United 8-0 Victoire





By Ben Gilby





Sutton United gained their first victory of the London & South-East Women’s Football League Division One North season in some style after producing a dominant performance against Victoire in front of an impressive crowd at Gander Green Lane.





Victoire went into the game in second place with four points from a maximum nine. This was only Sutton United’s second match in the league having drawn their opener 2-2 away to Phoenix Sports and then playing three cup ties in succession.





Inside the first thirty seconds, Sutton showed just how dangerous they could be. Darcy Wells played a probing ball through to Fern Colepio to run onto and to fashion the first shot from the right hand side of the box which lacked the power to force Deborah Tasker into a save.





With just two minutes played, Evie Nebbitt glided up the left wing to play in Mika Keen but the danger was snuffed out.





The quality of Nebbitt and Olivia Watson was causing Victoire headaches from the early exchanges.





The U’s best chance of the early stages fell in the eighth minute with Olivia Watson again involved. Her superb run down the right eventually led to two successive corners. From the second, Watson’s shot forced the first save of the afternoon from Tasker in the Victoire goal.





Above: Mika Keen gets in a shot for Sutton United against Victoire. Photo: Ben Gilby





Sutton were now piling on the pressure, and Darcy Wells’ influence on the game grew. The vice-captain and forward picked up possession on the right and rounded Michaela Gooden before hitting an effort wide. Wells had another opportunity in the thirteenth minute after she turned a defender with ease in the box with the following shot trickling past the left hand post.





Victoire took advantage of Sutton’s inability to turn their pressure into goals with Michaela Gooden well involved for the Croydon based side, but they could not generate sufficient quality to trouble a well marshalled U’s defence.





Finally, Sutton United’s quality shone through on 27 minutes and it was a move which encapsulated the quality of the side. Evie Nebbitt danced through the centre and played an inch perfect ball to Sophie Barnes who drew Tasker and slotted the ball beautifully into the net.





With thirty-two minutes played, Barnes again troubled Victoire along the left hand side before cutting in and firing in a shot. Two minutes later she broke clear again and fired in a shot that Tasker pushed out for a corner. Jennifer Neves sent the resulting flag kick in and this time there was no stopping Barnes who smashed the ball home for her second of the afternoon.





Eight minutes before the break, Wells hit a vicious dipping effort from outside the area which Tasker did well to push away for a corner.





Sutton were now rampant and came close to a third goal before the interval. Mika Keen combined with Tamara Graham to find Olivia Watson with a great cross-field pass. Watson’s ball in was met by Darcy Wells who was only denied by a magnificent acrobatic save by Tasker as the first half ended 2-0 in the home side’s favour.





The second period opened with Victoire on the offensive with Shannon Cambridge forcing the first save by Zoe McNulty in the Sutton goal. Olivia Watson showed great strength immediately afterwards at the other end in holding off a defender, turning and hitting a shot which Deborah Tasker held.





Three minutes into the half, Watson was in the thick of the action once more when she found Fern Colepio whose effort came crashing back off of the bar with Tasker beaten.





The third goal had to come and it did on 52 minutes when some great play from Fern Colepio found Darcy Wells who sent a shot coming back off the bar which rebounded to Sophie Barnes who lofted it over Tasker to complete her hat-trick.





With a comfortable lead on the scoreboard, confidence was coursing through the veins of the side in amber and chocolate and they began passing the ball round with great skill. On the hour mark, Mika Keen cut in from the left and hit a powerful effort which Tasker saved well with her feet.





Just three minutes later it was 4-0 when Olivia Watson’s strength in possession saw her run into the box and find substitute Keisha Small who fired home.





Victoire had a great effort shortly after when sub keeper Paige Hursey was forced to push a shot round the post. A header through from Ifeoma Chilizie towards Siane Francis Duncan was intercepted brilliantly by Evie Nebbitt





Sutton ruthlessly punished Victoire for not taking those two half chances with Darcy Wells running through to slot home a well-deserved goal with just under twenty minutes left.





Just three minutes later and Sutton emphasised their dominance with a team goal of the highest quality. Tamara Graham combined well with Olivia Watson who played a glorious ball to Keisha Small who gleefully smashed home her second.  





On eighty-three minutes the home side fashioned another superb goal. Darcy Wells played in Sophie Barnes beautifully and her powerful effort arrowed into the right of the net for her fourth of the afternoon.





Immediately from the kick off, Victoire created a chance when the impressive Michaela Gooden closed in on goal, but hit her effort straight at substitute keeper Paige Hersey.





Sutton responded yet again and Keisha Small had a real chance to complete a twenty minute hat-trick, but her effort went over the bar. Mika Keen also hit a shot from an acute angle which needed pushing away by Tasker.





Above: Gabby Howell shows good touch for Sutton United this afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby.





In the final minute, Keisha Small did complete her hat-trick which rounded off another excellent move. Gabby Howell fed Jennifer Neves on the right flank. Her ball in eventually found her way to the U’s midfielder to grab the final eighth.





In the end it was Sutton’s greater pace, organisation and ball playing skill that was the difference between the two sides. Victoire must take great credit for never letting their heads drop and pushing for the whole ninety minutes. The U’s are well capable of pushing strongly for another promotion this season and on this evidence it will take a very good side to stop them.





Teams: SUTTON UNITED: McNulty, Colliver, Howell, Hendra, Graham, Wells, Watson, Nebbitt, Keen, Colepio, Barnes. Substitutes: Hersey (GK) Small, King, Savage, Neves.





Scorers: Barnes 27, 34, 52, 83. Wells 71. Small 63, 74, 89.





VICTOIRE: Tasker, Leacock, Reid, Nicholson, Duncan, D’Aranjo, Christopher, Cambridge, Gooden, Gayle, Vines. Substitutes: Chilizie, Osmond, Frost, Thomas.





Attendance: 150.

	


	





	

		
Waltzing With The Matildas: Part Two
	


	
	

		

Impetus editor Ben Gilby concludes his in depth chat with the Matildas Active Support group about their incredible support of Australia’s national women’s team as well as looking more widely at women’s game Down Under. In this second part, we find out about the M.A.S’ links with the domestic W-League clubs, how they view the league for the new season and how they are trying to maintain social links with members during the pandemic.





Whilst the M.A.S. were formed to support the national women’s side, I asked them what their links are to the W-League clubs: “Some of the members of M.A.S. are also involved in active supporter groups for the W-League clubs in their home cities and as a result have formed some relationships/links with some of the players/coaching staff and sometimes these links have been maintained even after that player has left the club. The types of connection vary from group to group depending on how long the group has existed but at a minimum the players and coaching staff are aware of the groups existence and often engage with them over social media as well as after matches. All members of MAS are committed to supporting the W-League as a whole and are deeply invested in it and at various times, when the fixtures allow it, will attend matches not involving their team as a way of showing support for the players. Some of the more established supporter groups have had players attend supporter organised functions (e.g. season launches) as well.”





Above: Members of the Matildas Active Support Group get behind the Australian side in a game played at Parramatta last year. Photo courtesy: Matildas Active Support.





The number of Matildas stars playing in Europe – especially England – has this year moved from being a trickle to almost a deluge, leaving the domestic W-League without the majority of the national side. I asked the group their opinion on this: “As much as we love seeing our Tillies playing here at home, the benefits for our girls playing overseas are limitless. Playing against the world’s best teams and players is only going to help improve their skills and game play, which in turn is going to help the Matildas grow and fulfill their potential. It’s really promising to see our girls going to big clubs and getting game time as well.”





Indeed, the group see only positives ahead for the W-League when it starts again at the end of December, despite virtually all of the Matildas now playing overseas: “It’s a really exciting season ahead for the W-League – we’re super positive about the opportunity this provides for Football Federation Australia (FFA) to rethink how we organise our domestic league. We love our W-League but there is plenty of room to grow/improve. W-League fans have been frustrated by the current state of the league – we don’t have a full home and away season yet, teams play at many different grounds and broadcasting can be hit and miss both of which make it hard to bring fans together and grow active support. The combination of the Matildas regulars playing overseas and not in “the Dub” (W-League) and the looming 2023 home World Cup presents an amazing opportunity to rethink our league – the FFA has been working on plans for this so we are excited to see where it goes in future.”





The M.A.S. also believe it could be hugely beneficial to the next generation of Matildas players: “With all the Matildas heading overseas there is also a big opportunity for clubs to bring through young National Premier League (NPL) players and really give the next generation of talent a chance. (The NPL is a state based competition – we don’t have promotion/relegation as yet in Australia).  COVID-19 has also had some impact – the season will start much later than it normally would and, in the state of Victoria no NPL was played, so it will be interesting to see what the Melbourne teams in particular do with players lacking match fitness and game time to develop. With the FAWSL poaching all the top players Melbourne City might be not be so dominant anymore!”










With the social side of the M.A.S. being such a major part of what they do, I wondered what the group have been up to since the Coronavirus outbreak? “Lots and lots of video chats. It would be hard to catch up regardless of the pandemic as we are all spread out across the country so video chats are the norm for us really. We had a really fun interaction when one of national TV broadcasters showed ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ – M.A.S. promoted a “watch along” event with the fan community using Twitter to discuss the movie using #MASBendsIt. The film’s Director, Gurinder Chadha, even ended up joining the fun and is keen to do something similar with us in future! (https://twitter.com/GurinderC/status/1251129419588141063)





We’ve also been watching replays of Matildas matches which have been good to interact with people on Twitter in particular during games.”





We closed our discussion by looking ahead to the future – both for the Matildas team and the Matildas Active Support: “For the Matildas it’s a very exciting period. It’s great to see the women getting over to Europe where there is such a high quality of play. It is only going to benefit the girls to be playing week in week out in multiple competitions with the world’s best players. With the recent appointment of our new manager, Tony Gustavsson, there is a real sense of excitement around the squad, with his tactical prowess especially very intriguing. The next few years are looking very promising for our Tillies!”





“In terms of the road ahead for M.A.S., a lot of our attention in the near future is obviously centered around the 2023 Women’s World Cup. We are looking at ways to provide an amazing fan experience to everyone that travels down under and how we can work closely with our friends across the ditch in New Zealand. M.A.S. is also developing projects and plans to improve gender equality in football and cement ourselves as a leading fan voice for the Matildas. It is a big period of change and growth for Matildas Active Support, and one we are extremely excited for.”





The Matildas Active Support can be found on Facebook – @MatildasActive and Twitter – @Matildasactive.





Missed Part One of this feature? Click here to read it: (https://impetus885775742.wordpress.com/2020/10/15/waltzing-with-the-matildas/)

	


	





	

		
Spurs Totally Out Gunned
	


	
	

		

Arsenal 6–1 Tottenham Hotspur





By Ben Gilby





Injury hit Arsenal eased to victory over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Meadow Park to return to the top of the Barclays F.A. Women’s Super League.





Arsenal’s injury problems were emphasised by them only being able to name three outfield players on the bench – two of whom were just seventeen years-old. Despite this, they swept aside a Spurs side who were all at sea in defence and toothless up front with Alex Morgan still to make her debut.





The Gunners swamped their North London rivals from the very start. It only took them four minutes to take the lead. Katie McCabe’s stunner of a free kick rebounded into the top corner off of the left hand post with Spurs keeper Rebecca Spencer beaten all ends up.





Seconds later, the home side almost doubled their lead when Ria Percival tripped Danielle van der Donk. McCabe’s free kick from a central position about ten yards outside of the ‘D’ was pushed out for a corner by Spencer with the Spurs wall looking less than firm.





With just seven minutes played Arsenal did go 2-0 up with Vivianne Miedema played in down her left and fired past Spencer from an acute angle. The Dutch star became the FAWSL’s all-time leading goal scorer as a result – her fiftieth goal in fifty Super League games.





Above: Vivianne Miedema enjoyed a record breaking afternoon for Arsenal. Photo: @ArsenalWFC





Spurs rallied briefly and finally got on the front foot as Rianna Dean fashioned an opportunity by hitting a shot from outside the box which Manuela Zinsberger tipped over for a corner.





Arsenal’s ruthless start ensured Spurs paid the price for not taking that chance with a third goal flying in after just fifteen minutes. Leah Williamson played a long ball over the Tottenham defence right into the stride of Caitlin Foord. The Australian international held off Anna Filbey with ease to slot home her fourth goal in five games.





Just after the half-hour mark, Beth Mead initiated a dangerous attack down the Arsenal right and cut inside but Kerys Harrop cleared the danger for a corner.





It only took a further four minutes for Miedema to get her second and Arsenal’s fourth of the afternoon when she beat Alanna Kennedy’s attempted challenge to get on the end of another free-kick. It was all too easy, and Spurs were forced to make a double substitution after just thirty-eight minutes in a bid to stem the flood of goals. It did not work.





Caitlin Foord had another chance for her own second goal, but Spencer pushed the Shellharbour born star’s effort wide.





With five minutes of the half remaining, Vivianne Miedema completed her hat-trick. The Dutch superstar laid the ball off to Caitlin Foord. The Australian returned the compliment for Miedema to tap home the fifth goal.





The second half opened with Spurs being given an opportunity to reduce the gap. Zinsberger failed to deal with the ball in and Lucia Marte Leon went down with little or no pressure applied to her. Referee Abigail Byrne pointed to the spot. Rianna Dean stepped up to take the kick but Manuela Zinsberger produced an excellent save to maintain Arsenal’s five goal advantage.





Dean tried to make amends four minutes later when she threaded the ball through to Rosana Ayane on their right. Her effort from an acute angle flew over the bar.





Arsenal replied immediately when Anna Filbey lost possession. Caitlin Foord ran through and her shot needed Rebecca Spencer to make the save.





Foord got the second goal her performance deserved on sixty-four minutes when she finished a great move. Vivianne Miedema popped up down the right and found Beth Mead. The Lionesses star laid a ball across the box to the Australian whose shot came off Spurs’ Ashleigh Neville and wrong footed Rebecca Spencer for 6-0.





Above: It was a frustrating afternoon for Tottenham Hotspur’s Alanna Kennedy. Photo: @SpursWomen





Spurs did have one positive to take from the afternoon when Leon powered a header past Zinsberger from Siri Worm’s corner – the first goal that Tottenham have scored against their North London rivals in a competitive match.





With eight minutes to go, Spurs earned another corner. Worm’s ball in was met by the head of Alanna Kennedy but she couldn’t generate sufficient power to stretch Zinsberger. Four minutes later, the Australian got up high again but put her header wide before leaving the pitch again with a knock.





As the game entered stoppage time, Arsenal brought on 17 year-old Anouk Denton for her FAWSL debut – another example of the quality that the Gunners’ youth set up has – to end a positive afternoon for the club.





This was another comfortable win for Arsenal, sending them to the top of the Barclays F.A. Women’s Super League and with no European football to add to their load this season, Joe Montemurro’s side look well placed to set the pace among the top sides as the campaign develops.





Above: Vivianne Miedema and Caitlin Foord were responsible for five of Arsenal’s goals this afternoon. Photo: @ArsenalWFC





Teams: ARSENAL: Zinsberger, Schnaderbeck, Williamson, Beattie, McCabe, Walti, Gut, van der Donk, Mead, Miedema, Foord.





Substitutes: Williams (GK), Wubben-Moy (used), Mace (used), Denton (used).





Scorers: McCabe 4. Miedema 7, 36, 40. Foord 15, 64.





TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Spencer, Neville, Filbey, Zadorsky, Harrop, Percival, Quinn, Kennedy, Davison, Dean, Addison. Substitutes: Whitehouse (GK), Leon (used), Green, Williams, Worm (used), Ayane (used), Sulola (used).





Scorer: Leon 77.





Referee: Abigail Byrne.

	


	





	

		
Hammers Own Worst Enemy As United Stay Unbeaten
	


	
	

		

West Ham United 2–4 Manchester United





By Ben Gilby





Manchester United’s unbeaten start to the Barclays F.A. Super League season continued at Dagenham and Redbridge FC’s Victoria Road ground.





It was, overall another frustrating performance from the Hammers who have now lost their last three FAWSL games and are still searching for their first league win – their solitary point so far coming on the opening day against Tottenham Hotspur.





Matt Beard’s ‘Irons’ were buoyed by the return of Laura Vetterlein, Kate Longhurst and Martha Thomas. Manchester United were hoping to take advantage of the early kick-off to go back to the top of the table, and their boss Casey Stoney make two changes from their 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday as Lotta Okvist and Ella Toone came into the starting eleven.





The Hammers, sporting a pink shirt in aid of Breast Cancer Now, were on the back foot initially as the ball was given away to Tobin Heath. The move progressed and Katie Zelem fired in the first effort of the afternoon but Australian international keeper Mackenzie Arnold pulled off a flying save. Arnold was called into action less than a minute later when she got down low to deny Alessia Russo.





West Ham fashioned their first opportunity on six minutes when Rachel Daly played a ball across to Adriana Leon who ballooned an effort high and wide.





Above: Tobin Heath (left) takes on West Ham’s Laura Vetterlein at Victoria Road this afternoon. Photo: @ManUtdWomen





United came close again when Tobin Heath’s shot was blocked by Hammers captain Gilly Flaherty and ran into path of an offside looking Leah Galton whose shot came off Cecile Redisch and the danger was gone. Heath fired wide shortly afterwards after Leon gave the ball away to the American star, but her effort was wide.





The pressure was rewarded on twenty minutes with the opening goal. Heath was not pressured by the home defence and was free to play a high cross to the back post where Zelem met it and played the ball back giving Alessia Russo the easiest of tap ins.





Russo, one of the stand out players, drove through the midfield and played in Tobin Heath on the right who fired it past Arnold from the right hand side just three minutes later.





West Ham were their own worst enemies; too many loose passes and consistently not closing Heath down quick enough was reflected with those two early goals conceded.





The home side fashioned a rare opportunity with eight minutes of the half left. Great skill from Leon, who nutmegged Zelem and then glided past Amy Turner with excellent footwork down her left saw the Canadian international fire a shot just over.





Buoyed by this move, the Hammers got back into the game. A beautiful out swinging cross from Kenza Dali was met with the head of Matildas star Emily van Egmond who nodded it into the bottom corner of the net out of the reach of Mary Earps.





Sadly for the Hammers, all their hard work in getting back into the game was undone just three minutes later. A superb teasing cross from Galton was met by the head of Russo, who directed her effort across Arnold and into the far corner to restore the Red Devils’ two goal buffer at the break.





The home side’s defending continued to cause concern. After fifty-one minutes, Tobin Heath played in Alessia Russo who, in turn threaded a lovely ball through for Ella Toone but her effort went wide of Mackenzie Arnold’s far post.





Leon responded for West Ham down the left hand side of the box and curled a shot that Mary Earps had to push away for a corner.





Above: Manchester United’s Katie Zelem looks to get past West Ham’s Australian international Emily van Egmond. Photo: @ManUtdWomen





Chances were few and far between after that. United sent a few opportunities wide. For the ‘Irons’, Alisha Lehmann cut in from the left and curled an effort over the bar.





With seven minutes left, West Ham set up a grand stand finish when Rachel Daly turned Lotte Okvist and sent over what looked like a looping cross, but it sailed over Mary Earps and into the net.





Yet again, West Ham conceded shortly after scoring. This time there were four minutes in between. From Lucy Staniforth’s free kick just in from her left, poor marking allowed substitute Christen Press to nod home her first goal in English football.





There is no doubt that Manchester United deserved the win, but West Ham United coach Matt Beard will be tearing his hair out that every time his side got into the game they immediately threw it away.





Teams: WEST HAM UNITED: Arnold, Redisch, Flaherty, Fisk, Vetterlein, Longhurst, van Egmond, Dali, Leon, Thomas, Daly.





Substitutes: Brosnan (GK – not used), Joel, Cho, Grant, Svitkova, Kiernan (not used), Lehmann, Nor (not used).





Scorers: van Egmond 39, Daly 83.





MANCHESTER UNITED: Earps, A. Turner, McManus, M. Turner, Okvist, Zelem, Toone, Groenen, Heath, Galton, Russo. Substitutes: Ramsey (GK – not used), Smith (not used), Hanson, Ladd, Staniforth, Press, Ross (not used), Sigsworth (not used).





Scorers: Russo 20, 42. Heath 23, Press 87.





Referee: Ryan Atkin.