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Waltzing With The Matildas

Impetus editor Ben Gilby spoke in depth to the Matildas Active Support group about their incredible support of Australia’s national women’s team as well as looking more widely at women’s game in Down Under and how they are formulating plans to welcome the world to Australia and New Zealand in 2023 for the next Women’s World Cup. In this first of two parts, we find out how the group was formed, their experiences at the 2019 World Cup and what the 2023 World Cup may have in store.

Matildas Active Support (M.A.S.) came together before the 2019 World Cup when a Facebook group was set up for fans travelling to support Australia in France. It brought together fans from various W-League (Australia’s domestic league) clubs. From here, the M.A.S. then began to create the first inklings of Matildas Active Support with fans from all over Australia coming up with ideas for songs, banners and t-shirts. The Matildas played a couple of friendlies in Sydney and Brisbane in the lead up to the World Cup, allowing Matildas Active Support (MAS) to ‘test the waters’ a bit but it was really in France that the group was born as passionate fans were able to come together and make noise for our team.

As the group stated at the very start, “Matildas Active Support was formed to support the Matildas in an active, positive and inclusive manner, ensuring our women get the vocal support they deserve and providing spaces for fans to connect pre/post-match to enjoy the whole game day experience.”

I asked the M.A.S. to describe a typical Matildas home game experience for the group: “As with most Aussie sporting events it generally starts at the local pub. We organise a pre-match pub close to the ground which gives us all a chance to relax a bit before the match begins. It’s a good chance for all fans to get together and really hype up for the game. This is usually followed by a march to the stadium where we generally have an allocated active supporters bay behind the goals. We spend the match singing and trying to get the rest of the crowd making noise for the team! We even have had some ex-Matildas come and join us for a song or two! Post match we hang around to support the team as they do their usual meet and greet – the players are so amazing at taking time to meet fans – then it’s back to the pub for more drinks and match debriefs!”

The 2019 World Cup may have been played around 10,000 miles away from Australia, but it was evident the sheer volume (in both number and loudness) of support from the Matildas in France. For the M.A.S. it was a never to be forgotten experience: “How do you put into words the feeling you get being on the other side of the world watching your national women play in a World Cup surrounded by our Aussie football family? It was absolutely surreal. The atmosphere on game day was electric. The Matildas fans would all meet at one of the local pubs for pre-game drinks and banter. We would be chanting and getting hyped for the game ahead, followed by our march to the stadium which was just fantastic – a massive contingent of loud Aussies heading into battle in the stands. It was a truly special experience being in France and it is where really we began. A lot of the M.A.S. community met in France and now we are all such good friends and working towards building the support for the Matildas and the women’s game.”

**Above:** The M.A.S. in action at a home game for The Matildas played at Parramatta. **Photo:** Matildas Active Support.

Here in the UK it is not fully appreciated just what a big deal nationally The Matildas are compared to the majority of the European women’s national sides. I asked the M.A.S. to explain just how loved the team are in Australia: “The makeup of the crowd at a Matildas game gives a good demonstration of how special the Matildas are. You won’t just see children and families, but also retirees, teenagers, young adults and supporters from all sections of Australian society. The Matildas are Australia’s team. For a few years running the Matildas have been named Australia’s most beloved sporting team in the Benchmark EC Ladder – an independent survey which assesses the emotional connection fans have with their teams – ahead of the national men’s rugby league, rugby union and cricket sides.” That stat alone shows just how important the Matildas are – Rugby League, Cricket and Australian Rules Football hog the newspaper sports pages and TV bulletins, but there is something about this particular women’s football team that see them trump even those sports.

The M.A.S. went onto highlight how the popularity of the Matildas first became so apparent: “It became really clear how special this team is to Aussies in 2017 when the Matildas played Brazil in Sydney, selling out a 15,000 seat stadium (on a weekend where both Rugby League and Australian Rules Football were playing finals) for a FRIENDLY where previously they were playing to much smaller crowds. Australia’s Queen of Women’s Soccer, Ann Odong, nailed it when she said “As Advance Australia Fair rang out with over 15,000 supporters in attendance, it felt like the Westfield Matildas had finally arrived – like women’s football in Australia had finally arrived” (link to https://www.matildas.com.au/news/day-westfield-matildas-finally-arrived). Incidentally 17,000 people turned up a few days later in Newcastle (on a Tuesday night!) to support the women yet again…”

The huge growth in crowds to watch The Matildas has been spurred further by the recent announcement that the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. I asked the Matildas Active Support how they responded to the announcement: “There was a lot of cheering, screaming and tears of joy for us. We’re all spread out across the country so at an ungodly hour of the night/morning we all jumped onto a zoom call together and watched the announcement. We were all so nervous and excited and, it must be said, quietly confident that we would get over the line but when it became official we all just got so overwhelmed and there was a sense of “Did that really just happen? Are we hosting the Women’s World Cup?”After that it was a lot of tears and virtual hugging and then straight down to business to start planning.”

Not surprisingly the M.A.S. already have plans afoot to welcome the world of women’s football fans to their nation in three years time: “Prior to the official announcement we had already started working on plans should we win the bid. The week following the announcement we released a fans welcome to Australia/New Zealand on our social media. We have a timeline for what we want to put in place and over the next few years, but I won’t give any spoilers except to say we want to make sure visiting fans have the best Cup ever so get in touch with us!”

**Above:** Leading the way in fine voice – The Matildas Active Support. **Photo:** Matildas Active Support.

Next week: The M.A.S. give their opinion of the state of the W-League and how they see the all important next three years going for The Matildas.

Flying Fran Helps Chelsea Despatch City

Chelsea 3-1 Manchester City

By Ben Gilby

Chelsea gained a deserved victory in the battle of two of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League big guns by having too much for Manchester City at Kingsmeadow this afternoon.

The two sides’ respective strength in depth showed with a brief glance of the teamsheets. When players such as Sophie Ingle, Beth England, Guru Reiten, Jill Scott, Georgia Stanway, Janine Beckie and Rose Lavelle are on the bench you know there’s two seriously powerful teams going head to head.

For City, it was notable that 18 year old Jess Park, who started her footballing journey at York City first FAWSL start.

There was a high intensity opening to the game, within the opening three minutes, Sam Kerr found Erin Cuthbert on the left. The Scot cut inside but her ball to Melanie Leupolz was cleared. Cuthbert regained possession and played a pass towards Pernille Harder, but the danger was cleared.

Manchester City’s response came on five minutes when Chloe Kelly broke through the middle and found Ellen White. Blues skipper Magda Eriksson intercepted, but could only find Kelly who fired a shot over.

Chelsea had the next effort on goal two minutes later when Lucy Bronze gave the ball away to Ji, with the South Korean magician feeding Jonna Andersson. The cross found Fran Kirby who laid a ball back to Leupolz, but the effort went wide of the left hand post. Within five minutes, a delightful build up found Harder unmarked towards just inside the box, but she couldn’t get a shot away.

The home side continued to create with Cuthbert combining well again with Andersson. The Swede’s ball found Harder just inside the ‘D’, but Gemma Bonner deflected her shot out. Maren Mjelde’s corner found its way to Kerr near the back post. Under immense pressure from Bronze, the Matildas star’s half volley went over.

City came close on 24 minutes when Keira Walsh played a pass to Sam Mewis. Holding off Cuthbert, the American hit a curler than cannoned off of the bottom of the left hand post.

As the visitors built a head of steam, Jess Park showed that she was far from intimidated. She offered some great runs and passes that belied her tender age and lack of FAWSL experience.

An error from Keira Walsh allowed Leupolz to win the ball and drive a pass towards Kerr but it was deflected out for a corner which eventually found Erin Cuthbert who drove a shot in which at first viewing looked to have come off the arm of Demi Stokes and a penalty was awarded, although it was Ellen White who was erroneously given the yellow card for handball by Rebecca Welch. Up stepped Maren Mjelde, in her fiftieth FAWSL game, to dispatch the penalty and the champions were in front.

Cuthbert created another chance when she rounded Park and crossed. Walsh smashed it out for a corner which resulted in a playground style goalmouth scramble which City finally cleared. Immediately, Bronze galloped down the pitch and drove an effort wide with White coming fast in at the back post.

In stoppage time, Ji combined well with Harder and got the ball back to play a cross in, but Kerr’s header lacked the power to stretch Ellie Roebuck in the City goal. Chelsea went in ahead at the break which just about reflected the respective amount of chances created in the opening period.

The first opportunity in the second half fell Chelsea’s way. Under immense pressure, Demi Stokes gave possession away to Fran Kirby who in turn found Ji in the middle. Ji played in Sam Kerr with the ball then travelling to Erin Cuthbert, with the Scot’s effort going wide.

Caroline Weir was then robbed by Pernille Harder, who offloaded Cuthbert. She in turn found Kirby whose cross was met by a powerful header from Kerr which went over.

More Chelsea pressure led to another great opportunity. Harder combined with Kirby down the right. Her cross was met with a mis-kick by Kerr.

City were their own worst enemy once more when Bronze dilly-dallied on the ball allowing Cuthbert in, but the Scot’s effort flew over.

Fran Kirby was creating mayhem down the right and it was her cross after 57 minutes, having been played in by Ji that found Kerr in the middle of the box. The Australian side footed the ball home first time for her third goal in four FAWSL games this season.

City responded with a double substitution as Rose Lavelle and Georgia Stanway were introduced. Shortly afterwards, Sam Mewis earned a corner when her cross shot deflected off Millie Bright but the resulting kick was cleared with ease.

The visitors were offered a life-line when Lavelle’s cross came off the back of Millie Bright’s arm on seventy-three minutes and a penalty was awarded. Chloe Kelly, with her idiosyncratic step up routine sent it crashing past Berger and it was 2-1.

Any hope that City had of getting anything from the game was extinguished just six minutes later when Leupolz laid a perfect ball through to Kirby. Ellie Roebuck came rushing out of goal and became stranded outside her area with no hope of getting the ball, allowing Kirby to dispatch the ball into the net expertly.

It could have got worse for the Sky Blues as Ji found Kirby who hit an effort towards goal which Bronze put out for a corner.

As the game moved towards its conclusion, City fashioned one last opportunity when Georgia Stanway was played through and hit an effort which was deflected into the path by Millie Bright into the path of Rose Lavelle who couldn’t finish.

It was a deserved victory for Chelsea who offered far more creativity in attack and solidity in defence than their opponents. Emma Hayes’ side dominated City in the Community Shield and did similarly at Kingsmeadow today. Whilst a win in a league game played in October doesn’t decide anything, it has certainly emphasised the fact that the challengers will find it exceptionally tough to prize Chelsea’s fingers from the FA Women’s Super League trophy.

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

Scorers: Mjelde (pen) 36, Kerr 57, Kirby 79.

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

Scorers: Kelly (pen) 73.

Referee: Rebecca Welch

Enough is Enough: In Defence of Sam Kerr

When arguably the greatest women’s football player in the world says she’s come off social media after abuse relating to her goal scoring record, then you really know that things are not right in the world of women’s football. Impetus editor Ben Gilby, an unashamed mega fan of Sam Kerr tells the whole sorry saga.

In the back end of 2019, the English media was raving over Chelsea Women’s signing of Matildas superstar Sam Kerr with column inches and online articles galore about her incredible goal scoring prowess and how she could be about to take the FA Women’s Super League by storm.

Kerr’s debut in January was met with similar media fanfare and pushed expectations wildly high among those who watch women’s football in England. The East Fremantle born 27 year-old linked up well with Beth England in the early games and scored a goal against Arsenal at Meadow Park. Yet the murmurings were starting among a minority of supporters about her goal scoring record.

What was not mentioned was the fact that a) Kerr had just moved 10,000 miles to a new country in the middle of winter and b) she was going backwards and forwards to Australia several times to play for the Matildas in the Olympic Qualifying tournament. She had also been playing virtually non stop over the past couple of years with commitments with clubs in America and her home state side Perth Glory in the W-League.

The lockdown and pre-season period saw Kerr admit that it was the first time she had a proper pre-season preparation for years. The difference was marked – the positioning, support, pace and link-up play for which the Australian was famed for returned in spades but all the media and a minority of supporters could see was missed chances in front of goal. Continued negative comments from BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce and the channel’s pundit, former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis remarks that Kerr’s performance was “painfully bad” were leapt on by Kerr’s knockers as evidence that they had been sold a dud.

Despite Kerr scoring against Manchester United in Chelsea’s FA Super League opener and adding another goal in a great personal performance against Bristol City the following week, the abuse continued to rain down – to the extent that a stream on a supporters group Facebook page had to be taken down after descending into a slanging match between “fans” making less than supportive comments of Kerr and those defending her and pointing out the positives she brings to the Chelsea side. The same period also saw the striker receive abuse on her own social media sites.

**Above:** Sam Kerr heading for goal on her Chelsea debut against Reading in January. **Photo:** Ben Gilby

The remainder of this article should come with the following caveat – yes, I am a big fan of Sam’s (#TeamSam20) – she comes from a town just twenty minutes away by car from the Australian branch of my own family. I’ve followed her career since she was a teenager. I well remember the joy of watching Baby Sam – then aged 16 being a creative ball of energy for the Matildas in the 2010 Asia Cup which Australia won.

Kerr has always been far more than a just a goal scorer. It’s only really in the last couple of years that she’s smashed them in for the Matildas. Her partnership with Lisa de Vanna for Australia pre 2019 was one which saw Sam link up well and create chances aplenty. With de Vanna moving out of the Matildas side, Sam’s role changed and the goals came.

The persistent negativity bordering on abuse she has received comes from people who don’t really know her as a player. They just read the newspaper stories when she signed and maybe saw the 2019 World Cup and what she did there. The Sam Kerr we have in the FA Women’s Super League is possibly the most creative, explosive and team minded player there is. On top of that she can score goals. It’s important to remember, she had a good partnership with Beth England last season before lockdown. The pair are yet to start together this season after the Lionesses star’s summer operation.

If you watch Sam in action for The Matildas, she benefits from a slightly different style of play from what Chelsea have had this season so far – we don’t get to see a the explosive pace that Kerr has in running onto through passes that has seen her score so many goals for the Australian national side. There is not quite the same presence as the likes of an Ellie Carpenter, a Chloe Logarzo or an Emily van Egmond that Sam combines so well with in the green and gold. We also haven’t seen her presence in the air as much as you do in the average Matildas game – albeit apart from her first goal for the club at Arsenal. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that Chelsea need to change their game plan to accommodate Kerr. Rather, I’m highlighting the fact that the relationship and understanding she has with Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder – neither of whom she played alongside before September – needs to grow, and with Beth England now fit and well, the old partnership can resume.

There’s no doubt that Emma Hayes, Chelsea’s head coach values and understands what her number 20 brings to the table. More of England’s media and women’s football supporters need to learn to appreciate it – Kerr’s the ultimate team player, not just a goal-scorer.

Shot-Shy Spurs Undone by Unbeaten United

Tottenham Hotspur 0–1 Manchester United

By Ben Gilby

Manchester United continued their strong start to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League season after a relatively straightforward victory at The Hive Stadium this afternoon.

Pre-match interest centred on three stars of the USA’s World Cup winning side, but whereas Manchester United gave first Super League starts to Tobin Heath and Christen Press, Spurs fans were kept waiting at least another week before Alex Morgan donned the white shirt.

**Above:** Tobin Heath (left) made her first Super League start for Manchester United – here she challenges Spurs’ Ashleigh Neville. **Photo:** @ManUtdWomen

United started on the front foot with Jackie Groenen playing a great ball into the box from kick off, but Katie Zelem’s header was off target.

Spurs hit back and with less than five minutes played, a sloppy pass towards her own area from Leah Galton, who was playing out of position at left-back, was seized upon by Rosella Ayane who hit an effort narrowly wide. Seconds later Ayane got in another shot which Millie Turner had to block.

Whilst both teams strove to create, too often the final ball was inaccurate.

As the game headed towards the half hour mark, the Red Devils began to assert themselves once more. It was Groenen’s input on the right again that was influential. Her beautifully angled ball found Press in the middle. In turn, the American played in compatriot Tobin Heath who was just outside her on the right and went one-on-one with Spurs keeper Rebecca Spencer, but it was the North-West Londoner who ran out the winner.

Galton then got free down the left and put in a super cross which Spencer did well to get a hand to. Hayley Ladd then spurned a great chance when she couldn’t get sufficient power on a shot which Spencer dealt with comfortably.

Rebecca Spencer produced another great save with five minutes of the half left. Siri Worm conceded a corner on the right, and Tobin Heath’s ball in found Millie Turner who returned the favour to the American. Heath fed Katie Zelem whose fine effort was tipped over by the Spurs stopper who was one of the prime reasons for the score line being goalless at the break.

Spurs remained generally well organised at the back but offered very little up front and there was early second half concern when key midfielder Alanna Kennedy went down with a knock to the ankle after a tackle from Jackie Groenen. After treatment the Matildas star returned to the action, but less than fifteen minutes later she was substituted, although hopes are that this was as a precaution.

Once more it was Casey Stoney’s side that fashioned the opportunities. On fifty-one minutes, Tobin Heath played in a teasing cross with no end result. Shortly afterwards another opportunity slipped by when Millie Turner headed over.

Spencer looked to have saved her team again initially on sixty seven minutes as Alessia Russo drove forward and hit a shot that the diving Spurs keeper pushed out for a corner. However, Tobin Heath played in the resulting flag kick and Millie Turner’s header floated into the net as United finally got the reward that their offensive pressure warranted.

**Above:** Manchester United celebrate Millie Turner’s winner. **Photo:** @ManUtdWomen

As the game entered its final stages, Lucy Staniforth hit a free-kick over the bar after coming on as a substitute for United. From their own set piece outside the box, awarded after Ria Percival was shoved in the back by Millie Turner, Siri Worm’s effort for Spurs was wide of the right hand post.

This result sees Manchester United lead the embryonic FA Women’s Super League table ahead of Sunday’s matches and remain unbeaten after four games. As for Tottenham Hotspur, Alex Morgan’s first appearance cannot come soon enough as they are crying out for a finisher right now.

Teams: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Spencer, Neville, Godfrey, Zodorsky, Worm, Percival, Kennedy, Green, Addison, Davison, Ayane. Substitutes: Whitehouse (GK – not used), Leon, Harrop (not used), Filbey, Dean, Graham, Quinn, Sulola (not used).

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

Scorers: M. Turner 68.

Referee: Amy Fearn.

Chorley Women: Still Defying The Odds.

Impetus editor Ben Gilby spoke to Chorley Women Chair Janet Mitchell about the Lancashire club whose forty-two year history has their seen a victory over Manchester City and several promotions which has seen the side establish themselves in the fourth tier of the women’s game.

The excellent history of Chorley Women, compiled by Rod and Josie Prescott, reveals that the origins of the present day club can be traced as far back as 1978, when Mr. E. Gardner set up Cumberland Rangers Ladies, and although based around Preston, the club played their matches in Accrington, due to no local pitches being available to them. For season 1980-81, a pitch became available to the ladies in New Longton, so it made sense to re-name the club to New Longton Ladies, a name they would keep for three seasons. With most of the players coming from the Chorley Area, the club again changed its name for 1983-84 and became Chorley Ladies F.C. Following an illustrious career, in which she had won every honour in the Women’s game, Sheila Parker was appointed team captain, and her husband became manager. Chorley-born Sheila had captained the very first England Women’s Team in November 1972, winning a total of 33 caps and is now rightly honoured in the National Football Museum Hall of Fame. After a reconstruction of the leagues, Chorley were placed in Division Two of the North-West Women’s Regional Football League. The club’s first ever game in the NWWRFL was against Manchester City Women on Sunday September 3^rd 1989, in what was City’s first ever league game, Chorley ran riot winning 11-0, with goals from Michelle Bebbinton (3) Anne Stockdale (2) Sharon Schofield (2) Rosie Nolan (2) Mandy Mercer (1) and a Debbie Kirkman penalty. Chorley now find themselves playing in the F.A. Women’s National League Northern Division One – the fourth tier of the game.

**Above:** Chorley Women celebrate a goal this season. **Photo:** John Shirras.

Present chairperson Janet Mitchell reviewed these impressive achievements by emphasising “It’s important to mention that the club has gone from strength to strength over the past decade and no one would have believed a club this size would ever reach the fourth tier of women’s football. The club has defied the odds for years and we are very proud of that.”

Mitchell identifies several factors in the continuation of the club and their successes: “We have a sound structure and good financial management. The ability to attract good players and management is due to the hard work of the committee, who are all volunteers. We are also very lucky to have a small but very loyal fan base. The genetics of Chorley FC Women is different to most other clubs at this level, it remains family orientated and it remains a club that cares about the people who are involved in it from the players to the volunteers and the supporters; it has always been and still is a collective effort.”

Along with all clubs over the past seven months or so, it’s been a tough time for Chorley Women since the lockdown period began: “Honestly it’s been very difficult,” said Mitchell. The committee really been stretched keeping up with the demands placed upon us by ever changing guidance. Along with that, the first team have had a management change within the lockdown period & the new management team have worked hard to do everything they can to prepare the players. One of the biggest issues for us is facility hire as some facilities in the area are still not open. We managed to successfully allow supporters back in during pre-season but weren’t allowed to have them as the season started due to stricter ‘intervention rules’ in the area, this consequently means we don’t make any money on the gate and is a growing concern for the club going forward.”

**Above:** Chorley Women new signing Natalie Bell, who joined the club from Bolton Wanderers. **Photo:** John Shirras.

At the present time, after a season and a half being amalgamated with the men’s side, the women’s side became independent once more, as the club chairwoman explained: “Chorley Women FC had always run independently from the men’s club since it was founded. In the summer of the 2019/20 we amalgamated with the men’s club. Unfortunately, there was a complete relationship breakdown with the Directors last winter & now the clubs are run independently again. We do have a good relationship with the Chorley Supporters Club and a lot of the volunteers at the men’s club.”

A positive relationship for the club is the one they have established with Euxton Villa and Euxton Girls which helps to establish a pathway from girl’s to women’s football in addition to Chorley’s own three women’s teams, two open age women’s teams and an U-18 side. Vital, as Mitchell believes “We firmly believe that the future of the club relies on it’s strength to develop it’s younger players.”

Other than the consequences of the coronavirus outbreak, Chorley face slightly different challenges to the vast majority of other level four clubs, as Janet outlines: “The main challenge for the club is competing financially in the FA Women’s National League. We have always been self-funded, relying on sponsorship, players paying subs and several fundraisers held over the season in order to sustain the club financially. We are aware that at this level many clubs are not charging subs and increasingly we are made aware that clubs at this level are paying their players. This is not an option for us as we could not sustain the cost. A consequence of this is that players often go elsewhere. Having said that, we are lucky to have a small number of very loyal players.”

We then focussed on the new season in the FAWNL Division One North, and I asked Janet her opinions on the quality of the league and Chorley’s aims: “I believe it’s one of the most competitive divisions around, there are a couple of teams who seem to have brought in a lot of new players this season so I am sure they will be expected to succeed. Our focus this season is to sustain and strengthen, we’ve brought younger players up to play first team football so that we have the right mix of youth and experience.”

Despite last year’s Women’s World Cup raising the profile of the sport, the impact was not immediately felt at Chorley. “In terms of interest at our level it hasn’t really filtered through,” Mitchell observed. “Sponsorship has always been difficult at this level; we tend to rely on people and businesses that are linked to the current players or whom have been with us for a while and we have built a relationship with. Our main sponsors Unique Ladies, Windoworld & Howard’s Financial have been with the club for years and we are indebted to them.

Like all too many clubs, Chorley rely on a vast number of volunteers putting in countless hours to keep the club going. The club chairwoman identified some of the great work being done by the unpaid group at her own club: “There are honestly too many to mention but from a hands-on committee point of view there is Geoff Dawson who was our Secretary for ten years and now our treasurer. Shaun Harrison is our current Secretary – without the two of them the club would simply not function. We are also extremely lucky to have the Prescott Family (who have followed Chorley since the very beginning) and who kindly provide all the club statistics, history and honours. There is literally nothing they don’t know about the club (and women’s football in general!) Last but not least we have Momma D -she’s our ball girl on training nights & provides our Haribo on match days!”

Our interview finished by looking ahead to the future of the women’s game in general and at Chorley in particular. Janet Mitchell sees positives and negatives ahead: “I see Women’s football in general going from strength to strength as the game is growing at speed which, as a retired female footballer who had very limited opportunities whilst growing up is amazing to see. However, I do worry that teams like our own will struggle to compete once money is allowed to creep into the game at this level which it undoubtedly is. You only have to look back over the last few seasons to see that smaller self-funded self-financed clubs at our level have struggled. That’s why we have put so much faith in younger players at the club and are looking to build from within but it won’t be easy for us. I have seen the game change so much over the past fourteen years mostly for the better but I fear that the women’s game as I know it will be ruined by greed, similar to the men’s at the top level.”

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 27^th 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.