Battling Birmingham Take The Plaudits But Chelsea Win The Points

Birmingham City 0-1 Chelsea

By Ben Gilby

Chelsea produced another performance that left more questions than answers after they were largely frustrated by winless Birmingham City, who were supremely well organised in defence at Damson Park this afternoon.

Birmingham made three changes from their midweek defeat to Everton in the FA Cup Semi-Final, by bringing in Georgia Brougham, Connie Scofield and Jamie Lee Napier who would play against her parent club. Chelsea revealed a squad which possibly revealed they have an eye on their next two games against Arsenal in the Continental Cup and Manchester City in the FAWSL as Sam Kerr, Ji So-yun and Pernille Harder were all named on the bench. This did though allow Beth England to start for the first time this season.

Emma Hayes’ side were on the offence from the start, playing the ball around with great confidence. Ominously for the struggling Birmingham side, this early dominance was reflected on the scoreboard. Erin Cuthbert’s free kick on the left found Fran Kirby and the Lionesses star floated her header into the far corner after just nine minutes. That one of the smallest players on the pitch could beat her marker in the air to score would have been concerning to say the least to City boss Carla Ward.

Chelsea had total command of the midfield and could play the ball around as they pleased for much of the opening exchanges. Jonna Andersson had the freedom of the West Midlands on the left to play balls around on demand.

The reigning champions won another free-kick after Jamie Lee Napier’s studs made contact with the ankle of her Scotland and some-time Chelsea teammate Erin Cuthbert, but Hampton dealt with the danger comfortably.

Despite their inability to create anything going forward, Birmingham responded well to the early concession and organised themselves well deep behind the ball in two banks of four. They were happy for Chelsea to probe and try to play the ball around them forced the West Londoners to remain patient, particularly with their creative magician Ji So-yun not in the starting line-up.

With seven minutes of the half left, Guru Reiten sent an effort crashing against the bar after Jonna Andersson’s cross was headed away by Rachel Corsie straight to the Norwegian who was unlucky with Hannah Hampton beaten.

Under the influence of Jamie Lee Napier, Birmingham began to grow into the game and won a corner in a great battle with Maren Mjelde down the City left. From the flag kick, Sarah Mayling found Georgia Brougham who floated an effort over the bar.

Chelsea responded with Magda Eriksson’s header from Erin Cuthbert’s corner which went wide just before half-time.

Above: Chelsea celebrate Fran Kirby’s early goal. Photo: @ChelseaFCW

Chelsea started well in the second period as Jonna Andersson played a ball towards Guru Reiten who played a beautiful dummy which allowed Fran Kirby space down the left but City’s Lucy Whipp forced the ball behind for a corner which was dealt with.

Once more Chelsea had all the possession, but the well organised hosts ensured that the visitors had as little space as possible to play in. This forced Sophie Ingle to try an effort from well outside the box, but her shot flew over the bar.

It was a real classic case of attack v defence throughout the second period with Birmingham’s defence largely winning out. With sixty-four minutes played, Fran Kirby put in a fierce drive which Hannah Hampton saved well at the near post.

In a bid to add more creativity to the attack, Chelsea brought on the trio of Ji, Sam Kerr and Niamh Charles. The visitors earned a corner immediately when Harriet Scott deflected Andersson’s cross out. Maren Mjelde’s corner fell to Millie Bright who had an effort blocked by Rachel Corsie with Ji firing the rebound over the roof of the stand behind the goal.

The visitors won a number of corners in a short spell but none caused the Midland side any problems.

When Chelsea finally did get the ball in the net again, it was ruled out. Melanie Leupolz’s through ball was headed in by Beth England, but Sam Kerr, positioned just behind England was offside and the goal was ruled out.

There was more frustration for Chelsea shortly afterwards when Ji’s shot couldn’t be held by Hampton and dropped to Beth England who seemed certain to score, but Harriet Scott put in a sensational effort to prevent the Chelsea striker’s effort from trickling over the line.

Pernille Harder was then brought on for Fran Kirby, but the next chance was Birmingham’s. Harriet Scott’s ball in was met by Connie Scofield but her effort went agonisingly wide.

England was denied once more when Kerr played in a great ball towards her strike partner, but the Lioness hit a shot wide. The final opportunity of the afternoon fell Chelsea’s way as Kerr combined brilliantly with Harder but the Dane powered her shot wide.

Above: Sarah Mayling, part of a battling Birmingham City side. Photo: @BCFCWomen

Chelsea remain an enigma this season, despite huge strength in depth, they don’t seem to have retained the same flow that they had last season. At the end of the day, this was a narrow win against a side who will be in the mix for relegation. Emma Hayes’ side face two of their title rivals in the next seven days. If they don’t step things up, the reigning champions could be on the back foot in both the Continental Cup and FAWSL within the opening month of the campaign.

Teams: BIRMINGHAM CITY: Hampton, Scott, Brougham, Corsie Holloway, Whipp, Mayling, Scofield, Murray, Napier, Walker. Substitutes: Green (used), Grant, Kelly (used), McCarron, Toussaint, Lawley (GK)

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

Scorers: Kirby 9.

Referee: Abigail Byrne.

City Hit Form At Last

Manchester City 4–1 Tottenham Hotspur

By Ben Gilby

Manchester City finally put their uncharacteristic start to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League start to bed with a comprehensive win over Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

The pre-game headlines surrounded the respective team sheets, with Manchester City’s immensely strong bench underlining the sheer quality in depth that Gareth Taylor’s side possess. For Spurs, Alex Morgan was missing – not even listed on the bench this time round. However, whilst Tottenham were not able to field the embarrassment of riches that City were, they did boast the impressive Matilda, Alanna Kennedy who was so strong in the North Londoners’ FA Cup Quarter-Final against bitter rivals Arsenal last time out.

Kennedy marked herself out as a class act with an early inch perfect cross field pass towards team-mate Gemma Davison as Spurs attempted to get a foothold against the perennial FAWSL title chasers with a high press and defensive line in addition to looking to retain possession at all times.

The first chance of the game fell to City after five minutes when former Everton star Chloe Kelly danced round two Spurs defenders cut in and fired in an effort that a diving Rebecca Spencer did well to push away in the Spurs goal. They wasted another opportunity six minutes later as Canadian international Janine Beckie miscued her effort when it seemed all too simple to get a shot in.

City created another effort down the left just after the twenty minute mark with Kelly again unleashing a shot which went narrowly wide of Spencer’s near post.

A foul on Kit Graham gave Spurs a rare offensive opportunity with a free-kick on their right outside the box, but Siri Worm’s effort couldn’t beat the first defender.

Ellen White had a great effort after twenty seven minutes when Steph Houghton’s beautifully threaded ball found its way straight into White’s stride with the Lionesses star seeing her shot come crashing off the bar.

City made up for their missed chances when Kelly’s third effort from the left-hand flew in – a real case of third time lucky for the 22 year-old. She unleashed a delightful curling shot from the far edge of the box into the far corner of the net with thirty-three minutes played. Spurs protested as Kit Graham was down injured at the time of the strike, but the goal stood.

City had the best of the remainder of the half with Caroline Weir sending a shot wide and Sam Mewis curling an effort against the far post.

Any hopes of a Spurs comeback were extinguished on fifty two minutes when a soft penalty was awarded after Gemma Bonner went down after a hand in the back was applied with what looked to be very little force. Chloe Kelly stepped up and sent the ball past Spencer.

Less than sixty seconds later it was 3-0 when Sam Mewis applied the finishing touch as she was played in by Janine Beckie after Chloe Kelly’s shot was blocked and deflected across the goal to the Canadian who found her American team-mate who couldn’t miss.

Mewis came close nine minutes later when she drove through a huge gap in the centre of the Spurs defence, but drove her effort wide. City then hit the woodwork for the third time when Beckie’s free-kick hit the far post.

Just seconds later, from an in swinging corner, Steph Houghton got her head on the ball to send it towards Ellen White who nodded it into the net for the fourth.

Spurs gained some reward for their efforts when Rose Lavelle lost the ball under severe pressure from Alana Kennedy. This allowed Angela Addison to hit an effort which Ellie Roebuck pushed away from a corner. The resulting flag kick saw Anna Filbey bundle the ball in off of her shoulder.

Above: Back to the drawing board for Spurs – they need the potency of Alex Morgan quickly. Photo: @SpursWomen

The Spurs goal did not lead to any late dramatic comeback as City remained on the front foot. Gareth Taylor will be frustrated that his side didn’t keep a clean sheet in a game they dominated – but the overall performance and result will be a source of pride as they establish themselves in the top echelons of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League once more.

Teams: MANCHESTER CITY: Roebuck, Bonner, Houghton, Kelly, Beckie, Morgan, White, Weir, Mewis, Walsh, Greenwood. Substitutes: Bardsley (GK – not used), Taieb (not used), Stokes, Coombs (not used), Scott (not used), Stanway (not used), Park, Bronze (not used), Lavelle.

Scorers: Kelly 33, 52. Mewis 53. White 69.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Spencer, Percival, Zadorsky, Harrop, Worm, Filbey, Green, Kennedy, Graham, Dean, Davison.

Substitutes: Martin (GK – not used), Leon, Addison, Quinn (not used), Ayane (not used), Godfrey (not used), Neville (not used).

Scorers: Filbey 81.

Referee: Stacey Pearson.

Helston’s Return: High Hopes For Growth in Cornwall

Impetus editor Ben Gilby spoke to Helston Athletic Women manager Paul Parfitt about the return of women’s football in the Cornish town and how the sport is becoming ever stronger in the Duchy.

Helston originally had a women’s club ​from 2016-2019 but changes to management and player availability meant that there wasn’t a senior team at the club last season.  In January 2020, experienced Cornwall Women’s Football League manager Paul Parfitt was appointed having left Illogan RBL Ladies earlier that season and a new team was formed under the re-branded Helston Athletic Women in order to compete in the 2020-21 season.

Of course, shortly after the manager’s appointment saw the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown. Paul highlighted the consequences of this on the club:

“Obviously with all local football clubs, a lack of revenue has been noticeable during lockdown but the club has a fantastic Chairman, structure and committee so we were well placed when the restrictions were eased. Other than coronavirus, the only real challenge we have ahead of us is the weather, which can make postponements an issue at times.”

You might also be forgiven for thinking that it is not just coronavirus that provides Helston Athletic with a challenge given the duel issues of geography in terms of location and travelling plus the historic popularity of Rugby Union in Cornwall. However, Parfitt believes that is not necessarily the case: “Women’s football is doing well, there are fifteen teams in the Cornwall Women’s Football League (CWFL), with a further three sides playing further up the pyramid in the South-West Women’s Football League (SWWFL).”

One of the real strengths of the club are the excellent links between the men’s and women’s teams. Paul Parfitt explains: “We are well supported by the men’s teams and their First Team manager Steve Massey attends all our matches and occasionally can be seen even running the line for us.  It is an arrangement and togetherness that is not present at all clubs sadly, but at Helston the rapport between the senior male and female teams is excellent.”

In the early summer period, Helston Athletic Women made headlines locally with their first ever entry into this season’s Women’s FA Cup. I asked Paul what the club’s aims were for the competition. “Our first aim was to represent the town and club for the first time in the competition and to win our first preliminary round match which we successfully did beating Saltash United Women 5-4.  We would like to give a good account of ourselves in the coming round when we travel to Marine Academy Plymouth this coming Sunday and be competitive in the FA Cup matches.  We have completed that aim in our first match, so we are now looking to progress further.”

Progression in the Women’s FA Cup is one positive for Helston Athletic, but another is the internal journey within the club from girl’s to women’s football, as Parfitt reveals: “The club has U8, U10, two U12, U14 and U16 girls sides and we currently have two of last seasons U16’s in our Women’s Squad along with half a dozen other players who came up through the youth ranks at the club, many playing for Helston from the age of seven.  The pathway is well supported by all.”

Whilst last year’s Women’s World Cup “increased the visibility of Women’s football,” Paul also believes that it has also been successful “for attracting youth players to the game and club. I don’t think it has increased players at adult level but certainly I can see it only as a good thing.”

In terms of unsung heroes at Helston Athletic, Paul Parfitt believes there are many, but there is one person in particular who deserves recognition. “As a manager of a team bringing women’s football back to Helston the biggest supporter for me has been Chairman Paul Hendy.  His work and commitment to the club and women’s team has been second to none.”

In terms of the future, Paul Parfitt hopes for “a continued increase in clubs in Cornwall.  In respect of Helston Athletic Women, I would like to think that we would have a Development team in the CWFL and our Senior team in the SWWFL.”

Only time will tell, but Helston Athletic’s renaissance has started promisingly enough so far, to make anything possible.

Raso Inspires Toffees As Chelsea Come Unstuck

Everton 2-1 Chelsea

By Ben Gilby

Everton produced a performance of real character to come back from a disastrous opening ten minutes to gain an impressive win over Chelsea at a sunny if cold Goodison Park.

The visitors couldn’t have come out of the blocks quicker. Within two minutes they created their first opportunity. Erin Cuthbert played in Sam Kerr down the left. The Australian’s cross towards Pernille Harder was snaffled by Toffees keeper Sandy MacIver just in time.

The reigning FAWSL champions were noticeably pacier – playing crisp rapid fire football the Everton struggled to contain. They even rushed to get throw-ins taken in order to press the hosts further.

It took just five minutes for Chelsea to turn the pressure into a goal. Sophie Ingle found Jess Carter whose ball in from the left found Cuthbert who directed it to the right of MacIver and into the net.

Above: Chelsea celebrate Erin Cuthbert’s early goal. Photo: @ChelseaFCW

Chelsea threatened to run riot and four further opportunities followed over the next seven minutes. First, Millie Bright combined with Fran Kirby, who in turn fed Ji. The South Korean’s effort from the right was pushed away by McIver for a corner. Cuthbert’s flag kick swung in and Kirby’s header was cleared off the line with Bright’s follow up blocked and smashed clear. The ball just kept coming back though and Harder’s cross to Cuthbert saw the Scot head over.

Ji, revelling in a free role which saw her pop up all over the pitch then fed Kerr. Her teasing ball was fumbled by MacIver before another desperate clearance.

It took twenty minutes for Everton to settle, and they had the benefit of only conceding once in Chelsea’s fast start. Slowly the Merseysiders began to mould themselves into a defensive unit and were able to get key attacker Hayley Raso into the game more. The influence of the Australian was at the heart of everything good that Everton did.

Lucy Graham played in the Matilda with the blue hair ribbon on the left. Raso cut inside, left Maren Mjelde for dead and shot narrowly wide.

Shortly afterwards Raso beat Mjelde again but no-one could get on the end of her ball across the box.

The magician Ji weaved her creative spell once more on the 27th minute mark, combining with Harder and Kirby with the Lioness finding Cuthbert, but the former Glasgow City star’s effort was smothered by MacIver.

With five minutes of the half left, Everton were rewarded for their efforts in getting up off the canvas. Izzy Christiansen laid the ball off for Nicoline Sorensen who in turn played in Ingrid Moe Wold. The Norwegian international’s cross was met by a diving header from Lucy Graham which flew past the dive of Ann-Katrin Berger and it was 1-1.

Above: Lucy Graham is congratulated after scoring her 40th minute equaliser. Photo: @EvertonWomen

The Toffees could have taken the lead three minutes later when Graham found Raso who chested the ball past the on-rushing Berger and got a shot in on target before Jess Carter scrambled clear.

The final opportunities of the half fell Chelsea’s way, but Moe Wold got across well to deny Kirby from Kerr’s cross and Harder headed over Kirby’s cross. It was tantalisingly poised at 1-1 at the break.

Chelsea missed several further chances at the start of the second half. Eight minutes into the period, Pernille Harder cut in from the left and let fly a vicious shot which a diving Sandy MacIver pushed away for a corner. Sam Kerr then danced past the defence and played in a ball but it was behind Harder. The Londoners would rue all of these many missed opportunities.

Everton pushed forwards on the hour mark with Hayley Raso prominent once more. The Brisbane born winger broke down the left and offered a weak shot which Ann-Katrin Berger pushed away for a corner which was cleared.

The next major incident involved referee Simon Mather who managed to bring down Sam Kerr mid-run as the pair’s paths collided. Kerr was reduced to hobbling momentarily, but there was no long term damage done.

Raso created havoc again down the left and it was her inch perfect cross on sixty-three minutes that was headed in by French international Valerie Gauvin to give Everton the lead.

For all their star studded forward line, Chelsea offered little in the way of quality in their search of getting an equaliser. Maren Mjelde’s cross was side-footed goal wards by Harder, but MacIver gathered. Emma Hayes’ side’s final opportunity fell to Guru Reiten, but the Norwegian’s shot curled outside the left hand post, and Everton were home and hosed.

Above: Everton celebrate a famous victory that was a reward for their display of character. Photo: @EvertonWomen

The Toffees will be overjoyed with this victory and will fancy their chances of reaching Wembley at the end of October when they face either Birmingham City or Brighton & Hove Albion in the midweek semi-final. For Chelsea, this was a performance that left more questions than answers – although they will point to a significantly disrupted build-up with many of their stars on European Championship Qualifying duty over the past ten days or so – but the fact remains this was a game they would have expected to win.

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

Scorers: Graham 40, Gauvin 63.

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

Scorers: Cuthbert 5.

Referee: Simon Mather.

Good Evans – Arsenal See off Spurs Challenge

Arsenal 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur

By Ben Gilby

Arsenal moved into the FA Cup Semi-Final after a victory that was more hard fought than the final score line suggests.

Ultimately the game turned after two unfortunate errors from Ashleigh Neville which led to a piece of brilliance from Jordan Nobbs and a hat-trick from Lisa Evans.

Spurs had new loan signing and American superstar Alex Morgan on the bench and they started promisingly and after five minutes Kit Graham fashioned the first chance of the game with her shot from outside of the box held by Manuela Zinsberger.

The Gunners had a golden opportunity less than a minute later when an outstanding long diagonal ball from Leah Williamson was met by the head of Caitlin Foord, with the ball crashing back off of the crossbar.

Arsenal gradually became far more prominent on the front foot. Vivianne Miedema combined with Lisa Evans down the left who played the ball in for Foord whose effort went wide at the near post.

The hosts were having a lot of joy down the left. This time Jordan Nobbs played in Evans to earn a corner. Noelle Maritz’s resulting shot was lofted over the bar.

Despite the amount of chances that Arsenal were fashioning, Tottenham were exceptionally well organised in defence. Karen Hills and Juan Amoros had certainly done their homework with their team clearly a step above where they were last season.

Spurs had a flurry of opportunity towards the end of the half. Gemma Davison played a teasing ball in from the left but Rosella Ayane couldn’t quite reach it at the back post.

Shortly afterwards, Graham played free kick into the mix, but Zinsberger dealt with it well. Minutes later, Matildas international Allana Kennedy, who had an impressive afternoon both defensively and offensively, made a strong run down the left and a beautiful piece of skill to get past McCabe and Williamson and fire in a cross which Zinsberger had to tip over the bar and it remained 0-0 at the break.

Arsenal came out firing as the second half opened. Katie McCabe combined with Caitlin Foord to force a save from Rebecca Spencer.

Spurs fashioned a rare chance in the period. They almost made Viktoria Schnaderbeck pay for conceding a needless corner as Allana Kennedy’s free header went narrowly wide.

However, they would be made to rue missing this opportunity as they ended up being the architects of their own downfall. In a comfortable position in defence, Ashleigh Neville played a cross field ball which was easily jumped on by Jordan Nobbs who instantly chipped a classy effort over Spencer to give Arsenal the lead.

Above: Arsenal celebrate a goal in their Quarter-Final win last evening. Photo: @ArsenalWFC

Less than sixty seconds later, the game was over as a contest when Neville failed to get the ball and Vivianne Miedema stepped in to play in Lisa Evans who side footed the ball into the right corner.

Confidence and desire to score further goals coursed through Arsenal veins. They would get two more in the final six minutes as Evans completed her hat-trick. It was 3-0 when van der Donk laid a pass back to Little who split the Spurs defence expertly with an angled ball for the Scot to shoot across Spencer into the net.

In the final minute, a delightful cross field ball found Beth Mead down the right, her cross was dummied by Foord and Evans hit home her third and Arsenal’s fourth.

It was a harsh score line on Spurs who were ultimately taught a lesson on what happens if you let your concentration slip momentarily against the very best. They worked exceptionally hard and defended with great desire and organisation for much of the game. The next step in their evolution now is to take chances when they come – and with Alex Morgan in their squad that will undoubtedly happen.

Above: Lisa Evans celebrates her hat-trick after the game. Photo: @ArsenalWFC

For Arsenal, seventeen goals in three league and cup games this season shows they are in red hot form. A semi-final against Leicester City or Manchester City is now ahead in midweek before Joe Montemurro’s side resume their bid to wrestle back their FAWSL crown.

Teams: ARSENAL: Zinsberger, Maritz, Schnaderbeck, Williamson, McCabe, Little, Van der Donk, Nobbs, Evans, Miedema, Foord. Substitutes: Stenson, Wubben-May, Mace, Maier (not used), Gut, Mead.

Scorers: Nobbs 72. Evans 73, 84, 90.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Spencer, Zadorsky, Harrop, Davison, Peplow, Percival, Worm, Graham, Kennedy, Ayane, Neville. Substitutes: Martin (not used), Leon, Green, Filbey (not used), Dean, Morgan (not used), Addison, Quinn, Sulola (not used).

Referee: Lucy Oliver.

European Championship Qualifying Round-Up

Over the last week or so, the UEFA Euro 2021 (or 2022 as it should now read!) qualifiers resumed. Impetus editor Ben Gilby rounds up all the action in each of the groups.

Netherlands remain in charge at the top of Group A, standing nine points clear of second placed Slovenia after the latest round of matches over the past ten days.

The Dutch returned from Moscow on 18th September from a potentially tricky game against Russia with a 1-0 win thanks to Jill Roord – in red hot scoring form at present – who struck after a quarter of an hour. Elsewhere, Slovenia kept up their pursuit of a play-off spot with a 3-1 win at home to Turkey, who remain bottom. Gulbin Hiz gave the Turks a shock early lead, but Mateja Zver’s 28th minute penalty levelled the scores before goals from Lara Prasnikar and Spela Kolbl turned things around. Also still winless in the group are Estonia after they succumbed to a 2-0 loss in Kosovo with Kaltrina Biqkaj scoring both goals. On 22nd September, Russia jumped into second spot on goal difference from Slovenia with a 3-0 win over Estonia in a match played in Latvia. Darya Yakovleva, Natalya Mashina and Nelli Vitalyevna Korovkina weighed in with the goals. The Russians have a game in hand on third placed Slovenia in the race for the play-off spot.

Group B is now a two-way battle for the automatic qualification and the play-off spots. Leaders Italy’s game against Israel on 17th September was postponed with no new date available as yet. On the same night, second placed Denmark gained a hugely important 4-0 win in Zenica against third placed Bosnia & Herzegovina. Nadia Nadim, Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen, Rikke Laentver Sevecke and Nanna Christiansen were on the mark.  Five days later Italy effectively killed off Bosniz Herzegovina’s hopes of second place with a straightforward 5-0 win in Zenica. Cristiana Girelli’s hat-trick and goals from Aurora Galli and Elena Linari sealed the important win. Denmark went top on goal difference with a comprehensive 8-0 win in Malta. Two goals from Nadia Nadim and Sanne Troelsgaard set the Danes on the way with Stine Larsen, Pernille Harder, Sofie Junge Pedersen and Signe Kalesoe Bruun grabbing one apiece. Who wins the group and who goes into the play-offs will be decided by the home and away battles between the Danes and Italians in the coming months.

Above: Norway (in red) gained a 1-0 win over a battling Wales outfit in Group C. Photo: @Cymru

On 18th September, Northern Ireland kept alive their hopes of the play-off spot in Group C with a 6-0 win in the Faroe Islands. Two goals from Simone Magill and Lauren Wade plus one apiece from Rachel Furness and Kirsty McGuinness sealed the win. The big showdown in the group on 22nd September in Oslo between the top two saw Norway just about hold off a determined Welsh outfit to record a 1-0 win. Wales competed well in the early stages before Norway took the lead after an unfortunate goalkeeping error from Laura O’Sullivan. From a corner, Caroline Graham Hansen fed Guru Reiten on the edge of the box. The Chelsea star curled an effort from the edge of the box which O’Sullivan attempted to punch, but missed the ball and it flew over the top of her into the net. Wales created chances to gain a famous point, but the home side gained the three points. Belarus joined Northern Ireland in the hunt to overtake Wales in second after a 2-0 win in the Faroe Islands. Anastasiya Shlapakova and Karina Olkhovik were on the scoresheet. Norway are now virtually guaranteed to gain the automatic qualification spot thanks to their seven point cushion. However the race for the play-off berth is hotting up with second placed Wales just two points ahead of Northern Ireland and three ahead of fourth placed Belarus.

The arm-wrestle at the top of Group D continues with only two points separating first from third. Czech Republic held then group leaders Poland 0-0 in Chomutov on 18th September. Spain took advantage of the result to leap frog into top spot by two points after a 9–0 win demolition of Moldova in Chisinau the following night. Mariona Caldentey grabbed a hat-trick, Lucia Garcia Cordoba hit two, with Jennifer Hermoso, Alba Maria Redondo, Patricia Guijarro and an own goal from Anastasia Sivolobova completing the rout.  The Poles and the Czechs played their return match on 22nd September and it was the Czech Republic who gained a vital victory – 2-0 in Bielsko Biala. Andrea Staskova and Kamila Dubcova grabbed the goals.

There was no action in Group E. Qualifiers in this group resume on 22nd October.

In Group F, Sweden and Iceland remain comprehensively clear of the rest. On 17th September, the Swedes remained on top on goal difference after an 8-0 thrashing of Hungary in Gothenburg. Anna Anvegard’s hat-trick, two from Lina Hurtig plus one each from Chelsea’s Magda Eriksson, Amanda Ilestedt and Linda Sembrant earned the win. Iceland went one better by crushing Latvia 9-0 in Reyjkavik. The goals came courtesy of a Dagny Brynjarsdottir hat-trick, Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir (2) and Karlina Miksone (OG), Alexandre Johansdottir and Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir completed the rout. Five days later the top two went head to head in Reykjavik. The Swedes took a 34th minute lead through Anna Elin Anvegard, but Elin Mette Jensen’s leveller for the Icelanders kept their dreams of top spot alive. Hungary gained their second win of the qualification period thanks to a 5-0 win over rock bottom Latvia. Dora Zeller and Lilla Turanyi got two apiece with Sara Tusztai scoring one.

Above: Iceland and Sweden battle it out in Reykjavik. Photo: @svenskfotboll

France continued to haul in Austria at the top of Group G after a 2-0 win in Serbia on 18th September. Andela Frajtovic’s own goal and a strike from Amel Majri earned the three points. On 22nd September, they continued to up the pressure with a 7-0 thrashing of North Macedonia in Skopje. Eugenie Le Sommer and Elisa de Almeida both grabbed braces with Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Marion Torrent and Viviane Asseyi completing the rout. Austria kept their noses ahead in top spot with a 5-0 win in Kazakhstan. Barbara Dunst hit two goals with Verena Aschauer, Sarah Puntingam and Nicole Billa (penalty) also on target. The top two, France and Austria go head to head in the next set of group games in a month’s time.

Group H has taken some dramatic twists and turns over the past ten days. On 18th September after Switzerland were held 1-1 in Zapresic against Croatia which looked to put a major dent in their hopes of finishing top. Ivana Rudelic gave the Croats, who have only won one qualifier so far, an early lead. Ramona Bachmann rescued the Swiss from embarrassment with a 74th minute leveller, but hopes of automatic qualification now look difficult. This is due to leaders Belgium slamming six goals past Romania to move two points clear at the top of the table. Tessa Wullaert’s hat-trick, plus goals from Janice Cayman, Elena Dhont and Justine Vanhaevermaet won them the game. Laura Roxana Rus got a consolation strike for the Romanians. Four days later Switzerland renewed their dreams of winning the group with a massively important 2-1 win over Belgium in Thun. Malin Gut and Alisha Lehmann put the home side 2-0 up. Tessa Wullaert got one goal back for the Belgians. The Swiss are now top by a point. The two team face each other again in November on the final matchday of the group – and what a mouth-watering prospect that will be. Romania won only their second game of the group after dispatching Croatia 4-1. Ivana Rudelic put the Croats ahead but they were swamped by goals from Iva Landeka, Maria Batea, Andrea Herczeg and Laura Roxana Rus.

Finally to Group I where Ukraine won their first qualifier at the fourth attempt with a 3-1 win away to rock bottom Montenegro on 18th September. Daryna Apanaschenko, Nadiia Kunina and Sladana Bulatovic’s own goal earned the success. Medina Desic was on target for Montenegro – their first goal in the qualifying campaign in their fifth match. A day later the top two met in Essen and the Germans saw off Republic of Ireland 3-0. Marina Hegering, Dzsenifer Marozsan and Lea Schuller’s goals condemned the Irish to their first defeat in qualifying. On 22nd September, Germany went five points clear at the top with a 3-0 win in Montenegro thanks to goals from Laura Freigang, Melanie Leupolz and Sydney Lohmann. Ukraine won their second qualifier on the bounce after brushing aside Greece 4-0. Nicole Kozlova grabbed two with Darya Kravets and Daryna Apanaschenko also on target.

Dulwich Delight After Maiden Season

Last season saw the emergence of Dulwich Hamlet Women in the London and South-East Premier (Tier Five) and, as well as pushing strongly at the top of the league before lockdown, they were creating headlines for their consistently high crowd figures. Impetus editor Ben Gilby spoke to Dulwich Hamlet Women’s first team manager Ryan Dempsey and women’s press officer Hugo Greenhalgh to find out about how they achieved it all.


Our conversation began by discussing the club’s evolution last summer. Hugo Greenhalgh tells the story: “The genesis of Dulwich Hamlet Women’s was a combination of the club wanting its own women’s side, and existing side AFC Phoenix seeking a merger. Phoenix had become an established South London side over the past decade but having seen other clubs in their division merge with men’s clubs, were after a move that would help them continue their progression. They were playing at the Edward Alleyn Club, a playing field in Dulwich, so coming to Dulwich Hamlet was a logical fit. The two parties also felt there was a natural overlap of values, particularly around the club’s work with the LGBTQ community. The Women’s team has now been active at Dulwich for just over a year now and we’re really proud with how they’ve performed.”

Hamlet had an excellent first season competing in the London & South-East Premier and prior to lockdown were top of the table, two points clear of Queen’s Park Rangers who had two games in hand. Promotion to the FA Women’s National League in their first season was a real possibility before the pandemic intervened.

Above: Dulwich Hamlet Women first team coach Ryan Dempsey. Photo: Ollie Jarman.

First team coach Ryan Dempsey explained how the squad overcame big barriers off the pitch to enjoy success on it. “I wasn’t part of the merger from AFC Phoenix to Dulwich as I started with the team in late September, early October. Farouk Menia, who was the manager, friend, father figure and an all-round gentleman, sadly lost his battle with cancer and passed away in November 2019. The players had played for, partied and laughed with Farouk for a number of years so his passing hit everyone every hard. All of the players are fantastic people, on the back of losing a dear friend they still welcomed me in and helped me join their family. They listened and responded well to my own coaching style and philosophy.”

“Training was difficult as we trained in White City (up to an hour away from Dulwich in busy London traffic) and finished at 10pm on the two nights we did train. Some players weren’t getting home until 11.30pm. But this shows the commitment to the club and to each other.  In terms of performance the away fixture to QPR was a low as we conceded two goals in the 90th and 92nd minute to lose 2-1. But there was really good performances against QPR at home 2-0, away to Fulham winning 3-4 (it should have been more comfortable but we showed great resilience to recover being 2-0 up to losing 3-2, to then go on and win 3-4) and we beat Leyton Orient from the FA Women’s National League 1-0 to get to the Semi-Final of the Capital Cup (the Final was cancelled due to Covid-19).”

Pre-lockdown, Dulwich Hamlet were playing all home games at the men’s home ground, Champion Hill, recording some fantastic attendances that some clubs three or four leagues higher would be jealous of. I asked Hugo how this was achieved from a standing start.

“We already have a reputation in the local area as a family-friendly, community club. When the Women’s team launched, a core of our support quickly got on board and have been instrumental in welcoming them to Champion Hill. It helps that the team play really attractive football and are good at engaging with families and fans after every game, home and away. It’s great that we’re now getting crowds between 200 and 300 on Sundays. Like you say, there are clubs further up the pyramid who’d be delighted with those numbers. But I’d like to see us do better. Those numbers are only about 10% of what we get at a men’s game. I’d like to see more fans of the men’s team get behind the women’s team this season.” 

We then turned our focus towards the new campaign. Ryan Dempsey assessed the London and South-East Premier for 2020/21 and highlighted the fact that: “The division has become stronger, most of the teams have made some really good signings. Players that have experience playing in higher divisions have dropped down. It will be a really competitive league.”

He also identified the more challenging aspects of the tier five division: “The distances of the teams is quite sparse with away games to Eastbourne and Saltdean. You can go a couple weeks without matches as some venues suffer during the winter months. Cups also take priority so fixtures can change at the last minute. Not all clubs can host midweek fixtures which would help during the more weather affected months of the year, so that you can play two games in a week.” 

The squad are keen though to build on their hugely impressive first season by pushing on this time round: “Given where we finished last season, we know that promotion is a realistic target for this side,” said Hugo Greenhalgh.

“From our encounters with Leyton Orient in the Cup competitions, we know we’re not far off the standard required for the FA Women’s National League Division One South. That said, there are some decent sides up there – the likes of Ipswich Town and AFC Wimbledon – and it would be a big challenge.”

“Last season we had the best defence in the league, but we didn’t score enough goals. That’s a great base to build on this year and the signing of striker Sophie Manzi from AFC Wimbledon already looks like a great acquisition for us.” 

Above: Dulwich Hamlet Women on the attack last season. Photo: Ollie Jarman.


First team manager Ryan Dempsey also highlighted the pathway for players joining the club to make their way towards first team football at Champion Hill: “As well as the first team that play in the London & South East Regional Women’s Premier League we have a reserve side that play in the Greater London Women’s Football League Division One. There is a pathway between both squads, there are a couple of players that train with the firsts with the aim of trying to get them more experience playing at a higher level, with a couple of reserve players progressing to make their debuts last season.”  

Dempsey also highlighted future plans that the club have to develop girl’s and women’s football further: “With Dulwich Hamlet winning planning permission to build a new ground, the hope is to build and develop the female section within the club. Having access to an astro pitch will help and offer opportunities for extra female provision but will also help the community as a whole.  There were talks regarding creating a Development squad (u21s) before Covid-19 but I think that won’t be realistic until the 2021/22 season if there aren’t any more lockdowns.”

The mention of Covid 19 brought our discussion seamlessly towards the challenges that face the South London side both on and off the pitch at present. Dempsey identified the fact that: “The merger (with AFC Phoenix) was completed quite late last August so we still don’t have all the processes in place that I want and need to help us be successful on the pitch. Training in West London wasn’t ideal last season but that has now been sorted and we’re back in South East London. Little things like the kit – it’s a male kit so the socks are massive and can be pulled up to most player’s hips! The shorts are also massive and most players roll them up. It’s not just Dulwich but most clubs have this issue.  Additionally, recruitment of players can be a challenge, getting into South East London for training and fixtures can put a lot of players off as it adds time to their already busy day.”  


There is no doubt that the standing and reputation that the men’s side of Dulwich Hamlet have both on and off the pitch has assisted in the visibility of the women’s club – but I wondered what the extent of the off pitch relationship was like. Hugo Greenhalgh explained: “Reflecting on the first season with the women’s team, I think there’s so much scope to have a closer relationship between Dulwich’s men’s and women’s sides. Unfortunately, this summer would’ve been a great opportunity to trial something like a double header pre-season game, but for obvious reasons that’s not been possible. We’re also having conversations about some integrated training sessions and more sharing of knowledge.”

Finally we looked slightly further into the future at where both Ryan and Hugo believe women’s football at Dulwich Hamlet and more generally could develop. For Dempsey, “Long term investment in the women’s game is going to be the only way that it will continue to develop and grow. If you look at the top of the WSL with Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal they have continually supported their women’s sides with finance but also the infrastructure around training (full-time), support staff, social media and advertisement. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have done the same and look how quickly they have progressed.  The FA missed a massive chance to showcase the WSL and Championship during lockdown. I don’t know the actual figures but if the FA had helped support the testing needed to ensure the safety of the players then the remaining fixtures could have been played and viewed by millions of people bored at home wanting to watch football!”

In terms of the growth of the game, Dulwich’s first team manager believes: “I think there will need to be investment in the Championship as it’s still majority part-time players and the gap in quality (mainly due to WSL being pro so training twice as much with better support staff) is already big and it’s only going to get bigger. Female participation is growing and growing as there are role models on the TV, via social media and is accessible. There still isn’t enough provision for females to play all ages and across different variety of levels. Hopefully in five years Dulwich will have a Development Team (U21s), and plans are in place to offer provision to females from U7s above. The plan is to continue to try and get the first team into the National League and grow from there.”

As for Hugo Greenhalgh, the women’s press officer emphasises the importance of establishing themselves as a top side at their existing level before pushing forward and offering ambitious youngsters a place to play top quality football: “We want to remain competitive at our level and challenge for a place further up the pyramid. I’d also love to go on a bit of a run in the FA Cup and draw a professional club at home at Champion Hill. For me the main thing is that a girl growing up in South London can now fulfil her dream of one day putting on a pink and blue Dulwich Hamlet shirt. It would be great to keep inspiring local girls and getting them more involved in the club.”

Above: Dulwich Hamlet Women had plenty to celebrate last season. Photo: Ollie Jarman.

The club have also announced that season ticket holders for the men’s side will gain admission to all women’s matches at Champion Hill free of charge once the present restrictions can be lifted. This news, allied with a desire by everyone to get back watching football again can only see Dulwich Hamlet women’s already impressive crowds growing further. On top of this, a strong, ambitious group of players and staff mark this club out as one that are in a good place to climb further in their second season of existence. 

Champions On Cloud Nine

Chelsea 9-0 Bristol City

By Ben Gilby

The reigning Barclays FA Women’s Super League side produced a quite phenomenal display of passing, movement and finishing as they dominated a limited Bristol City side at Kingsmeadow.

Whilst Chelsea were criticised for an inability to take their chances in front of goal against both Manchester sides over the past two weekends, there is no doubt they put that right this time round.

City came into the game on the back of a 4-0 reversal to Everton last week, and their starlet Ebony Salmon could only make the bench after picking up a slight injury in training.

For Chelsea, Beth England made her first start of the season and Ann-Katrin Berger returned in goal after missing last weekend’s trip to Leigh to face Manchester United.

The West Country side were bravely set up to press high but, despite the opening ten minutes being somewhat cagey, Chelsea, attacking the Kingston Road End, were still on the front foot with Beth England firing over the bar after five minutes.

Home skipper Magda Eriksson played a beautiful cross field ball into Fran Kirby with the Lioness playing in Ji who in turn fed Melanie Leupolz, but her effort was just wide.

On the fifteen minute mark, Chelsea went ahead, although there was a slice of luck about it. Erin Cuthbert rolled a pass across the ‘D’ which was met first time by Kirby. Her shot took a bounce in front of Bristol City keeper Sophie Baggaley who could then only fumble the ball over the line.

The Blues could have doubled their lead four minutes later when a corner produced a comedy of errors inside the City penalty area. Somehow the visitors survived as Millie Bright mishit her effort.

Chelsea were now in total control and produced a patient, probing passing game that fitted their creative attackers perfectly. The pressure forced a free kick on the 27th minute after Kirby was felled by Ella Mastrantonio. Ji’s effort was saved well by Baggaley.

However, just three minutes later, it was 2-0 as Ji was played in beautifully and fouled by Charlie Wellings. Maren Mjelde stepped up and dispatched the penalty with confidence.

This was the start of four goals in ten minutes. The next one arrived on 33 minutes. Sam Kerr played in Hannah Blundell who was brought down unnecessarily by Flo Allen near the left hand corner flag with Blundell going nowhere. Cuthbert’s ball in was met with a stunning thumping header from Melanie Leupolz which was unstoppable.

Cuthbert was rewarded for her pinpoint crossing when she grabbed a goal of her own with nine minutes of the half remaining. Bright found the Scottish Terrier in the ‘D’ and in acres of space. A quick piece on control was followed by a powerful shot which Baggaley couldn’t reach.

There was still time for a further Chelsea goal before the break. Cuthbert left a free-kick on the right for Maren Mjelde. The Norwegian swung the ball in and Millie Bright ran across the front of the Bristol City defence for another free header which flew in. It was 5-0 at half-time and clearly a matter of how many more Chelsea would add in the second period.

Above: Plenty for Chelsea to celebrate this afternoon. Photo: @ChelseaFCW

Over the half-time break, City head coach Tanya Oxtoby notably shook up the way she wanted her side to defend, this time encouraging them to sit a lot deeper, and for the first twenty minutes of the second half it disrupted Chelsea’s forward flow.

It took until the 63rd minute for the hosts to fashion their next goal scoring opportunity when Erin Cuthbert’s shot was deflected for a corner on the left. The Scot took the flag kick herself and found Melanie Leupolz but Sophie Baggaley did well to hold the German’s drive.

Just two minutes later, Chelsea got the scoreboard moving again. Ji played a lovely ball out to Hannah Blundell. Her cross was juggled by Baggaley and it fell to Beth England who simply doesn’t miss from that close out.

Pernille Harder then came on and was in the action straight away. The Dane took the ball into the box and hit a low effort which Baggaley palmed across the goal for Niamh Charles to tap home her first Chelsea goal on her competitive debut.

Four minutes later Harder stamped her class well and truly on the match. Sam Kerr, Niamh Charles and Pernille Harder were afforded all the space they wanted by Bristol City. Kerr combined with Charles and the youngster found Harder who produced a sumptuous flick with her hindmost foot into the net.

Less than sixty seconds later it was almost eight when Magda Eriksson found Kerr free in the centre of the box but her powerful header came back off of the bar.

With four minutes to go, the Aussie completed the rout with a lovely strike which came after she cut inside, rounded a defender with ease and comfortably hit a shot past Baggaley.

Nine goals for Chelsea and nine different goal scorers. This was a display of the highest quality and one which will leave the Blues fans smiling for days. However, we are only in the second week of the season and already huge score lines are becoming a regular thing. The FAWSL is already one division with three separate levels of teams within it and increasingly the gap between the three sub levels is growing.

Teams: CHELSEA: Berger, Mjelde, Bright, Eriksson, Blundell, Ji, Leupolz, Cuthbert, England, Kirby, Kerr. Substitutes: Thorisdottir, Ingle (not used), Carter, Reiten (Not used), Fleming, Charles, Harder, Spence, Telford (GK – not used)

Scorers: Kirby 15, Mjelde pen 30, Leupolz 33, Cuthbert 36, Bright 40, England 65, Charles 69, Harder 73, Kerr 86.

BRISTOL CITY: Baggaley, Allen, Matthews, Evans, Purfield, Humphrey, Logarzo, Palmer, Mastrantonio, Daniels, Wellings. Substitutes: Bryson, Rafferty, Salmon, Haland (GK – not used), Bissell, Wilson (not used), Layzell (not used), Jones (not used).

Referee: Stacey Pearson.

United Step It Up To Earn Deserved Point

Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea

By Ben Gilby

A strong second half performance from Manchester United enabled the Red Devils to record a well-earned point against the defending Barclays FA Women’s Super League champions Chelsea.

The current respective strength in depth of the two sides was evident with a pre-match glance at the team sheets. Chelsea could afford to name Pernille Harder, Beth England, Erin Cuthbert and Hannah Blundell as substitutes. They also welcomed back Carly Telford in goal after injury.

Chelsea dominated possession in the early spells – carefully probing and patiently waiting for spaces to emerge for the killer pass. Jonna Andersson’s ball in was put out by Katie Zelem to give the visitors the first corner after just three minutes, but Guru Reiten’s effort was dealt with comfortably.

It was United that put together the first opportunity with six minutes gone. Jane Ross cut in and rounded Maren Mjelde to loft a shot narrowly wide of Carly Telford’s left hand post.

The home side gradually settled and, whilst offering little as an attacking threat, got a foothold of possession; having a spoiling effect on the freedom Chelsea began with.

Sam Kerr went close for Chelsea just before the twenty minute mark. The Australian took a through ball, muscled between Millie Turner and Kirsty Smith, but her effort was deflected narrowly wide. The resulting corner saw Mary Earps hold Reiten’s effort.

Chelsea got the lead their opening efforts deserved and it was a delightful build up involving three of the Blues key attacking stars after 25 minutes. Ji fed Kirby on the right. The Lioness played in an inch perfect ball in to Kerr to slide in to score a trademark goal.

Above: Sam Kerr celebrates her goal for Chelsea this afternoon. Photo: @ChelseaFCW

The Aussie almost added another when she eased away from Zelem and was just centimetres wide with her shot.

United worked hard to reduce Chelsea’s momentum and were generally successful after the half hour mark, but it was a double-edged sword. The home side had more possession but struggled to do anything with it when they approached the final third.

In contrast, Chelsea’s creativity fashioned another impressive move as Kerr popped up in centre midfield and played in Ji who fed Melanie Leupolz. The German international combined with Sophie Ingle and Kirby was then away down the left. The ball in was accurate once more, but slightly higher than Kerr would have liked in order to get a powerful enough header on.

As the first half entered its final stages, Ji combined once more with Sam Kerr. The South Korean lofted in a beautiful inch perfect ball from the left wing right into Kerr’s run down the centre. Earps did well to hold the Matildas captain’s shot.

The final opportunity of the opening forty-five fell to United as Kirsty Hanson’s cross found Leah Galton whose effort came back off of the bar.

Galton fashioned the first chance in the second half having been played in by Ella Toone but the Blues defence snuffed out the danger as they continued their efforts in rapidly closing down any space and opportunity that the Red Devils could create.

Chelsea responded instantly with Guru Reiten on the left combining with Maren Mjelde. The ball in to Sam Kerr was superb, but Kerr, under pressure from Abbie McManus forced her effort over the bar.

United created again when Ona Batlle played in Ella Toone who forced Carly Telford to tip a fierce effort over the bar. The home side continued to build possession with Batlle looking particularly impressive, but United never quite managed to produce the top quality final ball to bother the reigning champions.

Chelsea fashioned a rare second half opportunity when Fran Kirby ran in from the right and played an intelligent ball across the outside of the box to Erin Cuthbert, and the substitute hit her effort against the legs of the onrushing Mary Earps. Seconds later Earps denied Cuthbert again from point blank range after the Scot was teed up by Beth England.

Those missed chances returned to haunt the visitors as United’s efforts were rewarded by levelling with eleven minutes left.  Jackie Groenen galloped down the right and played in a beautiful ball for Leah Galton to beat her defender to smash home.

Chelsea responded by bringing on Pernille Harder for Guru Reiten, but United still pushed on. Lauren James’ lovely ball in towards Galton fell between Carly Telford and Maren Mjelde, with the Norwegian forced to turn the ball away for a corner.

The final opportunity fell Chelsea’s way. Harder combined well with Kirby to find Cuthbert who earned a corner. The resulting ball in was headed clear by Millie Turner.

Above: Ella Toone fires in an effort for Manchester United against Chelsea today. Photo: @ManUnitedWomen

It was a frustrating ending for Chelsea. For much of the afternoon their creative players were able to show their worth against a potential top four opponent and, for the vast majority of the exchanges, their defence also remained well-organised and comfortable. Yet the law of averages proves that you can only defend for so long before one chance goes in.

United competed well with top opposition, but overall they found it tough to consistently produce sufficient quality to turn possession into goal scoring opportunities. If the Red Devils want to break into the top three, they need to develop greater potency and creativity to mix it with the best. If they can get Christen Press and Tobin Heath in on loan in the coming days, it might just be possible.

Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED: Earps, Smith, McManus, M. Turner, Batlle, Ladd, Zelem, Hanson, Toone, Galton, Ross. Substitutes: Ramsey (GK), A. Turner, Okvist (for Batlle), Groenen (for Hanson), James (for Ross).

Scorer: Galton 79.

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

Scorer: Kerr 25.

Referee: Kirsty Dowle

In My View

From the tweets of Daisy Wildsmith, the Impetus contributor offers her opinion on Manchester City’s 2-0 win at FAWSL new kids Aston Villa in the opening game of the campaign yesterday afternoon.

Yesterday’s opening day victory for Manchester City at Aston Villa proved that the home side have got a lot of strengths that could make them a mid-table side come the end of the season.

There were certainly defensive and goal keeping mistakes from Villa in the first half – but they made up for in the second period, and their baby faced substitutes coming on show the promise of youth they have in their squad.

As for City – they looked a bit rusty and disjointed at times, although it was the first game of the season after a lockdown. You could see at times Steph Houghton was fuming which showed the fact they were not at their best. I’m not sure whether they were fully prepared for Villa to be defending so heavily.

The positives for Gareth Taylor’s side were the power and skill of Chloe Kelly – an incredible signing and the good decision making from Ellie Roebuck. They’ll feel it was good to have a win, but there’s a lot to work on and improve going forward though.

Daisy Wildsmith is a regular contributor to Impetus and is a women’s football supporter from the West Midlands.