England’s Brace Makes It Harder For Everton

Chelsea 4-0 Everton

by Ben Gilby

Chelsea won the battle of two unbeaten sides in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League at Kingsmeadow this afternoon.

More ominously for the rest of the FAWSL sides, towards the end of the game, Emma Hayes’ side began to find the form that their star-studded squad has promised for so long – but as yet had not quite delivered consistently.

Chelsea named Beth England in the starting line-up with Sam Kerr dropping to the bench. Eighteen year-old Emily Orman stepped up as substitute goalkeeper in place of Carly Telford with seventeen year-old forward Emily Murphy also on the bench. For Everton their two top scorers Valerie Gauvin and Lucy Graham were missing after picking up injuries in last Sunday’s FA Cup Final. They were replaced by Simone Magill and Claire Emslie.

The Toffees pressed high from the start, getting into Chelsea’s faces and trying to impose themselves on the game. In one such move, Ingle was dispossessed by Christiansen but the danger was cleared.

It was a breathless opening. Jonna Andersson’s balls into the box caused no end of problems to the Everton defence in this period. Her free kick on seven minutes led to Melanie Leupolz playing in a secondary ball towards Beth England, but Rikke Sevecke marshalled the reigning FAWSL Player of the Year out.

Shortly afterwards, the Swede lofted another cross in which was just out of Pernille Harder’s reach.

Everton came close just before the quarter hour mark when Ann-Katrin Berger’s clearance fell at the feet of Damaris Egurrola who lofted an attempt towards the empty net as Berger scrambled back to her goal, with the ball falling wide.

It was another goalkeeping error that provided the first goal of the afternoon. Everton custodian Sandy MacIver, the Merseysiders’ hero at Wembley last week, drove an attempted clearance in to England’s back with the ball falling to Ji on the edge of the box. The South Korean star volleyed her effort first time into the net.

After the goal, Chelsea tried to take the sting out of the game by going into a patient, passing game to maximise possession and wait for the optimal moment to launch an attack.

Above: Pernille Harder and Demaris Egurrola battle it out at Kingsmeadow this afternoon. Photo: @EvertonWomen

With 27 minutes on the clock, a foul on Leupolz outside to the box to the left of centre saw Mjelde drive a free kick into the wall, with the ball rebounding to Ji in a similar position to where she scored, but this time the power and accuracy was not quite there.

Ten minutes before the break, Everton created a great chance. Izzy Christiansen combined well with Claire Emslie. The Scot found Hayley Raso on the left and the Australian international played in a perfect cross for Christiansen who got between two defenders, but couldn’t get any power or direction in her attempt.

Chelsea’s response was instant and Cuthbert produced a beautiful ball in for England who headed over. Shortly afterwards, England had another chance when she was clean through with just MacIver to beat. The Lionesses star chose to take the ball on rather than shoot early and the Toffees keeper was able to force striker too wide to get an accurate shot in.

The home side’s promising build up play continued as Millie Bright combined with Ingle and Cuthbert. The Scot found Ji whose effort went over the bar.

In the final minutes of the half, Chelsea were comfortably in the ascendency. Mjelde forced Raso into conceding a corner. Andersson’s ball in once more caused huge problems as it found its way across to Harder who will be disappointed that her header went wide.

Everton created the first chance of the second half when Claire Emslie refused to give up by the bye-line and won a free kick from Magda Eriksson. Christiansen’s free kick found Raso but the home defence refused to allow the Toffees to get a shot away.

Pernille Harder gained a free-kick when referee Abigail Byrne adjudged somewhat harshly that Hayley Raso had fouled her. Christiansen cleared the danger for a throw.

Rikke Sevecke was forced off after an accidental collision of heads with Beth England just before the hour mark. It was England who came close again when she powered past two defenders on the left hand side and crashed in a shot that Sandy MacIver pushed out for a corner.

Jonna Andersson earned a corner after combining well with Erin Cuthbert. Millie Bright met the flag kick with an eye catching back heeled flick which went just wide.

Hayley Raso missed a great chance for the visitors when she was found by Ingrid Moe Wold’s cross but her effort was wide.

Cuthbert fired in a great early effort with eighteen minutes left which MacIver got down well to catch. Seconds later, the defending champions had better luck. Harder found Leupolz in the box who gloriously back heeled the ball into the path of England who finished beautifully.

Two minutes later, Cuthbert had another effort which MacIver dealt with brilliantly by pushing onto the bar. Beth England, back in razor sharp form, reacted the quickest to head home.

From the re-start it was nearly a hat-trick. Andersson played in yet another great cross but England’s diving header went just wide.

With nine minutes left, Berger gave the ball away again in an attempted clearance and the ball found its way to Molly Pike whose effort was cleared for a corner.

Above: Maren Mjelde and Hayley Raso in the race for the ball this afternoon. Photo: @EvertonWomen

Sam Kerr came on and created a chance for herself with a driving run along the left hand side before cutting in and getting a shot away which MacIver gathered.

Nicoline Sorensen earned a corner from Jess Carter. Izzy Christiansen’s flag kick was dealt with, but Moe Wold played the ball back in with the resulting header from Damaris Egurrola coming back off of the post.

There was one more moment of magic at the very end. Pernille Harder grabbed her first Chelsea strike with a sensational finish. The Dane received the ball in midfield, drove past two defenders and played a one-two with England before dispatching a glorious effort into the top corner.

After gaining an important victory against the most improved side in the FAWSL, Chelsea now face a fascinating clash with Arsenal at Boreham Wood next weekend.

Teams: CHELSEA: Berger, Mjelde, Bright, Eriksson, Ingle, Leupolz, Cuthbert, Ji, England, Harder. Substitutes: Orman (GK), Thorisdottir, Carter, J. Fleming, Kerr, Charles, Murphy.

Scorers: Ji 16. England 73, 75. Harder 90+7.

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

Referee: Abigail Byrne.

Sky Blues Savage Brave Bristol City

Manchester City 8-1 Bristol City

by Ben Gilby

Manchester City gained a routine victory over a weakened Bristol City side in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League this afternoon.

Controversy reigned before kick-off with Bristol City releasing a statement revealing that they had requested a postponement after five of their first team players were following Covid-19 protocols and isolating as per Public Health England guidance. The statement revealed: “One player developed Covid like symptoms overnight and as a result of players living in a shared house, Charlie Wellings, Gemma Evans, Ella Mastrantonio, Abi Harrison and Meaghan Sargeant are now isolating. The FA has directed that the game should go ahead and Bristol City has accordingly drafted in players from the club’s academy.”

This news meant that a match that was already going to be a stern test for Tanya Oxtoby’s side, without a FAWSL win all season, with only one league goal scored and playing a Continental Cup tie at Crystal Palace less than forty-eight hours before this match, now appeared to take on insurmountable proportions.

However, for the vast majority of the half, not only were Bristol City well organised they were also full of effort and energy and it looked likely that the ‘Vixens’ would get their reward with a score line closer than many expected.

Manchester City dominated the early exchanges with fast tempo passing looking to find and then exploit gaps in the visitors defence. Crucially in this stage, the Vixens held firm.

It took six minutes for the ball to finally leave the Bristol City half of the pitch and their star striker Ebony Salmon’s hard work was rewarded with a throw-in near the 18 yard box. Jenna Purfield and Australian international Chloe Logarzo combined well to play a ball in, but the Sky Blues cleared the danger.

However the sustained pressure on the visitors finally told after nine minutes when Laura Coombes combined with Georgia Stanway on the left. Her cross led to a scrimmage in the six yard box which ended with the ball bouncing off Bristol City keeper Sophie Baggeley and into the net.

Above: Bristol City goalkeeper Sophie Baggeley makes one of her superb saves. Photo: @bristolcitywfc

To their eternal credit, Bristol City went straight up the field and were level within two minutes – although there was a large degree of fortune about it. Ebony Salmon stole the ball from City keeper Ellie Roebuck on the edge of the area and had all the time in the world to slot the ball into the empty net.

The visitors were, unsurprisingly, buoyed by this and kept their shape exceptionally well. Gareth Taylor’s side dominated possession, but were profligate in front of goal as Ellen White inexplicably missed the target after being played in brilliantly by Lucy Bronze. Two minutes later, USNWT star Sam Mewis badly miscued a header from Chloe Kelly’s cross.

Just as the side from the South-West looked to have done more than enough to take a 1-1 score line in to half-time, the hosts finally broke through. Laura Coombes strode into the box and rifled a confident finish past Baggeley with six minutes of the half left.

Two further goals in the following four minutes emphasised the gulf in the two sides’ team sheets. On forty-two minutes Keira Walsh fired past Baggeley’s despairing dive from the edge of the area.

Tanya Oxtoby’s charges immediately stormed up the pitch and earned a corner. The Sky Blues gained possession from the set-piece and mounted an instant counter attack. A great run from Lucy Bronze resulted in the former Olympique Lyonnais star hitting her side’s fourth off of the post.

The home side confirmed their dominance with a fifth goal within three minutes of the re-start. An inch perfect delivery from the right from Lucy Bronze was tapped home with easy by Georgia Stanway.

City kept pushing and continued to completely dominate all aspects of the game. Alex Greenwood combined with Jill Scott after fifty-nine minutes to play a ball in. Ellen White stuck out a foot and number six was the result.

A combination of Manchester City taking their foot off the gas and the visitors rallying superbly saw the floodgates momentarily close – with some outstanding goalkeeping from Sophie Baggeley who produced three wonderful saves also aiding her side.

First, Greenwood found substitute Janine Beckie who fired in a vicious effort which the Vixens’ custodian did well to repel. Just six minutes later, Greenwood was involved again and got away a great strike from the left hand side of the box and Baggeley got down brilliantly to save.

The Sky Blue’s patient, probing passing was resulting in total domination. It took until the thirty-first minute of the second half for Bristol City to get out of their own half and almost as soon as they did so, disaster struck as Chloe Logarzo lost possession to Ellen White. The Lionesses’ sharp shooter broke through and found Janine Beckie whose effort from the right made it seven.

With five minutes to go, White grabbed her second of the afternoon. A direct ball over the top saw her lose marker Jas Matthews and knock home City’s eighth at the near post.

The home side had two further opportunities to further increase their lead in stoppage time. First, Greenwood hit a screamer that came back off of the near post, and then Ellen White was denied her hat-trick after Baggeley made a top class save from the City star’s turn and instant shot.

This was a game that, realistically Manchester City were always going to win. The score line will not necessarily reflect a fantastic effort from Bristol City. The Vixens fans should be incredibly proud of their team – they quite literally gave it their all.

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

Scorers: Baggeley OG 9, Coombes 39, Walsh 42, Bronze 43, Stanway 48, White 59, 85, Beckie 81.

BRISTOL CITY: Baggeley, Matthews, Rafferty, Logarzo, Humphrey, Salmon, Daniels, Allen, Bissell, Purfield, Layzell. Substitutes: Haaland (GK), Collis, Cook, Wilson, Jones.

Scorer: Salmon 11.

Referee: Christiana Hattersley.

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset provides us with a fascinating insight into what a typical matchday is like at Olympique Lyonnais – Europe’s top women’s club – and the incredible access that supporters of the team get to some of the world’s greatest players.

The last game played at Groupama OL Training Center before France’s covid restrictions were changed was on October 16, 2020 against EA Guingamp. At the moment all games will now be behind closed doors.

As usual, this involved the club’s supporters arriving about an hour in advance to meet our OL (Olympique Lyonnais) Ang’Elles friends around their stand of goodies – amongst them the OL Ang’Elles scarf to show our colours.

OL Ang’Elles fan group was been created in 2011 by Isabelle Bernard and was the first women’s football fan group in France. It counted almost 300 members last season. This group supports the OL players in Lyon and all over Europe in the UEFA Champions League with their uninterrupted songs during the game. They have OL Ang’Elles and Olympique Lyonnais flags and streamers but also all the flags from the country of the foreign OL team players.

Above: Matchday atmosphere at the Groupama Training Centre for a OL Feminin game. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

From time to time LYOU, the Olympique Lyonnais mascot join us to support our players. There is also another smaller fan club “Kop Fenottes” which supports OL Women team.

Most of home games take place at the Groupama OL Training Center. Only the big games, like the one against Paris St. Germain or UEFA Champions League semi-finals take place in the Groupama Stadium; the big stadium where more than 25 000 spectators gathered for the last OL Feminin – PSG game in 2019.

Let’s try to know a little bit more the team that these fans support, and which dominates French and European football. Olympique Lyonnais Women section was created in 2004 by the acquisition of the FC Lyon Women team (1970-2004). Their Nickname is “Les Fenottes”.

OL’s women’s team has a lot of records and their honours is very impressive:

7 UEFA Champion League (2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

14 consecutive French Championship titles from 2007 to 2020

9 French Cups (2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020)

1 French Champions’ Trophy: 2019

4 other titles in different International Competitions

Elected 6 times Best Team in the World by International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS): 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

Above: Trophies won by OL Feminin during 2019/20 including French D1 and the UEFA Champions League. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

Main Current Staff consist of President: Jean-Michel Aulas, Manager: Olivier Blanc, Coach: Jean-Luc Vasseur, Assistant coach: Michel Sorin, Assistant coach: Camille Abily, Goalkeeper coach: Christophe Gardiè and Fitness Trainer: Romain Segui.

Before the game starts, teams are presented to the 1,500 spectators in the stands and everyone spells out loudly the name of the players when they appear on the big screen in one corner of the stadium.

Then the players arrive on the field for the team photo. During this Covid19 period it looks a little different. Here is the photo taken on October 16:

Above: OL Feminin line up for their last home game against EA Guingamp on 16th October. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

Jean-Luc Vasseur has a roster of 29 players to choose to make his team of the day. A list of players which includes stars such as Sarah Bouhaddi, Wendie Renard, Ellie Carpenter, Sakina Karchaoui, Amel Majri, Dzsenifer Marozsan, Eugenie Le Sommer, Ada Hegerberg, Nikita Parris and Delphine Cascarino.

OL fans know the players very well because, usually, OL Ang’Elles and other supporters can meet all the players during one open training session almost every week. I said usually because right now with the Covid19 restrictions, no training sessions are open to the public. The relationship between players and supporters are particularly good. During the training sessions, supporters are within one metre of the field and can admire their preferred players and take any photos they want. At the end of the training session, players come to meet the supporters, talk with them, sign photos and other items and take the usual selfies with the fans. OL Feminin players and fans are like a big family and it is great to live with them like that!

Above: OL Feminin players celebrate with their fans earlier this season. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

At the end of every game, players come to thank the supporters and especially the fan groups. The supporters then go home with a lot of memories of the game and our preferred players.

Latest news: OL Feminin won 5-0 away from home to third placed Montpellier last Saturday and are still unbeaten in D1 with seven consecutive wins.

Sutton United: Full of Talent and Ambition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City Save The Best Until Last

Everton 1–3 Manchester City

by Ben Gilby

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goals: Gauvin 60.

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

Scorers: Mewis 40, Stanway 111, Beckie 120.

Referee: Rebecca Welch

Lewes’ Hard Work Rewarded

Lewes 2–2 Liverpool

By Ben Gilby

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scorers: Rood 43, Hack 72.

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

Scorers: Thestrup 26, Babajide 58

Referee: Jane Simms.

The View From France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BR: What do you mean?

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

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

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

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

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
















 
















	


	





	

		
The View From France
	


	
	

		

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





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





Above: The location of France’s D1 sides.





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





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





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





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





Meanwhile…





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





Group G Standings before Tuesday game against Austria were:





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





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





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





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





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










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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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

	


	





	

		
European Championship Qualifying Round-Up
	


	
	

		

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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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

	


	





	

		
U’s Turn On The Style
	


	
	

		

Sutton United 8-0 Victoire





By Ben Gilby





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





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





Attendance: 150.