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The Swedish Scene

The latest column from @DandalBs, sees a focus on the Swedish Cup Final, the fourth round of Damallsvenskan and Elitettan and more transfer news.

SWEDISH CUP FINAL:

**Above:** BK Häcken celebrate Stina Blackstenius’ goal which put them 2-0 up over Eskilstuna United. **Photo:** svt.tv

BK Häcken took on Eskilstuna United in this year’s Swedish Cup final on Thursday. Going into the game, Eskilstuna were playing in their first ever Cup Final while Häcken’s previous incarnation Kopparbergs/Göteborg played in three, against Tyresö (2011 and 2012) and Kristianstad (2019) and won them all. The even earlier incarnation Kopparbergs/Landvetter lost the 2002 final to Umeå.

In the end, it was a comprehensive win for BK Häcken. Eskilstuna’s defensive set up worked well for the first half, but the second half was a totally different story as Häcken completely dominated. Eleven minutes into the second period, Filippa Angeldahl put the Gothenburg based side ahead. An outstanding second goal from Stina Blackstenius with 20 minutes left ensured that she ends the competition as the joint top scorer with Hammarby’s Emilia Larsson. Pauline Hammarlund completed the scoring after 87 minutes.

DAMALLSVENSKAN:

**Above:** Amanda Edgren (left) and Kristianstad celebrate her winner against Vittsjö. **Photo:** Bildbyrån

Kristianstad earned an impressive 1-0 win over Vittsjö thanks to a goal from Amanda Edgren. The result puts Kristianstad up to second place, just two points behind leaders FC Rosengård.

**Above:** AIK’s Rose Kafaji who earned the Solna based side a draw against rivals Hammarby. **Photo:** AIKfotboll

AIK’s positive start to the campaign continued after Rosa Kafaji scored a late equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw in their Stockholm derby at home to Hammarby. Nora Rönnfors scored the Solna based side’s other goal. Eva Nyström and Madelen Janogy were on target for Hammarby. It was a lively match that the visitors will be frustrated not to have won.

**Above:** Uchenna Kanu, who scored Linköping;s winner against BK Häcken. **Photo:** trendupdate.ng

BK Häcken have slipped to third after a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Linköping. Uchenna Kanu scored the only goal after she finished a great move when Maanum played in Simonsson who back-heeled a pass to Kanu who scored.

**Above:** Piteå celebrate Anam Imo’s winner against Växjö. **Photo:** fotbollskanalen.se

Piteå returned from their enforced break due to a coronavirus outbreak to grab their first win of the season as they beat Växjö 1-0 thanks to a goal from Anam Imo.

**Above:** Rosengård are the only team in the *Damallsvenskan* with a 100% win rate after four games after this win over Djurgården. **Photo:** fotbollskanalen.se

Rosengård stay top and are the only team to have won all four games after they saw off Djurgården 3-0. Sanne Troelsgaard and two goals from Jelena Čanković, the first of which was an outstanding free kick. Rosengård are looking more and more confident.

KIF Örebro drew 1-1 with Eskilstuna United. Örebro 1-1 Eskilstuna. Jenna Hellstrom was on target for the hosts with Fanny Andersson finding the net for Eskilstuna.

**Above:** Cornelia Kapocs, scorer of two goals for Linköping in their dramatic re-arranged game with Piteå. **Photo:** Linköping FC

Linköping took the spoils in a seven goal thriller against Piteå in the rearranged game between the two sides after the original game was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak in the Piteå camp. The game looked to be won with just over half an hour played as Linköping built a 4-0 lead. Cornelia Kapocs and Uchenna Kanu both scored twice in the period. Maja Green got a goal back for Piteå in first half stoppage time. Anam Ino got another goal back for Piteå with 19 minutes left. The visitors got a late third goal to throw some doubts into the minds of Linköping when Guro Petterson scored with a free-kick, but they couldn’t quite get a fourth to earn a point.

Note – this table does not reflect Linköping’s 4-3 win over Piteå played on Thursday.

Round Five Fixtures:

Vittsjö GIK v AIK

Växjö v Rosengård

Piteå IF v KIF Örebro

Djurgårdens v BK Häcken

Eskilstuna United v Hammarby

Linköping v Kristianstad

ELITETTAN:

IK Uppsala couldn’t fully take advantage of Umeå IK not being in action as they could only draw 1-1 in their game with third placed Älvsjö AIK FF. Beata Olsson gave Uppsala the lead just gone the half hour mark before Linn Bogren levelled on 58 minutes. The top of the table is now very tight with the top three only separated by two points. Umeå IK’s game in hand will be at home to winless Borgeby FK. At the bottom, Lidköpings FK gained their first win of the season after seeing off Morön BK 2-1. Sundsvalls DFF and Bollstanäs SK are still looking for their first wins of the campaign.

Round Four Results: Borgeby FK v Umeå IK POSTPONED, IF Brommapojkarna 5-1 Bollstanäs SK, Sundsvalls DFF 0-5 Mallbackens IF Sunne, Alingsås FC United 1-0 IFK Kalmar, Lidköpings FK 2-1 Morön BK, Jitex Mölndal 0-3 IFK Norrköping, Älvsjö AIK FF 1-1 IK Uppsala.

Round Five Fixtures: IFK Norrköping v IF Brommapojkarna, Alingsås FC United v Umeå IK, IK Uppsala v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Morön BK v Jitex Mölndal, Sundsvalls DFF v Lidköpings FK, Bollstanäs SK v Borgeby FK.

NEWS ROUND-UP:

Eskilstuna United have signed former KIF Örebro keeper Mimmi Paulsson-Febo, as the second back-up to Emma Holmgren and Emelie Lundberg.

**Above:** Mimi Paulsson-Febo, newly signed at Eskilstuna United. **Photo:** M.A.V. Foto/Örebrotribune.se

Frida Manum of Linköping has set her sights on a move to England and Spain. She has said she hopes that Linköping get a transfer fee for her when she leaves after the club developed her since the age of 18.

Adrian Stenta: Stability the Key To Success

Adelaide United have recently completed their best ever W-League season which saw them win more games than ever before and smash the record attendance for a stand-alone match in the competition’s history. These successes were tempered by the club missing out on a first ever place in the Finals on goal difference. Ben Gilby reviewed the club’s season with head coach Adrian Stenta in our latest #DubWrap feature.

**Above:** Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta had a hugely positive first season in charge. **Photo supplied by** Adelaide United FC.

Going into the W-League season, Adrian Stenta stepped up to the head coaches role after serving as assistant to Ivan Karlovic, who was appointed as the club’s first ever head of women’s football.

“My aims for the season were to push hard for a spot in the Finals and for us to be a side who were not just competitive, but who consistently won matches by playing a good style of football,” the head coach said.

Adelaide started the season with an incredible game at Canberra United which saw the South Australians take a 2-0 lead within the first half hour thanks to goals from Cote Rojas and Isabel Hodgson before the side from the national capital hit back to draw level and then score a further two goals in two stoppage time minutes at the end of the game. There was still time for Mallory Weber to get a third for Adelaide in a 4-3 defeat.

“I learned a season’s worth of lessons from that game,” admitted Stenta.

“The first half told me that we could be a competitive side who play good football and can achieve good results. To concede four goals in the second half was disappointing. What it did teach me though was that kind of result in a first game had the potential to derail our season and dent our confidence. The way we responded to that result was really positive and it showed me that the side had a lot of fight, spirit and character.”

Stenta also highlighted several other massive positives that he saw from his team that bode well for the future. “Their work ethic – the players work extremely hard and never looked for or made excuses when things were not going their way.

“The way the players all came together was pleasing. We had a great environment and culture within the playing group. When you have that and a strong work ethic then you set yourself up for success. The players worked hard and professionally to achieve their goals.”

With the team missing Finals football by the narrowest possible margin, Stenta is already clear in his mind about what needs to happen next season to ensure that Adelaide United get over the line.

“We need to be going along a similar path to what we have been doing for the last few seasons which is stability among the core group of players. We need to keep as many players from this year’s squad if we possibly can and add some quality players where we need to.

“We just have to keep building on what occurred this season and the positives from before. We were really pleased with what we were able to achieve from a certain point, but we still fell a bit short from the goals that we set ourselves at the start of the season. Stability will be the key thing in the off season if that is possible.”

In terms of recruitment for the next W-League campaign, the Adelaide United head coach was positive due to the strong links that the Reds have to their state NPLW clubs. “Recruitment can be a challenge. There is a lot of technology and footage available these days to help with the process.

**Above:** Adrian Stenta makes a point during a training session. **Photo supplied by:** Adelaide United FC.

“We’re lucky in that we have very close links with Football SA and one of our coaches is involved with coaching the state NTC girls as well. That link and that pathway is strong.

“Then it’s a case of watching as many games and as many players across the local SA NPLW to see how players already attached to our club are performing and those we could be interested in. I like to engage in lots of dialogue with the NPLW coaches about how players are progressing within their own programs because that is the league that underpins our W-League. It’s really important to keep close tabs and see how players are performing in that competition. Our local coaches are a great source of information in regards to that.”

We also look at the national competitions plus any players abroad that we have our eyes on as well. The fact that we have a really long off season does help that recruitment process, but it’s a challenge when we don’t know many details about the next W-League season yet.”

These details include the timings of the season, something which impacted the last W-League season as players, including Adelaide United’s Dylan Holmes departed for Scandinavia with the Australian season still in progress. Charlotte Grant’s subsequent move to Sweden at the end of the W-League campaign also came with an announcement that could allow both stars to return for the new W-League season if the calendar’s line up correctly.

**Above:** Adrian Stenta sees plenty of scope for growth within his Adelaide United squad. **Photo supplied by:** Adelaide United FC.

“There is potential there for Charli to return. Firstly, it was great for both Dylan and Charli to make their moves as it will be good for their careers. That’s a big positive.

“We do know that players can play across both leagues if they wish to, but there are some unknowns about the timing of the next W-League season which makes it hard to be sure at this stage. But the pleasing thing is that both Dylan and Charli have indicated that they are keen to return to us if they can and we’re certainly keen to have them back.”

The other massive positive for the club was the record breaking crowd for a stand-alone W-League match which Adelaide United achieved when 5,159 people attended their final home game with Western Sydney Wanderers at the club’s A-League regular venue, Coopers Stadium.

“That was a fantastic event,” said Stenta, “It was well promoted by the club and well attended by our fans. We’re hoping to be able to play at Coopers Stadium more often in the future, and it just goes to show that when sport is promoted properly and supported, people will come out to watch because the product is worth it. The players are worth it. I was so glad that the players were able to experience that for their final experience in the season just gone.”

Building on that crowd figure and the performances in the season just gone, Adrian Stenta’s goals for the club in the future are all about providing opportunities.

“We’d like to have some success, first and foremost within our program and that will come with making a Finals appearance for the first time in the club’s history. Yet, something we have taken away from this season is that we’re not just about trying to make Finals, we want to push for a Championship as well.

“Our broader focus as a club is about providing pathways for our young South Australian women to play at the highest possible level for them whether that be with us here, or opening up opportunities for South Australian footballers to play overseas potentially, that would also be part of our goals moving forwards.”

Look out for another #DubWrap feature with another W-League Head Coach/Player looking back at their season soon!

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

Stockport County: Building A Positive Future

Ben Gilby spoke to Stockport County Ladies Welfare Officer Peter Attfield about how the club have been making the best of a stop-start season in the FA Women’s National League Division One North.

**Above:** Going for goal – it’s been far too long since Stockport County (left) were in FAWNL action. **Photo via** Peter Attfield.

Stockport County Ladies were set up following a partnership with the local authority. Formed in 1989/90, Peter remarks that “they were an instant hit.”

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a massive period of adjustment for the club as Peter explains: “None of our teams were able to play or train during the two periods of lockdown, which has been difficult for us trying to keep the club active. A huge thank you has to go to our volunteer coaches who have been doing everything they can to keep players of all ages, fit, engaged and entertained during this time.”

Apart from coronavirus, Peter sees the biggest challenge that the club has to face being the fact that there are no paid staff: “All the coaches and committee have to fit in club activities around full time jobs. The demands of running a first team in the FA Women’s National League without full time staff is difficult. As a club run entirely by volunteers it would not be right to single out any individual, as everyone gives up a significant amount of their free time to allow the club to function. Having said that, our Club Secretary, Jane Morley, bears the brunt of the day-to-day grind of making sure everything happens.”

Peter explained how the women’s club’s links with Stockport County men’s team, who play in the fifth tier of the men’s pyramid has, historically depended on how successful the male side has been doing, but there are signs of very promising developments in the relationship: “We are administratively and financially independent of Stockport County FC. In past years the level of interaction between the two clubs has varied, largely depending on how well the men’s team were doing. Since the takeover of the club by Mark Stott, earlier this year, there has been a significant increase in the dialogue between the two clubs with major benefits for the ladies. We look forward to working together to build on this positive initiative in the future.”

**Above:** Stockport County (blue) in action earlier in the season. **Photo via:** Peter Attfield.

This season has been exceptionally stop-start for Stockport County Ladies, and they have only played four games in the FAWL National League Division One North. “It has been very difficult to maintain any momentum so far this season,” Peter observes. “There’s been some very good performances which have been offset against a couple of disappointing results. We had some major changes in personnel, playing and coaching, over the summer and it will be good to see how these changes take shape when we can get a run of matches together. Initial signs are encouraging and hopefully we have everything in place to allow us to progress in the FAWNL.”

In terms of what one of the major strengths are for the club, Peter is absolutely clear: “We regard it as being the pathway available to Stockport County Ladies. When football is back to ‘normal’ we have football available all the way through from five years old Wildcats, right through to open age with teams at county league level, FAWNL Reserve League and FAWNL. We did have a significant increase in the number of new junior players coming to the club following the last Women’s World Cup in 2019.”

In terms of looking ahead to the future of the club, Peter was slightly guarded, perhaps no surprise given the completely uncertain last twelve months that we have all lived through: “At the current time, I don’t want to even attempt to predict what the football landscape will look like in the short to medium term future. Let’s just hope we’re back to training and playing on a regular basis!”

A thought that is echoed by just about every sport loving person around the world.

**Above:** Sticking together – Stockport County Ladies. **Photo via:** Peter Attfield.

Helston Clinch The Title

Penryn AFC 0-4 Helston Athletic

by Paul Parfitt

**Above:** Helston Athletic celebrate winning the Cornwall Women’s Football League on Sunday. **Photo** **via:** Paul Parfitt

Paul Parfitt’s Helston side arrived at Kernick Road knowing a point against second placed Penryn Ladies would be enough to secure a maiden League title.

Penryn themselves have been in superb form since the end of the lockdown registering three wins and a draw meaning a win for them would leave them in with a chance of winning the league themselves, this was a clash of the two best teams in the division.

Both teams fielded strong squads and as the match started Penryn took the initiative and had the success in the early exchanges winning 50/50 balls. Although their link up play wasn’t quite working for them and perhaps showing signs of nerves in the context of the match, Helston still looked dangerous albeit from broken play. Penryn had the first clear chances to score but a last ditch tackle from Georgie Sweet and a save from Eve Moore did enough to keep the score even.

On 19th minute Helston’s Abi Locke chased an expertly weighted through ball from Ellie Brewer and lobbed the on-rushing keeper to make it 1-0 Helston and settle some nerves for the travelling side.

Penryn stayed in the game and their physical and determined approach winning 50/50 ball and pressing and harassing Helston still featured in their game. Another through ball saw Abi Locke caught accidentally with studs in the follow through of Penryn keeper Clare Churcher, this injury required treatment and brought an end to the goal scorers game. Locke was replaced by the teams second top scorer Katy Barker-Thomas who immediately caused Penryn problems.

There was a phase of play in the first half where Helston were caught offside eight consecutive times and captain Sasha Sparkes spoke with the referee during a break in play which resulted in a yellow card and 10 minutes in the sin bin for the Helston captain to the bemusement of many onlookers.

Down to 10, a galvanised Helston started to take the upper hand, Penryn still looked dangerous but the energy of substitutes Alice Rae and Keri-Ann Moxom added to Helston’s ability to retain the football and play their style. It remained 0-1 at Half Time.

Parfitt had made four changes going into the second half and Helston started brightly seemingly finding their rhythm, Sparkes re-joined the side in the 50th minute and it was just three minutes later that the familiar combination that has brought Helston 60 goals across all matches this season were back at it again; Katy Barker-Thomas hitting a super cross that beat the punch of Churcher in goal and saw Sparkes rise at the far post to head in Helston’s second.

With a front three now looking to get after Penryn, Helston enjoyed a good period in the game, Katy Barker-Thomas delivered another superb cross three minutes later and in a desperate attempt to prevent it falling to the striker a Penryn defender headed into her own net to make it 0-3, the away side then had a couple of penalty shouts went by before one was awarded for a late challenge. The Helston skipper hit the post with her effort and Penryn were let off. The home side themselves then pushed forward winning a corner and testing both the Helston defence and keeper in what was still a fairly even game.

Helston made further changes utilising the roll on roll off substitutions and they looked to push on and improve the score. Helston were utilising the superb throw of Kim Yould and were regularly causing the Penryn defence issues, still blighted with offsides there was frustration for the team in blue. The Penryn keeper again keeping the score respectable with a string of saves and coming off the better in one to ones with Helston missing one or two open goals also.

As the game crept into time added on there was still opportunities coming and it was somewhat befitting that Helston scored in the 92nd minute to wrap up their League Title Win in Paul Parfitt’s inaugural season; typically fitting too was the goal scorer, with Jade Sweet sliding a pass through for Captain Sparkes to collect and outwit both defender and keeper to slot home and secure the CWFL Trophy for her team.
The game was a representation of desire and hunger in the Women’s game in Cornwall and the match was played in a manner of that befitting the top two sides in the division. Penryn’s season is now finished having played all their fixtures, Helston have two remaining away games at Mousehole and Culdrose on the next two Sundays as they undoubtedly look to finish the season unbeaten in the league.

This Helston side look to take promotion to SWRFL for next season and manager Paul Parfitt has already stated his intentions to enter a Development Side in the CWFL which will be managed by the experienced and popular Kev James. If you fancy taking up football or playing for Helston next season keep an eye on their socials and go along to their open trials on Sunday 6th June.

Helston Athletic: E Moore, C Sparkes-Bond, C Demouy, E Brewer, G Sweet, G Lane, D White, K Yould, S Sparkes (c), A Locke, S Sparkes-Bond. Subs Used: J Sweet, K Barker-Thomas, A Rae, K Moxom, S Clouter.

Scorers: Locke 19, Sparkes 53, 90, OG 56

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset rounds up all the actions from the twentieth week of action in D1 Arkema, French women’s football’s topflight.

**Above:** Jamaican international Khadija Shaw scored the goal that secured a first ever qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League. **Photo:** Daniel Vaquero/SIPA

Soyaux won 1-0 at home against Fleury. Goal for Soyaux from Henriette Akaba (90). With this victory, Soyaux still have a chance to avoid relegation in D2; They are now 4 points ahead from Issy which are 11th.

Bordeaux won 1-0 away from home against Montpellier. Goal for Bordeaux from Khadija Shaw (76). With this victory, Bordeaux are now certain to finish third and to play the UEFA Women Champion League next year for the first time in their history.

Paris FC won away from home against Dijon 1-0. Goal for Paris FC from Clara Matéo (57). Paris FC will finish fourth in the D1 Arkema Championships whatever their results in the last two games.

Paris Saint Germain won 2-0 away from home against Le Havre despite never quite hitting the heights. Goals for Paris SG from Nadia Nadim (6) and Marie-Antoinette Katoto (80). With their defeat, Le Havre cannot hope of finishing better than eleventh. After being eliminated by Barcelona in UEFA Women’s Champion League, PSG played an additional match in D1 with a victory away from home against cross city rivals Paris FC 3-2 despite missing Kadiaditou Diani. Unfortunately, after her goal Katoto had to be substituted due to injury and PSG now face potentially having to play the likely title decider against Lyon on May 30 without its leading scorer.

Olympique Lyonnais won away from home against Issy 4-0. Goals from Amel Majri (10 penalty), Catarina Macario (32 and 42) and Eugénie Le Sommer (56). Without playing at their best, Lyon were in control and were never in danger. After the replacement of Jean-Luc Vasseur by Sonia Bompastor as coach two weeks ago, it seems that Lyon are improving after successive wins by big scores – 5-1 against Le Havre on April 30 and 4-0 against Issy in the last game.

Guingamp were held 0-0 at home to Reims.

The D1 ARKEMA table now looks like this:

Kerr-ific Chelsea Retain The Title

Chelsea 5–0 Reading

By Ben Gilby

**Above:** All smiles as Chelsea lift the FAWSL title for the fourth time. **Photo:** @BarclaysFAWSL

Chelsea regained the Barclays FA Women’s Super League title with a comfortable victory over Reading at Kingsmeadow.

Emma Hayes named the same starting line-up as last week’s Champions League Semi-Final which meant that Swedish international Jonna Andersson remained on the bench.

Reading’s season will be filed under ‘transitional’ and the retirement of legend Fara Williams symbolises this end of an era.

The 37 year-old, who lined up for the final time in her career at Kingsmeadow won a record 172 caps for the Lionesses and during a spell with Everton from 2004 and 2012 scored 70 goals in 122 games.

It didn’t take long for Chelsea to show their dominance as the home side earned a corner from the opening play. Jess Carter’s low corner found Melanie Leupolz on the edge of the box and she side footed a shot into the net with just over a minute on the clock.

One thing Reading are renowned for though is their stubbornness and work rate and Kelly Chambers’ team dug in to stifle Chelsea’s forward ambition for the next half hour or so as their defensive pattern shifted to actively press the home side’s offensive play with the consequence that the Blues were forced to go backwards in an attempt to come forwards.

However, if anyone had the creative nous to break through the Reading wall, it was the Kerr and Kirby double act. Ji played a trademark perfect pass out to Kirby which Kerr ran onto. Her ball back to the England star resulted in Kirby hitting a first time effort into the net for 2-0.

**Above:** Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby – one of the greatest double acts that the FAWSL has seen. **Photo:** @BarclaysFAWSL

The partnership between Kerr and Kirby is unquestionably the key component in Chelsea’s relentless march to silverware and at this point, it’s important to cast our minds back to October when there was sustained criticism of Kerr and complaints that the FAWSL had been sold a dud.

These critics missed three very important points which were impacting Kerr at the start of the season. Prior to lockdown in March 2020, the Australian had developed a strong understanding with Beth England, her main strike partner at the time. Watching the two together at Kingsmeadow in those three months was a joy to behold as a real telepathic understanding was growing before our eyes.

Then, England had an operation over the summer and never really established herself as a regular starter this season, which meant that Kerr had to develop a new offensive relationship with Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder.

Kirby was unable to play for Chelsea when Kerr first arrived in January 2020 due to a debilitating injury and associated mental battles which the Lionesses star deserves huge plaudits for overcoming to the extent that she is now playing the greatest football of her career. Therefore it was no surprise that it took a number of weeks to build up that understanding, but once it built up, boy did it work.

The third element that the critics were ignoring was perhaps the one which showed the lack of awareness they had about Sam Kerr as a player. To a number of those critics, the Western Australian was simply a goal machine and her failing to find the net was a sign she was a failure. They either showed no awareness of or chose to ignore the huge amount of work off the ball which Kerr was getting through each week for the South London side. Something that she has always done throughout her career which has made her the ultimate team player. Blues boss Emma Hayes was well aware of this part of Kerr’s game and highlighted it week in week out in response to the criticism.

Since then, Kerr has not looked back and apart from scoring 21 league goals of her own this season, the East Fremantle born striker has been responsible for a large number of Kirby’s tally of 16 in a devastating partnership which you feel is only going to get more deadly next season.

Whilst it’s been the trio of Kerr, Kirby and Harder who have earned the column inches and social media posts, there are two other players who have been absolutely vital in the Chelsea’s success this season.

Erin Cuthbert embodies a massive part of what makes Chelsea the team they are. The 22 year-old is the ultimate Scottish terrier snapping around the ankles of the opposition. She is capable of taking on and dominating the best as Lucy Bronze found out earlier in the season when the Irvine born star had the Lionesses’ legend in her back pocket all afternoon long. Cuthbert runs kilometre after kilometre off the ball to neuter opponents and chase down and ultimately win countless lost causes. Erin Cuthbert is the player who will leave the pitch caked in mud when everyone else is pristine clean. It will be the biggest travesty of all if she is not in the Team GB squad for the Olympics.

**Above:** Another stellar season from Erin Cuthbert. **Photo:** @erincuthbert_

Then there is Ji So-yun who is coming towards the end of her seventh season for Chelsea. She remains a key part of the midfield establishment at Kingsmeadow. The South Korean has played over 110 games in her time in South London. At times last season there were signs that the opposition were able to successfully out muscle her to reduce her impact on the game. However, from the start of the season, Ji has brought back out her magic wand and has used it to remarkable effect. She is capable of class of the highest order: a perfect centimetre perfect through ball from midfield, pulling the strings to link up play or her famed glorious free kicks.

Reading began the second period on the front foot. It was the tighter and more offensive combination play of their midfielders Rachel Rowe, Angharad James and Fara Williams who were behind this improved standing in the game. Unfortunately for the Royals this was not matched by sharpness from their sole striker Danielle Carter.

Yet again though, as Reading threatened and failed to break through, Chelsea showed them how it was done. A long ball through to Kerr on the right saw her side foot a pass to Kirby who was just outside the ‘D’. She took a touch, created space and unleashed a rocket into the right hand corner of the net.

The Special K partnership combined again for Chelsea’s fourth. Cuthbert played a short pass through to Kirby who looped a ball into the box which Kerr volleyed first time into the net to ensure she won the FAWSL Golden Boot Award as the league’s top scorer.

Cuthbert made it 5-0 when her effort was helped over the line by Royals keeper Grace Maloney.

The scary thing for Chelsea’s opponents in England and Europe is that there is still scope for them to get even better. There is no question for me that Emma Hayes’ team do not have the strength in depth in defence that they do in midfield and up front. Whilst it might seem churlish to suggest this of a team who only conceded ten league goals all season, the highest standards of defence can help to decide the finest margins at the very highest level in the Champions League and if Chelsea want to dominate the pinnacle of European women’s football in the way Olympique Lyonnais did previously, this is where they will need to focus their recruitment.

**Above:** Magda Eriksson – Chelsea’s captain and talisman. **Photo:** @ChelseaFCW

Some Blues fans were surprised that last summer only Niamh Charles arrived in a defensive position with the club again focusing on bolstering their offensive options. Magda Eriksson’s loss for a month saw the Blues look more vulnerable than usual. Millie Bright is not the same player without Eriksson beside her at the back.

Interestingly, the only player Chelsea have been linked with so far is Manchester United’s young forward Lauren James. Given James’ family are based just over 10km from Kingsmeadow, it is a move which looks very likely to happen.

Chelsea can celebrate the third piece of silverware for 2020/21, but with a Champions League Final coming up next Sunday and this season’s FA Cup running into the new campaign, they still have every chance to have many more glory days ahead.

CHELSEA: Berger, Charles, Eriksson, Bright, Carter, Ingle, Leupolz, Ji, Kirby, Harder, Kerr. Substitutes: Musovic (GK), Blundell, England, Reiten, Fleming, Cuthbert, Spence, Telford (GK), J. Andersson.

Scorers: Leupolz 2, Kirby 43, 57, Kerr 71, Cuthbert 75.

READING: Malone, Leine, Cooper, Bartrip, Roberts, James, Williams, Rowe, Harding, Harries, Carter. Substitutes: Nayler (GK), Childerhouse, Flores, Jeon, Eikeland, Chaplen.

Referee: Stacey Pearson.

Terriers Earn Draw Against Red Devils

Huddersfield Town 2-2 Manchester United U21

By Jack Walker

Brittany Sanderson and Lucy Sowerby scored as Huddersfield Town Women battled to a well-earned 2-2 draw against Manchester United U21s yesterday afternoon.

The visitors started strongly and took the lead with a crisp left-footed strike that found the bottom corner from range, but Town weren’t behind for long.

Kate Mallin threatened immediately after conceding, sending an effort just wide of the near post, and United didn’t heed the warning.

Moments later, Mallin escaped down the right hand side again and played a perfect ball across the six-yard line for Brittany Sanderson to stretch and turn the ball home to level it up at 1-1 with just 11 minutes played.

Both sides were confident in building out from the back with United clearly showing attempts to mirror their first team, but Town’s high press worked a treat on numerous occasions as Lucy Sowerby and Sarah Danby won the ball in dangerous areas.

As a sign of their intent, the Terriers continued to dominate the first half and almost took the lead through Katie Nutter just shy of the half hour mark.

Serena Fletcher won and took a brilliant free kick out on the right flank and Nutter’s shot looked destined for the back of the net, but the United ‘keeper somehow clawed the ball away before Town’s no.7 attempted an acrobatic overhead kick that fell just wide of the upright.

The away side, though, showed quality too and almost re-took the lead when a cross clipped the crossbar on its way behind for a goal kick. That, however, was the closest either side came to finding the target in the remainder of the first half and the two sides went into the break with nothing to separate them.

**Above:** Goal mouth action in yesterday’s game between Huddersfield Town and Manchester United U21s. **Photo via:** Jack Walker.

Town started the second forty-five much brighter than the first and almost scored within a minute if the restart.

Mallin was hacked down on the angle of the area and Georgia Marshall rose highest to meet the cross but her header fell agonisingly wide of the far stick, despite the best efforts of Beth Ibbotson who found the side meeting with the ball already just out of play.

Town threatened from set pieces and it was Marshall who made the difference in the air to give her side the lead.

After a dangerous cross was turned behind for a corner, Danby whipped in a fierce delivery and Marshall towered above all defenders to power a bullet header goalward. The goal wouldn’t go down as hers, though, because Sowerby was stood on the line and took the ball flush to the face. Getting a goal seemed to raise her spirits, though as she bravely carried on.

Despite controlling much of the second half, Town were unable to create many chances and were made to pay when Man United converted a penalty after a handball in the area from Nutter and the scores were back level at 2-2.

As both teams tired, the chances dried up too. Neither side were able to find the illusive winner, but Town manager Jordan Wimpenny was proud of his players at full time.

“The players did brilliantly. We played a completely different style to what they’re used to and, just like we did against Fylde, got a positive result out of it. Without the [United] penalty, we would’ve won the game, but that’s football.

“Man United were very good on the ball and very physically fit – just like Brighton and Hove Albion will be when we meet them in the FA Cup on the 16^th May. This game has given us experience of playing against quality opposition and we will go to Brighton and give a good account of ourselves.”

Pride Park’s Resilience Rewarded

Ilkeston Town Development 1-3 Pride Park

by Boot Room

Long term injury absences, the attritional nature of this season and their third game in seven days meant that Pride Park lined up with just eleven players for yesterday’s game at Ilkeston Town Development at Cotmanhay Playing Fields.

Park found themselves playing into a fairly stiff breeze in the first half but started well. With barely a minute played, Hannah Kwiatek broke clear on the right and her shot was not far wide of the near post. We gradually imposed ourselves on the game, Beth Thompson and Tash Allderidge taking a degree of control in central midfield early on and together with Jess Page and Hannah Kwiatek on either flank created a string of opportunities.

Annie Laight and Izzy Ely were combining well and their runs were causing the hosts’ defence considerable problems. Izzy had a couple of early chances – one just wide and another just over, and both players were also only just beaten to the ball by the ‘keeper on a couple of occasions. Considering Park’s approach play, and the opportunities created, it took quite a while to make the breakthrough but the visitors remained patient. They were finally rewarded just after the half-hour when Laight broke through and, as the ‘keeper came out to narrow the angle, slipped the ball to the side for Ely to side foot home.

Ilkeston’s keeper made a vital interception, coming out to dive and just do enough to divert a low cross that was waiting to be turned in by Laight at the far post.

Goal-kicks were slightly challenging as the ball held up in the wind, and it didn’t take Ilkeston long to be aware of Pride Park’s attempts to play out from goal-kicks and close them down. On a couple of occasions they were nearly exposed as attempts to play out broke down, but the visitors recovered well. Nevertheless, they did try to vary it from goal-kicks and driven kicks from the hand, however, were reaching well beyond half-way despite the wind, on what must be the most compact pitch Park have played on at open age, and a couple of them proved problematic for Ilkeston’s back line as they were forced to turn and face towards their own goal.

Ilkeston looked threatening from a corner, but the visiting keeper did well to come into the crowd and punch clear confidently. Park weren’t able to convert any further opportunities and at half-time it was 1-0.

With the breeze behind the visitors in the second half many through balls goal kicks were running through to the Ilkeston keeper early on, but once Park had adjusted for the wind they started to create opportunities again. Ely had an early shot that was just off target within a few minutes of the restart, but Pride Park extended our lead on 50 minutes, as Ely set up Laight for a finish, lifting the ball up and helping it over the ‘keeper with a first time effort from side-on.

Ilkeston started to come into the game more and posed more questions in the second half, as the midfield battle was more even. It meant that Pride Park’s keeper was starting to be a little more involved and approaching the hour was brought into action, collecting a shot, and racing out to clear well from outside her area. Just after the hour, Ilkeston pulled a goal back. They worked the ball down the right, and as the ball arrived on the right, Park looked well set at the back, but the wide player beat the challenge and her low cross evaded everyone and was turned in at the far post. It was a well worked goal but one that the visitors would have felt that they could have defended better.

Conversely, they were finding it harder to play with the wind at their backs, or this could have been because Ilkeston had improved since the break. It may also have been a factor that the assorted knocks, strains, and fatigue, were starting to take their toll as Beth Jones, Sophie Ayton and Amy Snape required running repairs and it was apparent as the game entered the latter stages that a number of players were running on fumes.

Fortunately, Annie Laight had restored our two goal advantage by then, sweeping Allderidge’s square ball up and over the ‘keeper from the edge of the area. Beth Jones had a shot from distance saved by the ‘keeper, who was unable to hold on to it, and with a little more anticipation we might have had an opportunity – but the ‘keeper recovered well to gather the ball just ahead of Laight and Allderidge saw an opportunistic effort go over the bar. Ilkeston had a sight of goal as the clock ran down but the shot was hit wide.

In the end, it was a win that Pride Park had to work for. Several players were clearly digging into reserves at the end as fatigue from the recent schedule and accumulated knocks and strains started to have an effect. It’s probably fair to say Jess Page won’t have anticipated playing as many minutes in her first three games after four years out, but kept going even when the gauge read ‘empty’!

Amy Snape took a painful (accidental) kick to the ankle with fifteen minutes still to play but soldiered on, and is growing into her role – this was probably her best game for Pride Park to date.

The number of injured and otherwise unavailable players has meant scant opportunity for resting players during games, and there is no let up – this Wednesday is the last of our midweek fixtures when Park play Mercia at Moorways.

Olivia Watson: Back With A Bang

Impetus and Since ’71 are proud to jointly sponsor Sutton United Women’s Olivia Watson. Ben Gilby caught up with Olivia recently to find out how things are going for her now she is back on the pitch.

**Above:** Olivia Watson fires in a shot for Sutton United in their recent friendly against Hastings United **Photo:** Paul Loughlin.

We last spoke to Olivia in February, so she was eager to update us with what has been going on. “Since we last caught up, off the pitch, I have been working and with the restrictions having now lifted slightly I have been able to see my family and my dog outside, which was amazing. Football has returned, so we are back in training and have played three friendlies so far.”

With lockdown, hopefully now done and dusted for good, I wondered if this last twelve months have made permanent changes for Olivia both as a person and as a footballer.

“These periods of lockdown have changed my outlook, I definitely have learnt to appreciate life and the little things a lot more and to cherish time with my family and friends. In terms of football, it has taught me not to take the fact that I can play football for granted as you never know when it can be taken away and I now ensure that I enjoy every moment of socialising and being together as a team.”

Sutton United returned to training on 30^th March and Olivia gave us an insight into what that first session was like: “It was fun and relaxed with the aim of getting everyone back together and enjoying themselves. We did an eight a side mini-tournament mixed with the U21s. It was great to be back and have the opportunity to catch up, have a laugh with my teammates and enjoy playing again.”

**Above:** Olivia in action for Sutton United against Charlton Athletic U21s at the end of March. **Photo:** Paul Loughlin.

Sutton United had their first game back at home to Charlton Athletic U21s. Olivia described what that experience was like: “It was a good run out for the team after the three and half months off and the whole team just enjoyed playing competitively again. We were all a bit rusty at first but as the match went on we grew into the game. I personally found the game tough as no matter how hard I try to maintain my fitness by running or cycling, playing football is so different – I definitely struggled to get up and down the wing!”

“In terms of our matches between now and the end of the season, we are taking part in the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League (LSERWFL) spring round-robin friendly tournament, which will be a good experience as we get to play teams that we would not have played in the season. This means we have matches most weekends up until the end of May. We are also still in the Capital Women’s Cup and are aiming for the final, so should have more cup matches scheduled in too.”

In terms of Olivia’s goals between now and the summer for her football, she said: “I think my main goal is to just enjoy playing the friendly matches and training between now and summer, as this pandemic has shown that you never know when it can be taken away and I will also to start preparing both physically and mentally for the 21/22 season. Specifically, another goal of mine is to improve my movement and confidence with the ball as I feel this is an area I definitely need to develop for next season.”

The Swedish Scene

@DandalBs brings us his weekly wrap of all the news from the latest round of matches in the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan plus a round-up of stories connected to the Swedish national team this week.

NATIONAL TEAM:

Sweden have been drawn with Finland, Ireland, Slovakia and Georgia in the qualifying group for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. These group matches will be played between September 2021 and September 2022. With the top placed team automatically qualifying for Australia and New Zealand and the second placed side going into play-offs, Sweden’s biggest threat will probably come from Finland, although the Finns have won only one of the 37 games between the two sides and that came in 1976.

Sweden’s qualifying fixtures: 17^th Sept: Slovakia (a), 21^st Sept: Georgia (h), 21^st Oct Ireland (a), 25^th Nov: Finland (h), 30^th Nov: Slovakia (h), 7^th Apr 2022: Georgia (a), 12^th Apr: Ireland (h), 6^th Sept: Finland (a).

**Above:** Victoria Sandell – a Swedish football legend appointed to the national team’s coaching staff this week. **Photo:** Svensk Fotboll.

In other national team news, the legendary Victoria Sandell, better known under her maiden name Victoria Svensson, has been hired as assistant coach for the Swedish women’s national team, with a focus on individual coaching. Sandell won 166 caps for the Swedish national team between 1996 and 2009 and scored 68 goals .

DAMALLSVENSKAN:

Växjö are still looking for their first win of the season after a 1-0 reversal at home to unbeaten Kristianstad. The only goal came from Anna Welin after twelve minutes. To make matters worse for Kristianstad, their young star Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir was stretchered off in the 40^th minute with what originally looked a like a knee injury, but has been subsequently diagnosed as a minor injury to the patella with a much shorter rehab period than feared. Jónsdóttir also just been voted Damallsvenskan Player of the Month for April.

**Above:** Hammarby had plenty to celebrate in their 5-0 win over KIF Örebro. **Photo:** Fotbollskanalen.se

Hammarby gained their first win of the season in some style with a 5-0 demolition of KIF Örebro. The match was decided with three goals in six minutes mid-way through the second half. As Madelen Janogly set-up goals for Hanna Folkesson and Emilia Larsson with Emma Jansson rapidly making it 3-0. In the final thirteen minutes, Janogly got the goal that her efforts deserved and Elsa Karlsson completed the scoring with four minutes left.

**Above:** Charli Grant made her first appearance for Rosengård in their win over Eskilstuna United. **Photo:** @_charli_grant

Rosengård extended their 100% start to the season with a 2-0 win at Eskilstuna United. The two goals came within sixty seconds of each other. Minnie Larsson put the Champions League Quarter-Finalists ahead with Olivia Schough rapidly doubling the lead. Australian readers will be interested to hear that Charli Grant made her first appearance for Rosengård when she came on in the closing stages. Her team are now two points clear at the top of the table.

**Above:** AIK celebrate with Honoka Hayashi who scored both goals in their 2-1 win over Stockholm rivals Djurgården. **Photo:** Fotbollskanalen.se

The big Stockholm derby saw Djurgården go down to a 2-1 loss at home to newly promoted AIK. Hayley Dowd gave the hosts the lead just before the break, but it was the visitors who pushed on in the second half. Honoka Hayashi levelled after 57 minutes and then sealed the victory from the penalty spot with 11 minutes left. The win puts AIK, one of the favourites for relegation pre-season, into fourth place.

**Above:** Stina Blackstenius – on the mark again for BK Häcken but her side were held 1-1 by Vittsjö. **Photo:** Fotbollskanalen.se

Vittsjö gained an impressive 1-1 draw with BK Häcken. Stina Blackstenius continued her rich vein of goal scoring form when she gave Häcken the lead after four minutes. Twenty minutes later Mie Leth Jans grabbed the equaliser.

Linköping’s home game with Piteå was postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak at the visiting club. As Piteå have not had any additional cases diagnosed, the game has been rearranged for 13^th May.

Round Four Fixtures:

Kristianstads v Vittsjö GIK

AIK v Hammarby

BK Häcken v Linköping

Piteå IF v Växjö

KIF Örebro v Eskilstuna United

Rosengård v Djurgårdens

ELITETTAN:

Umeå IK and IK Uppsala remain unbeaten and at the top of the table. Umeå IK demolished Jitex Mölndal 5-0. IK Uppsala also gained a huge boost to their goal difference after seeing off Bollstanäs SK 6-1. Älvsjö AIK FF continued their impressive unbeaten start with a 1-1 at Morön BK. At the bottom, Lidköpings FK and Bollstanäs SK are still looking for their first wins of the campaign. As well as leading the league table, Umeå IK also have two players at the top of the goal scoring charts with Lisa Björk (4) and Henna-Riikke Honkanen (3) riding high.

**Above:** Umeå – aiming to head back to the *Damallsvenskan*

Round Three Results: Borgeby FK v IF Brommapojkarna: POSTPONED, Morön BK 1-1 Älvsjö AIK FF, Mallbackens IF Sunne 0-0 Alingsås FC United, IFK Norrköping 1-0 Sundsvalls DFF, Umeå IK 5-0 Jitex Mölndal, IFK Kalmar 3-0 Lidköpings FK, IK Uppsala 6-1 Bollstanäs SK.

Round Four Fixtures: Borgeby FK v Umeå IK POSTPONED, IF Brommapojkarna v Bollstanäs SK, Sundsvalls DFF v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Alingsås FC United v IFK Kalmar, Lidköpings FK v Morön BK, Jitex Mölndal v IFK Norrköping, Älvsjö AIK FF v IK Uppsala.